One of the most stressful activities prior to going on
holiday for me is the preparation. It doesn't
matter whether it’s three weeks
or three days, I always wind myself up about what to take with me. And it’s
even worse when you go camping, because space is so limited. Apparently, the
tent, sleeping bag, cooking materials, gas tank and associated gear are more
important than my clothes!
Will it be cold? Will it rain? If we’re going away for three
weeks, should I take twenty one changes of knickers with me? Or will we be
going anywhere where I can wash things? Or will the weather be hot with no need
for jumpers and fleeces? So should I pack sun-dresses, shorts and T shirts? I
never know what to pack and it can takes ages just to decide what to take, with
clothes being laid on the bed for consideration. Goodness knows what I would be
like going on a cruise!
I like to think I'm fair low maintenance when it come to
cosmetics and washing gear, but I then have to consider what reading material
to take with me, together with the all important notebook to jot down things
that occur to me; my Kindle and my MP3 as well as my mobile and the relevant
chargers, the sad truth emerges that I'm very high maintenance in other areas.
It’s not just the packing; it’s the thoughts that occur in
the days before we go. Will the tent go up alright? Will there be any
unexpected holes or other damage to make us vulnerable to wet weather? Will the
sites that we've planned to go to be fine? Will the log cabin be as we
remembered? I do acknowledge that I am a grade A worry guts. It wouldn't quite
so bad, but it is Alan that does most of the work. So why do I worry?
It’s not until everything is crammed into the car and we set
off, that I start to relax. What’s not packed will have to stay at home. And it
is only when we are all sorted at the first site, based near Chichester
that I really start to enjoy our break. With the tent erected, air bed and
sleeping bags sorted and Alan cooking our meal – traditionally the first night
we always have a curry; all I really need to do is enjoy myself and look
forward to the rest of our time away.
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| Our First Site in 2015 - The Osiers, near Chichester |
