LAW OF THE CAMPSITE
Gillian Law’s camping thoughts
OOOF. Could someone maybe make me a cup of tea? Strong, please, with lots of milk.
I’m writing this while propped up in bed, still in my pyjamas at 11.03am. I got my first Covid jab four days ago and thought I had got away without any side effects. And now I find myself here, overwhelmed with fatigue. I feel like a Victorian lady, swooning on my velvet chaise longue. With a bit of luck, it won’t last too long – I have things to do!
And what things. I do hope I’m not being too optimistic but I feel a fizzing inside me every time I think about life returning to even halfway normal.
First of all, the vaccine itself. I was counting down the days until I could get it, but I hadn’t anticipated the enormous wave of relief it would bring. Even as I sat waiting the obligatory 15 minutes to see if I would keel over after getting it done, I felt the sort of joy that I normally associate with planning a great camping trip! Just a feeling of vistas and possibilities opening, and a stress sliding from my shoulders. Each day that passes will see my immune system grow stronger.
Now, I know all the reality, that this isn’t the end and I can’t just fling off my cares and go partying where I like. But here’s hoping this really is the start of a new, easier existence for us! I think the travails of the past year have changed me a bit. In good ways, I hope. I see the world a bit differently, and I appreciate things I’ve always just taken for granted.
I really do feel more joy in small things – I’ve started to notice each new plant as it comes into bloom in the local park and in people’s gardens, and I’ve started sending photos to my gardeningmad family. “What’s this one? It smells gorgeous.”
It’s also made me long for the joy of camping with people you love, and the connection you find – something you just don’t get in a hotel or even sharing an apartment. Making coffee and bacon rolls in the morning chill, watching the sun come up and sharing stories of how you slept and “did you hear something snuffling, about 3am?”. It’s been too long, my friends!
Do you think you’ll change the way you camp? I’ve spent a lot of time looking at people’s “van life” photos over the past few months and pondering how it could be adapted to tents. My camping is always very sensible and plain – an inflatable mat, a cosy sleeping bag and I’m done.
But maybe it’s time to step it up a bit – never mind the cliché of fairy lights around the yurt doorway, why don’t I find myself a few homespun fluffy blankets, stylish mismatched cushions, maybe a carefully knotted rag rug in muted pastels and some scented candles… and replace my plastic crockery with some charmingly chipped china?
Hmm. It’s a nice idea and the photos of the first day would be lovely. But my camping always eventually involves mud or mess. There’s no point setting all this up, only to get annoyed when I find a sandy footprint on my rag rug! I’ll leave the multicoloured bunting and wicker basket shelving to the people in their campervans, and just carry on stuffing what I need into my bike panniers.
It’s been a tough year or so and I’m glad you’re still here, reading this, sharing the love of camping. Or if you’re new to camping and to
Camping, welcome – it’s a great world.
“I feel more joy in small things – I’ve started to notice each new plant as it comes into bloom in the local park and in people’s gardens”