I have to say though my hubby is more sociable (read as nosey) than me and frequently "takes the dog for a walk" just so he can meet other campers and chat! Me, often I can't be bothered, I do enough talking in daily life/work and sometimes like to have my iPod on (shock horror) and my nose in a book and be left in peace.
I do find the bathroom mirrors are a good place to chat though..lol... and I don't mind passing the time of day there.
That'll be because a lot of dog walkers think dogless walkers are weird!
PMSL
I believe that is true - nearly everyone I meet while walking Borda has a dog or two in leafy Wiltshire!
There are at least 5 dogs or more in my tiny neighbourhood of about 8-9 houses.
DK
Imo, a walk without a dog is depriving a dog somewhere of a nice walk! Before I had my own dogs, I often used to take friends' and neighbours' dogs with me if I was going for a walk. I was gutted when my neighbours, who owned two lovely labradors, moved away and I couldn't borrow them any more.
I always wish everyone good morning or say hello but have noticed that this year, i havent always got a reply. I think this could be due to new people trying camping for the first time due to the economic climate and they are unsure of the friendliness of regular campers? Unsure if i am right but that is the reason i have told myself when people havent replied to me.
------------- Debbie
June 2010 - Ashfield Caravan Park, York
August 2010 - Thorpe Hall, Rudston
Washing up the dishes, like someone said earlier, I find is a good place for a chat if you want one. Poor campingrocks, was it just one place that had unfriendly po-faced people or were there a few I wonder ? We found there were plenty friendly folk where we camped recently.Always a few people who studiously avoid eye contact though.
I agree it makes camping nicer if people even just smile. Mind you, sometimes folk have things on their mind - mebbe there were lots of sad people where campingrocks was ?
I found the people on my last holiday were lovely, we all spoke our children played together, it made the holiday lovely, and then when my car wouldn't start on the day I was leaving, I had no problems finding help pushing my car.
I am a friendly person, and start conversations anywhere, If I'm waiting in a queue I can't help but chat.
We were at bay view near carnforth last weekend and the majority (including those new to camping) were all quite chatty and happy to nip over to each others tent for a natter, on the other hand there was a family who pitched their tent facing the outside of the field (opposite to everyone else). I just took it that they weren't too sociable and wanted a bit of solitude/privacy not sure which so I respected it. The pot washing area is a deffinate place for people to chat. I would say a good 90% of people say hello or are happy to have a chat which is deffinately one of the reasons I love camping as (nearly) everyone is so friendly.
I will always reply if someone talks to me, but I must admit I'm bad at initiating chats with strangers. This is for a number of reasons - namely I go away to get away from it all and just want to switch off. That can mean that i go into my own little world in my head and stop noticing people. Yes I am insular and can be antisocial when needs demand ;)
Secondly having lived in some dodgy places and being on my own I am more than a little a little wary of people I dont know (hence the windbreak around the entrance of the tent - gives me some privacy and to prevent people seeing in, I've been burgled at home too many times so am security conscious even when on holiday). Thats my caution coming out through experience. If people can't understand that, well, not a lot I can do about that.