Camping! It's finally hit me!

Poly,put_the_kettle_on

Jewel wrote: »

lol! I can see that already. And people love watching other people making a mess of putting their tent up. When we first tried ours out, someone said "I'll give you half an hour before you start arguing!"

It's amusing for a few minutes- but if I see a novice I always offer to help. Hubby inevitably drives, then I'll put the tent up on my own usually- it's a 7 man Gelert, with two sleeping sides and a small living area. Takes me about 20 mins, and another few to peg out- I do send one of the smalls in though to "lift" it & take the pressure off at the required time

sooty&sweep

Hi

Have you tried www.ukcampsite.co.uk for lots of chat and advice from fellow campers

We love camping although in the last few years we've gone across to France to have a better chance of decent weather.

Jen

PasturesNew

Poly,put_the_kettle_on wrote: »

I'll put the tent up on my own usually- it's a 7 man Gelert, .... Takes me about 20 mins, and another few to peg out- I do send one of the smalls in though to "lift" it & take the pressure off at the required time

Having to do it entirely on your own, is a different ballgame to doing it, knowing that you have the support/advice ... and potential help of smalls and OH. I'd give up and sleep in the car.

Poly,put_the_kettle_on

PasturesNew wrote: »

Having to do it entirely on your own, is a different ballgame to doing it, knowing that you have the support/advice ... and potential help of smalls and OH. I'd give up and sleep in the car.

It doesn't phase me to be honest. My only wish at times is that I had longer arms. I find sometimes it's easier to put it up on my own- sending the kids off to explore, and the tired driver for a nap in the car means I can just get on with it.

We bought a caravan a while back, and couldn't find the instructions for putting up the awning- so I set aside an afternoon to figure it out. I got there in a couple of hours.

Having said that, I'm looking at buying a frame tent to go LARPing in in the autumn, so we have room to stand up/get changed/cook etc. I'll be with a six footer with disproportionately long arms who will insist on helping- and it will make life a touch easier. :T

PasturesNew

Poly,put_the_kettle_on wrote: »

My only wish at times is that I had longer arms.

That's my other issue, I'm dinky.... 5'1"
So no long arms, not tall. And useless at manual tasks.

Add in some wind and rain and it'll all end in tears... you'd find me in the car.

I think it's the taking it down that has the potential to be worse... if you're putting it up you can take your time. If it's wet you can change your mind/plans if you have to. when you're taking it down it could be in the pouring rain/wind and the whole thing is wet and possibly grassy/muddy. You have to get it down, on schedule, now. No waiting ... so you get wet trying to fold it all up etc... I bet many people have just driven off and left them.

seabreeze96

Really pleased you've finally taken the plunge Jewel! We used to camp for years, athough we've now taken the plunge and bought a touring caravan so we can go away out of season. I genuinely believe that there is no better holiday to take your little ones on - lots of fresh air, lots of friends for the kids to make, and not forgetting bbq's at night (with a bottle or 2 of wine for mum & dad!) Enjoy!

eamon

First there is tent envy this evolves into tent !!!!!!. You don't want to go there!