We're Campers!! - 5 Things I've Learned About Camping

Well, we've done it. On Wednesday this week, we packed up the car and made our way over to Alfriston Camp Site to spend the night there, trying out our new tent. Fortunately, Jessie (our dog), was much better, having been given anti-inflammatory drugs to aid her back problem; so there was nothing to stop us.

Our Tent

Rather than give you a blow by blow account of our trip (which could be very long and, possibly, boring), I thought I would tell you the 5 major things I learnt about this thing called camping.

1.  Looks Can Be Deceiving.
I find it truly amazing that something that looks as fragile as the tent material available now, together with a few poles, can make such great tents. As you begin, there seems no rhyme or reason to it. The poles are ridiculously slim. But when you start to fit it all together and start to put in a few tent pegs; Hey presto - a tent begins to appear. We had got a 4 man tent and, once it was up, it looked very comfortable for the 2 of us (plus Jessie).

2.  Mistakes Happen.
It is a sad fact that however hard you prepare, things can always go wrong. It was the first time either of us had camped in decades. Technology had moved on with the tent and all it's plastic bits and bobs; the inner linings and the separate groundsheet for the living area - all streets ahead from the little two man tent that my first husband and myself used over 30 years ago. We made the mistake of not fitting the ground sheet in the living area correctly and, when it rained overnight, we woke up to find a soaked pillow and kaftan, but luckily nothing else.

We also thought that we had pitched perfectly, but we had reckoned without that slight slope, which meant that I kept on rolling towards Alan when we were on the air bed. Twice I had to get out to readjust the air bed - lesson learnt.

The air bed featured in another mistake - I had a problem with getting onto and settling on it. On 3 occasions I stepped onto it, went to slip into the sleeping bag, only to find myself bouncing off and landing backwards into the living area. The 3rd time was at 3.00am. My dear husband said that I looked like one of those rather plump ladies in a 18th century cartoon, falling back with their legs akimbo. Most amusing - especially when all I wanted to do was laugh, only to be told to shush! as I would wake up our neighbours. Much shoulder heaving then ensued:-)

3.  You Don't Just Need A Tent.
We had a tent, air bed, sleeping bag, single gas ring, food for tea and breakfast (we were going to eat out at lunchtime, to celebrate), teabags, powdered milk, sugar and coffee. You would think that would have been enough as we were only staying for a night. Yet, it may have been even better with camping chairs; we had one fishing chair and a folding chair from the computer desk - each at a different height to the other, so you were either looking down on the other or looking up. Also you soon realised they weren't very comfortable, especially if Jessie wanted to sit with you.

I had thought Alan mad when he spoke about a carpet in the living area; yet after a while I could see the benefit of that. Mind you, with the influx of water in our groundsheet incident, it would have got very wet.
I could also see that a double stove would be of great benefit if we were considering longer trips. Eating out nowadays is very expensive if done regularly, so cooking on site would definitely reduce costs.

The state of some of the pegs left a lot to be desired when they were taken up, making heavy duty pegs a must for our ever growing list.

To be fair, making do is all part of the fun when camping, so I wasn't unduly worried - just aware that if we were to camp regularly, it would be better to do it in some comfort.

4.  Commonplace Things Become Special
Going to the loo at 01.15am with a nearly full moon was a magical experience. Unzipping the tent and stepping onto grass and then wandering across the field (there wasn't a direct route) torch in hand to the toilet block really appealed . And when I walked from the toilet back to the tent, I looked up and there was the full moon, moving in and out of the straggly clouds - truly lovely.

Even though I had issues with the air bed, going to sleep in what virtually the open air was so different  and, for me, enjoyable.

And even making tea and having our two meals there made for a very different experience.

5.  It's Fun.

Our Site

OK, it wasn't a perfect trip. Things went wrong, there were aspect of our time there that could have been better, but I had a fantastic time. There were a lot of laughs. We met people, some from Holland and Germany; other from Denton and near Lewes; mostly friendly and full of good advice and support.

It was a great learning experience. There were items that we now know would have made the trip better. Mistakes we made, which we will try not to make again. But above all, I feel filled with a great sense of achievement that we actually did it at all. Having had health problems over the past few years, where holidays were not something we could consider, I felt that we were on an upward trend and life was improving.

