We got back yesterday from our first weekend away in a caravan.
We had a really good weekend, the campsite was lovely, everything worked as it should on the caravan, the neighbours were friendly (and helpful when we were acting like a couple of simpletons) and best of all we had hot running water (this was quite exciting to us as we would always have to boil a kettle when we were camping).
All in all it was a very relaxing weekend, we put our awning up on day 2 as there was no wind at all (yay!) and tried everything out.
Here's a few pictures:
All set up:
View across the lake
The other lake with wind turbines in the background
Max, enjoying his walk
A stroll through the campsite wood
Watching me watching you, Max keeps an eye on things:
The lovely awning:
Outside awning:
My favourite pic of the lot:
We had a few minor hiccups over the weekend which we put down to being novices, we ran out of flush water for the toilet a couple of times (needed to put more water in initially), we ran out of water for the sink a couple of times, didn't realise how quickly you can get through 50ltrs of water (next time we'll take a whale tap connector), we got too hot during the first evening (was roasting) so turned everything right down and got it to a nice ambient 20 after throwing open all the windows - can definately say the heater works lol!
"we ran out of flush water for the toilet a couple of times (needed to put more water in initially), we ran out of water for the sink a couple of times, didn't realise how quickly you can get through 50ltrs of water "
Don't know if its any help but after the showers in the morning I always fill the water hog and empty the waste whilst the wife gets breakfast ready. That does for the day and round about 5pm I fill it after the wife has filled the sink with water for the washing and kettle for the morning. That sees us through the night and showers the next morning.
Toilet - I empty and do the flush around 5pm regardless. That way I avoid having to do it in the night in the dark. Just a routine you may find helpful.
You looked too relaxed in that awning for a first trip in a van. Just too much under control then?
Phil
------------- If you're not on a fell your wasting your feet and for 2014 it's.......Feb Castleton Mar North Yors Moors; Apr Sutton on Sea; May Thirsk; Jun Clapham/Riverside (Lakes); July Wharfedale; August Crakehall; Sept Knaresborough; Oct Wirral Park/Clitheroe
Glad it went well, regarding running out of water we use 2 aqua rolls so even if you do run out you only have to switch the pump top the other one & not go to the tap then we, or rather Ian, fills them up when it's more convenient.
Quote: Originally posted by jennifernn on 15/11/2010
All looks very smart, awning looks very good.
One comment.....the aquaroll is more stable if you turn it onto its flat base.
LOL I knew someone would pick up on that, we couldn't get the top to cover the other opening....we have now figured out that the green rubberthing needs to be cut to size - thanks tho
Quote: Originally posted by Esther1 on 15/11/2010
Glad it went well, regarding running out of water we use 2 aqua rolls so even if you do run out you only have to switch the pump top the other one & not go to the tap then we, or rather Ian, fills them up when it's more convenient.
Thanks Esther, OH did see someone with two aquarolls and said maybe that's what we ought to do
Quote: Originally posted by cwdc56768 on 15/11/2010
"we ran out of flush water for the toilet a couple of times (needed to put more water in initially), we ran out of water for the sink a couple of times, didn't realise how quickly you can get through 50ltrs of water "
Don't know if its any help but after the showers in the morning I always fill the water hog and empty the waste whilst the wife gets breakfast ready. That does for the day and round about 5pm I fill it after the wife has filled the sink with water for the washing and kettle for the morning. That sees us through the night and showers the next morning.
Toilet - I empty and do the flush around 5pm regardless. That way I avoid having to do it in the night in the dark. Just a routine you may find helpful.
You looked too relaxed in that awning for a first trip in a van. Just too much under control then?
Phil
Thanks Phil, good to know what others do. We were surepticiously trying to see how others had their aquarolls set up, by Sunday we saw the two pipes into the 2/1 connector with another pipe on the end - will do that next time too
I found the air pretty dry in the caravan with the heating going, is there anything people recommend we do as I got a sore throat after day 1?
Yes it is. Much better on gas for the throat. What we do is place a small bowl of lavendar water on top of the fire. As it evapourates it moistens the air and that helps. Could use just plain water but the wife likes the lavendar.
We always sleep with the bedroom window open but with that exta moisture in the air we open the front side window on the open lock catch. The flow of air in the front and out the back then helps to slip that moisture out otherwise you have condensation on your windows in the morning. Works a treat.
Phil
------------- If you're not on a fell your wasting your feet and for 2014 it's.......Feb Castleton Mar North Yors Moors; Apr Sutton on Sea; May Thirsk; Jun Clapham/Riverside (Lakes); July Wharfedale; August Crakehall; Sept Knaresborough; Oct Wirral Park/Clitheroe
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.