Things I learned while camping this time

[mamhaf]

• Bacon butties and fresh coffee while overlooking a glorious sea view is an instant de-stresser

- Ditto wine and barbecued fresh fish later in the day - Kids seems to make instant friends while camping - (Clean) tent pegs can also be bbq skewers - A bucket with a lid is a brilliant idea for night-time wees especially when it's raining outside(thanks to whoever posted this tip on mn). - Brandy warms you up nicely for bed, especially if you've also put a hot water bottle in the sleeping bag. - Flip-flops are essential shower wear - Friends who won't camp don't know what they're missing - There's nothing like a bath, your own bed and clean sheets when it's all over

Glad you had a great time

Whereabouts did you stay?

Lovely site in Wales. We were very, very lucky with the weather which makes a huge difference.

Message withdrawn

• camper awnings tend to puddle when it rains heavily in the night

- never empty a rain-filled camper awning just as someone walks past... - don't bother taking fruit - snacks while camping tend to be of the icecream and cake variety and fruit just gets left to rot on the side - smaller family-run campsites suit us better than the big commercial ones - learnt how to use the laundrette on site when son number 1 wet the bed the second night and son number 2 had a poo accident the third night - no matter how much guy ropes and washing pegs you have to peg out washing, it's never enough when you have duvet covers and sheets to air - the waterproofing on our new folding camper works (phew!)

If you move your tent across the field to avoid the worst of the wind, the wind will worsen and change direction in the middle of the night and blow your tent down breaking all the poles.
Estate cars are surprisingly comfy to sleep in.

Oh no, MadLabOwner!

Repairable?

DH learned that if you try to hang all your weight on the windbreak poles they will snap.

I learned that I should be the first to bed not the last then I would realise that my bed was at the bottom end of the slope and I will disappear off the airbed into the hole during the night.

I learned that camping with another couple and their children of similar age makes for a restful holiday all round - kids were such good mates within minutes and had made friends with a whole posse of other kids within half and hour.

Camping again in T minus 14 days!

Thanks for the tent peg/BBQ skewer tip. I like that.