July 1, 2020
Karen and I awoke Wednesday to enjoy our holiday at Mt Tamborine. We walked down from where we were staying to enjoy a hearty breakfast at a local cafe where a Kookaburra sat outside from a nearby creek.
The Curtis Falls walk was just outside the cafe.
This set the pattern for the next couple of days, brunch followed by walking so our pants wouldn’t be too tight when we stat down for an early dinner followed by an early dinner and a spa bath.
In fact you can skip the next couple of posts after that paragraph. That is pretty much what happens.
We went up to Curtis Falls which had quite a few people on the track, it was school holidays. We tried to maintain social distancing and it seems most people were on board with that but it is important to note that at the time the number of active cases in Queensland were single digits. There were still some restrictions in my place but we were feeling a little safer.
It was a quick 1.5km circuit walk although we were to find that we are not as fast as we used to be when covering these small distances.
Next up inspired by Curtis Falls I was keen to check out one of the more epic waterfalls I knew this area had to offer. We ended up at Purling Brook Falls circuit at Springbrook National Park.
This was 4km which involves quite an descent and ascent but it was pretty easy going. For the sights it is quite worthwhile and unlike say Mapleton Falls in the Sunshine Coast this walk allows you to climb down to the valley floor and take the waterfall in from another angle.
As we descended a group of young people came up behind me. Out the front was some gym bunny with a blonde ponytail and tight bike pants that she had probably never worn while actually riding a bike.
There was no “Excuse me,” or a polite inquiry if I could move aside. She just came barreling down on top of me hoping the sound of her voice as she chatted on with her companions about some people she knew right now right behind my head would be hint enough that I should just jump out of her way and let her inherit the world as clearly my time had passed on.
I paused and turned as the blonde black blur passed me still informing the valley about her latest personal developments. I smiled at her companions who smiled back, they seemed grateful for my courtesy and I appreciated theirs.
I didn’t hear Bunny Girl much after that as I was too busy doing an impersonation of her for Karen’s enjoyment or probably more accurately my own.
We never saw her again but we did take in the beautiful views, listened to the wildlife around us or took time to take pictures of our lovely surroundings.
There was even a moment when I went fairly close to a ledge up high. Just cause.
Down on the valley floor the falls looked spectacular and once we got to the job I went back on the track to the first look-out just to take it in one last time.
It was not lost on me that people were having to isolate home and worse and yet here I was on holidays looking out over a valley. I guess when you’re denied so many things long enough you have a new found appreciation for well..anything..all of it-life!
On the way back we stopped at the top of Mt Tamborine. Cars all pulled over to the side of the road and people walked over to a lookout hill. We were spread far and wide, metres apart, socially distancing but we sat down together as one and we watched the sunset.
There was something communal and comforting in that small window of time after weeks of being cut off from groups.
Many years ago I worked long hours in a job that stressed me out. On weekends I would go into the office and on a sunday afternoon I would walk across the road to Eagle street pier and watch the sun set over my river.
It seemed to help and it has never been lost on me that perhaps we should take time more often to watch the sun set rather than racing home or setting out dinner which is how it often seems to be.
Anyway Karen and I picked up pizza from a place called Belvederes at North Tamborine, ate our fill from the box and went outside to the backyard which was beautifully lit up.
The night was fairly cold so we eventually went in for our spa and bed.
-Lloyd Marken
Back to the Drawing Board Productions 
Looks a beautiful ,place, Lloyd, with a great place to watch the sun go down.
It was beautiful John, I was very grateful.
Wonderful sunset photographs as well as those of the trails and waterfalls. I agree with your comments about taking time to watch sunsets. I feel that I missed too many over the years. I am hungry just now, though, and wonder what constitutes a hearty breakfast at Mt Tamborine.
Hello Allen, great to hear from you. I’m glad you enjoyed the photos. I believe Karen had egg and bacon roll on turkish bread and I had it on egg and ham. Delicious! Hope you and your’s are well.
We are doing well although we are tired of the Covid isolation. What a treat it would be to enjoy breakfast somewhere other than at home.
A sneaky toasted sandwich is highly regarded once things calm down in your neck of the woods. 🙂 You and yours take care.
The day is coming Allen.
You managed to access some impressive scenery, along with epic sunsets. Looks pretty good to me, Lloyd.
Best wishes, Pete.
Thank you, we had a nice time. Best wishes Pete.
Nice trip you took us on again, Lloyd. Do you think Bunny Girl might have been a tourist from the US? She sounds familiar. Ah, I guess not, your country and most of the others don’t allow Americans in anymore.
Stay Safe
Bunny girls can be found the world over. I believe she was Australian. 😉 I look forward o the day when there is more international travel again. When it is safe, mind you.