Return from the simple life...

I neglected to mention during my self indulgent tantrum filled musings of last week that Mr B, Little B and I were booked to share our first ever proper family holiday adventure! There was some speculation that we would not get away as Mr B has been under the pump big time with a big project at work. But it all worked out in the end!

First thing Monday morning we set on our journey to our chosen destination, a self contained farm stay in the Wimmera,Mountain Duck Cottage on the South Mokanger Farm.

Why did we choose to go there? Well, a few reasons really. Mr B and I had never been to the Grampians. The idea of retiring with a wine before the open fire was most appealing. A roadtrip was supposed to be cheaper than a fly away getaway. Our little poochies could come too! We would have the use of our car. We could visit my nanna and pa on the way home.

We were not disappointed. Our accomodation was fantastic. Beautifully appointed with everything one could want on a holiday. As we both really needed a break from everything the lack of internet and mobile phone coverage was not a problem.

The air was fresh and cool. The sunrises and sunsets beautiful. The quiet deafening in a good kind of way. Each day we set off to see something different. It turned into the thrift store tour of 2008. Even Mr B got into the action. We scoured every op shop in Hamilton, Horsham, Stawell and Ararat! In the end I netted some tuppaware, a jacket for Little B and some thread.

It was most apparent to us that the drought is really starting to take its toll on the land. We had never seen anything like it before. Creeks and riverbeds dry. Farming ground dusty and dry at the start of winter. It suprised us. It was easy to imagine the despair families who have had these farms for generations could feel.

We could also see the appeal of living in surrounds. No close neighbours. Lots of room for kiddies to run around. Fresh produce. A sense of community. All differences to the suburban lives we choose to live now.

We had a couple of attempts at really seeing the grampians. Unfortunately the weather was not so kind to us. The mist was thick and soupy making the Grampians cold and difficult to see even when driving through. We eventually did get the opportunity to hike and take a look at Mackenzie's falls, which were stunning. My thighs are still burning after climbing what I am guessing were nearly 100 stairs to get there!

Every evening we had a refreshing beverage or two before the fire, watched a dvd or two and chit chatted.

If someone said to me 2 years ago that this would be the kind of holiday I would have taken I would have laughed in their faces. But it was perfect for us.

We got back late last night and have vowed to return in a few years time. It will be a great place for young kiddies to experience the farm!

It is good to be home!