A movie night under the stars

A good friend told me recently that once your kids start school, you will shun all your old friends as your social activities revolve around the kids and their engagements for the next 13 years.  Three weeks into our youngest starting school, my friend's wise words resonated when we tried to catch up for lunch.  We moved the date several times as birthday parties and important play dates seemed to pop up until finally we were able to pin down a date to catch up.

With the new year has come a new role at work, and a break from shiftwork for a while.  For the first time in my working career I am now in the spectrum of a Monday to Friday 9-5 job... and that means weekends!!!  And weekends means camping, lots of camping!!!

Of course I need to now caveat that claim with the observations of my friend - our calendar seems to fill up very quickly with swimming lessons / birthday parties / weekend play dates.  So we have made a challenge to ourselves to get out at least once a month for a weekend away.  It is of course difficult as we have a few other projects keeping things really busy - like trying to sell our house and build another - just minor things really, so it was a real surprise that Jo gave me a leave pass to go to a movie night organised by Pete and the crew from Australia4wd forum.

A shiny Terry returns - but it isn't long before I break something!

It seems that everything happens in the lead up to Christmas, and of course we don't seem to do things by halves in our family.

With a busy schedule of school concerts, assemblies, swimming lessons, BBQ's, community breakfasts and the rest in the last few weeks of school, Jo and I have been having nightly planning meetings to make sure we get everything both of the little helpers to their assigned activities.  How families with more than two kids do this is completely beyond my comprehension and my sincere admiration goes out to you.

Somewhere in the middle of this, Terry was booked in for repairs, following our little mishap a few weeks ago.  With careful examination of the calender, we chose a week and a half block where living with one car would have the least impact on our family.  So on Monday 5th of December we dropped Terry off to get a new bumper, to be picked up on the 14th.

A New House For Terry

After three years of frosty winter mornings and living outside, we decided it was time for a new house for Terry and Suby.  Whilst we chose a simple 6m x 9m carport design, we decided that we didn't want the standard colourbond K Panel cladding.  We were fortunate to know of an old hayshed that had long fallen over, and with kind agreement of the owners, we removed the old iron.

The old hayshed iron is loaded into the trailer

After my efforts building the cubby house, and knowing the limitations of my building experience, I decided that the main construction of the carport was to be outsourced to local contractors.   We thought that this would be a straightforward operation, but no it was not to be.

What Terry Gets Up To In His Spare Time, Part II

In my last installment we looked at two of Terry’s primary duties - Taxi for the Little Helpers and being a mobile tool-shed.  Of course Terry has many other duties....  

iPhone Cover Load Tester
Not an intentional role at all, but on one occasion I dropped my phone whilst removing a stick that had been caught up under Terry. A few kilometres down the road I realised I didn't have my camera, not even realising at this point that my iPhone wasn't in my pocket either.  I returned to find the camera unscathed by the side of the track, but my phone was lying face down with a dirty great Cooper STT tyre print running right over the top of it.  

I thought my shiny new iPhone's days were over, but full credit the the Otterbox Impact cover – the phone escaped with nary a scratch, and eighteen months later it is still going strong!

Firewood Collector
Our house is heated with 100% renewable, ecologically friendly firewood, collected from a nearby farm. Terry hauls an empty trailer to the farm and watches by whilst the trailer gets filled with timber.

What Terry Gets Up To In His Spare Time, Part I

Nearly all my blogs so far have been about the wonderful camping adventures we have got up to as a family, and a few misadventures too. Now whilst it would be a great thing if we could make a career out of exploring Australia, reality is a little more mundane.


We lead fairly normal busy lives around our two active young boys. We live in a small village, are involved with the school and all the associated social events that it entails such as birthday parties, community morning teas and the like. It is all good healthy fun. Somehow around all that I work full time, and whilst the tax man considers Jo’s employment part time, any mother would agree that being a mum is anything but a part time job!


As this blog started on the Australia4wd forum, it is only fitting that we look at what Terry – our 2005 Hyundai Terracan gets up to in his spare time. After all it is a well known fact that the majority of four wheel drives never venture off the blacktop.

Truancy and Bad Luck go Hand in Hand.

