Ben and Bonnie Wedding

We were thrilled to get away to Townsville to see Ben and Bonnie get married.  We had a really enjoyable 4 days away with Family and family friends.  Here are some of the beautiful photos of their Special Day

A day in Orange

We are having to make sure we get the km's on the car so today we headed out to Orange to Visit Dazza, Kazza and Noah.

We left at 7am with coffee in hand and a large home made fruit salad. We made one quick stop in Lithgow for a comfort break and then were back on the road. It was almost exactly 3 & a Half hours from our door to theirs so at 10.30am we were welcomed with big hugs and hello's.

After a coffee and stretch we headed out to see the sights and head for lunch. We were given a tour of the area and went up to Mt Canobolas. It was cool and cloudy so we couldn't see the whole view but of what we could it was stunning. Noah was very impressed he got to see his rockets also.

Well this is where the day SLOWS down and we sit and just soak in the atmosphere, smells, sights and ahhhhhhhhhhhh just everything wonderful. We made our lunch reservation at Borrodell on the Mount for 12.30pm and we arrived to find we had one of the best tables and view's they could offer. We shared antipasto plates and sipped champagne and then onto wine with our divine main course and after letting it all absorb us we all polished off a very decadent dessert. We chilled some more then headed back to the car a very casual 3 hours after arriving. Noah was a dream just sitting and playing and also enjoying it all.

If you wanna sneak a peak at where we ate and the menu click on the title of this post, be warned though it may make you want to take a spontaneous trip to Orange to try it for yourself.

We headed back to the Smiths seeing more of Orange on the way. We stayed for a short while longer before hitting the road about 4.45pm. Again it was a easy trip home taking the same amount of time with no traffic to be seen.

Thanks Smiths we cant wait to do it again.
Us2martins doing gourmet lunch in Orange.

HUGE stick insect

While camping at Crowdy Bay National Park we came across a HUGE stick insect we almost could call it a Log insect it was so huge. We had put our things away for the night and were locking up the car when I noticed this bug on the inside of our canopy window. We very gently moved it out and onto the roof. We took some pictures just to show you how big this thing was. We then left it to very slowly move on its way and we never saw it again.

Us2martins and 1 HUGE log insect.

Crowdy Bay National Park

On our trip home from this year from Christmas in QLD we did some exploring. We first stopped at South west rocks and spent the night and then doing the tourist drive we found our way through Diamond Head and into Crowdy Bay National Park. There are 3 nice flat camping areas 2 of which are within 100mtrs of the beach and the other just a short drive or longish walk.

We decided to take a weekend away and book it in as a club trip and head back to this area. It is a comfortable 4 hr trip from Sydney and in a National park so no pets or generators and there is a fee for being in the park and staying the night.
On the 12th and 13th of feb we headed out early to meet up the fellow explorers and campers at Taree at 9.00am. We caught up with David and Liz on the road, Walter and Alicia were first to the meeting point, next in were Rhys and Effie and bringing home the trip report title were Hammo and Di. We all grabbed coffee and some breakfast and pulled out and into line on the highway just before 10am.

In the convoy we had 1 Holden, 1 Mitsubishi, 1 Nissan, 1 Jeep and 1 Suzuki holding up the club name strong. We took a turn off the highway too soon which took us into the park via a different road and past a camping ground we had not seen before. We aired down for comfort and then pushed on into the camping areas. With this park there is a rangers station and you have to pay there first prior to setting up camp. The way we entered the park we saw all the camp sights before getting to the rangers station. We pulled in bought bags of wood and paid our fees for the night. On returning to our vehicles Rhys was found jacking his car up to change his rear flat tyre that had collected a large rock and hence a hole.

Some of the group took a walk to the beach to have a peak and others helped Rhys and if you were David you just tried to look busy so you didn’t have to do either. After it was changed and we were back together we drove out to the Kylies Beach camping area and picked out space. It was fortunate that the Holden, Jeep and Suzuki had all bought along marquees for shade so they went up first as the day was warm. After we set camp we gathered to have lunch and chill out. It was then that we decided to jump in our cars and head down to the beach. We only went a short distance and then pulled up and ran in for a swim. The water was very cool but refreshing. Everyone went in and enjoyed the water. The boys all went out and did some body surfing while the gals chilled in closer to shore and kept count on the bobbing heads.

