Christmas 2006 - in the bush (well nearly)
We had Christmas all planned out. We (Robert, Amy and myself) would go cycle camping in the Blue Mountains, a hilly range about 2 hours west of Sydney.
The only problem was that we hadn't planned. Nothing, not one finger was lifted by Nurton. So with 3 days to go, Amy took a look at a MAP! Well to our surprise we found that there was only ONE paved road in the mountains and that was the main trunk road, not exactly the kind of place you want to be taking a nice relaxing Christmas day ride. Also all the nice campsites were only accessible by 4X4 and we had road bikes.
So Christmas was cancelled. Cue Jo, my wonderful flatmate who phoned her parents and told them to cook for at least two extra people (i.e. me!).
Her parents live about one hour drive north of Sydney on the coast, on the bit of land opposite Palm Beach (think Home and Away). Their lovely house was set back slightly into the bush but as it was on a hill still had fab views of a harbour. Due to too many Grandchildren (not Jo's!), I was assigned to sleeping in the VW combi (read 'camper') van outside. This is freighting for two reasons: Obviously there are the snakes and spiders etc that you would expect, but there is also the other more unexpected fear of bush turkey attach. Yes.... much to my surprise, the Australian outback is inhabited by wild turkeys! Crazy but strangely apt at Christmas time.
We did two very Australian things: We cooked an entire Turkey (not wild) on a BBQ. While it was cooking and I was thinking about its inevitable raw innards I couldn't help but ask my lovely hosts where the nearest hospital was. How rude of me, especially as it turned out to be one of the tastiest turkeys I ever had! We then had carols by glow stick. They used to have carols by candle light until a few years ago when a small child dropped their candle outside the church and caused a small bush fire.
We went for a walk along the coast on Christmas day, again very Aussie. Here are some pictures.
Some very cool rock formations. Well, I think they are cool.
One Nurton complete with sun protection hat. A must for all Poms.
In the evening we went to Jo's parent’s favourite rock. (It's OK, they know they are mad for having a favourite rock.) We enjoyed beers and nuts and watched the sunset. Here are some more pictures....
From left to right - Mr Jo, Mrs Jo and Jo.
Those with a keen eye will spot the small Jurassic beast that was resting on the rock below ours.
The view South towards Palm Beach and ultimately Sydney.
Needless to say, I invited myself back for next Christmas. It was super!
The only problem was that we hadn't planned. Nothing, not one finger was lifted by Nurton. So with 3 days to go, Amy took a look at a MAP! Well to our surprise we found that there was only ONE paved road in the mountains and that was the main trunk road, not exactly the kind of place you want to be taking a nice relaxing Christmas day ride. Also all the nice campsites were only accessible by 4X4 and we had road bikes.
So Christmas was cancelled. Cue Jo, my wonderful flatmate who phoned her parents and told them to cook for at least two extra people (i.e. me!).
Her parents live about one hour drive north of Sydney on the coast, on the bit of land opposite Palm Beach (think Home and Away). Their lovely house was set back slightly into the bush but as it was on a hill still had fab views of a harbour. Due to too many Grandchildren (not Jo's!), I was assigned to sleeping in the VW combi (read 'camper') van outside. This is freighting for two reasons: Obviously there are the snakes and spiders etc that you would expect, but there is also the other more unexpected fear of bush turkey attach. Yes.... much to my surprise, the Australian outback is inhabited by wild turkeys! Crazy but strangely apt at Christmas time.
We did two very Australian things: We cooked an entire Turkey (not wild) on a BBQ. While it was cooking and I was thinking about its inevitable raw innards I couldn't help but ask my lovely hosts where the nearest hospital was. How rude of me, especially as it turned out to be one of the tastiest turkeys I ever had! We then had carols by glow stick. They used to have carols by candle light until a few years ago when a small child dropped their candle outside the church and caused a small bush fire.
We went for a walk along the coast on Christmas day, again very Aussie. Here are some pictures.
Some very cool rock formations. Well, I think they are cool.
One Nurton complete with sun protection hat. A must for all Poms.
In the evening we went to Jo's parent’s favourite rock. (It's OK, they know they are mad for having a favourite rock.) We enjoyed beers and nuts and watched the sunset. Here are some more pictures....
From left to right - Mr Jo, Mrs Jo and Jo.
Those with a keen eye will spot the small Jurassic beast that was resting on the rock below ours.
The view South towards Palm Beach and ultimately Sydney.
Needless to say, I invited myself back for next Christmas. It was super!
posted by Nurton at 11:30 am
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home