Week 4: Highgate Hill to Manx at Portside Wharf- 13 km (time 1:21)



route details

The weekly commitment was looking a little shaky on Friday night.  Cyclone Marcia, having devastated Rockhampton and Yeppoon, was drenching Brisbane with 150mm of rain in 24hrs. I am not ashamed to admit the weather conditions were presenting a potential obstacle to the weekend breakfast run.  My husband, usually a reliable source of information, was consulted on two aspects of the run.  He was accurate on one element, which was the weather.  It was still conditions and clear skies that greeted us this morning.  The second element, regarding the estimated distance of 12km to Portside, was not so accurate and proved a little problematic for my running companions.



Caitlyn's dream home

We stayed on the south side of the river out of South Bank and followed the path past the picturesque Kangaroo Point cliffs, up and over the Story Bridge with a quick descent to the newly refurbished floating board walk.  This 3-4km section was the fastest section of our run. The water front towards New Farm Park is beautiful and the park itself, with the historic Powerhouse,  is quite special.  On reflection, there were early warnings signs of the mutiny to come with Caitlyn contemplating the benefits of joining the morning Tai Chi group as opposed to continuing.  The group did look peaceful and pain free!  We persisted on past the upmarket Wool Store apartments towards Teneriffe and Newstead House.  At this stage, we had reached 11km and the distant towers of Port Side did look a little further than the contracted plan.  Negotiations on a further 1km were made ,with some members of the party working on some more positive self-talk.  My laisse fare approach to distance and destination was a point of difference and created additional dialogue by some in the group.  We did, nonetheless, achieve an advance to 13km before a gentle ‘wind down ‘walk ( of another kilometre or so) eased us into the Port Side Wharf to make the important decision as to breakfast location.

Eggs benedict

eggs, avocado,tomoatoes

Port Side has a variety of restaurants; however, at 7:30am we were not overwhelmed with choices for breakfast.  Manx Bar and Restaurant was open and had comfortable seats in its favour.  The menu choice was a little unimaginative; however, Bronwyn and I have a weakness for salmon eggs benedict, while Caitlyn selected sourdough, poached eggs with avocado and tomatoes on the side. Caitlyn did note the sourdough was toasted to perfection with none of the occasional chewiness that can be associated with this bread.  Bronwyn felt her eggs were flawless; she is not a big fan for undercooked yolks.  The food was safe, standard and tasty, however, not my most memorable hollandaise experience.  Meals were around $16 with pots of tea for $4.

Brisbane city

The return trip was considerably faster and more leisurely via the City Cat from Bretts Wharf.  A sense of accomplishment enveloped our small group, as we glided past the runners and walkers treading the well-worn path, enjoying the morning sunshine.