After cooling off we drove back to camp and proceeded complete the afternoon doing lots and lots of nothing. David managed a nap in his chair I pulled out a towel and found a shady piece of grass while others read and chatted and drank. Rhys and Effie kept making cocktails and the champagne and wine came out as the afternoon passed. Before long it was time to start the fire and cooking of the roasts. Once the sun went down we sat and chatted around the fire and generally just enjoyed camping and each other’s company.

Sunday morning we slept till it got too hot to be in the tent. We cooked up a yummy breakfast and then proceeded to pack up. By 10am everyone was packed and it was decided we would head back to the beach for some photos and swimming. We swam and then showered and were back on the road home by about midday. After airing up out on the black top we hit the highway again in convoy with Raymond terrace as our final destination for a late lunch. We ate and then said our farewells and went our separate ways home. It was a really enjoyable weekend with fantastic company in a peaceful destination.

Us2martins camping in Crowdy Bay.

A reccie to Chichester State Forest

Rhys and Effie put the word out that they were heading away for a Reccie weekend. For those who don’t know what a “reccie” is. It’s the art of going somewhere you have never been simply to find out what’s there. It doesn’t matter if you get lost or find nothing it’s all about the experience of going somewhere new.

Saturday morning we set off early to meet Rhys and Effie at the Wyong servo’s at 8am. As we approached we spotted them and managed to pull in before them, therefore they should be doing the trip report but I don’t mind doing them so here goes. We had coffee and pulled out about 8.30am.

We pulled into Dungog about 10.00 and found the local i centre. We made short stop and then found our way to the Chichester Dam. We decided to have a coffee and morning tea by the river at the base of the dam. We then made a quick stop at the dam wall took photos and then headed for the forestry tracks and to find a place to camp. Along the track we came across a old hunters hut had a quick look around and kept moving.

We found Frying pan camping area’s there are 2 here one for trail bike riders and one for everyone else. It was around 1.20 and we decided to push onto the other camping area to also check it out then make a decision where camp would be for the night. We drove for about another 15min and pulled into to Telegherry camping area’s. All camping area’s were covered in lush grass and they all had pit loo’s and seemed very inviting. We had a look around and then picked a spot to camp. We all set up tents and chairs and then enjoyed some lunch.

The rest of the afternoon was spent chatting watching the boys drive the remote control car around and generally relaxing. We shared food and cooking then Rhys built a fire in the provided pit. We ventured down to the river right on sunset to take photos and have a look. It was a beautiful area with enough places to hop in and sit in the moving cool water. It was too late and too cold to swim then but on a warm day it would be very enjoyable. As the sun fell the fire was lit and we then sat for another few hours just talking and keeping warm by the little fire.

Sunday morning we all woke late and again shared a cooked breakfast. We took a slow pack up and left camp after another trip to the river for a look about 11pm. The plan was to do a big loop around the park. As we were tracking along we took the occasional detour down inviting looking tracks with none turning out to be much but if you don’t look you will never know. We came across a interesting diversion and as Rhys put it lets take the path less travelled. We took a right turn and wound our way through lots more forest. After taking a left instead of a right we crossed another river and found our way to a lookout but on to a different track. This track bought us out onto “The Buckets Way” and back heading for home just north of Stroud. After a quick comfort stop we made our way out to the highway. We pulled into a rest area and had a coffee and this is where we realised how hot the day had become. We had a easy trip back into Sydney and were home and unpacked with the car washed by 6pm. A very enjoyable weekend, we will be going back to keep looking around the forest there are lots of tracks and other camping areas to explore.

Us2martins with Rhys and Effie in Chichester State Forest.

Australia Day 2011

Peter Hilton had decided to run trip to Boat Harbour, Kurnell for Australia day. We have spent Australia Day there before and with the weather supposed to be warm we decided to join him. Desiree, Jerome, Barbara, Tom, Louis, Hammo, Evil Hammo, Chris, Linda and Kate all also came along. We got to the gate at 8am and Hammo showed up minutes later and with cars filling in we decided to go get a spot. There was limited choice when we got on the sand so we picked a spot with our cars backed down towards the water’s edge. The tide was out and we so we had plenty of room.