Over the past few weeks, Mr Four and a Half has been enjoying Kindergarten Orientation at our local school.  Over three Thursday mornings, he has gamely set forth into the Kinder classroom and emerged a couple of hours later with exciting stories to tell and new friends made.  Mr Six has been far too important to even be seen with his little brother as he has been spending the same mornings doing Year One Orientation.

Whilst the kids have been off learning about what the next year has install for them, the parents have enjoyed education seminars on Literacy and Numeracy, before enjoying a delicious morning tea with other parents.  Happy days indeed. But it is funny how things happen in our family.

Week three and final, and we had decided that on completion of Orientation, we would pull both the kids out of school and race away for a longer than normal weekend down at the coast.  We had a meeting on Friday afternoon, but decided we would make an extra night of it and give ourselves the opportunity to relax as well.  So it was fitting that on the morning of our planned escape, the school had invited someone from the Department who chose to give a talk on truancy.

The Department spokesperson proceeded to lecture all the Mums and Dads on truancy and how missing a few days of school would result in your child protegee failing to reach their full potential, indeed any potential and how they would be doomed for life.  She did proceed to explain what did constitute a valid reason for removing your child from school for a day.  Apparently fishing or camping is not a valid excuse, but attending a family event does pass the grade.

So it was with a wee tinge of guilt that Jo signed the vacancy log for Mr Six as attending a “Family Event”, and we loaded the kids into Terry, with fishing rods on the roof and the camper in tow.  We took off, first stop Oallen Ford for a fish.  After all, what could possibly go wrong!

Mr Four and a Half tries to fill the river up with rocks whilst Mum wets a line.



Watagan Wanderings – don't forget to check the oil!

The sun was almost shining as we bade farewell to the Cousins and thought about commencing our southerly journey home.  We were planning three more nights under canvas before returning, and were still undecided as to our destination.  Upper Colo Reserve and the Watagan Mountains were our options, but we were in no hurry to make up our mind... so we went to the beach!


Such country kids... jeans and boots at the beach!

But lovin' it

After an ice cream at Bar Beach Kiosk, we thought we would give the Watagan Mountains a go, as they were close to our track south, and there is a myriad of camping sites on offer.  We had heard the Watagans are a mecca for 4wd challenges, trail bike riders and the like, we were a little hesitant as to what we would find given our ability to choose campsites near doof-doof stereos. 

Western Plains Zoo

We made good time from our camp at Boyd River to Orange via Oberon and Bathurst.  We enjoyed a leg stretch in Orange, and followed the railway line north to Wellington via Euchareena, appreciating the diversion off the main highway.  We did have a peek at Lake Burrendong, with the intention of stopping at the State Park for lunch, however we were politely told that it was $10 to enter the park.  Needless to say we wern't that desperate for lunch and drove on to Wellington, 27km to the north west.


The suspension bridge over the Bell River at Wellington

Cameron Park at Wellington is a favourite place of ours to stop for lunch, with a suspension bridge over the Bell River providing entertainment for energetic little legs. A short stint on the Mitchell Highway to Dubbo reminded us of why we enjoyed taking the roads less travelled.  Mr Red Audi was a menace to all on the road, tailgating and trying to take every chance to get past us.  We were following a truck at a reasonable distance, and whilst the Audi got past us easily enough we had the pleasure of watching his dangerous driving for the next twenty five minutes or so as we meandered into Dubbo.

For the boys the Zoo was the whole purpose of our trip north.  We booked into the Big 4 Caravan Park, just a short cycle from the zoo, and caught up with CarieNan and PaBob who had joined us from the north.  The park well laid out, and with so many kids staying with bikes to explore the zoo, they had laid out a BMX track to keep the kids amused, in addition to the jumping pillow, pool and playground. I think Jo was just happy to have a hot shower!


About to head off for our safari at the zoo!

The Saturday of our Zoo adventure dawned drizzly with a forecast of passing showers.  We gamely packed a picnic lunch into our backpack, and prepared to boys for a day on their push bikes.  As we arrived and bought our tickets the heavens opened and we started making alternative arrangements, however the shower passed and we entered to zoo on our bikes – raincoats on!

