August always feels like the only summer month we truly plan for outdoor adventures. It’s the time for activities, weekend trips, play dates, and pure relaxation (well, not really relaxing at all!). The biggest plus? No school traffic!
This year, I decided to work for two and a half weeks and take the other two and a half off to spend time with the kids. It won’t be long before they aren’t interested in spending their summers with me, so I’m making the most of it while I can. I also bought a bike and couldn’t wait to start using it at the beginning of the holidays.
We kicked off one weekend with an impromptu getaway to reunite with some much-loved camping friends at Clippesby, after three years apart. It was amazing to see how much the kids had grown. We arrived on Friday and enjoyed a cheeky day and a secret night on the edge of the campsite. We spent the day with our friends, had dinner, quiz nights, and lots of laughs. The next day was filled with tennis, arcade games, crazy golf, and bike riding. We hadn’t realised how much we missed them and Clippesby.
Our friends have already told us their dates for next year, and our kids are desperate to go back. We’re hoping to take our niece and nephew too, as they would love it. The mix of kids is just great fun. Definitely something to look forward to!
As a regional representative for Williams Syndrome UK, my role involves organising a few days each year for Williams syndrome adults, children, and their families to meet, share stories, and support each other. Recently, I planned a summer picnic at Leeds Castle, expecting a good turnout of about 18 people. While these events are always a bit stressful for me—ensuring everyone’s safety and a positive experience in public—I find them incredibly rewarding.
Williams syndrome individuals are known for their friendliness, sometimes to the point of being overly friendly, which can be off-putting to the general public. However, the more time I spend with them, the more I appreciate their unique perspective on the world. They see everyone as a friend, which is truly magical. After today’s successful picnic, I’m eagerly looking forward to our Christmas party, the first one we’ve had in several years.
On a personal note, the weather has been kind lately, and today was my best friend’s birthday. To celebrate, we, along with another friend, decided to go paddle boarding at the Paddle Cabin. This location is fantastic—friendly, helpful, and welcoming. We arrived early, set up, and launched down the river. The tranquillity was only interrupted by my constant chatter as I tried to catch up with my friends. Despite our busy lives, we always pick up right where we left off, and I’m so grateful for their unwavering friendship.
Exploring the Great Outdoors: Biking, Paddle Boarding, and Wild Camping Adventures
This past month has been an exhilarating journey of outdoor adventures and spontaneous trips. I had the chance to take my bike out a few times, exploring the local woods and the North Downs. It was an incredible experience to get to know my bike better and push my limits. The thrill of the ride through the scenic trails was unmatched.
Afternoons were often spent paddle boarding at Mote Park, our local gem. This award-winning park is phenomenal, and we love spending time on the lake, especially when it involves a delicious ice cream treat. The serene waters and beautiful surroundings make it a perfect spot for relaxation and fun.
Our trusty van had been undergoing some much-needed repairs and was finally ready, although a few weeks later we discovered the issue wasn’t fully resolved. Nevertheless, we decided to embark on a spontaneous late-night train journey to Barnsley up north. After a hefty train ride, we arrived at our destination at 12:15 AM. We made our way to a Premier Inn to rest for the night before picking up the van in the morning, ready to head off to the Lake District.
By 9 AM, we were on our way, fully packed with our clothes, paddle board, and kayak, eager for some lake fun. The next few days were spent wild camping, wild swimming, and embracing the feral lifestyle as we explored various lakes. A special trip to Ullswater was a highlight, as it holds a special place in our hearts—Jon and I got engaged and had our honeymoon there. The memories of paddle boarding and kayaking on as many lakes as possible, eating fantastic food, playing cards, and rock painting were incredible. The breathtaking scenery was appreciated by all.
Looking ahead to next year, we’ve decided to extend our adventure with three nights of wild camping, one night at the Inn On The Lake, and another three nights of wild camping. We’re excited to try water rafting, walking alpacas, and maybe even a bushcraft session. The anticipation of new experiences and creating more unforgettable memories is already building.
A Journey Through Chatsworth House and Beyond
As we journeyed back south, we made a delightful stop at Chatsworth House. The farm and its new play area were simply amazing, and the kids had an absolute blast. I was initially concerned that it might be too young for Malorie, but she thoroughly enjoyed herself, especially when she got to hold the guinea pigs. The farm shop was the most extravagant one I’ve ever seen, offering a unique shopping experience.
The trip home was smooth, although we discovered that the van hadn’t been fully repaired. Unfortunately, this means another trip up north to replace the solar panel and head unit.
August Bank Holiday Weekend: Golf and Laughter
The August bank holiday weekend promised to be a wild one. I reunited with a childhood best friend for a weekend of golf at Princes Golf Club. We played 27 holes a day, accompanied by plenty of drinks. Despite my initial doubts about surviving the weekend, it turned out to be one of the most fun experiences I’ve had in a long time. The golf was mediocre, but the laughter, fantastic food, and the company of amazing people made it all worthwhile. It was a soul-refreshing weekend.
Final Week of August: Adventures in Wales
The last week of August was packed with more travel and excitement. I convinced my parents to join us on a trip to the Brecon Beacons in Wales, specifically so Malorie and I could visit Bike Park Wales. My parents were thrilled to come along, as they had friends who recently moved there for retirement.
This time, we stayed at a lovely site instead of roughing it. The site was within walking distance of a quaint pub where we enjoyed a meal in a hut overlooking the mountains. These moments with my parents are incredibly precious, filled with laughter and joy. The kids and we benefit immensely from having them close, and I wouldn’t change it for the world.
Malorie and I set off early to Bike Park Wales, leaving the others to explore a distillery and wander around local towns. After a thrilling day on the trails, where Malorie had a spectacular fall, we all met up at Zip World. We had tickets for the fastest seated zipline in the world. I had booked four tickets, knowing Stan wouldn’t want to go on it. Jon stayed back with Stan, and they enjoyed the rollercoaster while we zipped down the lines. The experience was fantastic, and the video is up on our YouTube channel. It was expensive but worth every penny.
After a day full of adventure, we returned to our site and cooked up a storm on the BBQs. We slowly packed away, preparing for an early departure the next day. I can’t wait to return; the landscape was breathtaking, and the bike park was unreal. I barely scratched the surface of what it had to offer.
August Adventures: Embracing the Wild
August was nothing short of incredible. We travelled, we lived out of our van, and we embraced a semi-feral lifestyle. We pushed the boundaries of what we could achieve on a budget and discovered new levels of comfort. To say we’re excited about our next summer holiday would be an understatement. I’m eagerly anticipating more mini adventures and some winter escapades this year. The goal is to make the most of our van as much as possible.
September: Back to Routine
As September rolls in, we find ourselves returning to routine and a sense of normality. While I cherish the wild and free lifestyle, there’s something wonderfully comforting about walking through your front door and cooking in your own kitchen. Six weeks of adventure just wasn’t enough, but it’s always good to be left wanting more.
So, get out there, have fun, get messy, find your limits, and push beyond them.
