In a few days time we will be driving to France to go camping. The children are beside themselves with excitement and so too is my husband, who has spent the last few years trying to convince me to embark on this fun-loving holiday. My excitement levels are low in comparison, verging more on utter panic at the thought of living in a confined space with a whole host of other merry campers in the middle of the summer holidays. And what if it rains? I have been busy logging on to weather forecasts praying for sunshine but not too hot of course. I cannot even begin to contemplate the thought of being cooped up in a ‘static home with decking’ watching the rain pour down outside.
My excitement levels are also lacking due to the huge amount to do in the days leading up to the holiday. Added to the daily household family chores, there are clothes to wash, iron and lay out ready for packing. Needless to say, the children have a regular rummage through them, excitedly trying on swimming costumes and pulling on armbands. The dogs too have to be packed for, ready for their holiday down the road at Granny’s. Unfortunately, the Puppy is going through a particularly tricky phase and displaying all the signs of canine ADHD (I promise to embark on training when I return). My mother is in the midst of a kitchen extension, so is distinctly unenthusiastic about the grand-dogs arriving.
Meanwhile, I continue with my mammoth house clean, sorting through cupboards, changing sheets and washing towels. I never quite understand my rather neurotic desire to return to an immaculate house, but on this occasion the thought of my crisp, white cotton sheets might just help me to survive the camp.
Thankfully, my husband decides to take two days holiday leading up to our Dorset departure offering some much needed distraction for the children. However, he failed to tell me (until a few moments ago) that he has booked himself on a two day sailing course down at Weymouth although he has pointed out he will be back home in the evenings – just after the children have gone to bed.
Everyone I meet assures me how much I will enjoy my first camping experience. In fact, strangely enough I have not heard of a single bad experience. This makes me a little suspicious. However, I promise to join in with my friendly fellow campers, think of Dorset and keep smiling.
