There was little chance that we would take the tent down from the attic this year. With the coronavirus roaming around and the third trimester of the pregnancy approaching it didn't seem like a good idea. Until the measures on campsites were relaxed sooner than expected. Green light. Oh well, and sleeping on an air mattress with a fat belly, there are worse things to think of, right? Because a year without camping, is a year not lived!
Domaine du Bocq
On arrival at the campsite in Purnode, I see two happy girls standing by the caravan, the nieces are already there. It is familiar territory for my sister (and me), because Domaine du Bocq was taken over this year by her previous employer Rocks 'n Rivers. She has guided outdoor activities for many groups here in the Belgian Ardennes. We regularly slept with family or friends in the former railroad hotel of Purnode. If you walk down from there, you are immediately in the large valley of the campsite. Our tent is nice and spacious on the green forest field with the tall trees. The sound of the flowing river makes you feel so relaxed. A short three-hour drive and it feels like a vacation far from home.
Lighting a fire
De stoelen staan in een kring, het vuurtje is aan en de bierflessen en chipszakken gaan open. Ik zie voor het eerst in m'n leven vuurvliegjes; wat een feest dat we hier mogen zijn. Na het vele thuiszitten en weinig mensen zien is het een verademing om samen te kamperen. Het jongste nichtje roept I want to stay here for 100 days and don't blame her. You can hike, mountain bike here, canoeing, mountain climbing, abseiling or as a pregnant woman: hanging out at the campsite with an iced tea and slack talk.
What are we going to do?
Saturday begins with breakfast and making no plans. Followed by coffee and apple pie at the restaurant and for those who want a walk. The boyfriend dives into the mountains and the rest stays at the caravan for games. A vague plan emerges for an evening walk to the caves. It remains a plan, because from noon we sit in the restaurant for hours chatting. Oh well, we'll see the caves another time, eating marshmallows by the fire is just as special! That night we sleep tight and at 5 a.m. the birds give a grand concert near the tent.
Back to civilization
Bij de douches en wc's heb je lekker veel ruimte, verder staan we niet zo stil bij het coronavirus. De 1,5 meter afstand zit goed ingeprent bij de camping gasten en het personeel draagt mondkapjes in het restaurant. Deze drie dagen voelen als een week, met tegenzin pakken we de boel in om terug naar de bewoonde wereld te gaan. De groene vallei laten we langzaam achter ons, tot volgend jaar!
Blog written by Karing: www.praatjevankaatje.nl