Maleny

Ern wanted to visit the Nexus magazine shop in Maleny. Daph remembered we loved this part of the country when we drove through on the way up. Ern forgot that we had to drive through the Glass House Mountains to get there and how stressful he had found that last time. Daph was aware that Ern’s stress levels were elevated as we tackled the steep ascent into Montville on the way to Maleny. She tried to lighten the experience by reminding Ern how pretty it is around here, with pockets of positivity like, “It’s all downhill from here” ... until...

Daph: “There may or may not be a treacherous hairpin turn coming up ahead.”

Ern: *Deep breath. White knuckles.

Daph reminds Ern it was HIS idea to visit Maleny.

We made it to Maleny, despite the rogue cow causing added excitement to the chicane. And it was worth it. Ern was in heaven in the Nexus store. It’s a collection of everything he is passionate about. Natural therapies, organic living, conspiracy theories, and UFOs. Daph patiently perused the store while Ern made himself comfortable in the book corner. Possibly a few hours later, Ern had narrowed it down to a couple of books he wanted to buy, although he would probably have bought the whole shop if he had the money.

Maleny is just delightful. An array of arts and crafts shops, handmade market goods and organic cafés. Daph and Ern checked out the property prices and visualised how well our own little café and kinesiology business would do here. If only we had a million dollars to buy that cute little cottage.

After a delicious organic lunch packed with veggies, we made our way to the funky cabin where we were staying for two nights in Diamond Valley. Daph methodically read the host's directions out loud...

Daph: “There is a steep bitumen hill just before you reach the guest house. If you are driving a manual vehicle, it is best to head up the hill in low gear.”

Ern sighs deeply. He made it halfway up the hill in second gear before we started kangaroo jumping, and he had to roll it back down and re-attempt it in first gear. Daph wished she could reach the pedals so she could work the Kombi a bit harder than Ern was willing to. Ern gently caressed the Kombi up the hill... “She’s a sentient being. She doesn’t deserve to be flogged” ... and we eventually made it to our log cabin in the forest. Just divine.

Quote of the day:

Daph: “Smells a bit musky in here.”

Ern: “That’s your broccoli and cauliflower soup fart.”