11 autumn 2025 11 autumn 2025 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption A good feed ©2025 Mart Ireland 2018 Dec, Golden Bay (13) snapper catch ©2025 Mart Ireland ©2025 Mart Ireland Channel entrance catch ©2025 Mart Ireland Fish & scallops Waitangi 2013 ©2025 Mart Ireland A good feed ©2025 Mart Ireland you can’t put a price on a good day on the water with family or friends Hobby: Fishing and Diving Marty Ireland My introduction to fishing as a child: I recall being taken to the Waimakariri river and using a string hand-line with red meat as bait, I don’t recall any success . However we did have whitebait and flounder on our menu so I assume this was purchased or obtained from family or friends. Later as a young teen I was introduced to lure spinning rod fishing in Marlborough rivers for trout and kahawai with some successes. While living in Southland for 6yrs we went on 2 fishing trips out of Bluff with a good cod catch, again, using hand-lines and sea sickness as a result. Then in my late 30s, back in Marlborough, I was introduced to snorkelling along the Kaikōura Coast, for paua, kina and crayfish which lead to doing a scuba course with Scuba Schools International and my hobby became serious. A secondhand 16ft runabout was bought in partnership with 2 friends and regular trips in the Marlborough Sounds especially to Tory channel entrance ensued. The cost to fish, either from shore or by boat, can be a wide gulf depending on your desire, but can be economic if you purchase secondhand and build up your gear as you go, and if done with a group then items can be shared, repaired, bought and sold , and experience shared and taught. One of my best buys was 2 pink Shimano boat rods on special at Hunting and Fishing for $69 each — they catch fish, much more so, to the disgust of other fishers, with considerably more expensive rods. After nearly 30 years and over 550 dives logged, jumping over the side of a perfectly good boat that’s not sinking, taking a catch bag and spear gun, we have enjoyed and shared local tasty seafood treats with many family members and visitors. The sea sickness is now few and far between but can and does still happen occasionally. Scuba diving has also included diving some local and international wrecks as well as coral reefs and shark viewing, looking but not taking is strange as a hunter gatherer, but rewarding in a different way. We have been fortunate to arrange permit dives for 3 weddings and some funerals along with other family gatherings and certainly have had our share from the ocean. Would it be cheaper to buy the fish? Possibly but you can’t put a price on a good day on the water with family or friends, and knowing where it was sourced and how fresh it is. Preparing and cooking the catch, well, that’s another thread and topic for a future magazine. n you can’t put a price on a good day on the water with family or friends Up Up 11 autumn 2025 , p 32

Sometimes it’s the little things that make the biggest difference to quality of life. BUY PDF CONTENTS Spring 2023 ISSUE 5 Up Yaktrax Matt King Sometimes it’s the little things that make the biggest difference to quality of life. One of the better $40 I’ve spent. Thanks Hunting and Fishing. A few decent pegs into the ground. Easy install, easy stow. (But don’t let that mallet stray off the pegs.) ©2023 Matt King Up Up Up One of the better $40 I’ve spent. Click on the gallery for a full size view YAKTRAX YAKTRAX YAKTRAX YAKTRAX 1/3

3 Autumn 2023 3 Autumn 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Mavis at the Pahoia Beach Park Cheine Matheson Here's Mavis hosting the family at Pahoia Beach Park. A must visit place for animal lovers. Bay of Plenty. Cheine Matheson Photo ©2023 Cheine Matheson Up Up 3 Autumn 2023 , p 16

7 Autumn 2024 Autumn 2024 ISSUE 7 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption Is it a tent? ©2024 Alex Koveskali It was a tent Alex Koveskali People should take heed to weather warnings up here in the McKenzie country. Strong winds early hours of this morning and rain. The winds stayed. It’s too big for a chair and it’s not moving in the water so I can only guess it’s another tent blown away, full of belongings. Folks tend to leave their tents and go sight-seeing for the day and this happens. Yep, it was a tent. A guy just pulled it out. Photo ©2024 Alex Koveskali GO TO Celebrating Summer take heed to weather warnings Up Up 7 Autumn 2024 , p 25 ISSN 2815-827X (Online) | ISSN:2815-8261 (Print) ISSUE 4 editor@campingthekiwiway.org

