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Travel StoriesCamping In Derbyshire 2005 - By Sharon Parker
Camping In Derbyshire 2005 - Day 3
Morning
I sleep very well and neither of us wake until 8am. Before the new tablets I have been struggling to get 2 hours sleep with the pain, and the best I have had with the new tablets is 6. So 10 hours sleep last night, fantastic!
The weather has not improved during the night and the rain is still with us. It's dull and damp and I am not very enthusiastic about leaving my nice warm sleeping bag. However we have to go home today so we get dressed into our bike gear. Waterproof bike gear sure does come in handy on a typical British summer day like this one.
After packing my clothes, I leave the boyfriend stuffing big fat sleeping bags into tiny little bags while I go to the shop in search of something for breakfast. When I return the boyfriend is busy with the task of taking down the tent. I notice his tan has darkened even more thanks to yesterday's sunshine and he looks good enough to eat. Certainly more appetising than the packet of biscuits and chocolate bars I manage to buy from the site shop. As the tent sinks down onto itself I try not to let my spirits deflate along with it. I don't like packing up to leave and go home. This bothers me, I feel I should at least have some desire to go home, after all isn't home where the heart is? Well not mine clearly, I guess my home is a house I live in, it is not home. I don't like where I live, I have no sense of belonging there. The bike is soon loaded up and with a quick glance back at the flattened patch of grass that has been our home for a couple of days we depart.
I am cold at first but soon get warmer. Grateful now I didn't choose the leathers to wear after all. The passing scenery does not hold any magic today for me. Not just because it's a dull, miserable grey day but because I am leaving it all behind.
Once we get up into the hills a thick fog descends. We enter an eerie world of grey nothingness. The fog is so thick we can barely see the road signs and the other vehicles. This is scary; I don't envy the boyfriend having to steer us a safe passage through this. Finally we descend and leave the hills and the fog behind. The boyfriend and I exchange very relieved glances and relax.
Afternoon
The heavy clouds eventually give way to allow the sun to make an appearance and we stop for lunch at Sainsburys in Hazel Grove. Here we order big bacon butties and a nice cup of tea. I fail to eat all of mine and once again my lack of appetite doesn't go unnoticed. We both seem reluctant to leave and do our utmost to string out this last stop before home. Both aware that once back on the bike a journey of 45mins should find me back home and the trip will be over. When it finally becomes clear we can't put off leaving any longer we gather up our gear and before climbing back onto the bike I thank the boyfriend for the wonderful trip we have shared.
During these last few miles I ponder what kind of life would I really wish to have if given a free choice. I think the gypsy lifestyle appeals somewhat. I would truly love to travel from one place to another. Stopping long enough to explore each new place before moving onto the next. I wouldn't wish to travel alone. I'm not brave or confident enough for that and besides I would be lonely, I prefer to hold hands along the way.
Home, as it is, appears all too soon. The boyfriend stops for a quick brew and then it is time to say goodbye. I find it hard to say when I have so loved the time we have spent together. The boyfriend leaves to travel the 40 miles back to his house. I sit down alone and smile over what a wonderful trip we have had. I needed a break so much and I now had another special memory to store away.
I would definitely recommend Derbyshire and the Peak District to anyone who loves unspoilt countryside and beautiful trails. It is perfect for walkers and cyclist and for two people on a motorbike.
I text the boyfriend just to be sure he has got home safely because he looked tired and I am worried. All is well, he is home safe and sound. I hear a knock on my own door and opening it reveals my two gorgeous girls. They come rushing in with lots of hugs and excited tales of their own camping trip with their Dad. They also bring with them a very large bag of dirty washing. Urgh, back to life, back to reality back to the washing machine!
Camping In Derbyshire 2005 - Plans
Camping In Derbyshire 2005 - Day 1
Camping In Derbyshire 2005 - Day 2
Camping In Derbyshire 2005 - Day 3
Reader's Comments
Steve Gisler said :-
Thank you for the story of your trip, I think you are a very interesting writer and give good insights into the way your mind works. Good luck to you and your boyfriend, I wonder if you have married him? Not always easy to trust marriage again after it has gone wrong once!
Best regards,
Steve.
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Geoff said :-
A well-written travelogue.
A pity you didn't find the shop & loo in Milldale, but I hope you have since remedied that.
Sorry I'm 5 years late in commenting but well done, anyway
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
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Travel StoriesCamping In Derbyshire 2005 - By Sharon Parker