we’re towing a trailer full of camping gear fastened with ropes and occy clips. In a little cage atop it all is ‘Captain’ our German Shepard puppy, yap yap yapping, his ears flapping back in the wind - we crawl along hour after interminable hour, Raymond Terrace, Newcastle, Bulahdelah - finally...the Seal Rocks turnoff!!
I spy the church they made into a house, the tarred road finishes and we're on to the dirt, dense bush on both sides, eyes peeled until around the last bend, the ocean bursts into view embracing us. Joy leaps from my heart - we’re here!
the caravan park is across from the beach. We pitch our green canvas two-pointed tent down the side of the camp ground with the clique of the campers. we feel superior to the suburban caravaners. Inside we lay down old Persian carpets and erect stretcher beds. I love the canvassy smell and the sound of the porta-gas stove.
the Murnanes are here again from Newcastle. Greg Murnane has a crush on me I can tell.
wearing my one-piece cossie I got for Christmas, I read, laze in the sun with mum and my sister on warm, powdery sand. I catch waves on a blow-up surfmat with my brother; I star playing British Bulldog with 20 kids or more on the lawn up near the showers. I patiently wait my turn for a jump on the trampoline at the caretaker’s house.
we catch pippies, scrinching our feet in the sand, this way and that, the water retreating. We cook and eat them, they’re sweet, juicy and delicious.
our family walks up the hill to the General Store. We can have any ice cream we want, but Chocolate Hearts are expensive so I don’t choose them, even though dad says I can. Anyway Pine-lime Splice is my favourite but sometimes I’ll have a chocolate paddle-pop.
days are endless, my skin deeply tanned, I am filled with sunshine. I feel as light as the wind - I am free.