July 1957 School Magazine

July, 1957

Brisbane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

Brisbane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

July, 1957

VIEW FROM BILBROUGH'S The clear, cold, blustering day was typical August weather. The sun was hot, but a cold strong wind had risen. It whipped dead leaves around our feet and swirled the sur- face dust of the long brown road we were walking: The road suddenly narrowed into a steep rocky path up the hill. We did not mind the exhausting tramp over boulders and through patches of dense undergrowth, because w~ were anxious to gain the summit of the hill, known as Bilbrough's Lookout, which was reputed to offer a magnificent view. Then the path took a steep turn, the wind blew more strongly, and we were on top. Our efforts were truly rewarded. The beauty of panorama stretching below us was breathtaking. The coastline from Moreton Bay to Cape Byron was easily seen, with every cape and bay clearly outlined by the intense blue of the ocean. We could faintly see the waves being pounded into spray on the rocks of Pt. Danger. The strong south-easter whipped the sea into lines· of white foam, visible to us so far away. On the distant horizon we discerned a: smudge of smoke from a passing streamer. Far to the south, Byron Bay Lighthouse stood firm on the headland. Directly below we could see clusters of farm houses·, surrounded by rich cane fields like neat patchwork quilts of green and brown, and we could distinguish the large towns which are scattered along the coast. The white strips that were roads winding so far below were in vivid contrast with the green of the fields, and by straining our eyes· we could see black specks of cars crawl- ing over them. The meandering rivers were as blue as the sea, and Terranora Lakes, lying snugly in the hills, were like pieces of carefully cut azure paper. To the south-west, Mount Warning stood black, grim, forbidding. The fleecy clouds flew across the sky before the strong wind, the birds in the trees· near us sang for the very joy of living, and the whole thing seemed unbelievably perfect. we· turned to go back, carving our names among many others on the huge black rock on the edge of the hill, because we were thankful and proud we had had the opportunity to witness something as awe-inspiring as what lay behind us. -R. WADDINGTON, IV A•. 27

N. BUCHANAN, VI A.

26

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