When I was a child I loved it when my parents took us on a picnic that involved a lot of rock climbing, preferably with a bit of water. It would keep my sisters and I happy for hours.
So it was with great delight that I watched Lewis thrive playing on the rocks at Bells Rapids.
Enjoying natures playground
You see every year (weather permitting) we like to watch the Avon Descent at Bells Rapids, about an hour drive from the Perth CBD. We choose to watch the race here as it is the last batch of rapids before the competitors make their way to the finishing line 30km away.
The Avon Descent is a boat (power and paddle) racing event where competitors make their way down the Avon and Swan Rivers for 2 days over a 124km gruelling course.
Day 2 is a great family day out that costs nothing – yes nothing. You drive almost to the event; park your car in a field (that has been designated for parking) boarded the FREE shuttle, picnic basket in hand with every other man, woman, child and dog; arriving at Bells Rapids 5 minutes later.
Walking along the river
Of course you don’t have to take your own picnic there a couple of vans selling burgers and sausages, but we have learnt over the years taking your own is better.
This way we can walk the distance to the bridge make our way through the crowds along this narrow walkway (not good doing that with a pram – we speak from experience on a previous year). Then clamber over the rocks to find a good spot to watch the boats manoeuvre their way through the rapids whilst we enjoyed our lunch.
Getting caught in the rapids
Lewis thoroughly enjoyed watching the canoes and power dinghies capsize as they tried to negotiate the rapids, of course the poor competitor would have to swim in the freezing water back to their vessel, possibly dislodge it from being wedged between the rocks and rejoin the race.
Obviously there were also boats that made it through unscathed and they received a round of applause from the crowd.
Whew! We made it.
When Lewis tired of the race he discovered natures playground. Rocks and water. He skimmed rocks across the water, through larger ones in to watch the splash, collected the pretty ones (which we had to carry home), then began to climb. He had a ball!
The only way we got him to leave was to bribe him with a stop on the way home at the chocolate factory.
Does that make us bad parents?
“Yum, which one shall I choose”
I grew up in York! So I know the Avon decent really well, this was like a lovely trip down memory lane!
Thank you, I always love reading a post that takes me back.
Goes to prove that kids don’t need all the toys that get thrust upon them when outdoors – a good imagination is the key to hours of fun with no screens!
So true, sometimes we give kids just too much and the imagination isn’t used.
Playing with rocks and water was my all time favourite thing to do as a child. (I would have loved a trip to the chocolate factory too, I’m sure!)
xx
I agree I wish there were chocolate factories to visit when I was a kid.
I agree! Living on a Caribbean island, we are never far from water and rocks. Taking my kids to the river or beach where they can be free and play with the nature around them is the best thing for all of us!
Oh living on a Carribbean island sounds fantastic Terri.
There’s nothing like playing amongst water and rocks, and their lovely combination, mud. Good for kids and parents too!! Enjoyed seeing your photos – thank you.
Thanks Seana, I have been trying to put a few more pictures in the posts – as they say a picture says a thousand words.
Such a perfect Country Kids post. Plenty of time for imagination and play and exploring nature. I bet the children delighted in watching the boats come through.
Hi Fiona welcome to Toddlers on Tour, I was hoping this post would fit into the theme of your Linky Party. Yes my son shouted with delight each time a boat came by and it was even more exciting if they capsized.