Great advice, I have the checklist going, the kids have got a countdown going on the fridge door and basically everyone include DH (who has been trying to play it cool) is getting very excited. We've been on holidays before, but there is a different kind of excitement to this one.
This has been a great website and probably contributed a great deal to the final decision, what with all the wonderful pictures of tents already set up, reviews on campsites, advice on equipment and this wonderful forum.
Thanks again.
Hope everyone has a fab time wherever and whenever they go.
PS/ can't get EHU pitch at the campsite we are going to anyway as they are all booked up so it turns out it's not a decision we've got to make (not this time anyway)
I can't believe people are saying taking an EHU makes camping like being in a caravan or B & B!! I have not desire to own a caravan, I love the space of my tent too much.
I don't like the way you are made to feel like you are not a proper camper if you don't go totally back to nature
Sorry TraceyD i didn't mean that you weren't proper campers. Like you said, it's about what works for you and if EHU works for you then that's fine. It just doesn't work for me and what i was trying to say was if people can't leave the house without stuff like that then maybe camping isn't something they would want to do all the time. I just can't write things properly - sorry!
And i agree - for us tents give us far more space than any other holiday option. That's why we do it anyway.
carm down one and all, as some one that has camped since the days before EHU may I say it was fun and with a good gas fire and 12v off the car and cold water in a bucket (in the shade) for the dairy foods, we survived, but EHU does make using fridges, heaters, kettles and even those 2 ring hobs nice and easy.
just make sure that if you do buy an EHU cable buy the proper one and not those cheap home made type.
Actually, it's horses for courses. For me camping is getting away from "it" all and falling back and Relying on my own resources. In fact, for us it is trying to get a maximum of comfort with the minimum of modern technology.
For heat and comfort we use fleeces, sweaters, layers of bedding ( we'll try sheepskin as underlayment on our stretchers this year!) and for the really cold nights we have a kerosene heater. For a good nights rest we use fishing or carp beds. Easily levelled and can fold up to a relatively small package to fit the car.
Cooking on the griddle on a petrol stove and the BBQ for the good piece of meat, corn on the cobb and buttered potatoes.
Time is measured by the eclipse of sun & moon and life is soaked up as it was meant to be before electronic devises like pagers, internet and cellphone.
I was shocked the other day when I found out my daughter of 23 doesn't know how to light a fire with wood and kindle. she doesn't know a life without a cellphone and has never even written a letter with pen & paper!
I'll take her camping one day and teach her the real pace of life instead of the electronic one...
Whatever you decide is right for you. Try and think of consequences when you make decisions and never... EVER! be afraid to ask for assistance, suggestions or advice. Experience starts with lowering your defences and opening up to your next-tent-neighbour. Socialising on a campsite can make friends for life as I have found out much to my pleasure and even mental sanity.
The best things in life are free and camping is just the right way of discovering what best things are laid out for you. Enjoy watching how the earth revolves and learn about our constellation of stars just by watching them. Wake up to the early songs of birds, announcing they've survived another predatory night and will go out worm hunting in just a bit. See little voles scuttling through the grass near your pitch to get that breadcrumb you put there for the squirrels and be surprised by the shear majesty of eagles or other birds of prey soaring the skies when you're on your back in your recliner...
Quote: Originally posted by gnome1999 on 06/4/2009
The thing to me about EHU is that if I wanted that level of 'normal or 'comfort' I'd get a caravan or rent a cottage, it just seems a lot of hassle, (packing fridges and heaters and cables etc and what next....*shudders* a TV - wouldn't fit in my Ford Ka anyway!) I feel freer with my little stove and a cool box, no worries about if the site has EHU pitches available etc
but each to their own - get EHU if you think it's really what you need - I find it fun, cheaper and less hassle without, others obviously find it warmer and relaxing with!
This sort of comment really bugs me. If thats what you would do fine, but don't try and say this to others. You don't know there financial situation and if i am honest they can do what they want. I enjoy camping and whether you believe camping should be elecctricity free that is your argument, not saying get a cottage or a caravan. its just wrong.
Actually, it's horses for courses. For me camping is getting away from "it" all and falling back and Relying on my own resources. In fact, for us it is trying to get a maximum of comfort with the minimum of modern technology.
For heat and comfort we use fleeces, sweaters, layers of bedding ( we'll try sheepskin as underlayment on our stretchers this year!) and for the really cold nights we have a kerosene heater. For a good nights rest we use fishing or carp beds. Easily levelled and can fold up to a relatively small package to fit the car.
Cooking on the griddle on a petrol stove and the BBQ for the good piece of meat, corn on the cobb and buttered potatoes.
Time is measured by the eclipse of sun & moon and life is soaked up as it was meant to be before electronic devises like pagers, internet and cellphone.
I was shocked the other day when I found out my daughter of 23 doesn't know how to light a fire with wood and kindle. she doesn't know a life without a cellphone and has never even written a letter with pen & paper!
I'll take her camping one day and teach her the real pace of life instead of the electronic one...
Whatever you decide is right for you. Try and think of consequences when you make decisions and never... EVER! be afraid to ask for assistance, suggestions or advice. Experience starts with lowering your defences and opening up to your next-tent-neighbour. Socialising on a campsite can make friends for life as I have found out much to my pleasure and even mental sanity.
The best things in life are free and camping is just the right way of discovering what best things are laid out for you. Enjoy watching how the earth revolves and learn about our constellation of stars just by watching them. Wake up to the early songs of birds, announcing they've survived another predatory night and will go out worm hunting in just a bit. See little voles scuttling through the grass near your pitch to get that breadcrumb you put there for the squirrels and be surprised by the shear majesty of eagles or other birds of prey soaring the skies when you're on your back in your recliner...
Happy camping!
Post last edited on 07/04/2009 01:33:07
what a great post - if someon wants to learn how to put an argument forward without degrading or compromising someone elses position then this is it! nice post freebird!
Also please understand what he has said, he don't like ehu but whatever floats your boat. We all live in this big old world, don't condescend or put someone down because they don't agree with your argument. Stick to the argument and never make off the cuff comments that could rile someone.
It's my first time this Easter and I have bought an EHU. I have had to do a lot of convincing to 'er indoors about camping and would not get away with it if there was not some sort of heating and a kettle with an "on " switch.
As I have a garden that would give a cat a headache if sung round in it, I have had a quick sub erection on a local playing field just to check fly and poles, but fist pitch will be on site.
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: Total Newbie, advice wanted.
- wouldn't fit in my Ford Ka anyway!) I feel freer with my little stove and a cool box, no worries about if the site has EHU pitches available etc
