Camping @ Badplaas

Due to the fact that we are a working family, relaxation time is paramount. This weekend that has just passed, we went camping at Badplaas, Mpumalanga. The weather was perfect, scenary amazing and the company just terrific.

FRIDAY, 6TH MARCH 2009

We fetched the kids straight from school on Friday, and went on our merry way to the mineral springs of Badplaas. We got there just after 2 and everyone was SO excited.

When we finally decided on our camping stand, we delved straight in and unpacked the trailer to get the tent up. Now, this is a job for all 5 of us as is ALOT of fun. There were bags flying and sleeping bags to find, good flat piece of level ground to find and last but not least, to try and figure out how to get the tent up again .... after lots of head scratching and turning this way and that, we managed to figure it out "wa-la" the tent was up!

The scenery at our camp site was truly the best at the resort ... we had a view of miles and fortunately, Daddy brought the binoculars with, so we were able to sit and look out at this beautiful land of ours and try and find some animals. And yes, we did find some. We found sable and springbok and LOTS of different types of birds.

So, there we were. Finally, on our little weekend away. While Daddy finished off the camp site, the kids and I couldn't wait anymore and headed off to the swimming pool. We had a quick dip and then proceeded to the little shop to buy wood and charcoal so that Daddy could cook our supper. Meltis, Madeleine and Frederik only arrived after 8 on Friday evening and so we had to help them put their tent up in the dark which just added to our fun .... it was great that they were joining us and relaxing themselves. After supper, we all sat around the fire and chatted and just before we headed off to bed, Daddy went to switch the light off and slipped into a little donga next to the electrical outlet. We didn't think it was SO bad ... not until the next morning!

SATURDAY, 7TH MARCH 2009

We woke up bright and early to an absolutely breathtaking view. Daddy was in SO much pain with his ankle and could hardly walk. So, medic mom pulled out the reliable first aid kit and proceeded to rub Voltaren gel on his ankle and wrapped it up all snug. Meltis had a good giggle at Daddy when he finally got out of bed. I then made the kids breakfast and milo, and the adults all had coffee. Just as I proceeded to my chair to remove the first aid kit and sit down and enjoy my coffee, I was met by the BIGGEST SPIDER that I have EVA seen. To say that I got the fright of my life, was a total understatement. After using all types of methods of getting rid of our unwelcome guest, we ended up lighting him on the fire to ensure he didn't come back! After that frightening experience, we made breakfast on the fire. Eggs and bacon and left over braai bread from last night. DIVINE!

We then all got into our cossies and loaded on the sunblock as the sun was sweltering and headed off to the pools. We spent the day next to the pool swimming and lying in the sun. Boeboes' enjoyed joining in the children's games that they were having at the cold pool and absolutely loved all the rides and slides. He was also fortunate enough to meet one of his friends from school that was also there for the weekend so he also had a friend to play with the whole day. Daddy and I spent most of the day in the cold pool with Princess Peach & Peanut... and the two of them took like fish to water. We were so proud of how quickly they adapted to the deeper side and were quickly swimming like little fishes (with their wings on) Every time we got out of the pool, I would

load myself and the kids with more sunblock because the sun was really shining down! Lunch time we headed to the Milky Lane and had a cold drink and a toasted sandwich and then headed in the direction of the RINKHALS. The supertube! Daddy, Frederik and Meltis were like 3 little boys pushing each other down the slide and had ALOT of fun. Yes, by this time, Daddy's ankle was feeling much better ... thanks to medic mom! Boeboes and his friend also went down the supertube and had an absolutely wonderful time. Madeleine, myself and Princess Peach and Peanut watched by the side and were their biggest supporters as they passed us by each time.

After 5, we decided to relax in the hot pool, as most of the day visitors had left by then. It was truly relaxing and we all had an awesome time. At about 6, we headed to the little shop to get more juices and items needed for our braai and then headed back to our camp. We braai'd lamb chops on the fire, sweet potatoes in foil on the coals and a lovely green salad ... it was very yummy.

We were chased off to bed early in the evening (around 8) by lightning and thunder threatening to give us a lovely little downpour. But inevitably, there was NO rain and we all had a great nights sleep after a truly fabulous day. Aaaaahhhhh!

SUNDAY, 8TH MARCH 2009

We woke up refreshed and a little disappointed that today is finally here. We all started packing up straight away and we were basically finished packing up by 9h30 which was terrific because there was still enough time to make one last dash to the pools. Yeah!!!!

While everyone else had one last swim, I headed off to Milky Lane for one last soft serve ice cream that I had been dreaming of for the last couple of months ... and boy was it worth the wait ... it was divine!!!!!!!!!

The children enjoyed their last swim and we were ready to head home at 12h30 and had a truly wonderful weekend away. We all needed a good break and it really was an amazing weekend.

Well, our next weekend away, after a unamimous vote from all of us, is going to be camping at the Kruger Park .... we will probably get Meltus and Madelein to tow the caravan (for her last journey) before we sell her for good. It is starting to get cooler now, so within the next 6 weeks there will be another post of one of our camping excersions but this time to the Park .... we can't wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!