Caves to Caves - Part IV – Boyd River

Our camp at Boyd River was beautiful, but at 1250 metres above sea level was rather chilly.  We set up camp quickly decided that we would spend the afternoon inside the tent playing games and reading the Muddle Headed Wombat.  The rain was now coming down in a good steady way, and our relief at being at the top of the plateau after our journey here was immense.

I reflected on our previous few hours and realised that perhaps we had bitten off a bit more than we could chew by coming along the Kowmung River Fire Trail, but the satisfaction of taking on the track and emerging triumphant was intoxicating (or was that the celebratory beer or two?).  Jo confided in me that although our situation wasn't exactly pleasant, she was comforted in the fact we had the Personal Locator Beacon in the glove box.  We also were trialing a SPOT Messenger and my parents had lent me their satellite phone for the trip.  She was extremely confident that if all went to custard, at least she could get the kids (and her too no doubt) into a nice warm bed for the night...

Caves to Caves - Part III - Recovery should be a four letter word...

Our plan on departing Yerranderie was to retrace our steps to Mount Werong, where we would then proceed to Boyd River via Dingo Dell and the Kowmung River Fire Trail. On the Banshee Road into Dingo Dell we had our fist hint things might get a bit more exciting with a small NPWS sign stating simply 4WD ONLY. Hmm. I had been wondering to myself if we were going to see any steep hills requiring low range during this trip. Sure, some of the hills in and out of Yerranderie required first gear hauling the camper up them, but nothing thus far would have presented a challenge for a normal car, carefully driven. All this was about to change...

At last we engaged low range for the descent into Dingo Dell. As we continued down into the valley we realised that the trail was very steep in places, and the surface was clay in several places. We were looking forward to lunch at the bottom, but the clouds started to close in, and a shower of rain greeted us as we pulled into the camp site.

Descending on the Banshea Road to Dingo Dell

The creek at Dingo Dell campground

A little word in the back of my head said we needed to get out of there... now. Jo echoed my thoughts by voicing them, clearly and succinctly.

The Little Fisherman was most disappointed as we elected to continue our journey up and out of the valley before the rain set in - delaying two of the most important things in the world - an opportunity to wet his line AND lunch.

As we headed north from Dingo Dell towards the Tuglow Caves, the track seemed to be even more steep that the entry. We then stopped at the bottom of a steep and badly rutted section for a pause, a think and to drop another 5psi out of the tyres.

Caves to Caves - Part I - Wombeyan Caves

With foreboding skies, and a forecast for showers and rain, we thought we would make the most of a rare opportunity for leave and school holidays and make tracks north. Over the next week or so our plan was to head to Dubbo and the Taronga Western Plains Zoo, via the Wombeyan Caves, Yerranderie and Kanangra Walls.

The plan was to live in the camper for the best part of two weeks – the best we had managed thus far was a three day run. We relocated the awnings and spare canvas to the roof of the car, and put six wardrobe draws into the under-bed storage of the camper. This way we all had one draw each for clothes, one was for spare medical supplies and the other was extra food. The fridge and freezer were stocked, bikes loaded and car checked. It seemed we were ready.

We managed to get away in good time on Saturday and arrived in Goulburn for lunch. Belmore Park is a favourite haunt of our kids with its fantastic kids playground, however on this occasion we were surprised by a collection of fire trucks and ambulances of all shapes and sizes. It wasn't an incident at the Francis Greenway designed courthouse, but rather an Emergency Services Open Day. Joy of joys, the Little Helpers nearly wet themselves with excitement at being invited into the back of an ambulance. The Little Fisherman was able to correctly identify the breathing apparatus in the back of a pumper - but the RFS trucks were his favourite as they could go off-road! Ah, he must be my son.

The Taralga Fire Truck - Dennis

Finally we dragged the tykes away, only to be hauled off the road again at Taralga. The Taralga fire shed was also hosting an open day, however the star attraction was an ancient Dennis Fire Truck. The boys were excited, but were muscled out of the driver's seat by their mother! An unusual turn of events for sure.

Snow - and the longest journey to get there!

With all the cold weather blasting its way over the southern tablelands this past week or so, I had it on good authority that there would be a good dusting of snow in the Brindabella Mountains, just south of Canberra. I figured when the BOM said there were likely to be blizzard conditions and snow down to 900 metres we would have as good as chance as any of finding plenty of the white stuff to play in.

