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Survived 3 days at Newton Mill under canvas (polyester really) despite the rain and the frosty weather. First time away with electric hookup and it made all the difference. The fan heater was blowing 24/7 and no swapping batteries in the UFO lights - it was like another world of camping. Successfully tested out the Porta Potti so no nocturnal trips to the loo - a must for future trips.

The pitch was a bit muddy but a nice space by the caravans and motorhomes right next to the stream that runs through the camp. Very little condensation, helped by the fan heater no doubt. Just need to dry the tent out completely before packing it away for the winter.

Would I go away at the same time of year again? - not sure. Enjoyed visiting Bath though.

How did other half-termers fair?

hi sjray

we backed out out at the 11th hour and didnt go, when the weather man said on monday  temps were below average that sort of did it for us and we decided however much we love camping we didnt want to risk being cold ..... very wimpy i know lol

pleased you had a great time

We went to Flamingoland, and were really lucky with the weather.    I know that one night the rain sounded horrendous, but we were tucked up in bed.
Most days were cold, and two mornings we woke up to frost, but apart from the odd shower it was dry.    Provided you had your coat on it was very pleasant walking around.    Just put the heater on in the camper when we were in.  
Saturday morning we went into Scarborough, but after picking up some food, ventured back to camp as it was too windy to enjoy the seafront.
Got one icy shower on Tuesday afternoon, so we went into Pickering for a nosey round, and manage to get some wellies that would fit my fat calves, so I was pleased about that.
Phoned my brother everyday, only to be told that not only was it cold here in Liverpool, but it was p**ing down.

We had a brilliant time on the North Norfolk coast (Mundesley). Freezing cold but we too had EHU for the first time and the fan heater was fantastic. There was something very special about hearing the wind, rain and on Monday hailstones outside but knowing you were toasty warm under canvas (OK - polyester like you!). Days were bright & cold so no complaints here and I'd definitely do it again. The only downside is getting the tent dry & packed away for the winter - it's been p**ing it down since we got home!

Glad you had a good time too.

Had a brilliant week at Brighouse Bay.

Weather was good - cold on Tues and a couple of showers on Wed. Beach walks, no mobile signals, no computer, no TV  - good time spent together.  So long as you ahve planty of layers and EHU then noting is too bad.

Perfect decamping day today - nothing wet away wet so no dryingout needed at home. First time out for our Sunvalley and it stood up great (apart from baggy bedroom pod corners - post and reviews to follow).

At one point there were 5 tents pitched and when we left 2 were still there.

Glad everyone else survived.

Oh never again! We went to Blue Dolphin at Filey and even though we had EHU with a 2kw fan heater in a monty 6 with the temperatures we had was about as useless as a chocolate teapot. We had a footprint, SIG, bedroom SIG, 2 blankets, 1 thermal underblanket, 1 sheet and 1 sleeping bag UNDER us. We were sleeping in a sleeping bag with a winter weight duvet on top of that with 2 fleece blankets on top of that too, followed by wearing 7 layers, varying from thermals to fleece pj's & fleece jackets and we were finally warm in bed! (oh and hot water bottles) Because the tent was so cold and grim we were in bed for 9pm and slept in until 9am just to stay warm. We managed to last three nights out of the four, forever hoping for an upturn in the weather and temperatures but it never came. We've decided to abandon any further hope of camping in such cold weather as it wasn't enjoyable. Roll on the spring when we can sit under the porch in just a layer or two looking at the lovely bright sunny weather. It hasn't put us off camping but it's made us realise we were maybe a little bonkers for staying so long in such harsh conditions!

RESPECT to Sir Ranulf Feines and Co tee hee hee!!!!!!!!!!!!

fostermum, you're right about the weather on returning home. I washed off the ground sheets yesterday (just before the heavens openned) and will get the tent out at the weekend for a thorough clean.

andy_hartfordXL, by the sounds of it our few days away were quiet and sedate in comparison to what you got up to! At least you seemed to have reatined a sense of humour and not put off by the experience.

Roll on spring...

Quote: Originally posted by sjray on 02/11/2008

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fostermum, you're right about the weather on returning home. I washed off the ground sheets yesterday (just before the heavens openned) and will get the tent out at the weekend for a thorough clean.

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I'm really proud of all of you who managed to stick it out. I sat under my blanket every night, in my lounge (watching Most Haunted) and thinking of all of you in tents, whilst my husband gave me 'I told you so' comments about my dreams to camp in the October half term.

Well done you bonkers lot!! I wish I was as brave and hardy as you.