3 Autumn 2023 3 Autumn 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption We spent a weekend exploring the Waihopai Reserve in Marlborough. ©2023 Marty and Diana Ireland We spent a weekend exploring the Waihopai Reserve in Marlborough. ©2023 Marty and Diana Ireland We spent a weekend exploring the Waihopai Reserve in Marlborough. ©2023 Marty and Diana Ireland Visitors came for lunch and a swimat the Waihopai Reserve in Marlborough. ©2023 Marty and Diana Ireland We spent a weekend exploring the Waihopai Reserve in Marlborough. ©2023 Marty and Diana Ireland Waihopai Reserve Diana and Marty Ireland We spent a weekend exploring the Waihopai Reserve in Marlborough. We came in our Coachman caravan for 2 nights and visitors came for lunch and a swim. The reserve has basic amenities: 2 toilets, kitchen, fresh water, a lounge and a kids play area. Diana and Marty Ireland Up Up 3 Autumn 2023 , p 31

5 Spring 2023 5 Spring 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption EVENTS — Festivals and Shows These events offer an opportunity for people to overnight while they attend. Some are restricted to certified self contained vehicles, some restrict or ban pets. Check the event website for details. september SI Endurance Race Series - Round 2 22–23 Sept, Friday: Invercargill teretonga.org.nz october Waiau pig hunting competition Labour Weekend (21–23 Oct). A fund raiser for the fire brigade. ckw.nz/waiau-pigs Hurunui Garden Festival 26–29 Oct: Hurunui. Intimate and whimsical, grand and formal: something to inspire every gardener. Gardens, workshops, events, tours, food. ckw.nz/hurunui-gardens RESTORE Rally 2023 : Bikes, trikes, all welcome 13– 15 Oct: Waiau ckw.nz/waiau-restore A rider event, open to all over 18 years. Live blade shearing; MoonDog plays his blues, a new young band to rock you. Taranaki Fringe Garden Festival 27 Oct–5 Nov: Taranaki taranakigardens.co.nz november Waiau fireworks 4 Nov. Fab night out with lots of fun, family entertainment, stalls. Pay with cash. ckw.nz/waiau-fireworks Nelson Motorhome & Caravan Show 11–12 Nov, Saturday: Tahunanui Beach Holiday Park, Nelson nelsonmotorhomeshow.co.nz Cross Hills Gardens Country Fair 18 Nov, Sat: Kimbolton crosshillsfair.co.nz Wings Over Wairarapa Air Festival 2023 24–26 Nov, Fri: Masterton wings.org.nz Harvest Festival Hawkes Bay 25 Nov, Sat: Napier harvesthawkesbay.com 2024 Egmont Country Music Jan 2024 5–7 Jan: Taranaki on Facebook Marton Country Music Festival 19–21 Jan: Marton martonfestival.com Camp Fest 9–11 Feb: Bulls, Manawatu ckw.nz/campfest Warbirds Over Wanaka Mar 2024 29–31 Mar 2024, Wanaka warbirdsoverwanaka.com Waiau School trail ride 2024 6–7 April: Waiau. For competent riders of off-road motorcycles and ATVs. Breathtaking. Basic overnight camping. theride.co.nz Up Up 5 Spring 2023 , p 34

5 Spring 2023 5 Spring 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Geraldine Classic Caravan Club ©2023 Gary Hitchcock Geraldine Classic Caravan Club ©2023 Gary Hitchcock Geraldine Classic Caravan Club ©2023 Gary Hitchcock Geraldine Classic Caravan Club ©2023 Gary Hitchcock Classic A Classic Gary Hitchcock Geraldine Classic Caravan Club ©2023 Gary Hitchcock Up Up 5 Spring 2023 , p 26

2 Summer 2022 2 Summer 2022 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Freedom Camping Just some little creek on the side of the road in Central Otago, where our car broke down. Adrienne Leslie (mother) with Rhonda and Graham Adrienne Leslie (mother) with Rhonda and Graham ©2022 Graham Leslie Graham Leslie at Spec Creek ©2022 Graham Leslie Rhonda Leslie at Spec Creek ©2022 Graham Leslie Freedom camping, November 1964 Graham Leslie One of my first memories of camping was at ‘Spec Creek’. You won’t find it on a map — it was just some little creek on the side of the road, somewhere in Central Otago, where our car (an old 1930 Model A Ford) broke down. There was nothing there. Mum and Dad built a dam of stones to make a bit of a swimming area (knee deep) where we floated around on Lilos. I don’t know how long we stayed there. Maybe a week, as car parts had to come from Auckland. The weather was good, and I remember it as a legendary holiday. The things memories are made of. Take your children camping: they will never forget it. Adrienne Leslie (mother) with Rhonda and Graham. Photos ©2022 Graham Leslie Up Up 2 Summer 2022 , p 14

