Thursday, December 23, 2010

Happy Christmas!

Yes, I know I have been slack... part of the last few days we have been out of internet range. The other part, I have been lazy. Trial Bay continued to get better and became our favourite campsite. Amber’s friendships with the camp kids continued and over two days I don’t think I heard a cross word. There was Jasmine and Cody from Canberra, and whose parents were very warm and friendly. Then there was Sarah who Amber connected with straight away and Lane who is taking a year off starting in March and travelling around Australia with his parents.


Out second day at Trial Bay Amber played with these buddies until about 10am then we took off to investigate the gaol. Built in the late 1800s, it is the only Australia prison designed purely to built capital works... namely a seawall which self destructed shortly after it was finished. During WWI this gaol became an internment camp for German Australians who were considered a risk to the war effort. They had a live theatre, grew their own veggies and many learnt a trade. At the end of the war, instead of releasing these model citizens, most were shipped out to Germany which seems really strange.

Next stop was Smoky Cape lighthouse which is very pretty, but without the tour (these run only twice a week) it wasn’t particularly engaging because you can’t go in the lighthouse itself.

Back at camp, Amber played more and I relaxed. Then, around 3.30pm we put the kayak in the water and headed down the creek to a lake. Our new friends (Jas and Coby and parents) rented a canoe and joined us, but it wasn’t Jas’s scene and we found ourselves alone paddling across a wide expansive lake towards pelicans and black swans. How beautiful it was... even though the thick pond weed made the smell rather unsavoury.

That evening we headed back to gaol (do not pass go...). The Lion’s Club carols was on and the skies cleared for the event. The carol book didn’t have many that were actually sung, but the idea was good and one local primary school boy stole the show on stage. The sun set in a orange fire and the walls of the gaol changed from cold grey to warm amber.

It was hard to leave this place the next morning but we were heading to a place previously loved: Nymboida Canoe Centre. On the way we stopped at Nambucca heads, bought paints and left our mark on the Vee Wall! This was so much fun!! And hunger making so we ate at the RSL for lunch.

It took a couple of hours to get to our destination and we listened to the book on tape we bought with us as we drove. This has proved to be a very good activity which engages us both. Once arrived we went searching for Rob the manager and when we couldn’t find him we grabbed inner tubes, helmets and jackets and did a run down the river before it got too cold.

Next day (Dec 21) at 9am we met Dan from NRG Rafting, next door. He was going to take us on a half day white water paddle down Goolang Creek, starting just below the power station. After a brief and practice on dry land we were hurtling downstream trying to keep in time as we paddled. I think Amber is hooked since she squealed with excitement at every opportunity. Dan takes kids from six up on this river because it is pretty tame, but fun enough for parents to get a thrill too. Dan also runs platypus paddling tours further up river and guarantees a sighting.

Back at camp, and pretty tired, we had a rest before heading 4km up the road to the Coaching House Inn. Owned by Russel Crowe, this lovely old pub and quality accommodation place is also home to the Museum of Interesting Things... all from Russel’s collection. As you might imagine, there are numerous movie memorabilia and sporting souvenirs. This is such a kid-friendly museum because there is very little reading, it’s small, yet well organised and stroller-friendly. Quite a find.

Now, I sit tapping away at Woody Point in Bunjalung National Park near Iluka. This is a lovely campsite with beautiful sites, clean amenities, right on a beach (not particularly attractive because of green slime) and friendly staff. It’s quite expensive for a National Park, and you still have to pay extra for showers, but you get the impression many people book here and come back year after year. Just as the sun set Amber and I took a walk to the tide pools and watch the fishing fleet heading out to sea. We learnt about port and starboard lights...

This is our last night on this trip and I feel quite sad this evening. Off to the Goldie tomorrow for family Christmas. Merry Christmas everyone!

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Go to gaol... don't pass go

I think we have finally settled into holiday mode. Amber was up early and on the jumping pillow with the other camp kids. I got up more leisurely, made eggs for breaky, followed her into the pool to watch the kids swim, then relaxed with a cuppa.


