After walking around for a bit we headed down to the lake and decided to go in for a swim. It was FREEZING, but it seems like the Brits don't really care and jump in any way. I need to toughen up. I went in to my elbows to say i did it, then quickly retreated to a grassy patch in the sun to warm up.
I didn't get any pictures at the outdoor spa, but was able to snag one from the website. A ticket to the spa meant two hours in the hot tubs, sauna or beds with fire pits. Plus the best part, hot showers!
Then we got hungry. So off to the food stands we went. So many options to choose from it was hard. But we settled on an amazing greek spread where I fell in love. With halloumi cheese that is. Have you ever had it? It's typically grilled or cooked and served warm over salads or with sandwiches. I recommend you try it ASAP.
Two full and happy campers. :)
I ran into the woman who runs the whole Wilderness festival at the spa (quite a feat!) and she filled me in on secret: Prince Harry was at the festival too! He was staying in a tepee outside of the estate house. We went off in search of it and there it is! Very well guarded I might add.
We wandered around the festival some more and were entertained by a little trapeze act. They let loads of little kids try which was really cute. I wanted to get in line!
I also finally gave in and ordered some mac and cheese. It wasn't amazing I have to admit, but not bad.
Then we headed back to the tent to get glittered up for the evening. Tessa was our Master of Ceremonies and graciously dolled us all up.
We caught some live music before the sun set (my favorite from the weekend was a band called Hozier if you need some new good music).
As the night started we saw a glowing horse headed somewhere. What to do? Why follow it of course. We followed that horse (along with 20,000 other people) up to a hill.
At the top of the hill was a wooden castle that promptly had fireworks set off and then lit on fire. It was a gorgeous scene, but a little sad to ruin the 'castle.' We all sat watching spellbound.
Then the party continued back down in the 'valley' which was called Pandemonium. Lanterns hung in the air, laser lights cut through the dark and dance music thumped through the night. Everyone had on costumes or glitter faces. It was a pretty cool scene. Very whimsical, like a magical forest party.
The next morning we woke up to buckets of rain. Boo! But it is England after all. We mustered up our best ' keep calm and carry on' attitudes, then headed out to enjoy the day.
That tent you see in the background below was one guy on a guitar and 20 people dancing on stage with him to avoid the rain. We joined right in and danced our little hearts out. It might have been one of my favorite parts of the weekend.
The sun came out for a minute for us to play some ping pong. Diane and Tessa were both much better than me. Here they are facing off.
We also scrambled over for ice cream. Diane got lavender. I got a fennel honey scoop that was amazing!
We also treated ourselves to crumpets later that day. Crumpets are a little like English muffins back at home. This one was topped with nutella, banana and honeycomb crumbs. It was phenomenal.
We caught one last show..
Did a few acrobatics while packing up the tents...
And added to the rubbish pile before heading out.
Which was of course covered in mud from all the rain.
It was a wonderful weekend. A great first summer festival for me! Until next year Wilderness.
