Unable to take time off work, we decided to try our luck with a short & sweet weekend away to get our camping fix (it had been too long!) We found great camp sites in Dwellingup and the Avon Valley.
So basically.. I love camping. I get so so much joy in my heart when my partner Louis and I get out of town and get to sleep in the back of his wagon. Yes it's true, we struggle to settle down and stay in one camp for longer than a night, because there is just so much out there to explore!
Usually once we enjoy our morning ritual of rising with the sun, boiling the kettle, cooking breakfast (Which is always a little bit of a struggle with the make shift set up), we explore the surrounding area, have a look-see, then we are up and on the road again. Nothing beats these mornings out in the bush or forest, exept being there with the one you love. For me, that's what life is all about.
Our first camp, Charlie's Flat (River Rd, Nanga Brook WA 6215 ), wasn't too bad. We left home quite late in the evening and arrived in the dark, which is never ideal. But we pre-booked the spot before hand which was compulsory and it was pretty cheap. It was a busy spot. Lots of other big groups and families, which is a minus as there isn't quite as much privacy, lots of disruptive noise and things like that. But we still enjoyed our night.
In the morning after breakfast, we took a little wonder through our surroundings. The weather was a little chilly and quite overcast which set a lovely tone across the bush and I think adds to the tone & mood of photos.
On our way out for the wander, a family of four were hiking (huge backpacks and all) and seemed to be searching for a free camp spot. They asked if we had paid for ours, to which we replies yes. But when we came back from our walk they had set up at our bench and were starting to light their own fire in the pit. Apparently their daughter was unwell and they were waiting for their lift to arrive. We weren't too far off leaving, and of course we had to oblige, I mean, she was sick.. But it was just pretty random.
From there we took a drive around, just having a look to see what we could find. It was drizzling rain. I spotted some amazing fire wood, huge logs deliberately cut but for some reason abandoned in the bush.
We got back on the main road and headed to the Op Shop, because in our haste to get out the door the previous evening, Louis forgot to bring a jumper and I forgot to bring pants (apart from pj's). Louis actually scored some awesome shoes as you can see in a few of the photos.
Next stop, Avon Valley National park. We decided to stay at the site called Bald hill, there was not a single other person there!
The fire that lit itself.
We put abit of kindling into the fire pit and walked off to find more sticks, and when we got back it had lit itself. It must have been a little warm from the people before. From that moment we were convinced there were some friendly bush spirits around. Camp fires are my FAVOURITE THING IN THE WHOLE WORLD.
When we were trying to sleep, we were talking about the presence we could feel at this place, like a friendly spirit of the land. Then Louis kept saying he could see a light flashing in the distance, and that was enough to scare the crap out of me! I started thinking someone was around with a torch, creepin'. Finally I saw it too, which made me freak out even more. Eventually we realised it was lightning behind the clouds. Phew.
The following day we walked just a few metres away and had the most spectacular views.
We didn't want to leave, but it was time to head home. On the way back we stopped off at a cute little park, then got a drink at the pub across the road. It's nice knowing you can see so many things and get a camping fix without needing days and days, or needing to go super far. I am definitely in need of this again, soon.
All photos taken on my Olympus OM 101
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