hey, why dont we all put up someone elses tent, now that could be a scream especially if we get the wine open first!!!!!!!
Good grief if I opened the wine first I won't have a tent up lol, i'm not a big drinker so a sniff of the cork and I will be on my back well not quite but you know what I mean.
------------- Vid walkthrough of my Aztec Cantera 12 tent *Click Me*
Video of my folding caravan *Click Me*
just got back from 5 days of camping and had two families in tents next to ours and as soon as our tent was up they asked if they could come and have a tour, they loved our tent and now want to get the same, had tea and opened the wine that was it chattin all nite felt we had known them for years, then we all wobbled to the club for a few more, have swapped nimbers and have been txting each other every day, theres some really nice people out there
i've found on all my camping trips (all 3 of them, yes i'm still a novice) that most people just like to keep themselves to themselves appart from in passing.
with the exeption of some easy going caravaners and their lovely dog amber that were next door on my first trip, and some more caravaners that enjoyed a laugh on the second.
i'm not saying that us campers aren't friendly but i can't say that i've had a good chat with any except a quick hello. Although i've always loved the thought of meeting another ukcampsite member whilst away, i've not yet had the pleasure.
guess i'll have to get myself a flag, fly it from a guyline and see what occurs this year
I am considering taking my two boys away over summer whilst oh is working and whilst I don't want to have constant companionship from fellow campers.. I brief chat or at least a hello would be welcome. We have just returned from fab 5 days where our boys met some great friends, their parents were in a caravan opposite us and came out to say hello as we arrived. Very friendly but not intrusive. Mum watched our youngest whilst we took down tent and packed away. We watched their dog whilst they had shower etc. Hopefully this is more the norm and not what you experienced!
I've found all this very interesting as I also camp alone sometimes with my children. My OH is even more 'introverted' than me, I like to nod and say hello but I never know what to say after that and so I either talk non-stop or nod like a nodding donkey! I liked the idea of the Pillaton meet but thought that everyone knew each other beforehand. When I go away, it's a great opportunity of chillout and reading time and I get very stuck into my books, so although I like to know my neighbours and make sure I say hello, I do really enjoy my quiet time - hope that doesn't sound too bad!
------------- Angie ~~
~ If you see someone without a smile give them one of yours ~
I am also quite introverted, although not shy. What I mean is, I would feel very uneasy if I had to start a conversation as I wouldn't know what to say and I would always be afraid of disturbing them
I would love it however if other people did the first step
I always say hello though, at home, at work, at the pub, etc.
I am a fairly anti-social type and appreciate my own space, OH is quite similar.
I must say I find it hard to see the point of view of those who complain that their neighbours do not want to invest their precious holiday time entertaining them.
I am however polite and will nod and say hello and answer specific questions but I am not your new best friend. It is not my fault you are not comfortable enough with yourself to enjoy time in your own head.
I don't really mix with other campers. I'll say hello or offer help if it looks needed but to be honest I worry more about whether my children (5,2 and 1) are being a pain if they play in/around other tents with their children.
I feel quite uncomfortable with the idea of strangers coming over for a drink but I'm more than happy to have a chat with people as I walk past them to the shop etc.
Also, I'm there for a break from my crazy family so not really there for meeting new friends. Don't get me wrong, I'd be really pleased if we found some really good new friends while camping but I'm not setting out to meet them if you know what I mean.
However, if I ever get to be without the rugrats it'll be different
I'm an introvert too - whilst I'd never dream of being rude or ignoring people (I'd always say hi) - I'm really not interested in getting together etc - I prefer my peace and quiet.
Whilst the odd hello or quick chat is fine and very sociable I really don't mind being ignored either! I would prefer neighbours like that to ones that can be at the other extreme of being rowdy to all hours of the evening and beyond!
Generally I keep myself to myself on site, although I do say "good morning" and join in chat at the showers/washing up area etc.
It would be great though to meet other members of ukcs onsite though, just to say hello, and maybe a drink together, certainly wouldn't expect them to become my new best friend, although if you really do get on with someone there is nothing wrong with that, but primarily I am there to spend time with my family. So I will be putting the poster in my window when we go away in future (starting next week if the oldest remembers to laminate it at his Dad's and bring back with him to ours- could be a bit of a tall order lol) and if anyone sees it and feels like it they would be very welcome to come and introduce themselves.
Btw AngieGL the majority of people going to the Pillaton meet have never met before so you certainly wouldn't be crashing an established group. We are all just going because we love this forum and wanted to put names to faces. Please come along if you want, it would be lovely to meet you too.
I used to be really introverted and keep head down, but I've realised the enjoyment that can be had from chatting with the ladies - usually a smile and a wink can get a conversation going :)