It’s been too dangerous to fish the secret river as in winter it’s prone to flash flooding. But I’ve been wanting to get the tent back on top of the old Jeep and camp over and catch some eel. I haven’t taken many people down to this spot, I like to keep it as secret as possible so it doesn’t get wrecked.
Unfortunately not everyone has the same approach to camping here in Australia, and heavily used camping spots are often littered with trash and there is undoubtedly evidence of some city slicker’s wild time spent with a new hatchet trying to chop down green trees for firewood. So for now I’d prefer to keep this spot as hidden from the public as possible.
In any case it’s a bit tricky to get to, there’s no mobile reception and in summer it’s loaded with snakes. I’m trying my dandiest to make it sound unappealing. But in fact it is a beautiful little spot. And fishing for eel here is easy, all it requires is the old worm on the hook and fish overnight (as the eels feed nocturnally).
We had to walk only a few hundred metres from camp to the deeper and slower pools to drop the lines for the eel. Henry boy had a ball this weekend, running in the long grass, pretending to be the hunting dog that he will one day be. I’m so proud of this dog. So glad my mate convinced me on English Pointers.
I normally smoke the eel and then it ends up featured in many different meals. It’s a nice meat, even though it’s snake-like appearance and slimy skin tend to put people off. I like it. And like all the other meat I hunt in the wild, I view it the same as the rest. It’s something I can hunt for easily enough and like rabbit can replace chicken, smoked eel can be used as a substitute for trout. But it has a unique flavour of its own that can’t be dismissed.
On this trip Kate bought us a rare treat from John Harbour, our local butcher…some delicious lamp chops, which I marinated overnight with rosemary, garlic and olive oil. We don’t eat lamb really, so this was a real treat for us to devour red meat. And boy did we enjoy it! One day I’ll start raising a few lambs for us. But until then, I’ll stick to mostly wild meats, with the occasional purchase from the butcher.
One thing that I was pretty excited about for this trip was being able to use my new general purpose knife, crafted by GRAYBEAR. It’s a real piece of craftsmanship from this backyard craftsman based in New South Wales. To be honest I’d given up on finding an Australian maker of knives that would suit me, but I’m glad I stumbled on his work. The knives are Scandinavian influenced in design and materials, but it’s the sharpness of the steel that I find most amazing…in fact I was intimidated by how sharp it was. I’ve never handled a knife like this, and now she sits on my waist every day I’m out bush hunting, fishing or in the veg patch. She’s my everyday tool.
If you’re looking for that one of a kind knife that suits your needs specially, contact Graham and he’ll chat knives to you.
We stayed just the one night, but next time we’ll take provisions for two as we really struggled to pack up and head home, it was just so beautiful to be out there again. We had all the comforts, a warm fire, plenty of driftwood, good food, a comfy rooftop tent and an ice box full of cold beer. Honestly what more do you need for a successful camp?
It’s so good to have the old tent sitting on top of the Jeep once again. Now home is where I park it.
I really love the word “provisions”. It conjures up images of… well, camping. And I sort of kind of want to camp now. Maybe.
What….you don’t do camping?
Sort of, but i’m also sort of 40 weeks pregnant so not entirely practical at this juncture! but it just looks so peaceful.
Wow…that place is breathtaking, I’d want to keep it secret too!
That’s the plan Anita!!
That is a breathtaking view you’ve got there….I’d want to keep that place a secret too!
Yeah…I feel bad not sharing it, but I really can’t stand the thought of it getting trashed.
id keep it a secret for as long as i could , too!
Glad to see that you drink only the very best beers ??? Why not brew your own ?? Check me out at http://www.brewerschoice.net.au I will give you all the assistance you need to make hreat beer. You may be amazed at what I seel that would interest you.
One day…when I have the time and the money I’ll make some brewski
now next time I want to see that ice box full of Australian craft beer! other than that carry on
One day I’ll make beer again!!!
love the tent on top of your vehicle, do you have more info on that somewhere on your site? if not, love more info on it!
