The evenings are getting cold, which means for me the season is drawing to an end. The season’s been long. I’ve been away more than I’ve been at home this year, or so it feels. We’ve not been overly experimental with travelling a long way, but we’ve found some great sites.
The kiddies have had a great time and you can see a really healthy glow to them. They’ve run and run and run and had nothing but fresh air. They’ve got dirty and gone without washing for days – brilliant.
So, what have I learnt this year that I’ll take into next year?
I now know I prefer small sites to large ones. I also know that camping on much more than the shallowest slope can be wearing. I’ve learnt to be wary of greedy site owners who cram in too many people and I’ve decided to stay away from the large commercial sites.
Next year I might try some of the C&CC certified sites… if I can find the book I was sent when I joined.
It’s also become very obvious how a very, very small number of people can ruin your trip. Camping is as good as the company you take and the friendliness of those around you.
We’ve camped in incredible heat that was so hot that it drove me from my bed early in the morning. I’ve also had to put my tent up (Hartford XXL) in a gale. We’ve done the usual of sitting about waiting for the rain to pass. I’ve had to put my tent away wet and I’ve had to put it away nearly melted because of the heat. I’ve sat and burnt on beeches and I’ve sat shivering in the rain on beeches.
What has this taught me for next year? Well, to be honest it’s not taught me very much. I already knew that the weather was unpredictable and that kids don’t care if it’s raining.
This year I treated myself to the Hartford canopy. What an addition that is; an absolutely great purchase. I also got a new chair with a foldout footrest.
Although we’ve still got a weekend or two left I’ve been thinking about what I need for next year. There’s the usual stuff like new sleeping bags and maybe a few stacking plastic boxes. I want to get some solar lights to put round the tent because I think that looks lovely and it’ll stop people tripping over the guy-ropes.
I’ll buy a hurricane lamp to compliment my Tilleys. The Tilley lamps are superb, but when you get back late you need instant light.
Next year I’m thinking of going to Jersey, but in the back of my mind I think that the cost will stop us.
Anyway, there’s still a wee bit of camping left this year. This afternoon I’m off the Horam Manor, near Eastbourne, for the weekend.
thank you thermostat,I have really enjoyed reading your topic,any new campers should read it ,because i feel you have put together every emotion that all campers feel,and of course an amazing love of camping,enjoy your weekend
Well, this is our first summer camping and we have all really enjoyed it!
We have had rain, thunder and dreaded wind (not from us i might add).
However....
The sun has shone on us quite alot. Our kids get fresh air, make friends, run about and don't watch telly! Me and my hubby have actually sat and chatted while the kids are playing with out any interuptions from the phone or the door and we have had family time together playing games with the children...bliss.
We have eaten fresh eggs from one campsites' free range chickens and we have sampled 'outdoor' cooking which always seems to taste better than indoors (even plain beans and bread and butter are delicious).
I love camping and we are going again today in about half an hour until Sunday. The campsite we are going to has no facilities except a portaloo but it only costs £3!
Where would you have a weekend break for only £3? Only camping can do this.
Glad you enjoyed your first summer camping experience. We find we bond better with our children when camping, probably because we all have so much more free time & as you say, it's great playing games with them.
I am so glad you posted your experiences,we are fairly new to camping (this is our third year) and we have shared most of your experiences with the exception fo the kiddies bit (our "kiddie is 30!).
We camped last week and had to put the tent away wet,we were woken up late at night by people arriving and pitching in the dark (they put their 2 cars with full beam on facing our tent so they could see!).We have listened to the swearing and witnessed the bad behaviour and we have been packed in like sardines by greedy campsite owners just like you.
However for every bad experience we have had many great experiences and thoroughly enjoyed every single minute.I mean lets face it the morons who could spoil your trip can also provide you with a great source of amusement!
We have gone from holidaying abroad 3 or 4 times a year and sitting on a beach to grabbing every available opportunity to get out there and pitch our tent.Long may it last!
"We have listened to the swearing and witnessed the bad behaviour and we have been packed in like sardines by greedy campsite owners just like you"
Yes, sadly this type of behaviour is on the increase. But they ain't going to put us off. Camping is a part of our life & we love it too much to let this small minded minority put us off.
We are in our 3rd year of camping and have learned that inclement weather and us just dont go together - but it does cost us a fortune as we always seem to head to a camping shop *rolleyes*
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: Lessons learnt
