Easter 2021
This was the camping trip that was a definite maybe – because of the snap lockdown in Brisbane in the days immediately before Easter 2021 and the poor weather conditions that were forecast to come through and make their presence felt after earlier unseasonal weather dumping a lot of water around southern Queensland and further afield.
It was an interesting observation of people behaviour on Good Friday when we stopped by the Tamborine Diner on the way through. Fantastic food and worth the wait. Most people were good with the requirements of entering into the establishment, i.e. wear a mask while on your feet then take it off when seated but not this particular chap and his wife, who almost snarled at everyone as they walked past after their interlude with the proprietor. When asked for their mask to be worn, they said they had an exemption, when asked about that, they said they wouldn’t give information as that was a breach of the Privacy Act Commonwealth etc. I lost interest in their position at that point. What a load of hogwash but I guess we are in a free country and entitled to claim such a position. The proprietor was very dignified in her handling. Anyways, the food that came past our table was mouth-watering, as were their shakes – maybe next time. This time was pancakes and French toast – wow!. Their moto is – it’s not fast food, it’s good food – and they were spot on.
On the road, we headed to our camping location via Numinbah Valley highway – how beautiful it is at the moment with all the creeks running and gurgling and such beautiful aqua colour with life. We travelled scenic routes 32 and 34. The creek and the road running side by side as we moseyed along. The cows looked so happy and contented in this bucolic landscape.
What met our senses was the smell of the countryside – the earth, the decaying molecules, the mud, cooking, road surface, cattle poop.
We were camping at a lovely location not far from Murwillumbah through Hip Camp. Beau was our host and he was fabulous – guided us to our site and offered to tow us out with a tractor if need arose. We managed to have trouble getting the car out from under the tree, initially, as the ground was rather slushy from the recent rain. It did make for beautiful greens.
We set up our camp – test run for the adventure we plan to have in a month’s time. Our tent works well – nice to stand up in it – and our air mattress was rather comfy – Euro styling and nice and high. We had libations and snacks and Japanese Curry for dinner when the time came to sort out the sustenance for the evening. We also had a campfire – the only night when it was able to burn without being repeatedly teased by the rain.
The night calls of the plovers were something else. Crazy birds those. Anyways, it is lovey to hear the kookaburras and warbling of Magpies, the insects and the other creatures as they move about settling in for the night – except the plovers…..In the morning, I could hear grass being crunched off nearby. I decided it was time to see who out visitor was – beautiful cow and calf along with some others from the herd. They wouldn’t come in for carrots so I stood and watched them. Madam Cow was between the firepit and the tent when I said good morning to her – so lovely.
It’s quite amazing how you can hear aircraft so high above you in the middle of the silence. The contrast of engine types was obvious too.
Day 2 of this adventure was more miserable after lunch time, even though some dear friends came to join us. The rain and mist held off through the morning so we could wander down to the creek and have a small scout around. After lunch, the showers started, in they came then they went. In the early evening, the game was to keep the fire going – it got going, a shower came through, it was recovered, a shower came through. The boys played tag for about 5 rounds before deciding enough was enough and the weather elements could have their fun – we were going to bed. It was a concern, overnight, as to the amount of rain. The concern was that we would not get off the site, as we squelched every time we stepped, lovely squishy mud. Sunday morning, we were packed and off site by 7.20 having manoeuvred our front wheel drive motor vehicle through the mud and out – quite a feat. Quite relieved I must admit although sad to leave the property.
Heading out we went through some beautiful tree covered avenues, the burbling creek to our left then our right as we headed to Murwillumbah in search of coffee and breakfast. We stopped at a travel stop – the options were limited being Easter Sunday. Sustenance consumed, having stashed everything in the car wherever and however it would fit, we set off on the road less travelled home, back through (as it turned out) the road we had travelled down. However, first we refuelled. I am yet to fathom why it is necessary to gouge fuel prices. We paid $154.9 for 98 fuel. This was cheaper than 91 in Brisbane.
Anyways, wondering aside, we turned our focus to the beauty of the countryside and my very patient travel companion and capable driver, stopped several times so I could photograph creeks and the mountains. We moseyed along scenic route 34, observing the slippage that had occurred in the hillsides and delighting in the low-level clouds.
Arriving home, after a necessities stop at Carindale, we set about the inelegant task of unpacking and drying our rather wet tent and gazebo. Forget the washing, it’s been too wet for that. Some things are dry as I write on Monday evening, some not yet so much. We were anything but the picture of elegance as we pulled out of the camp site but we had a smile from ear to ear, having had a beautiful couple of nights away in spectacular countryside.
The afternoon saw a travel by wine – within Australia and sparkling – whilst considering some of our next adventure. Easter Monday was more planning and reading and taking a breath ready for the remainder of April as we wait for the third iteration of our holidays from April last year to occur. Stay tuned for that.
For now, whilst disappointed with the weather, the trip was satisfying on a soul level. It also confirmed we will be okay as self-sufficient travellers with our porta potty and shower, although a little more sunshine will be needed to heat the shower water. For now, I sip a lovely glass of Beaujolais as I finish off these words, contemplating adventure by wine, food and road. Here’s cheers and safe travels.