I bought it second hand off eBay. I think it’s called Howling Wolf or Lone Wolf or something like that. There are two types on eBay….beware of the mega cheap ones as they are made of normal tent material not heavy duty canvas…..(the canvas last longer and is more weather proof).
looking at the tents on ebay. Is that just a regular tent then that you mounted on top of your vehicle? Guess that is the info I am looking for, *how* you mounted it up there and such. Thanks for getting back to me!
Search by ‘roof top tent’
They’re made specifically for mounting on heavy duty roof racks.
Looks so tranquil. I like camping spots that are in the middle of nowhere too – not campgrounds with hoons playing loud music from their cars. What’s the point of camping if all you’re doing to do is make noise.
This looks like a perfect camp. My family only likes to camp in ‘out of the way’ places too. What is the point otherwise? Amazing photos!
in my humble opinion, that is a perfectly sized eel. Me and the boy are going one night this week to try and bag us a couple of those same beauties. Grilled over the coals for mine.
Ro,
The fire lighter you use in your secret river post , can you tell me which one that is , it’s looks great , I’m always looking for things like that for my son .
Dave
It’s a petrol lighter. I read it in the gear section from the Gray Bear blog.
Thanks for that Great luck with the book ! .
Looks and sounds perfect. We used to camp by a river not too dissimilar to that when I was a wee girl.
Definitely keep that treasure a secret! Nothing worse than a bunch of bogans with blaring music and fowl behaviour.
This is an awesome post. I love the idea of catching and smoking your own eel! P.S. saw your Smokehouse video on Smith Journal – great stuff!
Beautiful.
The bit about your new knife reminded me of an independent knife craftsman I recently discovered and thought you might like as well. This video about him & his trade is pretty awesome; https://vimeo.com/31455885
Thanks for sharing Liz. Anything one of a kind gets my attention!
Wonderful!
I have two material Qs for you: your pictures are always so good, what camera do you use?
And what boots does your lady wear? I got small lady feet and need clueing in on some decent outdoorsy boots to wear. Much love,
Naomi
It’s just a DSLR camera. I’m not allowed to say what brand.
But the boots are my Red Wing’s from USA. Brilliant all rounders
What year is your jeep and what size risers do you have on it?
95′ and it has a TJM lift kit. Up 7 inch from memory
Awesome looking spot Rohan. And I’m so jealous! Smoked eel has got to be one of my favourite things to eat. So delicious. And is that Henry on point in that photo!? He’s going to have some great style come quail season.
Such good meat eh mate! Can’t wait to get him out on the birds with you and Jack!
This is my first time reading your blog…what incredible photos and prose! I can’t wait to read more.
As a side note: rooftop tent? Genius! Looks super comfy, too!
Thanks Rae. It’s a ripper of a tent. I love it! My second home in summer!
love to spend some time fly fishing there!
What a great looking trip! I’ve always wanted one of those Jeep top tents, but since I don’t own a Jeep… Incredible photos as always. Your blog is one of my favorites.
What Year is your Cherokee? Love the roof rack tent – I use to have a 92 that I bought for 600 bucks.
It’s a 95. Great bus.
This is your best photoset so far. Astounding. Wish I was there.
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Would love to know what type of jacket that is beautifully well worn?
It’s an old Barbor jacket. Life laster they are!!
What about those shoes in the last picture? Those look great for the outdoors!
Red Wings from USA. Bees Knees.
I agree- eel is an oily treat. Great shots.
I agree- eel are an oily treat. Great shots.
Hey there, I just stumbled on your blog and love what you are up too, living seasonaly, foraging, hunting etc! My husband and I just adore camping (in fact our whole family does)! I am so jelous you found such a great spot… it doesn’t seem to matter where we go (we are based in NSW) but we always find broken glass, ruined nature, and way to much rubbish! I would be keeping such a beautiful, untouched spot a secret to. Keep up what you are doing :)
Thats the idea behind keeping it a well guarded secret ;-)
Your shoes! Wherever did you acquire them? I’ve been looking for some comfortable camping shoes again since my previous pair have been worn completely out!
Redwing boots. American made excellence. Last for ever and really comfy.
This is my preferred hard wearing boot from Redwing.
http://www.redwingheritage.com/boots#&f=&m=/detail/875-heritage-us/875-red-wing-mens-6-inch-boot-boot-brown
Your photos are beautiful. Your blog is the best. Well done, sir.