In previous years we had organised a convoy with either the good folk from this forum, or from our local community to go into the hills with the simple objective of finding enough snow for the kids to make a snowman, have a snowfight and perhaps even a simple toboggan (on an old boogie board). We have found snow on each of our previous excursions to the south of Picadilly Circus on the Mount Franklin Road.

The late notice meant we were setting forth solo. Maxtrax were loaded into Terry, along with a primus stove, dry clothes, lunch and extra provisions for the Hobbits.

The Little Helpers are excited to be heading south!

So off we set – confidently proceeding over Uriarra Crossing and on our way up the mountains. The little helpers knew we were off to find snow, but we hadn't promised anything until we saw the mountains in the distance, with a great white colouring... excitement was building, promises were made that we would be soon playing in the snow when disaster struck...

4WD Storage - How we fit it all in...

One of the challenges facing any family going camping is how to fit everything in, and more importantly, how to keep everything organised during the trip. Our first camping trip in our humble Subaru nearly ended in disaster. Everything we needed seemed to be at the bottom of the pile of gear in the back, and required a major exercise in repacking every time we wanted to access it.

Needless to say a new system was required - and fast if I was ever to convince the family that camping could be fun!

Along came the Terracan, and I started thinking about how we could make life easier for us when we went camping. I had a few rudimentary ideas running around my head, when we bought an alloy sump guard. With the sump guard came a wooden box that the former owner had made for his newly traded Terracan.


The simple box structure is made out of 12mm ply


The top had cleats to allow use of the original cargo net

It looked like a great template from which to base our draw system. We thought we would start using it with the aim of working out what we wanted from a draw system. Funnily enough, we have worked out a system to fit the box!

We found some plastic tubs at Bunnings / Magnet Mart that fit perfectly in the box. They stack inside each other if required, or on top of each other if full of stuff. You can also purchase lids it you want. Originally there was a fridge slide on the right hand side, but we found we could fit a tub neatly in the space, with enough room for our esky to sit on top. On the left hand side we can stack up to three standard tubs, with enough room for a folding 1200 x 600mm table to sit flush next to them.

This is our most common configuration - the bottom box on the left contains heavy tools and spares

We can fit the tubs in various configurations:



We can even put two tubs on the top shelf - which is handy when camping. Usually we can keep the top relatively open, but when tent based camping, the top shelf contains most of our bedding, and it also will easily fit our camp chairs and bench.

There is enough room on the sides to shove all manner of items - we tend to put the kids sports gear on the right hand side (totem tennis, cricket bat and ball and picnic rugs). On the left we can fit in a first aid kit, axe, shovel and various ropes and odd bits. With careful packing, sleeping mats can also fit shoved down the side.

An added bonus of this style of draws is that we can do the majority of packing inside the house (or shed) and simply slide the draws in when required. This is fantastic as it means that we can get most of our packing done early (or leave all our gear packed) but don't have to leave it in the car. You can see on the right one of the taller tubs we use sometimes - it is compatible with the smaller tubs.

It is great being able to pack everything inside and just take the full box to the car once!

One other thing that has made our lives a lot easier is a seat-back organiser for the Little Helpers. There is plenty of room in this offering from Supercheap Auto for colouring in pens, colouring book, a few matchbox cars and a water bottle. It has worn surprisingly well considering the purchase price but I think will need to be replaced soon with something a little more hard wearing. It means the boys have their own little space that they look after and allows plenty of activities to keep them amused on the road. No we don't have a DVD player, and we hope to keep it that way.

Supercheap Auto Seatback Organiser

We have been trying a few different options with where we keep everything. On our last trip we stored the camper's awnings in the car, and used the space under the bed in the camper for clothing (in baskets we borrowed from one of the boy's wardrobes). It worked really well and made life a lot easier once we had set up, as we weren't tripping over a bag of clothes in the camper. Once we had the awning set up, we had plenty more space in the car, which was welcome.

Of course it is all a work in progress, and subject to constant change and modification (but that is half the fun), we have found that sometimes a really simple and cheap solution is really effective, and actually suits our purposes more than a more expensive inbuilt unit might.

