The return

We ourselves are in a similar predicament, we bought our caravan last year, and watched everyone else do their thing with such ease, whilst we were complete novices, I bet we caused a few giggles to our fellow caravanners !!!, we are slightly more experienced this year, and are now the proud owners of not one, but two awnings, alas the latest one being a secong hand porch awning, which is fab, I myself was made redundant earlier this year, and the one thing we did not relinquish was the van, and happily we didnt part company, which is just aswell, as we have just returned from a glorious week in Cornwall, a little more experienced, and had a lovely time, I hope you enjoy your adventures, have fun

We had our first caravan 30 years ago, but then sold it when life changes, son/school/job left very little time for using it.  Returned 3 years ago when diagnosed with cancer, my thinking was, that if I do not feel well whilst on chemo, at least I can have a change of scenery, and it allowed us to get out and about as flying was out of the question.  I am now not on chemo and enjoying my van whenever I can.

One tip, NEVER attempt to put up the awning as soon as you arrive, relax with something to eat and drink, no more problems.

Cat Lady

We are just returning to caranning after a 7 year break. My retirement meant the van we had, had to go, however things have improved and last weekend we bought a wee van.

In the past when we saw obvious 'newbies' struggling to pitch their van put up awnings etc we have always gone accross and offered help........this does not seem to happen these days and it is a shame.

By the way after 40 odd years caravanning we still argue when putting the awning up!! Its part of caravanning life. I am not looking forward to putting up our new porch awning when we take the van on its try out!! I know words will be spoken.

We are newbies too but I have hooked up to electrics and water at the house and checked everything works. I have made a check list from hooking up, pitching, pack and go and what to do on site. Each title has a number list and order of events for example and much simplified, run water through system before putting on water heater. Am I sad or just preparing well. The one thing I am dreading is awning erection. We are having a single nigh away this Saturday as a proper practice but no awning this time round.

i am sure if you just ask some one would help you I would IVAN

All new caravanners dont struggle ask and experienced caravanners will only be glad to help or advise.But dont all ask its our entertainment watching people setting up(only kidding)

when we first had our trial run just up the road from home, I foolishly let the warden know we were newbies, she immediatley said " oh let me draw up a chair, get a cup of tea and let me watch!" she also alerted other experienced caravaners who laughed and then helped us, hopefully it will be my turn to laugh and help next year!!