++ CAMPING ADVENTURES ++

This is the 10 November 2003 edition of this page

		CAMPING HISTORY OF ROY 
                      

My Camping came in several phases throughout my very exciting life - and depended on
the modes of transport that I had available.

PHASE ONE (1950-1959]

My Camping did not start until my father loaned me some cash to acquire my first 'bike',
a RAYLEIGH LENTON which I got before my first diary in 1951 (that I have maintained).
Certainly, entries in that one showed new cycle-tyres being purchased on 4 March 1950
and 28 July 1951. As I purchased some capes and leggings on 10th and 12th Dec 50, I was
obviously intent on 'braving the elements' then. Indeed, the records show my excursions
around ESSEX during 1950 and 1951.

1952 and 1953 saw me doing longer-distance cycling, usually on my own, and my entry
(as the diaries show) into the ASTRONOMICAL world.

The small TENT for these expeditions was made of  'Parachute Silk' and was ideal for a
single young guy. It was strapped underneath the saddle, being of a convenient size to do
that!

PHASE TWO (1959-1965)

Upon marriage, which came BEFORE my first car, I was attempting to find how much the wife
 would like 'camping'.  I bought a second small tent, and on our first joint expedition and trial, 
we went into Wales - by bus from Worcestershire. Looking back on it now, even then, it 
seemed hilarious. We got off a coastal bus just north of  ABERYSTWYTH outside a campsite 
(well, a large field used for that purpose) with two SUITCASES - and proceeded to find our 
tents inside, complete with small poles - then erected these mini-tents for our stay!! 
That was in the early 60's!!

PHASE THREE (1965-1972)

As the wife seemed to enjoy the camping experiences (even in the primitive mini-tents) it 

seemed wise to move up to a proper FRAME TENT - just for the two of us. Many wonderful


expeditions, in the UK and EUROPE were enjoyed by both of us before the children 
came along. I joined the Camping Club (of GB & I) during this phase.
 As the children came along, its size was already appearing a bit cramped. The 
photo above is of my small son with our tent at QUINEVILLE in FRANCE in 1971.  


PHASE FOUR (1972-1975)

When our children were born (we adopted them) excitement was high for these youngsters
who were only a few months old - and both of us realised that to explore foreign lands, 
foreign bedrooms, etc - extreme youngsters could cause problems and embarassments, for
themselves and others. It was decided to buy a LARGER frame-tent with more rooms and


a dining room.  Again, this was widely used in the UK and throughout EUROPE.

This tent was used during my 1972 tour of FRANCE.
 

PHASE FIVE (1976-1986)

In order to have the flexibility of both long camping stays and quick-tours for night-stops,
the transport moved up from cars to VOLKSWAGEN  MOTOR-CARAVANS. Both forms of
touring were used extensively for quite a long while.



  



PHASE SIX  (1987-1994)


After our divorce in 1986, that same frame-tent was used by myself and various lady-friends
- but we realised that it was really too large for erecting quickly by two people. I then went
down in size in both vehicles and FRAME TENTS to account for this.




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