A Night Outside

Al Humphreys and those nice people at Howies set a summer solstice microadventure challenge: to have a night under the stars and then submit a photo, story or video about it.My friend Anna wrote a poem about her night and as she doesn't have anywhere to post it online, I said I'd pop it on here. I think it's awesome!A NIGHT OUTSIDEWell, an adventure that’s microSounds like something I can do!The summer solstice most opportuneFor a night outside: just me, the stars and the moon.Thursday night spent gathering my stuff,Thermals, hat and fancy new buff.Hammock, sleeping bag and silky liner,For a night outside, what could be finer?Stove – check, tinned stew – check,Went out of date last year but what the heck?More food gathered then off goes the telly,Ready for a night outside, sleeping on a full bellyNext evening on a train packed with townies,Them in a suit, me wearing Howies.London to Brighton, what a quick tripFor a night outside, and maybe a dipA few hours spent in grinding gearUntil I get to the hill top – I’m finally here!I pick my spot and unpack my stuff,A night outside – check me sleeping rough!Hammock slung, stew on the heat,Recalling the use-by date of the meat.Flirting with food poisoning, oh what a larkDuring a night outside, alone in the dark!Down went the sun and out came a critter,An owl for company as I’m busy on TwitterInforming #microadventure of my derring-do –A night outside listening to the twit and the twooThere I lie, snug in a cocoon,Wispy clouds bathed in the light of the moon.Not feeling cold as followed the secret we know –For a night outside, wear Howies merinoDrifting off on a hill so high,Thanking my luck it was nice and dry.Some quality sleep that only fresh air can bring,During a night outside near Chanctonbury RingMorning came and so for that matterDid a gentle shower – a light pitter-patter.Up I get, hammock and sleeping bag rolled,I’d spent a night outside – wasn’t I bold?!Never mind I thought, just a bit of rain,Here it’s refreshing, only in cities a strain.And who cares about the wind and descending mist?All part of a night outside – I got the gistSoon it picked up and was whipping my hairSo off I went, I was outta there!An adventurous cycle from the top of the Down,After a night outside, I headed back to townBoarded the train and soon back at mine,A fresh convert to the world of 5 to 9.I loved sleeping amongst the birds and the treesA night outside – thanks howies - Organic clothing, thanks Al Humphreys!by Anna Williams@bubbaanna