Camping in the UK

Let's go camping!! She said.

Camping? Well, that sounds… fun...lets go then!

My hiking group is organizing a weekend in Uffington, Oxfordshire for the summer solstice. Fire camp, hike, it's all looks promising.

Logistic...

I will have to cross all London to the meeting point by train/tube during rush hour so let’s keep it light!

Big Backpack out of the closet, half ready to be filled.

So what is happening on the gear side...

- Hiking equipment/clothing... check!

- Tent...well I haven't been camping for the last 15 years but my friends had so this will be borrowed.

- Food... hum...tricky. Got no cooking utensils and space is very limited. Well a few cans and a peanut butter jar will do! And for those who are wondering, yes, peanut butter is an essential.

Friday:

London weather is kind of sunny (good start). Arrival at the camp site quite late but as it is the longest day of the year, we managed to put the tent up before dark.

Wood gathering for the fire, which is more than welcome as it is cold. Very strong (ice cold!) wind.

Saturday:

It rained nearly all night, and the wind became mental!

I couldn't sleep as I was freezing my socks (2 pairs) off! I know you are supposed to sleep in your underwear to keep warm in your sleeping bag but my only option not to die was to put all my clothes (jacket included) on. Anyway... I survived. Quick breakfast and ready for the hike under the rain... Storm is more appropriate, but people might say that us, French people, exaggerate all the time (which sometimes is effectively true…just sometimes…not this time!)

The crazy wind is clearing up the sky and the rest of the walk become more enjoyable, that and the very good pub lunch.

The evening sees me sheltering from the wind/rain/cold into mama bear's tent who is feeding some of us with a welcome warm barbecue dinner.

Sunday:

My knee/legs/shoulders/back/neck are so stiff that it takes me 10 minutes to actually move. Sleeping on the ground is definitely a challenge (as is going to the toilet in the middle of the night under the rain…but apparently this is what camping is all about).

My second night was more on the warm side thanks again to mama bear (I owe you my life!).

We all are so tired and aching that the morning walk is aborted. We decide to pack up as the rain finally stops but this is the last challenge of the weekend: do not let you tent fly away with the hysterical wind!

Gazing at the green fields by the window of the car driving us home, I turn and smile to my buddy who wanted to go camping and say: “Next time we hire a camper van!”

Virginie K.