Coolum is beautiful. A coastal community with gorgeous beaches and a headland to explore. We were so looking forward to spending six days by the beach on our second ever camping holiday. Wandering, relaxing, swimming, fishing. Thus, it was with great frustration that we called short our trip when first Dave, then myself, came down with the dreaded tummy bug the children had had. He on the first night, myself on the second. We were home again on the third day after slowly and painfully packing up camp. We were torn as to whether to stay or go. Thank goodness we chose home. There is no place like it generally, but particularly when you are sick sick sick.
Thankfully there were some saving graces that made all the effort worthwhile, like dinner at Noosa with friends before the bug struck, flying the kite on the beach with an excited Cohen, chatting with our fellow campers about their travels and adventures. One instance brought tears to my eyes though. As we gingerly packed our belongings a Grandmother from a tent behind us took a tired and fussing Emerson from me and rocked her to sleep. She sat with her until we were ready to leave. That single act made a difficult time that much easier for us. Though I felt miserable the kindness of strangers gave me something positive to focus on.
It may be some time before we attempt camping again however...
