We were so excited about our new free camping spot near Kenilworth. It was right next to a large running creek, surrounded by smooth pebbles and the kids loved the fact that a family of ducks wandered around the camp. We set up the chairs and even though the water was quite cool Troy and the kids stripped down for a swim. “How many stars would you give this site,” I yelled out to Maddi. “4,” she replied. “I love it!”
Troy went on a hunt for firewood and I watched a van roll in that I instantly recognised; a single male whose path we already crossed at another free camp. He was taking photos of us while Troy was away, making me uncomfortable with conversation about the spirits hanging about our camp. The man helped Troy out with some firewood and then went about chatting to other campers. We started the fire in order to have dinner and get to bed early after a long day.
Just as the kids had reached their limits the van guy came over and asked to talk to Troy privately. I watched as they had a chat and then Troys headlight drifted away. I could still hear them talking but couldn’t make out what it was about. After a while Troy came back and said he’s calling the cops ‘cos old mate reckons he saw a dead body in the bushes.
We sat around waiting for the police. When they arrived Troy relayed the strange conversation about how the guy said he found a dead body and was trying to show Troy where but wasn’t able to answer his questions clearly. Troy looked around the area and although there was an old tent trampled into the ground he couldn’t see any signs of a body. The cops tried to talk to van guy but he didn’t answer his door so they headed off. It wasn’t long before rumours started circulating around the camp and visitors stopped by looking for confirmation of a dead body.
We felt raindrops and hurried inside before the down pour. Troy was regretting not waterproofing the canvas or putting the fly covers above the beds. I wished we hadn’t parked so far away from the toilets. Although we were tired we were so wound up from the night that we couldn’t sleep.
Just as we drifted off we were woken up by music being blasted through the subwoofers in car boots. Some young teens obviously thought they would continue their party on the bridge above us. Wanting to avoid the uphill walk we hoped it would be wrapped up soon. Instead they got louder and louder. Hours later Troy finally decided to go up there at 3.30am. Another camper was there having words to them. The party was turned down a notch and we attempted for more sleep.
I heard our kids stirring; it felt like I had just closed my eyes. I’m not sure if it was rain coming through or moisture from the inside but we woke up to everything being wet. Adding to the wet bedding was Miss 3 who had an accident in the night. I could see Troy had reached his limits and even with the added difficulty of moving in the rain, he turned to me and said, “Let’s get the fuck out of here”.