Nearly there...
How did we get here? It's already mid-September and so the final countdown begins. When we first started our change of lifestyle, I was approaching 50 and now I am approaching 62 where did that time go? We are both feeling older and most things take a lot longer than they did in the beginning.
What started as a “let's see if we can make a change” has now become a proper business with everything that goes with that - especially the paperwork, accounting, marketing, health and safety, booking platforms, card machines, electronic invoicing and employing staff. Let’s not forget it’s all in French too which puzzles us greatly sometimes.
Whilst the campsite is running day to day, and we are like swans gliding on the top with little feet paddling like crazy under the water, there is all this other stuff that is going on in the background that most clients don’t see. It continues too throughout the closed season although to a lesser extent.
So, the countdown begins. Last night was the final snack shack of the season. I sold all of my burgers and just have a pack of paninis and a bag of chips left which to be honest is good planning, or probably more like a happy accident which seems to be the same for most things in my life. Thanks to all my customers who came and ate during the season.
I was accosted the other day in Morlaix by a bloke who looked at me and said, “Camping le Drennec, I dream of your burgers.” Praise indeed. The other lovely thing was a Dutch couple who told me that he had proposed whilst eating burgers on the beach how lovely!
There have been many great stories this summer from campers and great conversations in the office. I love meeting new people and finding out about them. It's one of the joys of the job as I am definably a people person and quite nosy !!! I find it incredible what you can have in common with complete strangers, people you know, places you have been. The world is indeed very small.
So now the clean-up begins. We have one more weekend with the glamping booked out then we start taking the tents down. Luckily Lydia our daughter is here to help with some of the heavier work. We are taking the opportunity to spend some time with her and away from the campsite now it is quieter. We went to a lovely beach yesterday the sky was blue, sun was out and the sea was very warm, late summer at its best. It was great to be out and about and away from the campsite for a few hours.
We often meet campers out and about and we did yesterday too at the bar. A French couple who often come to the campsite were celebrating a 70th birthday and were excited to see us. I think it’s a bit like seeing a teacher out of school !
Our last night open at the campsite is the 26th September. There's still time for a quick break in the beautiful Breton countryside. Then we are off on holiday and a much-needed rest. We are going on a cruise for the first time to Norway. I hope the weather is kind as we sail up the North Sea. I am looking forward to being looked after and a few cocktails, Oh and I suppose the Fjords too. I will let you know how it goes.
We will reopen on the 26th March 2027 which is Good Friday. If I get my act together this week I will update the allocation for next year !!
