I would always offer to help if it looked like someone was struggling, but if they refused I would also enjoy watching them... people watching is one of the best activities on a campsite.
I particularly like to watch tin tenters take their awnings down - this seems a particularly labourious task of unzipping panels, cleaning them, zipping them back in etc. Watched one bloke at River Dart and I swear he zipped and unzipped the panels 2 or 3 times each before folding them, then the awning, and it took him nearly an hour from when he started faffing with it to actually packing it away.
Must admit Christine I don't know why anyone would want to zip the panels back in once they've taken them out - that's the whole point of them, it's easier to take the awning down without them in. I can do mine - on my own - in less than 20 minutes once the pegs have been taken out. Take the panels out and fold them, drop the poles, pull the awning out of the channel and fold it, put the whole lot back in the bag - job done.
------------- Tigermouse
I have a very temperamental personality - 50% temper and 50% mental
I would have to say that although OH and I would probably be people that would have a plan (usually in OH's head) and would decline help politely and gratefully, we would always prefer to have the help offered. I've only had two trips so far but wouild hope we would offer assistance to any struggling neighbours (though this year they were all far more compe'tent' than me!)
For me, putting the tent up is part of the fun. I can usually get our tent up on my own (unless it's windy and rainy, in which case the kids get to see the inside of the car whilst my wife and I get it up and pegged.
The most greatful I've been for an offer of help was from a family of three, with a toddler. Grandma & kids played in their tent whilst my wife and I put the tent up in stupid heavy rain about two years ago in scotland (and it still wins the prize for the heaviest sustained rain I have ever seen since I was caught in Hurricane Isabel in 2003)
I could have done with some help on Sunday it was lashing it down and blowing a hoolie I sat for over 2 hours just debating whether to strike camp or wait awhile longer
In the end I donned my waterproofs and wellies and went out and did it I would never of expected anybody to come out and get as wet as I did Tenter or Caravanner
Of course just after I finished striking camp it stopped raining
I have only just finished drying the tent and the rest of my stuff
This reminds me of a time quite a few years ago when I was camping without hubby, just me and the kids. We were at Polmanter in Cornwall, where it can be very windy! In fact I really struggled to get our tent up, but managed eventually with kids helping to hold down corners etc!
A few days later, and still very windy, a couple arrived with a trailer tent, after watching them struggle for a while I went over to offer to help, the woman was really happy for the help, but the man was really put out, was very rude and said they did NOT need help! So off I went, back to my tent only to watch them completely lose their trailer tent to the wind, broken poles, ripped canvas etc
They spent the next week in a 2 man dome tent, Im guessing borrowed from the campsite! I do feel that even though I know very little about trailer tents I could have helped to hold down corners etc
I just say - if you would like some help or just a hand to hold a pole then we are over there, just give us a shout.
This year I have lost count of tents I've helped with - even sent OH off to help a caravanner with his first time putting up of the awning - he was very appreciative as he seemed to have a spare pole or two!!
We have also stopped and offered what help we could to other bikers if they have pulled up and look in need of assistance (even if just a phone to make a call).
The other week we pulled into a layby on the way home (to order a takeaway - don't ask). There was a ar also in the layby with an old couple ion it who we though were just stopped to look at the view and have a cuppa. Turned out they were broken down and didn't know where they were and needed a phone and road number/area to phone the RAC to come and get them.
I would always ask anyone just arriving if they need any help or just ask if they would like a cuppa. I appreciate anyone asking me if i need a hand and always take them up on the offer, why struggle!! a lot quicker with more hands, gets the drink out quicker too LOL
------------- Enjoy life whilst you can, it doesn't last for ever!!!!!!
I'm still a bit of a newbie, but I know how to put my tent up on my own.
Despite this, if anyone offered to help me, I'd accept. I'd do the same for anyone who looked like they needed it and, as glynnis51 says, the drinks should start flowing quicker lol
We'd always offer help if someone looked like they might need/appreciate it. If some one says thanks but declines, fine ! If they were rude it still wouldn't stop us offering to another person, as most campers aren't rude & ungrateful.
I do think people shouldn't assume that someone will help, & ought to aim to get a tent they think they are capable of managing themselves, but - I think it's mean not to offer help if someone is clearly having difficulty, & especially in windy conditions.
Even if I don't need help or want it, I still appreciate the offer -it's nice to know there are still people who are willing to put themselves out a wee bit to help others.- thank goodness for them I say !
Quote: Originally posted by Tigermouse on 01/11/2009
Quote: Originally posted by V8trikemids on 01/11/2009
Seen the same thing many times in the world of 2 wheels- the odd occasion Ive broken down and watched bikes sail past--- tho Im proud of the fact Ill always stop for a stranded bike-- one lady biker was very grateful once too -
I noticed the same several weeks ago. My bike was very obviously broken down at the side of a big roundabout on a route which is very popular with bikers - I always thought bikers would stop and help each other but I lost count of the number which just sailed straight past. Eventually I flagged one down, it turned out to be a good choice as he was heading home in the direction in which I was going. He found a safe place for me to leave the bike and pushed it there for me, then took me pillion up to my friend's house where I knew I could get some assistance. I don't know who the guy was but without him I would have been well and truly stuck.
The trouble is not all people who ride bikes are bikers, We have found there's a big difference between the two.........bikers will stop and help other bikers..........we have stopped lots of times only to be told 'oh we're just having a rest/ciggie/waiting for a friend' doesn't stop us from stopping again!
Quote: Originally posted by Gypsydoll on 10/11/2009
Even if I don't need help or want it, I still appreciate the offer -it's nice to know there are still people who are willing to put themselves out a wee bit to help others.- thank goodness for them I say !
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Topic: Not very helpful