Peter, Jerome, Louis and Chris all showed up within the next half hour it was good we organised a early time as by 9.15am the park was full and everyone was being turned away. This did mean that some friends couldn’t get in which was a real shame.
We set up shade and had coffee and sat back to let the suncream soak in as well as the atmosphere. We all took turns at venturing out into the water it was cool but refreshing. Jerome and Chris had bought along a few pairs of snorkel and goggle sets so they were used to watch fish and Octopus. Chris also bought his Kayak which they enjoyed using to paddle in the calm waters.

We have heard about sea mist before but have never witnessed it firs hand. Well today we did. It was an incredible sight it was easy to see it approaching and it was cool and salty to feel and smell and kept a lot of the heat out of the day. From about 10.30 till 2pm the mist blew through in patches some so thick you couldn’t see far in front and others only lightly passed over.

The day was spent swimming and walking and lots of talking and dot sitting. After lunch I went out for a snorkel and was fortunate enough to see a blue groper which was about 1mtr long and also swim over the top with a manta ray which had a wing span of about 140cm. It was a truly wonderful way to end my swim and day at the beach.

When we got home Leah and Tara came over for a swim and then Peter and Desiree also joined us. We then sat and enjoyed each other’s company and had a lovely BBQ dinner. We couldn’t think of a better way to spend our day.

Us2martins Australia Day 2011 Boat Harbour.

Beach House Photos,

A weekend at the Beach House.

There is a beautiful house at 91 Marine Parade MacMasters Beach. It is co-owned by the Robson’s and another family. It is set on a hill looking across the far south corner of the beach with only the native trees between you and the view. At the end of a cul-de-sac there is the life saving club and kiosk which each day brings out the locals and visitors of a coffee or drink while watching the beach goers. The house has 3 bed rooms upstairs and a bunk room down stairs allowing a total of 16 people to comfortably stay. A kitchen with a view to die for and then a well equipped deck right in front to sit out on and just soak in the sun and salty fresh air.

We had wanted an easy weekend away to share friends for some time and with a little planning the beach house was booked. Tim couldn’t make the weekend so Leah, Holly and Tara were to represent the Steele family for the weekend. It was the weekend after the Hilton’s wedding so as a little extra gift we invited them to also join us for a night only giving them few instruction on location and what to pack they went along with it and turned up to a very nice surprise.

We met up with Leah just before the freeway on Friday night and hit the road north. The beach house is a easy hour and a half drive from Syd. As we got to the end of Mt White we hit road works so off the freeway we jumped and enjoyed the windy roads of the Pacific Highway to get to our destination. We arrived about 9.30pm and unloaded the cars and settled in with cup of tea in hand by 10.30pm the relaxation had set in.

Saturday and Sunday there was lots of delicious food cooked and enjoyed countless hours spent at the beach and sitting on the deck. Afternoon naps were had by those wanting one. Often followed by glasses of wine and more soaking in of the aromas of the beach. We had planned to make it a long weekend and took the Monday off work so as the sun set on Sunday night we drank wine and were very content with just sitting for another evening. Peter and Desiree tried to come up with many a plan to stay but their work beaconed them home. They had to head but as late as possible to soak as much in as needed. Monday the beach was empty for most the time and as we sat and ate ice-creams on the beach while sipping latte’s a pod of dolphins put on a show right out in front of us. It was hard to leave the beach as the water was cool and crystal clear and just so enticing. We had an early lunch on the deck and then packed the cars and hit the road home. We were in the door before 3pm unpacked sun soaked and completely RELAXED.

Us2martins with the Steele’s and Hilton's chillin at the beach house.

Then Turning 70???

Many many many months ago there were 2 wonderful virgos considering what to do to celebrate their 30th and 40th birthday that would fall 2 weeks apart in September of 2010.

There was so many suggestions and so many discussions and venues considered. It was hard to find figure out something that we both had a passion for to celebrate such a wonderful occasion.

After careful consideration and many changes of plans and dates it was finally decided that a picnic in the park was the way we both wanted to share our day together.

On Saturday the 25th of September we held a family and friends picnic in Sydney Park, St Peters. The weather was perfect many many wonderful friends and some family made the day just perfect and a relaxing time was had by all.