At about 10am we took off to go see the Trial Bay Gaol which was fascinating. Not, in my opinion, as kid-friendly as Dubbo Gaol because there was no re-enactment component, but interesting buildings and a good self-guided tour brochure. This building was built to house prisoners who completed capital works, namely built a sea wall (which disintegrated in the first storm). It was later used to inter German Australians in WWI. They were allowed out during day hours to work (overseen) then back in at night. These ‘prisoners’ grew their own veggies, were paid for their skills and even had a very vibrant theatre company. Surprisingly, after the war, most of them were sent to Germany and only 300 managed to repeal this exportation.

Next stop was the Smoky Cape lighthouse. A beautiful structure which we wished we had been able to enter. Tours only depart twice a week and we hadn’t arrived on the right day. It was a lovely view from the point, however, and would be a magic spot when the whales pass through.

Amber was keen to get back to her new friends so we bought a couple of bread rolls and headed back for lunch and a play. I sneaked a little nap then, mid afternoon, we lifted the kayak off the roof and paddled along the creek and out to a very shallow lake. Our new friends hired a canoe and joined us, but one of their children got scared and they backed out. The lake was magical. A large expanse of water lined with native grasses, with fish jumping regularly. Before we got to the vast opening we saw an osprey, kingfisher and heron. Then, the lake revealed a huge flock of pelicans and black swans with cygnets. How wonderful it was to have this lake to ourselves. We could have been in a number of top wilderness areas in the world!

More playing... then dinner and back to the gaol for carols by candlelight. I have never sung in a gaol, so we couldn’t miss this opportunity. It would have been better if the songbooks given out had included songs that were actually sung by the choir, but that’s being picky. What had been a very ordinary weather day had turned into a spectacular evening and orange sunset.

Ah, the camping life for me... Amber is in bed, I can hear the wind in the trees, muffled voices across the campground. It takes me back to my own youth... the only thing missing is the hissing of the gas lantern!

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Wake to koalas

Amber woke me this morning at about 7.30 with “Mum, they are feeding the koalas at the hospital in half an hour, we have to go” so, hair and teeth tidied, we headed off. As we arrived, pandemonium had broken out, along with two koalas and the team were trying to capture them with long poles and rags on the end. Apparently, they don’t like something over their eyes and will climb down to get away from it. We watched an old koala getting her formula and Amber bought a book about these marsupials, vowing she would work at the hospital in the Sunshine Coast one day.


Since we were away from the tent we headed into town to the Pancake Place for an amazing (and completely calorie-free) breakfast of blueberry and banana pancakes. This restaurant caters to kids amazingly with their own menu, play area and movies.

On the drive north, we stopped at Richardoes Tomatoes where a passionate couple have turned their hydroponic farm into an award-winning tourist attraction. It has been said that kids these days don’t know where their food comes from, and this place is slowly changing that, one kid at a time. Picking strawberries here is easy because they are grown in terraces and kids and adults pick at different heights! They can pick their own lettuce too. We tasted tomato and passionfruit jam which was sensational, and we couldn’t resist a jar.

Next stop was an unusual stable... where rocking horses are born. 82 –year-old Mick Campbell has made exquisite horses for 30 years and it’s a delight to see old-fashioned craftsmanship.

Finally we arrived at Trial Bay where our caravan park was one of the best so far: Jumping pillow, playground with climbing wall, free internet, games room, lake, lovely grassy site and lots of kids for Amber to meet. I didn’t see her for the rest of the day and, as the sunset, she joined in on a four family game of backyard cricket. I watched with red wine in hand.

The weather is beautiful, the vine-ripened tomato bolognaise sauce was delicious and I am very content!

Trivia: Why is a tomato a fruit?
 
The tomato is technically a fruit because it develops from the ovary of the plant. Scientifically and botanically, the ovary, and its seeds, of a flowering plant are the fruit of the plant.

Friday, December 17, 2010

We LOVE Port Stephens!

Yes, I missed writing yesterday, but for the best reason possible... we were having too much fun experiencing Port Stephens and were WAY too tired to write in the evening! What a family-friendly mecca this is!


