The Barefoot Camper

If you have the chance, travel with your kids - whether local or overseas. It’s crucial for fostering personal development, family bonding, and a unique educational experience. I’ve found my kids have become more adaptable, confident, and open-minded with themselves and others after travelling, particularly to counties that are different to our own. The connections and lasting memories are a gift for life.

For several years I did quite a bit of amateur caving but only occasionally with groups.
This trip was to (‘Wee J’)
In New South Wales with five of us abseiling through a small entrance into an interesting series of chambers that we could explore. To get out, we had to prussick which is a very, very tiring task.
It was disappointing to see how much damage was done to the tites and mites and can only imagine today it would be further desecrated by trophy hunters and just clumsy cavers.
These days there are guided tours and no doubt they do their best to conserve what is accessible to the public.
The original copy of the first photo always reminded me how the mud was like the colour of peanut butter, second pic I had to turn my head sideways to crawl through a squeeze. Third is my friend Kym ready to abseil in.
As usual, photos of photos so quality isn’t great but the trip memorable.

In 1994, I was fortunate enough to lead an expedition for ANZSES (Australian & New Zealand Science Exploration Society) in South Australia.
In conjunction with Adelaide University, a group of volunteer scientists, fee paying guests and ANZSES, we worked collaboratively at the Head of Bight on vital whale research.
The two areas of focus had different tasks. One group were monitoring southern right whale behaviour in the “nursery” area of the Bight, mapping their movements up / down the coast and identifying mothers/calves numbers as well as general population growth which data was forwarded to expert SRW scientist Steve Burnell.
Another group were investigating the local stories that there was an old whaling station at Fowler’s Bay. The guests job was to dig up whale bones and investigate if there was any truth to this local legend. They also had to prepare bones to be sent to the University.
We even had a visit by reporter Tina Dalton, flying in by chopper to film a segment on the work undertaken by the group.
I have fond memories of:
*early morning swims in the seagrass off the shore
*waking up with a layer of sand over my sleeping bag if I slept out under the stars
*the hypnotic sound of whale vocalisations (also known as social sounds) which was a soporific way to be lulled to sleep
*watching juvenile male whales hunt in packs
*walking Fowler’s Bay finding whale bones sticking out of the sand
*sand dune driving initially under the guidance of the local Ranger’s strict environmental standards
*finding out a part of the cliff we’d been using the theodolites working on the day before, collapsed into the sea one night
*working with the Yalata people, the traditional owners of the land and hearing their deep spiritual connection with the whales.
Managing 40 people at two different locations in basic camping conditions with simple food was a challenge for everyone and my leadership skills were stretched. Today I’d totally nail it.
Notice the sign - now the area has been totally brought into the 21st century.

Strolling down in Melbourne, I spied a sign “Wang Vintage”. I just had to explore. The journey up the flights of stairs is somewhat a teaser. The walls covered with cute murals and artwork are worthy of photographing.
Once you walk in, you’ll be welcomed by the multitude of vintage and retro homewares, clothes, accessories and of course - the handbags.
The owner has taken the time to style her shop with care, placing mirrors with candelabras alongside dried flower arrangements next to an old piano sprinkled with nostalgia and more.
The handbags are all of high quality and price tags to match.
Cher, the sales woman, was delightful and helpful in giving me some insight into the history of how came to be.
If you’re into vintage then I highly recommend a visit to

Notes: not wheelchair friendly as there are 3 flights of stairs. Trams and trains make this place accessible from all around Melbourne. Kid friendly.

Quick poll: what do you call your trangia tongs? Just curious.
And has anyone used these below which were sold in Paddy Pallin in the 70’s and called spondonicles?
Billy grips
Pot gripper
Grippys
Grips
Tongs
Grippers
Spondonicles
Spondies
Billy lifters

And have you ever used the tip of the tongs to place the simmer ring on the burner?

Remember little green “army men” when you were a kid? Well this is the Central American version which has indigenous Mayans and invading Spanish!

Oh the live on.
Bought my first pair in 1990. I wore them almost everyday until they were almost worn out. Traded them in Tanzania for some soapstone eggs.
Bought my next pair that lasted longer (time out for kids).
And now back into new ones here in travelling over 10,000kms over mountains, in the surf, canoeing, climbing, and so much more.
This picture just after a pedicure - a somewhat unfamiliar experience for me.

Doesn’t take much to make a simple afternoon snack look delicious. Effort = Achievement.

Caption please ….

Those were the days!
My father at his first “moot” in in the 50’s.
It rained for almost the entire time they were in Switzerland.
No fancy gear.
No gortex.
No microfibre clothes.
No waterproof packs.
No groundsheet.
No gas stoves.
No dehydrated food.
No waterproof footwear.
And these young men had the adventure of a lifetime, that my father at nearly 92 still reminisces so fondly.

So when I next crawl into my waterproof tent, sleep on my thermarest, snuggle into my down sleeping bag, put on my synthetic thermals, fleecy pants and gortex boots - I need to take a breath and honour those who came before us.
And to thank those today who design, create and make the camping life much easier.