” Rain or Shine “

With the summer holiday season upon us the inevitable question is where do we go for our summer holiday ? With us its never too much of a poser as we only get a few days away, while the boys see their father. In 2011 we went to St.Anne’s Cottage in Dorset for eight days and it rained. In 2012 we headed to Merryhill (below) in Norfolk for 4 days and if memory serves me right it stayed dry. Last year we headed to a music festival so this year it was time to decide what new naturist venue should try out for 2014.

 

Broadlands Sun Club near Norwich has won the race this year, but as I sit here on Wednesday morning ahead of us leaving bright and early on Thursday morning it’s done nothing but rain all night. Worse weather maybe heading this way too this weekend as Tropical Storm Bertha heads this way from the Bahamas. Hopefully it’ll change course and head to France or dissipate and fizzle out,it does beg the question though how do you camp in the rain ?

Looking around I’ve found some good tips and here they are, if anyone can add any serious tips, please leave a comment in the post comments at the foot of the page.

Tips for Camping in the Rain
If you’re camping in the UK you might be wise to expect a spot of rain or two. Rain doesn’t have to spell the end of fun for a camping holiday though, preparation is key!
1) Pack an Extra Groundsheet – If you fear the worst with darkening clouds overhead, lay down an extra groundsheet under your tent to insulate and protect you from the cold, damp ground.
2) Look for Tents with Vents – It’s a good idea to get a tent with inbuilt vents. This will keep the air flowing nicely throughout the tent eliminating the risk of condensation. Don’t touch the walls on the tent when wet, this is how water comes through!
3) Treat your Tent- If you’ve used your tent for a few seasons it will be worth reproofing it with a proofer designed for adding/restoring waterproofness to tents. Even if your tent is brand new a proofer will help minimise dirt build up which can reduce the tents water resistance.

Filling the Kettle at St Anne’s in 2011

4) Take a Gazebo –A gazebo is useful for protecting your tent and gear whilst you set up in the rain and can also provide a ‘living space’ outside of the tent. Great if you’re camping with kids who will more than likely get cabin fever if trapped inside the tent too long!
5) Clever Storage- Store everything including socks and food (and especially matches!) in re sealable plastic bags.
6) Separation is Important – Always, always separate any wet or damp items from the dry. This can be clothing, shoes, cutlery, equipment, etc. You want to keep yourself and your belongings, such as sleeping bags, pillows and blankets dry. If these get damp it will make for a most uncomfortable experience!
7) Pack Blankets – It’s a simple fact, that once something gets wet it gets cold. So, take care of this problem with some extra blankets. It’s a simple and effective way to keep yourself insulated during a cold day and at night. Place the blankets underneath your sleeping mats and even put them over your sleeping bags if it gets really chilly.

8) Pitch on Higher Ground – When looking for the perfect spot to pitch up on look for higher ground and avoid dips and boggy areas. 9) Position your tent door to face downhill to avoid any water running into your tent and making a mini swamp inside!
10) Don’t Forget the Waterproofs!- Waterproof trousers, jackets and wellies will stop you getting wet (and miserable!) if the heavens open. As per point 6 above don’t keep these damp items with you dry stuff.

 

So think ahead and pack some in-tent entertainment like board games and books. Of course, if you’ve really thought about it, you’ll have a laptop or tablet with you.
I’m heading off now to get some supplies,once the rain has passed so I’ll finish here,but I’ll let you know how it all went sometime next week once we return home late on Monday.