Camping goals

Ok so there are stretch goals and then there are "Streeeeeetch goals". I figured the main reason for getting behind the wheel again, is to get out of Sydney and take off for the odd weekend away, call it a return to normality. The stroke caused the camper to sit for almost 7 years without being used, slowly deteriorating, so a camping trip is in order.

La Nina has her own ideas, so do I. Destination set, Newnes, just near Lithgow.

Packing list complete and executed.

6 kidadults, I call them this because, 1. They are still kids in my eye's, and 2. they're of drinking age. And then there's us, the 4 wise adults.

Friday morning, bright and early..... 10:30.... we set off. I literally only just got my licence back and regained some of my confidence in driving and here am I, towing a 1.2 tonne camper out of Sydney. High 5......or am I being irresponsible....the jury is out.

First stop Richmond Macca's. Not so much for the bacon and egg McMuffin, more for the loo. Then over the tops via Bells Line of Road to Lithgow. The trip took longer than planned, with a few trailer checks, the odd accident (not mine), lots of tears from La Nina and firewood collection.

We made it to the campsite and set up before 4:30pm. Sis and Bro in law arrived shortly after, set up their little camp next to us and we all cooked up a feed over a nice warm campfire. The boys arrived just after 8 and scoffed down what was left of dinner.

We practically had the place to ourselves, perfect and because we were over the range there was very little rain. Don't get me wrong it was far from dry.

10 of us sitting around a nice open fire, reminiscing and somewhat lubricating our necks (I believe they are missing a whole section in the falls prevention booklet).

Next morning saw a massive breakfast cook up in preparation for a day of wheeling 4x4's. Destination Newnes Plateau and the Lost City.

I was a passenger on this one and I am telling you it is amazing the amount of muscle loss I have had to contend with. Every stabilising muscle came into effect protecting the body from the lurching and punishing treatment given by an old 90's 4WD and weather ravaged tracks. 5 hours later with a body resembling that of jello, we made it back to camp. Roast pork, roasted vegetables and all the trimmings. Our never used Dutch oven was finally christened. There was no repeat of the previous night, 1 beer, some things may never be the same and I'm good with that. Early to bed for this little black duck.

Sunday morning, pack up day. After another massive campfire cook up we were all ready to dismantle camp. Surprisingly efficient with everybody pitching in. Done and dusted within the hour. Leaving just after 12, we made our way back to the hustle and bustle of City Life. The return trip was fairly uneventful, just lots of rain, not looking forward to the drying out and washing process.

As time goes by, building strength and confidence, I am finding that if I set my mind to it, things get done. Even though I have my doubts and things seem impossible it's amazing what I can achieve. Don't get me wrong, neuro pain is just that, a pain and there is a lot of blood, sweat and tears, however, the rewards are all the more sweeter. Another goal ticked off, next, return to work and ride a bike......