I remember in the 90's coming out of the train station at a small town in the dolomites, seeing the lightening storm developing and deciding to get a b&b for the night. Except at the height of summer they were all booked up. I started walking to the nearest campsite whih was a couple of miles outside the town. As I was walking there amongst the lightening with the thunder echoing on the rockfaces, the heavens opened. By the time I go to the campsite the rain had eased and I had to pitch the tent on soggy ground. By the next morning the sun was back out. You always remember these times.
How lovely of your neighbours to help! Camping people are so kind.
And I hope the experience sticks in your mind, not as a traumatic experience, but as a reminder that bad storms rarely last long and the sun will soon be out.
Aw, so glad it all worked out in the end! Now you can survive anything!
A similar thing happened to me in the middle of pitching. Just about to put up the central (metal!) pole in the bell tent in a drizzle and suddenly there was heavy rain and lightning! All my stuff was on the ground as daughter had dropped me off and gone elsewhere with the car. I had to throw a tarp over everything, grab the bedding and head for cover. What a mess when I got back to the tent! Mud and pools of water, but got it all sorted out eventually.
That is the essence of camping... I would never watch any people struggle to put up their tent. The weather can be very British at times but once you have the tent around you all is good imho...
One word if I may be so bold....DONT put yourself down for feeling anxious, we all get anxious at times some just suffer more than others. Hell fire, the odd domestic just makes the 'making-up' all the better.
I do hope you feel that you can stick with camping....It can be great.
------------- Snowmen fall to earth in kit form........
Every day is a gift..That's why it's called the present.
The first time we took our folding camper out it was torrential rain when we got to the site. A lovely couple in a nice, dry, warm caravan took us in and made us a brew until the rain stopped.
The only other time we've had to pitch in the rain was the time we decided enough was enough and we bought a caravan. I don't think I've ever been as wet.
Hope you enjoy your holiday and you'll be able to laugh about it when you get home.
Late to this thread, and I hope the OP managed to find some enjoyment after a miserable start.
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!
------------- MAY 2017 - Loch Ken, Scotland
JUNE 2017 - Sango Sands, Durness, Scotland
AUGUST 2017 - Balloch O Dee, Galloway and Invergarry
SEPTEMBER 2017 - three brief trips
OCTOBER 2017 - hopefully one final trip before Halloween
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: URGENT ADVICE
.
