The camping cherry has been popped! Our kick arse Black Wolf 12 man tent has been christened!
Most importantly, we survived!
And despite my ramblings last week, we didn’t go completely “wild”
There was running water, electricity, public toilets, showers and BBQ’s. (Cheating!)
But hey, packing nothing more than half a sandwich bag for toiletries deserves virtual high fives all around, yes?
A collective “woohoo” at least?
Finally arriving at the camp ground, of course we got into a heated debate about which way the tent should be pitched.
Despite eventually letting Mr Surfer have his way, I quickly discovered that our respective egos would hinder us getting through a round of “Survivor”.
The twinions were completely wired – jumping on the air mattresses, looking out into the stars – our little fort didn’t turn in until 11pm.
Then somewhere around bright moon rising and possums stirring, Mr Surfer’s air mattress deflated and I wound up with two squiggly bodies on my bed. Arms and limbs everywhere.
The lack of sleep didn’t make a lick of difference to how breathtaking One Mile Beach is.
Back in the day of no children, we spent a romantic long weekend in the same place.
Funny how having children changes the dynamics completely.
The love is still there, though.
One Mile Beach Caravan Park is situated right behind the beach and is an ideal family get away.
With the Tomaree National Park close by, we had a few wildlife visitors drop by, including this massive mofo.
The problem with a weekend that’s close to perfect are the inevitable meltdowns encountered when time to depart.
K-Bear cried incessantly as we drove out of the complex. He left his heart at the pool with the slide.
Of course, there’s camping hangover to contend with – the exhaustion of packing up (that bloody tent!), an aching body crying for a proper bed and a long warm bath.
But being in the outdoors is addictive.
No doubt we’ll be back.
Joining Essentially Jess for #IBOT
Love One Mile Beach, we use to live not too far from here. We just replaced our 12 man tent that was damaged when we moved to Perth over five years ago now. I can’t wait to put it to good use. We went with another 12 man tent but with an added front screen area, to save us having to take a gazebo. When we were in Nsw we use to camp with friends which made things easier. There was no real need to pack up the whole house, although I still had a tendency to over pack.
Raych aka Mystery Case recently posted..Blog Spotlight | Julie in the Making
I am yet to pop my camping cherry Grace so big kudos to you for surviving AND getting home with your family and sanity in tact 😉
rachel_ourtownbrisbane recently posted..This Week in Brisbane: 9 – 15 February
Gorgeous spot, glad you enjoyed it! I’d have slept n the car after seeing your “visitor”!! 😉
Amy recently posted..Ladies: Time to Get Steamy?
I bet the Twins had a ball
I love camping too, It can be hard work but it is so much fun. I’d love you to add this to my #wednesdaywanderlust link party tomorrow. xx
Malinda @mybrownpaperpackages recently posted..Finding Myself
I love camping, Mr Barbie not so much, he loves his creature comforts. After our mammoth RV roadtrip last year though, I am seeing some improvement on the camping fron with him. I think he actually wants to go again soon. You certainly were in a beautiful spot.
Mandy, Barbie bieber and beyond recently posted..We Wear Short Shorts … #WomensLives
I’m so got the camping bug too – never in my wildest dreams would have thought I’d like it. We went to One mile beach last year and I nearly stepped on a deadly snake – eeek!! The coast along there is just so spectacular though!! Oh and I don’t think running water and electricity is cheating at all, lol! xx
Robyn recently posted..Our Camping Adventures at Nambucca Heads (part 2)
I am most impressed with your small ziplock bag of toiletry items. Well done on the culling 🙂
Sally@Toddlers on Tour recently posted..Changi Airport Review: A Family Friendly Airport
You crack me up – glad to see there weren’t any major disasters! I hope the new job is going great guns lovely xx
Emily @ Have A Laugh On Me recently posted..Dear PMS.
I love camping! It’s so much fun to be out ‘in the wild’ even if it’s not actually that wild. 🙂
Next time you will have to go beach camping. That’s my fave. Waking up in the night to hear the waves lapping outside is magical.
EssentiallyJess recently posted..Of Artistry, Definitions and Pregnant Aardvarks #IBOT
Proper bedtime just goes out the window when camping hey? Especially the first night. I would have freaked out when that huge lizard thing turned up. eeew!
Alicia recently posted..Grilled peaches with rosemary
Ahh Grace! You are a braver woman than I. I would have taken one look at one of those MOFOs and hightailed it in the other direction. Either that or get blind drunk before I go to sleep. Your trip sounds very lovely, but I’m just not a camper. My husband keeps threatening to take me. Argh!!!! Somebody hold me 😉
Renee at Mummy, Wife, Me recently posted..It’s time to go … Teddy
Well congratulations n popping your cherry. Nothing wrong with a bit of outdoor fun so long as you surround yourself with the ones who will do all the work while you relax and have a glass of wine.
natalie @ Our Parallel Connection recently posted..Bulimia – dirty little secret
Looks like a gorgeous spot! Glad it was a success! We’re off next week for a glamping adventure. Here’s hoping I have happy stories to share too x
Vicki @ Knocked Up and Abroad recently posted..Sesame Seed Baby
You’re a brave soul, Grace! I bet the boys had the best time x
Lisa@RandomActsOfZen recently posted..A to Z of Zen. A Again.
Even though it’s exhausting your photos still make me want to go.
It would be so different with a toddler. I don’t think I’m ready for that right now but there’s definitely hope for the future.
Your boys won’t forget the fun family trips like this!
Peachy Keen Mumma recently posted..Highchair Uprising
Glad you enjoyed it. And it sounds pretty civilised too.
Kathy recently posted..Crack open your heart chakra
We love One Mile Beach caravan park too – we stayed in a cabin there last year. We are popping our camping cherry next weekend when we set up camp to visit my parents. Looking forward to seeing how Dad is recovering and how my three little bears fare in a tent (not to mention how I fare as well!!!)
Kirsty @ My Home Truths recently posted..Getting serious about blogging
How good is camping?! We haven’t been since we had the girls and I am desperate to change that as I know they would absolutely love it. And really, the only thing holding us back in the tent situation… our tent is a one room job that in no way would accommodate the 4 of us! Must get on to that and get it happening!
Kylie Purtell – A Study in Contradictions recently posted..Seven {52 week project} // Photography