High Five: All Aussie Adventures.

We were either adventurous or mad. Or both.  I think we had intentionally ignored both concepts as we shoved sleeping bags, a tent, esky.. books..fishing rods.. chairs.. and a billion other necessities into every inch of the trusty Jeep.  My cardigans also came along for the road trip, it would be wrong if they hadn't.

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Friday.  I sit here.  The novelty of boiling a kettle is not lost on me.  Neither is flushing a toilet.  Friday, let me high five you.  Pull up a camp chair, grab a marshmallow and let me fill you in.  


One:


When setting off on a camping trip, take someone who knows what the hell they are doing.  Maybe don't keep calling them {Russell Coight} makes them a bit grumpy.  Appoint yourself Chief Ice cream purchaser while they do all that tyre-pressure lark.

The music will start playing in your head while they explain all about the goings-on in a 4WD gear box.  Or something. Start singing.. I've been everywhere man..

Take someone who understand the concept of tents.  Helpful when you, personally struggle with not stabbing yourself in the eye when applying mascara.

Don't laugh and mock the country wave.  Said person will be putting up the tent very soon.

Two:
It will be a billion degrees.  One Billion.  Your winter clothes in your suitcase will openly mock you.  A familiar theme. Take a proper esky.  With ice and the like. Drink water.  Moderation is the key.  One glass of wine went down like a lead balloon.  Beer is better. Be in driving distance of pub, that has ice.. more beer and a sneaky lemonades for Toddler. And a general store for buying more 2 minute noodles.

Drink sensibly.  No one wants heat stroke and a hangover.

Maybe, pack sensible shoes.

Three.
Camping is not and never will be the same.  No more lazing under the tree with a book.  You are on Toddler time. No drinking port til the wee hours.  No more sleeping til midday.  But don't get all  Mummy Martyr on me.  You are still alive after all.  It will be hard work.  Tantrums don't stop because you are camping.  Ask for help.  Take turns.  Take a breather. Be Realistic. When it's a billion degrees and you've had enough and are one second away from pulling down the tent and go home.. let your sister take the reigns.  Float down the river with your husband.  Get back on the same page.  It's called camping with a two year old.  Not a death sentence.

You will get time.  You will read a few pages of a book.  You will have a sleep in.  You will eat, drink and be merry.

The view, ain't that bad either.

four.

The memories you are creating, are priceless.  Priceless.  Playing with a torch before bed.  Going for an explore with dadda.  Waking up to the noise of Kookaburra's.  "Not a monkey, it's a Kookaburra"  Eating sausages in bread on top of an esky.  The pure joy brought on by having her own bed and sleeping bag.  The confidence.  Refusing to wear shoes.  Dancing to the radio.  Watching her fall asleep.  Watch her before she wakes.  Teaching her that the river, is awesome.  Seeing the strong bond she has with her Aunty. Her determination.  The forever changing mind.  Camping, is in her genes.

five.
Bringing in the New Year, is ten times more relaxing when the only night life you have to worry about.. is the neighbouring Possum.  It gives your mind a chance to reflect.  Think about the new chapter that awaits.  How far you have come.  Set goals.  Be realistic.  Admit your downfalls and grasp the optimism that is flickering inside.

Empty your mind and learn.. that it's all about the now.

You can do it.  Because you already are.