Camping in Noosa

Once again we returned from our camping trip (really dirty) having had a great time! We spent three nights in Noosa. We arrived on Wednesday and pretty much had only a few campers around but by Thursday night (Friday was a national holiday) there were tents everywhere - the place was full. On Thursday we spent all day exploring Australia Zoo (Steve Irwin's place). The kids loved that they got to touch several animals: kangaroos, koala bears, wombats, camels, baby cows, goats, piglets and a sheep. The Crocodile Show was quite exciting and more than just a little entertaining. The parrots were being a bit naughty and not all of them were up for returning to their handlers. They didn't go far, they would just fly off then come back and land out of reach. Eventually they all gave in. It was a blast to watch - I had my eyes up in the rafters more than down on the crocs. On Friday we spent the day at Noosa Heads. We walked some of the coast and took a couple hours to play on the beach. Our evenings were spent at the campgrounds, in the camp kitchen using our Coleman stove to heat soup and visit with other campers. We were fortunate enough to meet some really nice and interesting (not in the bad way) people. Our mornings were spent in the same kitchen with the same stove enjoying Grants endless pancakes - everyone eats until they are full. The camp offered movies every night for the kids - we let the boys join the bunch to enjoy a couple hours of parental freedom. After the movies we would all get into our sleeping bags and read stories to each other by the light of our lanterns - it was really a great family trip (no electronic games or computers allowed in the tent!). All three kids enjoyed the playground, the bounce (a large air filled pillow) and the water slide (though Elyssa only did it once and from then on would say "I already did that" - I think she was a little scared). On our second night of camping Elyssa picked up her chair and headed over to our neighbors camp. They were a real nice family of four (two boys 9 and 6). Now that we see so much family here in Australia she just thinks everyone is family. It was quite cute she placed her chair with theirs and sat down with them for several minutes - I think their boys were a little scared that they might actually have a new little sister. After a bit she decided to return to our camp. She is quite the social butterfly! Don't forget to visit the picasa page to see the latest photos. There is a link at the top of the page on the right or use the one below:

http://picasaweb.google.com.au/bigfluffyhead

The boys are back in school for the next nine weeks then they will be off again for three weeks. We are already planning our next trip for early July. It looks like we will head up to Hervey Bay (with a day trip to Fraser Island) for about a week.