WHAT WOULD I DO IN 5 DAYS IN QUEENSLAND?

                                                              
     Planning a five day vacation to a state as vast as Queensland is quite a challenge. It

 

 is particularly challenging for the Vintage Traveler who likes to take her time, often

 

staying one month at a time. However, when I read about a contest for bloggers on my

 

 favorite website, Johnny Jet, I decided to rise to the challenge.

 

    Queensland encompasses 668,207 square miles in northeastern Australia, it's more than four times larger than California. It is home to six World Heritage Sites, most notably the Great Barrier Reef . The reef stretches over 1600 miles along the coast of Queensland, Australia in the Coral Sea, and is the world's largest coral reef system. It encompasses over 900 islands (most are uninhabited), and about 3,000 reefs.

    Here are my plans:

---GREEN ISLAND AND GREAT BARRIER REEF TRIP FROM CAIRNS

    Ride the luxury catamaran 16 miles to Green Island for a two night stay at the Green Island Resort, located on the fringe of the Great Barrier Reef. The first day allows leisure time to explore the island's rainforest, and to enjoy the many beach activities like snorkeling, windsurfing and kayaking. I would go immediately for the snorkeling, followed by a good walk on the beach, circling the island.

On Day two, a catamaran departs Green Island for a 50 minute cruise to the Outer Reef—for snorkeling, scuba diving, or a visit to an underwater observatory. I would take this opportunity for a much anticipated day of snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef. Later in the day, returning to the resort for a relaxing sunset dinner and a guided night nature walk.

Day three includes a return to Cairns on the catamaran and some time to explore Cairns and ride the old Kuranda Scenic Rail to historic Kuranda.

--- FRASER ISLAND FOUR WHEEL DRIVE TOUR

    Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world and another UN World Heritage Site. It is on the southern coast of Queensland and located 120 miles north of Brisbane. The island is 75 miles long and 15 miles wide and includes over 100 freshwater lakes, some of the cleanest in the world. Attractions include colored sand cliffs, dingoes (Australia's wild dog), reptiles, birds (350 species), flora, and rainforests. The tour departs from Harvey Bay and involves a two day adventure on 4WD's—there are no roads on the island. It has a Seventy Five mile beach—the world's most amazing beach highway. This is the most fascinating island I have ever heard of. I can hardly wait to explore it.

---FINAL STOP IN BRISBANE

A trip to Queensland would not be complete without spending one last evening in Brisbane. Located on the meandering Brisbane River, it is the largest city in Queensland. I look forward to walking along the river and exploring historic buildings, followed by an exciting night out on the town.

DOORS OF VINTAGE BURLINGAME, SAN DIEGO

CRAFTSMAN BUNGALOW

    Burlingame is famous for its Craftsman and Spanish Revival bungalows that were built in the early 1900s. It is one of the many designated historic districts in San Diego, located near Balboa Park, bordering on North Park and South Park. It encompasses a ten block area of approximately 180 homes. Official boundaries are Redwood Street to the north, Juniper street to the south, 30th street to the west and 32nd street to the east.
     The most notable architect and inspiration for the neighborhood design was William H. Wheeler who moved to San Diego in 1912.
     The early advertising literature for Burlingame described it as a Tract of Character especially attractive for its "high and dry" site which escaped damp fogs and allowed sweeping views of mountains and the ocean.
     I recently acquired a book, San Diego Architecture by Dirk Sutro, which was the inspiration for my recent excursion.  I like the book because it describes the area and then follows up with photos, maps, and addresses of the historic homes.

SPANISH REVIVAL 2529 SAN MARCOS AVE.

     It's a sunny Friday morning, and I've decided to spend  it walking along the original rose-colored  sidewalks of Burlingame. Neighborhood street parking was easy to find. The ornamental trees, flowers and shrubs add to the ambiance. It was a pleasant and quiet walk, except for an occasional commercial airplane flying overhead, or a barking dog behind closed doors. The lack of tourists in these preserved neighborhoods adds to the enjoyment of my visit.
    After the walk, I headed south on 30th Street to see the nearby shopping and eating establishments of South Park. I plan to return soon for lunch, coffee, and perhaps, some shopping.
     Here are my favorite vintage doors of Burlingame:



CRAFTSMAN BUNGALOW DOOR

SPANISH REVIVAL ENTRY

 

PRAIRIE STYLE HOME--ARCHED ENTRY

CRAFTSMAN BUNGALOW ENTRANCE

CRAFTSMAN BUNGALOW DOOR

CRAFTSMAN- 3127 KALMIA STREET





FROCK YOU VINTAGE BOUTIQUE--NORTH PARK

STORE FRONT

     Frock You Vintage Boutique, 4121 Park Boulevard (between Howard and Polk Avenues), has been around for over ten years and is one of the more highly-rated San Diego vintage clothing shops on Yelp. I decided to stop by and see first hand why it is so popular. 
     The frontage of the store is not particularly impressive--perhaps I am just not a fan of brown with round circles. I also think the title leaves a bit to be desired. However, the parking was available for an easy stop.
    Once I entered the store, I saw a wide range of clothing, shoes, hats, jewelry, belts, men's ties, sunglasses, purses, and night gowns to chose from. 
      Most everything sold in the store dates back at least 20 years, which is great for the vintage enthusiast. There is a good selection for both men and women. The pricing seemed fair and it varied with the age and label of the item. I found a Ceil Chapman taffeta black dress for $298 and a lovely 1950's black dress (no label) for $148. I especially liked a sleek Victor Costa purple velveteen dress at $48.

DRESS FROM THE 50'S

CEIL CHAPMAN TAFETTA DRESS

 
     I am looking forward to returning to the  

popular Huge Frocking Sale that is held every other month. At this sale, they transform the lot next door into a vintage flea market with thousands of items. Prices are mostly under $20 and they invite outside vendors to participate.  

MENS CLOTHING

COOL HAT SELECTION

      When visiting Frock You, don't forget to stop by the neighboring bfd-big front door [sic], 4135 Park Boulevard. They offer savory meat and deli selections. I can personally vouch for the tasty duck cranberry salad which was loaded with juicy tender duck--it was the best. My daughter, Anna (classycareergirl), enjoyed the caprese sandwich and macaroon cookie. They also carry a wide selection of wines and craft beers.