Camping...
OK, this is stupidity on a grand scale, but I originally wrote this page about this time last year - even had an ad in the MEA mag, and then? I forgot to put the page details in the menu, so no-one knew it was there!! So, at long last, here it is.
I know from my mailbox that some people with ME are into camping or caravanning, and it got me thinking about the possibility of forming a fairly informal ME Camping & Caravanning Group (for tent campers, like me, plus caravans and motorhomes). I've put out some feelers to people I have email addresses for, but if there's anyone out there interested in the project I'd love to hear from you at ron@ronsrealm.me.uk
The plan is to have several weekends (or midweeks, probably better), away (or more if there's the interest), each year, and for those who might have problems putting up their tent (which might otherwise dissuade them from camping), they can be assured that help and support would be on hand (if we all help out each other, when we can, it'll be easier for everyone - subject to personal ability, of course).
For those who are full-time wheelchair users, there are a few fully-accessible camp sites scattered across the country, so you wouldn't be left out. And for those who think other people's kids are a pain in the butt, there are adults-only sites too.
I anticipate that membership would be free (or very low, depending on whether we had membership cards, car stickers, etc). My personal view is that it should be as unstructured - and cheap! - as possible.
Anyway, folks, have a think about it and, if you're interested, get back to me. If I can get half a dozen warm bodies together relatively quickly, we could get an inaugural event organised quite soon.
And I do know that we ME sufferers have problems with planning, never knowing how well we're likely to be at any given time, but give it some thought - it could work. We'll never know unless we try...