We've always aimed to be off site around the alloted 10am in the past, but following a really bad homeward journey earlier this Summer, we left site at 0700 on Tuesday this week.
The same journey at 10 am on Monday would have taken us about four-five hours with the traffic, and cost a packet in fuel, but comming home at this time meant that we were steaming for only 1 hour 40 minutes.
We also did this in Feb traveled back from the new forest, leaving at 630 and hardly seeing a car for the best part of the way back, still fresh, and with the entire day ahead of us.
Seems to make sense, though we only counted five caravans on the road on the way back, so we might be a rare breed.
may not be as rare as you think,, while we don't rush to pack up and go, we very rarely leave 'on time' ,usually a couple of hours before the departure time ,unless i need to collect any key deposits from site office..
------------- no tin tent outings booked as yet ,just another cruise in Sept' booked so far
We usually try to be off site by 11am as we don't have an awning it doesn't take us long to pack up, clothes stay in the wardrobe and lockers food stays in the fridge and we empty the van when we get back to the storage site.
If moving from one site to another we try to be off at 8 am or just before. If coming home we ask if we can stay on (even if this is to move to the site car park) and so leave around 7pm and avoid most traffic if we have to leave then it's just before the official 'off' time.
The awning comes down the day before we go, provided that it is dry. Might even come down a couple of days before we go, depends on the weather!! Often manage to get off about 9ish or maybe as late as 10 but never later. Don't think I could manage to be away by 6.30!! We enjoy the times away but always look forward to being back home. Back home is simply moving the van to the seaside. Then there is the gardening to catch up on. which I have always enjoyed, so that it can be nice and tidy ready for the next trip with the van.
We travel out with the inside stuff in the van and come home with the outside stuff in the van. That way we just drop the van off at storage and sort out the outside stuff later when we are ready to travel again. Car tends to be mainly packed up the night before we leave, but even doing that I think 6.30 would be a right push.
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
We try so hard to leave just before 12 but never manage it, we are still packed up and off about 10.30!!! Once we are up had breakfast got dressed washed ect, we go into auto pilot and before we know it van ready hitched then we think well might as well go, I've even tried getting up later but we are still done by 11 at the latest , think I should bring more stuff lol
------------- "I'm a fool for my dogs"
Adopt a rescue, rescue dogs make great pets, don't support puppy farms.
The road can be tough and rough,but what you put in you get back 10 x more.
I am sure OP is very considerate of others sleeping when leaving very early but not everyone is.
Many sites have locked gates to stop "early movement" disturbing other campers. Those near ports etc. will have a designated area for those needing to leave early.
We're very quiet on leaving, even hooked the car up prior to leaving. Steadies up as quietly as we can, then kids into the car and away. Know what you mean though, there was an early arrival in the CL field on the site we recently stayed in, got there at 06 ish, banged about setting up for about an hour, then after waking us all up, went to bed. Probably left realy early to get there for that time.
We normally stay on C&CC sites, and the departure time is 12. We normally leave around 11:55! This is just to give us a nice leisurely morning, and then maximise our time away.
We're very quiet on leaving, even hooked the car up prior to leaving
?Always like the inadvertent post
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.
Topic: How do you pack up?
, while we don't rush to pack up and go, we very rarely leave 'on time' ,usually a couple of hours before the departure time ,unless i need to collect any key deposits from site office..
