In the UK, when we get really good weather in June, July and August, we say "Oh finally! About time too. I hope it lasts. But not for too long because we don't want another hosepipe ban...etc etc". But when we get sunshine in September everyone is grateful. And happy. Because it feels like such a treat, a blessing, to have such gorgeous weather when the schools have gone back and Autumn is approaching.
The light feels like it has a different quality to it; softer, more mellow, less need for running around with sun hats and suncream. The air smells different. Yesterday I joined a group of friends who were camping for the night in the Yorkshire Dales. Eight adults, six children, one teenager and one baby. I didn't camp because 1. John was working all weekend, 2. we had plans Friday and Saturday night, and 3. we don't own a tent. Bella, Angus and I arrived at lunchtime and had an idyllic few hours with our friends. We picnicked, we played with water rockets and we spent hours paddling and splashing in a beautiful brook. When I left them all in the late afternoon sun, beers in hand, planning their evening barbecue I did think, hmmm - maybe I could be persuaded that this camping lark is for me after all.
Do you like camping? I think I could get into it if I had a proper, good tent and comfy mattresses with fitted sheets, and good pillows, and an electric hook-up with a fridge, cooker, (radio?) you know, all the kit. In fact the more a tent resembles an Actual House, the more I like it.
The other thing that struck me is, oh my goodness, the Yorkshire Dales are stunningly beautiful. It took an hour and a half to get to our destination yesterday, but we can get to other parts of the Dales like Skipton in under an hour. Why, when we have this amazing countryside around me, don't we go more? Also, because we are apparently the only family left in the world who does not to own a Sat Nav, I got very lost, going and coming back. But I didn't really mind, because the sun was shining and it was just all very scenic. Now, if I was lost on the one way system in Leeds city centre, that would be a different matter altogether.
What did you do with your weekend? Was it sunny where you are?
Do you like camping? I think I could get into it if I had a proper, good tent and comfy mattresses with fitted sheets, and good pillows, and an electric hook-up with a fridge, cooker, (radio?) you know, all the kit. In fact the more a tent resembles an Actual House, the more I like it.
The other thing that struck me is, oh my goodness, the Yorkshire Dales are stunningly beautiful. It took an hour and a half to get to our destination yesterday, but we can get to other parts of the Dales like Skipton in under an hour. Why, when we have this amazing countryside around me, don't we go more? Also, because we are apparently the only family left in the world who does not to own a Sat Nav, I got very lost, going and coming back. But I didn't really mind, because the sun was shining and it was just all very scenic. Now, if I was lost on the one way system in Leeds city centre, that would be a different matter altogether.
What did you do with your weekend? Was it sunny where you are?
Looks so picturesque. I used to go camping as a child but I am more with you on the 'glamping' side of things. I would need a shower - saying that, that brook looked wonderful to have a bath in! Loving the sun here too!
ReplyDeleteIvan
I've never tried "glamping" but I suspect it would be the kind of camping I could get used to! Proper beds and wood burning stoves? Yes please.
DeleteI would need to be able to plug in my hair dryer somewhere! I wish I was more of a natural beauty then I think I could get into camping. I recommend getting a sat nav. I came late to them as technology makes me feel a bit ill, but it really helps me not to worry so much about longer journeys. (But then I am a worrier...) xx
ReplyDeleteThis place had a hair dryer in the wash blocks! I know what you mean about the natural beauty thing - I don't want to face all my friends and their partners at 7am en route to the loo without at least a but of make-up! x
DeleteCamping is wonderful - a completely great way to holiday and children love it. If you want to try why don't you borrow a tent and go somewhere nearby just to see? Those dales look glorious, funny how we often ignore what is on our very doorstep.
ReplyDeleteBorrowing a tent is such a good idea, I may try that. John is currently NOT keen, so this may be a way to tempt him to give it a go. x
DeleteLooks beautiful. I love getting lost too. More fun ! Also love camping but I have admit it is a pain in the arse packing everything especially when I forget vital things like food! Have a great week x
ReplyDeleteOne of my friends forgot the tea bags! Quelle horreur! x
DeleteOh, beautiful hills! You did have aa good time. Must go there sometime. I love camping, I did it often when my kids were little. It's an easy way of living, always outside. My boys have good memories about it. I was a single mom those days.
ReplyDeleteI don't like those SatNav things, I like to figure everything out myself. Nowadays some people just turn it on, and they don't have a clue were on earth they are. They just listen to that voice telling them were to drive. I like reading maps.
Have a nice week, groetjes, Gerda
I do like reading maps but I'm not very good at it! I think a sat nav might be a good idea, for those times when I don't have a grumpy navigator in the car with me!
DeleteDear Gillian
ReplyDeleteThe scenery is beautiful and it looks like the weather decided to be helpful too. I was taken on many camping trips as a child and as a result, will not stay anywhere unless there are proper washing facilities and I am in a proper room, with walls and ceiling. My times of traipsing through a field in the middle of the night, in a nightie and wellies, with just a torch, trying to remember where the toilets were and being spooked by every single noise, are well and truly over. Good for you though with the camping thing - perhaps facilities have much improved these days!
Best wishes
Ellie
Oh dear, it sounds like your childhood camping put you off for life! Yes, traipsing through fields with a torch looking for the loo - that is the side of camping passionate campers forget to mention!
DeleteThe Yorkshire Dales is my favourite place on Earth, I just love it there. We actually go quite often, and I love the fact that we have all that gorgeous countryside on our doorstep. As for camping, I'd give it a go but Mick just won't, he likes his home comforts too much.
