Monday morning came around so very quickly. A week had passed and we were SHATTERED. Doing so much seeing so many people in such a short time was exhausting. I woke early to see Rhys and Effie off then went back to bed to get a little more sleep. Well we were both so tired that the next thing we know it was nearly 11am we had slept in. It was very overcast outside but not yet raining. We did consider not leaving and just hanging around and having a quiet day but we knew we were not going far so we set off. The closer we got to the trailer the more the rain grew heavier. It seemed each time we went to hook on or do something we would be poured on. Was this is sign to stay?? We persisted and after a few breaks and lunch with Leah we hooked up and hit the road at 1pm. The plan was to head to Kangaroo Valley. As we were heading out I phoned my uncle who lives in Bundanoon. We arranged a visit then reset our plans to stay in the national park in Bundanoon for the night. We enjoyed a visit to Uncle John and Aunty Jane's new house then set off down to camp. We had a really nice spot to camp which would have been even better if the rain had at all stopped. Fortunately there was a big camp kitchen with BBQ's, sinks, lighting and power. We cooked dinner then I enjoyed a hot shower before we climbed into bed to listen to the rain pour down almost all night. I don't think we have ever camped in such continuous heavy rain, we were both very thankful we were high and dry with a solid roof over our head.
Tuesday the rain had stopped as the sun came up but it was still overcast and threatening. We packed up while it was dry and headed for Kangaroo Valley. We were at camp and set up at Bendeela reserve by noon. For the afternoon we went and visited Tallowa Dam and Cambewerra lookout and looked through the township of Kangaroo Valley. The rain continued to be sporadic but we dodged it and enjoyed the area. After dark the wombats came out to play. At one point I could count 9 within 50mtrs of the van. They grunted and grumbled and at one point James and I crapped ourselves when one ran into the step on the van and decided to scratch its back on it. Throughout the night the van would rock then we would hear it grumbling as it scratched its back on sections of the underneath.
Wednesday we had to choose to drive up the narrow but not so steep climb out of the valley or the steep but much wider road. We chose the wider road and to our surprise the car did well climbing out of the valley. Down into Nowra we went and then out to Jervis Bay. We booked in for 2 nights and set up camp. We were again in by 12 noon so we then set off back into Nowra to do some shopping we had not shopped since we left QLD and we were in need of fresh everything. After picking up supplies at Woolies and Bunnings we went back to camp. We walked to the beach and watched the dolphins play in the crystal clear waters. It was nice that the sun had come out and the rain seemed to be gone. We lit a wood fire place to cook dinner and enjoyed keeping warm. Then the rain hit and we ran for cover. After warm showers we were in bed and listening again to rain on the roof. Possums and Kangaroos were everywhere around camp just lazing and watching and not at all worried by humans.
Ilka Beach (one at camp)
Thursday morning as James returned from the bathroom he called out look the bird is following me. A beautiful Green and Orange parrot had "chased" him down the road and when he sat to enjoy his coffee the bird flew onto the chair next to him. When James went inside to get something the bird then flew onto the top step to watch him. James was just a little freaked out by the bird and was thankful when it left him alone. We set off mid morning to explore the park, we went to the historic ruins of the lighthouse, then to Moe's rock, then did the 5km return walk to Steamers Beach. We looked at Jervis Bay Village and Wreck Bay Village which is an aboriginal community so we got to the edge and turned around as the signs ask you to. We went walking and exploring along Hyams beach then Murry's beach. On our way back to camp a Echidna walked across the road in front of us. We again lit a fire and enjoyed the evening with the possums, tonight one was so brazen that while we were eating dinner it climbed on top of the table.
James's buddy
Hyams Beach
Steamers Beach
Beautiful friends
Our Camp
Historic Lighthouse
Friday we packed up and headed for Pebbly beach. We were not sure how busy it would be or get as its the start of the school holidays. We were at camp and found a nice level spot by 12 noon again. For the afternoon it rained on and off a few times and when we thought it was safe we did the walk down to Depot beach and back. We discovered why its called Pebbly Beach (see photos) and then as the sun dropped so did the temperature. We went and lit a fire and invited our neighbours Leah and Jon to join us. We spent a really enjoyable evening talking with them.
Saturday we woke early with excitement as Rhys and Effie were coming to play :) we pottered around camp and to and from the beach. They arrived about noon and settled into camp. We showed off Qu Pea then sat and caught up. We decided to do the walk to Snake bay in the afternoon but after getting half way to Clear View Point we all decided that was enough and we would return to camp to then walk down to Pebbly beach. We then sat around the fire cooked dinner and thoroughly enjoyed our last night camping with them for a while.
Pebbly Beach
My First ever rock tower.
Beach at camp.
Rhys trying to get Crap book to find him
All 4 of us in a selfie @ Clearview Point
My second rock tower
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