Signs of getting older ...

Camping used to be about preparing the ground, pitching the tent, digging the drainage trenches, collecting and chopping the wood, etc. All fine for the younger in body but as age and arthritis set in all that bending and squatting becomes less exciting. These riverside areas are great - they come with a base are that provides shade, somewhere to sit and cook and a decent fire with freshly chopped logs and kindling. A local farmer will sell you home made bread, cheese and sausage - and cold beer if you're lucky. That's good. Throw your tent on the ground, throw in your sleeping bag and other stuff and Bob's your uncle. Look for a knife and bottle opener for supper and leave the backpacking and bivouacking to the next generation (though I am thinking of buying a swag for next year).