Fitzgerald National Park

So we pulled into Fitzgerald – set up camp and drove around to admire the views.  Stunning coast line (and well sealed roads - Yah!)  Our camp nestles beside another mountain that calls us...  a great spot for some serious school work, and playing on the beach.

Nat and Duncan and family joined us later on – and we challenged ourselves to another climb up a mountain.  East Barren Mount.  Completely inspired watching little Francesca climb the mountain, and do a large portion of the 4 hour walk.  (and Nat carrying her most the way down).  Once again Sam and Nick spent four hours going up and down the mountain, and then seemed to wonder what all the fuss was about when we collapsed back at camp.  They just jumped on their scooters and ran around for a few more hours.  Nick in particular loves the idea of a hiking challenge up the mountain, so I think we will have a few more to do during the next few months.  At the peak of the mountain, I asked Larina (who would wear nothing less than her ballerina dress all the way) if she liked being at the top?  “Yes Mummy” she replied… I pushed further and asked her if she had changed her mind, and perhaps thought walking up mountains was now a good idea?  “No ,mummy, I don’t like walking”.  I guess Ben has a few more shoulder rides yet to endure. 

I have to also mention the story that was created by the children along the way.  Monique somehow turned into a “queen” and had her royal servants and knights – Michaela, Sam and Nick, who were constantly stepping aside for her, and bending all the prickly plants out of her way.  (mind you, she would have ordered “off with your head” had they not!)  Larina and Francesca became princesses and fairies in the story – much to their delight.  I don’t think any of the children really noticed the assent up the mountain at all -they were all so engrossed in their fairy tale.

Yes it's official that Larina has a new best friend – a three year old girl! Sweet Francesca – the ice has been broken.  Now we have fairy dress up’s, dancing and cuddles galore.   Larina reminds me at every opportunity of how much she loves her.

Oh - Our camper took another hit today, with the wind howling around midday .(while we were blissfully unaware up the mountain)  Our awning broke, but thankfully was quickly repaired.  Thanks Duncan for your help and for carrying a rivet gun!  Ben is convinced that it is stronger now than it's ever been.

And lastly our lesson for the day...

As Sam was putting on his shoes, Ben casually reminded him to check before he put his foot in.  Sam took a quick look and threw the shoe to the floor, screaming out as he took a few steps back - "there's a spider in there - a real one!"  We all gathered around to witness.  Yep, it was a beauty.  Lesson learnt - now Sam makes Dad check his shoes every time he puts them on.