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

I had the most lovely afternoon
I was slightly woebegone earlier, feeling like maybe I’d blown up the flirting of last night into something of more significance than it was. But then when everyone made plans he asked if I wanted to go out for lunch The threatening rain didn’t arrive so we had hours alone in a pub garden and got to know each other better.

Not getting to know each other better in the biblical sense!

And here’s hoping you’re all right about subsequent night’s improving.

I just starting reading this thread and I love this love story!

Good luck Incipet, enjoying reading this thread, it's like a romantic drama, I really hope things work out for you.

I'm more excited about this than I should be!

Goooo OP

Good luck for tonight OP! Sounds like it's going brilliantly.

💃💃

Doing a happy dance for you!

Before you head off to bed tonight, get everything ready. Layers, ear plugs, eye mask etc.

Don't get cold, it's horrible trying to warm up once you get chilly.

Have a lovely evening

Oh this is so lovely! I started reading the thread to get camping tips (funnel to pee into bottles might come with me next time) but am totally invested in OP's romance!

So over invested in this thread!

Petition for a camping themed wedding 😂

@lachy

💃💃

Doing a happy dance for you!

Before you head off to bed tonight, get everything ready. Layers, ear plugs, eye mask etc.

Don't get cold, it's horrible trying to warm up once you get chilly.

Have a lovely evening

Thank you for the reminder! I almost forgot but quickly got organised now, before the last of the light goes. My fingers are crossed for better sleep, later tonight.

I’ve been virtually sitting in his lap this evening which of course led to some light teasing from others in our group but that’s probably unavoidable in the circumstances. He’s so sweet.

Ooh, what an update! Lunch and snuggling 🥰

How was your night OP? Can't wait to hear more.

Better night. Though I was too hot to start with, and again this morning, and freezing in between. But having everything to hand meant I could layer on or off clothes and get back to sleep faster.

He brought me coffee and a bacon sarnie which was lovely, but slightly alarming with bedhair and unbrushed teeth!

Best update ever!

Woohoo! This is great!

Did he bring everyone else coffee and a bacon sarnie, or are you getting special treatment? I'm hoping it's the latter.

Not sure I'd recommend the nappies and porta loo when going away with a many you're trying to seduce 😅

Top tip for if it rains

Do NOT leave anything touching the tent material before it starts raining and if it has rained definitely dont touch the sides. For some reason it automatically makes the tent de-waterproof at that spot and the water starts dripping in.

Hope it doesnt rain!

Woolly hat, gloves, fleece jacket, long sleeved t shirts, leggings. Waterproof jacket. Bin bags and gaffer tape for leaks. Tin mug and instant coffee/sugar sachets and a couple of teaspoons. Sunblock and bug repellent. Tick grabber. Plasters and sticky dressings.

It can be absolutely bitterly cold in midsummer depending upon where you are.

I've shagged DP once in a tent in ten years. At 2pm. There has never been any hankypanky at night despite only ever going in August because it is just too bloody cold.

Haha I so hope he heats your tent up for you soon!!!

@TheFoundations

Did he bring everyone else coffee and a bacon sarnie, or are you getting special treatment? I'm hoping it's the latter.

I’m not 100% sure, but I think he made lots and told those also awake to help themselves, then delivered some to me. It was nice to be woken up to his voice saying “knock knock, Incipit” outside my tent. We were doing different things this afternoon and I’m now back to the site before him. Going to scrub myself in the shower and wash my hair in case he seems interested in kissing later… there almost seemed like a moment at the end of lunch yesterday but then I saw how dirty my fingernails were and felt too grimy.

It’s really weird going from wearing full PPE on almost a daily basis to not even many opportunities to wash my hands.

Sounds really lovely! Very glad to hear your updates OP 😊 Fingers crossed for you!