It seemed natural from the start, without discussing, that when biking we would wildcamp; simply sleep where we found ourselves when darkness drew in. This pattern quickly became normality so that the option of staying in a hostel didn´t really seem an option to us!
In this way without intending it, we removed ourselves slightly from the normality of modern society and moved one step closer to be able to imagine being ´wild´ (although still housed head to toe in gortex ;P )
This was easy in the countryside. When in need the universe really does seem to provide and we greeted each patch of trees with appreciation. Being stuck however in a city or town at twilight seemed pretty daunting. There are so few places to go! There were moments scrambling into bushes on roadsides, discovering abandoned houses and passing bikes over fences, when police or even just people would pass. We´d have to pretend to be fixing wheels or taking a nonchelent drink with adrenlin pumping incase we´d be caught!
Suddenly the rules that we accept seemed so crazy. That the basic right to simply pass the night in peace on the land is illegal unless its paid for.
I believe we need to fight for this right of access to land. There was the CROW act passed in England and wales in 2000 http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts2000/ukpga_20000037_en_1 improved things but there is such a long way to go.
It also made me see that every built up area needs wild spaces. Land without fences, without trails, parking lots or a management plan.
hi ali my dear i hope you have received my email (hotmail does funny things sometimes
), soooo good to see your blog and read about your wicked-sounding adventures. sending you hugs and smiles from far away.
love karo
ALI!!! I absolutely love that you have a blog! I’ve missed hearing about you, your musings, and exploits so will be sure to keep checking in on you and following your adventures. I am always so utterly impressed with your enterprise. I have to say that increasingly recently I have felt the need for big changes in my life, and when I think of ways that I would ideally like to be, as a person, my thoughts always immediately turn to you. You are a truly uplifting inspiration Ali.
Love love love xxx
Hey Ali, thought i would reply to this as well, as it sounds quite exciting, just staying where you find yourself at night. I am all with you on the right to be able to pass the night in peace on the land without being hasstled or having to pay. You should have gone cycling in Scotland, since this is basiclt how things are there, although wild camping in scotland in the winter for a couple of months, would probibly need 5 more layers of gortex.
Your brave doing it in built up areas, i would feel much safer and happier in the wilds as i am sure you do, although i have never had to look for somewhere free to camp in a built up area.
There you go a wee ramble.
Take care and take it easy,
Daniel
Hey Ali and Becky
You guys absolutely rule!!! I haven’t read much of it yet coz im in the depths of a mahoooosive essay atm but i looove your photos!
I hope your both well and that I’ll see you soon, really missing you both x x x x
Owen
Othesha to the max!