Mimosa Rocks

It is a sad day today, as we head out on the last leg home.

Our last night was spent in Mimosa Rocks National Park again. The last time we were here, it was cold and raining, yet still magical. This time it was hot and sunny, and ridiculously beautiful.

We spent the afternoon at Nelson, where the crystal blue river meets the ocean, and you can relax and float downstream in the ocean current. Following a bumpy drive down a dirt track through the bush (achieved just as well as any suped-up four-wheel-drive, albeit at two kilometres an hour in first gear), we arrived at Heaven on Earth. Daph was in awe as the idyllic view of the beach greeted us:

Daph: “F**k off! Will you look at that shit!”

She has a way with words.

Then we set up camp for the night at Gillards Campground amongst kangaroos, wallabies, bilbies, and goannas. We felt at one with nature in our humble abode. Unlike some of our fellow campers in their forty-foot trailers with ensuite bathrooms and annexed entertainment areas. We have seen some whizzbang set-ups from other campers. It seems there is a fandangled mod-con for everything. But we have come to realise that it’s much more fun to make do and improvise. Octopus straps have a hundred and one uses. The Kombi is more than sufficient. And our inconspicuously coloured vehicle seems to attract the wildlife. That, or they love Star Wars too.

***

Last night we were surrounded by kangaroos nibbling on our back lawn. This morning we were greeted by a friendly neighbourhood wallaby, who looked like he was wearing a toupee. He had a penchant for bananas, which we were having for breakfast. He came right to our back door and shared our delicious meal. Then, an army of goannas surrounded our area, creating a tactical blockade between us and the bush bog, just as Daphne needed to pee. Word about the bananas had got out.

Daph: “You keep watch and cover my back as I go to the loo.”

Ern sets up post, all goannas in sight, ready to direct Daph’s treacherous path through the battlefield. Daph keeps her eyes fixed on the goannas as she backs out the side door to begin her mission... and almost steps right on the head of Private Komodo of Battalion 666, who was coming in from the rear.

Daph: “SHITTING HELL!!”

Despite the near-death experiences both times here, it is still Daphne’s favourite place.

Ern: “Well that was a lovely quiet morning”

Daph: “Quiet for YOU!! I almost died!”

Here lies Daph. Fought and died bravely in the Battle for the Bush Bog. Here lies Ern. Eaten alive by mosquitos.

And they loved every minute of it.