ROAD TRIP - GOING SOLO

A year ago I went on a road trip.  It wasn't planned to be, but after accepting an invitation to an evening event in Bournemouth I realised it was unrealistic to drive there and back in a day.  And so I  decided to extend my trip and as things unfolded I grew more and more excited. You see I discovered the Craft Barn had a special event that weekend, a craft Extravaganza. It couldn't have been better timing, and it made a perfect stop on my way home.  So I booked sites to stay overnight and set off in my campervan.  There was a mix of excitement and adventure. I'd not done this on my own before...

When I arrived at Bournemouth I took time to admire the views from the cliff top and to relax after the long drive.  I had gone all that way to listen to someone speak, and after getting to know them on line it was wonderful to meet them in person.  It was inspiring and motivational, I left buzzing. 

 

I thought about going down to the beach next morning, before leaving the coast, but I didn't have the energy.  And so I took the day gently and drove through the New Forest, pulling over for a while to watch a herd of ponies before making my way to my next overnight stop.  At the farm I discovered they had a shop and their own butchery.  I had enough supplies but I couldn't resist  buying more for breakfast, good then, that there was space in the fridge!    It was when I drove into the field that my nerve wavered.  I discovered I was alone.  Now I'm not an anxious person, but it was a good distance from the farm and mobile signal was poor.  Bravery was needed!

 

Undaunted I relaxed with cups of tea, my journal, and art materials.  The view from the camper was amazing... miles of open countryside stretched a head and I watched the sun slowly settle. I loved being alone and going at my own pace.  Dinner at a local pub was the end to a perfect day - especially when I got back and discovered a couple more campers had joined me.  Phew!  Sometimes it is good to escape, but right then, company was a welcomed sight. 

 

 It was good to relax into the night with my craft materials.  I never travel without them and there was happy mail to post next morning, and a travel journey in the making.....

 

 

A leisurely cooked breakfast was the perfect start to the day and I lingered over writing my morning pages.  I also took time to feel the grass beneath my feet, this always grounds me and recharges my energy.  I loved this time to appreciate a slower pace and unwinding. I need to do it more often. 

And when I was ready I packed the camper and headed to the Craft Barn.  I stopped to post my happy mail on the way, though it was tinged with sadness, because I was posting to a friend who had just weeks left to live. I had decided to make a postcard to send her each day. What do you do when words don't feel enough, or might be too much?  It's hard to know what is right.  But I hoped that letting my friend know I was thinking of her would help.  

 

And as for the Craft Barn?  Well I had an amazing time!   But I'm not going to tell you about that now, because this post is long enough, and besides, I'm planning another road trip this weekend.  There is another Extravaganza and I shall be travelling down Friday in the campervan and staying until Sunday.  This time I have invited friends to meet me, some are coming for breakfast on Sunday and others will join us there.  It's going to be fun filled.

 

Following the first trip I made a mini book and added photos that I took on my journey.  Go here if you would like to see it.  This time I have made a travel journal to take, with pockets and pages and places to write.  I can't wait to get started.....  

 

There's a page to list 'Things to Pack'.  I guess that's as good a place as any!