Camping in the Outback?

The primary function of a tent is to shelter a camper from nature's hasher elements. Among other qualities, tents usually need to be compact and lightweight, so they can be easily transported under human power. As such, Typically tents are made of nylon or polyester; a durable, lightweight material. One thing a tent is not is soundproof - it doesn't even muffle the sound. But time and time again, this make-shift home fools us into believing that whatever is inside is completely cut-off from whatever is outside.

The gang setting up for a day at the beach.

Steph recently had a two week break between the school's term 3 and 4. During which time we had been invited to go camping with friends. It was a weekend trip to Ledge Point, which is about an hour drive north of Perth. We were booked in at a park 'n tent campsite for two nights. We didn't have a tent, so we were to share with the others. Sharing a tent can sometimes be a little unnerving. With such limited space it is highly probable that at some point in the night you will awake to find yourself in a compromised position. Any nerves we might have had were quickly put to rest once we saw the tent we'd be sharing. It can only be described as behemoth in size. Two bedrooms and a common area with plenty of head room. The other tent was nearly equal in size.

Despite it's grandeur, however, it was still not soundproof. This was made apparent whilst trying to fall asleep that first night. Because of the closeness of the individual campsites, we clearly overheard the rather private conversations and intimate moments amongst our neighbours. (Actually, I had fallen asleep almost instantly, but Steph filled me in with a good dose of gossip in the morning.)

Fishing for dinner. Looks like seaweed salad is on the menu.

It wasn't until the second night that our group lay victim to the tent's soundproofing trickery. We had had a full day of activities; a competitive game of Bocce Ball and cribbage, a relaxing afternoon at the beach, and a frustrating effort of fishing for a dinner feast. As the day wound down a light rain started to fall. We all scrambled into the common area of one of the tents and gathered round the dinner table to play a board game - Time's Up! Steph and I had never played before, but the rules were easy. The game was essentially a cross between Pictionary, Charades, and Taboo. The teams were set: couples vs couples. The game was tightly contested, emotionally draining, and continued on for hours. Maybe we were having too much fun or maybe being inside the tent gave us a false sense of security, but, whatever it was, we definitely played that game loudly and didn't feel bad about it. It wasn't until the cheering had subsided, and we stepped outside the tent  that we once again were aware of the fact that we were surrounded by other campers - probably trying to sleep. Oh well, it was totally worth it!

Bustin' a move with the other 'young guns'.

The morning following our second night at Ledge Point we had to pack up and head home. There was still plenty of day left once we got near Perth, so we made a stop in the Swan Valley to play a round of mini-golf. Steph somehow made seemingly impossible holes look easy as see holed 6 hole-in-ones. Afterwards we made a short stop at the Chocolate Factory and then headed over to a winery (Jane Brook Estate Wineries) for a tasting and late lunch. There was also a three man band playing classic Beatles hits on the outdoor patio. It didn't take long before the wine and the music (with some encouragement from Steph) got me out of my seat and grooving to the music. Photos and movies were shot and fun was had by all. It was one hell of an afternoon and one hell of a weekend away with friends!