Our First Overnight Stay

We decided that it was time for an overnight stay in the camper to try everything out. As Joe's birthday was coming up, we agreed that if the weather was good, that would be the time to go. As we were only going overnight we decided to leave the cats at home so we didn't have to watch the 'escape artist', we wanted to be able to relax, get the feel of the bus and enjoy Joe's birthday.

We kept our eye on the weather forecast and the day before we had decided to go, it was a lovely, so we rang the campsite, booked ourself in and loaded up the bus. Cat bowls were filled, water bowls topped up and litter trays sorted and before you knew it we were in the cab, sunglasses on, music playing, and off on another mini adventure.

After stopping off at the supermarket for birthday goodies, we headed off to the campsite, it wasn't too far but we could have been miles away! We had found it once when we were exploring and had always meant to go back, as it had such stunning views.

We arrived at Fir Tree Farm and quickly found ourselves a great pitch, right at the top of the field and pulled in and parked on an angle to make the most of the wonderful views.

Before long we were set up, hook up cable plugged in, kettle on and the chairs set up outside.

It is a really lovely place, green and idyllic, overlooking a steep valley.

It has a Falconry Centre and a fishing lake in the lower 'valley' part of the site which we could see from our vantage point on higher ground.

After a cup of tea and a check to see that everything was still in place after the journey, we went for a walk, following the edge of the field down the steep hill. We took our time, enjoying the sunshine, the birdsong and the beautiful countryside.

We stopped for a while to get our breath back before returning up the hill, and sat and took in the views.

Then we headed back to the bus to chill out and start the birthday celebrations.

We had bought lots of nice food to eat later in the evening and despite rarely drinking anything alcoholic these days, we had decided that the occasion called for it.

The first night out in the bus, Joes birthday and this lovely evening - all cause for celebration.

So, we filled our glasses and as we sat and relaxed, looking out at the glorious view and enjoying the evening sunshine, we drank to all the things we had to celebrate!

With the sun in our eyes, we talked about the steps of the journey, from collecting the old tired minibus, to sitting outside it now, a fully converted motorhome and it was looking great.

Now, feeling the effects of the unnacustomed alcohol and the warm sun, I slipped into a quiet reverie, my arms suddenly feeling very heavy. Joe was laughing as I told him that I felt as though someone had wrapped me in bubble wrap.

I picked up my writing pad and started to write down what I observed around me.

"Sitting watching the shadows grow longer. Sun sinking slowly in the June sky. Skylarks sing, Insects move lazily through the heavy air. Fields like random jigsaw pieces decorate the horizon.

Individual blades of grass, sunlit and waving gently in the almost imperceptable breeze. The click of mobile phone keys.In the midst of this natural wonderland, emails are still checked. The vodka I am unused to, wraps me in a blanket, as I reach for another sip."

The sky grows darker and we go inside, marvelling at our first experience of hook up, we use all the lights and watch a DVD, as we quickly polish off all our food.

I sit in the toilet with the small DVD player on my lap, watching the end of the film as Joe makes up the bed. Full to the brim, and a little bit worse for wear, we clamber into the newly made bed and prepare to sleep our first night in the bus.

Bright and early the next morning we wake to a misty view, the sunlight of the day before has vanished leaving us with grey clouds. We drink coffee as Joe opens his birthday cards, balancing them on the back of the seat cushions. We throw open the side door and watch and listen as the day comes alive.

I see my writing pad from the night before and we laugh as we remember my arms not working. :-)

Coffee is sipped as I write about this morning after the night before.

"Morning after, grey light, still air, tractor in the distance, faint birdsong. It seems the world is not yet quite awake. The valley spreads out in front of me, a feast for my eyes. I sit quietly while my vision absorbs the colour green."

It was a wonderful overnight stay, the first of many.

We packed up our stuff, got in the cab, turned on the music and headed for home.

Links:
Fir Tree Farm Campsite
Falconry Centre at Fir Tree Farm
The National Herb Centre - Very close by and worth a visit - especially for its nature trail.