Dirty Gear Bag

Well the long awaited Dirty Gear Bag has arrived! Stephen was promised the bag months ago when he renewed his 4WD magazine subscription. Even the courier started to duck his head every time he passed our house as Stephen would stop him in the street just to see if maybe he had forgotten to deliver a parcel to our house.

What is a Dirty Gear Bag... some of you may ask? It is a strong canvas bag that hangs off the spare wheel on the back of our 4WD for all your dirty gear - rubbish or recovery gear that has fallen in the mud etc.

We have always pondered the idea of getting one of these and wished we had actually gone and got one during every trip. Carrying your rubbish from a camping trip in the car, especially when it consists of dirty nappies is no joy! Lugging the muddy snatch strap on the floor of the 4WD and sighing each time a child treads on it and spreads the filth takes away from the fun. Now it can all be carried OUTSIDE the vehicle in our new bag.

All we need now is a trip to use it.... photos to come!!

Fourth Baby Camping Woes

Having our fourth baby has really slowed us down this year. The older kids are going into camping withdrawals .... "when are we going camping again?" "I want to go horse riding" "when can we go outback?" are all weekly questions in our household. "Soon... When Matthew starts sleeping better" or "When Matthew starts walking" (for the outback) is the answer.

We've camped with all our kids as babies but THIS ONE... has not quite been the same. Is it that we have the extra ones to contend with? Is he really that worse a sleeper than the others? Is four really a lot of children? Not sure what the answer is, I assume it is a mixture of factors all put together.

This is not to say we haven't been camping since he was born. We've been on 5 various camping trips, which is probably 4 more than most people! BUT there have been 4 more trips that we have declined! The first trip Matthew was great (6 weeks old) since then.... well, lets say at this point in his life he doesn't enjoy camping like the rest of us. The trips were we had older children around who were happy to walk around pushing the pram made life much happier for all - thanks guys!

Life is seasonal, this season will pass onto the next, probably without us noticing until we stop to reflect and look back - so we don't despair. The children grow up so fast and I would like to think we can cherish each moment before it moves onto the next - I'm happy for life to slow down a little so we can enjoy our baby and all his little mile stones.

We have a map of Australia under a plastic cover on our dining table. Each day we ponder over it... will we go outback, to the beach for two weeks or should start planning (and saving for) a big 12 month trip for 3 years time? We'll await and see what unfolds.

The Joys of Camping - Flies!

In 2004 we took our two small girls to the Flinders Rangers in South Australia. It was the days before the red Patrol and the days before camper trailers. I found the days a little long with constant fatigue and MORNING SICKNESS! The nights were COLD and uncomfortable in a swag. Call me soft, a wimp... whatever you like, but I do LOVE our camper trailers. Thank goodness the days of travelling in our bouncy 4 Runner and sleeping in a swag are long gone!

Enjoy these photos of our Lily as she has become totally oblivious to the flies and enjoyed a juicy, fresh orange.

Comeroo - Outback Camping

Comeroo is about 150km north of Bourke, out in the middle of nowhere and has become a family favourite of ours.

It is an 100,000 acre working property, with friendly hosts Bruce & Chris and a lovable dog, Ralph. There are always new animals for the kids to feed, pat or play with and plenty of Yabbies in the dam for Stephen to catch. Last trip we enjoyed a camel wagon ride to the letterbox and back - it was very entertaining at every gate. Stephen kindly offered to open and close the gate not knowing the run he then had ahead of him as Bruce would get the camels "galloping" as fast as they would go! We also went on a self guided 4WD trip accross the property - got ourselves very lost but enjoyed the exploration much the same and took quite a few nice photos.

I love the 24 hour fire, the sunsets and the peace. Stephen - the artesian bore, yabblies and finding something new on each visit. The kids - feeding the animals, Ralph and exploring. We all enjoy the friendly hospitality and can't wait to get there again.

June Long Weekend 4WD Day

What a fabulous June long weekend. The last 3 years has been torrential rain... I remember them well since hiring camper trailers - and drying them all!

This year we spent the Saturday four wheel driving around the Watagan's area. We had 7 vehicles and 27 kids all up!!! We found a lovely place for a BBQ lunch - Boarding House Dam in the Watagans National Park. There is a bush walk, water falls, BBQ's and plenty of space for the 27 kids to enjoy themselves - which they did!

Thank you to the Dehoogh family for this top photo! I wasn't in the car, the girls where screaming and our son, Daniel... well his face says it all - no fear.

Many thanks to Andrew & Leanne for a great day out.

Lemonade Scones

A favourite of ours while camping is Scones. This recipe is so easy to cook making it a fun activity with with the kids. They are totally scrumptious straight out of the camp oven, eaten hot with jam & cream (we generally pack ready to go whipped cream when we know we're gong to cook these treats)

We haven't made them for a while since we cook gluten free now for Lily - but will add a new recipe when we've had a few experiments.

Lemonade Scones

1 cup Lemonade
1 cup Cream (I take long life - so it is something less that needs to fit in the fridge)
3 cups Self Raising Flour

Combine all the ingredients
Knead on a floured surface
Flatten dough to approx 2cm
Use a round cutter to cut out scones
Place on foiled and oiled tray close together
Cook in pre-heated camp oven for approx 10 - 15 minutes.
Enjoy with jam, cream or just butter.

Photo Shoot for Camper Trailer Magazine

Glenworth Valley, on the Central Coast was the location for a photo shoot with Carlisle Rogers from Camper Trailer Australia Magazine. Complete Campsite will be on the front cover with their 2009 Nomad Camper Trailer. We were lucky enough to tag along and be apart of the shoot with our kids and two of their friends.

Glenworth Valley is a great camping location, so close to home! There is horse riding, quad bike riding, canoeing, absailing etc. You camp along the river and are allowed to have camp fires, which is always a bonus! There is also a brand new amenities block built up on the hill, not too close to the camping yet close enough for convenience.

All the kids had a go on the rope swing while waiting to be models for the photos and enjoyed their moments of "Stardom".