I can't believe this argument is still going on! Are some people so narrow minded that they can't accept other people's definition of what camping means to them. I generally don't take all the electrical stuff mentioned but don't diss others that do. It's not as if I noticed what others are doing on site as during the day I'm too busy away from site doing stuff.
I like the range of camping from wild camping to having an EHU (and now I have the lass I even caravan in the winter. Will leave taking her camping in the snow till she's older )
I really thought that most campers were quite accepting of others ways and quite chilled out and open minded. This thread has really opened my eyes to that one! I must have just been lucky and met so many wonderful chilled folks on my travels
I have been camping for 20 years and have never had EHU and never wanted it. BUT I dont have a problem with other people who do use it. I have two kids who are 9 and 11 and its quite nice to get them away from all the electronic gadgets for a few days but thats just my point of view. As far as campsites go the more basic the better for me but again its personal preference.
Going back to the original question I wonder if you would find it really hard work without the home comforts now that you have got used to EHU? I dont mean this in a derogatory way but I can imagine that once you have got used to a proper fridge it must seem like a real pain to have to rely on ice packs. Just a thought.
Quote: Originally posted by smashing69 on 18/6/2010
Quote: Originally posted by girlwomble on 18/6/2010
Quote: Originally posted by dk168 on 18/6/2010
As I have said before, each to their own.
Most of us will continue to go camping the way we see fit, regardless what other people think.
When I look at some people's tent set up, I thought I was roughing it compared to theirs.
I do not believe there is a right or wrong way to go about camping, as each person is different and has different needs and baseline comfort level.
Providing we enjoy ourselves whatever our set up, that's what matters!
So, chill, people!
DK
Exactly. Each to their own. Everyone has a different style of camping and many people have several different set ups. What's to be gained from bickering over the best way to do it? Do what feels right for you.
Maybe because a huge glamping set-up can intrude on the small basic camper next door? It could also be argued that someone who NEEDS to take a TV, laptop or hair straighteners isn't that well suited to life in a field?
I've followed this thread with great interest, but from reading all the posts it is glaringly obvious that none of the 'real campers' have been disrespected for their choice, yet some (and it is only some) of them have a problem with those of us who choose to use EHU, for whatever reason.
This is MY holiday, if I choose to take my hair straighteners and laptop to make it more comfortable and enjoyable for me and my family, then surely that is my perrogative, it does not encroach on the enjoyment of my neighbours, who to be honest are usually also using EHU because of the set up of most campsites.
If camping for you is being in the middle of a field with a standpipe and nothing else then that's fine, I don't have a problem with that, if you want to take a 42" TV (although a bit extreme!!) then that too is your choice along as you use headphones at night I don't have a problem, because it's your holiday. The thing I do have a problem with is kids that aren't occupied and are left to run riot on a campsite finding things to do or people to annoy, especially at night - I would find this far more annoying than a TV on low volume in the next tent.
I just don't understand why we can't agree to disagree.
------------- May/June - Spring Valley
Aug/Sept - Leekworth
Wow. I can't believe the responeses to the question I posted.
We usually have EHU mainly for the fridge (my daughter is diabetic and needs her insulin keeping cold and I hate warm milk) and dare I say kettle, and mini dvd player for my two young daughters to watch if the weather is bad and sometimes in an evening, may I say not with the volume on high!
So I was thinking what the alternatives were........
We enjoy the family time we have when camping, playing card games, board games etc with the kids, chatting and so on, which you just don't seem to do at home!
Last year we camped in August when it rained heavily, got extremely muddy and bogged down but instead of packing up and going home like a lot of other campers did, we stuck it out and had a lot of fun, a real memorable holiday! Even though we had to throw the tent away afterwards!
As I said in my first posting, we have only been camping three times, and wondered what it would be like to go without electric hook up.
Many thanks to all replies, it makes for interesting reading.
I've never camped with EHU, I don't own it (yet)! For me, camping is about getting away from the computer and the TV, so in my circumstances I'd never dream of taking a TV with me but if I had little kids then I'd probably think about taking a TV etc for when they get bored of other games (which wee ones inevitably do).
I do plan on getting EHU because hubby and I prefer sites when there are no hoards of kids so camping outwith the main summer period is better, but it's also colder. I camped at Loch Lomond in April and it was freezing in the tent at night, a heater would have made my trip more enjoyable. So for me EHU would extend my camping season not make it proper camping or not.
can i just make a point that just because you have EHU this does not necessarily mean that you take the TV........ i like my EHU cos i like my toaster and heater, i also like my fairy lights cos i like it cosy in my tent............ however this is my choice and this is how i like to camp, my camping friends like to go non EHU but nobodys trip is ruined from their own preferences ........... to be honest i dont really care what people do as long as they are enjoying themselves.
