We spent Sunday to Wednesday this week camping at Hartsholme Park in Lincoln. Very nice 4* site, very helpful warden.
We didn't have electric hookup just lots of blankets, good sleeping bags (well everyone but me!), a gas tent heater and lots of hot water bottles.
Sunday night was an experience - apparently it got down to -5 degrees! My sister in Law sent me a text on monday moring to say that Radio 4 had said it was the coldest October night in 30 years!! I had the old sleeping bag which apparently isn't as well insulated as it once was and I spent the night trying to stay warm and trying to keep our 2 dogs warm. Fortunately Hubby and our 4 kids plus a friends daughter were absolutely fine.
Monday meant a visit to Lincoln to buy me a new sleeping bag and more gas cannisters for the heater as well as coats for our 2 dogs. Our friend and his daughter joined us as well along with a big bag of extra blankets!!
Monday and Tuesday nights were comparatively toasty - tuesday was actually around 14 degrees so balmy really!
The site was good - we'll return there again in the spring.
What have we learnt? Electric hookup is a must, next time (and there will be a next time!!) we'll have electric heaters rather than gas and keep all the vents on our old Monty 12 open to minimise condensation (we ended up with puddles in the corners!!)
We did, despite the cold night and heavy rain on tuesday, really enjoy our first out of season camping trip and plan to do it again (with a few tweaks) in february.
Zoe
------------- Mad mum to 4 boys, 2 dogs and 1 hubby. Also a folkie and outdoors lover. Home Ed parent to youngest sons.
Hartsholme Country Park - 24/27 October 2010
20/23 February 2011 - The Orchard
May 2011 - as yet undecided
August 2011 - Interservices Gliding Comps
I discovered puddles on the floor in the corner. Realized what was happening that the bedding was too close to the sides of the bedroom pod (as this was wet as well) and DS had his weight against the pod which was touching the flysheet, moisture was then allowed to seep through. Too much for condensation.
That wa my experience, but it may not be yours though.
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: Few days camping in Lincoln