Summer 2025 ISSUE 13 BUY PDF Contents Click on image for full view and caption SS_Papamoa-_20250909_063200.webp GO TO as the seasons change stunning spot, amazing sunrise STOP and STAY Harrison Cut, Papamoa Maggie O’Rourke Bay of Plenty Freedom camp. Self contained only. 2 nights max, 2 spaces in blue at carpark on left of entrance. Beware of the judder bars. Stunning spot, amazing sunrise, 2 min walk to the beach. Bins & recycling on-site; dogs allowed; security camera and access for boats. 4 mins drive to Papamoa Plaza or a 30 min walk. Car park gets busy, come early for one of the two overnight parks. Papamoa Beach Rd Other freedom camp Stops n Stays in Papamoa Stella Place: 2 nights, 2 vehicles Gordon Spratt Reserve: Sun – Thu only, 6 vehicles. Taylor Reserve: 2 nights, 2 vehicles. Motiti Reserve: 2 nights, 2 vehicles. https://tauranga.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/travel-and-tourism/freedom-camping 🏕️ Up Up Summer 2025 , p 33

7 Autumn 2024 Autumn 2024 ISSUE 7 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption Woodville Ferry Reserve Love Woodville Ferry Reserve, hardly anyone here. Darren Mansfield ©2024 Darren Mansfield Love Woodville Ferry Reserve Darren Mansfield Love Woodville Ferry Reserve, hardly anyone here. GO TO Celebrating Summer hardly anyone here Free camping in a pop-top. Without a fixed toilet, impossible after law changes. Up Up 7 Autumn 2024 , p 7 ISSN 2815-827X (Online) | ISSN:2815-8261 (Print) ISSUE 4 editor@campingthekiwiway.org

6 Summer 2023 6 Summer 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption 12-23-CKW-toc.webp Table of contents, Summer, issue 6 Editor 2 The freedom camping law needs to change 4 Editorial 4 Self-containment certification: Which one is yours? 4 What to do? Upgrade? Wait? 5 Well worth the walk 6 Mavis and all her DIY 8 You have to be here… 10 Who is advocating for NZers who go camping? 11 Biking the Waikato River Trails 12 Dehydrated dinners 13 There’s no need to rush this Summer 14 Fire safety: Caravans and sleep-outs,Smoke alarms, Fire blankets 14 Lithium-ion battery safety 15 LiFePO4 are a safe choice for a motorhome or caravan 15 EWOF certifications 16 Van tour of the op shops 18 RV Fridge Basics 20 Ten tips for a successful family camping trip 22 Car journeys with kids 23 NZ’s independent national network for self-containment certification 23 8 days a week and 8 years to celebrate 24 Do you need a permit for your BBQ? 25 Sharing the summertime 27 50 years of camping at Morison’s Bush 31 DOC update 32 Word search: Tent camping 33 Nothing but blue skies… 33 Stop and Stay: Battle Hill Farm Forest Park 34 Reefton Horahora Domain 35 EVENTS, Camping 36 EVENTS, Festivals and Shows 38 The end of the road Hi, I’m Fran and I have lived on the road a long time. It’s a great life. ©2023 @Franziska RV and Tiny House Living NZ Up Up 6 Summer 2023 , p 3

