Noosa Part One

Manoeuvering  in and out of the carpark at the Coolum units was a challenge, that involved both Jo and I riding shotgun.  On Friday morning, our aim was clearly not quite true, as Jan's car had a close encounter with a rock wall.  There was nothing to be done, so we tried to forget about it and headed for Noosa.

First up was The Hub (Christian Outreach) at Noosaville.  It was raining quite heavily, but Jan drove into the closest parking space...of course.  This is another one that has two sections; the main one having men's and children's clothing, as well as a grocery section where those in need can purchase very cheap food.

Outside is a separate little donga containing the women's clothing and accessories, rather like Bardo's Bazaar, but small and unsullied by staff.  I guess they trust their customers.  I liked it, but there was nothing there for me.

Next was Waves of Kindness, also at Noosaville.  I had never heard of this place, but it was the highlight of the trip for me.  There is a big undercover area outside, where the CDs, videos, children's books, some of the bric-a-brac and larger miscellanous items are set up, then you walk inside and it is HUGE!

Clothes are up one end, sadly not sorted into sizes, but this was no challenge to Jo's Sportscraft radar, as she zoned
straight in.  I already had my clothes for the last day, so I didn't bother trying to find larger things in their sea of fabric.

Larger items are out in the middle, eg a pianola! And a rather nice saddle. The book section up the back is excellent, and there I found one of my treasures for the trip, the complete book of the texts of Gilbert's and Sullivan's operettas, in excellent condition, and only $4.

Then there is another large section of older and vintage goodies, next to better quality bric-a-brac.  The kitchenware is probably the most beautifully displayed I have seen, and, like Lifeline at Coolum, they have found quite creative uses for cutlery.

All up, I bought six items there, all good value for money, and one of them was my big hope for an award at the end of the trip, in the Quirkiest Souvenir Objet category.

From the best oppie of the trip, we moved to the most upmarket, Making Lives Matter.  Apparently, this is the love child of a very wealthy local woman, and it is very chic indeed.  When you walk in, it doesn't look like an op shop at all.  Unfortunately, it is not a good area for parking, although Jan (of course) found the only spot for blocks, directly over the (very busy) road. 

I didn't find anything to buy there, but gave it the award for the nicest change
room.