My narrowboat takes me to places where I sometimes pinch myself to confirm that I'm not dreaming and to remind me of the importance of applying the law of mobility to all aspects of my life.
This has been an extended alternative weekend on a Pig Farm's camping site, with shopping facilities, a restaurant and bar cafe, and live entertainment right along the canals, called The Pig Place.
The convenience of The Pig Place makes it a dream place for narrow boaters, especially those who might not be close to a supermarket. It's puzzling as to why there are no more facilities with similar ideas along the canals because what's offered here is a welcoming level of excitement that even the most reclusive person like myself, living on a narrowboat or camper, can enjoy.
Using the Canal Plan UK app, Hubby had mapped out this place as the perfect spot, and as Hubby pulled in and moored up, we were impressed at first sight. We spent the first two nights together and had a coffee and breakfast made of fresh produce from the farm.
Hubby was so excited when his coffee order was ready that this made me smile.
This entertainment room was full of many many quirks—the arts and the people. We chatted with Colin, a lovely chap who was full of character.
It feels like a home away from home and the staff are relaxing. The young couple, Amy and Aaron, who run this place, live on the premises in a campervan, fully immersing themselves in the lifestyle.
While conversing with them, I learned that they made a life change by quitting highly paid jobs in pursuit of happiness and living authentically true.
They have been travelling across Europe and Northern Africa for the last two years, and they have been working at this place for two months, happy in nature, in contrast to how they both were working in the corporate and engineering worlds.
They say everyone thinks that they are insane and just do not get it, but the happiness that they feel is unexplainable.
I told them, "It's ok; no one needs to get what you do or feel, but you."
The couple said that every day that they are at the campsite with the ins and outs of people from different walks of life, they gain inspiration and ideas.
What I find is that we live in such a success-driven world that we sometimes forget to live the life we want when we are young and able, as life is unpredictable. However, having an open mind fosters adaptability and the flexibility needed to live a fulfilling life in the present, hence the need to have an open plan, an open heart, and an open mind.
Live entertainment
I was impressed that they support local talent, who are down-to-earth and have a fitting audience.
The Holly Perkins Band kept us boaters and campers entertained on a rainy evening until 11:00 p.m.
It was a charismatic performance and a lovely opportunity to chat with strangers and like-minded individuals under the stars. Staff meandered among customers, injecting humour to break the ice and foster bonding.
All the right elements left a mark on me, and classic cars were another dimension.
Travelling for long hours along the canals can be draining and physically demanding. So, the time spent here on this camping site has been rejuvenating.
My barefoot stroll across the open field was re-energising as I felt the rain-soaked grass below and the sun belting down on my skin from above.
The organic simplicity of this compound was the perfect opportunity for me to do some photography.
Cheers to boaters passing by and cheers to you. Have a great week ahead, and I'll be enjoying my open-plan living space for a couple more days:)
'My psychological blueprint' is drawn to...'
My blog frequently features my minimalist lifestyle and adventures while living on my narrowboat.”
Irie love,
Milly
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