After spending 3 nights on a campsite while our narrowboat was dry docked for blacking (of the hull), I gained a special appreciation for our 28ft long floating home.
What I had actually embraced for the past 3 months as a minimalistic and alternative way of living, made me realise that my new lifestyle and accommodation on my narrowboat could rightfully qualify as living onboard a luxury miniature ship with my personal skipper, and that my envisioned ideas of sleeping and waking on a campsite were farfetched. Yes, this was my very first camping experience in this tent.
The Morning After My First Camping Night
Contrarily, I fulfilled my coffee cravings upon rising, not to feel awake (because I felt like I hadn't slept), but to console myself that maybe it was the wet, rainy night that had dampened the desire in my heart for camping; yet the remnants of the previous night's ashes in the fire pit brought back happy memories of the fiery coloured lighting, and comforting warmth, my friends and I felt from the flames that rapidly released from the pieces of inserted wood.
The Pros Of My Camping Experience
- Socialisation
There's an undeniable bonding and social element to camping. Could it be because we are stripped back to survive on the basic and essential necessities? I mean, the sharing of a bucket toilet? I guess sharing really is caring...
Our group of 9 was an eclectic mix of friendships that go decades back, and also of new friendships evolving, yet everyone's guard was down, with seemingly cheerful moods.
- Amazing Nature
The second night saw us looking up at the stars, and we appreciated how much nicer this evening had been in comparison to the previous rainy night. Nature is so amazing and calming! It makes you forget all your worries, and the empty bottles laying around meant there were full conversations from everyone, as old memories were relived, through happy and humourous long stories.
- Unplugged From Modernity and Technology
Yes, our mobiles were on hand for necessity, but uninterrupted conversations were fulfilled as we formed a circle around the fire. We stayed up to the wee hours listening to soft singing and guitar music from our dear friend Adam, whose main purpose of visit was to be a part of the boat painting team. A natural enhancement of our time in nature the music was.
- Freshly Cooked Food
Although there was an absence of comfort from a dining table setting with knife and fork, we contentedly sat on the grass and folded blankets, and something about the casual setting made us feel more appreciative of the summertime outdoors with long nights.
Shrimp Kebabs, Steak, Lincolnshire Sausages, Burger Patties, Jerk and Barbecue Chicken straight from the grill to the mouth, with natural juices flowing was rather tasty. We had some plain tortilla wraps, and like cowboys and gals we slapped in Steak and rolled the wraps and washed it down with Beers and Cider.
The Second Morning
Strangely, while drinking my coffee I suddenly started to pack up my belongings. I forgot we had a 3rd night of camping coming up. Could it be that the novelty of camping was already wearing off? Was I missing the comforts of my narrowboat's hugging mattress and hot shower with strong water pressure?
Fresh Perspectives And Reassurances
Reassurance Of Having Our Boat Blacked Properly
One of the most important things when buying a boat is the condition of the hull, and blacking is a requirement for longevity every 2 - 3 years. Some boatyards cater to boat owners blacking the boat themselves by taking the boat to a dry dock, so it was booked in 3 months ago, and friends decided that we would all make a fest of it by camping for a few nights.
Cameron and I are more confident because we took no short cuts. The boat was first power washed by the boatyard team, old paint was thoroughly removed and the steel was treated and prepped, before we meticulously applied the required 3 coats of paint to the hull of the boat, observing required drying times.
Camping Vs Narrowboat Life
Living in the confined space of the narrowboat gives us the false impression that we're living a life of camping especially because of our capsule closet, and wetroom shower tray. However, with fresh perspectives of our camping experiences, we're both convinced and grateful that our daily lifestyle is offgrid, yet with a level of normality and the necessary standard amenities needed to live comfortably.
Would I go camping again?
Absolutely! It was a decent experience and I admired that all families and individuals cleared away garbage and disposed of them in the provided dumpster. There was a certain sense of pride and respect in everyone, and camping provides a different experience for us Nomads.