Queenslander

Well you know when you are camping out bush when you are greeted by a Kangaroo on the way to the toilet in the morning.  Jason swears it was so big, but well I do find it hard to believe it was above his head (ha ha).  We decided to head into Cobram to check out the town and see what there is around the area.  As we were heading in we saw two big caravans looking a bit lost.  Now as our experience yesterday was still fresh in our mind we thought they are probably looking for the same camp spot as where we were set up.  So as we got closer we wound down the window to give directions and were met by the ever so common greeting amongst like-minded people “Queenslander”.  Obviously the first thing they saw was our licence plate!  So we pointed them in the right direction and headed off with our fingers crossed that they decide to stay the night.

The sand castle Hamish and I made.

 

Then someone decided to demolish it.

 

Yep all that hard work gone.

 

Cheeky little man.

It was a chilly morning so the hot coffee and raison toast at the local café went down a treat before we went and bought a few more winter clothes.  We didn’t need too much but Kayla seemed to be low and Hamish didn’t have any winter pjs and had suddenly decided he didn’t want to wear the all in one suit we had packed for him.  Of course there was also a little boutique shop and I couldn’t help but by this hair clip for Kayla because one day, just one day she might have hair to put it in!

We returned to the van for lunch and found out our Queensland friends had set up camp right beside us.  I thought they hadn’t obviously seen the two kids in the back seat, but they apologised for parking close but it was the only flat spot they could both fit.  So then I felt sorry for them as they didn’t know what they had gotten themselves into.  Our other fellow campers who had pointed out the Koala were in the process of packing up so they kindly bought us down all the wood they had collected and cut up.  So Jason went off fishing again whilst Hamish and I set about lighting the fire and making lunch.  Personally I am starting to wonder if Jason is actually going fishing or just going further up the river (as it is meant to be better fishing) for some peace and quiet.  Hamish had heaps of fun wrapping up the spuds and cooking them on the fire with me.  He wanted to do more marshmallows but unfortunately we were out due to some little person finding them on the table and eating them all that morning (it was Hamish not Kayla).

Kayak tour going past.

Since we were going to Lexie and Jake’s place for dinner we thought we would go and check out Shepparton that afternoon and then go straight to their place.  Hamish easily fell asleep for the drive but it took a bit more convincing Kayla to have a nap as she was at the over tired stage.  So by the time we got to Shepparton they were both still asleep so we decided to enjoy the peace and quiet and just have a drive around town.  It is quite beautiful and has a lovely big lake area and quite a lot to do.  I just loved the cow moving art and the fact they seemed to be everywhere and all so different.  We then went out to this SPC sponsored playground that Lexie had told us about.

The boys having a dig.

 

Come on Mum, I want a go too.

We had to wake Hamish up when we got there, but if we hadn’t he would be up all night.  Mind you it is easy to wake up a child when you tell them you are at a playground.  It was a gold coin donation entry so I handed Hamish $3 in coins and he was happy to drop in the $2 coin but quickly pocketed the $1 coin for his piggy bank or more likely in case there was a ride that required money.  It was a fantastic park and we all had so much fun.  I loved the big slides (yes I went on them too) and the cow maze.  I thought it was a great idea of the community and something all towns should do.  A lot of businesses had sponsored the rides/slides and they were built as part of the work for the dole program.

Jason and Hamish going for an explore.

 

Jason had to have a go too.

We are up here.

 

Kayla can't miss out.

 

We quickly called into the shops for a quick bit and to grab some drinks for the night and a thank you gift for Lexie and Jake.  We hope that your lotto ticket is a lucky one guys, and that you have the same numbers as the one we will buy so that we can both spilt the $50 million Thursday night.  The drive to their place was so beautiful and as the sun was setting it just looks so peaceful and relaxing. I think this is one of the places we could see ourselves living.  Melbourne is only just over two hours away, the Mt Buller ski field is no more than two hours away and the Murray River is at your backdoor.

Thank you so much for the fantastic dinner and allowing us to use your shower.  It was so nice to feel human again and have a great home cooked meal.  Also thank you for putting up with Hamish’s antics and let’s just say never ending chatter.  We then had to sadly say our goodbyes and drive the half hour back to our camp.  Hamish really did not want to leave and wanted to actually stay with Lexie.  He had really loved playing with you guys and couldn’t stop talking about you and was still awake when we got back to the van.

My turn.

 

He loved just rolling around and around.

 

Races down the slides.