I'm just hoping that it won't be too long before we do it again.

Nearly There

Well, it looks as if we just might do it - we might well be camping for a night this week.

Jessie's back problem wasn't getting any better, so she was taken to the vet's, who gave her an anti-inflammatory injection and on pain killers for the rest of the week. However, we can take her camping,; provide she is on the lead all the time, doesn't chase other dogs or rabbits; isn't thrown any sticks or balls and doesn't go on any really long walks.

At the moment, she seems a lot better. We popped into the camp site we intend to go to for our 'one night stand' (if we get the night up OK) today and she seemed very keen, even though there were a number of children around. We shall see how she reacts properly tomorrow.

Alan is at this moment getting everything sorted out, so that when we get up tomorrow, it can all be put into the car and we can be off.

I feel very excited and am hoping that it all goes well. Will tell you all about it in my next post. Just bear in mind that we both haven't been camping for at least 30+ years. It's all a bit of a big thing - an adventure.

Maybe we'll go camping?

As with all new occupations that you want to do, there the extras that you have to buy. With camping, it's not just the tent you need, it's the sleeping bag(s), the air bed (if you're of a certain age, camping have to have some comforts!), a wind shield (not in red, yellow or blue - has to be discreet) and something to cook on (which we had already).

So we've had the excitement of packages arriving during the past week, all looking very new and smelling unusual, together with the fun of trying things out. I tried the double sleeping bag - very nice - but I think Alan will have to get one of his own:-)

We have already decided that we were first going to try it out for one night. The intention is to arrive at the camp site fairly early in the morning and start to set the tent up. We have already tried this partially in our living room, so at least we have some idea of how to get the poles in and to get the outer skin up. Both of us ended  up very sweaty and even this small part of setting up took a lot longer than the 25 minutes the complete setting up was supposed to take.

Then, just when we think we've got it all planned, something happens that we didn't cater for - our dog is having difficulty jumping up onto the settee or climbing up steps, and is generally acting very sorry for herself, although she doesn't appear to be in pain. As she was part of team Alfriston, we may have to delay. So, at the moment, it's a case of keeping an eye on her and decide tomorrow whether a trip to the vets is necessary; also whether the date that we had planned for our first foray into the world of camping is still on.

Happy Campers:-)

It does seem strange that when you start doing new things, like making sourdough bread or learning to ride and become confident with a bike, that other opportunities crop up. And you think to yourself, 'why not?' That may not seem unusual to you - but for me, it definitely is.

My husband and I have for a numbers of years talked about the idea of buying a tent and going camping. I don't know why. Maybe it was just the freedom of the concept; packing the tent and equipment in the car and going off to somewhere peaceful and scenic. Anyway, it has been  talk, with nothing further done. As people often say, life took over. My health wasn't good, so it didn't seem an option.

On Monday, my husband, as part of an exercise routine, walked from Seaford to Alfriston over the downs. In the process, he walked past a site for tourers and tents. He was so taken by it, that, in the afternoon, he brought me back there (by car, I hasten to add) to see it. We also visited a beautiful country house hotel - Deans Place, also in Alfriston for a drink, as he had done in the morning.

The camp site was lovely, situated in a valley and near to a stables. It was quiet when we visited although apparently on the weekends, it can be busy. But I could just see myself there, pottering around as others were doing.

So, the same night, we went onto the Internet and ordered a 4 man tent and air bed and talked long and hard about doing this extraordinary thing. We thought we would try one night to start with and see where it gets us. Going away for a couple of nights every so often feels very attractive and will be a break from the day to day routine.

We are excited about the whole thing and waiting for the tent to arrive, which will be today. I think our main concern is how Jessie will cope with it. But we'll soon know, as we'll probably be off to that site in Alfriston next week.

Glorious Food at 'The Flying Fish'

Setting aside for the moment my preoccupations with riding a bike and making sourdough bread (of which more in blogs to come), I thought I would mention a lunch that my husband and I ate this week at a pub not far from where we live.

It was a late, late birthday lunch, as I had had the misfortune to end up with a tummy bug the day after my birthday, when we had planned to celebrate my special day during that week.

