Loveshack baby please

A few months ago I participated in a teambuilding day with work on a beautiful farm property in Tilba.

“Mountainview” farm (https://mountainviewfarm.com.au/) is, as suggested by its name, located on the walking track up to Gulaga Mountain.

Gulaga mountain carries deep spiritual value for the region’s Aboriginal Custodians. The Aboriginal People from Yuin country (which is the land we gather upon and where I am writing to you from) recognise Gulaga Mountain as the “Mother mountain” referring to the following story:

The Gulaga story

Cheryl Davison, Walbunja/Ngarigo:

One day Gulaga and her two sons, Baranguba and Najanuga, were collecting bush tucker. When Baranguba asked if he could go fishing, Gulaga said, ‘No, you’re too young, you’re to stay next to me’.

As they walked along, Baranguba insisted that he go fishing. But Gulaga said, ‘No, no, you have to stay next to me, it’s not safe to go fishing by yourself’. But Baranguba snuck away. He made himself a canoe and he rowed out to sea, where a big wave came and washed him off the canoe … He laid down in the water — and that’s where he still lives today.

When Najanuga, the younger son, saw this, he wanted to move away and set up his own camp. But Gulaga said, ‘No, you’re too young, you just sit here right next to me’.

So now she lies there, looking out at the sea at her older son, with her younger son right next to her, in arm’s reach.

https://www.nma.gov.au/exhibitions/endeavour-voyage/gulaga-mount-dromedary

One of the teambuilding activities consisted of a “mini”-treasure hunt on the property which also fed into our curiosity allowing us to have a look around. Soon we discovered the variety of animals on the farm (thankfully no snakes that day) as well as the “boutique” accommodation which included farm cottages and glamping tents. However for me, the ultimate highlight was the “love shack”, a caravan covered in graffiti saying “love” about a hundred times. Taking a closer look at the caravan I discovered it was converted into a tiny home with vintage furniture and paintings on the wall. Casey is slightly obsessed with the idea of a tiny home and I deemed it a great idea to book an overnight stay in the “loveshack” for his birthday. Also note that at the time of the booking we were still five months ahead of his birthday so I was probably mildly enthusiastic about staying in the van myself.

And so we did and last weekend I kidnapped Casey in my little car on the road to Tilba. Initially Casey thought I was going to bring him to “some kind of silly cooking class” (in his words haha – careful what you wish for darling and noted for next year). His description of the birthday present was adventurous and thoughtful considering his love for tiny homes however definitely with a touch of Kimmy, referring to the “love” graffiti on the van and oh yes I should also tell you that the van was located in a field of blooming daisies. Rather romantic for my not so romantic lover but I believe there should always be a touch of Kimmy.

If you have the opportunity to come and visit me and the South Coast of NSW have a look into staying at Mountain View Farm (https://mountainviewfarm.com.au/) or exploring Gulaga mountain (https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/south-coast/batemans-bay-and-eurobodalla/tilba/attractions/gulaga-mountain-walk).

Also when you read this, let me know what you think about Gulaga’s story and what it represents to you.

xxx Kimmy