Go for it, don't give up. We have just returned from a week and I was amazed at the amount of lone parent setups there were, we were not asked but I would not hesitate to help anyone having a problem setting up, it's part of what camping is about.
As for a cooker, we bought a little campingaz bistro stove, it comes in a little suitcase and runs on cans of gas, although small it is a very capable cooker and the cans are cheap and last a good while, we have had our little stove for five years now and it only cost £6
Yes...where are you going? You never know that there might be a fellow UKCS member there already, or someone local willing to pop along for half an hour.
Pia.....don't despair and be kind to yourself. If you really can't face camping at the moment then DON'T go! I feel tha getting all that getting the kit together, not to mention clothes etc for the kids (always the hardest in my opinion) can be hard enough at the best of times, never mind when you are feeling like s**t. Am sure the 8yr old will have just as much fun on the days out you mentioned and the lil'un aint gonna know any difference eh?
If however your 8yr old is desperate to go then as others have said there will be plenty of people on site willing to lend a hand.
Give yourself time to heal from something that has obviously been hugely traumatic for you, there will be plenty of time in the future for camping trips with the kids. I have just gone through a break up too and although I am the happy camper of the family and can put (nearly) all my tents up alone - I ended up canceling an arranged trip because emotionally i just wasn't up to it. Take care hun, hugs xx
One of the things I love about the camping community is that they are always there to help out. Your nippers are going to be so excited and I am sure your 8yr old is going to be so excited to be mummy's top helper. And anyone that you ask with a tent or caravan will be there for you too.
Recently I was so ill I was not able to go out, the campsite we had booked told my wife "no-worries we can sell the space this weekend just book later in the year we will hold onto you cheque until you do". That's the camping community for you.
Go and get some Sun and breeze on your skin, a bottle of plonk whilst you see the moon and stars come and go and breathe deeply. Let it go.
I'm going solo tomorrow with just my daughter and dogs and i'm not entirely thrilled at the prospect lol but DD is desperate to go. If you let us know where you live and where you're going i'm certain one of us can help.
------------- "Dogs are our link to paradise. They don't know evil or jealousy or discontent. To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring -- it was peace."
--Milan Kundera
Pia.....I really feel for you, I took up camping when my ex husband left me, as I'd always wanted to camp but he wouldn't allow it!
But I didn't own any camping stuff, so was able to buy to suit my needs ie bought a tent that I could pitch alone with minimal help from my then five year old.
Please tell us where you live and where you're planning to go as I'm sure people will assist if they're able.
On another note can you borrow an easier tent/equipment?
Of course you can!! Follow the suggestions, don't be afraid to ask for help. Your tent is a tunnel tent so it's relatively easy to pitch and I'm sure no-one would object to spending half an hour helping you get sorted. Last year my then 10 yr old managed to put up our Vango with very little help so your 8 yr old will be a great help. If you really can't face it, make the decision and move on, don't beat yourself up about it. But my how smug you can be if you do go! All the best.
If you pass by m5 junction i will meet you and lend you my gas stove! the sheer joy on an ex's face when you have all been would be enough to make me go :)
I agree with the feeling of smugness others have mentioned.
A few months after my ex husband left I took our son camping in France - I never would have dreamed of doing it before, I was very proud of myself and it was the start of my new life.
Sending some positive vibes.
I'm in the go and stuff him camp (as it were)
It would do you good to see how independant you can be and might just buck his ideas up when he realises that you can do it.
I've phoned sites up before now and asked if there will be somebody who could help pitch as both hubby and I had broken arms at the time but that waqsn't going to stop us camping.
As far as the cooking goes why not eat out instead of cooking the food.
To go what do you really have to take if you are not organised, just take the bare basics. Tent, sleeping bags or quilts something to sleep on and a change (or 2)of underwear each.
If you don't go you could be kicking yourself later on for not taking the opportunity to just prove that you can do it.
I am also going on my own, as hubby is working, I email the site to ask for help and they instantly replied with a yes, so that a relief, i'm using it as an adventure, I am also stuck for cash as we dont get paid till thursday so I have 2 children to entertain on a few remaining pennies, so I have been on the local tourist and checked out some easy walks, I'm taking burgers from the freezer for tea, and also some leftover spag bol mix,
I know that its a scary thought to ask a stranger for help or to borrow their stove/gas but I would be happy to help or lend a hand and also have done in the past!
Pia - your a stong independant woman, show your kids/dog who is in charge from now on!!! have fun and go with the flow, a box of playdough, cutters, pencils, and any form of bribary works for me, good luck xx
------------- Kirst..
I'll give any thing for a chocolate button.
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: Don`t know if i can do it alone
