Long, lazy sunny days,
Waking to the sound of birds,
The gentle sigh of an afternoon breeze,
Swinging in a hammock,
The sound of waves lapping on the shore,
Sliding and jumping down sand dunes,
Swimming in freezing streams,
Messing about in boats on the river,
Running and jumping along beaches, and taking luxuriously long walks,
Foraging in the hedgerows, on beaches, in fields and through forests for free food,
Feeling totally free,
Being chased by cows across fields,
Long walks in good weather and plenty of games in bad,
Getting to read those books you’ve wanted to read for ages,
Demolishing huge quantities of food but always feeling hungry,
Getting soaked to the skin in the warm summer rain,
Gorgeous sunsets and star-filled skies,
Long summer nights and staying up really late,
Campfires and the smell of bonfire smoke on clothes,
Reacquainting yourself to cooked marshmallows and the art of making tea,
Rediscovering simple pleasures such as a deep conversation, notes on a guitar, the darkening sky and the hoot of an owl,
The night-time chorus of crickets in the hedges, frogs near water and if we’re lucky… glow worms and fireflies,
The stars being brighter than usual,
Counting shooting stars and satellites,
Barbecues and wine,
The night air smelling so fresh and clean, and
Being so tired we don’t even remember tumbling into bed.
Pure Bliss.
Sarah Riley (adapted by Helen McGrath-Doherty @albion_nights)
Sarah Riley is the Founder of Inspired Camping and Inspired Courses and loves to take time outside with her family and friends as often as possible to boost her health and become inspired.
