Wet Weather Blues

Sooner or later its going to rain and if your camping in the UK then its almost a certainty, but its not the end of the world, in fact most campers would agree that if you've prepared ahead correctly then it can make all the difference and there's no reason that it can't even be fun.


So my top wet weather tips:

Is it really that bad? Most of the time our rain is drizzle, and it shouldn't stop you putting on some waterproofs and going off and enjoying your surroundings, go for a walk and explore.

• Take the time to relax, This is a great time to listen to the rain on the canvas, contemplate life, read, play cards, draw or even write a blog...
• Go swimming, try some water-sports, after all you are essentially waterproof and you're going to get wet anyway aren't you?
• Try out some camp-craft skills, There are loads of projects you could do under canvas like making a paracord bracelet, or if you're young a camp kite for when the rain goes away.
• Head to a Local Library, Information Centre, Museum or Shopping Centre. If you do a little research before you go, you'll find there's loads of places to go that are indoors and out of the rain.
• On the indoors note - Head to the nearest pub, most pubs in the country side welcome walkers, and I have even been at pubs that have let me air and dry off my clothes and boots by the fire, While you're there lookout for local crafted beers, its the only chance you'll get to try some of them. You could even make a game of dashing to the next pub in town between the worst of the rain, after-all, you're camping, it's not like you need to drive home is it?
• If you have little ones with you, it's always good to pack a 'rainy day box' fill a clip box with comics, colouring in books, card and games, and maybe perhaps a few treats. Break it out when the rains come and properly prepared they will be entertained for the worst of the weather.

With a little imagination and enthusiasm there are plenty of things that you can do when the weather sets in. And there's nothing like snuggling up cosy and warm in your sleeping bag cradling a hot chocolate watching the world through the front of your tent and listening to the rain fall on a wet day.

Chunky Potato and Spinach Camp Curry

This has got to be my all time favourite camping meal. It's filling, it's full of flavour, vitamins, minerals and further more packs a lot of slow release energy. Really really simple to make at a campsite, you can even make and freeze ahead and reheat. Perfect for eating out in the open.

450g medium potatoes roughly cut into chunks
2x onions cut into wedges
220g - Bag of Spinach
Tin/carton of tomatoes, or even better use 4-5 fresh ones
1 pint of vegetable stock
2 tbsp vegetable oil
Pinch of Salt & Pepper
1/2 tsp Cumin
1 clove garlic or a handful of wild garlic
2 tbsp Ground Coriander
1-2 tsps Curry powder (or make your own)
Enough chillies to taste.
( TOP TIP Combine herbs and spices ahead and put in a square of cling film)

Heat Oil in a large pan over a camp stove / fire or BBQ, add onions and garlic, fry off for around 2-3 mins. 

Add herbs and spices along with the potatoes and continue to fry for a further 5 mins, add the stock and bring to a boil.

Simmer for 10 - 15 minutes or until potatoes soften.

Add the tomato and place all the spinach on top

The steam will wilt the spinach, stir it all in and serve, Yum.

15 Great Tent Tips

1] Erect a new or unfamiliar tent at home, get to know it. If it seems complicated take a few digital photos to help you when you get on site.   

2] Before you go, check all parts are undamaged and repair / replace as necessary.   

3] Clear site of sticks, stones or anything else that could damage the tent - also if you are camping in an area that allows pets or livestock - speaking from experience - check for poops.

4] Camping stores & often £1 stores have ground sheets that are ideal to place under the tent to protect it further & it will help keep it clean too.   

5] Don't pitch beneath trees if at all possible.  

6] Use natural shelter where possible from the wind such as hedges, walls or natural formations.

7] Always pitch your tent with the zips closed and pack away open.   

8] Whilst talking about zips, treat them gently, don't force them, keep them clean and take the strain off door zips by using additional pegs.  

9] On a practical note, NEVER place cooking stoves or anything involving flames near to tent fabric and if your campsite allows campfires, make sure it is fully extinguished before you leave it.

10] Always keep tent exit(s) clear when using any cooking equipment.  

11] If you have a large family tent, avoid prolonged cooking in it, and always keep it well ventilated, ignoring the obvious fire risk, carbon dioxide is dangerous and can kill.   

12] In fact keep the tent ventilated as much as possible to reduce condensation.   

13] Look after your tent and keep it clean, after use remove any dirt or stains either with a stiff brush or gently washing, don't wait till your next camping trip to sort it out.  

14] If at all possible, wait for your tent to fully dry before packing it away, if you have to pack it in the rain, make sure that you can dry the tent as soon as possible when you return home.  

15] Store all kit together clean and ready to go in an accessible location so when the sun starts to shine, you are ready to go.