You Can't Say We Didn't Try...

We tried to do something different this weekend, we really did. I’ve been feeling restless, cooped up, disappointed in the domesticity of our life out here thus far. And after working six shifts in a row, I needed some sort of get-away. It’s been eight weeks since Mouse’s surgery and I couldn’t take another weekend of couch surfing. So, we thought a brief camping trip was in order. After a little research, we chose Bribie Island, only 40km northeast of the city. Though much of the island is developed, it also has a good amount of protected, recreation area. We planned to 4-wheel it back to one of the remote campgrounds, build a fire, and hang out with the dingoes and kangaroos while we roasted our hotdogs and marshmallows. During the day, we could soak up the rays on the beach, possibly kayak, but mostly just enjoy some much-needed outdoor time. It promised to be an ideal mini-vacation. Too bad it never happened.

Sometimes, I could swear the world is conspiring against us. The 4-wheel drive trail proved impassable for our little Sportage; the sand track being too soft and deep. We tried, but our wannbe SUV immediately swung sideways, tires spinning. Mouse’s adept driving skills got us back to solid ground, but the campground was out of question. So, we tried for Plan B – the local caravan parks. Sadly, all were either full or just plain ghetto. Out of options, we went with Plan C, shelling out a maddening amount of money for a dingy hotel room. We reasoned it was worth the beach time. We settled in with the cable-less TV and our box wine (a camping staple), dreaming of sunny skies. We woke to heavy, grey clouds blanketing the skies. We felt like burrowing deeper into the blankets, not heading to the beach. We tried to ignore the weather, at least reading on the beach for a spell, but the goose bumps eventually won, driving us to the warmth of the car. So, now we’re back in the apartment, sitting in our usual spots on the couch. Mouse is reading a book. I’m typing away. So much for a fun and exciting weekend.