I'm really excited, this issue. Why? Well, to be honest it's nothing to do with the magazine. You see, I haven't really gotten to do a lot of travelling lately and anytime I have it's been a rush in rush out hotel sort of thing. Whereas the type of travelling I like; take your time, remote sort of stuff, in the van in the bush, camping under the stars, not a soul in sight ... well, it's has been few and very far between; and that's an understatement. In fact, since my youngest kid came along, it seems the trips away have gotten shorter and shorter as he got bigger and bigger until it seems we almost forgot to go all together.

Part of the trouble was that we'd always been a van camping family, even though as our daughter got older she migrated her way to a tent, some of the convenience had gone and when John came along, it just became too much of a squeeze so that almost without even discussing it we just started using cabins. That was fine, but it wasn't the same.

Then suddenly John was big enough to put in the tent ... not just from a safety point of view, but there was sibling harmony to consider as well. Camping was back on the cards, but space was still a problem; ever reliable Skanky van needed a renovation.

And this time it came in the form of a roof top tent, suddenly we had a second storey!

But that's not what I'm so excited about. It wasn't until an unexpected office shutdown meant a short break over christmas turned into a full three weeks and everything gelled. Finally I'd be getting away again!

It's funny how my family changed my naturism, without me really noticing.. We went from spur of the moment remote getaways to trips planned around school holidays and kids birthday parties. Stay awhile became dash back for Monday morning.

I hadn't at all lost my connection to naturism, but like everything else in my life, the kids just changed it. Drinking red and late night skinny dipping became reading bed time stories and watching kids run in the rain. A shady spot enjoyed naturally by the river became sunscreen rituals and "Stay where I can see you".

Now I'm beginning to feel things are about to about to come full circle. Don't get me wrong, I'm under no illusions here. Travelling with kids is challenging; but I feel that finally, here is my chance to show them naturism my way and I can't wait to see what they think!

That's why I'm excited!

We'll be heading down South and checking out some of the southern beaches, so expect some new "Bare essential" beach reviews in the next few issues, but beyond that I'm not sure where we'll be. Maybe I'll flick back through some of Frank's yarns to help me make a plan. The short notice will ensure that preparation will be a bit of an on the job task (we haven't even tried the tent yet!) but I can guarantee it'll be fun!

Skanky van always gets us there, the return journey though.... well, that's traditionally a bit of a hit and miss affair. Oh well, we love her anyway! but here's to hoping (and fingers crossed) that she gets us back. ... and who knows,with a bit of luck, maybe I'll see you around!

Kind Regards

Sarah Scriven,
Editor, Australian Sun and Health