First impressions and lessons learned
We finally did the first night away and survived. We have a very small caravan - I suspect we will quickly out grow it but we hope to both practice our towing skills and move up in size in due course. Everyone was so friendly. We stayed at Broadway, a short drive away from us, and the wardens couldn't have been more welcoming once we admitted it was our first time.
-We couldn't get the electric going at first - turned out my husband (who doesn't read instructions) didn't turn it clockwise.
-It took us two hours to get fully sorted, without setting the awning up. The warden had told us not to rush things, so we didn't. As a result, and surprisingly, there was no stress. Obviously this time has to be seriously beaten!
-We bumped into each other plenty.
-Ripping up brand new cardboard boxes at the recycling point is a magnet for starting conversations.
-We didn't have anything to fill the cistern water with, 10 trips with a jug will do, but just this once.
-It's amazing how economical you are with water when you have to fetch it yourself.
We hope to have a second trip in a week or two's time, and if it doesn't rain we'll try putting the awning up which might alleviate the bumping.
I am looking forward to following in my parent's caravanning footsteps. Dad kept a list of what he initially spent to set up in 1978. Things cost a lot more now, but if we get to do half the trips they did, we'll have our money's worth. See the list (and a photo of me in their caravan) at https://www.caravanclub.co.uk/club-together/your-stories/kath99/how-much-it-cost-in-1978/
kath
Comments
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Good on you. Hang on to your sense of humour.
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Just a practical hint Kath. When you begin to set up the caravan and awning, every time you feel stressed, have a disagreement or even feel a disagreement coming on, sit down and drink one large glass of wine each. By the time you've finished setting up, take it from me, you will have forgot your troubles and all the arguments.
David
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Thanks for sharing but don't keep a list of expenditure, trust me when I say it can get very depressing.
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Good to know you both enjoyed your trip & posted your experience here & in stories. I guess your Dad’s list helped you a lot. You’ll soon get into a routine of who does what. Another hint which I’m sure you’re probably aware of – don’t try putting up awning if it’s too windy. Have to say many men don’t always read instructions [myself included] & also don’t particularly like asking for help. Lots more trips to look forward to so keep smiling & enjoy your van.
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Well done Kath 99 and welcome - one comment I would make is that not all club sites require the twist of the electric cable! Just to confuse us I am sure. I tend to read instructions - but also say "when all else fails read them"! You will soon improve your set up time and wonder how it took you so long.
Indeed carrying water really focuses the mind - good for me at home too as I am on a meter.
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Well done on your first outing. If you do not have an aquaroll get a plastic watering can! We too started with a small caravan, a little Fleetwood Colchester 2 berth and so can appreciate what you mean by bumping into each other. We now have a Bailey Ranger fixed bed etc. So awning next
. Recommend you lay out the poles on the ground so you can match them up, use colour tape to indicate which ones fit the other. Pull awning through rail, fit poles (loosely), then fully extend poles and peg out the awning - corners first then the rest. Adjust poles to give snug fit. Then put the kettle on. Sound advice about glass of wine if it gets stressful! You will quickly get the hang of it. May I suggest that if it is windy you may wish to postpone your first awning assembly!! Don't hesitate to ask for help from your fellow caravaners - I suspect you will get it anyway if they see you struggling.0