Our first day started with a boat tour with Imagine Cruises, a catamaran which does dolphin watches, whale watches and snorkelling cruises depending on the season. No whales are around at the moment so dolphins and snorkelling were the order of the day and owner/skipper Frank was in charge.

We spotted a pod of female and baby dolphins which was fantastic. Unfortunately they didn’t come too close, so it was on to Lighthouse Cove on Fingal Island for snorkelling. Amber was a little uncertain about this since Woebegone sharks were a probability, but she gave it a good go. I managed to find another buddy for a short snorkel and yes we DID see a shark which was very exciting.

Back onboard, Amber perched on the bowsprit above the nets and didn’t move from there for the remainder of the trip. Three and a half hours sped by and we arrived back in the harbour just after five and set up camp at Fingal Bay campground.

The next day was a mega activity day, arranged by our new friend Tars. It started with parasailing. I have done this before but Amber hasn’t. She was nervous, but it didn’t last and she wanted to go back up as soon as she got down! We rode tandem which is really great for kids, and even got to be partially dunked during our 10 min ride.

Next stop was Sahara Trail Rides where we joined a 1 hour walk through the casurina forest, following a creek on this private property. What a lovely spot and, unlike many other horse trails, the owners have created different trails for differing abilities. What this means is that the horses don’t rush off, thinking they have an expert on their backs, and it is therefore safer for kids.

After that to Oakvale Farm where we fed baby goats, milked a cow, patted a koala and fed kangaroos (and had lunch). After that it was off to the toboggan run where we zipped downhill on a silver track at about 50km per hour. A good adrenalin boost and also great for kids! Little ones ride with a parent and bigger kids control their own toboggan with an easy brake.

The evening ended with us hosting Tars and his son to a barbie in our tent. We were shopping at Coles when the heavens opened in a huge hail storm. By the time we got back to our tent we were met by our neighbours who had feared it was taking off, and tied it down. The trailer was half collapsed and bits were broken. Regardless we had almost cleaned up in time for our guests and shared the most wonderful evening of conversation. It ended all too soon.

This morning it was off to the famous sand dunes.... the largest moving sand area in the southern hemisphere. A chance meeting at the caravan park just before we left, had led to an invitation to go sand boarding, so we joined a tour and slid down a sand dune for about an hour. That was all our little legs could take (doing the uphill climb). What a wonderful family activity!

The drive to Port Macquarie took about three hours and it rained most of the way. Now camp is re-erected and the dryer is going in the laundry so we have something dry to wear tomorrow! I wonder what excitement tomorrow will bring?

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Sailing with dolphins

What a marvellous day! Before packing up the tent we took a walk on the beach, then, on the road, we headed for Port Stephens where a wonderful man called Tars had organised a few activities for us. He called us en route and arranged to meet and take us to Imagine which is a catamaran conducting dolphin and snorkel tours.


Nearly at Nelson Bay, we noticed an unusual attractionwhich advertised shark and ray feeding so we diverted off. What a wonderful kid-friendly attraction this is! Kids and adults alike were in pools where woebegone sharks and rays of various types lived. They feed them with shimp on a pole (attached by a clothes peg) and they can snorkel with the creatures if they wish. Maybe we will come back here on the way out of town...

We met Tars and Frank who was the owner of the boat (and Rodger his mate). Other passengers filed on and before too long we were off searching for dolphins and Amber was tentatively climbing in the net under the bowsprit. It didn’t take her long before she was bouncing around like a monkey with the other kids onboard. Then we spotted a pod of female dolphins with a few young ones and followed them for a while, as we headed for Fingal Island and Lighthouse Cove.

Frank used to be the lighthouse keeper here, so he had plenty of stories as we dropped anchor. The water was chilly, but we slid over the side with a mask. Amber was really tentative and didn’t make it past the stern, but she gave it a go. I got a little further and saw a pretty big woebegone (toothless) sharks which was a treat.

Back on board and we weighed anchor and motored out in near calm conditions. We did raise the sails for a short while, which was lovely (especially from the bowsprit where Amber and I perched). What a delightful trip for kids...

After saying our goodbyes we trundled off to Fingal Bay where we were camping, put the tent up in the heat and cooled off in the pool before dinner. Tired and happy!

