“I look to the mountains, does my help come from there?
My help comes from the Lord, who made the heavens and earth”
Ps 121:1
To be honest, Purlingbrook Falls was not on our agenda today. I’d been blessed with the company of an old trusted ally, someone who, for better or worse has been committed to imparting truth into my life. For me, a rushed morning gave way to a relaxing coffee, drunk the way it should be – in the company of a trusted friend around a humble kitchen table. Isn’t it interesting how often you see people ‘out for coffee’, paying top dollar for a mediocre coffee, only to spent the time with heads buried in a screen? I’d planned on adventuring the nearby Warrie Circuit in the spectacular Springbrook National Park, nestled in the heart of the Gold Coast hinterland.
The drive was perfectly pleasant. Our conversation was seasoned by the grace of God, our spirits lifted as we ascended into the hinterland. I love the way trees arch over the road like a natural cathedral, a church of many shades of green. Now I’m usually not bad with directions, but this trip was an exception. A left instead of a right took us halfway back down the range to Mudgeeraba. Perhaps some 30 minutes off track and we decided to pull over and re-gain our bearings. To our surprise, we were greeted by what could only be described as wild chickens! This pair were as big as wild turkeys! They raced over to greet our arrival, unafraid of any possible danger that could come from us. We found they were very fond of banana, but cared not for the skin!
We headed back up the mountain to an old favorite of mine – Purlingbrook Falls. I was hoping that with the recent rain it would be pumping like Coomera Falls just a few days before. Unlike my weekend adventure, the carpark was full – teeming actually! Families, tourists and daytrippers alike came to enjoy this beautiful sight – and it is a beautiful sight! The recent rains had certainly greened up the landscape, but not brought the expected muddy track or torrential flow I’d expected. We made a brisk walk down through the canyon loop, stopping at the various lookouts along the way to simply marvel at the stunning, angular vistas of the Gold Coast hinterland.
I love when I’m at places like this that there’s people from all over the world that come to visit this place. My travelling companion had recently returned from Europe and recalled some of the marvelous places he’d visited. I wonder if our international guests have the same ‘wow’ feeling as we do when we are in their home country. To be honest though, I just can’t get enough of this pocket of the world. The mountains. The windy roads. The cottage shops selling fudge and overpriced coffee. The chime of wild birds, the waterfalls, the green, the fresh mountain air – I love it all! On our walk we passed loud Americans, Asians taking photos each step of the way, families from the Middle East, Africans and Europeans with their expensive walking sandals and neatly packed backpacks. I just love that people travel from all around the world to experience this. To experience a little bit of my backyard.
The falls themselves were more of a trickle. The earlier rain did not result in a tremendous surge, but it was still wonderfully pretty. Local kids dared each other to jump into the frigid waters, fabulous 20-somethings took ridiculous selfies in front of the falls and I forgot the clip that connects my camera to my tripod! Technical failures aside, it was still lovely just to be out and about. The walk to the top of the falls takes in different views of the canyon and the unmistakable sound of the waterfall as we reach the summit.
All in all it was a wonderful day with a man I am so blessed to have in my life. Safe travels out there people, and enjoy this beautiful world the Lord has created for us. I started this blog with a part of a Psalm you may have heard about or read before. Let me encourage you, in all times you can find your hope in the Lord! You can put your trust in him, your faith in him, your life in him. Friend, the mountains can crumble into the sea, so find your hope in something unchangeable. Find your hope in the Lord!
Have Family, Will Adventure. 