For all of you that know Nick the term “dread” seldom means gloom or anxiety, but almost always refers to the hairstyle made famous by Bob Marley. One may ask “how can you “dread” in the new year?” and the answer is simple. Woodford Folk Fest. This place could arguably be the dreadlock capitol of Australia. People of all ages, nationalities, and genders, all rocking dreadlocks, were enjoying music, art, comedy, and stunts performed by other dreadlock rockers. We both couldn’t help but feel like the minority with our nappy lacking hair. The hair aside it was nothing but good times with good people.
The day ticket bought us 15 hours of various acts and displays as well as a cozy camping site to crash for the night. To get the full picture we must mention that it has been raining every day for the past two weeks. On our way to a dry camping spot we passed “tent village” which was a collage of bogged cars and campers, clothes lines sagging with dripping attire, and piles of rubber boots outside each humble abode. You could tell many residents had been there for the full week of festivities and have not let the weather dampen their spirit along with their socks. I will leave out details of the acts as not to spoil the surprise in case your in the neighbourhood this time next year, but some of the sights and sounds we took in included: a comedic fire fighter duo who could also juggle, mini bike stunt team, big band music, storey teller, graffiti artists, Dj’s as well as some fine food and beverages. Not included in the itinerary but also entertaining were the mud runs.
All cars of different sizes had to get through tracked out, greasy stretches of earth that could help the Corb Lund boys write their sequel. This show ran all day because it was the only route to get in or out of the grounds. Everyone seemed to do their part to push from time to time, because in the back of all our minds was the fact that all of us will need a push eventually, and we did.
Out of order but no less enjoyable was Christmas at Cotton Tree Backpackers. It was odd to say the least to get up and put on sun screen rather than flannels. We all received our first present right away, which was sunshine. It was a treat to be dry for more than an hour. The night before we all stayed up helping prepare for the afternoon BBQ. The Hostel had a homey feel to it as many of the residents had been their for months. There were also a couple of resident dogs (Nelson the lab and friend). We were welcomed in to the family immediately. Under the tiny tree (with melting candy cane decorations)on the coffee table in the morning were tiny presents. French Santa came again at brunch wearing shorts, flip-flops, and carrying a beer. Amanda and I exchanged gifts and watched the others unwrap their Christmas Speedo’s, boxed wine (goon), and water pistols.
We sat on the patio enjoying our complementary champagne and orange juice soaking it in while others threw on their red hats and hit the beach. We all made phone calls home to tell our families Santa was on his way. The afternoon was spent playing games such as celebrity heads, Chinese checkers, and pass the parcel. In the parcel you could get either a present or a dare. Amanda wound up performing a clever yodel and Nick had to hug a stranger. Everyone ate until they were stuffed, had a nap and then ate some more. We traded a few more movies before we left our home away from home.
Nick celebrated his 26th with a steak dinner at a place called Mooo Char. It was sponsored by Mr. Segway (Ray). Not only does he get to ride around on Segways all day he also has a Birthday Bonus package. Not too shabby. We both have been working steady at the resort and Amanda has also been assisting with tours. She has an interview 2km down the road for a new dental office. We are both in “save” mode for the new few weeks, and Nick has been shopping for a surf board. His first tour is not until 10am which leaves the morning open to take up Australia’s No.1 hobby -surfing. It will be rough but some how we will get through it ;-)
The day ticket bought us 15 hours of various acts and displays as well as a cozy camping site to crash for the night. To get the full picture we must mention that it has been raining every day for the past two weeks. On our way to a dry camping spot we passed “tent village” which was a collage of bogged cars and campers, clothes lines sagging with dripping attire, and piles of rubber boots outside each humble abode. You could tell many residents had been there for the full week of festivities and have not let the weather dampen their spirit along with their socks. I will leave out details of the acts as not to spoil the surprise in case your in the neighbourhood this time next year, but some of the sights and sounds we took in included: a comedic fire fighter duo who could also juggle, mini bike stunt team, big band music, storey teller, graffiti artists, Dj’s as well as some fine food and beverages. Not included in the itinerary but also entertaining were the mud runs.
All cars of different sizes had to get through tracked out, greasy stretches of earth that could help the Corb Lund boys write their sequel. This show ran all day because it was the only route to get in or out of the grounds. Everyone seemed to do their part to push from time to time, because in the back of all our minds was the fact that all of us will need a push eventually, and we did. 
We sat on the patio enjoying our complementary champagne and orange juice soaking it in while others threw on their red hats and hit the beach. We all made phone calls home to tell our families Santa was on his way. The afternoon was spent playing games such as celebrity heads, Chinese checkers, and pass the parcel. In the parcel you could get either a present or a dare. Amanda wound up performing a clever yodel and Nick had to hug a stranger. Everyone ate until they were stuffed, had a nap and then ate some more. We traded a few more movies before we left our home away from home.
