Good afternoon Karen, from a very sunny (but cold), Hamburg …….☀️
It was a very nice surprise to see you come up on my feed as I have not seen you for a while, in fact I think the last time was more than a year ago …….🤔
But you are not the only one, must be something to do with the Substack algorithm, or something ……
Anyways ……
I really enjoyed reading about your trip and felt as though I were there with you, including being up to my knees stuck in a peat bog ……haha
However it turned out, it still fulfilled your wish, and that is the main thing, right ……🤷♂️
And also glad to hear, that you are finally putting yourself first and what you want, before others, it really is okay to be selfish sometimes, and also very healthy ……
Enjoy your trip to the Lake District, and say hello to Old Blighty from me, won't you …...
I often feel this when we are travelling. The compulsion to see the sights and sites. The FOMO of being in a foreign country or place you waited a long time to visit and then choosing not to see the famous cathedral, arch, castle, etc. But in truth we are happiest with boots on and walking. I don’t mind using public transport to get to a starting point. I think it’s really important to listen to your own thoughts and do what feels right for you.
Absolutely...I get stuck between what I think I should do and what I want to do at times. Today, we've been out walking all day around Hawkshead/Windermere and I'm absolutely shattered now, but looking forward to a shower and putting my feet up 🙂
Ah this is just brilliant! I really relate to that need to start what I finished, to complete a plan, to not let anyone down (who? who?). It's the Good Girl script book isn't it? I am so pleased that you didn't stay for the full planned trip. You enjoyed what you enjoyed, how perfect. You allocated your extra time to another space, also, how perfect. I had a smaller version of this a year or so ago at the theatre. I'd booked 5 tickets for a show with lots of singing. We sat there, me and my boys, and within 5 minutes we all had that awful realisation that the singers couldn't sing. It was not good! I made a decision there and then that we'd leave as soon as it was not rude to do so. We waited until the interval. My boys were shocked by this, it's not something they'd ever considered before. I've spent hours (days?) of my life teaching them about the importance of sticking at things, at seeing a job through, not quitting, but actually it's also important to know when to cut things short. Holidays... theatre shows.... relationships?
That made me laugh Holly and yes, being good, doing the right thing and pleasing everyone has been my story for decades. I wrestled with feeling unenthusiastic for days and couldn't figure it out. My tendency is to always make myself 'wrong' in some way, as if everyone else is having a great time, but I'm just inept?! I missed trees, colour, lattes, striding out on footpaths between villages...so I'm in Hawkshead and all those things are here. It's taught me to stop overriding my heart/gut and yes, definitely relationships 😉
We like what we like don't we? Our loves are another one's hates etc. It's hard to make space for this though. That we don't owe anyone our positive review. I had this experience in New York. I lived in London at the time and I just didn't like NY. I wanted to, I so did, but I kept comparing it to my beloved London. That's okay. I felt bad at the time, but good lord, we need to let go this idea that we owe any place/thing/person our attention. x
It's taking me ages to stop this reflexive reaction...when we moved onto the boat, we travelled around the country and sometimes stayed in one place for 2 weeks (Skipton/Leeds) because there was so much to do, whereas other boaters moved every day. Because we were new to the lifestyle, I questioned whether we were doing it wrong...ffs, get a grip Karen! Who knew you/I could please myself and the world wouldn't cave in! x
Finding you was what it was all about! So pleased for you…and the images are stunning! And going into the water! Some of what you are learning and absorbing in your transformation will continue to amaze you and then you will be thanking your dreams of coming here over and over! What a win! Denyse x
That's so true Denyse, you're right! Learning about ourselves is a process of peeling back the layers of behaviour patterns we've had for years and choosing whether to stay the same or to change. Thank you for your thoughtful comments 😘
Sorry to have missed you, I live on Lewis but have been away in the USA ( long story). I’m glad you enjoyed your time here, we camped when we first came, but that was 27 years ago and things have changed a bit since. I love the sense of community, it can be a great place for walking too, glad you had the weather!
Oh my goodness, I can't believe that! We spent all of our time on Lewis and walked from Bosta Beach to Bernera Community Centre along the road and back along the coast, a circular walk around Shawbost, one from Reef village to Cliff Beach and back and a circular walk from Cliff Beach to Aird Uig and back. We also walked from Europie Beach to the lighthouse and back to the beach. If we come back, we'd rent a cottage and a car so we could cover more ground. What an amazing place to live!