Deua National Park - March 2011

With foreboding skies we escaped from the grind for a much anticipated trip into the Bendethera Valley, south of Braidwood. We planned on camping with a group of friends for a couple of relaxing nights in paradise.

The mighty Terracan was packed to capacity with essential supplies for a successful weekend in the bush – bikes, cricket set, totem tennis set, soccer ball and matchbox cars for outside play, with colouring-in books in case of poor weather. We also fitted in a tent, some bedding and some food… little did we realise until after we arrived that we had left the milk at home!

After rendezvousing with our good friends in Braidwood we pointed the vehicles south for our entry to Deua National Park. We let our tyres down while the kids attempted to fill the Shoalhaven River with pebbles. After a nervous look at the sky we crossed our fingers and engaged 4WD for our entry into the park and the trek into the Bendethera Valley.

Successfully across the Shoalhaven River From Deua NP March 2011

Our friend's Hilux takes the plunge From Deua NP March 2011

As we headed into the valley the rain continued to fall which made for a picturesque journey in. Some of the sections in the mist of the clouds were positively eerie, however the track was in good condition and being rocky based, we left little trace of our passage.

The misty trip in From Deua NP March 2011

The descent into the valley From Deua NP March 2011

Unfortunately on our arrival in the valley the Deua River was too high and fast flowing to cross safely. With evening approaching and the little helpers restless, we decided to make camp. Our resultant camp was with the leeches on the junction of the Dampier Mountain Fire Trail and the entrance into the valley. Not the picturesque haven he hoped for, but at least we were able to get out of the valley if we desired. Some other poor party had been stuck in the valley for three days and things were getting desperate – they had run out of beer!

Camp From Deua NP March 2011

With the rain continuing to threaten, we were all thankful for the dinner that was sitting in the thermal pot. Some good foresight by SWMBO resulted in a delicious caserole for minimum effort. The thermal cooker has become one of our most used kitchen items, being used to prepare a delicious creamy porridge in the evening, so that when the hungry little helpers awake, we can rest a few moments longer knowing that breakfast is already cooked.

The other accessory that has become essential in our travels and at home is our travel mug. This mug by Contigo is hard to find, but is spill and leak proof. It also keeps my coffee really hot. As I am the only coffee drinker in my family (apparently it makes me a nicer person), a full plunger is too much coffee to drink in one session. With this cup I can pour one for me now and one for later. I have been told it works well on peppermint tea also!

Aaah.... coffee :) From Deua NP March 2011

The following day our camp expanded with two other families arriving from the west. Another two tried to make it in from Mourya, however were thwarted by the mighty Deua River still flowing far too strongly to cross. We made the best of our time enjoying watching people enter the valley full of bravado only to have second thoughts when they saw the river. Unfortuately with the river so high and fast the Little Fisherman was bound to be disappointed, however a lot of assistance was required in freeing lines and hooks from obstructions and tangles, so as a time killing exercise the fishing was a success.

The Little Fisherman... dejected isn't the word From Deua NP March 2011

The first lads across the river were a group of young fellas from the Thong Strap 4WD club – and to tell the truth we were a bit relieved. With camping equipment consisting of a swag and an esky, these young blokes proved that after a few considering ales, nothing was impossible. Thankfully they all made it across with a lot of right foot and luck, and took their vehicles and doof doof stereos well into the valley.

The young lads make their crossing... just	Lots of right foot and a loud stereo helped From Deua NP March 2011

On Sunday we broke camp and bid adieu to our friends and returned home. The skies had cleared and apparently the river continued to drop, although crossings into the valley remained challenging. We heard on the grapevine that a Hilux was swept off one of the crossings on Sunday afternoon. I guess it goes to confirm the advice that you should plan Bendethera valley for dry weather only.

As usual, more snaps of the weekend can be found

"Matilda" - Our 2005 Aussie Swag Camper

Our camper is a 2005 Aussie Swag - named by our boys "Matilda". We purchased it second hand in April and simply love it.

A camper had been on the wish-list for a long time, however we couldn't really justify the expense. All was to change on one camping trip!

