Page 35 of Atticus Arnott's Great Adventure
All gud in suny Spain. Camp site neat. Hope u r ok.
Atticus didn’t like the informality of abbreviated messages but as Jake had insisted, to keep up with the kids, he needed to know their online language. Happy with his communication, he pressed send.
Ness had finished her doggie biscuits and Atticus tossed her a crust. ‘It’s time to get the awning sorted,’ he said as she gobbled it down. Placing the chair on one side, Atticus gathered a heavy canvas bag and deposited it beside a box of tools.
‘Need a hand?’ a man called out, and Atticus turned to see Erik stepping onto the pitch. Wearing shorts, sliders, and a vest, Erik was a picture of vitality. His dark skin glistened with a healthy sheen, accentuating the contours of his muscles and Atticus wondered how many hours a day Erik spent in a gym. A body like that required hard work and dedication.
‘Aye, that would be great, if you don’t mind.’
‘This is a fine vintage camper,’ Erik said and poked his nose inside.
Atticus wished he’d made the bed and tidied it into a sofa, but Erik seemed unperturbed as he looked around.
‘A 1985 Westfalia, one point nine litre?’ Erik asked and flicked open Winnie’s bonnet to study inside. ‘A water-cooled, manual engine,’ he nodded. ‘Simple, reliable, and low maintenance.’
‘Yes, she’s well-suited for leisurely travel.’
‘Have you had the vehicle from new?’
‘I certainly have,’ Atticus said, running his hand over the smooth yellow paintwork. He omitted to tell Erik that Winnie had stood neglected for so many years. ‘Do you have a caravan or motorhome?’ Atticus asked.
‘A motorhome,’ Erik answered. ‘Come and see it sometime. Pitch two hundred.’
The two men began to assemble Winnie’s awning over a metal frame, and in no time at all, additional accommodation was created. Complete with flooring and windows, it had a zippered doorway with curtains that tied back. Inside, two collapsible chairs, a picnic table, and space for Ness’s bed made the awning feel cosy.
‘That’s grand,’ Atticus said as Erik hammered the last peg and secured the guy rope to the ground.
‘Your Spanish home,’ Erik smiled. He ran his fingers over his smooth head and stood back with Atticus to admire their handiwork. The vintage awning, sourced on eBay, was colourful with yellow and red panels, and together with Winnie, it made for a bright and cheerful sight.
‘Can I offer you a drink?’ Atticus asked Erik. ‘I only have coffee or water. I need to go shopping for supplies.’
‘No, my friend. I’m fine, but thank you. On Saturday mornings, most of us go to the market, where we shop and socialise.’ Erik glanced at a watch on his wrist. ‘I’m going to cycle there, so I may see you later.’
Atticus watched Erik walk away. He was sure his timepiece was a Rolex, studded with gemstones and glintinglike gold. Despite Erik’s casual appearance, Atticus knew that the jewelled item was probably worth a fortune.
Gathering his tools, Atticus was preoccupied when a vehicle drew up alongside his pitch and a voice called out, ‘Cooee, cowboy!’ Spinning around, Atticus saw Cheryl leaning out of the window of a brand-new, bright red Fiat 500. With Ruby at the convertible’s wheel, the two women were beaming from ear to ear.
‘Saddle up!’ Cheryl said. ‘We’re taking you to the market!’
Remembering that Erik had mentioned the Saturday custom, Atticus replied, ‘Okay, let me get my hat.’
‘Bring Ness too,’ Cheryl added as Ruby revved the engine.
Minutes later, Atticus squeezed into the rear of the Fiat with Ness sitting alongside. As they pulled away from his pitch, Ruby admired the awning. ‘It’s like a Punch and Judy portable theatre,’ she laughed. ‘I hope you’ll be giving us a show later.’
As they drove through the campsite, Cheryl, keen for Atticus to get his bearings, gave a running commentary. ‘On the right are the outdoor pools,’ she began. ‘The water isn’t heated, but on a hot day, it’s refreshing. Further along, you’ll see the gym, spa, and heated indoor pool.’
Atticus was impressed when Cheryl pointed out a supermarket, a hair salon, and a children’s play area.
‘Sometimes, on weekends and holidays, the site fills with Spanish families who hire the chalets. The kids run wild and are up all night,’ Cheryl explained, as Atticus noted swings, slides, and a largetrampoline.
‘Do you play tennis?’ Ruby asked and pointed to courts alongside the outdoor gym equipment, as well as a putting green and bowling area.
‘No, I’m afraid not.’
‘You’ll have to sort yourself out with a bike,’ Cheryl said. ‘It’s the only way to get around if you haven’t a car and don’t want to disassemble Winnie.’
Atticus thought Cheryl made a good point and noted a sign that read ‘Bikes for Hire’ on a shop near the reception.
