Australia Day

To Kosciusko National Park, NSW, Australia -- Day 1

Happy Australia Day!  Today celebrates this date back in 1788 when the first fleet of British ships arrived at Sydney Cove and raised the Union Jack. Australia Day is somewhat analogous to the 4th of July in the US -- a day to celebrate the nation, put some meat on the barbie and, in this case, enjoy the end of summer. Some Australians, however, refer to the day as Invasion Day since it also marks that beginning of English settlements on the continent and, depending on your point of view, the confiscation of land and extermination of the aboriginals or “first people.”

Whatever your viewpoint, most Australians have the day off. We had decided with Helen and Shane to head up to the Snowy Mountains for some camping fun. This time of year, the middle of summer, there are only a few patches of snow left, but the mountains are lovely nonetheless. The morning “bug out” was pretty slow. I went for a run along the ridge trail with Fluffy and it was fun to see a half dozen kangaroos sitting on the hills along the trail. Yep, we’re definitely in Australia.

We let the kids all sleep in, and we also called Jane back on Fallbrook Avenue to wish her a happy birthday.

There was a fair amount to pack: multiple tents (we no longer have ours), food, coolers, “lilos” air mattresses to float down the river on, food, wood for the campfire, and, last but not least, the four O’Brien mountain bikes including two brand new Scott carbon fiber ones for Helen and Shane. Hmm, maybe my sixteen year old steel hardtail could use an upgraded.

Despite the big holiday and announcements that the campgrounds were full, we managed to find a free spot (after repositioning a couple abandoned camp trailers) and wedged ourselves in near a meadow.

The lilos were quickly put to good use as we took turns floating down a short section of the nearby Thredbo river. The march flies were annoying, but we made the best of it and enjoyed a hearty meal of “spag bol” (spaghetti bolognese). Better yet, the display of stars was amazing. With only 24 million people spread over a continent as large as the continental US, the night sky is one of the beneficiaries. Orion was high in the sky and the incredibly bright Southern Cross down low along the unmissable Milky Way. What a show.