We sat we talked we ate and just enjoyed being together with many of the people in our lives who we cherish and most importantly we shared it with each other and turned 70 in the most graceful way possible.

To my beautiful friend Leah all the words in the world couldn't fill this space with how special it was to celebrate with you. I cant wait to turn 90 with you in 10 years. Here's to us.
Hugs,
Just me Martin turning 70 with Leah.

Turning 30...

So as September approached I had lots of mixed feelings about turning 30. It just kind of snuck up on me and its not that there are things that I wanted to do while I was in my 20’s or that it really thought being 30 would be any different I just simply didn’t want to turn 30 I was very content being in my 20’s. So with support from James and a very good friend I faced it head on and decided that if I was going to turn 30 well I would make it an event to remember. Oh now the options began. What to do where to go and who to celebrate it. Really if I wanted I could have done anything I wanted the options were endless.

Leah and I had already set our plans on having a combined 70th birthday party but that would be much later in the month as to fit in with other plans. So I knew that I would at that point get to enjoy the company of lots of friends. So on the weekend of my actual birthday I decided that I would do something just for me be a little selfish and indulgent.

For some time now I have been thinking of having a “Girls Weekend” away either in a hotel or camping and so one night sitting on the couch I came up with the idea again and thought what a better way to bring in a new era in my life then to be surrounded by lovely wonderful ladies and indulge not only myself but all of them also.

So the planning began and with very little effort the weekend was set. I had booked the 2 bedroom Presidential Penthouse Apartment at the Wydham vacations resort for 2 nights only about 2 kms from home here and it only cost me $100 for housekeeping. So then I had to come up with a list of ladies to join me. This was one of the hardest parts I have so many wonderful people who I wanted to share the weekend with but I could only ask 5 ladies for each night as the space was limited to max 6 people. The list was decided on and I have to thank – Mum, Leah, Kazza, Mumma, Effie, Belinda, Linda, Di, Desiree and Liz for making the weekend surely one that I will never forget.

So what did we do for the whole weekend you say well we ate lots and lots of VERY yummy food and drank plenty of bubbles and wine and cocktails and we got pedicures and gave ourselves facials and we sat and talked and talked and talked. One of the highlights I have to say was heading to my favourite sushi bar for lunch. It was a wonderful atmosphere and fantastic sushi.

I have to make special mention to Desiree and Leah who bought in birthday cakes to help me make wishes on and share with everyone. Desiree bought a cheese cake and Leah bought the best cupcakes I have ever seen or eaten. They were both so special in their own way.

Turning 30 was not an easy task but when surrounded by such special people it made it memorable and something to try and uphold during the next 10 years.
Love and Hugs to every lady who made me feel so loved and special, I promise to carry all those memories with me from here out.

Just me Martin turning 30.

Zukana 2010

So Zukana 2010 for me started on the Wednesday before the long weekend. I was fortunate enough to be able to take the kids from work and join part of the Vella family and head to Milbrodale earlier then everyone else. We arrived and found the paddock in great form with plenty of grass and picked our camping spot. The rest of the afternoon was spent setting up camp while the 7 kids played with sporting equipment and assisted when needed. It rained from about 5pm till 10pm that day but nothing to bother us we were just hoping that was the end of it.

Thursday found a wonderfully clear day and sun cream had to be applied and re-applied several times so that none of us got burnt. We set out all the signs so that the coming crowds could find us and the kids continued to just play and enjoy being outdoors and free to run. The property owner visited us and we bought some fresh produce and he assured us that there was to be no more rain. We set up a fire that night and everyone enjoyed roasting marsh mellows and keeping warm.

Friday was another beautiful day and we all just hung out for the morning. Unfortunately the kids had to head home so right on 12noon I packed everything necessary into the car and down the putty we headed. I dropped off 4 very happy exhausted kids to their parents did a quick shop for the rest of the weekend picked up necessary items and then headed back up the putty. I had passed several cars heading to site on my way to Richmond so knew to expect a few campers but nothing could have prepared me for the actual amount of people who were already at camp. It was great to see so many people already there and the vibe was wonderful. As the night progressed camp grew steadily and the most unexpected arrival was Stefan in AYL’s zook. Of course he was the only car to get lost on the track in and took a detour via 2 extra paddocks but hey he made it and in usual Stefan style.