9 Spring 2024 Spring 2024 ISSUE 9 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption ©2024 Camping the Kiwi Way Table of contents, Spring, issue 9 Editor 2 Self-containment warrant cards: which ones are valid? 2 Freedom camping and self-containment: where are we at? 2 More for councils and government 3 Featured in the Spring issue 4 Editorial 5 Steampunk— from north to south and back again 7 The re-build of my Toyota van 8 The West Coast in winter 9 Solar basics for dummies 11 Converting your camper van: The Cruzar Campervan story 13 Towing your caravan — tips, tricks and weights 15 A night in an arboretum 16 Cautionary tyre tale 17 A winter day on Farewell Spit 19 On the shoulder of a god 19 It was freezing 20 Buying used caravans: What you need to look for 21 Buyer beware 22 HOBBIES Home roasted coffee beans 23 Developing an innovative camping toilet solution: Fix-a-Potty™ 24 Kiwi ingenuity & insults 24 Fix’n’Rail 25 A new cassette toilet for small spaces: The making of the BlackMOA™ 26 Challenges for local councils 27 North Island hot pool safari 30 RECIPES Making the most of your pressure cooker 31 RECIPES Girdle scones (aka griddle scones) 32 GAME DOC campsites 3: Central NI Fill in the spaces 33 The Aratiatia Dam 34 Stop and Stay City dwellers: your first camp away Stop and Stay 35 Stop and Stay Parua Bay 35 Stop and Stay Waikawa Bay 36 EVENTS Come camping 37 EVENTS Festivals 38 DOC update 39 Getting your camping vehicle certified 40 All Points Camping Club of NZ Self Containment and freedom camping 2 Self-containment warrant cards: which ones are valid? 2 Freedom camping and self-containment: where are we at? 23 Developing an innovative camping toilet solution: Fix-a-Potty™ 24 Kiwi ingenuity & insults 24 Fix’n’Rail 25 A new cassette toilet for small spaces: The making of the BlackMOA™ 26 Challenges for local councils Up Up 9 Spring 2024 , p 3

11 autumn 2025 11 autumn 2025 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Camping ©2025 Gary Stoneley Getting your camping vehicle certified Gary Stoneley NZ’s independent national network for self-containment certification NZ Lifestyle Camping operates as an independent national network for self-containment certification to support the NZ vehicle camping industry. You do not need to be a member of a club or organisation to get your self-containment certification through NZLC but must have a vehicle that is fit for the purpose of habitation. NZ Lifestyle Camping’s network of more than 150 testing officers continues to offer self-containment in accordance with the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers, self-containment regulations. We are committed to supporting all types of campers We also offer alternative certification (low cost option) for those who do not freedom camp or for staying at host properties and events. This is suitable for vehicles with portable toilets and tiny homes as evidence of self-containment. FYI: We do not recommend freedom camping while you await your final documentation and window card. Without these you are at risk being fined. NZLC Fees $63: Green (for ‘freedom camping’) warrant and certificate. ✚ Testing officers charge for their time. ✚ $120 government freedom camping levy. $48: Blue ( not for ‘freedom camping’) warrant and certificate. ✚ Testing officers charge for their time. $20: reissue of lost warrant card. Free: an email copy of a certificate. To find or arrange a self-containment check please contact a testing officer near you: nzlifestylecamping.com North Is: ckw.nz/cert-north South Is: ckw.nz/cert-south NZLC provides both blue and green self-containment warrant cards and documentation through our national network of testing officers. New blue warrant cards remain recognised throughout NZ but not for ‘freedom camping’ ( see the detail ). We wish everyone safe travels l We encourage you to ‘Leave no Trace’ when camping. Kind regards, Gary Stoneley, NZ Lifestyle Camping Ltd 027 246 9778 4 For further information check our website NZ  LifestyleCamping.com ◼️ Choose from an independent national network of more than 150 self-containment testing officers ©2024 NZ Lifestyle Camping Up Up 11 autumn 2025 , p 39