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Back with Amber

Back on the road again, this time with Amber. We flew into Sydney on Sunday (just in time to avoid the circus surrounding Oprah who will have, by now, renamed the opera house). Yesterday we ticked off something that’s been on my bucket list for a while, and went to see the Terracotta Warriors, some of which are visiting the National Gallery. They have a great audio tour here for kids too, which engages kids in art.


Today we were on the road by about 9am and headed for the Australian Reptile Park (where we saw a baby Tassie Devil up close) then onto Penang Gardens to hug a boab tree.

From there it was to the treetops high ropes course in Ormiston which we absolutely loved. Kids from four can enjoy this adventure, but over ten is the best age because there are more suitable courses. Over 16 allows access to ALL courses. We spent a couple of hours in the tree tops balancing from tree to tree...

Then we drove to The Entrance just in time for Pelican feeding at the waterfront. What a wonderful attraction this is, and it takes place right beside a colourful waterpark... so we spent longer here than expected! We are staying at Toowoon Beach tonight, on a grassy cliff overlooking the beach where we played in the tide pools before dinner. Stirfry and games of Mastermind later, and we are ready for bed. Ahh, it’s good to be under canvas again!

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Changes of plans

I was so excited when I woke... today I was going out to Montague Island. I called Amber in anticipation... and jinxed it! When I got to the dock, owner Daryl told me he had called the trip off due to weather.

The good news was, this gave me longer to meander towards Kiama so I stopped lots along the way and found Bodalla Dairy Shed, The Berry Treat Factory, the blow holes at Kiama (they weren’t blowing) and the Boneyard rocks... this is such a fascinating coast!

My campsite tonight is the best yet I am at East's in Kiama and I couldn’t get closer to the beach if I tried. There's even a palm tree just for effect. This caravan park has a pool, jumping pillow, kids wading area, lots of little bridges AND the beach. Now it’s a toss up...do I like Narooma best, or Kiama??? I think Narooma still take the cake... just. Tomorrow I drive to Sydney airport and leave the car there to fly home. I can’t wait to pick up Amber from school and start the next part of our journey! She is going to LOVE this!

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

I've found heaven (at least the southern version)

I woke to sunshine for the first time since I left home and basked in it, only leaving the campsite at the allotted 10am. First stop was the info centre in Bateman’s Bay where I explained what I was doing and asked the lovely young lady if she could tell me about any low or no cost things to do with kids in her town. “Will it be published?”she asked. “Then I can’t talk to you, you will have to talk to the advertising department.” Was this an information centre? I thought. Was it a TOURISM information centre? I was so taken back that I told her not to bother and left.


I drove south, back to Mogo where people had been so welcoming yesterday. It hadn’t been a fluke. The goldmining reinactment town in Mogo welcomed me with open arms and I joined a very informative and kid-friendly tour. Even got to pan for gold, but if this is how slow it is to get rich, I think I had better stick to books. I stopped at the Mogo Ice Creamery felt like coming home. The tiramisu ice cream amazing, by the way.

It took about an hour to get to Narooma and I think I have discovered heaven. If it wasn’t in a cold climate, I would consider living here. Small, laid back, water everywhere, dolphins in the bay, bike trails and walking trails to suit even the novice rider and wonderfully friendly staff at the caravan park. Amber would LOVE it here and I am starting to miss her.

My campsite for the night is right on the water’s edge at East’s. In the morning I will walk 200m down the bike path to the wharf where I meet Daryl who will take me across to Montague Island. Hopefully we will see more dolphins, penguins and seals on the way. Keep your fingers crossed!

Monday, December 6, 2010

It's a zoo out there!

Today was better weather wise... first it threatened to rain while I packed the tent and didn’t, then the rain held off while I kayaked up the creek at Jervis Bay, it held off while I investigate Mogo Zoo and even held off when I put the tent back up in Batemans Bay. When did it rain? I hear you ask... while I was driving was pretty much it today... black clouds all around the rest of the time, but no rain...Yippee!