Do come back and see some more some time. It’s quite wild out at Uig and Mangersta, with some amazing walking into the hills linking to Harris! And Traigh Mhor, up at Tolsta is an amazing beach, and.. I could go on. 💕
We went to Uig, Garry Beach and Traigh Mhor too; we stayed on Garry Beach car park for 2 nights + we walked to Dalmore and Dalbeag beaches....and Arnol...writing it down, we did quite a bit, but yes, it would be lovely to come again one day 💚
It looks like a lovely place to visit, and your photographs are great. A friend of mine and I did something similar in New Zealand for a month about 10 years ago. We rented a van and literally pulled off in most any area to stay overnight. Sometimes right on the ocean. It was lovely and gave us such a sense of freedom.
What amazing pictures and story of your bucket list adventure, Karen! This place has been calling to you and how awesome to be there connecting with all…what was right outside your camper van as well as what was inside your heart. What a wonderful way to explore and experience a new place, the culture and reveal something within you as well. That’s often the case, isn’t it, it seems, in this beautiful nomadic way of living. Thank you for sharing this with us all 🤍
We always seem to be being shown life lessons Jada and this is what's so enriching isn't it. My initial reaction when I feel something isn't quite right is to think I'm wrong somehow...I've always wanted to come here, why am I feeling unsettled etc, but when I stop the self blame/shame and listen to my inner voice, it's often something subtle and always telling me something. I did love it there, but I also didn't want to spend all day, every day driving around and spending 20 minutes in every place. So many people drove up, took a photo and left...I try to absorb more of a place, even if by doing so, I don't see everything.
What a great lesson in listening to your heart and allowing yourself to accept a change in your plans; even if that meant not fulfilling a long held dream because you had done what you needed to and could just move on to the next adventure. Looking forward to hearing and seeing The Lake District though your eyes. I’ve never been and would love to!
It took me a while to figure out what was going on with me Rebecca. I was trying too hard to analyse it rather than listening to my inner voice; once I did that, I could see things more clearly. Thank you for reading and commenting 🙂
It's a beautiful place Jo and I can recommend going there. If I went again, I'd rent a cottage as a base on Lewis and drive around everywhere and do the same on Harris. There is some incredible lochside accommodation with the most spectacular views 😘😘
Good afternoon Karen, from a very sunny (but cold), Hamburg …….☀️
It was a very nice surprise to see you come up on my feed as I have not seen you for a while, in fact I think the last time was more than a year ago …….🤔
But you are not the only one, must be something to do with the Substack algorithm, or something ……
Anyways ……
I really enjoyed reading about your trip and felt as though I were there with you, including being up to my knees stuck in a peat bog ……haha
However it turned out, it still fulfilled your wish, and that is the main thing, right ……🤷♂️
And also glad to hear, that you are finally putting yourself first and what you want, before others, it really is okay to be selfish sometimes, and also very healthy ……
Enjoy your trip to the Lake District, and say hello to Old Blighty from me, won't you …...
your Anthony
I often feel this when we are travelling. The compulsion to see the sights and sites. The FOMO of being in a foreign country or place you waited a long time to visit and then choosing not to see the famous cathedral, arch, castle, etc. But in truth we are happiest with boots on and walking. I don’t mind using public transport to get to a starting point. I think it’s really important to listen to your own thoughts and do what feels right for you.
Absolutely...I get stuck between what I think I should do and what I want to do at times. Today, we've been out walking all day around Hawkshead/Windermere and I'm absolutely shattered now, but looking forward to a shower and putting my feet up 🙂
Ah this is just brilliant! I really relate to that need to start what I finished, to complete a plan, to not let anyone down (who? who?). It's the Good Girl script book isn't it? I am so pleased that you didn't stay for the full planned trip. You enjoyed what you enjoyed, how perfect. You allocated your extra time to another space, also, how perfect. I had a smaller version of this a year or so ago at the theatre. I'd booked 5 tickets for a show with lots of singing. We sat there, me and my boys, and within 5 minutes we all had that awful realisation that the singers couldn't sing. It was not good! I made a decision there and then that we'd leave as soon as it was not rude to do so. We waited until the interval. My boys were shocked by this, it's not something they'd ever considered before. I've spent hours (days?) of my life teaching them about the importance of sticking at things, at seeing a job through, not quitting, but actually it's also important to know when to cut things short. Holidays... theatre shows.... relationships?
