Chat around the Campfire....

[SeaShellsUnderCanvas]

So last year we had a general chat thread for bragging/nattering/safe havens from when the trolls were out in the main boards! Thought we would start one again as it was lovely!

40l = 2 of their gel packs. They stand either end like bookends. We then just use 3 small normal ice packs to keep it chilled whilst the gel packs are in the freezer-they only take 4hrs to freeze.

Oh dear, I hadn't thought about what the Olympics would do for availability/prices on campsites in July/August. That's bad luck for families restricted to the school holidays

I don't think the Olympics will have an impact on sites nowhere near Olympic locations. In fact some families with sports mad members might insist on staying at home and near a TV, leaving campsites deserted!

I'm wondering about the Olympics too. At the moment I am cheerfully completely anti the whole ridiculous performance, but I know from past experience that I'm likely to care a bit more come the day. Also I think DP will want to watch. OTH I think sites will be much quieter than usual that fortnight, if not cheaper, so might be a good time to go. Or I may be completely wrong, and they will all be packed with people who can't face the wall to wall sportsfest.

May I slope in at the back?

We are embarking on family camping this year for the first time and I have spent the last few months gathering kit at knock-down prices whilst drooling over the icey-tek website.

I have just booked 3 nights at half term at Spiers House and am considering Cote Ghyll for the summer. In between we are glamping in a yurt in Anglesey.

I'm hoping for good weather so we can get in at least two or three trips over the hols - what with DH being a teacher, we should be able to go midweek a couple of times.

oooh, those look like nice plcaes to go, Duchess!

Can anyone talk to me about Aussie Gel Packs? Apart from the big one being big, are they in any way different or superior to other gel based freezer blocks? Will the Icey Tek work with my ordinary freezer packs?

It will work, of course it will :) I only got them as there was no way I was going to get to a camping shop and buy any others any time soon [small children get in the way of shopping emoticon]

Come up North, no-one gives a shit about the Olympics up this way !

Yay- a large vango canopy just arrived to hopefully extend our (non vango) tent, just hope it fits reasonably well. Think that was a good purchase given the forecast.

Just bought a very nice liitle torch.......

We have just spent the last 2 hours sat with friends in our new camper on the drive, drinking wine and planning trips away together. Nice to know that 6 of us can sit well in it. :)

It is forecasting very cold for May BH :(

Is everyone still going away?

Oh hillbilly you have reminded me I have no torches for next weekend! Thank you!

We are still going May BH we will take LOTS of quilts

I really want to DH has swapped his shifts and DD1 has been convinced she can miss one training session. But my house is cold at night just now... I'm in Scotland and leaving my decision to go east or west until later in the week. Do you think lots of cozy blankets and an electric hook up for fan heater and it could be bearable?

Oh and off topic - can anyone point me in the direction of a generic porch extension, or any brand which will fit my lovely but now discontinued Outwell Michigan 8 www.worldofcamping.co.uk/outwell_michigan_8_tent__104532?utm_source=google&utm_medium=merchant
TIA

We are also camping -on the west coast - next weekend. OMG.

Definitely going next weekend
I contemplated letting the DSs have their own tent but decided that 4 of us huddled together will be warmer .
Will take:
foil blankets
rugs
SIMS
sleeping bags
fleece blankets
hot water bottles
and massive down duvet that I have just remembered is stashed in the airing cupboard (we swapped it for a washable one when the DC were babies spilling milk and assorted noxious substances on our bed)

I've been promised a continuous campfire too.

Yep it's rugs, hot water bottles, duvets, fleeces, blankets, sleeping bags for us too. I just hope it's dry so we can have a campfire. I may end up sitting next to a tumble drier like last year

Hello! I am new to camping, and we are planning our first family trip this year with our 4 year old.

OH is a former scout and is very experienced at the tent side of thing. But I think he is used to on site catering and pub lunches so looks a bit confused when I ask him how we will eat and and how we will heat up water for drinks and hot water bottles. He also doesn't understand why I want to know what to wear. "Don't worry there isn't a dress code!" He says.

So what do you all wear? My basic uniform is jeans and t shirts, but I think the jeans might be awful to wear if they get wet/muddy.

Thanks!

I wear leggings or jeans with thick socks and walking boots / crocs / wellies. You need to bring lots of jumpers and waterproofs. Leggings are great for comfort and mobility but not as warm as jeans.
Have you got an electric hook up? You can then get a fan heater for the tent and even a travel kettle.

Morning!!

Has anyone seen the deal on Groupon for 2 nights at Hoar Park Farm for 2 adults and 2 kids (including breakfast) for £22? Looks nice and not too far from us, DS would love the petting farm bit.

Has anyone been? There are no reviews on ukcampsite, so don't know if I should go ahead and book it or not...

Thank you Migsy. Glad to know jeans aren't a silly idea. We have lots of waterproof jackets and jumpers already, although I think the boy and I will need waterproof trousers.

Our first trip will be to the local scout field 45 mins away with just toilets and showers for facilities, and for just 1 night in fair weather....when we get some! Just to test the waters.

I always wear jeans or leggings and then increasing numbers of layers on top as the evenings get colder - one of my favorite things about camping is not giving a sh*t about what i look like!!!..... oh and tend to wear wellies on my feet at all times....mainly as it ALWAYS rains when we camp but even when its dry the grass is always wet in the morn.......but theres no uniform at all just wear your scruffs that you don't mind getting muddy and then take a change of clothes in case you venture into the real world at all during your trip!!!

Shorts, cropped trousers or jeans depending on the weather.

Birkenstocks, walking shoes or wellies depending on the weather (and flipflops in case of nasty shower floors).

Tshirt, fleece, waterproof jacket, anorak depending on the weather.

I also have some zip offs and some waterproof trousers in case of particularly intrepid hiking, but that's not likely to happen this year due to lazybones 3 year old DS.

I wear short / cropped jeans as the hems of full length jeans can get damp in the grass and then all nasty in the tent.

Crocs / wellies and flip flops are ideal because you can shuck them on and off easily, again to avoid tramping wet grass and mud into the tent, and especially into sleeping compartements.. Flip flops also essential for showers / shower blocks, IMO.