Simple pleasures are good for the soul.

I have just caught myself daydreaming with a glimmer of sunshine breaking through the clouds out my window.  With the summer holidays in full swing for many, and the temperature warming up over the weekend, this led me to wonder what getting outdoors means to each of us.

To me it means sunshine. Getting dirty.  Walking barefoot in the grass.  Wild swimming.  The smell of barbeques smoking up the evening.  Catching your breath at the bottom of the hill after freewheeling all the way down.  Watching lightning split the twilight.  Raindrops drumming the roof of your tent.  Getting lost and making a discovery that would have passed you by.

I think we all work so hard that we forget about the little things that make us feel good.  We forget to play.  It is important for the soul.  At the moment the sun rises at 6 am and sets at 8 pm (give or take a few minutes depending on where you live in the UK).  That gives each of us at least 14 hours of playtime.

So this summer I am getting back to simple.  Rucksack, tent, walking boots.  And waterproofs, just in case.  I plan to explore mountains and villages, road test some campsites and drink in some great landscapes.  I might take my bike, maybe my rock shoes.  Definitely a Frisbee. 

What does getting outdoors mean to you?

Keep an eye out on www.wegetoutdoors.com for some campsite reviews coming soon.