Tag Archives: Barbecue

LIVE: AUSTRALIA DAY!

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Australia day 2010

Australia day 2010 (Photo credit: Jon Ovington)

Australia Days historical back story is not of significance, what you must be aware of is the day’s events. It is a day designated solely for getting blind drunk alongside a gentle swim in one’s garden pool, or your neighbouring ocean.

Almost every town along the Gold Coast is hosting an array of festivities suited for families and children: goody bags, marching bands, games. For the more adult crowd bands are performing in the late-afternoon, but finish up at 8pm – I am told this short musical shift is because people are too drunk to continue anything further. Could the Irish have an opponent?

To be honest the whole thing has left me a little short of things to do other than consume wine, which I believe is being forced upon me due to the severe lack of entertainment on offer. Tomorrow Australia can also expect thunderstorms and floods (as opposed to bush fires this week) immediately narrowing down outdoor opportunities. There’s nothing like a rainy day to make you feel snug as a bug in bed. I never thought I’d enjoy the sound of rain – I mean EVER – but after the last few weeks of melting sunshine it has actually been quiet lovely to hear the drops bouncing off the iron roof top.

GAME PLAN

For Australia Day I will not be getting up at 6am but waking up naturally, merrily in dreamland – only to rise when and if I feel fit. The refreshed lay in will be followed by a few bottles of wine and a BBQ with Mr. Frenchy, Mr. Greek and Mr. Germany allowing the onslaught of international mayhem. Game on!

HAPPY AUSTRALIA DAY EVERYONE!  WHERE EVER YOU SHALL BE CONSUMING YOUR PLONK. X

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Camping Out: Mega Amazing or Mega Stupid?

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First impressions can have quiet a big impact on people. My second, third and fourth impression of camping weren’t all that good, either.

ASSOCIATIONS WITH TENT ACCOMMODATION:

  • It takes a very long time to set up – unless you have a scout member with you
  • The level of comfort is at an all time low
  • Weather is guaranteed to be bad. It rains (heavily) every time

A new found love for camping has, however, presented itself. It may well be down to the decent weather that made my bitter attitude fluff up a bit – but the whole experience can really be rather exciting, marginally comfortable and give you a true sense of adventure. You just have to go with the right people and the right weather.

Albeit this transition happened in California when budgets were strict and to tell you the truth, I’m all the more glad for it. The campsites had fire-pits where you stocked up your firewood and doubled up to make a BBQ grill. There was a fantastic mission to create our meal with basic tools (an army knife) and the foil we cooked in was also used as our fine dining cutlery. Accompanying this challenge was managing the entire setup in the dark, eventually with a head torch – a camper’s true best friend.

Of course I was wearing every piece of clothing I had brought on the trip by about 7pm- but the food was sizzling, our little tent was poised and we had an Alaskan beer in hand – this really was alright. There was also no sign of rain.

HOW TO MAKE CAMPING A SUCCESS:

  • Take some padded bedding: blow up beds with duvets are a treat
  • Ensure you have a good supply of beer
  • Basics are essential: foil, army knife, head torch, matches
  • Go with decent company
  • Park close enough to the loos for that emergency night dash
  • Take full advantage of the surrounding wilderness

The following day you will be woken up as the sunrises, warming you up ready for the adventure ahead.