8 Winter 2024 8 Winter 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Folding electric bike in the middle of nowhere Stephen Wood Just met a 75 year old lady on an electric folding bike in the middle of nowhere. She was biking to her nearest town to get a prescription. Only thought to get a photo after we stopped and talked. With my cycle-touring load, I wasn’t going to catch her! Northland. ©2024 Stephen Wood Up Up 8 Winter 2024 , p 7

11 autumn 2025 11 autumn 2025 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption events_H-bluff-farm.webp event-kirwee.webp events-oxford.webp events_donegal-house.webp events_durham.webp events_athenree-pools2.webp events_patea-slide.webp events_patea.webp Come camping AGM Saturday 10 May The AGM will be shared live via zoom with 5 venues across the country — enjoy a weekend camp at the same time. Athenree Hot Springs, Bay of Plenty. Foxton Beach School, Manawatu • Featherston School, Wairarapa • Durham Lake, Taranaki • Oxford, Canterbury. You can also join the AGM from home on zoom. Consider getting more involved in your club and being part of a fun and efficient team. Fresh faces and new ideas are welcome. AGM Camp — Taranaki Fri, 09 – 11 May, Inglewood Join the Taranaki team for the club’s 10th AGM at the wonderful Durham Lake Holiday Park. Burgers & fries available on Saturday night. Book with the park. ckw.nz/taranaki-may25 | ckw.nz/taranaki-may25-rsvp | durhamlake.co.nz AGM Camp — Athenree Hot Springs Fri, 9 – 11 May, Bay of Plenty Join us for the Club’s 10th AGM .Come for the weekend or stay 4 nights, pay for 3. Quote All Points Camping when booking. Un/powered sites. Fabulous hot pools — read more ckw.nz/9-hot-pool-safari . ckw.nz/athenree-may25 | ckw.nz/athenree-may25-rsvp | athenreehotsprings.co.nz AGM & Featherston Book Town Festival Camp Fri, 09 – 11 May, Wairarapa Enjoy the Annual Featherston Book Town Festival events and the AGM on Saturday afternoon. Self-contained vehicles.ckw.nz/featherston-may25 | ckw.nz/featherston-may25-rsvp | booktown.org.nz AGM Camp — Foxton Beach School Fri, 09 May 4 pm – 11 May 1 pm , Manawatū Join us at Foxton Beach School for our 10th AGM (Saturday afternoon). Lots to do in Foxton or explore the beach or look for the birds at the Manawatū estuary, an internationally important wetland. ckw.nz/foxton-may25 | ckw.nz/foxton-may25-rsvp | ckw.nz/manawatu-estuary-doc AGM — Oxford WM club Sat, 10 May 1 pm , Oxford, Canterbury Oxford Working Men’s Club. You can stay overnight and join us for a meal. Campers must have a toilet. ckw.nz/oxford-agm25 Bluff Farm Fri, 30 May – 2 Jun, Oxford, Canterbury Ever tried metal detecting? Come give it a go! Explore the newly walk at nearby Ashley Gorge. Oxford weekend market. All is welcome whether as a family group, on your own, a couple in a tent or a larger vehicle. Non member’s welcome. Dog friendly. Powered sites. Toilets & shower. ckw.nz/bluff-farm-may25 ckw.nz/bluff-farm-may25-rsvp Matariki weekend: Donegal House Kaikoura 19 – 22 June, Kaikōura Join Marty & Diana Ireland (Marlborough) and Linda & Martin Butler (Canterbury) to celebrate Matariki. 15 min out of Kaikoura with alpine scenic view and historic homestead with Irish themed bar and restaurant. Book with the venue. Un/powered sites. Must be self-contained. ckw.nz/kaikoura-jun25 ckw.nz/kaikoura-jun25-rsvp ckw.nz/donegal-book Matariki Winter Festival, Featherston Fri, 20 4pm – 22 Jun 3 pm , Wairarapa Enjoy midwinter camping at Featherston in South Wairarapa. Enjoy dark skies and local events including the Greytown mid-Winter Christmas Festival. Self-contained vehicles only. ckw.nz/featherston-jun25 ckw.nz/featherston-jun25-rsvp Canterbury Mid Winter Dinner Sat, 19 Jul, 6 pm , Kirwee, Canterbury Join us as we feast together at the popular country restaurant, Thirsty Acres. Come for the dinner, stay for a night or two. Campers must have a toilet. RSVP by phone is essential. ckw.nz/kirwee n For the latest camps allpointscampingnz.org/eventsckw.nz/nzfunadventures-events Monthly meetups Catch up with local campers: share places, stories and plan new camps. Canterbury 2nd Wed each month at 11am Legends Room, Hornby Club, 17 Carmen Rd, Chch. Parking for larger vehicles.Join us for barista coffee, stay on for lunch or enjoy the stores. Wellington differs each month, so watch for us on facebook: ckw.nz/apc-fb-events GET THE LATEST ckw.nz/apc-fb-events Up Up 11 autumn 2025 , p 38

