Labor Day weekend.... Church Family Camp Day 1

Yes it is that time of year again. This time we tried another venue and Nige was the one who organised the camp. A few families with young children were a bit wary of the last place as it was right on the Goulburn River. The first year we went one of our group went canoing and nearly didn't make it back. That is another story but made us all a bit wary for our children.

This time we stayed at a place called Howqua Adventure Camp. http://www.camphowqua.com.au/default.htm

Set in the Howqua Valley and about 20mins from Mansfield.

To get there we had to drive through some fire effected land and bushland from the terrible day "Black Saturday". Amazing to see the effects of that day, the bush of Kinglake used to be so thick and dense and after that day all you see are hills with blackened earth, trees and all is black. Not even a green leaf in some places. Police were at every road to stop people heading down roads that were still blocked to the public.

The burnt bushland


The heat must have been really hot as some road signs were black. We could not even imagine what the road to Marysville ( The Black Spur) would be like. For those who have been on it will know it is a pretty drive with the tall towering trees, now most likely not like that any more.

After Black Saturday

Nige took the Friday off and after taking Oliver (the cat) to the boarding kennels for his weekend away and grabbing some lunch we were finally on our way. A quick toilet stop for Nate (who is doing very well with toilet training) in Yea and then we stopped in Mansfield as we noticed Nate's eyes were a bit gunky. Found out he had conjunctivitis, and were given some drops for his eyes.

What is left of the Glenburn Pub

Tahlia driving the car.

Got to Howqua Adventure camp around 4:30pm and then Nige had the fun job of organising where everyone was to put their tents. We were the first there so once that was done we were able to set our own tent up and then other families slowly started to arrive and set up their camps.

Our little tree monkey

The kids were excited to know their friends had turned up and that they were to have a whole weekend with them.

Nate and his best mate Josh.