Hello, September!
Let the September Slow-Down Commence
Flipping the calendar over to September triggers mixed emotions for me. Early Autumn, or Late Summer, seems to be neither one thing or the other. Days can remain sunny and warm and trick you into thinking that summer is still here, then evenings creep up on you unexpectedly bringing a sharp chill and an early sunset that jars with the summer-like daytime. Shorter, chillier evenings are the first subtle signs that the lazy hazy crazy days of summer will soon be giving way to a less frivolous season. There’s an urgency to enjoy every last drop of good weather, because you don’t know how long it’s going to last.
On the other hand, Autumn gives us permission to take our foot off the accelerator. I don’t know about you, but I have plenty of unexciting indoor tasks that fill my days regardless of the season, but when it’s a beautiful day outside I feel a stress and anxiety that doesn’t exist if it’s cold and grey. I also don’t cope well in the heat, which is another reason I moved to the Outer Hebrides where this summer has been particularly cool and grey.
Seasonality
One of the many wonderful advantages of a caravan, camper van, or motorhome break is that you can vary your destination according to the season. For me, Spring is all about Scotland, Summer is all about the seaside, Autumn is for camping in the forest, and Winter is for city breaks.
This year I’ll be spending Autumn in the caravan in mainland Great Britain due to various commitments. I’m quietly looking forward to the days of walking through woodlands taking in their special fragrant damp aroma, and the simple pleasure of throwing open the top half of the caravan door on chilly yet sunny mornings where the intense light from a low and bright sun dances through the trees. Bring it on!
Congratulations to the Winners!
In case you missed Monday’s Live Broadcast from Düsseldorf, the five winners of a pair of tickets to the Motorhome and Caravan Show in October were drawn. Congratulations go to:
Chris Hatton
Rachel Bray
Shanks
Damien McAvoy
Black Country Man
Each has received an email and will shortly get details of their tickets.
If you didn’t win tickets, there’s still time to benefit from a modest reduction on the price of tickets if you go to mcshow.co.uk and use the code MCAJD at the checkout. This code is valid until 17th October 2022.
I asked entrants to list their top three must haves when choosing a caravan, motorhome, or camper van. I was curious to know what is important to the good people who support what Dougal and I do, and wanted to see if there was a common pattern.
After enjoying reading all 80 entries, as well as a further 20 or so comments on YouTube, I have come to the conclusion that the only thing the answers have in common with each other is that they have absolutely nothing in common!
It’s worth popping back to the previous article and having a look in the comments section for yourself. If you ever wonder why there is such a huge array of Leisure Vehicles available offering such mind-boggling choice, the wide diversity of what matters to so many individuals explains all.
What’s Next?
As hinted earlier, Dougal and I will be on the road for a few more weeks yet before heading home. We’ll be spending time with the family, attending a few industry events, and I’ll be working on a new project that will be launching in a couple of weeks. Watch this space.
I’ll also be doing something with the caravan that I’m rather excited about. I’ve booked a little CS in Yorkshire and, quite radically for me, am going to take a few days holiday. Yes, holiday! Heritage railways will, of course, be involved. Whether I resist the temptation to pick up the camera remains to be seen.
Wherever your travels take you this wonderful season, have a lovely time, and thank you as always for your support.
How to Support Streamlining
There are two ways you can support me and this newsletter:
1. If you wish, you can show your support for what I do through Buy Me a Coffee. Although I’ll probably end up buying tea. Or snacks for Dougal.
I understand that not everyone who would like to will be in a position to support in this way, and that’s absolutely fine! My content is available to everyone, regardless of their circumstances.
2. Most importantly, please subscribe and share Streamlining with those who you think will enjoy it.
Thank you!
Oh a new project! We wait excitedly for the announcement. Thanks for all the excellent videos. To make them takes time and effort.
I love summer and Autumn, we are in Dorset for 3 weeks and the weather looks awful. Hey ho this is England and we will enjoy our holiday x