Karen Wright: Sunshine, simple pleasures and family time

The weather forecast had told us what to expect, so I prepared well ensuring we had shade, sun cream and cold drinks on hand.

I did make use of my gas BBQ and used the paella pan that it came with to cook not just paella but a lovely ragu too, and we ate outside each evening once the heat of the day had fizzled out a little bit.

On Monday we had some company, my eldest daughter and her family plus my mum. They arrived in the morning, and we spent the day together before we left them at the caravan to try it out for a few days. We brought my Mum back home of course as I think her camping days are over.

I braved the midday sun and prepared a BBQ for everyone while they walked down to paddle in the river which is very close to the campsite. The small family are vegetarians, so they had plant-based burgers which they enjoyed alongside the side dishes that I made to go with them.

I made a Greek salad and Greek lemon potatoes, and it was all delicious. For the potatoes I peeled and cut potatoes into large wedges and placed them in an overproof dish with a mixture of lemon juice, olive oil and vegetable stock. I added garlic, salt, and oregano and then covered the dish with foil. They cooked in the oven till most of the liquid had evaporated, and then I popped them back in the oven and continued to cook uncovered until they were starting to brown. A good squeeze of lemon juice and they were good to go.

The Greek salad is simply tomatoes cut into chunks, cucumber, red onion, peppers and olives in a dish with a slab of Feta cheese on the top, a dressing of a mixture of olive oil and red wine vinegar is all you need and then a sprinkle of oregano on the top! Top tip, lettuce does not belong in a Greek salad!

We had such a smashing time, being outdoors so much was very therapeutic.

It was such a delight to see my grandchildren enjoying the joys of spending time on a campsite enjoying the simple pleasures that nature provides.