#ThisGirlCan do solo motorhoming

About a year ago, I attempted my first solo trip in our motorhome, affectionately known as Zerubbabel. I say solo... I'm never actually completely alone, as my assistance dog, Canine Partner Liggy, comes absolutely everywhere with me. But solo for me means without my husband or other family members. As a wheelchair user, I'm pretty independent. I work full time. I get out and about a fair bit. I enjoy living life to the full. However, I am always conscious of being slightly vulnerable. It doesn't take much to go wrong to leave me really stuck.

Since that first trip to Waleswood, about a year ago, I've done a few solo trips... mainly weekends or a few days midweek, and usually where I pitch up and then explore from that one base. I've found Poolsbrook Country Park to be a good base, along with White Water Park in Teeside and Clumber Park. 

I got back from Clumber Park yesterday, after a three night midweek break. I've been looking forward to this site reopening, as the walks around Clumber Park have been firm favourites for years. I had intended to take Zerubbabel down to the National Trust car park each day to access walks but on arrival day, I set off from the site and went exploring. I found that there were plenty of walks, as well as a route down to the lake, from the campsite, so I didn't even need to move at all.

More disabling to me than my physical impairments, is a serious phobia and allergy to nettles, which at this time of year, can be somewhat limiting. However, I found several of the walks to be quite manageable and some of them really good for off-lead walks with Liggy. Again, I always feel a little vulnerable letting her off-lead when I'm alone, as I am limited if something goes wrong. I felt like these walks were pretty manageable though. In the evenings, when I didn't want to venture too far on my own, the walk under the trees up Limetree Avenue was perfect. It had a nice off-road feel to it whilst still being on a main road with regular passing cars. 

The highlight of the week was a visit from Liggy's breeder, who brought her doggy-mum to spend an afternoon with her. They love seeing each other and clearly share a connection, as well as having very similar looks and mannerisms. Clumber Park is such a beautiful and peaceful place to be, and it was great to share an afternoon with someone who is so special to us.

As always, the real indicator of how accessible a site is, is whether or not I can do all those last day things by myself... bins, grey waste, elsan and the like. Clumber Park was really good in this respect. The facilities there are all lovely and new and I found it pretty easy to do all those necessary tasks without any help. This is an experience that has been repeated at several club sites throughout the year. In fact the only place I've struggled was at a 'the other club' site. So well done and thanks to CAMH!