------------- A tent is like a newborn born baby..... to some they all look the same..... but if its yours it's beautiful.
:o) gillychick
Willows - Laceby March
Lee Valley - London May
Nanctol Wales June
Croatia September
undecided October
Just to add my fourpennyworth.
I started 'Tenting' on my own in the Easter of 1969 (my parents only found out, when they noticed one of their 6 children was absent from dinner, my younger brother was the only one I confided in, that I was going to cycle from our village near Brighton, to the New Forest)
Basic, simple, and fun (for me). No such thing as EHU in those days.
Even now, though now I have a Mobile Phone, Laptop, Sat TV System, DVD Player, GPS, I never take these items with us when we go on a Tenting break/holiday (as we did this weekend 18-20th June 2010).
Therefore, do not require EHU.
The site we used does have it, and both times I made the booking I was asked if I require it, both times I politely declined.
We do not require a "Home From Home", as long as we're safe (not likely to be robbed or attacked), comfortable (kept dry, and warm) we're happy to enjoy the peace and tranquility of our surroundings.
I use the "KISS" principle (Keep It Simple, Sensibly).
Less to forget/lose/carry etc.
I fold down the rear seats of my car, and insert what we need, fit the cycle rack to the hatch, load our cycles, and away we go.
Even before we arrive on site we "switch off" home mode, and "turn on" holiday mode.
But! That is what we like to do.
We appreciate, not all folk who like to enjoy Tenting/Camping, wish to detach themselves from 'Home Life'. As long as they don't inflict their choice of music/TV Programme/phone conversations etc, on us or others. No offense intended.
The site we went to this weekend (second visit), requires ALL visitors to obey the NO LOUD MUSIC AT ANY TIME rule, as well as RESPECT THE PRIVACY OF ALL OTHER VISITORS, and NO NOISE AFTER 22:00.
Just because this suits US, it does not prevent us from visiting other sites with more relaxed rules, but we are used to behaving with consideration for others.
There are many "Family Oriented" and "Adult Only" sites throughout the UK, so we're able to choose the ones we'll feel comfortable with. (Thanks to the members of "UKCAMPSITE.CO.UK" for the reviews).
Simply, 'Each To Their Own'
Kind Regards James
------------- In the beginning there was darkness.
Then I bought a tent.
I'm not destitute, I'm just poor.
I started camping in a £20 2 man tent from aldi. Me, hubby,and the dog, an air bed , a torch and a coleman dual fuel stove. I am pretty sure that was about it. Oh and we drove around in our 2CV stopping where we pleased!
My camping has changed a lot over the years for a variety of reasons and I am staggered at the judgemental tone of several posters on this topic. There is an assumption that those who use EHU want a 'home from home' experience, how facile, there could be a million reasons. One poster even asserted that those of us who choose EHU are lazy which seems incredibly ignorant to me.
I had even started to type a paragraph justifying my choice of EHU then. None of us has to justify ourselves to any of the others. On site we have to have respect and consideration for others, whatever their camping choice. I watch my dvds and play on my playstation (yes, i take that as well as laptop, fridge, heater, kettle, toaster, slow cooker, mobile phone, nintendo DS and an ipod/dock!) with headphones so i do not disturb anyone else. My 'gear' never expands beyond the confines of the pitch. So surely it's my business? My choice? I am very glad that other people make different choices about all manner of things. I like diversity and surely camping is a broad enough church for us all to do it how we please and be pleasant to one another about it?
Quote: Originally posted by PigletandTigger on 19/6/2010
Quote: Originally posted by dk168 on 18/6/2010
Likewise it is equally irritating for those who do not use EHU to put out blanket statements to say camping with EHU is not camping!
DK
I agree, I haven't been back over the thread but I think it's highly unlikely that either Merry, Val or I have said this.
I think it's deeply unlikely I've ever said this considering I do take EHU at least half of my camping time. And said this up front. Gawdsakes I even bought a SIG tent and a fan heater last year. Not actually used them yet but still......
but i think that most people are actually saying that as long as it doesnt effect them, then...it doesnt effect them, wether you do or dont use EHU!!!!
------------- tina xx
mum to 5 kids
DD-20
DS-16
DD-14
DD-9
DS-3 and a half!
and a large, daft, black dog!!
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: EHU or No EHU
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