Tales of walking, eating, watching and playing. Vintage treasures and simple pleasures ... the things that make her happy.

Monday 1 October 2012

Boys and their Dens

Little man and his grandpa have a secret den.  
She was allowed to visit.  
(Only the second time in four years that she has been granted access!)  
Out of grandpa’s garden and across the field ... 
Hidden from view by a curve of evergreens.
Sheltered by a lofty canopy of heavy boughs.
She had to repeat the special password.
 Waterproofed with tarp on the inside.
A rug is on the shopping list to give their wild camp a little more comfort.
Nature is a messy lodger ...  much time is spent on repairs and housework.
Her stay was short ... "it's a place for boys".
Little man showed her the way home, 
keeping her safe from marauding intruders and savage beasts.
He returned to his work.  
Gathering wood, sweeping leaves.
Digging a hole for their fire.
Sharing secrets with grandpa. 
Climbing high they nestled within the solid arms of the tree, 
 and watched the tired sun slowly set fire to the horizon.
They feasted on crispy skinned potatoes cooked on a bed of hot ashes.
They held their breath as deer came close.

27 comments:

Deborah said...

How cool! I used to build dens when I was younger :) may have to get the clothes horse out! he he

Bee happy x

Outcast said...

I love this den so much Jane, it reminds me of how I used to be when I was younger. Great photographs, I can't believe you've only been granted access twice in four years, that must have been special!

Vintage Sheet Addict said...

Just what every child needs, a den and a grandad who loves to spend time with them! Lovely! Ada :)

Maria said...

Hello!
we must have been viewing each others blogs at the same time! (which is nice)
I love that your young man has a real den.We used to have hours and hours playing like this...
How magical! We used to live by our local park and had secret access to get in at night times and build camps!
A lovely postie as always...
love Maria x

Beki said...

What a wonderful den, I must confess to being a little jealous.
I don't think we ever grow out of our love of dens xx

Kristie said...

Marina,

This is such an adorable story! It would make a great children's tale with a series of other books about the secret den with illustrations. Soooo cute! :)

erleichda said...

Such a lovely story... and such a great grandpa!

Shortbread and Ginger said...

How lovely - what a great adventure!
Liz @ Shortbread & Ginger

Marigold Jam said...

What a lucky lad to have such a grandpa. I'd have loved to have a den like that as a child (well still would if truth were told!).

Cuby said...

This a special den as it has a password and only boys can enter. Your boys both young and old sound
as if they have a friendship so special to treasure. Great photos too. I enjoyed this so much.

Anne said...

I helped out at cub scouts when my boys were small and we built a similar den at cub camp one year.The boys thought it was marvellous!

Unknown said...

Just simply ... how very lovely...

Vicky x

Used-to-Bees said...

What a magical time your little man must have with his Grandpa. Memories being built to last a lifetime...
x

Jen said...

What a wonderful secret place, and how wonderful that grandfather and grand son have each other. Beautiful post.

Jenny Woolf said...

Oh, a perfect childhood day. Wonderful!

Rose H (UK) said...

What a FABULOUS den :o)
How sweet to make such lovely memories with Grandpa...
Rose H
x

Rosemary said...

Special moments to cherish.

Melanie said...

That's some den! Wildly fantastical. Your photos of this day will always remain fresh and clean. Next time you should take a slingshot to shoot at stones, but maybe that's a boy thing too.

thesnailgarden said...

Lovely, just what childhood should be all about! Your son will have such special memories. Best wishes, Pj x

greenthumb said...

What a special love they must have together, and what wonderful childhood memories your little one will always have.

nilly said...

I have a photo of my oldest son in a mini version of this den - happy days. I'm ashamed to say life got very busy. Sons 2,3,4 and I did not have quite so much time for fantastic play. I think there's a message there...

...Nina Nixon... said...

That is so lovely. I was always building, constructing and planning dens when I was little. A bit of a tomboy....that's me.

Nina x

blackenpot said...

What a lovely story and just think of the memories this little man will thrive on years to come!

I love it!

Sylvia said...

What a beautiful place, they must have a wonderful time together, lovely story !
Nice weekend,
Sylvia

gillyflower said...

How very special. I bet Grandpa has as much fun as your son.
It looks a wonderful den,and how privileged you were to have been allowed there!
Thanks for sharing this, it's heartening to know there are still children (and Grandpas!) out there enjoying simple, timeless childhood pleasures.
Gill xx

The Custards said...

How delightful the den is - brings back many childhood memories where living in the countryside meant we had seasonal dens (winter and summer!). How we lived!
Best wishes
Jenny

WolvesAtTheDoor said...

Now that's what life is about! I want to live in a tree!!