The tent has been up now for four days with no loss of pressure in the air beams and even with the strong winds it held firm, there has been a light amount of rain but no sign of water ingress, in all I'm satisfied that it's up to the task.
The next challenge will be at the weekend when I take it down, attempt to put it back in it's carry bag and then very meticulously pack everything into the Nissan Micra ready for Monday.
------------- Knowledge is recognising that a tomato is a fruit: experience is not putting it in a fruit salad.
Back home all safe and sound, talking of sounds, why is it people have to talk loud enough for those in the next village to hear?
I'd booked 4 nights but after three nights listening to a cackling witch laughing at her boyfriend silly noises, and the loud bass music from somewhere else, I decided to come home.
I thought it may be my last camping holiday, I guess it will be.
------------- Knowledge is recognising that a tomato is a fruit: experience is not putting it in a fruit salad.
Quote: Originally posted by starcraft on 10/9/2026
Back home all safe and sound, talking of sounds, why is it people have to talk loud enough for those in the next village to hear?
I'd booked 4 nights but after three nights listening to a cackling witch laughing at her boyfriend silly noises, and the loud bass music from somewhere else, I decided to come home.
I thought it may be my last camping holiday, I guess it will be.
Don't let other people's lack of consideration stop you doing what you enjoy - there are plenty of sites with space to prevent all but the rowdiest intrusion, and I have seen them ejected from the site by the staff.
I agree with RogerL and always look for a site with just basic facilities. Although that's no guarantee of avoiding inconsiderate people, it does reduce the risk. You obviously enjoy camping and you have a nice set up. It would be a shame to give up something you love doing because of a few selfish individuals.
Quote: Originally posted by Beetlecrusher on 12/9/2026
I agree with RogerL and always look for a site with just basic facilities. Although that's no guarantee of avoiding inconsiderate people, it does reduce the risk. You obviously enjoy camping and you have a nice set up. It would be a shame to give up something you love doing because of a few selfish individuals.
I have just come back from one such site. It's adults only but they don't take tents, only caravans, campervans and motorhomes. It is not a club site either. I have left a review on here.
There are things I need to accept, one is that I am no longer fit enough to enjoy going away for any length of time and not just under canvas.
Once set up there is little I can do other than sit in my chair or sleep. The most difficult operation was walking 50 yards to the toilet block, and once there...well I'll leave that to the imagination.
The decision for me to finally give camping up has been made, but I gave it my best shot.
I had considered static caravans but they are too expensive for my pocket. In future (while I am still able to drive) I think I'll stick to making occasional short day trips out of season.
------------- Knowledge is recognising that a tomato is a fruit: experience is not putting it in a fruit salad.
Sorry to hear that you`ve decided to finally give up camping. It must have been a tough decision to make and I can relate to your reasoning. Just a thought but you can get some great deals with some coach companies, especially if they cannot fill the coach. My wife and I have done a couple of 5 day trips and can recommend them .Good luck for the future and I hope you have some great times ahead. This link may be of use.
Quote: Originally posted by starcraft on 13/9/2026
There are things I need to accept, one is that I am no longer fit enough to enjoy going away for any length of time and not just under canvas.
Once set up there is little I can do other than sit in my chair or sleep. The most difficult operation was walking 50 yards to the toilet block, and once there...well I'll leave that to the imagination.
The decision for me to finally give camping up has been made, but I gave it my best shot.
I had considered static caravans but they are too expensive for my pocket. In future (while I am still able to drive) I think I'll stick to making occasional short day trips out of season.
So sorry you've been forced to give it up but it comes to us all eventually. I'm 77 and just back from a week in Norfolk with our ancient caravan (34 years old) and 18 year old Nissan X Trail. It's debateable which will give up first, the caravan, the car, or me! This will definitely be our last caravan, and probably our last car, but both performed extremely well on our latest adventure. Me? I'm not so sure! I did ok but things are getting more difficult with every trip away. Bits are starting to creak and I'm definitely not as flexible as I once was. No way could I cope in a tent!
Age is just a number, poor health may determine the end of caravanning/camping but numeric age shouldn't.
I'm 79, still caravanning as much as we ever did but the pattern has changed - we'll stop 2-3 weeks in one place rather than touring and moving every few days - I'm still driving 10-12,000 miles/year despite ever increasing insurance premium due to my age.
We do have a wind-down plan - to switch to a seasonal caravan pitch but no timescale to start doing that.
Quote: Originally posted by RogerL on 14/9/2026
Age is just a number, poor health may determine the end of caravanning/camping but numeric age shouldn't.
I'm 79, still caravanning as much as we ever did but the pattern has changed - we'll stop 2-3 weeks in one place rather than touring and moving every few days - I'm still driving 10-12,000 miles/year despite ever increasing insurance premium due to my age.
We do have a wind-down plan - to switch to a seasonal caravan pitch but no timescale to start doing that.
I completely agree, it is definitely health issues rather than simply age that is the crucial factor.
We too have a wind-down plan, and it has begun by giving up the use of an awning. We haven't used ours for several years now as I found the effort required to put it up, peg it out, then take it all down again at the end of our stay just wasn't worth it. We mainly use the caravan just for sleeping in anyway as most days we are out exploring the area unless the weather's really bad.
The idea of a sesonal pitch doesn't really appeal to me as I wouldn't want to keep going back to the same place all the time. One of the many reasons we would never own a static, apart from the cost! Rent one for a week or two maybe, but that's not cheap either. At least we could go to different places though.
Our annual mileage is now down to about 5,000 a year even though we do go on several day trips. We don't always go by car though as our retired-staff train passes come in very handy. We have also done a few coach trips recently too. Must admit, having been both a coach driver and a train driver at various times in my working life it does seem a bit strange being a passenger. I do get to see more of the countryside that way though.
Quote: Originally posted by Beetlecrusher on 13/9/2026
Just a thought but you can get some great deals with some coach companies, especially if they cannot fill the coach.
Coaching is not really an option for me. As a former tour coach driver I'm not sure I'd really want to squeeze into the confines of the seats. I don't think I'd be allowed to take the dogs either.
I'm considering putting the tent up in the garden to use as a summer house, that way I can always sneak out at night and imagine I'm somewhere else if the snoring gets too much.
------------- Knowledge is recognising that a tomato is a fruit: experience is not putting it in a fruit salad.
Quote: Originally posted by starcraft on 14/9/2026
Quote: Originally posted by Beetlecrusher on 13/9/2026
Just a thought but you can get some great deals with some coach companies, especially if they cannot fill the coach.
Coaching is not really an option for me. As a former tour coach driver I'm not sure I'd really want to squeeze into the confines of the seats. I don't think I'd be allowed to take the dogs either.
Ah, another former coach driver on here. I was a bit dubious too for a while, but I have done a few trips now and enjoyed them. Being a passenger after being a driver is a bit strange at first but at least you get to see places that you previously only drove through. Must admit I'm not sure about the dogs though. We no longer have a dog since our last one passed a few years ago. We'd struggle to afford the potential vets bills or even the insurance. They are horrendous these days.
I've stayed in pods a few times; unless you pay through the nose for an en suite one you still have to walk to the facilities, but you can enjoy some of the campsite vibe without all the hard work/dampness. They're insulated, have light and power and usually have a kettle/toaster etc. Just lay out your bedding and your favourite chair.
------------- Always edited for sloppy typing - when I spot it!
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: Pensioners under canvas
via mobile 12/9/2026 at 7:39pm
