Happy New Year

Ok, ok, ok… I know I should have posted this about a week ago, but I’m on holidays and I’ve been really really busy (out-right lie) and just haven’t possibly had the time to post up here (another out-right lie…I’ve been lazy!!)

Anyway, Happy New Year everyone, let’s see what exciting adventures 2015 will bring.

So, last blog post I left you just before breakfast last Sunday. As promised, Fi cooked up a storm on the BBQ, although we once again had to pull out the annex on the side of the car to give us some cover. Was going to be 32 degrees that day, and it was already hot, especially when in the sun. We also used the car to act as a wind break given the gentle breeze blowing in was taking all the heat from the BBQ plate and driving Fi nuts!

Was just after breakfast as Fi, Zac and I were sitting there that I suddenly heard the wind starting to pick up. It was getting louder and louder and louder… I leapt out of my chair yelling to Zac “Grab the annex…” who in true teenager style answered “Huh?”

Didn’t take him long though as a massive gust of wind raced through the campsite. We managed to keep the annex on the car held down, although I had to leave Zac and Fi holding the poles and race over to grab the annex on the caravan which took off like a sail in the breeze.

The wind was incredible, and very strong, however it only lasted about 20-30 seconds then died away to nothing. Luckily there was no damage and a few minutes later everything was back to normal and like nothing had ever happened. Must have spooked Zac though as he kept talking about it for hours!

The rest of Sunday was spent trying to escape the dry heat of the day. Ruby and I made many trips to the dam so she could swim and cool off while Kushi tried to escape the heat by hiding under the caravan. Poor Ruby cut one of the pads on her paw, which slowed her down a little, although every time I jumped on the quad bike she just had to follow.

By the afternoon, everyone was on edge, so we packed the kids into the car and headed for the public swimming pool in Violet Town. The pool was great and a huge relief to get into the water to cool off. The kids had a ball playing on the tire tubes they had floating around the pool. Also, it wasn’t too packed, so we were able to enjoy the water without a thousand other people!

After a swim, we headed into town for a late lunch at the cafe. Chips with chicken salt and Zac and I just couldn’t resist the fried chicken wings again. They really are good 🙂

While it was a hot day in Violet Town, the night still cooled off and believe it or not we actually need a fire to keep warm!

Of course no fire would be complete without roasting marshmallows and we had found the giant ones at Costco. I should have gotten a photo of them, but lets just say you only need to roast one!!

Before retiring for the night, we covered the fire with dirt and poured 10 litres of water over the top to make sure it was well and truly out. Good thing too as Monday was even hotter than Sunday, 36 degrees and very windy. Perfect fire conditions with everything being so tinder dry!

Not wanting to spend another day in the heat and risk any bushfires, we packed up and headed home. The wind was really gusty and was picking up the dust in some amazing clouds. We took a lot of photos on Fi’s new camera, but I don’t have them here at the moment so I can’t upload them. Will try to remember to look for them later.

Anyway, while not at the block, on Tuesday we took the kids into South Warf to experience the Melbourne Star. While it was expensive at $97 for the family, it was an experience worth doing, although I think if you are considering trying it, go at night as I think the lights would make the experience so much better.

The ride itself took about 30 minutes to go around, and you are in the comfort of an air-conditioned capsule. While you reach a height of about 100m, the ride is going so slow at 1km per hour that it doesn’t even stop. You just step on and off as it was going around.

Was a great day out, and afterwards we drove home along the beach road, stopping to check out a few of the beaches where I used to dive. Unfortunately it was blowing a gale and the water was too rough to even put our toes in.

Wednesday was New Years Eve and we were joined by Bridget and Stu, Kate and Paul (Kate’s new man) and all the kids for a BBQ at our house. Was a great night and we ended up sitting out around the fire. Unfortunately, Bridget and Stu with such young kids had to retire about 11pm, but the rest of us didn’t crash until 3am! Was such a great night and so warm sitting around the fire. A great way to end 2014 and welcome in 2015 🙂

Now we were planning to return to Little Duna on New Years Day, but lets just say we were all a little slow after the night before… not much really happened that day!! Also, Friday and Saturday were stinking hot and would have been well over 40 degrees in Violet Town, with total fire bans and extreme fire danger forecast we decided to not risk it and stayed in Melbourne.

Instead, we spent some time swimming in David’s pool (the Neighbour) who was at Phillip Island for New Years and begged us to not leave the pool just sitting there unused on such a hot day!! Brian and Roxy (other neighbours) and their kids also joined us, and we ended up staying there until almost dark on Friday night having a swim, drink and a chat. The kids all had a ball.

We will need to head up to the block sometime this week, as I would like to bring the van home for a clean up and restock. Problem is it is hard to find a spare few days with so many parties and other engagements to attend to.

Oh well see how we go.

Cheers ’til next time.