Now for the real camping!

After 4 nights in a BIG4 camping ground in Melbourne we finally hit the road and camped in National Parks on our way to Adeladie where we are now.  Although the BIG4 had an ensuite next to the tent (very hot showers yeah!), a games room, a movie room etc. the noise of the city was unbearable at night.  It was near an airport and I swear that one night a helicopter hovered directly over our tent for at least 10 minutes.  We managed to catch up with a few friends while there and visit the central city but most of the time was spent getting the gear sorted, although we still keep finding things that we need as we go.

So off we set to Bendigo where there is a National Park north of the town, all I can say is there was grim ‘way finding’ within the park, and it was lucky we came across a dude who knew where the camping area was before it got too dark!.  Anyway life is very different with no on-site facilities except for a long drop.  We have a 12V battery that we can run the fridge off and charge things (e.g. the tablets which the boys consider vital for survival, imagine talking to your parents!) and a solar panel to charge the battery.  There are so many crazy birds here in the bush, the gallahs are rowdy as hell but look great in hot pink feathers.  We saw our first live kangaroos (as opposed to road kill) and they were curious little fellows, not getting too close but happy to hang back and observe the noisy homosapiens. 

The first kangaroo spotted so far!

Two guys camping there were prospectors, looking for gold from the remnants of the old mining days here in the bush, not sure if they actually find anything but they look happy enough!  The camp set up is working well so far, Leon is in the tent above the 4WD, Enzo has a platform in the back of the 4WD and the John and I are on the platform above the trailer.  We cook and hang out in the awning off the main tent and store bikes etc. under the awning off the 4WD.  I enjoy the outside cooking and it's fun thinking up meals with minimal supplies at hand.  Looking forward to heading north so we can do outside showers in the warmth.  

Camp site at Greater Bendigo National Park

We then went to Little Dessert National Park and spent two nights there, amazing spot, flush toilets this time.  I will post another account soon on that one!