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 Topic: Finally - a microbreak down memory lane
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14/9/2020 at 9:58pm
Location: North Herts
Outfit: Monterey4 Cabanon E
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Joined: 20/8/2007 Diamond Member 
Forum Posts: 3348
Tent Reviews: 9
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Oh the glory of a one-night escape!
I've had about 12 nights under canvas this year at a very local site...changing the tent entrance to give myself another view of... the garden. I was desperate for a change of scenery. I work as a therapist and most of my work had either been cancelled or, took place online from my home. My husband works from home anyway and at times it's been a little tense.
I needed to be in my little tent. On my own.
A close friend in Kent recently had a heart op, and I longed to see for myself she was OK plus, I wanted to see my nephew and family near Dover, which is where I grew up.
I managed to book one night only at Canterbury C&CC site - new to me - as I had a window of opportunity and felt I could manage one night without guilt creeping in. OH has work anxiety and won't take time off at present. He's also gone off camping.
It felt like the Great Escape. I couldn't sleep, I was so excited. And... the forecast was good.
I arrived a little early in blazing sunshine: the site had been quite easy to find (I don't have satnav) and despite the proximity to Canterbury, it felt rural and looked very inviting.
The staff member checked me in from my car, as rules require, and led m to my pitch in a grass field, edged with trees, facing south. The site is divided into paddocks making it feel smaller than perhaps it really is, and the gentle hill side situation gave it interest (review submitted).
After pitching in double quick time - I've had practice this year (my Osaki 3) I sat to recover and view the surroundings. Tents were definitely in the minority: although there was a surprising number of trailer tents (probably taken out of hibernation due to 'circumstances beyond our control').
Eager to see the sea - it was hot and so was I - I drove to Dover and parked by the promenade. So many happy memories of days on the beach with my parents and aunt - all now dead. Learning to swim, the pain of a pebble in the instep, the comforting continuity of the castle and cliffs. I walked along the new 'pier', tears pricking my eyes at all the changes. I caught my breath and decided I would risk a swim. The cool water embraced me and lifted my mood.
Giggling as I balanced on the pebbles to change, I felt gratitude for having lived by the coast, but also how the current crisis facing our nation felt all the more poignant in this Gateway to England. We were unable to protect invasion this time.
After returning to my car, noticing the repairs needed to the prom, the disappearing beach but timelessness of the breakwater, I drove up to the cliffs and after treating myself to a coffee, sat as I had done so many times in the past, watching the ferries, the familiar sound comforting in its normality. From up high, the trucks and cars look like toys. I felt at home... indeed, I helped 'own' part of the cliffs via an NT appeal! About a cm square...
Later, I visited my nephew and family and returned to my 'den' for dinner, watching bunnies and bats under a starry sky, sipping a glass or two of rose. I slept like a dream (Exped Megamat helps).
After a 'Shirley Valentine' moment at breakfast - dubbed by a fellow camper as I'd moved my table and chair into the sun - I sadly decamped (struck?) and left my retreat, heading for Whitstable and more sea.
I spent a short time overlooking the colourful beach huts at Tankerton Slopes, watching 'The Street' slowly revealed by the outgoing tide, and drove to see my friend for lunch. It was so lovely to see her looking well, and catch up. Video chat is all very well but you can't take in the whole person.
All too soon it was time to leave and go home. I was sad to leave.
N.B. I do have a few photos but can't remember where I need to upload them to... I used to use photobucket but no more and google photos doesn't seem to 'work' for me. Any guidance... I did search on here but with no avail. Ta.
'
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Do campers 'peg it'?
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