That made me laugh Holly and yes, being good, doing the right thing and pleasing everyone has been my story for decades. I wrestled with feeling unenthusiastic for days and couldn't figure it out. My tendency is to always make myself 'wrong' in some way, as if everyone else is having a great time, but I'm just inept?! I missed trees, colour, lattes, striding out on footpaths between villages...so I'm in Hawkshead and all those things are here. It's taught me to stop overriding my heart/gut and yes, definitely relationships 😉
We like what we like don't we? Our loves are another one's hates etc. It's hard to make space for this though. That we don't owe anyone our positive review. I had this experience in New York. I lived in London at the time and I just didn't like NY. I wanted to, I so did, but I kept comparing it to my beloved London. That's okay. I felt bad at the time, but good lord, we need to let go this idea that we owe any place/thing/person our attention. x
It's taking me ages to stop this reflexive reaction...when we moved onto the boat, we travelled around the country and sometimes stayed in one place for 2 weeks (Skipton/Leeds) because there was so much to do, whereas other boaters moved every day. Because we were new to the lifestyle, I questioned whether we were doing it wrong...ffs, get a grip Karen! Who knew you/I could please myself and the world wouldn't cave in! x
Finding you was what it was all about! So pleased for you…and the images are stunning! And going into the water! Some of what you are learning and absorbing in your transformation will continue to amaze you and then you will be thanking your dreams of coming here over and over! What a win! Denyse x
That's so true Denyse, you're right! Learning about ourselves is a process of peeling back the layers of behaviour patterns we've had for years and choosing whether to stay the same or to change. Thank you for your thoughtful comments 😘
Sorry to have missed you, I live on Lewis but have been away in the USA ( long story). I’m glad you enjoyed your time here, we camped when we first came, but that was 27 years ago and things have changed a bit since. I love the sense of community, it can be a great place for walking too, glad you had the weather!
Oh my goodness, I can't believe that! We spent all of our time on Lewis and walked from Bosta Beach to Bernera Community Centre along the road and back along the coast, a circular walk around Shawbost, one from Reef village to Cliff Beach and back and a circular walk from Cliff Beach to Aird Uig and back. We also walked from Europie Beach to the lighthouse and back to the beach. If we come back, we'd rent a cottage and a car so we could cover more ground. What an amazing place to live!
Do come back and see some more some time. It’s quite wild out at Uig and Mangersta, with some amazing walking into the hills linking to Harris! And Traigh Mhor, up at Tolsta is an amazing beach, and.. I could go on. 💕
We went to Uig, Garry Beach and Traigh Mhor too; we stayed on Garry Beach car park for 2 nights + we walked to Dalmore and Dalbeag beaches....and Arnol...writing it down, we did quite a bit, but yes, it would be lovely to come again one day 💚
Sounds a lovely trip. Great photos and hoping you will write about your trip to the Lakes.
It was a wonderful experience and I'd definitely recommend going. I'll try to continue with my travelogue series?!
It looks like a lovely place to visit, and your photographs are great. A friend of mine and I did something similar in New Zealand for a month about 10 years ago. We rented a van and literally pulled off in most any area to stay overnight. Sometimes right on the ocean. It was lovely and gave us such a sense of freedom.
That sounds amazing and something I'd love to do!
What amazing pictures and story of your bucket list adventure, Karen! This place has been calling to you and how awesome to be there connecting with all…what was right outside your camper van as well as what was inside your heart. What a wonderful way to explore and experience a new place, the culture and reveal something within you as well. That’s often the case, isn’t it, it seems, in this beautiful nomadic way of living. Thank you for sharing this with us all 🤍
We always seem to be being shown life lessons Jada and this is what's so enriching isn't it. My initial reaction when I feel something isn't quite right is to think I'm wrong somehow...I've always wanted to come here, why am I feeling unsettled etc, but when I stop the self blame/shame and listen to my inner voice, it's often something subtle and always telling me something. I did love it there, but I also didn't want to spend all day, every day driving around and spending 20 minutes in every place. So many people drove up, took a photo and left...I try to absorb more of a place, even if by doing so, I don't see everything.
What a great lesson in listening to your heart and allowing yourself to accept a change in your plans; even if that meant not fulfilling a long held dream because you had done what you needed to and could just move on to the next adventure. Looking forward to hearing and seeing The Lake District though your eyes. I’ve never been and would love to!
It took me a while to figure out what was going on with me Rebecca. I was trying too hard to analyse it rather than listening to my inner voice; once I did that, I could see things more clearly. Thank you for reading and commenting 🙂
It looks stunning and at least you got out there and did it!
It's the most spectacular and spiritual place Rosy!
Fabulous pictures Karen. Definitely something on my bucket list. It’s sounds wonderful 😘😘😘
It's a beautiful place Jo and I can recommend going there. If I went again, I'd rent a cottage as a base on Lewis and drive around everywhere and do the same on Harris. There is some incredible lochside accommodation with the most spectacular views 😘😘