Holidaying in the past

Going on holiday can evoke wonderful memories at the best of times but our recent camping 'weekend' was like travelling back in time - in more ways than one.

I guess whenever you go away with kids, your mind drifts back to when you were one. It might literally make you feel young at heart. It might take you places you've been before; perhaps even known and loved. Sometimes it might actually take you back in time. Almost.

Michelle & I spent last Thursday to Saturday with some friends - and their children - in the vicinity of Swanage & while there is little particularly evocative about this Dorset peninsula per se (I actually spent my brother-in-law's stag do roaming it just 2 months previously...), this trip triggered some very warm fuzzy memories for me.

For starters, there were the rich historic factors - enough to focus anyone's mind on a simpler time. The stark ruins of Corfe Castle - visible from the campsite - and the working, steam-powered Swanage Railway both acted as physical reminders of the past & recollections of childhood holidays in summers gone by. As we stood watching a medieval sword demonstration within the crumbling walls of the castle & a steam train chugged past in the distance, my poor brain didn't quite know what to make of it all... Like finding yourself in a very British Disneyland or something more satisfyingly more genuine.

Then there were the things that you only do when there are kids around. French cricket, for example; a game I've not played since family holidays (one infamous occasion when my dad gave my mum a black eye when an overenthusiastic swing of the bat connected with an altogether-too-close fielder...). Beaches, too, become a much more fascinating place when you are (with someone) just a few feet tall. Whether it was collecting & sorting all the seaweed into colours, jumping waves or helping to build a sand boat with Katelyn & Eden. All were activities I hadn't considered since someone had done them with me.

Then there were the darker perhaps, but no less fondly remembered moments from a school field trip to Swanage one year. Recalling pubs we sneaked into & spots on the seafront where we'd sat watching the world go by - talking about life & music & faith - as well as the youth hostel that had staged the whole affair. Each one bringing back special memories & unique emotions...

I love it when a place or an item it even a song takes you back to a special moment in your journey - your story - & I'm not sure that I always treasure them as much as I should. However, although I never saw it coming, this weekend really was chock full of them.