The butcher’s block in the kitchen lies heavy with camping equipment. Actually the butcher’s block itself is quite heavy, being as it is a large chunk of wood on wheels. Also I was applying artistic license in describing the camping equipment as weighty. In fact it is a plastic crate full of our camping cooking equipment and plastic crockery and not really that heavy. All the gear was handily put in the crate so that whenever we go away in the van all we have to do is lift and shift, so to speak. On this occasion we aren’t even going to unpack the crate. Certainly not before going. We might decide to do so once settled into the lush verdance of the Woodhall Country Park.
While I’m talking about the kitchen, which I was before moving to Woodhall Spa, it is breakfast time but I am not feeling hungry. This is because upon the return of THG from the smoke last night we had a very excellent beef stew. I’m a dab hand at making stews even though I say so myself. This particular concoction was lacking something when tasted during the cooking process but the addition of Worcestershire Sauce soon sorted that out. I even treated myself to a slice of bread and butter to mop up the gravy, it was that good.
As a result I am not, as stated, feeling hungry and am therefore going to delay breakfast until later this morning where it might then be called brunch. I did have a glass of milk and am now enjoying a cup of tea. Dunno why I tell you all this stuff. I like sitting on the sofa in the snug after breakfast, tapping away and drinking tea. On this occasion, as you know, I skipped the actual breakfast bit and have just gone straight for the tea on the sofa.
The bulk of the preparation for the trip has been done. Drinks chilling in the fridge and most things ready to go in the van. All I really need to do is throw a few items of clothing into a bag and transfer the bacon into the cool box.
I was pondering hitting the pool before going as we don’t need to set off until after lunchtime but I haven’t yet made my mind up on that one. I’ve been every day this week so it won’t hurt to miss one sesh. See how I get on with stuff this morning. I don’t like to rush things.
On a different subject did anyone see the sumo wrestling from the Albert Hall last night. I watched the first half. It was mesmerising, fascinating. The problem is ten bouts only lasted about half an hour if that and most of that was the time spent lining up in the ring standing on one leg and slapping thighs. I looked up the ticket prices. The event is sold out but if you are desperate you can still get tickets on viagogo for just under a grand. Unfortunately I can’t go (phew) because as you know we are going camping. These camping trips are great fun and not to be missed.
The life expectancy of a sumo wrestler is estimated to be between 60 and 65 years apaz. This compares with the average Japanese male’s life expectancy of 81–87 years. I’m glad I didn’t become a sumo wrestler. I’d only have just over a year to go. My birthday is in December. Same date as Donny Osmond but I think he is a year or two older than me. This year I’ll be sixty four and I’ve been thinking about a trip to the Isle of Wight next summer. Rent a cottage. Don’t want to make it a regular thing. Already been there three times. Twice by yacht and once by ferry but went sailing when I got there thanks to Adam Beaumont. While ago now. Also went up in a microlite with Danial Subhani which was a great experience. A great trip overall. I must take a look on AirBnB.
Anyway gotta go. My cup is empty and I have a day to get on with.
Ciao bebes.
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At ten oh seven I am feeling peckish and sense that a bacon sandwich might be in the offing. I’ve sorted my gear out including finding my green Timberland lumberjack shirt, ideal for camping expeditions. I will go nicely with a warm beanie. Gotta look the part innit.
In the shed I remembered that I was going to take my Sonos Move2 speaker so that is now all bagged up and ready to party. Not that we are a noisy lot of campers. One has to respect the calm of the countryside, the enjoyment of the outdoors of other campers. This assumes there will be other campers. To some extent you need your head examined to go camping at this time of year. It’s all very well for our pals who have motorhomes. Squeezing in to a 1971 Volkswagen T2 Bay is a little less luxurious. Much cooler though and we do have the heater which can stay plugged in.
The scene around the lake this morning is serene. No fox action to report from last night. Nowt. Not even a cat. Lakecam doesn’t pick up mice movements.