JOURNAL #10 – LOVING SUMMER IN THE OUTDOORS

The outdoor lifestyle and summer go together like strawberries and cream.  Living with the seasons means making the most of what makes summer unique.

Here’s our 10 favourite reasons for loving summer:

1.     It stays lighter longer

2.     Summer nights -

3.     Going on holiday

4.     Summer storms

5.     Picnics

6.     Warmer weather

7.     Swimming

8.     The great outdoors

9.     Summer food

10.  Just chilling

 It stays lighter longer

Make the most of the cooler summer evenings, or the early sunrise and go for an early morning walk before it gets too hot.

Summer nights

One thing we love about summer is sitting out in the evening and enjoying those summer nights. We love our fire pit, outdoor solar lanterns, a warm rug if needed and then sitting back and watching the stars slowly come out. It’s also fun to play spot the satellite on a clear night.  We’ve installed an app called ISS Spotter or check out Nasa’s website Spot The Station | NASA.

Going on holiday

Take a road trip this summer, discover hidden gems while you set your own pace. And go old school with a map rather than relying on your Sat Nav.

Summer storms

They can be very dramatic, but that rain cools everything off and leaves the wonderful smell of wet grass.  Embrace the rain – how about wild swimming, bird watching in a wetland reserve or go on a walk to a waterfall which are more impressive in the rain.

Picnics

In the tales of Robin Hood, he was joined by his Merry Men and they would informally dine on bread, cheese and beer under the shelter of the trees. A great tradition to follow.

 Warmer weather

The most obvious reason summer is the best season is warm weather! There's nothing we love more than breaking out those beloved summer clothes so our skin can see the light of day.  The warmth of the sun on your skin is just the best.

Swimming

The water finally gets warm enough you can swim without a wetsuit. A swim in the sea followed by lying on your beach towel on the sand is hard to beat.

The great outdoors

Time to get out into the great outdoors … yes you can get outside all year round, but summer brings a whole new landscape. You have the beauty of the countryside in full bloom and it’s easier to encourage some of your more reluctant friends and family out if it’s a beautiful summer’s day, especially if you throw in a cold drink in a pub garden at the end.

Summer food

We’ve already mentioned strawberries and cream, but there’s so much more. Super ripe tomatoes, luscious cherries, lightly steamed courgettes and green beans and potatoes so fresh they just need to be boiled in their skins with lashings of butter.

Just chilling

This summer make the most of the longer, warmer days to relax … take the time to just lay down. Don’t feel guilty for having a siesta, reading a good book, listening to some music or just letting your thoughts wander.