As the weather for the weekend looked so good, we decided to go camping again to Oedaldo Island.Usually we like to explore different places, but we loved this island so much that we wanted to go back, and it is easy and cheap to get to, with perfect free camping spots on the beach.We took the bus to Mokpo, and met up with our friend Helena there.We then took a taxi to the ferry terminal and got our tickets for the next boat. As it is now September the holiday season has finished, even though the weather is better now as rainy season is over, so there were not so many ferries going out to the island.The children all went back to school last week, and were at school on Saturday, so there were few people on the ferry and on the island.It does not seem common for children to be taken out of school for holidays; as such an importance is placed on education here.I imagine if a parent chose to take their kids on holiday during term time it would be highly frowned upon, as they would be thought of as neglecting their child's future.So, it was great that the island was so empty, but it also meant that the water park was closed.

We set up camp and went for a swim in the sea then Graham headed off to hire fishing gear for the afternoon.He had seen this as we were leaving last time, so wanted to have a go this time.He did catch a couple of fish, but they were very small and so he threw them back again.The problem was that he was not given a float, so the weight kept getting caught in the rocks below.He did retrieve them the next day though when the tide was out, along with several others, and take them back to the owner. Helena and I took a walk down to the pier to find him, and sunbathed there for a while; until the tide got so high it started to wash over the pier.

That evening I made homemade burgers, and we ate them watching the sun set.Graham then made an amazing campfire to give us light, and to toast marshmallows on.We had a fantastic relaxing evening, chatting, drinking and listening to the sound of the waves.There was a nice cool breeze, so unlike our last camping trip here when it was so humid, we had a great sleep.We also have a slightly bigger tent now, which is bliss!

The next morning we woke up to find the Jindo dog (native to Jindo Island) that we saw last time, sleeping in front of our tents.Graham gave it some water and some beef jerky, which it seemed to really like!We cooked breakfast and then Graham and I went for a walk around the island whilst Helena sunbathed.Last time we were here I had not walked around, so it was nice to see the whole of the island this time.The pathways lead you around the beautiful island and give stunning views.We spent much time down by the small lighthouse, as there were about 10 porpoises swimming around, catching fish.We kept trying to get a good photo of them, but they were just too quick and mostly stayed just under the water.

That afternoon we packed up our campsite and walked a little early over towards the dock, as there were some small shops there.We had decided to get a cold drink whilst we waited for the ferry to come in, so we wouldn't miss our ferry and be stranded!As we waited, there were a couple of Korean families sitting having food and drink, and some of them came over the chat to us.They had come on their own boat and also had a Jet Ski with them.After a while they offered to take us out on the Jet Ski, but our ferry was coming in 10 minutes, so we had to say no.We explained why and they said that they would give us a lift back to the mainland later on their boat! I was eager to go on the Jet Ski, as this is something I have never done before, so we decided to stay.The Jet Ski was so much fun, and so fast that I clung on to the driver for dear life!The adrenaline I felt gave me little reminders of my sky dive last year.After me, Helena had a go and then Graham and we all loved it.The family even shared some of their beers with us, and were so friendly.

Later we all piled onto their boat, with a couple on the Jet Ski, and headed back to Mokpo.I was worried we would not all fit, but they found room for us all.We stopped off to pick up their friend who had been fishing on a different island all day, and then sped back to shore.The boat was a lot faster than the ferry and we were there in no time.They took us to the boat yard, so we got to see a different part of Mokpo, and then we took a taxi back to the bus station, and bus home.

Once again we had an amazing weekend, and met some fantastic people. This is what I love about Korea!

Maggie x