The Kids’ Visit

The Phillips family has come full circle with the visit of the three children back to Boggy Creek where it all began.  Pamela, Peter and Patrick drove up from Canberra in Pete’s flash new car.  We had a great time together.  First we walked around the property, visiting Josh at the Shamballa cemetery (the flame tree we planted in his honour has grown), saying hello to the neighbours that were around – most haven’t seen the kids since they were little – and generally going down memory lane.

Pat standing in front of the big bamboo in the garlic paddock

Playing cards on the verandah

We had lunch in one of the many cafes in town and the kids marvelled at all the up-market shops that have sprung up in the last 20 years.  Pam and Pete drooled over the clothes at Kakadu but Pat, having absolutely no interest in clothes was totally bored.  Then we visited Bat Island in North Bellingen.  The beautiful, if a bit smelly, fruit bats summer over every year on this island in the Bellinger River.  It is a magnificent sight to see them go out to forage at sunset. 

Fruit bats hanging from the trees

We had a great two hour paddle in the river near Fernmount.  Pam even saw a platypus in a billabong.

Pete and Pat on the river

Pat being the woodland Pan

The last day of their visit we went to Dorrigo and took the Wonga Walk in the National Park – an easy 2 hour walk through two waterfalls.  The park is such a special beautiful place.  The trees are gigantic and the abundant flora and fauna make it a magical woodland.

On the Wonga Walk, indulging their mother for yet another picture

The kids dwarfed by the big trees

The boys at the waterfall

A great night at the Federal Hotel then an early morning group selfie and they were off – Pam to start a new phase of her life in London, Pete finishing up his training as a primary school teacher and Pat stepping up to the responsibility of a flat, work and uni and developing good social networks.  We are extremely proud of all of them.

Dinner at the Federal Hotel

Early morning group selfie before the kids hit the road