After returning from my last Camino in May this year, I stayed close to home for my daughter’s wedding and to organise the never ending things that needed to be completed on my van in order to start my Australian adventures. I won’t bore you with the details of preparing the van because just thinking about it does my head in. Suffice to say it was more time-consuming and a little more costly than anticipated. Nevertheless, it is done (I think), and I am on the road appeasing my itchy feet once again.

3 days ago I joined Country Pub Tours on a 7 night Tag along tour, visiting historical country pubs, hearing their history, and enjoying scrumptious food and friendly company.

Day 1.

Our first meet-up was at the Esk Caravan Park, where we stayed the night. A good choice with great amenities. Dinner was at the Grand Hotel, where we heard the history of the pub, which has been serving the community since the early 20th century. Esk was settled in the 1840s with the copper mines bringing European families to the area. The Grand is noted for being family and community focused, with fundraising that supports not only the  local Esk community groups and activities but also surrounding smaller communities. That aside, they also know how to welcome travellers. The atmosphere and the food were well worth the drive. For Brisbane or Gold Coast peeps, it would be worth a weekend break away.

We walked back to our vans under clear starlit skies, ready for a pleasant nights sleep.

The caravan park is set in a quiet side street with lots of options for accommodation, large grassed areas, and bordered on one side by a gentle flowing creek. Spotlessly clean amenities with steaming hot water, always a winner for me, a more than adequate camp kitchen with electric barbarcues and pizza ovens. There is also an adults only pool and a separate pool for kids.

I woke at 5.30 in the morning to the dawn chorus.

Rob, our tour guide, rounded us up for breakfast and to tell us what was in store for the coming days. More to come….