A Whole Year

 

Those that know me will know I’m pretty hopeless at remembering dates like birthdays and anniversaries. I’m also (most of the time) unsure as to how old people are when celebrating their birthdays, including myself! I did however remember  a year today was when I left my house and started on my road trip in the UK.

It doesn’t feel like a year at all, until I started looking back over the photos of the Autumn colours, the van covered in snow, Poppy swimming in the lakes to cool down on those long summer days and the colours of the spring flowers. I have had more time to notice the beauty of the seasons and visit places at times of the year when they are quieter - the Lake District in September and Cornwall and Devon in winter, when we had the beaches to ourselves. 

I never know what day it is and rarely need to think about what time it is either. I eat when I’m hungry, sleep when I’m tired and wake up either because of the warmth of the sun, or the sound of the birds. Everything also takes longer simply because it can. Breakfast can sometimes take two hours, reading can sometimes take most of my day. 

People often ask about showers, laundry, what do I cook and do I get scared or lonely. The answer is you become more resourceful and you really appreciate the kindness of others. I’ve always been content in my own company and have never felt lonely. Only once have I managed to choose a slightly dodgy park up spot for the night, but always make sure I can swiftly move the van if needed. 

The year has been full of surprises, full of nature’s beauty and strangers who have become friends. Living in a tiny van might not be for everyone, but if it’s something you’ve always wanted to do, give it a try! I for one am carrying on as I am loving a more simpler way of life with far fewer material things. 

May the roaming continue…!

*Photos are from my final walks in Wales - Castell y Blaidd, the Dragon’s Back, the Lonely Shepherd and the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal.