Top tips for camping virgin (with someone I rather fancy)

[Incipit]

Haven't ever been proper camping, and now going this weekend, for 6 nights. The friend I was to share a tent with has had to pull out, but she's lending me her gear. I still want to go because it's with a friendship group which includes a man I've been lusting over and have had very few opportunities to spend time with. So I don't want to look a complete incapable eejit. specially as I've got to drop DC off for their far more exciting holiday with my parents first, so will be arriving way later than everyone else.

I'm collecting the tent etc this evening and will practice putting it up. What else can I do in advance?

The weather forecast is for 23 degrees most days, but thunderstorms some days. Usually I pack light for holidays but I'm guessing I need plenty of layers and getting things dry will be difficult? Does it get chilly at night? Do people go to the showers/toilets in a dressing gown or a coat?

Basically any top tips will be gratefully received, and don't assume anything is too basic to need to be stated

No camping advice at all, just here for the updates as I'm heavily invested now!

As you were.

Who cares what you take.. I just want the romantic updates

Headtorches - a great idea for rummaging for stuff inside the tent, but I clip mine on somewhere else when outside as they inevitably attract moths, flying bugs etc. in the general face area... probably not the best person to advise on camping as only been twice and hate creepy crawlies

Please let us know how your night goes!

OP, you may want to read this before setting off:

Met Office issues storm warning for campsites and caravans

www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-57945502

Thanks for that @FiveGs. Some of the group got there yesterday and had a blustery night but the site isn’t flooded and forecast fine for tonight.

I’ve just stopped for coffee but will get there earlier than I’d feared. He’s coming back from the beach to help me set up.

Bugger the camping, what's the guy like?!?

What’s he like? Lush and (currently) topless. My tent is up, the sun is shining, and he’s saving me a space beside the campfire.

So far camping’s great

Ace!!!!

That sounds wonderful. Enjoy!!

I have no camping tips but I’m just here for the happy ending!

As it’s got chillier I edged closer rather than put on more clothes. Either I’m more stealth than I thought, or he was doing the same, because his arm ended up around me. Hoping when I get back from loo he’ll have saved my place again.

These loos stink though so I need to pop into my tent to spritz myself with something.

Oh this is all working out so nicely. I'm so excited for you OP.

Aw it's all so romantic 🥰🔥🏕️

Awww

The big question now is are you going to try and be subtle around your fellow campers or is there going to be public snogging?

Ooh this is looking good OP!

Placemarking because I just saw this thread and things look good so far OP!

Did he save your place again by the camp fire OP?

How wonderful, enjoy!

He was waiting when I came out of the loos earlier - almost caught me updating MN!
We sat separately but ended up trading pandemic war stories (he’s in education) and then agreed to go for a run before breakfast as it’s likely to rain later.
When I started to shiver he chucked me his warm hoody and went to get himself another one so I really think I’m in here.
I’m snuggled up in a sleeping bag and duvet but now far too keyed up to sleep!

Great stuff. Hope you're having a great time.

BTW all of you who mentioned tips for late night wees were, frustratingly, totally right. I thought I’d be fine as I never normally need a wee in the night. But I already do! And I’m cold already so the last thing I want is to traipse across the field. But if I go in my washing up bowl everyone will hear. Argh!

Just pee by your tent. Round the back if you need to hide. Nobody cares!