Finding Freedom….

“I’m just winging it….” was the answer I gave to two fellow campers who had asked how I was surviving my first long weekend camping with the girls.

They told me how they’d been watching me manage two young children and a cocker spaniel whilst they had taken 45 minutes to put up their much smaller tent the evening before. Admittedly, my new Berghaus Air 600 tent which I’d trialled for one night prior to this trip had gone up in 7 minutes with the help of the girls.

I explained how it had taken a separation to realise I could go camping. I had been so independent with my hillwalking, camping and stove cooking long before I relocated to the Highlands but gradually lost that identity just as my camping kit, tents, stoves and other gear seemingly merged or disappeared into the garage at home.

So having had a fair few issues with our trial night, the girls and I headed with Mera to Glen Nevis and camped for three nights in the foothills of the UK’s highest peak, Ben Nevis.

I’d invested for this trip in my own camping fridge and opted for one with a freezer so at all costs, there could be ice cream and smiles. One of my favourite inspirational videos is about two professional skiers who were part of a series of short YouTube videos by Arc’teryx - entitled Motherload (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iy0D1p0uOl4). It’s very grounding, reminding you how the hardest part of any adventure is getting out the door and with children, the best made plans are often short-lived but there’s always ice cream!

The weekend was magic - the girls had their freedom, they roamed around the campsite on two wheels and found delight in the park and visiting the shop for breakfast supplies. It reminded me of my childhood - walking to the boulangerie in France and asking for a baguette in my bestest 9 year old French…

As a mother, I’ve realised over the last two years whilst finding adventure again in my own life that what matters most is providing opportunities to build life skills and go with the flow.

It’s not easy, it’s never quiet and it can be very silly - but it keeps me grounded and if I get to spend a night in a tent then I’m winning at life!