Update: The gent from Pitch No. 7 actively avoid me even though we met walking our dogs in the opposite direction and passed each other.
I just find that pathetic to be honest - guilty as charged in being disrespectful to other camper(s) in a shared space in the first place!
DK
------------- 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!
A friend told us about a great trick to stop people walking across your pitch. Every time you see them approaching to cross your pitch, jump up and approach them with a very friendly wave and have a long and very dull conversation about what you have done that day or what the weather is like or the state of the grass in the dry weather or anything else really that holds them up. It doesn’t take long for them to start giving you a wide berth. Just don’t talk about dogs as that seems to attract rather than repel unwanted pitch crossers!
I'm told I have 'A LOOK' that oozes 'don't p**s with me' Employers have used it to make, or break, business deals. Friends send me in to 'deal' with contentious situations.
When I've expressed surprise that some people have so much confrontation and abuse in their lives, whilst I don't seem to - the response has come back (with raised eyebrows!) "Well, YOU wouldn't, would YOU! - You're a big Alpha male, you have 'presence' that people notice, you just exude 'don't p**s me off'"! Not really how I see myself, but it may explain a lot! I always thought it was my calm and diplomatic demeanour that worked so well.
That said, observing people with some intent (but saying nothing), and ensuring they see me doing so, seems to stop those inclined to trespass, annoy etc. around my camping pitch
Just for the record, I haven't 'thumped' anybody since primary school! - well, apart from the Gypo youth who though it was clever to ride a motorbike at my dog when in the park, don't think I loosened too many teeth as he rode past, never saw him again to ask!
Not sure if I have mentioned this, however, at a large gathering of one of the service charities where I volunteer, a picture of a Rottweiler puppy was projected on the screen when they presented a certificate of appreciation to me! I do not know why I have gained such a reputation! Apparently I am like a dog with a bone at times.
I came to the UK to continue with my schooling and was sent to a boarding school in Suffolk, and shared a room with 2 other girls.
On the first night, we ended up having a pillow fight and I held my ground. I was never picked on or bullied during the four years I was there; and have fond memories of my time there.
Never suffered any bullying or disadvantage at college or at work - never needed to wave a card be it race, age, sexual orientation or whatever.
I had been unfairly called a bully a few years ago as I was allegedly too assertive in my approach and words when I tried to help someone which upset me greatly. However, in the end, I accepted the criticism (grudgingly with reasons), and have been more mindful of my approach and wordings, and always copy in on at least one other person in any e-mails that could potentially be interpreted as contemptuous by the intended recipient(s).
I have been largely on my own for many years, and guess I too have a 'don't mess with me' kind of face/mental attitude/persona/whatever!
DK
------------- 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!
I've just got back from Waitrose, they were giving away samples of a premium cheddar cheese with a dab of sweet fig relish on a fragment of whole meal crispbread.
I considered removing my jacket and cap, then pretending to be French to get a 2nd sample.
Would that have been poor etiquette?
Having a dog that barks if anyone encroaches on our pitch (her territory!) is handy in these situations!
I hasten to say that she is good as gold otherwise and is always tethered on a lead when outside the caravan or lying in the back of the car (her favourite place!), and is rarely out on her own.
I suppose my dog does her bit too. She doesn't tend to bark at people she can see, but likely will at noises outside that she deems 'too close'.
But, if she can see you, and you're too close, you'll almost certainly get the VERY intimidating Border Collie stare and crouch, that will pick you up from a way off, and unblinkingly follow you (whilst you keep looking over your shoulder, just in case she's coming for you!!! )!
She has stunning amber eyes, so the stare and the target (YOU!) are very obvious! - she does freak out those who are not big dog fans!
A Border Collie can control by intimidation alone (stare and crouch!) bolshie Rams and Bulls, people are no challenge!
Some barking will be involved if he comes across a new dog while camping.
DK
------------- 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$$ on it and walk away!
Quote: Originally posted by Bramston on 09/10/2026
I've just got back from Waitrose, they were giving away samples of a premium cheddar cheese with a dab of sweet fig relish on a fragment of whole meal crispbread.
I considered removing my jacket and cap, then pretending to be French to get a 2nd sample.
Would that have been poor etiquette?
Have you been to Costco?
Repeat samplers are the norm!
DK
------------- Apple The Campervan - A Van For Work, Rest & Play!
- 2027: ? NL+DE+FR
- 2026: FR+DE
- 2025: 17/77
'24: 10/49; '23: 9/47;'22: 8/46; '21: 9/34
* Ex-tenter
* Treat life events like a dog: if you can't eat it, play with it or hump it, p1$$ on it and walk away!
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Camping Etiquette (Lack of)
via mobile 09/10/2026 at 6:44am
