Trial Run
Trial Run
We know we definitely aren’t in the same league as the proper bunk barns in the area yet, especially when it comes to facilities. We’ve got a portable toilet, a generator keeping the lights going and our heating system is currently comprised of ‘putting another layer on’ so although the place is looking a lot better, we’re still a way off being finished.
That said, I need to be here early for the north-facing gable-end pointing and Rach wants to get involved, so we’re taking the opportunity to spend some time up at the hall with the kids before we get stuck in. We’re all loaded up ready to ‘rough-it’ for the night.
The generator has been on pretty much all day while I’ve been looking at the electrical system and pipework in the cellar but we don’t intend to leave it on through the night and I have my doubts that the 15yr old car-battery and 500w invertor will do the job for this stay, so we’ve stocked up on lanterns and AAA batteries.
For the eagle-eyed amongst you, thinking we’ve gone mad and spent a fortune on bunk-beds, rest assured this was another freebie, this time courtesy of my mum’s recent house move. Rachel sourced a few hospital style mattresses which are much easier to keep clean than fabric ones and Adam has claimed the bottom bunk, so they’re all set.
So, how did it go?
We decided to put in a ‘no-devices’ rule for the kids whenever we come up to the hall and although we initially thought there would be a lot of sulking and grumbling, once the pens, paper and board games are broken out, they aren’t mentioned again. My phone provides some music but when it goes off, we don’t miss it. The log burner isn’t in yet but it’s been a fairly warm, if not a dry day so we expected we’d be alright and we were. The building is quiet and cosy and once the generator gets turned off, the lanterns provide more than enough light.
By morning, Rachel and I have slept relatively well but the kids are still fast asleep for another hour even after we’ve clattered around the place making breakfast and brews so clearly, the bunks are comfortable. There’s no great rush for the kids to get started so they’re still in their onesie’s as Donald arrives to get started on the pointing with me and his lads, but as a first try, we’re all really happy with how its gone.