5-8 January 2013 - Lake Glenbawn (near Scone)

5 – 8 January 2013 – Lake Glenbawn (near Scone)

After leaving Blacksmiths Beach (and many good friends behind) on Saturday 5 January 2013, we took back to the road and headed through Newcastle and out towards Scone.  First up we dropped in at the Edwards family home which we hadn’t seen yet.  They quickly packed the last of their camping things and we all drove out to Lake Glenbawn to find a good spot for setting up camp.  I think we got one of the best spots right next to the water, very large camp table, a tap (albeit without a handle to turn the tap on) and a fair bit of shade – just what we needed coming into the extremely hot weather.  It was stinking hot when we got here, I would think at least 40 degrees.  After setting up we headed for the lake for a dip to cool off.  To get into the water, it was a matter of letting the mud squish between your toes and wade through the weeds – but nothing could beat the feeling of the cool water.  Andrew, Luke, Matty, Zoe and Samantha set up their own little camp fire after dinner while us adults had quiet time catching up.

The next day, Josh put the tinny in the lake and we got a bit of use out of it.  Then we jumped in the cars and headed out towards Ellerston, which is Packer’s 30,000 hectare property.  All of the property was surrounded by gates and security sat at the front gates but it’s still possible to drive through and get an idea of what you can find on the property.  Some of the things we saw were the many lush polo fields, a gorgeous gold course with another area for practice in the bunkers, a go-kart track down the side of the mountain and dozens of stables with stunning horses.  We continued our drive around the mountains and across the Hunter River in many spots, the water being crystal clear.  We ended up stopping at the Victoria Hotel at Moonan Flat for lunch and then tried to have further drinks at Linga Longa Inn on the way back to the van, but the Republican was still on holidays – good for him!  This afternoon consisted of lots more swimming in the lake and relaxing with good friends.  Whilst doing so, a catamaran got into a bit of strife and tipped over and the 2 kids on board with their dad waved for help.  Josh and Andrew jumped in our tinny and went to the rescue.  They got the passengers back to their camp and then we all sat back to watch them save the boat – it didn’t take them long as they were using a ski boat to tip it back the right way up.  Mark left us and headed home to get ready for work the next day.  Erica and the boys stayed on camping with us so more fun to come.

Monday was a pretty full day of just swimming and trying to keep cool.  We had a few yabby nets in the car so Luke got a kick out of trying to catch a few.  He was lucky enough to get one so we cooked him up straight away and each had the tiniest of bites just after breakfast.  If only we could have caught more…..  Erica, Matty and I dropped Andrew in at Musswellbrook this morning and bought a few more supplies (drinks) to get us through the hot weather.  The kids spent quite a bit of time paddling out on the blow-up boat and floating around the lake in life jackets.  We moved away from the bbq tonight and all enjoyed a bit of spaghetti bolognaise for dinner.  Zoe and Sami slept in the tent with Luke tonight (although thanks to Luke stealing most of the pillows and swags, I’m not sure that the girls got much sleep) and Josh went to bed at a reasonable time.  Erica and I on the other hand sat up with our few bottles of wine and the fire.  We were a pair of giggling school girls when we had to trek to the other side of the camping ground and past the kangaroos, for more firewood.  I think our neighbours were cursing us!!

Tuesday – Erica and the boys were heading home today so we helped them to pack up the tents and car.  She was lucky enough to have just enough room for the boys to climb in.  We stayed the extra day here in the heat.  We’ve heard all the reports about the heat waves surrounding Sydney and yes it’s been hot here.  But lucky for us we’ve had a good breeze coming of the lake all day and haven’t suffered much at all.  The mud swimming in the lake was also a saviour.  Our boat is packed away back on the roof of the car for now, ready for use at another glorious spot.  We’ve eaten our dinner and I’m ready to get back outside in that breeze.  Tomorrow we will be packing up the van and heading to Scone to stay at Mark an Erica’s for the night – hopefully I can get some washing done there and feel clean again – but the dirt is so well worth it!  Our first full week of adventure is nearly over…. and lots, lots more to come.