Late Sunday night, a few hours from home, we pulled up to this delightful scene. Our home for the night.

Inside, an open fire, a table for two bathed in candle light, and dinner warming in the oven.

I headed off again early the next Morning, leaving Daddy Eco and Little Eco snug in bed.

I left so early that in my half-asleep haze I left my packed breakfast and lunch sitting on the bench. No worries. I spotted an orange tree growing over a fence and foraged a few for breakfast.

Over the next few hours I was reminded of just how beautiful this country is. Of how incredibly hospitable country people are. Of how sad it is that we pay so little for our food that fifth and sixth generation farmers face a challenge simply keeping their family farm going. Our food isn't grown by families anymore, it's grown by corporations. How sad is that!?

I was lucky enough to interview and photograph a fifth generation farmer from the Upper Hunter Valley as part of an ABC open project. I volunteered my time and in return am learning a few skills I've been seeking. I've had a project in mind for this space for a few years now and am excited to be learning the skills I need to make that idea a reality.

Daddy Eco and Little Eco spent the day touring another, much larger, family homestead and playing in the river.

I returned in time for a few hours of silliness. Little Eco wanted to learn how to drive. I sat her on my lap and let her drive (slowly) around and around a paddock.

We balanced on fence rails.

And Daddy Eco even did a back flip off one despite me threatening to divorce him if he did. He ignored my threats. He winked at Little Eco. She winked back. He jumped. I was so horrified that I barely captured it.

He survived. And I love that despite being nearly forty he still thinks he can back flip off a fence.

We were back at home within 24 hours of leaving. rested. exhausted. wiser. inspired. happy.