Up the river (with two paddles)
Have you ever wondered about what bushies are referring to, when they talk about choosing life away from the excitement of city life? About how they chose the ‘lifestyle’?
It’s sometimes a little hard to comprehend, especially when it’s drought-stricken and everyone is doing it tough.
My husband worked on the weekend – but instead of heading out the door and leaving his family home to get the work done… he took them with him.
I know sometimes people don’t ‘get’ how kids become part of our workforce – and sometimes they work as hard as adults to get our jobs done.
But the reason they don’t complain too much is that THIS is the payoff…
When Dad grabs the canoe, chucks it on the ute and takes the kids along for the ride…
Quite literally putting them into the river above where his fencing task is for the day…
And letting them paddle towards him…
(I was too slow to capture the work happening… something about sleeping in/getting washing on/pottering before getting my patootie in the car! He had already pulled up the fence, knocked down by the inflow of water in last week’s rains where up to 9.5 inches fell across our place and in the catchment above).
A few days before our young adventurers arrived, there was more water coming down and the going would have been a bit easier (and quicker!) and muddier…
Some wild steering meant that sandbanks needed to be negotiated with canoists ‘decanted’.
We drove (high on the bank) alongside the adventurers…
Until we thought they’d had enough…
(They finally have their rhythm happening too…)
But I think they were happy to let Dad take their vessel…
And lump it back up the river bank…
A good morning’s work!
I wonder if this is a day they will remember when they are 50?
I sure hope so.
(I know I will!)
😀
Double (figures) Party !
10 Comments
Florence
so will they. Making memories is so special
Carrie M
It’s been raining like hell. 3 inches one day. Blessed and cautious.
Colin Huggins
Looks like “Hughie” was generous up in your “nick of the woods”. Wonderful what some good moisture does to the grass.
I am sure your two kids will remember these days well past the age of 50.
Have a great Christmas and a wonderful 2015.
Your sure deserve it.
Cheers
Colin
Merry-Anne
Isn’t it just “the best life”? Your kids will always remember it.The pleasure it gives their Mum & Dad too.
Kelly
I’d be willing to bet memories like this will stay with them forever.
Thanks for sharing their day with us. 🙂
Kelly´s last blog post ..Winter Farm Stand
Leenie
How cool to see the wetness of your landscape and the greeness! Hope you continue to get just enough rain to fill your rivers and grow those pastures tall. Can’t help feel a little jealous of the sunny warm weather, though.
Helen Beutel
Glad to see and hear that rain has at last fallen.
You have some beautiful pictures Of the kids canoeing trip.
Everything is so green.
Have a wonderful Xmas.
BB of Oz
Thanks Helen – we did. Had to go to the city, but had a lovely gathering of family, and that’s what matters. 😀
debby
I am glad your Christmas was wonderful!!! How widespread was the wet?
debby´s last blog post ..Tim
Elinor
I enjoy, result in I discovered just what I was having a look for.
You have ended my four day long hunt! God Bless
you man. Have a great day. Bye
Elinor´s last blog post ..Elinor