Senior Brown Bears discover "CAMPING" in England

WHAT? and WHY?

After our trip to Alaska we discovered that despite our ages we still had a zest and relish for experiencing new things. A friend was clearing her loft and had a 4 berth canvas ridge tent to dispose of .She wanted to raise money fior an African charity.We have 2 Border Terrier dogs and love their company wanting them to come with us wherever it is possible.Camping offered new opportunities for this.

WHEN?

WHERE?

Members of our family were taking a holiday in North Wales and together we agreed that we would camp near them for a couple of nights. Neighbours suggested a 5* campsite on the shores of Lake Bala and so one day in August we set off for Shripshire and the Snowdonia National Park.

HOW DID OUR FIRST EXPEDITION IN "ASLAN" (that's what we christened the tent) GO?

We enjoyed our first taste of camping . The weather was mixed ,but we remained dry and warm. We camped within 2 metres of a fabulous lake and watched families kayaking ,sailing and fishing -such genuine leisure pursuits and such fun and relaxation for all. The dogs were also in the mood ,safely tethered or on the lead so as not to hamper the holidays of others .
The campsite was beautifully clean ,well ordered ,hospitable and inclusive of all kinds of needs.
We enjoyed the experience of camping life .It gave us new ways of thinking ,planning and choosing how to spend a few days away and at relatively inexpensive cost .We cooked beforehand took plenty of fruit and salads and visited mountain biking sites in the forest where we could walk the dogs ,a white water rafting centre ,the charming towns of Bala and Barmouth and an ancient Cistercian Abbey site.

We are hooked and are in the process of testing a 1 man tent that we had in the garage for the grandchildren.If it is still waterproof we shall use it for stores when we take our second trip before the end of the summer .