So, before the weather gets really bad, we decided to go camping in the New Forest at the weekend. I have to admit that after committing to going I immediately regretted it. I knew the weather was turning and the possibility of a nice sunny weekend was unlikely, but I had promised to take my Daughter and the Grandchildren, so we were going.
With the site only 30 minutes away, Sandra and I went over and set the tents up so everything was ready for when I picked the girls up after school. It was sunny, to start off with, but the chilly northerly wind was bringing the temperature down quickly and by the time the sun had gone down we were all very grateful of the extra coats, blankets and also the roaring camp fire.
I must admit, my Friday nights sleep was terrible. I was freezing and the cold air seemed to just whip through my bones so I didn’t get much sleep at all. I got up at 06:30 and went for a shower, which was amazing and warmed me up again. The kettle then went on and I filled the flask ready for others to wake up.
With my coffee in hand I walked down the field to the lakes, it was beautiful. I sat in a small shelter and the sun was beaming on my face and I had one of those “This is what life is all about” moments. I relaxed and let all my worries disappear, I felt calm and grateful.
Two fishermen turned up and set their kit up and people started moving around the campsite so I walked around the lakes and through the forest then back to our tents – what a start to the day!
Once the kids surfaced, we got the breakfast going ready for a busy day of games and activities. We cleared our mess up from the previous evening and, before you know it the temperature was up and the wind was down and we spent the day having fun, eating and having more fun.
When the wind started picking up again and the night started drawing in, I could see the smiles on the kids faces turn into a worried look of having to spend another cold night in the tent. My Sister and Mum were joining us for a BBQ so we brokered a deal for a lift home for my Daughter and the kids. It took all the pressure off, no tantrums or tears and, although I would have liked them to stay for another night, it was the right decision.
I had a great nights sleep and woke at 07:30 I went for a shower, made a coffee and went to the lake again. The sun shone in my face whilst I sat in the shelter, perfect.
Sandra joined me for breakfast and helped me pack things up, then we travelled 30 minutes home again. Within 2 hours we had the kit packed away, I had another shower (I was still smelling of smoke) and I was sat on the sofa feeling pleased I had made the effort to go camping.
As I have mentioned many times in the MM, the small efforts in life can make a big difference. We created more memories for my Daughter and my Grandchildren and I had a magical time being with them. I could have stayed at home, nice and warm, watched football and had a beer, but I didn’t!
It was an effort, I didn’t really want to go but I am so glad I had made a promise, it made me get off the sofa!
What promise can you make that will push you off your sofa to create memories?