Are you a space claimer?
Are you a space claimer, do you arrive at a beach or field survey the scene, take ages working out where base camp is going to be for you, your friends and family, then once decided set yourself up in the style of a nomadic Bedouin encampment and for the time you are there it’s like you’ve traded a land deal which you would guard with your life – Ok the last bit might be taking it a bit too far but you understand the emotion. I’ve often thought I’d make a good nomad because with the right kit in the car together with appropriation in the words of Paul Young Anywhere I lay my hat that’s my home…….
First the plastic base layer goes down with stones to anchor, then an array of towels, rugs and cushions with windbreakers should we need them but hopefully not as I will have found a wall, tree or rock to secure our shelter. There will be an eating area with cool boxes, picnic baskets and useful things like bin liners, hand sanitiser, wet wipes suntan lotion, talcum powder (never be without this) and the obligatory loo roll. Bathing ponchos which allow you to change out of wet clothes into a dry whilst retaining your dignity are a must. Since cold water bathing has become the in thing to do – I’m here looking at the murky River Thames thinking maybe not - these garments have sprung up everywhere and are a must if you find towel juggling a pain. Google dry robe or just changing robe and you’ll see loads in all colours. To be honest I thought, why would anyone need these, just use a massive towel, but they are totally designed for the job in hand they save your blushes and keep you warm until you dry off and your body heat warms you up again. Then there’s the quite chilling department for those who want to doze and read. I’m a fan of incense sticks and buy long cheap ones and stick them in the ground to keep flies away if in a field and further assist the nomadic camp creation. You can also get incense lanterns which you load with the cones.
If you are getting together with friends don’t be a Mary Martyr share the food and drinks load, people like contributing but give them a list, so you don’t double up.
But it can all be less extravagant I’m a fair weather cyclist, that sort that talks a good story but a spot of rain and I’m in the car, on the bus, or home in front to of the TV but I do like to cycle to a park with a blanket a book a flask of tea and my trusty incense sticks that don’t only keep flies away but other people and dogs!!
Wherever you pitch up this Summer you might as well make yourself as comfortable as you possibly can just like those Bedouins did and still do but leave your camel at home!
Love,
Anthea X