Last Monday, we decided to go to Denton, to have a drink at 'The Flying Fish'. I don't know what I was expecting, but it wasn't the pleasant, warm atmosphere that we were greeted with. The landlady is young (in her 30's), good looking and  friendly with a no nonsense air about her. She soon had the measure of my husband and bantered with him, which he enjoyed. The menu also looked interesting. While there we booked a table for Wednesday lunchtime; as Alan said, "we haven celebrated your birthday yet".

The pub itself is not large and it hasn't been over-modernised. You walked straight into the main bar and there is to the left a small room used as a restaurant; although if you have a dog (as we do), there is a separate area to eat there also. It is also blessed with a large beer garden.

Looking at the menu on Wednesday, I was spoilt for choice; should I go for the chilli con carne with chips in a basket? Or the lamb hotpot? In the end, I chose the fish special - salmon fillet marinated with coriander and lime with new potatoes and salad. Alan chose the fish pie. They were both lovely meals, both to look at and to eat. The last time I had had salmon was over 25 years ago, in Ireland and it was as dry as dust. This fillet, however, was moist and tasty, with the salad, covered with a dressing tasting fantastic. I didn't hear much from Alan while he was eating his pie; a sure sign he was liking what he was eating.

We weren't going to, but both of us ordered desserts. Alan went for the Eton mess and I chose apple and apricot crumble. By this time, we could see that they had got quite busy; so there was a little wait for our course. It wasn't a problem as the atmosphere felt relaxed and everyone seated in our area seemed to be enjoying themselves. In fact, for a Wednesday afternoon, we were surprised that it was so busy.

We ended the meal with coffee and left feeling very satisfied with the meal and the afternoon.

I suppose the acid test will come when we visit again. We have to been to many pubs in the Seaford area and been impressed only to go again to find the either the chef had changed or the management and things not as good as they were. I can only say of 'The Flying Fish' that they are doing everything right. Long may it continue.

The Starter 50+ Cycler Part 3 - The Choice of Bike

The previous two posts have really dealt with my learning to cycle, an event that happened nearly two years ago. But because of my nerves about riding on the road and trying out new things for fear I may fall off and hurt myself, I had left myself in a limbo. I still wanted to ride, which was a good thing. But how to get over those dreadful nerves?

I suppose the most obvious thing would have been to find someone who could show me the on the road basics. I knew that local authorities provided Bikeability courses, but I thought I was too inexperienced even for that. And, at the age of 56, I just felt plain embarrassed to be with others, who were probably younger and more able than myself. I needed to get used to riding, somewhere level and quiet in the first instance, then take it from there.

My dear long suffering husband suggested buying a folding bike; his reasoning being that I could take it to wherever I wanted to go and ride it from there. It sounded like a good idea, so I started looking at the options available.

We both agreed that seeing as I had gone for the cheapest bike when I started to ride, that this time I would get a reasonably priced bike and one I would be comfortable with. Not that the last bike had been bad, but Alan had thought it wasn't the best bike to start with.

 The search started on the Internet, looking first at what Halfords and Evans offered. Really, I then needed to actually look at the bikes themselves. Would I be able to lift it in the car? Did I feel comfortable on it? Did it feel sturdy enough? So we then went to the Halfords near us to see what they had. Whilst they did have folding bikes available and I actually tried a couple, I felt myself in the position of forcing myself to like them because they were cheap. I also did not feel we had the assistants full attention, so questions that we had did not get answered (or even asked such was the disinterest shown).

We happened to go to Eastbourne the following day, where we saw a small independent store which also had folding bikes for sale. This time all our questions were answered and we felt listened to. His recommendation was for a GIANT brand folding bike and we went away with a brochure. I still needed to think about it. But there again, that's part of the problem - I think everything into extinction!

On the way home, we stopped off at the local independent store - Mr Cycles and were once more impressed by the level of service of the independent compared to somewhere like Halfords. They also stocked Giant bikes and we ordered and paid for a GIANT HALFWAY 2 CITY bike there and then. At last, decision made.

The following day, I went in to see the same make I would be having (a bit back to front I know, but they had advised me that one would be coming in that day and I wanted to be reassured). I was really impressed by it's sturdy but light form and structure. I knew I would like this bike. And so two days later, I became the owner of a GIANT folding bike - let the games begin.