Ever since I was a little girl my parents always took me and my sisters on camping holidays. My dad used to go on rock climbing holidays way before we came around, so before we knew we were rock climbing. We had so much fun going on camping holidays and climbing mountains. Well mountains… I don’t know about that, but at that time I probably thought that it was a big ‘mountain’ (aka rock). The rocks became bigger and bigger and before I knew I was doing the real thing. And yes.. this time with real mountains, safety harnas, ropes, etc. Time came when I moved out to go to university and I didn’t go on holiday with my family anymore. A couple of years ago a new idea came around to go on a rock climbing holiday with my dad. And since than we go on a rock climbing holiday every year together. And before you start wondering my mum and sisters are completely fine with it! They like other things more than a whole week of waking up early and hanging in ropes.
Waking up early during these holidays is usually the case. We usually plan our holiday during the university summer holidays. During this time of the year it can be pretty hot in Orpierre (South of France). This year, I don’t exaggerate, we had temperatures of around 37 degrees Celsius during the day, which makes it impossible to go rock climbing during the day. So we usually had to wake up early to beat the heat and return to the campsite before lunch time.
Although we had to beat the heat in the morning, we always made sure that the afternoons were relaxed. Sometimes we had to do some groceries after climbing, but most afternoons we could read a book and nap in the shade. I actually managed to read 1.5 books during this holiday, which is something I never achieve during the university year.
What I love most about these holidays is the simplicity of life. Living on a campsite in a tent for a week, with minimal amounts of luxury. Waking up with the sound of the birds is my favourite part of these camping holidays. When you step out of your tent in the morning you are directly into nature and the 360 degree view is always amazing.
I really enjoyed this years rock climbing holiday! I hope you enjoyed reading about my love for camping, nature and rock climbing. I’d love to know your favourite kind of holiday!
xoxo Annaleid
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