Tallaganda Trails

There was no wasting any time for our first adventure of 2016! We joined the Jones/Walter clan to embark on our first overnight walk with the kids at Tallaganda National Park. We know that all good adventures should start with a coffee but as it was New Years Day none of our regular spots were open.

As we began our drive, we discovered at the very last minute that the National Museum was open, so we made a short detour. The museum was very busy and as we waited patiently in the line to order, we both were thinking we'd made the wrong decision. Nevertheless we placed our order and found a table in the shade outside, overlooking Lake Burley Griffin. A very short time later, much to our surprise our coffees arrived.

The timing couldn't have been better and we arrived at the rendezvous point 1 minute early! Rob lead us the rest of the way to the starting point of our hike. A quick bite to eat, change of shoes, slapping on some suncream and we were ready. Each child was excited to be carrying their own pack but probably more excited about their lolly bags!!



First we successfully crossed Mulloon Creek without any wet feet and continued a short distance up the track looking for the single trail we were to follow. The trail we were following was quite narrow (made by motorbikes) so it was very much single file for the walk. Our group splintered a little with the adults scattering themselves between the various groups.

 

It wasn't long before we had our first stop lolly/rest stop some 40 minutes later. Felt like we hadn't covered much distance at all but we were very focussed on keeping everyone happy and not pushing it too much.








Onwards we continued, using Rob's rogaine map as a guide. Keeping the kids in high spirits was fairly easy as we chatted about what would make a good camping spot and played games. Again 40 minutes later we paused for another lolly/drink/rest with the end in sight.

   

With energy levels fading we reached the area that had been earmarked for a camping spot. The only problem was it was rather steep and scrubby. We deployed a search party to explore the area nearer to the creek. Soon they returned with good news - a spot had been found. Through the scrub we all traipsed and then across the creek to our camping area. As the adults discussed the layout of the three tents and fire, the kids were busy building a dam in the creek! We joined them to cool our feet before returning to set up camp.

After dinner we lit a fire being very careful to keep it contained and the kids from not falling into it! All was good especially when the marshmallows came out! The kids just love toasting marshmallows (or is it playing with fire??) Anyway there were lots of happy and tired campers by the end of the night!