8 Winter 2024 8 Winter 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption planning-toilet-H.webp capacity to hold enough waste for 3 days Planning a toilet for the freedom camping green warrant? Bette Cosgrove There are multiple fixed toilet options to meet your space and budget. The toilet receptacle must have the capacity to hold enough waste for 3 days of use by the number of people camping in the vehicle. This number appears on the warrant. Consider if you need 12v power or separate water source for flushing. This may determine your choice. Options : chemical cassette toilets swivel cassette toilets compost waterless loos (more p16) DiY compost loo separation tank toilets bagged waste compost toilets marine toilets with small waste tanks incineration toilets plumbed toilets with black tanks. Larger motorhomes or caravans often have black tanks, but these aren’t an option when space is limited. What does “fixed” mean? Fixed simply means attached so the toilet cannot be removed from the vehicle. Fixed does not mean permanently plumbed in. The base must be permanently fixed to the floor or onto a fixed sliding platform that is bolted down. If the toilet is in the vehicle and the waste tank/s can be safely lifted out within the vehicle to be emptied, then this meets the rules. You do not have to only empty the waste via an external compartment or door. Portable toilets don’t meet the new criteria because their base waste tank has to be removed for emptying. A modified portapotty is highly unlikely to meet the new standard. What physical space is ok? You don’t need a separate toilet or shower room to fit it into. The rules state that you must be able to “use” your toilet within the vehicle. There is no demand to have it always available when your bed is made up. If you can access it and use it, it passes. Sealed tanks The waste tanks must have a fully sealable lid or gate closure — not just a closing toilet lid. What does it mean for a toilet to be vented? A pipe vent is all that is required, there is no need for a fan unless the toilet manufacturer requires it. You currently need to breach the permanently fixed, sealed cassette toilet to add a vent pipe to the removable tank to comply. Some cassette toilets have extra vent systems designed to fit them, some do not. You will nullify any warranty for a new cassette toilet by modifying it yourself. Make sure the vent connection can be easily detached from the cassette and ensure there is no way it can spill when removing or carrying it to empty. See p12 for more on venting, including on toilet cassettes. Freedom camping & self-containment 2 Where are we at with self-containment and freedom camping? 2 Who can freedom camp from now until 7 June 2025? 4 Getting your camping vehicle certified 8 Am I freedom camping? 8 What you need for a green warrant for freedom camping 10 Planning a toilet for the freedom camping green warrant? 12 Venting a toilet cassette: why, what, when and how 14 Keeping up with the self-containment changes 16 Composting and coddiwompling ︎ Up Up 8 Winter 2024 , p 10

