Yesterday was HOT. Today is forecast to be even HOTTER. After months of cold and indifferent weather, we’ve finally been presented with summer. Let’s hope it decides to stay for a while and allow us to acclimatise.

Following our camping trip, there are tweaks to be made and plans to be laid for the next one that is only just over a week away. I have to say we are really relishing the prospect, and took to the whole camping scenario like the proverbial ducks to water. It certainly boosted our overall confidence in our abilities and galvanised our mobility output into quite another gear.

I’d forgotten what a pleasure it is to have the overall freedom that camping brings. I loved the challenge of getting the tent and it’s inner sanctum erected, and found myself remembering little tricks about guy-lines and pegs. It’s at least thirty years since I last slept under canvas, and probably more than that for Joan, so to say we are being ‘Born-Again’ into the experience is quite appropriate.

The most important aspect of it all, was the way Dougal took to it and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. He’s ten now, an old dog by any standards, but he gained a new lease of life and had more walks in two days than he does in a week of being at home. We plan to make many more trips this year, weather permitting, which I’m sure will go down a treat with the old boy!

Back to realities, and with visitors coming to stay, it’s all systems go to prepare. Everything needs to be done while it’s cool or we might melt in the process, so we’re up early and raring to go!