Once upon a time there was a middle aged girl named Emma who loved to go on adventures with her trusty van Buttercup and cheeky, yet loveable, dogs Oliver and Spike. But little did she know that on the day she was chillaxing in her van, having some lunch and enjoying the fresh Spring air on the Moors, that bad news was brewing...
We can not roam
We must not stray
We must stay home
For many days
I don't think anyone was quite prepared for lockdown to hit... yes we laughed at the panic buying of loo rolls, we heard what other countries were up to, but I didn't think it would impact us all the way it has. Having your freedom suddenly taken away is really quite disorientating... I know I've had days where my mental health has really suffered, and I'm lucky enough to be healthy, living in a beautiful part of the world with loads of countryside on my doorstep and I'm still earning a living, but it really messes with your mind; especially when you're a control freak like me and suddenly you have no control!
But this tale isn't a glum one; it's about how we adapt and overcome in our very British way and some of the weird and wonderful things I've been up to during lockdown to keep me out of trouble!
Home made gnar (without too much gnar!)...
I can't get to any trails without driving, so I decided to bring the trails to me... well on a small scale! Yes, I know we don't all have acres of land to mess around on but we can generally build a little ramp or balance beam in our gardens to play on, or practice our track stands. I wanted to work on my riding confidence, so I built some obstacles made with random bricks and wood that was lying around. It was great fun; I even persuaded Farmer Nick to build me a little jump and drop off in the field (alas it's gone now as the cows are running around in it!) and it really helped to up my confidence and skills on my bike. I can't wait to get back on the trails now.
Wild camping...
Who got involved in the Great British Campout in your gardens over Easter? I certainly did! I've had a few nights under canvas during lockdown. There's something magical about sleeping outside, hearing the night creatures sniffing around, the birds chirping in the morning just outside and the happy sensation of nipping out for a wee under the stars! Maybe it's just me... but it reminds me of being a kid. Every summer my brother and I would pitch our tent in the garden and live out there all summer long. It was the feeling of freedom and escapism, despite only being 10 yards from the back door!
My first camp was in the field, nothing too exciting but a nice view and reasonably sheltered from the wind. But my second adventure took me down to the river on the farm, where I set up camp for a few nights amongst the trees. This was awesome; I had a little fire, took all the essentials for a comfy camp (mattress, quilt, kettle, wine!) and enjoyed a swim or two in the river (yes it was freezing!). The dogs loved it, they could roam free and splash in the river, I could just read to my heart's delight and not be disturbed by anything... bliss. I'd happily have stayed there a while longer, but alas I had to get back to work as trees and rivers just don't power laptops!
Office with a view...
Who doesn't love working outside in the sunshine?! I moved my van in to the daylight and set up office so I could enjoy the view... when the sun came out I moved to a table outside. The only issue is I kept getting nearly run down by the tractor!! But it's awesome to be able to be outside and still get your work done. The joys of living in a van is that even if it's horrible weather, you can still have an office with a view. Problem is my work laptop is so old I need to have it plugged in to power constantly and use an ethernet cable. Do people still own ethernet cables?!
Van adventures...
I obviously can't travel around at the moment, so I just keep moving the van around the farm, so it feels like an adventure! This week, I've moved to the top field away from the cows. I've even set up a little outside seating area and a firepit ready for the weekend of lounging around in the evenings with the gentle flicker of flames and a good bottle of wine! It's not a bad commute to work, just 600m across the fields to the barn and that all important ethernet cable (!) and views at breakfast time could certainly be worst...
Farmlife...
I love having my home on wheels based on the farm, especially in Spring, when the calves are being born and there's lots of work I can help out with. In fact, it was a full time job just naming all the calves! Oliver and Spike love it here too, as they can just run free and go on lots of adventures (mainly involving eating cow poo... barf) and I do enjoy a cow cuddle or two. So, during lockdown, I've been helping with calving, feeding and mucking out, plus I was even let loose in the tractor to do some rolling (check out my smart lines!); and I've now been promoted from apprentice farm hand to chief cow hugger... I can think of worst jobs!
Hit the road...
With the trails closed and not being able to drive anywhere, it's given me a reason to get out on my road bike. She's been slightly overlooked lately because of sexy, fun Beti, but now it's Dolce's turn to shine! Is there anything nicer then riding down quiet country lanes, enjoying the scenery, feeling the wind on your face and sun on your back, and the buzz of adrenaline as you descend a gnarly hill? Bliss...
I've been good, I've not gone too far, but it has felt lovely to just get out and have that sense of freedom again, if only for an hour. Although I did break the rules, as I'm wearing a MTB helmet, not got my glasses' arms outside my helmet straps and I'm not in full lycra... but hey, it's lockdown, surely the rules can be 'tweaked'!!
So, that's what I've been up to so far... who knows how long the craziness will continue, but one thing I know for certain, is that there are still adventures to be had... they just require a little imagination.
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