My family of four spent a week camping on the shores of Myall Lake a couple of weeks ago. What a special and ideal place to holiday with young kids! We had a prime camping spot just metres from a little lakeside beach (with white sand!!) and we were welcomed within minutes of arriving by some friendly resident wildlife. It was not surprising that the animals were so keen to make our acquaintance…after we ate our first meal! We quickly became very familiar with several cheeky black ducks, a large nonchalant goanna, some noisy noisy miners and the tamest blue-faced honeyeaters I’ve ever encountered.
The lake was a perfect swimming spot for young kids, being only waist high, very calm and brackish (so not inclined to sting and clear the sinuses like the salt water at the beach, but also not inclined to be smelly and murky, like some freshwater lakes) and no nasties like sharks (apparently…though unless the water is only ankle high and miles upstream from the ocean I always imagine there might be that one adventurous shark waiting to catch me unawares). My four-year-old daughter increased her swimming confidence dramatically over one week because of no fear and basically not getting out of the water much at all. Which worked well with those recent hot days that the whole of Australia experienced.
I always enjoy a good camping trip. It awakens some very fond childhood memories. It reminds me that there are certain things we have or do in life that really aren’t that important…and others that are super important and special (like just hanging out with my family). It helps me connect with nature and the outdoors. And it gives me a chance to slacken off a bit with housework…though I was slightly uncomfortable with my husband’s decision that feet didn’t require de-sanding before entering the annexe, and consequently found myself sweeping it out several times a day.
We will definitely be returning to this camping spot…for more swimming, kayaking, sailing, sandcastle constructing, eating yummy camp food, sitting back watching nature, making new friends, and hopefully reuniting with the friends (animals included) we made this summer.
Do you like to go camping? Or do you loathe it?! Where is your fave camping spot? Maybe you haven’t been since you were a kid. I’d love to hear your camping stories.
Two Striped Cats 