Have you noticed the sunshine and abnormally warm May this year?
My Son, Cameron, and I have taken advantage to do some big day walks around Mt Crawford recently. We love the Mt Crawford Forest, a nice mix between native scrub and harvest timber, wide fire roads and narrow scrambling tracks, long climbs to rewarding views. And we’re pretty fond of the vanilla slices at the Mt Pleasant Bakery too.
Cameron has recently joined the scouts, and we’ve been spending a lot of time outdoors together. We walk, often in silence, and then have some chats about life the universe and everything. I used to camp often first with family, then with a youth group and later with friends, but as I moved through stages of life, I just stopped. Cameron’s enthusiasm is contagious. We’ve started gathering our camping gear, preparing for our first adventure later this year and it is bringing back some fond memories from my own childhood. He’s saving for his first pocket knife.
I love the Murray River and I loved camping along it in places like Walker Flat, Bow Hill, Nildotte, and Swan Reach. The river, with its ancient cliffs that glow a vivid orange at sunrise and sunset, is alive with bird life and human activity during the day. But at night, a serene peace descends, and the river itself feels as though it is asleep.
Watching the kites and other aquatic birds follow the river is a sight to behold. I love the freedom of being on the water in a kayak or on a paddleboard, just floating and letting the tranquillity permeate me. There’s a warmth and it stirs in my soul, especially at night when the stars come out.
Being outdoors, away from the hustle and bustle, surrounded by nature is so settling. And I love our new tent; it feels like being in a cocoon. Already I am imagining waking up to the smell of wood smoke and spending a day of slowness, ambling around and where time stands still. I’m looking forward to seeing Cameron also connect with this ancient and beautiful landscape, just as I did.
Recently I bought a new camp mat, this was following an uncomfortable night on my own old equipment. It was one of you who said, “you need a better mat, and it’s going cheaper than the massage and physio you’ll need if you don’t upgrade.” Thank you! You were right!
Do you have a favourite place from your childhood that invokes such strong emotions and a sense of peace? When was the last time you made an effort to visit that place, and when will you return?
I’d love to hear your stories. Whenever you’re ready to unwind and recharge, remember that I’m here to help you. If you need a helping hand to do the things you love to do with the ones you love, give me call.
