Last weekend...

OK, a more normal type of blog today. This one is about last weekend, the much awaited trip to North Straddie, which those of you who've followed this blog for a while will know is a firm favourite with the girls. It was a great relief, after the issues at work this week to pack up that big old car and head for the ferry, which is about half an hour away from our house. We were running a little late but still got there in good time in the end. The weather was looking a bit inclement, but we managed to get all packed without any rain.

We were going this time with Matilda and Phoebe's close mates (Tilda's best mate actually) and their Mum and her partner. They are Aiden, Kyla, Peta and Jess respectively.

Once we were on the ferry, the kids and I went on deck... despite a fairly 'cold' wind. (I use the term in relative terms. By UK norms it was quite pleasant, however I DID wear a padded jacket that Daile had bought me 6 months ago.. for the first time).













This was the camp, which we pitched in an increasingly intense downpour, so we got thoroughly wet. However that was the last of the rain bar a 10 min interlude the following day.... so all was good. The little orange tepee is Phoebe's play tent... bless.



It's about a minute to walk here from the camp... and this is looking back into the woods with your back to the beach...



..the vegetation beneath my feet here is known by the locals as 'the grass' !

The camp fire... from which I spoke to you Mum and Dad and Moll...



....and one of the marshmallows that the kids just HAD to cook before the fire was anywhere near hot enough to avoid the soot effect that this one has.



Daile, as ever, is a heat hog... this was 'backing away from the fire' in Daile speak. On one occasion it appeared that her sandles were actually melting!



At our favourite cafe...







Gannie, this is the knife that Matilda bought with the Easter money you sent. She's chuffed to bits with this. You should know that she's been briefed that if she's seen doing anything silly with it, it's going to be confiscated. Both she and Aiden were very knife oriented during this trip... Aiden sporting a multi-tool that Matilda had bought him with her own money for his birthday a couple of weeks ago. She now owns 5 knives...one of which we actually made ourselves.



This is Kyla and Phoebe on the beach with sparklers...



and a view from our bit of beach to Point Lookout. There were SO many stars! (click the image to enlarge)



The kids like to play on the rack... it's their hang out.





On the trail....out and about...















...and finally on the way home.





Good weekend. Really needed a good break!

:-)