April and May had been quite difficult months due to the earthquakes in Nepal, a place I consider a bit of a spiritual and second home. Thankfully those I know, although suffering the loss of homes, were all safe. I had missed an April bivvy out with friends and didn't want the opportunity to pass me by in May. At first it did seem odd that I would opt to sleep out of doors out of choice while friends in Nepal were sleeping out under tarpaulins out of necessity. I decided to take the plunge, literally at the eleventh hour. The weather had been pleasant all day with clear skies so it was time to take advantage of a dry evening out in the open. I am fortunate enough to be surrounded by about 165 acres of countryside and woodland, literally an escape to the country on my doorstep. Within minutes I had set up my thermarest, bivvy and sleeping bag and lay down in the crisp night air. Due to the low levels of light pollution and the clear night, the sky was awash with stars. Now I don't purport to be an expert on the constellations, but can identify the better known ones such as Orion and Ursa Major, the latter which I was able to spot immediately. | |
The night seemed to pass very quickly. Somewhere off in the distance a bird was calling even in the depth of darkness.
As dawn broke it was time for a coffee to warm me through and to appreciate the beautiful dawn morning and the dew covered grass.
It was a beautiful sunrise and a beautiful start to the day!!