Spring has truly Sprung

In my last blog I wrote about taking to the road by motorhome. This week I feel I must return to the subject as the weather has taken a major turn for the better here in Spain. There can still be days when the wind blows a bit cool, and especially at night when temperatures fall dramatically, but I am absolutely amazed by the number of motorhomes that have suddenly appeared on the road.

I took a slightly long journey during the week and along the way, both going and returning there were stretches of road where there were long convoys of motorhomes of every description, except the big American style luxury bus, because our town roads would be stretched to accommodate them. It seems that everybody and his cousin heard the call at the same time and fired up and set off all at once.

Back in 1963 I did a tour of Europe on a BSA 500 and I thought I was the bee's knees. At camping sites I met so many people in their caravans or motorhomes who were living the life of Reilly. A lot were retired people who said they lived like that year round, just following the sun as best they could.

In researching my last story I was astounded to discover the wide variety of vehicles that serve as the base for some really innovative configurations in luxury and comfort. However, I don't think I would choose the lifestyle as I need more space rather than less. I prefer to live in a country house with some area around the house to put my stuff. Unfortunately I have difficulty throwing stuff away. I'm something of a squirrel. Once every five years I have to make a special effort to get rid of clutter. If its a box and I haven't opened it in the past five years I throw it out without opening it to see what's inside. The thinking being that if I haven't opened it in that period of time it's not important.

Spring has brought out the sun in all its warmth and that makes all the difference. Attitudes change, our spirits rise as we throw off the blanket of Winter. It's so liberating to open the windows to the breeze; to put the electric blanket in its box and to watch the plants grow by the day.

I know how all-important the sun and the warmth are to me so I find it hard to imagine what life must be like living in those parts of the world where the sun does not shine for very long periods. What is the impact on the human outlook on life during such times of living in the dark?

So Spring is truly here and that will be followed by the Summer. Here's hoping we all get to enjoy life to the full and try not to spoil it by driving under the influence and killing our selves and others.

Copyright (c) 2017
Eugene Carmichael