ReplyDeleteI am determined to go more often, even if it's only up to Ilkley of Skipton. Such a beautiful area. x
DeleteWe've had a sunny weekend but very lazy! I love camping, we have a 5 star tent, not too keen on setting up camp in the rain though! I'm not a hardened camper! We don't have a sat nav, just do the bog standard map reading thingy! Have a great week! Ada :)
ReplyDeleteLazy weekends are also very good. I like the sound of a 5 star tent - I am picturing all manner of luxurious things!
DeleteThe Dales are so beautiful - I'm very envious. Though I'm not so good at camping with small children (even medium sized ones.) Enjoy your week!
ReplyDeleteI am slowly plucking up the courage to attempt camping with the little people. Slowly!
DeleteYou are so lucky to have the Yorkshire Dales within easy reach. I love them! Camping however - not for me! Had a bad experience camping in pouring rain in the Scilly Isles in my late teens and have sworn never to come within light years of repeating the experience! I feel I ought to like the idea but I don't - it's the hot running water and being able to wash my hair thing mainly. But don't be put off - lots of people love it and if the weather is kind and the facilities not too primitive I guess it can be enormous fun. E x
ReplyDeleteI do think there is nothing worse than camping in the rain. Good weather is a must. Funny how our childhood experiences of camping can shape our adult tastes in holidays! x
Deleteit was super sunny here in London, but I had to work indoors all day.
ReplyDelete(i escaped one hour into the sun in my lunchbreak though) lovely pictures.
i really enjoy this late summer.
Boo to working on a sunny weekend. The late summer sun was gorgeous. It's freezing here today though!
DeleteIt looks so beautiful, a little sunshine makes such a difference. I'm quite new to camping (only done it twice with the children) but I'm a complete covert, we bought a big tent and we take as much 'comfortable' stuff as possible and we have been lucky with the weather both times, I'm sure this helps!
ReplyDeleteThat's good to know. I'm sure my two would love it. Just need to work on hubby. x
DeleteWhat a beautiful time!! It looked completely glorious. We are not yet satnav owners - mainly because I become all indignant with new gadgetary and how we can't possibly need one - until we get lost in the depths of somewhere!! I love camping but we do it with home comforts - why put yourself through torture unnecessarily?! It's so lovely to be at one with nature when you have lovely bits of home comfort with you!! J9 x
ReplyDeleteYes, camping with pillows and duvets and a radio does sound very nice. I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one without a sat nav!
DeleteCamping is one of those things I really WANT to love, but I really don't. I enjoy every bit of it up until the part where you have to sleep in the tent. And then it goes downhill from there because I really do favor a hot shower in the morning. There's a funny comedian I've seen who does a bit on his dislike of camping where he says 'some people say that camping is a tradition in their family. well it was a tradition in everyone's family until we invented the house!' He also jokes that getting in a sleeping bag feels like 'packaging yourself up nicely for the bears' haha!
ReplyDeleteThat little creek in the photo looks like the beck in the movie "Fairy Tale" ~ have you seen that movie? If not I bet Bella is at the perfect age for it. It's based on the true story of the Cottingly fairy photos. My daughters loved it. They sell it on Amazon here for a mere $5!
xxx,
Jenny
That bear joke made me laugh! Luckily bears are not a threat in the UK. We're more likely to be drowned by rain than eaten by wild animals in this country.
DeleteIt looks stunning in the Dales. I love that you can see hints of Autumn approaching in the brown tinges on some trees. The last week has been gorgeous, hasn't it?! Glad you had a lovely time out. I'm with you on the camping thing, and like Jenny above, I feel I should love it but in fact I like to just visit people on their campsites, join in with the outdoor fun and then go back home indoors and sleep without fear of bugs, animals, noises, and cold.
ReplyDeleteWe enjoyed our weekend and spent most of Sunday outdoors with our friends at a church picnic with bouncy castle for the kids.
Have a lovely week. Speak soon. xxx
Glad you made the most of the sun too. I am loving reading everyone's opinions on camping! xx
DeleteNever been to the Yorkshire Dlaes although always been on my list of places to visit. Came to your blog via Tabiboo and become a follower.
ReplyDeleteJune
Hi June, nice to meet you! I will stop by your blog soon say hello. x
DeleteI love the light in the second picture, just beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI adore camping. When the weather is good, the children play outside and you are right in the middle of nature, I am at my happiest. However, when it;s cold and raining it is less fun and more of an endurance test! While my kids are little, I think that this year I have learned not to fight the elements and be prepared to come home if it isnt fun any more. I do also have a campervan, which makes it a lot more comfortable for us. But actually, I really enjoy sleeping in the awning with loads of cosy blankets, hot water bottles and a small child to cuddle x
Thank you! Now, is campervan-camping really camping? If so, I could learn to enjoy that. Knowing my luck the small child would wet the bed... x
DeleteHi Gillian, I've never seen water rockets; they seem fun for children!! I've been camping when I was younger, but now my back prefers a good hotel bed. Have a nice week. :O)
ReplyDeleteI'd never seen one before -they're brilliant! The kids were all fascinated. You do need quite a big space to fly them though - definitely not space in our back garden!
DeleteH Gill... So exited to see read your news. Love from M & D Brissy Oz
ReplyDeleteHi there! Good to have you here - hope you are more entertained than bored by my witterings. Best wishes to you both. x
DeleteBeautiful photos!!! I am really not a fan of camping myself. I am with you, if it resembles an Actual House, I am okay with it!
ReplyDeleteThank you Julia! I do like my home comforts. x
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