17 May, 2020
On the 16th of May certain National Parks in Queensland opened up again.
On Sunday Karen and I headed out on the Pacific Motorway for a drive and a walk that I had been intending to make several times over the years to no avail.
I had hoped I could talk friends or family members into it but they were all so hike adverse that a 1km circuit gave them pause.
I had fixed the puncture in my tyre, now was the time to hit the road.
We took the Nerang exit and drove on for kilometre after kilometre. As we neared out destination there were road signs warning that the NSW border ahead was closed.
I asked Karen to check, I was sure our destination was in Queensland – it was barely.
We were driving to the Natural Bridge circuit which took you to a natural arch and cave in Springfield National Park.
People will be familiar with previous hikes in national parks that I have blogged about but the appeal of this walk is how short it is and how impressive the arch is in itself.
I was lucky enough to have an article I wrote about our trip be published 05JUN2020 on Weekend Notes which you can read here https://www.weekendnotes.com/natural-bridge-rainforest-circuit/
This is the first piece of writing I have had published since 16MAR2020 my review of Dave Hughes show at the Brisbane Comedy Festival. One more sign perhaps that things are gradually improving in our corner of the world.
It was also interesting for since it’s been a while since I have been published with Weekend Notes and it is the first time I have supplied photos and written about a walk rather than a show for them.
There a few people around enjoying the walk even though there had been some light showers. The nearby Natural Arch café was shut.
On the way home, Karen and I bought some Thai on the southside of town.
Weekend Notes are a growing online magazine with a wealth of contributors based out of several cities across the United Kingdom, Australia and New York. Articles are leisure related and can include a wide variety of subjects from rainforest hikes to cultural festivals, from what hot new play is on at your underground theatre to a ultra trendy eatery. Writers are paid for their work based partly on how many views their articles get so please feel free to stop by and show some love.
-Lloyd Marken
Back to the Drawing Board Productions 
I enjoyed your review, and the photos on your own post too. That looks like an impressive natural womder, and a walk I would enjoy doing.
Best wishes, Pete.
Thank you Pete, most kind as always. How would Ollie go in the cave? Best wishes Pete.
Nice review, Lloyd. What a wonderful walk.
Lots of bank for your buck. Thank you Don.
A nice post amidst all the dreary news.
A wonderful walk to wander. Highly recommended!
I agree Karen.
Sadly, Spanish Flu had four waves, and Covid is expected to return at least once. The problem may be the selfish people and the small number of those who can’t understand what is happening around them.
There has been a rise in case numbers in Victoria in recent weeks and the first wave is just starting in Africa, South America in India. This is far from over.
Thanks for the photos. I am 100% quarantined and I enjoy being able to live vicariously through you. I really enjoyed the piece you wrote as well. It is encouraging to see things opening up but of course we aren’t out of the woods yet.
Thank you Jay, as restrictions are lowered here I have been aware of how severe things are elsewhere. Such posts are meant as a vicarious escape and an indicator that things will get better. We’re not out of the woods yet. There has been a resurgence in Victoria and we’re about to hit 10 million cases worldwide.