Birthday weekend

The hammock was a very much appreciated birthday present.

The cake melted in the heat - Emma had to apply more icing.

We had 14 kids and about 8 adults floating 2km's down the river on airbeds. A great way to travel.

This visitor was a bit of a pain. He kept coming back - they also have a nasty bite so we stayed well clear.
Everyone floating down the river - being towed by Ben.

As everyone floated down the river - this is what they saw!

The kids preparing for the river trip.

Emma decided her airbed was rubbish so teamed up with James.
The kids would live on marshmallows if we let them.

I made damper bread one morning (in the campfire). It was surprisingly good!

We did a 8km hike along a dry river bed. Every one of the kids made it without too many tears.

Emma insisted we all played rounders. James was happy until he was caught.
Lots of photos - reflecting a great and long weekend.

Every year for my Birthday, Australia has a public holiday. They call it Australia Day but I know it's really just for me.

For the 3rd year in a row we spent the weekend at our favourite campground - Coolendell. We were there from Friday to Tuesday - a very long, long weekend.

Life at Coolendell is easy. We get up early (once the sun hits the tent, it's time to get up). We eat a huge breakfast what must include bacon & eggs (our friends have chickens and we were gutted that the eggs from their chicks got broken in transit). After breakfast we consider having the first beer of the day, but usually decide to go for a long walk. This is followed by a swim in the river (after all it's usually about 40 degrees). Lunch time is definitely first beer time. The afternoon involves more swimming in the river, some sports activities or lazing in the hammock, reading a good book.

By 6:00pm dinner is in full swing. Now you may think camping involves half-cooked sausages and burnt baked potatoes - well not ours. We had the best filet steak with salad one night, lamb kofti kebabs with tomato/pepper/chilli salsa, excellent pasta and more - all washed down with the best wines, whisky and Port.

After a few hours by the campfire we are all usually in bed by around 9:30.

We had 6 families with us this weekend - which meant 14 kids!!! They all survived and had a great time.