The day Noelene passed — David Taylor - Master Jeweller

25th August 2024

Water flowing over the little weir at the base of Surprise Creek Falls.

A couple of weekends ago I decided to head into Barron Gorge up past the bridge to visit an infinity pool at the top of the hillside. I usually go straight past the bridge but on this day I decided to rock hop over to the base of Surprise Creek Falls.

Wider view of the little weir at the base of Surprise Creek Falls.

I think it is because there is usually people around, but I have only once previously spent time at the weir. We had light cloud cover on the day and a light breeze but you could feel summer arriving.

Water flow near the base of the hillside.

Once well into the Gorge it was time to head up the hillside. During my journey to the infinity pool I would be passing through quite a few different types of terrain.

At times the rocks are too large and steep for me to safely climb. Even if they were safe in the dry, with just a light shower, the rocks would be too slippery. When I get to areas like that I head into the rainforest to continue my assent. The sun was poking it’s head through the clouds….I started to think I might take a swim when I get to the top!

A path I have taken many times through the rainforest, overgrown since cyclone Larry.

Since cyclone Larry the rainforest has a lot of deadfall and new “Wait a while” growth. My journey up a path I have taken many times before was very slow on this day. The sun shone through the canopy and the breeze was hindered by the trees. I was sweating like a pig :(

The final third of my climb up the hillside.

The final third of my journey was up the rocks pictured above. When the water rages down the hillside I cannot make this climb, it is only possible in the drier parts of the year.

For this Far North Queensland boy the water was very fresh but the sun was so hot it did not matter. I jumped straight into the pool and spent the afternoon there. As I sat in the water I remember wondering for how many more years will I be able to make the climb to this special place?

I also remarked to myself what a very fine day it was. Hot but so very pleasant with light cloud cover and a gentle breeze.

The view from inside the infinity pool to the other side of the Gorge.

Later that day I would learn that a lady that has been a very big part of my life, and even more so my daughters, had passed away. Noelene was one of those very special people, caring and generous to an extent you find hard to believe.

I am sure Noelene had people she did not like, and I am sure I gave her reason over the years to dislike me, but I never heard her speak an ill word of anyone. A beautiful last day for a beautiful person.

Noelene’s favourite birds were Rainbow Lorikeets and they were a frequent visitor to her home in Townsville. During her funeral at the Belgian Gardens Lawn Cemetery in Townsvile, these birds congregated in the tree above her grave and provided the background music to the ceremony. As the funeral director asked…what can you say to that?

Thank you Noelene from the bottom of my heart.