Learning to be at ease with nature, ourselves and each other.

Bliss in the bushland

Months in the planning, we finally made it to Wingan Inlet. A last minute reprieve found us some suitable farm-sitters, and we were both relieved to be packing our bags, heading for the hills. Joined by a small group of friends and relatives there ended up being eleven of us across five campsites. We were, without any doubt, the loudest group. Set in beautiful surrounds we were protected by green shrubbery and majestically tall, native trees. The wind swirled fiercely around us and the tree tops bowed in submission, however we were saved from the brunt of it. Gathering around a traditional camp fire, we kept it burning hard, especially once the lads returned with copious amounts of firewood.Anyone

Learning to relax

Perfect paddle

who knows anything about dry timber would have had wood envy. Providing warmth and cooking facilities, the billy boiled most of the day and into the night. The camp chef's were in their element and the aroma of fried bacon and lamb roast, amongst the many menu items, permeated the air. We did not go hungry, sugar highs were aplenty and the treats flowed fast. Sometime each afternoon the adults moved onto relaxation methods and the cracking of cans could be heard in unison. Red wine and 70 proof Kahlua where my choice of poison and I was pleased not to suffer the consequences of indulgence the next day. We were joined by the local wildlife during the day and night, kookaburras pinched bacon, goannas roamed for opportunity, possums raided our stores when they thought the coast was clear and birds foraged. A baby brown snake coiled in the sun and we were relieved to not find its mother.

Goanna on the hunt

As large groups tend to do, we created a celebratory atmosphere which is magnetic to others. We made new friends, from far and wide and we shared our fire and stories together. The circle of friendship formed by an array of camping chairs, expanded as required, to ensure everyone was included. At times, if an outsider looked on, they would never know some of us were strangers.
While the adults waffled, prattled, poked fires, crocheted, created stories, sketched pictures or read about far off fantasies, the kids rode bikes and explored. As the weather cleared we trekked the tracks to the beach and gave our shoulders a work out with the kayaks in the sea breeze.The kids joined in with us, they played, listened and watched what the grown ups were doing. We hope they will learn the art of relaxing in the wilderness. They are learning to be free, without time constraints. They too are learning a new way of being. We had no technology, no white backlit screens. It was blissful.

Shared experiences

We are a group that is well known to each other, familiarity that develops over years of experiences. We morph and evolve as time goes on and our lives intertwine like jasmine on the vine. Despite our unspoken rules we push each other, cajole, joke, taunt and tease - political correctness has no place amongst us. We are not afraid to delve into taboo topics - politics, religion, sex, nothing is off limits. We respect our differences, acknowledge our boundaries and give space when needed; encouragement and acknowledgement of jobs well done flow freely. But beware, because if you screw up,

Cheers

the cheer squad will roar. We know, even subconsciously, that the small people are watching, listening to our every word - language is censored, at least most of the time, and crudity when it arises, is saved for darkness when the young minds are tucked up in bed, worn out after their day's adventuring.  We too enjoy the deep sleep of the exhausted and relaxed. Minutes and hours pass mesmerised by the dancing flames. We are learning to be at ease with nature, ourselves and each other.

Father and son

We look forward to returning again, next time let's hope our tranquility is not broken by the strands of the Tiger's Football Club theme song - we're from Tigerland, the fighting fury, were from Tigerland ...over and over again.

Til next time,
N