Water Lantern Festival.

 24.05.25

The Water Lantern Festival is a 'for-profit' event, but the organisation is proud to give back by supporting charities and non-profit organisations at their events.

The festival is an opportunity to celebrate and appreciate the present and find joy in the simple act of releasing a lantern. For many it is a meaningful way to remember loved ones or for some, the serene setting and release of the lantern, provides a unique space for emotional healing. It is hoped that this shared atmosphere of positivity will create a sense of community for family and friends.

Arriving at the waterfront at 4.30 pm, the small inlet was already surrounded by groups of relaxed families decorating their lanterns with the materials provided by the event organisers. It was a hushed but happy scene. The last sunrays of the day highlighted the white sails of the boats moored near by. Soon the horizon was filled with the golden glow of the setting sun. Then, as it sank a muted palette of pinks and blues created a sense of calm and quiet beauty.

Ticketing for the event covered the cost of this box of goodies - playing cards, cards of reflection and the equipment to create our floating lantern.

Our artwork.

Waiting for the sun to set, we enjoyed sandwiches and a hot chocolate provided by Joc.

Serenity in the sunset glow.

At 5.30 the sunlight was fading and people began to float their lanterns. We decided to wait for darkness.

There was no rush to place our lanterns in the water. It was just so very special to watch the floating lights along the shoreline and the gentle rocking as they drifted with the sea's movement. 

The delightful Jackson suddenly appeared shivering in front of us, offering to place our lanterns in the water. We happily accepted as now we wouldn't have to take our shoes off.

It was difficult to capture the beauty of the scene in the darkness. Joc has a Apple 15 so did well to calture these images.

My edited I-phone 8 images from where we were sitting.

It was a wonderful evening of gentle beauty and positivity in this too often sad world.

The inlet was cordoned off so that after we left, the organisers were able to leave the beach pristine.

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A Walk with My Son

 11.05.25 - The Natural Bridge

It had been raining for several days when Matthew asked me if I would like to take a hike with him. He chose the Natural Bridge as the trail is weather proofed. The Natural Bridge is a naturally formed rock arch over Cave Creek. It was formed when a waterfall undercut a cave below and dug a pothole on top, until the two joined and the creek flowed through the cave, leaving an arch across the top.

It wasn't a long hike, but the soaring rainforest trees, cascading Cave Creek and the dramatic waterfall  required a slow paced walk which we happily repeated.

It rained most of the journey there, but lessened as we stepped out of the car. My umbrella was only put to use for a short time.

Along the trail.

 Cave Creek.

Looking up.

We took the scenic route home, again driving in and out of showers.

We stopped at Freeman's Organic Farm Cafe in the upper Currumbin Valley, for a coffee and cake. The view to the ocean wasn't clear, but the Oak trees sporting their autumn tones more than made up for that. The higher elevation meant a cooler day and Aussies do love a fire pit. The temperature may have been 19C.

Monday morning there was still light rain. As I left the chemist to the right of this image, the sun came out and this magnificent rainbow herald sunnier days ahead.

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