I put the kayak in at Huskisson boat ramp and headed downstream to the river mouth and Huskisson wharf. There I watched the tour boats going out which took me back to boat driving days. The water here is so clear that, on the paddle back I went right over the top of a huge black stingray. That was such a thrill.

Kayak back on the rooftop (I now have a pretty good routine to get it up there) I headed for Mogo where I had an appointment at 2pm to see the zoo. I nearly made it by the allotted time and chatted to GM John. This zoo was created by a woman with a vision. As you can imagine, I immediately connected with her journey. She knocked on doors until they gave her a permit then took the old and sick animals from other zoos until she proved herself. The zoo is now 20 years old and still owned by the same woman.


Unlike newer facilities, the enclosures aren’t huge or flash. This probably isn’t preferable for the animals, but they have been designed long and narrow so you get to see the animals up close and, I have to say, this makes for a better visitor experience than with the bigger safari zoos. Besides, it’s easy to walk around this one... even for little ones. Did you know that there are NO white lions left in the wild? They have several here. Not to mention these amazingly cute red pandas!

I ended up at the Big4 at Batemans Bay and erected the tent, taking no chances of leaks. Of course, this meant the weather hasn’t materialised, but I can cope with that. Just met some wonderful neighbours who are trying out their new caravan, got some laundry done, so my car doesn’t stink of wet towels anymore, and settled into chilli and rice for dinner. Ahh...life is good!

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Back to the coast

I was not happy when I woke: partly because the band had only stopped playing four hours before, partly because everything outside my tent flap was soggy and partly because the path to the toilet was deep with mud and reminded me of Woodford three years ago... come to think of it, the people wandering back and forth in a daze looked like they belonged in Woodford too!


It took me a while to get my act together and stumbled myself to the food tent where I offered another donation for a hot mug of chai. That drunk, I felt better and packed the tent slowly, attempting to leave as much of the mud behind as possible. Goodbyes to John and Kim later, and I was on the road for a long journey south: Jervis Bay the eventual destination.

I took the inland route past Putty, which was stunningly green and beautiful, explaining the weather. My only scheduled stop today was at the Illawarra Fly, a man-made tree-top walkway on the ridge overlooking the coast. Despite low clouds and rain I continued in that direction and, luckily, the clouds parted in time for my visit. The view was lovely and the cantilever platform swayed with the trees in an almost organic fashion. Not the attraction for the faint-hearted because it’s very high and you can see through the walkway. The signage was well designed and colourful for kids, but a little high for them and the walkway, while paved and stroller-friendly, would have been a hard slog heading back. A courtesy golf-buggy shuttle would be much appreciated then!

About 1.5 hours further down the road I reached Jervis Bay. My caravan park (White Sands) could not have been more perfect. I have a front row seat to the beach, the surf tinkling as I type. It feels like coming home and I didn’t realise how much I had missed proximity to the ocean. Right outside the park is a VERY kid-friendly walk and bike track, away from any danger, and it runs all the way to town. The beach right outside offers rock pools, the type of sea weed we don’t get in Queensland, and views of a white-cliffed island and lighthouse. Now that’s what a call a great place for a holiday!

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Activity and activists

I am sitting in my tent beside Lake Liddell, Musselbrooke after spending the last hour or so sharing conversation and vegetarian dinner with a buoyant group of activists as they prepare for a major action against the proposed construction of a new coal power plant across the water. We are surrounded by coal land: directly across, Liddell Plant puffs white smoke and a coal mine scars the land to the left. The proposed plant behind them will, apparently, take seven years to build and increase NSW emissions by 13%.

Tomorrow, these courageous folk will travel by bus to the plant and carry out a peaceful demonstration. I am amazed how well organised they are. They have thought of every contingency and have two lawyers on hand in case some are arrested. They have been here since Tuesday conducting and listening to workshops and reports on alternative options and they are all on the same page. Many of them are willing to spend the night in jail and submit to bail agreements in order to put forward alterative plans... and the evidence is strong. Apparently, renewable energy options would increase jobs in the area by eight times...

The manager of the campsite, and his chief helper both work in the plant... yet they see both sides of the issue. John took the Climate Camp program to work to show his collegues and show them the importance of the discussion. It is men like these who act as a go-between and increase the chance of society paying attention.

