So we all (three kids and the two of us) all set off for our first trip with the caravan. Chose somewhere reasonable close for a three night stay - the C&CC site in Bala.
It all went well getting there - about an hour and a half - and when we arrived got a nice welcome from the wardens when I explained that it was our very first time with a caravan. He showed us to our pitch and talked me through how to drive into the pitch to make it easier. When I got out of the car I was a little concerned that there was a HUGE tire skid through the pitch, and as it had been raining just before it seemed rather muddy. Within an hour (and the struggle with setting everything up for the first time) the rain returned and the pitch had just become a swamp - there was absolutely no drainage as far as I could see. I wasn't sure what to do so pressed on and erected the awning. By this time the area was just so muddy, and the kids were playing up, wife was very unhappy - and I was wondering how the 8 year-old and me were going to sleep in a muddy awning. Not a great start. In the end I decided to go and talk with the warden about the pitch, and after a walk around the site he agreed to let us move to another one (after warning us that a regular might turn up and swear at us on the Wednesday night as it was 'his' pitch). So, everything taken down and then moved and put up again - it was 7pm by the time we could eat and our 3-year-old was just freaking out (he has some 'challenging' issues). Later on the warden admitted that he shouldn't have put us on that pitch in the first place! Kudos to some very helpful people opposite who helped with the awning and getting the gas running in our van - really helpful!!
Got the caravan all set up and the our kitchen taps started leaking whenever the pump was put on - covering the surface with water. Couldn't work out what the problem was (felt somewhat out of my depth to be honest), so we then had no water to wash/cook/clean with as we couldn't have the pump on. It was at this point I realised that in the scramble to leave I had left mine and the wife's sleeping bags at home (the kids were ok). I think I started swearing VERY loudly at this point - we found a blanket for my wife, I spent a night in a pop-up tent in the awning under the shower curtain - it was really cold!!
Next day went to the camping shop and bought some sleeping bags, water carriers and decided to make the best we could out of it. It was still raining.
Finally figured out the problem with the taps on the Wednesday (day before we came home) and the rain held off enough to have a reasonable day visiting Portmeirion. The kids found some friends on site that evening as well - which meant tears the next day when we were leaving - ho hum. Final weird thing was the warden. It had JUST turned 11am on the last day and I wanted the kids to go to the loo just before we left. He had put the 'toilets closed' signs up as we were walking up, but hadn't started cleaning. I explained the situation, but he refused to let the kids use the loos (against health and safety!!), even though he hadn't actually started cleaning.
Overall it wasn't so bad in the end, although the warden on the site was a bit grumpy - I don't think he actually smiled once!!
That's it now until beginning of August - off for 2 weeks then.
Try not to get to upset at your first caravan trip......
We've gone away in our van and forgotten the poles for the awning.
OH reversed at a rally into those metal fences and ripped off our caravan window.....we had to tape it up for the rest of the holiday...... even having to turn up at a CC site after with it like that.... until we returned home and the insurance sorted it for us.
Turned up at rallies in mud.....yuk.
On most CC sites we have stayed we have been ok...... last October at Chester some of the electric went off and it effected us...... had to use battery and gas for 12 hours.
Usually on CC sites if the toilets are being cleaned they let you use the disabled loo think that was a little harsh.
Anyway at least your next trip should run more smooth for you.....having done it once.
Sounds like out last trip! I think everyone has the odd trip when they think "why did I bother?"!! Next time will be BRILLIANT! You will be all the more prepared from your experience. Honestly, these are just teething troubles - everyone has them and you will be just as bonkers about the whole thing as the rest of us soon!
BTW - an Excel spreadsheet with all your packing list on is an absolute life-saver. Haven't forgotten anything yet!
(after warning us that a regular might turn up and swear at us on the Wednesday night as it was 'his' pitch).
I hope the warden was joking! There's no such thing as "reserved" pitches at a club site, and any warden who allows a "regular" to lay dibs on a pitch needs shooting.
Overall it wasn't so bad in the end, although the warden on the site was a bit grumpy - I don't think he actually smiled once!!
Sorry to hear you had a rough initiation. The vast majority of wardens are much more helpful. Still, at least you've got an anecdote out of it, and you'll laugh about it all in year to come. No, really, you will!
------------- * You never know where you're going 'til you get there...
weve had one of those sort of holidays, when everything has turned pear shaped, but now we can look back and see the funny side of the holiday, we learnt a whole lot about caravanning, wardens etc after our first time away, still at least the good news vis does get better, so better luck for your next break
------------- "PACESETTERS" German Shepherd dog display team, we are out and about raising money for guide dogs.
it can only get better from now on,don't let it put you off.we had similar problems at bala with the weather but had it much worse at keswick.our awning was flooded one morning at keswick so much so i said do we have any ducks on leaving through the door.you do get the odd grumpy warden but most are really nice and helpful.our worst case of grumpy tone was elvaston castle.she swore at us for opening the gate to let in a caravan.
------------- the only silly question is the one you do not ask.
You soon get use to it, we almost always forget something. We once went and it was not unitl we got to the site that i remembered i had not pack my clothes!!!!!
once left a lot of meat for the holidays in the fridge,had to ring a guy who was looking after our house ie post ect and tell him to eat it all as we would not be back for two weeks.i was on silent meals for two days.he had a great time.
------------- the only silly question is the one you do not ask.
Hi, i know i should,nt but you did make me laugh,and in time you will look back at this time in your caravanning experiences and have a good old laugh yourself.We have had our water pump pack up on us/been on several different holidays with the 3 grandkids and it never failed to rain,one site we stayed at and it rained continuosly for our whole weeks stay we were bogged out and no other pitch to transfer to.Sometimes you just have to put up with it ,why else did we choose caravanning when we could have been abroad on a package holiday.No way.The first time we put our awning up the pole fell and hit hubby on head another time we had one pole over and could,nt find where it went.We always fill the water system only to find we have,nt put the plug in hence we lose the water as fast as we put it in. Icould go on forever but i would be here for hours .It dose get better i promise.Just enjoy it.
been there worn the tee shirt, but it get,s easeir,when you get into routine,it,s like golf or fishing you keep going back for more, all the best for next time,
------------- its easy enough to be pleasant when the world rolls along like a song.but a man is worth while if he can smile when every thing goes f------ wrong.
We too stayed at the Bala Club Site (2 wks ago). We did a two nights stopover on the way down and back from South Wales. Having never visited that part of Wales before and timing it badly - we arrived at Bala 30 mins before official arrival time (along with three others) - the Warden was not best pleased!!! He told us that we should have stopped over in a layby ...... "welcome to Wales" I mouthed to the other new arrivals. The Man ahead of us had problems with his booking and Mr Grumpy made everybody else wait outside Reception while he dealt with this. When we were finally shown to our pitch, it was at the bottom of the camp site and not a full size hard standing as I expected, was pretty damp and we never saw the sun (when it eventually came out).
Next day our 4x4 wouldn't start ......... and surprisingly Mr Grumpy lent us his jump leads and so slightly redeemed himself but we noticed how he continually chastised other Residents for either driving through the Site at more than 5 miles per hour, or for driving over the well mown grass etc etc.
On our return visit to Bala from South Wales, we thought we'd try a different approach. We arrived after 12.00, waited patiently to be booked in and I asked jokingly for a Sunnyside Pitch with a Sea View! We were given a lovely pitch (great size) next to the water hydrant - sunshine all day ..... Hoorah!!!!
Sometimes you've just got to bite your lip ............... or in my husbands case - get out the Stella!!!!!
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: First trip in the caravan - an adventure!
