Revisiting Nanga Mill (Camping)

Back in June we braved the rain to go camping at Nanga Mill and were so happy with the location that we were keen to go again. This time it was much busier, so on the second day we made an effort to explore some of the other camping options (which during summer need to be booked online) and found a few - watch this space :)

I was also keen to try a recently purchased 35mm lens and ND8 filter for the camera - the flowing Nanga Brook being the obvious attraction for some long exposure shots.

Highlights: going to the Waroona Show on the way down, exploring, swimming in the icy water at Island Pool and of coarse toasting marshmallows on the camp fire.

No Mum, one chip is enough

Renee juggles the kids whilst Papa plays with his camera

13sec exposure

Spuds and a billy for tea

30sec exposure

Nanga Brook - 30sec exposure

Nanga Brook - 15sec exposure

Step Changes in Development

I can't explain why but this drawing got me more excited than when Isaac took his first steps. It's probably nothing out of the ordinary for a three and a half year old but it just took Renee and me by surprise. He loves to scribble, talks about what he's doing but this was the first clearly recognisable piece - and with some great features too! Like the sharp teeth, the long tail curling round the front and best of all, the plates on the back clearly making this a Stegosaurus.

Avon Descent - Day 2 at Bells Rapid

About fifteen years ago I joined a few mates who knew someone with a farm bordering the Swan and we all sauntered down to watch the kayaks float by as part of the Avon Descent. Today was quite a contrast to those days! For starters, we joined the masses by parking our car amongst hundreds of others at the Brigadoon Equestrian Centre and jumped on the courtesy bus that took us to Bells Rapid. We've had heaps of rain the last couple of months and so the water was well and truly moving and even though it would be unfair to compare the rapids to our Zambezi experience, it looked like it would be fun to be amongst it.

After initially planning to only stay for an hour or two, we eventually left after five or six, kids covered in mud and us feeling we'd had a good day. And because we had a great spot, it meant I got some nice close photos of the competitors zooming past too.

Bells Rapid - we had a good spot to the left

Getting a bit of air

Going Express...or.....

.....cruising. A great contrast in sponsors.

A paddler catches up to our friends in trouble

Isaac has his own motor boat

Ruby Turns Two

It was a good thing we didn't make this one a big one because it didn't take much to fill our home (the downside of winter birthdays) but the kids seemed to have a blast. There were a couple of aspects however that Renee in particular didn't skimp on and those included the food and decorations. See photo below with more in our web album.

Yes....Renee made this!

BHP Billiton Tree Planting Day - 2011

Another great day and a win for those that took part and one for the environment. Like last year, the event took place at Cockburn Wetlands and included a buffet lunch, 'train' ride for the kids, lots and lots of tree planting (my guess would be in the thousands), snacks afterwards whilst the kids played with the 'barn' animals and most importantly an opportunity to get to know work colleagues from different parts of the company. With over 200 people taking part it was a successful day and would you believe the rain stopped and the sun came out just as we headed down to start the tree planting!

Ruby collecting punnets

Snakes made from punnets