I used to have a small caravan and on one site which appeared flat I unhitched but neglected to set the handbrake while I parked my car. Fortunately before I got into my car I heard laughter from some people sitting outside a caravan opposite and then, out of the corner of my eye, saw my caravan starting to roll away. I was able to grab it and apply the handbrake but there were no shouts of warning from the amused group or any sign that they were running across to help. They just seemed to be enjoying the spectacle and the possible devastating outcome.
So it's not the mentality of caravanners specifically but the mentality of some people in general.
Quote: Originally posted by Bob61 on 26/8/2016
I used to have a small caravan and on one site which appeared flat I unhitched but neglected to set the handbrake while I parked my car. Fortunately before I got into my car I heard laughter from some people sitting outside a caravan opposite and then, out of the corner of my eye, saw my caravan starting to roll away. I was able to grab it and apply the handbrake but there were no shouts of warning from the amused group or any sign that they were running across to help. They just seemed to be enjoying the spectacle and the possible devastating outcome.
So it's not the mentality of caravanners specifically but the mentality of some people in general.
Bob,
That is really sad to hear ,anyone who can enjoy other peoples misfortunes like that are beyond contempt.
I do look at other people setting up, but only to see if they need help.
My wife always tells me not to look but I do it for the right intentions.
Thankfully
most campers I have met ,whatever the mode are nice people.
In all walks of life you will always get the exceptions.
Regards,
Greg
I agree that everyone looks a muppet at times. I think we would consider ourselves fairly seasoned campers and we know exactly what we are doing with our tent. Two years ago as we were putting the awning up a fellow camper asked if we needed a hand. We thanked him but siad we were fine, at that exact point the wind gusted and thankfully the fellow camper stepped up and grabbed the awning
Just go and have fun, the worst camping incidents are those that you talk about and laugh about for years to come
We put our dog in the tent in his car crate so he was familiar with his bed. The first night he barked (just a couple of quiet woofs) at every little sound. For the rest of the week he slept soundly..
We first tried securing him to a couple of crossed plastic pegs, they were chewed in minutes. We next tried metal pegs but a few tugs and they were out so, finally, we invested in one of those long screw dog stakes, it has proved invaluable.
If you don't have a garden Try the local park early on in the day. If anyone asks let them know you are only trying it out rather than moving on to private land like our 'Travelling' chums.
Embarrassment should be avoided at all costs. Trial and error is best done in private. On the other hand I, like many others would never see anyone struggling without offering a helping hand.
Quote: Originally posted by Bob61 on 26/8/2016
I used to have a small caravan and on one site which appeared flat I unhitched but neglected to set the handbrake while I parked my car. Fortunately before I got into my car I heard laughter from some people sitting outside a caravan opposite and then, out of the corner of my eye, saw my caravan starting to roll away. I was able to grab it and apply the handbrake but there were no shouts of warning from the amused group or any sign that they were running across to help. They just seemed to be enjoying the spectacle and the possible devastating outcome.
So it's not the mentality of caravanners specifically but the mentality of some people in general.
Bob,
That is really sad to hear ,anyone who can enjoy other peoples misfortunes like that are beyond contempt.
I do look at other people setting up, but only to see if they need help.
My wife always tells me not to look but I do it for the right intentions.
Thankfully
most campers I have met ,whatever the mode are nice people.
In all walks of life you will always get the exceptions.
Regards,
Greg
I think it is quite natural to watch other people setting up camp when you are sat outside your unit with nothing much else to do. It is also difficult to assess when somebody is really struggling and in need of help or just having a bad day as we all do. It's a fine line between helping and interfering.
But to sit and watch and laugh and not offer a helping hand is not nice.
I have recently come back from a trip and it was a little blustery when setting up. My first problem was trying to get the footprint pegged down before it disappeared into the next field but once I got one corner pegged down the rest was fairly easy. After that though I had to do the same with the tent and fortunately managed to get all four corners pegged in between gusts. I don't normally peg all four corners but glad I did on this occasion because once the tent was pulled up it tried to take off like a balloon. I ended up running like a mad man around the tent popping in pegs as quickly as I could.
I would certainly have appreciated some help on this occasion although managed in the end. I don't think anyone was watching me though, unless they were inside their units peeking out from behind closed curtains and laughing their socks off
Have you managed to trial pitch your tent and gone away for a little break with your pooch?
It sounds as though you are being very hard on yourself and wanting things to be 'perfect' in what is very much an imperfect world.
You are bold and brave to try something new and have a mini-adventure, and deserve a pat on the back as it's not easy to make that leap into the unknown.
There's so much great guidance and wisdom available on this site so read it, take the advice and go explore and enjoy nature. It seems that this is really important for you in some way.