Saturday morning there were plenty of kids awake early and many parents saying they couldn’t wait for day light savings to start. Again the vibe around camp was very positive. Leah and I set up to take payment and register each camper and competitor and with very little trouble everyone was ready to start their weekend. The morning started out quiet hot though it was not to last long. The events got rolling with 3 being run at the same time. Just after lunch the rain started and the afternoons 3 events were not as popular as people choose to just sit and keep out of the rain rather then be out in the paddock. Unfortunately the rain didn’t ease and though there was a raging fire many choose to sit at their camp and socialise.

Sunday morning again it was not raining but it was overcast and windy. James had his event planned and he was off early getting it ready. Together we ran a very confusing fun event and everyone who wanted to had completed it by lunch so it was packed up and we were done for the day. Hammo’s event which was now run by the Z’s was also being run and everyone seemed to enjoy something different. Sunday afternoon the Hill run was set up by Pagie and run well. It was a very driveable Hill climb which made it entertaining to drive and watch. About 4.30pm the rain again started and really set in for the night. Amanda Vella got her cob going as a heater and we sat around camp keeping warm but coals. The presentations were postponed to the morning to hopefully be able to run them when everyone could keep dry. Camp was quiet by 2am with our camp being the last awake, the rain sure did dampen a few spirits by this stage.

Monday morning and the rain had stopped and it was windy so the campers and tents started to dry out. Presentations went ahead though it was threatening to rain fortunately it held off. We then got very busy and set about packing up. Just as the rain again started around 11am we were putting the cover on the camper and managed to have it all away dry. By 12.30 we were fully packed and with the rain not looking like easing we said our farewells and headed home.

We had a great time at Zukana and cant wait for the next one.
Us2martins off to Zukana 2010.

A Meet up Group.

So after having such a great time playing volleyball in Bendeathra at easter I was inspired to find a group to join up and play here back home. After talking with Linda who also seemed to share the passion we decided that when the time was right we would explore the local area to find something. Now something that I had not heard of before was a “Meet Up” group. Linda suggested we search for a Volleyball group so into google I went and found that there was infact a group who meet every Sunday at Sydney Park in St Peters just to play some friendly volleyball.

So the thing with meet up groups is there is no cost no joining fee you just meet up with people who share a common interest and do whatever it is you met up to do. So I joined online and got James hooked and we worked out it is a short bike ride from home and one sunny June afternoon off we set to meet up with people to play some volley ball. We met Linda and Chris and many other people who all were there to do the same thing.

We had the most delightful afternoon found a fantastic park and played a heap of friendly ball. We have only managed to get back once more but it is nice to know that every Sunday we are free we can drop down the road and just enjoy doing what we love.

Us2martins playing volleyball.

A quick trip to Tasmania.

Our 3rd wedding anniversary snuck up on us quickly and with a busy schedule we decided to take a 4 day weekend and head to Hobart. We managed to get a good deal on flights and used our holiday club accommodation. We booked a car packed warm clothes and set off to just chill out for 4 days.

We had a early flight Friday morning and arrived to a very cool 4 degrees at 10am. We had our car and were driving towards Hobart in no time flat. We ended up with a 4 door automatic corolla, it was nice to be able to just drive without worrying about gears or a big car for a change. As we crossed the bridge all the roads became familiar and with ease we found our way down to Salamanca. We found a cafe and sat back to enjoy a quiet late breakfast. We spent the next few hours strolling through the shops and around Hobart just enjoying the beautiful old buildings and trying to stay out of the very cool wind. About 2pm we turned and headed north to find our accommodation for the weekend. Our room was not quite ready so we headed to Sorrel to stock up on some basic supplies for dinner and the next few days. Once we got back we checked into our unit and again were taken back with just how nice the accommodation is and how it just has everything we needed. James was feeling very unwell coming down with the flu so we had soup for dinner and just had a very quiet night in.

