I have just come home from the most fabulous spontaneous weekend away in Yamba. Originally, I had nothing planned for the weekend other than some chores around the house, but was chatting with my friend on Friday at lunchtime, he had a house full of people and invited me to come as well and stay at his place in Yamba.

I drove down (about 3 1/2 hours) on Friday after work – via home to pack a bag, and stopped at Brunswick Heads for a pit stop and a drink with another friend. It was a super busy place with a whole lot happening with school holiday fun, and it is definitely on my list of places to go back to!

I made it to Yamba and met all of the house guests – a new flat mate and his sister and two of her friends, and I heard all about their plans for the weekend. There was a whole lot happening in town for a big ocean swim race day/weekend. They are all ocean swimmers, and were there to participate.

My friend and I left them all to it, and took his van to sleep at the beach .. I have never thought of myself as a camper, but sleeping in the van at the beach is something else! It has become one of my favourite things to do! Every time I come home I start searching for cheap vans so I can get into it, and then I remember that I’m probably not brave enough to camp on my own, and also that I probably can’t afford it! Hahaha

Day two saw us heading to the beach for a ‘warm up’ swim – there’s a big group that meet everyday to swim 1.5km, and it’s a really lovely community! I sat and had some brekky, watching the waves and enjoying the setting up for a sand castle building competition, as well as a bunch of other things for kids to do. Following their swim, we went to Angourie, to Spookeys beach and had a paddle and a Picknick, and then the very best afternoon nap ever! Dinner was at the pub, where a band was setting up ready to entertain the younger crowd! It was a super fun vibe, and great people watching!

Sunday started early with the swimmers preparing themselves. I offered to pick up the elderly wife of one of the competitors. He is 82, and rode his bike 10km into town before competing in the 700m as well as the 2km races… and then riding his bike home!! The whole event was super well organised, and (if you’re into that kind of thing) a whole lot of fun! I thoroughly enjoyed sitting on the sidelines as a spectator, and taking photos of my friends as they finished their races. … I am also pleased to say that my sunburn was minimal!

We rounded out the day with a trip to the golf club, where a bunch of food trucks were stationed and some live music was playing. It was a fabulous way to finish a busy day…. I also got to catch up with my other friend who lives down there, so that was a bonus!!

Back to the van (parked in the driveway) for bed, and then a change of location to wake up to! My friend woke up early and moved us up to the beach to watch the sunrise… and I have to say it is one of my favourite ways to wake up!! … followed by brekky, and then the drive home to get all the chores done before the work week starts again.

This weekend for me falls into the category for my New Year’s resolution to say yes to more things this year, and to not be quite so rigid with my routines! … I had a fabulous time, met some wonderful new people, and enjoyed myself thoroughly! I’m looking forward to whatever the next adventure will be!