We always knew one of the self-inflating mattresses had a slow leak, however I thought it was just my bad luck to get it every time. A firm mattress at bed time would slowly but surely turn into a thin mat allowing every undulation, rock and blade of grass to be felt. I loved camping, but was coming home with more aches and pains than when I left home.

The better half let slip that she had worked out which one of the self-inflating mattresses leaked, and revealed she could tell by the older style logo on the cover. Needless to say I swiftly swapped mattresses when she wasn't looking. The next morning, I awoke blissfully refreshed - but a little anxious as to what The Bride would say after her night becoming acquainted with the rocks of the Buckenbower State Forest. Instead of berating me about swapping mattresses, or even chastising me at all, she simply looked at me with bleary eyes and said the magic words “Let’s get a camper trailer.”

So along came Matilda – a pre-loved Aussie Swag Camper.

We had decided that a hard-floor camper would best suit our desire to travel around the country in a few years, however were worried about the general lack of storage space in most hard floor campers which seem more suited to couples. The Aussie Swag solved most of our immediate concerns by having a large pantry and fridge stowed on the trailer, freeing up valuable room in the car for more important things like kids colouring in books and the like.

Our first go at setting it up was at Yadboro Flat. It wasn't necessarily pretty (in terms of getting the canvas crease free) - but we found the camper extremely comfortable to base ourselves in. It is heavy – and we had a bit of fun coming home up the Clyde Mountain – but it travelled beautifully behind the Terracan.


We took it to Son of Trials Plus the other day – and whilst the Terracan found the going of the competition a little tough – we did enjoy retreating to the comfort of the camper's bed at the end of the day’s activities.


Of course one of the most important things is to make sure the camper is waterproof. I recently took the two little helpers to Jervis Bay for a couple of nights. Just after getting everything set up, the heavens opened and we received somewhere in the vicinity of 115mm of rain in the next few hours.

The little helpers thought this was great fun, having a road turn into a river, and all dirt turn to a most spectacular sticky mud. Thankfully hot showers were but a few metres away, and after getting them washed, dry and in their pyjamas, we retreated to a dry bed for the evening.


Some of the features we love about the camper:

• 80 Litre fridge – ample storage for a family, including all important ‘paddle pops’
• Comfortable queen size bed
• 2x 105 AH deep cycle batteries – keeps the electrics running nicely
• 120 Watt solar panel – almost keeps up with the fridge and other electrical requirements
• Pantry – huge pantry drawer above the kitchen
• Loads of storage - in front box, under the bed and in the body
• Waterproof canvas
• Enough room on bed to store kids mattresses and bedding

Source: Matilda

Wee Jasper and the Real Roothy

A long weekend with no work was a welcome change, and one we determined to make the most of. It was thus with much anticipation that the camper was hooked up and we set off with grandparents in tow to Wee Jasper for a weekend of camping with a bunch of friends.

The little helpers were most excited to be heading off to camp with a bunch of their mates, and we were looking forward to a relaxing weekend in good company.

We were not to know that one of the highlights of the weekend was to happen as we pulled into Yass. The little helper who can spot a Bob Cat at 500 yards started to get most excited at the site of a green 40 series familiar to all who subscribe to 4WD Action magazine. It was non other than John Rooth, Milo and Jack, pulled over for a break on the side of the road. We were fortunate to say G'day to the "Real Roothy" and meet the man and machine that had entertained us on several rainy afternoons.



It was then onto Wee Jasper for a couple of nights at Billy Grace Reserve. Wee Jasper is located about 50km south west of Yass, on the banks of the Goodradigbee River. It is a beautiful campsite, complete with children's playground and bike track, hot showers and flush toilets.

We found our group and set up camp and enjoyed our time thoroughly enjoying the warm campfire and great company. Unfortunately on Saturday night, at the Wee Jasper Woolshed across the way, a 21st party also enjoyed themselves thoroughly with loud music blaring all night (well there was a 10 minute intermission at 5.25am).

As hordes of bleary eyed campers trooped to the markets on Sunday morning, salvation was in sight in the form of a mobile coffee stand! The queue quickly formed until there was a loud hiss and the machine broke. DISASTER. If there was ever a time to have a licence to print money it was by selling coffee to the hundreds of campers who had not had any sleep the night before... Thankfully a couple of hours later (or so it seemed) the machine was restored to normal and coffee started to be distributed again.

