Many years ago I heard something on the radio about the importance of the 'den stage' in a child's life to his/her development. The presenter likened the passing through period as a process of metamorphosis.
I have long forgotten which channel this was on as I would love to listen again.
My son has been totally engrossed in the 'den building stage' for years now. Any opportunity to go out into the wild and build a shelter of sorts and he is 'on it'. Over the years we've admired his incredible constructions and been in awe at his ingenuity for creative thought. We've visited and dined out but to date no one has actually sleep out in one; although unsuccessful attempts have been made.
Just a month or so ago, some lovely friends visited whilst passing through the area and a wonderful den was constructed directly beyond the garden. A sleep out was proposed and agreed but when the push came to shove, firstly it rained and the sleeping area wasn't adequately covered and secondly as a result all the bedding became soaked. We tried a 'take 2' after a quick fix of sleeping bags in the tumble dryer but the moment had passed and plan B; a night in the house, came into play.
So last weekend with a sudden rise in the temperature I suggested to the boy that if he built a shelter that was cosy, safe and dry, that I would sleep out with him.
The first attempt was the airiest shelter ever. Just a lean to construction that in no way met my requirements, plus it was right outside my neighbours house in a very open space! NO WAY!
Without wanting to shatter his dreams I told of my dilemma and so we moved the den to another site.
A tad more thought was given to the second attempt. It was still a lean to construction with fir branches to provide a covering and pallets as sleeping platforms. The cushions from the garden furniture became our mattresses and with the addition of the 'all important' tarpaulin to keep the rain off, we were sorted.
So, dressed in onesies and sleeping bags all laid out, our adventure began.
The boy created a good fire, perfectly situated within a surround of old bricks and a roof tile. He's so proficient at making fires these days. I tried to light it first but it soon failed. My services were quickly disregarded and the 'expert' stepped in and had us glaring in awe at the beauty of the flames in no time.
We forgot to take any tea bags out with us so rather than venturing back into the realms of the domestic home, we harvested a few nettle leaves and sipped nettle tea - the perfect bedtime tonic!
It was an incredibly warm night for a change. In fact, good job too, as in my exhaustion I couldn't do up my sleeping bag. Little tush was fine poking out!
I was informed early in the evening that if I knocked the support poles the chances were that our den would fall down. No pressure to keep still then!
It was great! I loved it! Our heads poked out a little and our covering didn't quite shelter our top halves but thankfully it didn't rain. What struck me though was how incredibly noisy the countryside is at night. I could hear the wind whistling across the fields and around us but amazingly it didn't actually touch our little patch AT ALL! The deconstruction of our den in the night might have added to the adventure but as it was, it was perfect. I woke to the sound of screeching owls - most likely warning others that the newly constructed 'blue blob' was in fact harmless!
We lay laughing and giggling as we woke in the morning. We survived a night in the hedgerow :-) and what fun it was too!
The adventure wouldn't have been complete without breakfast so eggs for me and sausages for him.
So, dressed in onesies and sleeping bags all laid out, our adventure began.
The boy created a good fire, perfectly situated within a surround of old bricks and a roof tile. He's so proficient at making fires these days. I tried to light it first but it soon failed. My services were quickly disregarded and the 'expert' stepped in and had us glaring in awe at the beauty of the flames in no time.
We forgot to take any tea bags out with us so rather than venturing back into the realms of the domestic home, we harvested a few nettle leaves and sipped nettle tea - the perfect bedtime tonic!
It was an incredibly warm night for a change. In fact, good job too, as in my exhaustion I couldn't do up my sleeping bag. Little tush was fine poking out!
I was informed early in the evening that if I knocked the support poles the chances were that our den would fall down. No pressure to keep still then!
It was great! I loved it! Our heads poked out a little and our covering didn't quite shelter our top halves but thankfully it didn't rain. What struck me though was how incredibly noisy the countryside is at night. I could hear the wind whistling across the fields and around us but amazingly it didn't actually touch our little patch AT ALL! The deconstruction of our den in the night might have added to the adventure but as it was, it was perfect. I woke to the sound of screeching owls - most likely warning others that the newly constructed 'blue blob' was in fact harmless!
We lay laughing and giggling as we woke in the morning. We survived a night in the hedgerow :-) and what fun it was too!
The adventure wouldn't have been complete without breakfast so eggs for me and sausages for him.
