HAPPY HOUR
Nobody plans to go camping in the rain and yes, we have been caught out camping in the rain many times.
According to plans made earlier with friends or family it starts off as a sunny day and the journey there is exciting!
Everyone is eager to play or laze in the sun, carefree and happy.
We bring along all those ‘Big Boy Toys’ the BBQ, tents, chairs and anything else we can possibly jam into the 4x4.
On arrival the setup is quick to maximise the leisure time.
Before you know it, it’s happy hour and the smell of those snags on the BBQ is intoxicating!
There is laughter, chatter, jokes and happy faces all round.
WHAT HAVE I LEFT OUTSIDE
It often starts in the middle of the night.
First, it’s a drop or two, and then a couple more.
It sounds good.
Tucked into the warm sleeping bags, the smell of the new camping gear wafting about.
And that feeling of being all warm and snuggled up inside.
The drops get more frequent and soon it’s raining.
You begin to think about what you have left out in the rain?
You start to then worry that your trip might be ruined but decide to leave those thoughts alone and enjoy that unique camping feeling.
PREPARED OR NOT
Don’t be scared of the weather when planning a trip.
It can be an adventure, even if it means camping in the rain.
Being prepared, or not, it’s still fun!
The best holidays and the ones you will definitely remember are the ones where stuff just happened randomly or not to plan.
That might mean a whole bunch of you crammed up in a tent or squeezed in under a small tarp waiting for the rain to stop.
This gives you time to actually listen to those silly jokes and those tall stories one is normally too busy to listen to.
Relax. You can play cards, board games and let’s not forget Charades – even more fun in confined spaces.
You get to bond with your mates, and these are the times everyone will remember fondly for a very long time.
Before you know it, the sun is out again, and those outdoor toys get put to good use.
That’s what camping is all about – rest, relaxation, adventure and the impromptu events.
Come rain or shine it’s all good, so don’t be put off by unplanned weather.
There's nothing quite like getting away from it all and spending some time in nature.
But even if you're an experienced camper, there's always something new to learn.
TIPS TO PLAN YOUR NEXT CAMPING TRIP
Some brief tips to plan your next camping trip - even if you do get caught in the rain!
- Choose the right location.
When it comes to camping, location is everything.
You'll want to pick a spot that's close to the amenities you need (like a bathroom) but still feels secluded and peaceful.
Unless of course you want to go full hog off grid style camping.
And be sure to check the weather forecast before you go so you can be prepared for any conditions.
- Bring the right gear.
Don't forget to pack your tent and check you have all your tent pegs, sleeping bags, and camp chairs!
We know this sounds like a given, but you have no idea the amount of tent pegs we have leant out to people over the years.
And if you're planning on doing any hiking or exploring, be sure to bring a map of the area.
- Make a plan.
Once you've got your location and gear sorted out, it's time to start planning your camping trip.
Decide what activities you want to do and make a list of everything you'll need to do them.
That way, you can be sure to make the most of your time outdoors.
We hope these tips have inspired you to get out there and start planning your next camping trip!
Just remember to choose the right location, bring the right gear, and make a plan before you go.
And don't forget your North Storm® waterproof bags just in case it rains!
