Mount Kuringai

A couple of weekends ago we decided to make the most of our single child days and get outside for a BBQ. We'd heard Kuringai-Chase National park was a nice spot so armed with sunscreen, picnic and Jimenez family we headed out that way ... halfway there the spotless sky became suddenly black and cloudy and it started raining!! Which minor drawback deterred us from paying the hefty $11 entry fee to the park. Casting around for another free picnicking spot we discovered an area nearby which was just as leafy, green and pretty as Kuringai-Chase but being on the other side of the mountain (outside the park boundaries) it didn't cost a thing to set up Barbie!

A great spot for a bit of fun!

Amazingly the rain seemed to have missed this little valley ... infact the sun even made a valiant attempt to shine through!
It was a very, very large picnic spot ... Paul and Lorence man the Barbie!
Up close we discovered that this was the real deal when it comes to turning the heat on!
Mmm I don't think this one's burnt yet another five minutes should do it!
The park even came equipped with play equipment! Lyns minds the kiddies (this is where you get to play: 'Spot Bell and Jieret'!)
Mmmm my fav part of any Barbie ... tomato ketchup!
Mm mmmm mmmm!
Jieret directs the process from a distance!

Com'on you must have room for one more tiny little teddy?!
Dad and daughter time...

The Hawkesbury River ...
ever so slightly slimy!
Makes great face paint though!
The best way to keep a little man clean!
I love these typical Aussie picnic tables ... this one came complete with Aussie birdlife! Notice how the roof stretches waaaay out to protect the table from being decorated bird style?! These Aussies aren't just a pretty face you know!