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Topic: Maiden voyage in the Pennine Sterling

ANGEDAWS

11/5/2014 at 7:26pm
Location: Northern England
Outfit: Coleman Mosedale 5

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So, after a bit of a delayed start we set off on Friday for our first weekend away in the second hand FC we have just bought. I was really nervous because we checked everything out carefully before we parted with our money but you just cant be 100 sure it will be OK.

The site we had chosen was down some narrow and hilly country roads which was a bit nerve racking. Eventually we arrived on site, were allocated a nice sheltered grass pitch and got set up. It was a bit chaotic because despite a practice run at home we didnt really know where anything was and how it all went together but we got there in the end.

And then the rain started. It rained for most of Friday night and most of Saturday. It was probably a good thing that we didnt know about the severe weather warning that had been issued after we left home!

The camper did us proud and we were dry and snug. Oh and the beds are so comfortable! Unfortunately our nice grassy pitch turned into a swamp and quickly became a mud bath. Despite our best efforts it was impossible not to track mud into the camper and the nice Pennine door mat is now unrecognisable.

We were a bit worried about getting off the pitch again, but with OHs driving skills and a bit of slipping and sliding we did it.

The canvas felt dry this morning but we are going to put it up tomorrow to be absolutely sure. And I think the carpet may need a clean and a hoover anyway.

So all in all a great success and we cant wait for next time. Our only slight problem is that the water pump isnt working but I might post a separate question about that.

Oh and we might go for a handstanding pitch next time!

Bilbo1

11/5/2014 at 9:10pm
Location: Swansea
Outfit: Gobur 12 4 carousel

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I like grass but always go for hard standing if available. Its good to have a baptism of fire to test everything out.

ANGEDAWS

11/5/2014 at 9:17pm
Location: Northern England
Outfit: Coleman Mosedale 5

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Thanks. In a way I am quite glad it rained this weekend, at least we know it doesnt leak! The mud was pretty awful though.

LightFantastic

11/5/2014 at 9:53pm
Location: East Sussex
Outfit: Conway Crusader 2001 folding camper

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Whilst not the best conditions for camping in, as you say at least you know for sure the canvas is all watertight which is one of the main concerns when buying a used FC!

Hope your next trip is not so muddy. We also prefer hard standing when we can as you don't have to deal with soggy/muddy grass if it rains.

Trev.c

11/5/2014 at 10:10pm
Location: Kingswinford Westmidlands.
Outfit: Bailey Ranger 460 4

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Ourselves came back from our first trip at Easter at York.As you say abit nerve racking with the towing and other things but oh what a difference to a tent.Beds are a joy to get in at night.We too had rain but not much to moan about,no leaks anyway.Cannot wait now for next outing at whitsun .

eel28

12/5/2014 at 7:22am
Location: Letchworth Garden City
Outfit: Conway Cruiser

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We loved our Sterling when we had it, so sad to have sold it on but hey ho, needs must at the time. Recently bought an old Aztec and we are all looking forward to our first trip in her at half term

-------------
Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional

Hengus

13/5/2014 at 4:47pm
Location: South Yorkshire Doncaster
Outfit: Conway crusader 2010

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Remember that everything in camping has at least two uses. It's easy to buy a gadget or gizmo for everything and that way you'll surely drown in gadgets or at least break the suspension! The step I take for the awning is also an occasional table or a seat. An upside down washing up bowl is a great foot rest Our best buy recently was a little electric cooker. The hook up prices some sites charge dictate that I use their electricity and not my gas. It grills, reheats and cooks. We didn't feel the need to add a microwave.

ANGEDAWS

13/5/2014 at 9:21pm
Location: Northern England
Outfit: Coleman Mosedale 5

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Thanks all, good advice Hengus. Our camper came fully loaded up with everything the previous family had taken with them (right down to the washing up liquid and loo rolls!) so I have spent a bit of time this afternoon taking some of their stuff out and adding some of our own things.

We still havent taken everything out of the lockers yet - there are two folding tables in there but the weather was so awful last weekend that we didnt use them.

And yes a little electric oven is on my shopping list!

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