Rambling Nan

Hi, I’m Angela, and as you’ve probably gathered from the name of this blog. I’m proud to be also known as Nanna. At the time of writing, I have three amazing grandchildren. J, C and A and I plan to share many of my travels  (or rambles ) with them. 

To have been blessed with Grandchildren, it’s logical that I also have the honour of sharing my life with ‘grown up’ children. I know it’s an overused phrase, but A, S and J truly are my greatest accomplishment in life so far. Each one of them brings pride and joy into my life in equal measures. And it’s with their support and blessing that I have invested some of my pension fund (aka their inheritance) into a small but fully functional camper van to be shared with children and dogs.

Speaking of dogs, let me introduce you to my canine travelling companions. Lola is an ancient and very feisty Jack Russell Terrier. At 15 years old and of a nervous disposition, she probably won’t adapt well to life on the road and will likely enjoy the peace and quiet at home with my husband (E) while I’m rambling. (More about E later)

Patsy dog is a fox red Labrador. Like Lola, she’s not always very brave and can get shouty (but never bitey). I’ve had some great holidays with Patsy by my side. She hates car rides, other dogs and meeting new people, and doesn’t do well in crowded places, but when it comes to staying in country cottages, sleeping on my bed and taking long walks together, she simply excels.

Patsy Pup doing her utmost to persuade me it’s ‘time to feed the dogs’

Finally, we have Milo. Another Fox Red Lab. From a distance he looks very much like Patsy but his temperament is the polar opposite. Milo is a people person. He can rarely resist the urge to introduce himself to strangers, offering sloppy kisses and begging for belly rubs. 

Milo has been with me for a van life test holiday (we hired a camper van for a weekend) and he suits the life to a tee. He enjoys travelling, is happy to watch the world go by whilst relaxing on a camp site and thoroughly enjoys visitor attractions. He’s a walker too, although I have to be careful not to let him overdo things. Milo broke his leg when he was 14 months old and has a metal plate fusing his hock joint. Apart from weird posture when sitting, it doesn’t affect daily life, but he sometimes limps a little after lots of walking, swimming or playing.

Milo making himself comfortable whilst visiting my Mum in her care home

I promised to introduce you to E. E is my husband of 38 years. He’s a farmer who doesn’t enjoy being outdoors. E’s idea of a holiday involves being driven to places in a nice car, eating sumptuous meals that have been cooked for him, explaining the nuances of farming to total strangers and sleeping in a comfy bed at night. Walking is hell for him (tbf he does suffer from tractor driver’s back) and waking early to the sound of birdsong is his worst nightmare. Needless to say, it’s unlikely that my husband will accompany me on my rambles – at least not very often. But he’s still important. Without him to keep an eye on pets, greenhouse plants etc, my rambles would be rather restricted.

Why a camper van, and why now?

This year I celebrate my 60th Birthday. Another decade has passed and I definitely have more years behind me than in front of me. The years in front of me, if my Mother’s health is anything to go by, could well see me gradually losing mobility and independence. Which means, that if I’m going to do the things I want to do – I’d better jolly well get on with it.

My younger years were spent raising children, working and trying to create a home. The children are all independent now, the home, (albeit untidy) is reasonably comfortable, and whilst I can’t afford to stop working yet, I am able to work ‘on the road’ if I choose to. So life is now at a stage where I can put a wee bit more focus on myself. Make some memories so that if I ever become incapacitated, I at least have something good to look back on. This blog will help me to do just that. 

Why a camper van? As a child we used to go camping as a family. Once a year, Mum, Dad, my brother and I would pile into a hired car (we didn’t own a care when I was growing up) along with the two dogs (Woody and Lupi) and we’d head off to somewhere or another. 

I can’t say I enjoyed every aspect of those holidays. Being crammed in the car with camping equipment all around us was very uncomfortable. And we didn’t actually ‘do’ much when we were there. I guess maybe my hardworking parents were both in need of some R&R, or perhaps there wasn’t the money for days out and treats – I don’t know and I’ve never asked. What I did like though was food cooked out of doors, waking up to birdsong and that wonderful feeling of wellbeing that only outdoor living can supply.

E and I did have a couple of camping trips with our children wen they were young. Most notably a week in Torquay with friends camping beside us. I loved the whole experience and E enjoyed the company, however, striking and breaking camp, walking across a field to the loos and sleeping on an air bed were enough to put him off for life.

In my late 30’s I took on the running of the local girl guides troupe. That was great! And camping with ‘the girls’ are some of my fondest memories. But oh – the work of erecting all of those tents. Back then it was OK. Now? I don’t have the energy, the strength or the patience for tents.

So a camper van it is.

I considered a caravan, but, between you and I dear reader, I’m rubbish at reversing a trailer, so there’s no way Id be able to safely manoeuvre a caravan on my own. A compact, van with a comfy bed and a stove will suit me fine. AND of course, there’ll be room for dogs and/or grandchildren if they want to come – so I can have solo holidays, doggy holidays or create memories with the youngsters.

Bring it on!