We used to go camping all the time when my

Kids were young.

Not in a  caravan park but on a landing on the

Side of the Murray near Mannum

The only people for.miles was a dairy nearby.

And boats going past on the river.

We had kayaks and took trips through the

Backwaters and a small lagoon near the campsite

At night when everyone was asleep I would sit

By the campfire and sometimes fish.

The noises you would hear were amazing.

Fish jumping out of the water. 

Frogs, insects, water rats scurrying through the

Bushes, and an occasional moo.

A houseboat coming quietly down the river at 

Night, the crackle of the fire .

Orchestral maneuvers in the dark

And if you were really quite you could almost

Hear a spider spinning his web.

A glass of Jim Beam and an ever watchful eye

And ear for intruders and a trusty hammer nearby

Just incase.