<<whispers>> I think I've gone off camping...

[MisSalLaneous]

... and I need someone to Have A Word with me.

I've got all my favourite things, once I'm there, I've always loved it, yet I just can't get myself excited about it anymore. What happened?? And more importantly, how do I get over this feeling of dread I get when I think of it??

We're going to Wowo weekend after next, so if you could change my attitude as soon as possible, it would be greatly appreciated!

Hang on a minute. Didn't you go all the way to Holland to buy a bell tent? Haven't you only been camping in it once? Have you not got bunting and fairy lights - not sure about this. If you haven't that may be why you are dreading going. I have fairy lights but no bunting and I wander around campsites looking longingly at other people's bunting .

Pull yourself together .

I was the same last eyar

persevere m'dear, it returns

Golly SMA not you as well? You're an expert camper. How can you dread going camping what with a Cobb and all?

Ah am a bit bbetter this year Mol LOL

Although- we bought a new Vango and it really ahsn;t been the job at all! Will have to go, to be replaced by a Khyam longleat. Simply not up to scrratch at all (will be asking for a refund, they condemned our first one and replaced it but still has issues)

The sun this year when we were away was amazing though and really perked us up a treat.

Snowdonia next week. Looking forward to that but not the blinkin vango

I always associate a feeling of dread with camping.

I'm happy to be pleasantly surprised once I'm there, but that feeling often comes in handy I've found. Having to packup every pot and pan and be at the mercy of the elements is hard for me. Dh and dc love it though...

Sorry, not much help was I?

SMA where are you going in Snowdonia? We went to Beddgelert the weekend before last. It rained all day every day (and night) but we still had a fab time. Which Vango have you got?

MollieO. Yes, I know, I know. No, I've used bell for a weekend and a proper longer camping trip now, and it really was great and, well, perfect, you know, so I don't know what's up with me! You know what though, you might be on to something there - I have no bunting. That's probably it, fairy lights are just not good enough... Bunting will solve all my problems. Right?

Sancti, it's somehow very reassuring to hear you say that. If you, a proper camper (vs overexcited amateur on this side) can go through this, there might be some hope for me yet.

Hahaha TheMoonOnAStick, not really, no.

I love that feeling of peace you get once you've settled down. We usually camp in woods around a campfire, which is why my current mood is slightly confusing.

Beddgelert yes, and the vango is the monte verde 900

Ah Sancti, I've just seen your Vango comment. Urgh, you've really had bad luck with that design, haven't you? I wonder if they'll soon pull it then, surely others must have the same problems.

Beddgelert is fantastic, we went at the beginning of the hols and the DC cried as they didn't want to leave.

I know what you mean though about losing your camping mojo, I love it when I'm there but it's all the packing and organising I dread. Especially when you have to pack your tent up in a Monsoon, and then get it all back out to dry when you get home.

I am also on a guilt trip that DS1 came back from our last camping trip with bronchitis... now rationally I know that it had nothing to do with sleeping in a tent in the rain but MIL has been giving me those looks as though it is all my fault and I should just book a hotel like any other sane person.

Oh no, domesticsluttery, nothing like blame (especially unjustified) to make an already hard situation worse, hey. Hope DS1 recovered quickly.

Ds's asthma wasn't great when we started our last trip, so maybe that has a little to do with it.

Am very tempted to go back to Beddgelert it is so lovely. We are off for a couple of nights next week and not sure it is sensible to drive for 5 hours for that length of time.

I've only been camping twice so far and have two more trips planned (well time booked off but not decided where to go).

First trip this year was to Wellington Country Park near Basingstoke (Hampshire). Thoroughly put off by the over officious wardens. However Beddgelert was so fab that it has made me keen to go again.

Where are you off to Sal? It doesn't look as if the MN camping trip is going to happen this year, does it?

Oh wow, impressed with you still having 3 ahead, supersal!

I think next weekend will be my last camp of the season, maybe once I'm all rested next year would be fine again. :)

Have just looked at the Beddgelert site - it looks lovely.

Gosh sorry to hear about your accident(s) Sal. Hope you have better luck on this trip.

I'm currently debating where to go and think I may well go back to Christchurch where we went last year. Might make it off the campsite over the weekend this year too .

Thanks Sal. :)

i found get a van helped!

Oh we're going to Wowo next week, will post and let you know if that we've had a great time, maybe that'll help?

Ooh yes please tomatefarcie, I need to hear how utterly fabulous it was! Lie if you have to...

Cerealoffender, I suspect dh would run for the hills if I suggest that, haha. We've compromised on a gigantic roof box, and I have to admit it's made packing so much more peaceful easier. Can imagine van great as I guess you can just leave some things in there anyway, so less of a treck to get away.

I had this happen last year and bought a campervan. No more putting tents up/down in a monsoon. No more mad packing of car the night before. Everything stays in the van. Just pick up pillows and go.

That sounds brilliant. Wish I had spare money for a camper van now.

I find camping hard work so only go max of four nights, and the bell tent makes up for the hard work. I'm probably the sort of person who does it for the children
I didn't really want to admit that, but it is true. I love to bake and cook at home, so miss my oven when I'm camping LOL, oh , and the TV in the evening!
We tend to go away for 4 nights max, but we hope to go away again before end of summer and will go for three nights. Just to have the adventure of it but then go back to home comforts.

We have all our camping stuff in one cupboard which makes it easy, so just have to pack clothes and cool bag.

Big hugs to you!