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15/11/2011 at 4:00pm
Location: Derbyshire
Outfit: Gelert cabana 4 Gelert Stratus 4
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I suppose the whole concept of camping has been something bordering on obsession with me for many years. Most of it, latterly, happening in my head.
It is quite comforting as I lay in bed on a winters night to remember camping expeditions in the past, imagine camps that might have been and those to look forward to.
A recurring favourite to think about was a trip around North Wales way back in 1970. Why this should be any kind of favourite I am unsure as it was particulary tough
and I ended up with mild hypothermia.
Perhaps the simple fact that it was memorable because my best mate James was with me (and the cause of certain problems) has some bearing. James, who I always referred to as Jock, though I found out years later he didn't really like it, was indeed, a Scot. On this particular occasion we were part of a camping club outing that would culminate with a wild camp at the foot of Cader Idris before climbing over the mountain before heading home. The previous night we had camped in a remote farmers field by a stream. It was a beautiful evening and the twelve of us enjoyed the water before sitting round the traditional campfire drying off.
The next morning it was very low cloud, cold and damp. Jocks turn to make breakfast while I put kit away. He came over with two lots of porrige in mess tins as I poked the tent into the bag. I sat on a convienient log and took the first mouthful, promptly spitting the lot out in disgust. I had forgotten what a Scot did with porrige, it was full of salt. yuk. No way could I eat it being used to a sprinkling of sugar on mine. Anyway off we trekked on the 12 or so miles to the lake at the foot of our mountain. It was a lovely walk really but I stated getting a little light headed. The expedition leader called a halt as I seemed to be wobbling a bit and I had a lunch of dates and water.
That night found us by the lake in dense cloud and we got some hot food inside us. Eventually bedding down for a welcome nights sleep. I woke at stupid oclock very cold and very wet. I was in about 2 inches of water. Rain hammered down on the tent which was leaking inside from the roof. I put my torch on and shone it at Jock who was fast off lieing on all our kit, dry as a bone. I spent the night sat huddled around my torch shivering.
The dawn arrived to find me outside unable to comply with any instruction and couldn't care less. No climb for us today we headed down off the hills. I was being encouraged to map read but for all I knew we were heading down some Mongolian pass. The most welcome sight was a pub where I was warmed and dried out by the coal fire and hot sweet tea.
Why did the tent leak? James Jock salt in yer porrige clever dick had run his finger along the roof of the tent and broken the seal effectively. Nice one buddy. You are sadly missed and I for one hope you are warm and dry in that campsite in the sky. R.I.P
Since that time I have camped many times in many places, Wild camping, or on commercial sites with family as the kids grew, up hill and down dale. I often camped on my own when I worked in a very noisy factory, searching for some peace and quiet. I rarely found it. Even though I would go mid week during term time I inevitably seemed to end up surrounded by camping party animals. I often wonder why people come from cities to the tranquility of my favourite campsite in the Peak District only to carry on in high gear. If they only knew to sit and shush, turn the mp3s off and listen. Still, each to their own I suppose.
This year I have managed to get away camping 4 times and in the main enjoyed it very much, particularly camping with both my grown up daughters and one of their partners. It was blisteringly hot so while this old fogey established himself under a large tree in the shade all day the girls explored the streambed taking photographs. A lovely time.
I am not entirely sure what 2012 will bring in terms of number of trips as to be honest I am out of work and desperately need a job. Though one trip is in the planning stage and this is all down to friends from Blackpool who want to start camping again after some years break. Not being people to do things by halves the trip is planned for 10 days in the lake district. Five of us in total. I think they have a lot of kit to buy between now and next July. Jim (yep another Jim) wants to build his own trailer for a start. He, his wife Helen and two teens will use a 6 berth Lichfield frame tent that has been stuck in my loft for eight years. It will probably need a dose of fabsil but is a great tent that they can keep, hopefully encouraging more trips in the future.
I have decided to take my Gelert Cabana 4 just as my independent bedroom essentially as it is so waterproof. I do still have to make some modifications though. I am moving the door poles inside the tent as the whole of the front of the tent is supported by two webbing straps, one of which gave way on my first use of it. I also need to fashion a hood to protect the doorway for when it rains as it is very exposed and prone to water ingress when the door is opened. I am unable to add a awning as this will take the tent size beyond 4m after which the site fees double. Ten days of camping seems an awful long time to me being used to three day trips. So fingers crossed it goes alright. I am very much looking forward to it though as I have always wanted to see the western lake district and the camp site chosen is in Wasdale.
So.....whats YOUR story????
Post last edited on 15/11/2011 17:02:21
Post last edited on 15/11/2011 17:21:52
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15/11/2011 at 6:01pm
Location: South East
Outfit: Oregon 5 QuechuaT4 Easycamp Roma4
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Joined: 09/4/2009 Platinum Member 
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Derby Dog, I go camping for the good of my soul too.
I started out with my daughters and husband, now the girls are not interested, it's just the two of us. I work in a school and my husband in a busy office. We camp because it is SO different from our ordinary, run of the mill lives.
We enjoy each others company, all the unnecessary trappings of modern life stripped away, just the basics, fresh air and sunshine(sometimes) lots of rain, walking, wine and laughter.
we don't manage to get away more than 2/3 times a year for a few days, but it is just enough to recharge our batteries. I can't wait for 2012 - who knows where we will end up - thats all part of the enjoyment.
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Sarah
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Topic: camping ramble
