The Mary River

A couple of weeks ago, we went camping. There's so many beautiful spots within one hour's travel from home.

One of the reasons we went is that at school, Ruby is learning all about the unique life forms that live in our Mary River habitat. She asked us if we could go check it out, so she could draw it accurately for her project. 

Seemed like a good excuse to extend it into an overnighter.

Some years ago, this region, including a lot of the smaller townships in and around, were under threat of being sunk under a huge water catchment. Luckily, at the eleventh hour, this plan came to nought, and so these beautiful places have remained intact. The Mary Valley people, unfortunately, didn't escape unscarred. A lot of people were bought out and moved on; it's caused permanent emotional scarring and change. That's another (long) story though, for another time.

Back to camping...

I'd actually booked at a place we'd not been to before. When we got there, none of us liked the look of it! We drove around and quickly exited before we were committed. Maybe not exactly the right thing to do, but we'd driven past some gorgeous camping grounds, including this one at Kenilworth. We didn't actually stay here this time but it's on our to-do list for a long weekend. Next time!

We set up on the bend of the Mary River, at a place called Little Yabba. 

The girls put up their own tent now. Such independence! They may or may not spend the full night in it, but it's their spot to read and hide away from us. They squirrel away the lamp and some snacks; it's delightful.

Late afternoon, the fire was lit; darkness fell quickly and so did the thermostat...

In the morning there was frost and mist; it was quiet and still and just absolutely mesmerising. 

As the sun rose and we warmed up, layers were shed and a meander up the river was in order.

It was chilly, but not too cold for a dip. The water was cool and clean and green and there was no-one else in sight. At all. 

We checked out the rocks and the pools, all in the name of research. 

Best school project ever.

Looking forward to our next camping adventure, in just a couple of weeks.

Have a lovely week, everyone xx

stills: holidays

 1.  hardy seaside plants.

 2.  my two...

 3.  holiday ear piercing (and a smattering of freckles).

 4.  softies for friends.

 5.  rock pools with family.

 6.  lettuce babies gifted from a friend.

 7.  another present from another friend..lucky me.

 8.  making anzacs...

 9.  just out of the oven...

10. tea and biscuits...delicious.

11. a "homework book" for me, courtesy of Ruby. Full of word searches and other creative tasks.

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.