2 Summer 2022 2 Summer 2022 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption camp-nzfa_w.webp NZers go camping: clubs & groups on Facebook NZ cycling groups Motorhomers go cycling NZ New Zealand motorhomers including those in buses and caravans who are interested in cycling trails, cycleways, roads or mountain bike trails. You can post pictures of your cycling adventures, connect with others to organise group rides, and discuss anything about bikes both electric and non electric. 3k members [ ckw.nz/motorhomers-cycle](http://ckw.nz/motorhomers-cycle) Bikepacking New Zealand Bikepacking is about getting outdoors and seeing new country. It is any ride that includes an overnight stay. This group is about sharing ideas, routes, bike hacks and ride info. 7.2k members [ ckw.nz/bikepacking](http://ckw.nz/bikepacking) NZ Cycle Touring Traditional road based cycle touring. 3.5k members [ ckw.nz/cycle-touring](http://ckw.nz/cycle-touring) Recreational Riders NZ A resource for the ever growing recreational cyclist community in NZ 6.7k members [ ckw.nz/rec-riders](http://ckw.nz/rec-riders) NZ women travelling NZ solo women travellers Discussion, support, inspiration and sharing among NZ women who travel solo (sometimes or all the time), and overnight in their vehicles. Maybe in a caravan, a motorhome, van or a car. 450 members [ ckw.nz/solo-women-travellers](http://ckw.nz/solo-women-travellers) Female Travel Buddies NZ For single NZ women who travel in a self contained motorhome /camper / caravan (not a car nor station wagon) and who do not travel with a man. 377 members [ ckw.nz/female-travel-buddies](http://ckw.nz/female-travel-buddies) Motorhome Babes This is group is capped at 500, and is currently not accepting new members, so it is hidden on Facebook. It is a very active and friendly group, and there are frequent, informal meet ups around the country. It is for women who travel on their own in their motorhomes at least some of the time. Worth keeping an eye out, so you can join up when places become available. 500 members (currently closed, so there is no link) Women Travel in New Zealand It's all about '& Travel in New Zealand'. Why travel alone? Meet other women and make the most of your trip. 1.4K members [ ckw.nz/womentravelnz](http://ckw.nz/womentravelnz) Wāhine tramping and hiking NZ 9.5K members [ ckw.nz/wahine](http://ckw.nz/wahine) Women's Hiking NZ 2.5K members [ ckw.nz/hiking](http://ckw.nz/hiking) Wāhine Outdoors New Zealand 185 members [ ckw.nz/wahine-outdoors](http://ckw.nz/wahine-outdoors) Camping groups NZ Fun Adventures Camping For all types of camping including families; to share your camps, gear and the cool locations you visit. Our aim is to inspire more people to get out camping whether it's done on a tight budget or in super luxury. 12K members [ facebook.com/groups/nzfacamping](http://facebook.com/groups/nzfacamping) All Points Camping NZ - chat, share A group run by NZ's national camping club to support campers in NZ. regularly runs camps. 8.6K members [ facebook.com/groups/AllpointsNZ](http://facebook.com/groups/AllpointsNZ) Motorhomes, Caravans, Campers NZ For motorhome, caravan and camping enthusists to buy, sell or chat about anything to do with being on the go or the best places to visit or how to solve problems. 10K members [ ckw.nz/m-c-c](http://ckw.nz/m-c-c) NZ Motorhoming/Caravanning/Camping with kids A family friendly group for those looking for places to motorhome, caravan or tent with kids and grand kids. 2.1K members [ ckw.nz/with-kids](http://ckw.nz/with-kids) New Zealand Camping Guide This group is for people to share camping spots and information with each other. 1.9K members [ ckw.nz/nzcg](http://ckw.nz/nzcg) New Zealand 4WD and Camping Show us your off-road adventures and stunning camping spots. 6.7K members [ ckw.nz/4wd](http://ckw.nz/4wd) ### NEXT ISSUE Facebook groups for particular kinds of camping or overnighting. Up Up 2 Summer 2022 , p 36

7 Autumn 2024 7 Autumn 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Summer in NZ Alan and Joyce call Alberta Canada home. This particular trip to New Zealand extends from early November to early April. ©2024 Glyn Wooller an endless summer travelling across hemispheres to avoid the cold Living an endless summer Glyn Wooller, Waikato River Trails Delightful to chat with Alan and Joyce on a glorious summer’s day at Little Waipa reserve. Joyce was setting out the table and chairs in a sunny spot overlooking the Waikato River after a chillyish night with temperature inside the caravan at a brisk 11º. Alan and Joyce call Alberta Canada home. Alan, originally from west Auckland, left as a young man. Since meeting 13 years ago in Canada they have lived an endless summer travelling across hemispheres avoiding the colder climates. Prior to retirement Joyce worked in construction financing and Alan as a surveyor largely in the oil industry. Alan’s work through Canadian winters is one of the contributing factors to their love of the endless summer lifestyle. This particular trip to New Zealand extends from early November to early April. Joyce recalls her first trip to New Zealand in a Honda Oddessy which included a trip to the Central Otago Rail Trail. Visits now are in the comfort of the Winnebago caravan. Most recently Alan and Joyce have been to other camping reserves along the Waikato River Trail in Whakamaru and Mangakino. Time on the trail is largely via walking although there is a bike on the rack which Alan will take out from time to time. This is not their first visit to Little Waipa reserve, Alan and Joyce have stayed many times. What they enjoy about the Riverside Trail between the reserve and Arapuni Village is the peaceful environment, picnic tables, the Huihuitaha boardwalk, wildlife and refreshments at the Rhubarb Café. Alan and Joyce until recently lived in a busy urban environment. Now living in a small village with a population of less than 200 people they thrive on the lack of noise pollution. The peaceful reserves along the River and the Waikato River Trails resonate with the tranquility Alan and Joyce love so much. Next destination for this lovely couple prior to heading back to Canada is the Coromandel. To Alan and Joyce, all the best with your travels. Up Up 7 Autumn 2024 , p 34

