Our Maiden Voyage Andrew Drynan Park 22/10/10

Friday 22/10/10
Finally after all our last minute checks, water tank filled, trailer hitched to car we were on our way it was 5pm an hour later than we had hoped.  We headed through Nerang Rd then on to Nerang - Beaudesert Rd.  Our Navman decided to take some back roads (well at least we can say we have taken CT along dirt track).  We arrived at Beaudesert to kids saying we are hungry so a quick snack box from KFC and we soldiered on.  Just before reaching Rathdowney we turned on to Running Creek Rd.  This is where the nerves and anticipation kixkws in, it was dark, we had no idea where the park was and we have never set the camper trailer up before let alone in the dark.  Finally we found the campsite after we drove past the entrance.  Being a narrow winding road it was a couple of kilometres before we could safely turn around.  But we eventually got there around 7pm.  Now the daunting task of going to a camper trailer meet not knowing anybody and putting our trailer up for the first time "in the dark".

We were firstly greeted by the lovely Rob & Carol and told to set up where ever we wanted.  Now as we started unloading the trailer Robyn and Lindsay came over and introduced themselves.  Lindsay bought his light and offered to help us set up what a wonderful person we will never be able to thank him enough.  This allowed us to set up without any arguments lol.

Once trailer was up, annex up we made up the beds and had something to eat.  We were working through the obstacles that were presenting firstly the stabilizer legs wouldnt wind down, then our lantern (which was our only light apart from torches) shit itself after about 3 minutes, then Tommy sat on the chair attached to the table and broke 2 of the seats the plastic had gone brittle.  Darrell broke the ratchet out of his tool kit trying to get the stabilizers down we were thinking what else could go wrong.  Thankfully that was it for the night.

While Darrell was sorting the stabilizers and I was settling Tom and Taz into bed, Tracey aka Kit_e came over and introduced herself.  It was then time to grab our chairs and join in around the campfire just in time to sample Robyns  Orange and poppyseed cake made fresh in the campfire and I have to say it was delish.  After a bit of a chat it was time to call it a night.  Not before I was scared to death by a green tree frog in the toilets anybody who knows me knows my fear of frogs. But I was very brave and didnt scream or freak out.

Saturday 23/10/10
After a good night sleep we woke to a beautiful morning with lots of dew on the car and tent. We made yummy pancakes for brekky which the kids were thrilled about.

We then headed off down to the creek where the kids had fun skimming rocks, rock hopped and then a swim it was ice cold buth they didnt care.  The creek was just beautiful.

We then headed back and tidied up the breakfast mess, had a wander round the campsite to check out other peoples setups.  I had the grand tour of Tracey and Glens camper trailer hmmm very very nice we are definately envious of all their bits and bobs.  But they did have a nice posh fridge very similar to ours lol an esky.  We all gathered up on the hill under some trees for a group morning tea.  I am amazed at how some people cook while camping we had some lovely hot chocolate cake (better than what I can make at home) spring rolls made my crackers, cabanossi and dip look lame oh well you get that.

After morning tea Darrell took Tom & Taz back down to the creek for another swim and I had a nanna nap while waiting for the ranger to come around..  When the ranger came we paid our fees and brought a load of firewood.   The fees were very reasonable cost us $14 per night.  The ranger told us about the border loop lookout where the train loop is, so we thought after lunch we would go for a drive up to check it out.

Once the kids had finished swimming we cooked some little boys for lunch then headed up to the lookout.  It was a very pretty 10 minute drive along the narrow winding road we were met with a group of cows casually lazing across the road and along the side of the road not something you see back in our world.  We drove through the border gate and past the rabbit fence and up to the lookout.

The lookout was well worth the drive such a beautiful view over the ranges just a shame no train came along.  We couldnt believe right in the middle of a beautiful scent there was a phone tower I wonder why they couldnt at least paint it green to try and blend it in with the scenery.

Once back at the campsite it was Darrell's turn or a nanna nap, so while the kids were off exploring and playing with their new friends I thought I would check out Traceys roast she was cooking in her camp oven and my god it smelt good.  I told her I would be back to see the end result.  It was now time to get our camp fire going the kids had been hanging out to light the fire.

Well we had had a trouble free day until now it was time for the next round of teething problems we went to hook the radio into the inverter and guess what it didnt work.  So we went over to pick Rob's brains to see if we could sort it out but he knew just the right person for the job and he brought over Shane who had up and going in no time what a lovely person we will definately be using the  company he works for as he was so knowledgable so if you need LED lights or solar or anything 12 volt  these guys are the people to see

http://www.dynamicsolarsolutions.com.au/ thanks again to Shane for his tips and help.  We then went to use the gas cooker and it wouldnt light and it appeared no gas was getting through but after Darrell tinkered with it for a while it was working like a dream.  We then had  a surprise visit from Lindsay who so kindly bought over his spare battery and a led light for us to borrow they must of felt sorry for us with nothing but torches but thats the fun of camping.  So after our dinner of steak and sausages, yummy potatos in the fire (not nearly as appealing as Tracey and Glens roast) it was time to let the kids toast their marshmallows.

After a busy day I decided to have an early night, and again I had to face my fears facing that damn tree frog in the toilet I am sure it was getting a kick out of scaring me but i was brave and dealt with it lol

Sunday 24/10/10
Its amazing how early you wake when you are camping it was 6am i was wide awake and ready for the day this is unheard of at home on the weekends.  While Darrell and the kids were still sleeping I had my sponge bath cleaned my teeth and woke myself up.  I went for a wander down to the creek and sat for a while it was just so tranquil and relaxing.  Once everyone was up we were going to cook bacon and eggs but kids wanted pancakes so why not lets live dangerously lol.  After brekky Darrell took the kids down for a swim while I started packing up the beds and getting everything out of the tent.  We just relaxed for a while as the kids were playing coz once we had lunch our weekend was about to end it was time to pack up and head home.

We managed to pack the camper trailer up without to much hassle but we must of looked awkward because someone came over and assured us each time it will get easier.  We managed to pack up without having a domestic so all is good and we can say we had an awesome weekend for our first outing.  We cannot wait to go again.

Andrew Drynan Park is a beautiful spot and we will definately be going there again.  And the people for Campertrailers.org are the most amazing group of people whom we will definately be joining in again at there next meet wherever it may be.

So with only a few minor issues to get sorted out with trailer, tail lights not working, a slight leak in the water tank i declare our weekend a success.  We are so spoilt in South East Queensland there are so many beautiful camping spots.