Leaving the Green Gathering

I've missed blipping the past few days because my phone has not got a solar charger! Pity, because it's been very, sunny in Chepstow. I'll try and back blip the festival days.

So, what's going on here?We were waiting for the bus back to the car park.  Most people get to the Green Gathering (festival) by train or car. The car drivers have to park at Chepstow race course car park, then haul themselves and their gear onto a double decker bus that takes them to Piercefiield park and the entrance to the festival. Then they lug their stuff to wherever on the site they want to camp (we chose the family camping area). It's the same for the train passengers, except that their bus is smaller. Camper van owners can park in designated areas on the site. There is also a fully accessible camping area for people who have mobility difficulties, and glamping for people who don't want to bring a tent, and so on. 

We waited a long time, in the heat, but a steward kept us well entertained. He even danced a cha cha cha with another steward. My sister K and I got onto the second bus that came along, and eventually loaded the car at the other end. This had all taken about two hours. Let's not even mention the flat tyre on the trolley, and the box truck that shed its load through its floppy bottom!

Google Maps told us that there was a hold up, so directed us the long way round, via the first Severn bridge (Prince of Wales bridge). Just as well: Steve told us that a caravan had overturned, presumably on the bridge near Chepstow (Second Severn Crossing). 

When we got back to Stroud, CleanSteve had made lunch for us all.  K ate her salad, then set off on her ten-hour drive back to Argyll. I did not envy her, it was a hot, hot afternoon.  All I had to do do was sort through my camping gear, do loads of washing, hang it up, and have a bath (that felt very strange. I'd got used to my new aroma. The cat's sawdust litter tray now smells like a composting toilet I suppose that's what it is, sort of).

Both K and I were sad to leave, because we'd spent four perfect days strolling around the park overlooking the Severn Estuary, listening to music, dancing, chilling, hanging out at the campsite, and simply being. Being our most relaxed selves. We shall return next year to the Green Gathering, and have already planned to fit in another one or two festivals. And for now, long may the memories linger!