10 summer 2024 10 summer 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Reuben’s caravan Caravan tales Lynn and Charlie Hogg Our caravanning days started 12 years ago to take over from going tenting which we did for a number of years when our two boys were younger. At that time we lived in a small granny flat and I said to my husband if we are going to buy a tent I want to be able to stand up in it. So we ended up getting a 2-roomed one. Our boys were 8 and 6 years old, the younger one, Rueben, having severe autism. I knew it wasn’t going to be easy and that we would learn to deal with things as they happened and some we could prepare for beforehand. Two of the constant issues was the loud nursery rhyme music and the screaming. And when you only have canvas between you and your fellow tenters, and the night seems to make noise a lot louder, you do lots of things to keep the decibel sounds down including bribery. While our older son helped out a lot, eventually there came a time when he didn’t want to go camping with mum and dad. So we started looking at getting a caravan as we really needed to have three people to put up the tent, and my husband didn’t have the best of health either. Being on a low income we couldn’t afford to buy the caravan so we remortgaged and made it manageable for Reuben to be able to pay one off. Our options were limited but eventually we found a big clunky one and even though Reuben has never understood that he owns it he calls it Reuben’s caravan. From then on we could continue our camping holidays with our very best friends Marty and Diana. Although Reuben was getting older there were always going to be challenges taking a special-needs child away and sometimes we didn’t know what they would be until we got to the camp ground. Sometimes we went to the same place more than once, sometimes a different place. One of the things that could have been a bigger issue but, thankfully, hasn’t turned out to be, (well so far), is that even as Reuben’s got older he still needs help with his toileting and showering. Me being his mum and doing it a lot of the time, I couldn’t go with him into the men’s toilets. So I would take him into the female ones. Sometimes there’s a few raised eyebrows but no one has ever queried it. As the years have gone by it has been made easier as though Reuben still needs the help with his personal care, more and more campgrounds have the provision of a disability toilet and shower. Another issue we had was that Reuben was a runner. One minute he was there then blink and he was gone. So we were constantly on high alert to watch him, because when he did disappear he would go straight to the beach or lake. He loved water. As the years went by he took off less and less. Because he has bonded with a portable dvd player (it became like a second skin to him), he was very happy to watch that rather than run, and we were very happy to start getting more rest. After years the screaming starting to lessen and the caravan walls were slightly thicker than the tent ones so the noise was a bit more muffled. We only have to listen to the nursery rhymes now and sometimes they even put us to sleep. The one thing we must have, when booking our camping trip, is a powered site. That is non-negotiable as Reuben must have power for his electrical equipment that has to go with him when we go camping. Many of the owner-caretakers of the campgrounds have been very accomodating in putting us on a powered site as close as they can to the toilet block in case Reuben did wander off and go to the toilet without us noticing. We never had far to walk. It was easier, having the caravan, knowing that at the end of the holiday most things had their place inside. Only a few things had to be brought inside before you could shut the caravan door and leave. It didn’t matter if you got home and couldn’t unpack everything straight away, it was all under cover. Sadly, our caravanning days are slowly coming to an end. In all the years of driving with it I never learnt to reverse it. Charlie or Marty did that. A small house bus/motor home (all-in-one) would be a lot better but that isn’t financially possible. But I’m not looking at giving up camping. We still want to be able to take Reuben away even as we are getting older. So the next option will be going to campgrounds with cabins. We can still keep making new memories and holidaying with our best friends, it just wont be on 2 wheels. ◊ Dannevirke campground goes accessible | Read Alice’s journey Up Up 10 summer 2024 , p 22