Australia Day means something different to everyone across Australia, no hard and fast rule. In years gone by, there would have been alcohol and sausages for me. However, this year it was a little different. A vegan, alcohol free Australia Day - How un-Australian. The weirdest thing is that, out of all the Australia Days that I have had, this year has been the most content.
It started with checking out the markets, and as the kids weren't feeling the activities aspect at 9 in the morning, it was hot donuts and off for a drive out to Twilight. Instead of going beach side, this time we chose the walk trail that goes over to Pink Lake Road. Much to Mr. 10's disgust. Mr. 13 was all on board.
We made sure that we had out water, out sunscreen, hats and closed in shoes (you just never know what wriggly's there will be about), not to forget the camera. Off we set, no sooner had we started than the whining began. For an over-screened and underworked tweenager, physical activity was no where near his radar for school holidays. Well didn't he get a shock to
the system.
After what felt like forever we made it to the blue chair that looks out over Twilight (mind you this is not far from the start). This was after readjusting socks, boots, and letting me know loudly that 'the car's right there was could just turn back'. Nope, sorry kid, you're doing this walk. Hate me all you like.
As we meandered along the fully sealed path way, I was captivated by the lack of other walkers out. We saw one person along the way. It's a good thing we didn't need anything along the way as phone service was sketchy until closer to the Pink Lake side. We stopped a few times for Mr. 10 to sit and drink, but keep in mind, there are actually no chairs anywhere else along the way. So sitting on the pathway in the shade of the tree was what we did.
The other thing I discovered isn't catered for along the way toilets. Not a concept I thought about when setting out. why I ever thought there would be toilets is beyond me. Luckily it was hot enough to get a sweat up, so all the water I drank had no effect on the bladder. What did cop an effect was my ears!! By the time we were a bit over half way, I resorted to messaging the grandies to pick Mr.10 up at the other side, my ears and my sanity just couldn't cope at all. I've worked out that I should definitely have put him in training before expecting him to walk 4.6km one way.
Mr. 13 on the other hand, was offered the same out, a rescue mission alongside his brother. Surprisingly, he chose to complete the return walk beside me. One moment it's whining, the next it's non stop conversation. All 4.6km of it for the return leg. I learnt that his voice box NEVER needs a break and trying to avoid zoning out when getting distracted with the colours of the green trees and the clouds in the sky is tricky. We also realised that for the entire trip, we saw 2 birds, I beetle and the closest we got to a kangaroo is a god awful stench that wafted across the pathway for an uncomfortable amount of time.
As much as I loved spending the time with the kids, unless your kids are well accustomed to lengthy walks (like mine aren't) , I'd strongly suggest leaving them behind.
The highlight was definitely getting to the Pink Lake and having an opportunity to photo graph the magpies in the trees and the lessening on whining in my ear. All in all it took 1.5hrs across and 1 hour back again. Despite the endless talking, there were well and truly aspects that were relevant to the occasion, like the grand statement "mum, there are more hills going this way", Yes soon, absolutely correct. For future reference, it would have been handy to know to begin at the Pink Lake end and return to there. That way the harder work is done when you are fresher and you get to save the downhills for the return trip.
Comments