The Bush Camp

22/08/2026

Winter feels

Coming out of the cold here in these beautiful mountains always makes me feel grateful.
Grateful for rain, grateful for the short days that allow me to regroup,rest and consider the work needed going forward.
These times are more than ever a reminder of why I have chosen to build a getaway to sit, chat and be present
Forward we go
🙏

09/08/2026

08/08/2026

Question

What is the longest time you remember being alone? No human contact.

In 1996 I left Adelaide. I was stressed,burned out and totally exhausted.
I had a 4wd a dog and money but absolutely no idea where to from there.
I literally flipped a coin at the highway
Left to WA if heads or up the East coast if tails. Tails it was.
I kept a journal

I decided to avoid the bitumen and ride the Great Divide. Within a week I had found what was to become my all time favourite campsite that would lead to my new life in the little village Elands.

It was July, cold and yet beautiful.
I was alone and for the first time I could remember….free.

At first it was uncomfortable. Always feeling like I ‘should’ be doing something. I had stocked up on food, wine and basics so there was no need to keep pushing.

It took near on a week before it happened.

I fell into truly being present. Not still, not quiet but present. I had not felt this way since being a child at my Grandparents farm where I would often go for walks in the scrub alone. I would just walk, watch and listen.

I stayed in this beautiful place and beautiful mindset for weeks. Just myself, my faithful companion Samson and the forest.
I wrote in my journal to remember this feeling. To never forget what real peace felt like, what it felt like to sleep properly, eat well, move slowly.
It was surreal

Skip forward 30 years

Here I am and what a ride it has been but I yearn for that feeling again.
Time to slow down and reflect
All the great sages, teachers and stoics knew that the secret lays within, but how many of us get the opportunity to truly be alone or are brave enough to seek it?

Share your thoughts

The Bush Camp

04/07/2026

Cold mornings

This little gem I bought in 1994

Been in storage at my Mums for over 30 years. It will now become the bedside table at the cottage.This special little place will have so many treasures.
Stay tuned

02/07/2026

Another step closer
Finally got the power on and we have lights!
Loads of tasty trinkets and little things that have special meaning.
Grandma would be so proud.

01/07/2026

Spoilt for choice

The old metters number 7 has been brought back to life after 30 years in storage, however after finding this stunning 1920s regal in mottled red I now can’t choose?

Thinking to put the regal in to the cabin and have the no7 put onto the deck for summer cookups, roasts etc?

Not a bad problem to have

23/06/2026

This month I turned 62

More than ever the forest calls.
As this world seems to accelerate I am keen to slow this boat down.
It’s been a wild ride to this point and I have few regrets, however the need to sit, listen and process has become overwhelming.

As a youth-worker and mens advocate the pull to sit fireside either alone or with others is something gnawing at me.
Soon I will pull the pin and switch it over from the need to achieve and prosper to the way of quiet and reflection.
Like I said it’s been a wild road and I would not be who I am today if not for that.

Soon

11/06/2026

Getting there

Starting to look pretty cozy now.
Once fireplace is installed and power goes on she will be the ultimate getaway retreat

Excited

09/06/2026

Out goes Autumn and in comes Winter

This season change is my favourite. The slowing down and shorter days are perfect for reading a book by the fire or slow walks along the riverbank.
Gathering the last materials to fit the old wood oven into the cabin just in time to enjoy the peak of our cold season.
Stay warm

23/04/2026

Gem

After nearly 30 years I have this old girl almost ready to go.
Looking forward to our first sourdough bread and Sunday roast hopefully soon The Bush Camp
👌