awesome camping

It's been a long while since we took any time off work to go away. I must admit feelings of restlessness and tedium had been plaguing me in the first term of this year. 

That morning routine was getting to me. That 6.30 alarm. Every. Single. Day. 

A cup of tea to get me going. Feed and clean the pets. Breakfast. Lunch boxes. Hair, teeth, uniforms. Schoolbags packed. Shoelaces tied. You know the drill...

Last time we went camping was three years ago. On our way back home from Tasmania. It was definitely time to dust off the tent and rediscover the great outdoors.

I wanted somewhere quiet. Somewhere grassy where we could set up an afternoon blanket in the shade; crafting and reading were high on the agenda. Somewhere on the bend of a river. Somewhere we could swim, where the kids could run and play and climb on rocks , with perhaps a walk or two, and maybe a little shop so we could get an ice cream. Somewhere beautiful, peaceful and lovely.

Bingo.

This is Red Rock, NSW. 

We booked it through the recommendation of a friend, and then hoped for good weather. 

We drove through a deluge on the way; not a promising start, but by the time we arrived, the sun was shining weakly through the clouds, giving us a chance to set up. For the first day and a half, a stonking south-easterly wind blew straight through our campsite, flattening Stella's new tent and driving us more than a little crazy. 

But on day three the winds eased, the clouds drifted away and we got the most perfect weather. Divine. Everything I could have hoped for, and more.

The camping ground was perfect. The facilities were sparkling clean and user friendly.  A basic camp kitchen made those small daily tasks easier. The kids roamed free, exploring and swimming and crafting and fossiking. Day trips resulted in a haul of books; a sighting of wild horses and a chance to explore some deserted coastline.

It was a opportunity to break with routine and prioritise family.

And I think we made the most of it.

I'm ready for the craziness of Easter visitors and chocolate invasion.