IN THE BEGINNING
Packing the car ready for a road trip, it was clear that me and Sam had a strong desire to travel.
Meeting over 18 years ago, we would use every excuse under the sun to get out and explore.
Anything from days out at the beach to visiting small fishing towns
– although on every single trip we found ourselves doing one thing…
‘Shall we hire a boat for the day?’ Sam asked, and before we knew it, we were on the water.
Sticking to the local estuary or renting them on lakes, it was pretty amazing to see the view from the boat rather than the shore.
Only, after getting engaged, organising our wedding and finally tying the knot in 2012, alongside baby talk and working full-time, our worlds quickly switched to adult life, rather than pursuing our travels.
Even more so when we welcomed our baby girl Flo into the world in 2014, as well as tending to our Cocker Spaniel Rueben.
How on earth would we be able travel with a baby?
And despite not thinking it was even possible at first, it wasn’t long before there was a glistening campervan sat on our driveway – six months after giving birth in fact.
Only, restricted by annual leave, as both me and Sam worked full-time, having the time wasn’t an option.
Yet, the hours at weekends were…
With the campervan fully kitted, we packed baby essentials, and dog food, ready for the open road ahead.
It was daunting yet exciting to say the least.
Spending two weeks of the summer holidays on the road, as well as Easter and leaving the house on Boxing Day, every single weekend of the calendar had been left free for a purpose – van time!
It was a spontaneous habit that led to a whole lot of fun.
Although the washing pile on a Sunday was something that I always really dreaded.
Only, welcoming our beautiful son Wilf into the world in 2017, it was time to plan a New Year’s trip with every member of the family involved this time around…
We had a huge desire to travel
– an array of destinations. With Sam scrubbing up on his boating knowledge, it was time to not only hit the open road… but the open water!
In the summer heat last year, we docked up at Compton Bay, taking it in turns to jump in and out of the boat, with Sam sitting up front as the captain!
‘This is awesome!’ the kids giggled.
Only, little did we know that we were about to make the best memory of all.
Hanging out on the water, bobbing up and down, it was then we spotted a pod of dolphins in the sea.
And even more, they played around us, having some fun of their own.
It really was the best day of my entire life – no offence to our wedding day!
And now every time we plan an adventure the kids have one question…
‘Are you we going to see the dolphins today?’ they always ask.
I mean we do keep trying, but I think that was a once in a lifetime opportunity!
Ever since taking the plunge and investing in our boat, it’s been a real educational ride.
It’s easy to get bogged down in day to day life, don’t get me wrong we have our moments, too.
Yes, it can get busy fitting everything in, from parties, conference calls and getting ready for school on Monday morning, but I don’t have to stare at others on social media wishing that we lived a travelling lifestyle.
Time is in short supply, so we make sure that we grab every single inch of time that we have left.
Waving our sparklers in the air, I have the same wish – to spend every moment with my family.
This lifestyle really does float my boat!
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