After a wonderful long sleep in we talked through what we wanted to explore while we were here. The road from Sorrel to Bicheno was one we had not driven so with a basic road map and GPS we hit the road about 11am. The drive was just wonderful and though James slept through most of it I enjoyed the changing of scenery and drives along the coast and through the paddocks. Swansea is a beautiful town and I can see why it is so popular. The rain had been anything from very light to the heavy pour all the way from Sorrel but when we were just out for a drive it sure didn’t bother us. We pulled into the visitors information centre in Bicheno and had a look at their road map. It was then we decided to head back up Elephant pass and stop at the Pancake Palace for a late lunch. We again had wonderful food in a great atmosphere and would recommend it to anyone heading to Tasmania as a must stop. From there we continued north west along the Esk highway and drove another road we had not been on to get to the Midland highway to head south. We came out at Conway and drove from there down to Campbell town and pushed down to Hobart. We managed to drive on roads almost all day on which we had never been so we were very happy with our exploring for the day. We had heard about a special festival that was being held at Salamanca called the Festival of the Fire. It is a celebration of song and life and fire. A large congregation of choir groups are lead by 4 leaders carrying fire sticks and all singing in unison head down the road and then around a large fire pit which has a tepee of sticks ready to be lit. There are people in balconies signing and on stages. It is a wonderful thing to see so many people all united and peaceful there to just enjoy the evening. After it was lit and we had soaked up the atmosphere we ventured out and found a fantastic restaurant to have dinner at. We wondered back past the fire and then made our way back to the resort for another peaceful nights sleep.

Day 3 again we enjoyed a sleep in and this time decided to head south to explore more. James was still feeling unwell so just being in the car and exploring was the nice easy thing to do. We drove the coastal road from Hobart around to Woodbridge and then onto Middleton and then into Cygnet for a late lunch. Our very good friend Marcus had talked and talked and talked about Curried Scallop pies and how we really should try one while in Tasmania. So once we arrived in Cygnet we found a great pub that had a cafe attached and just happened to serve home made Curry Scallop Pies. We both ordered one and were very surprised at how nice they were and we too now can tell people to go and try one while in Tasmania as they are good and worth a try. We drove onto Huonville and then took the Huon Highway back towards Hobart. One of the best things to do while in Tasmania is just read the signs and stop when you get the feeling that something is worth having a look at. James had again fallen asleep and I was enjoying the drive when I saw a sign for a lookout at Mt Nelson. A quick turn left and we headed up to what was probably the highlight of our trip. Once we stopped James woke and we climbed out to enjoy the view. As it turns out Mt Nelson is the original flag signal station set up when Hobart was first being settled. There is still a large flag pole and a lookout point with history plaques and photographs and memorabilia from the era to look at and ponder over. We took photos and then decided that the call from the cafe was too hard to ignore so in we went. The original Signal mans house has been turning into the most delightful cafe with large glass windows closing in the verandah to provide a seating area with views over the water all the way to Eagle Hawk neck and even the top of Bruny Island. With book in hand we enjoyed a shared muffin and scone and cup of coffee and hot choc. With sun on our backs and the French music playing we could have stayed for hours but unfortunately the venue was only open until 5pm so we were asked to move on as they were closing. We will be back for lunch next time we are in Hobart. On our way back to the resort we picked up some yummy chicken and vegies and headed home. The resort is well set out with many facilities so we had a turn in the games room. We played a game of pool and then many games of table tennis. Just outside was a heated pool and 2 spas there was a fully equipped gym we could have tried though we were taking it easy so we did just that and kept it to games.

Monday morning we had a owners presentation to attend. After that we packed our things and checked out. We will be back to stay a Seven Mile Beach it was a very nice place to visit. We headed into Hobart to find the Putt Putt golf we had a brochure on. We played 2 rounds of 18 holes and had a wonderful time. Oh and just for the record I kicked BUTT...lol. After lunch we decided to visit Richmond we had heard lots about it and seen heaps of signs so again we followed our noses the signs and the GPS and drove through the mountains to find the wonderful Historic Richmond. We wondered through town and found a wonderful wood shop which makes many things in Huon Pine. We bought ourselves a few little souvenirs and then packed them into our bags and made our way back to the airport. We were early but we just read and played games on the ipod till it was time to head home. We arrived home late and exhausted but very relaxed and having had a wonderful time away. We will be visiting Tasmania again it just has so many possibilities and things to explore.

Us2martins 3rd Honeymoon in Tasmania.