Survived 3 days at Newton Mill under canvas (polyester really) despite the rain and the frosty weather. First time away with electric hookup and it made all the difference. The fan heater was blowing 24/7 and no swapping batteries in the UFO lights - it was like another world of camping. Successfully tested out the Porta Potti so no nocturnal trips to the loo - a must for future trips.
The pitch was a bit muddy but a nice space by the caravans and motorhomes right next to the stream that runs through the camp. Very little condensation, helped by the fan heater no doubt. Just need to dry the tent out completely before packing it away for the winter.
Would I go away at the same time of year again? - not sure. Enjoyed visiting Bath though.
we backed out out at the 11th hour and didnt go, when the weather man said on monday temps were below average that sort of did it for us and we decided however much we love camping we didnt want to risk being cold ..... very wimpy i know lol
pleased you had a great time
------------- 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
We went to Flamingoland, and were really lucky with the weather. I know that one night the rain sounded horrendous, but we were tucked up in bed. Most days were cold, and two mornings we woke up to frost, but apart from the odd shower it was dry. Provided you had your coat on it was very pleasant walking around. Just put the heater on in the camper when we were in. Saturday morning we went into Scarborough, but after picking up some food, ventured back to camp as it was too windy to enjoy the seafront. Got one icy shower on Tuesday afternoon, so we went into Pickering for a nosey round, and manage to get some wellies that would fit my fat calves, so I was pleased about that. Phoned my brother everyday, only to be told that not only was it cold here in Liverpool, but it was p**ing down.
We had a brilliant time on the North Norfolk coast (Mundesley). Freezing cold but we too had EHU for the first time and the fan heater was fantastic. There was something very special about hearing the wind, rain and on Monday hailstones outside but knowing you were toasty warm under canvas (OK - polyester like you!). Days were bright & cold so no complaints here and I'd definitely do it again. The only downside is getting the tent dry & packed away for the winter - it's been p**ing it down since we got home!
Glad you had a good time too.
------------- Anne - mad mum to one - foster mum to many - adoptatent to you guys!
survived?
well we are still alive - second trip out for us, first was only one night to test tent out really.
forgot plates, tea & coffee so nothing to eat off and no hot drinks first night
loads of condensation which to be fair was actually ice for most of the time, had snow / sleet / hail showers several times and was woken by the sound of snow sliding off the tent on more than one occasion.
tipped frying pan off stove when cooking sausages spilling hot fat everywhere, whilst dog nicked the uncooked sausages, littleun woke up screaming one morning when a gel handwarmer burst in her sleeping bag and cooked her bum, mispalced car keys one dark night, and almost ran out of gas for stove and lantern.
decided to come home a day early, only because decided was better to pack up today in the sun rather than the rain forcast for tomorrow
still got a little drying to do but hopefully wont take too long.
Weather was good - cold on Tues and a couple of showers on Wed. Beach walks, no mobile signals, no computer, no TV - good time spent together. So long as you ahve planty of layers and EHU then noting is too bad.
Perfect decamping day today - nothing wet away wet so no dryingout needed at home. First time out for our Sunvalley and it stood up great (apart from baggy bedroom pod corners - post and reviews to follow).
At one point there were 5 tents pitched and when we left 2 were still there.
Oh never again! We went to Blue Dolphin at Filey and even though we had EHU with a 2kw fan heater in a monty 6 with the temperatures we had was about as useless as a chocolate teapot. We had a footprint, SIG, bedroom SIG, 2 blankets, 1 thermal underblanket, 1 sheet and 1 sleeping bag UNDER us. We were sleeping in a sleeping bag with a winter weight duvet on top of that with 2 fleece blankets on top of that too, followed by wearing 7 layers, varying from thermals to fleece pj's & fleece jackets and we were finally warm in bed! (oh and hot water bottles) Because the tent was so cold and grim we were in bed for 9pm and slept in until 9am just to stay warm. We managed to last three nights out of the four, forever hoping for an upturn in the weather and temperatures but it never came. We've decided to abandon any further hope of camping in such cold weather as it wasn't enjoyable. Roll on the spring when we can sit under the porch in just a layer or two looking at the lovely bright sunny weather. It hasn't put us off camping but it's made us realise we were maybe a little bonkers for staying so long in such harsh conditions!
RESPECT to Sir Ranulf Feines and Co tee hee hee!!!!!!!!!!!!
------------- If you have a problem stressing you, sort it. If you can't, there's no point worrying about it coz it won't make a blind bit of difference!!!! Jules
Well AndyT, if you put up with all those problems & can still say that you would probably do it again, then you're already ardent campers even if it was only your second trip Well done I'm sure that next time out you won't encounter so many problems.
fostermum, you're right about the weather on returning home. I washed off the ground sheets yesterday (just before the heavens openned) and will get the tent out at the weekend for a thorough clean.
andy_hartfordXL, by the sounds of it our few days away were quiet and sedate in comparison to what you got up to! At least you seemed to have reatined a sense of humour and not put off by the experience.
fostermum, you're right about the weather on returning home. I washed off the ground sheets yesterday (just before the heavens openned) and will get the tent out at the weekend for a thorough clean.
I did the groundsheets yesterday too - the tent has been hanging around in the garage for a few days being turned frequently. I'm pleased to say I got it packed up this afternoon and have just finished sorting all the camping stuff and it's now all packed away ready for next year - feels a bit as well as to have it all sorted!
------------- Anne - mad mum to one - foster mum to many - adoptatent to you guys!
I'm really proud of all of you who managed to stick it out. I sat under my blanket every night, in my lounge (watching Most Haunted) and thinking of all of you in tents, whilst my husband gave me 'I told you so' comments about my dreams to camp in the October half term.
Well done you bonkers lot!! I wish I was as brave and hardy as you.
Went to Barmouth to watch the motor cross on the beach.A bit daunting driving up through the snow capped mountains and wondering if i need some kind of help!! Survived cold nights with ehu and vodka,but the days were glorious.Had a really good time ,site was brill ,and up for it again next year with more pepole, or so im told.
Well done to all. We spent the week in a caravan and was sooo cold. Ended up having to buy a fan heater. But at least it will be useful on future camping trips in our tent.
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: Survived Half Term
Well done 
I'm sure that next time out you won't encounter so many problems. 
as well as 
