after over 50 years of camping and caravanning i've had my last trip in the van,ive got serious heart problems and the family have made the decision for me,its so hard when I'm out seeing a caravan just starting off or arriving at a local site,the best of luck to all of you and drive safely
Always sad to hear someone having these things forced upon them, I love my caravanning holidays so much, so can empathise entirely.
But perhaps better to go out on a high, with nothing but good memories to recall, than push too far and suffer something catastrophic that taints the memories.
Inevitably it's something that will come to us all one way or another, but you have an impressive collection of good times to reflect on, something not everyone has been fortunate enough to experience.
------------- Apple The Campervan - A Van For Work, Rest & Play!
- 2027: ? NL+DE+FR
- 2026: FR+DE
- 2025: 17/77
'24: 10/49; '23: 9/47;'22: 8/46; '21: 9/34
* Ex-tenter
* Treat life events like a dog: if you can't eat it, play with it or hump it, p1$$ on it and walk away!
There is a current discussion on the CMC forum with people giving up. Not quite sure why all of a sudden there seems to be an increasing number of people giving up, as we did earlier in the year. Perhaps Covid interrupted the normal order of doing things?
Maybe significantly increased prices as well? Worry about OAPs not getting the winter fuel payment and having to tighten the purse strings? Plus any other "surprises" that may be in the budget.
I'm seriously thinking about giving up too, although Mrs.L is still keen to go on for a while. It's not so much about money or health - although my old knees creak-it's more that I don't enjoy driving so much. Mrs. L does some driving, though mostly just on main roads.
Our main holidays now tend to be city breaks where a campervan / caravan is not the best choice.
------------- Two drifters off to see the world.
I'm tired of reality, so I'm off to look for a good fantasy.
We gave up the caravan but missed it so much that we toured France using B&bs in our favourite areas. Not quite the freedom of the past but nevertheless enjoyable
Quote: Originally posted by David Klyne on 18/10/2024
There is a current discussion on the CMC forum with people giving up. Not quite sure why all of a sudden there seems to be an increasing number of people giving up, as we did earlier in the year. Perhaps Covid interrupted the normal order of doing things?
David
Reading the CAMC AGM figures, the club has seen a notable fall in membership numbers, AND reduced site bookings! Don't think the club high pitch prices helped, but thankfully they are now falling back as club tries to turn that side of business around. Think it's a little bit of a perfect storm, pitch prices too high, weather foul, and a significant return to package holidays in the Med!
Add in the grumblings of the great unwashed 'old school' campers (that'll be me amongst them!) who are a little disillusioned by the actions and attitudes of the 'Covid Camper' new converts to camping, and the whole shebang just doesn't have the same appeal as even a few years ago!
No too ways, the 'industry' is driving towards higher income streams, with things like 'Glamping' encroaching into a great many sites. Simple basic camping is becoming the 'poor relation' in the world of camping! All I seek is the very basic amenities in a nice location!
I love my caravan, and have no financial or health reasons to give up on it, but there have been too many times when I've had a lousy 10 hour journey that should have been closer to 5 hours (roadworks and 'other peoples' accidents causing delays), arrived on site to find well above average number of 'moron' neighbours, the weather has been pretty awful, and the site has cost more than I felt it was worth. It does set you thinking 'have the good days now past', and should I give up the caravan for alternative holidays! I still have sufficiently good holidays that my spirit isn't broken, but the day may come!
Don't you use CLs Monty? Distinct lack of morons (with a few exceptions) and you can still find sites for £20 pn. We tend not to travel more than 70-80 miles without a 2 night stop, unless it's all motorway.
After paying for extra fuel to tow and the cost of club pitches we find it better value for money to book a cottage, we still use the cheaper CL sites and private sites, though not so often due to health problems over the last few years.
Now we're both back to full fitness next year will hopefully be better
Quote: Originally posted by Mrs. Bonce on 19/10/2024
Don't you use CLs Monty? Distinct lack of morons (with a few exceptions) and you can still find sites for £20 pn. We tend not to travel more than 70-80 miles without a 2 night stop, unless it's all motorway.
Yes, most certainly do use CLs, my preferred type of site, BUT finding them getting stupidly expensive in many cases, found a few that are MORE expensive than nearby full CAMC sites!
My favourite part of the world, Lake District, is not particularly well served with CLs in the places I want to be, many are too remote, the CL in Coniston closed a year or so back, but was pretty much fully booked many months in advance anyway, so never did get to stay there!
Granted, with only 5 pitches, brings down the odds of sharing with a moron!
Well, if you ever need to be near Lutterworth, Ashby Lane Farm CL is a basic £15 pn + metered ehu. We paid about £17.50 when we stayed there recently. Also has a security gate. Don't think they could help the thunderstorms.
I'm 83 now so I've had good innings,we are lucky where we store the van they have a small site and they get it out for us for a few days so enjoy that even though its only 6 miles away so now we rent a cottage for a week,we go to one in 2 weeks that's 4 this year,still prefer the van.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: My final trip
via mobile 18/10/2024 at 1:05pm