The rest of the weekend was great, with the kids enjoying exploring the playground and bike tracks. We tried fishing for the first time (with lures tied to the fishing line and no hooks at all, to avoid both injury and the likelihood of actually catching a fish). We came home with a collection of dinosaur eggs (they look a lot like rocks to me) and a pair of exhausted but happy boys.

Wee Jasper is a great spot, and despite the crowds for the long weekend, we had a great time. We are already looking forward to heading back - although perhaps will avoid the peak periods (or parties at the Woolshed) next time.

Zig Zag Railway and Turon National Park

It isn't often that we get to pack a full adventure into a short period of time, but that is exactly what we did last weekend. With car and camper fully packed we set off on Friday morning for our friend’s house near Mudgee, via Tuena, Bathurst and Sofala. It is a very scenic drive at any time of year, and it is great to see the country so green after so many years of drought.

A great night with friends around a campfire was enjoyed by all, before an early start on Saturday morning to make it to the Zig Zag Railway near Lithgow for one of the highlights - A Day Out With Thomas. All the travelling was worth it to see the expression on the boy's faces when Thomas The Tank Engine chuffed into the station!



It doesn't get much better than a ride in a train, but when that train is Thomas The Tank Engine and it travels along some incredible viaducts with spectacular views, I don’t think we will be able to top the experience (that is until they start reading Harry Potter and we come back for the Wizards Express in a few years!) The day was very well organised, and we enjoyed meeting the Fat Controller. All in all we had a ball, well recommended for kids (and big kids too).

On the way home we stopped a night at Turon National Park at The Diggings campground. It was very pleasant to find a nice grassy spot on the Turon River, although the water was a little chilly for swimming!!!


We found the directions to the campsite on Australia4wd Forum here. It was nice and easy to get to, being only about 7km from the black top - so made an excellent diversion for a single night stop over. Also being a Sunday night we had the place to ourselves which was very pleasant.

I since found out that we wern't the first of our family to have been there. It would seem a previous generation was in the neighbourhood during the 1850's... although his talent was not in finding gold but rather sketching the diggings!

A big special thanks to all our friends who made the weekend what it was. You know who you are :)

Addendum
These sketches were by Thomas Balcombe, published in 1852 in the book "Gold pen and pencil sketches, or, The adventures of Mr. John Slasher at the Turon diggings" by G.F.P. with illustrations by T. Balcombe:

Racecourse Beach

It isn't often the boys get away for a camping weekend, but last weekend that is exactly what we did. Whilst Mum went to work, the boys shot off to the beach for a cool, but enjoyable weekend, with one of some little mates from next door and their Dad in tow.

Racecourse Beach was the destination, and for the next 48 hours we camped in the near deserted campground.

It was a weekend for the boys and for the next couple of days the four little ones formed:
1. a bikie gang doing laps around the campground,
2. a construction company doing excavation on the beach,
3. a small city with matchbox cars and bulldozers making a series of roads and tracks, and
4. a band of environmentalists trying to photograph, or alternatively catch, every possum, kangaroo or goanna in sight.

The Dad's of course waited until after the little ones had gone to bed to sample a nice little warming drink or two before retiring also :)

Whilst the nights and days were cool, there was no rain to spoil our fun. The only glitch was a loose connection with the fridge that caused melted paddle pops - and whist this could have been disastrous - a quick decoy with the promise of fish and chips for dinner resolved any angst on behalf of the little people.

We explored some more of the tracks in the hinterland, visiting Meroo National Park, Mogood Lookout and Shallow Crossing before returning home. The Terry sailed up the Clyde Mountain although I must admit I gave a little cheer at the top! We made it home in good time after a great weekend.

It is always good fun getting out and about in the camper / holiday house and choosing a campground, with the luxury of hot showers (albeit with 20cent pieces required) and power, right on the beach. It was superb.

The only near tragedy of the trip was when I load tested the iPhone by driving over it - but it too survived with barely a scratch. Full details of that story can be found here.

All of the boys had a great time; although we agreed next time it would be more fun to bring the Mums along!

Some more snaps of the weekend can be found here