This has been a long day and this ending is one of two highlights. The other came early when I unhooked the trailer and drove 40km to Wollomombi Falls at about 6am. I was in awe of this amazing national park waterfall which was far more impressive than anything I saw in the Blue Mountains. NSW’s highest waterfall, it was shrouded in mist and the lookout was only 750m from the beautiful picnic area. I was the only person here and didn’t want to drag myself away. Amber would have LOVED this.

After breaking camp around 10am I headed south to Tamworth and here the day changed. When asked about things to do with kids in this famous town, the volunteer at the info centre said “we have ten pin bowling and a cinema...”. To his credit, he was over 60 and probably a long way from parenthood but his supervisor didn’t instill much more enthusiasm for the area. One thing grabbed my attention: a park where famous country singers had left handprints in the cement... so I rushed over, only to find the park overgrown and mildewed.

In frustration, I continued south and my faith was restored in a beautiful little town called (the name escapes me right now) where a beautiful monument garden to the First Fleet had been created. This unique garden included a weaving path between ‘gravestones’ for each of the ships and lists of every person on board. A final display included quotes from logs of those on board and bought this part of Australian history to life.

So, here I am... the tunes outside my tent were more mellow than those last night, but I am probably just as unlikely to get an early night because the heavens just opened and the lighteningshow is awesome! Like soldiers before a battle,my newfound friends are preparing for their adventures tomorrow, as must I. Tomorrow it’s on to Jervis Bay...


Friday, December 3, 2010

A long drive to Armidale

Yeah! I am on the road again, and it feels great. It was a big day today, starting at 6am for my long drive (8 hours) from the Sunshine Coast to Armidale. It rained on and off all day, but not so hard it hindered the journey and I have discovered a new way to travel: talking books! I got a couple out of the library before I departed and spent the day listening to Anita Shreve’s novel The Last Time They Met. I had used Roald Dahl recordings when Amber was with me, but today took that one step further. What a great way to pass the driving time!


I stopped at Glen Innes information Centre today. It was a nostalgic visit because this time last year I had been helped by a wonderful man Fred Blair. Fred is perhaps the best tourism ambassador to this area and last year he had made me want to stay in the small country town of Glen Innes for days! Low and behold, Fred was there, and just a helpful filling me in on changes. I learnt that Washpool National Park is a great place to spotlight for the spotted Quoll. I learnt of a few new fishing spots and all the best places to fossick for gems.

While in Glen Innes I stopped at the Celtic Standing Stones. This area was settled by tartan-clad immigrants and the town has marked this history with these Stone-Henge-like structures. There are 40 in all and they mark a 24 hour clock as well as indicate the summer and winter solstice. Every year, the Celtic festival is held at the stones and must be quite a site. What a great place for a picnic while travelling the New England Highway too.

About 25 km north of Armidale (and nearly to my destination) I detoured to Thunderbolt’s Cave. A notorious outlaw in these parts, Thunderbolt alluded authorities by hiding in this cave. It’s a strange attraction –not well marked and at the end of a 200m downward slope. Funnily enough, this actually adds to the appeal because it can’t have changed much since Thunderbolt himself hid here. The path is uneven and not very suitable for little legs (and totally unsuitable for strollers).

When I arrived at Pembroke Caravan Park I was just behind a huge old-car club who were already into the beer. I chose a site furthest away from the place they were said to be partying tonight, but the noise has been pretty consistent. Now, at 8pm they are reving their engines and I wonder if I will get any sleep tonight.

I chatted to one of the hot-rod’s wives tonight. About 60 years old, she had spent a lot of time on the Sunshine Coast 30 years ago, and had some wonderful tales to tell... when flying a kite with the kids at Mudjimba one day, the airport personnel asked her to take it in because it was interfering with the airport radar!

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Nearly there again...

The time has arrived and I am packing the trailer (in the rain) and getting ready for my last research trip for Kids Welcome to New South Wales & ACT. There are sooo many things to do in these two states with kids and I really look forward to sharing my findings with you... so, keep checking in to see what Amber and I have been up to!

Happy travels! - Sarah