First outing.

Bronwyn
Bronwyn Forum Participant Posts: 2
edited November 2012 in Your stories #1

Having survived a trial sleep out in the caravan (cricked neck, but otherwise unscathed) we decided to have a outing before the winter set in.

we picked Black Knowle in the New Forest As it had good revues from fellow members.

We arrived after an uneventful journey (but why don't motorway services make directions to the caravan parking clearer?).

The wardens were very frienfly and welcoming.We set about making pitch (or whatever the correct terminology for parking a caravan is) with the help of our idiots guide and manual. There were other campers about, but they kept t heir distance and hid their smirks. However we were completely stumped by the Pink Flush for the loo and s wallowing our pride, we knocked on our neighbours awning. Mr 30years/5 caravan man was kindness personified.

And that was how it was.... No one gave us advice unless we asked and then the enthusiasm and encouragement were boundless.

I realise we have met a special group of people in the Caravan Club and look forward to meeting more of you when we venture out with " Dolly" next year.

Until then it is out with the manual and " how to winterise your van". wish us luck!

 

Comments

  • Richiebuoy
    Richiebuoy Forum Participant Posts: 244
    edited November 2012 #2
    Looks liked your hooked then ! .....to the wonderful world of caravanning :-)
  • sailorgirl2
    sailorgirl2 Forum Participant Posts: 153
    edited November 2012 #3

    Hi there,

     Welcome to a special group of people. Like you I was a newbie but as a single mum with two young kids people viewed me as a helpless lady and seemed only to pleased when I accepted their help. I have met so many super  people over the years an even a lovely
    male partner,who has ditched his  trailertent for the luxury of a Caravan.If you still feel a little lost do what I did and join the Caravan Practical handling course. I promise you with that you will never look back.The best information I could have received
    and gave me so much confidence and I then caravanned on my own for many years in the knowledge that I was always among friends.Now  I enjoy  my holidays with my partner and still share it with the friends I met some 18 years ago..It gets better every year,,,
    Good Luck !!

  • Spannerdo
    Spannerdo Forum Participant Posts: 58
    edited November 2012 #4

    Black Knowl is a wonderful site, think the quirky toilet block is unique to all others in the sites network!!!

    Did you have to run the gauntlet of the animals sheltering under the trees near the first bend on the approach road?

    Hope you enjoy all the forthcoming days out to come

  • JCZ
    JCZ Forum Participant Posts: 7
    edited November 2012 #5

    We chickened out when it came to the pink and blue stuff for the loo and use one fluid that can be used for both and it smells nicer. Like you I found lots of advice and help available from fellow caravanners and wardens.

  • kafandrick
    kafandrick Forum Participant Posts: 4
    edited December 2012 #6

    we too stared in disbelief at all the toilet instuctions and for the first few trips used the site loos, then a kindly warden in Alderstead heath pointed out the where and how of it, it was so easy can't believe we took so long! We too have just completed
    our first caravan year, and we hope to be a tad more adventurous next year, we are going to try January trip to Brighton, not far, but JANUARY!!!! Happy caravaning!

  • GRANPOPZ
    GRANPOPZ Forum Participant Posts: 2
    edited January 2013 #7

    hiya,

    so pleased about your comments as i was dreading my first outing in the spring of this year.bought the caravan in oct2012 put it in store ,thinking by the time i get it out i will have forgotten all the advice on (how to do everything)by march.good to know
    caravaners are helpfull