9 Spring 2024 Spring 2024 ISSUE 9 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption Steampunk HQ ©2024 Margaret Earle Steampunk gates ©2024 Margaret Earle Harbour Street ©2024 Margaret Earle In the machine ©2024 Margaret Earle In another machine The gusty wind on Saturday created several costume challenges. I gave up on my wig after less than a minute and spent much of the day clutching or chasing my hat — I hadn’t realised how aerodynamic it is. ©2024 Graham Leslie Mechanical botanical This year’s theme for the festival was ‘mechanical botanical’. ©2024 Margaret Earle Mechanical botanical parade ©2024 Margaret Earle Tea dwelling ©2024 Margaret Earle Steampunk HQ ©2024 Margaret Earle Steampunk the Thames St the Sunday market ©2023 Margaret Earle Steampunk the Thames Kids activities at the Sunday market ©2023 Margaret Earle Steampunk the Thames Waiting for the Saturday morning parade to start. ©2023 Margaret Earle Steampunk the Thames Saturday morning parade ©2023 Margaret Earle A chance to get dressed up and have some have fun. Steampunk— from north to south and back again Margaret Earle “What is Steampunk?” asked the woman I was chatting with on the verge of State Highway 1 south of Ashburton. We’d been waiting in a queue at roadworks for nearly an hour and so had got out of our cars to stretch our legs. While I was trying to think of a suitable answer, my partner Graham succinctly said, “It’s a chance to get dressed up and have some have fun”. A more precise description is “Steampunk is a quirky and fun genre of science fiction. It is often set in an alternate, futuristic version of 19th century Victorian England steam powered devices — the ‘world gone mad’ as Victorian people may have imagined.” Two New Zealand towns hold annual Steampunk festivals. Oamaru is known as the ‘Steampunk Capital of the World’ and has been the hub of Steampunk activities for about 15 years. This includes a festival over King’s Birthday weekend. The town of Thames in the Coromandel has also embraced the Steampunk genre and holds its Steampunk festival in November. Graham and I first went to Steampunk the Thames in 2018 when we saw it as a camping event on the All Points calendar. We put together really basic costumes, turned up and had a fun time. We have been to the Thames festival several times since and each year have added new things into our growing assortment of Steampunk costumes. This year was the first time we had ventured south to Steampunk in Oamaru. The fact that it is held in the middle of winter tended to put us off. But this year we had a family event in Dunedin around the same time, so it seemed like the ideal time to put our virtual toes in icy water and work out how to make our Steampunk costumes warm enough for June in Oamaru. We were lucky with the weather in Oamaru; it was very mild. However, the gusty wind on Saturday created several costume challenges. I gave up on my wig after less than a minute and spent much of the day clutching or chasing my hat — I hadn’t realised how aerodynamic it is. The other Steampunkers in Oamaru were friendly and made us feel welcome. This year’s theme for the festival was ‘mechanical botanical’. There were some inspired costumes depicting this theme in ingenious ways. During the festival there were a range of paid evening events and also free activities, a market and a parade on the Saturday morning. Going to a Steampunk weekend is fun even if you don’t dress up and join in. But dressing up makes it much more fun. You can put together a very basic costume — a hat you’ve bought from a second-hand shop with a pair of steampunk goggles and some dress up clothes. You can then add to this for future events. Going to a Steampunk weekend without a costume is a bit like going to the beach without your togs: You can have fun, but you don’t get to join in the swimming. Steampunk the Thames We are planning to head north in November for this year’s Steampunk the Thames. This is being held from Friday 8 to Sunday 10 November. Steampunk the Thames All Points Camping has arranged to use Thames Sea Scouts as a campsite for the weekend. This site is suitable for all forms of camping. There is grassy space for tents, room for camping vehicles, a toilet, shower and kitchen as well as hall space. However, the camping area is not extensive, so it you want to join us at this event it is important that you RSVP in advance at rsvp: ckw.nz/steampunk-thames-rsvp about the event: ckw.nz/steampunk-thames ◼️ Images ©2024 Margaret Earle Up Up 9 Spring 2024 , p 5

7 Autumn 2024 Autumn 2024 ISSUE 7 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption Earthbeat Festival Festivals and Shows Editor These events offer an opportunity for people to overnight while they attend or you can overnight nearby. Some are restricted to certified self contained vehicles, some restrict or ban pets. Check the event website for details. MARCH WOMAD New Zealand 2024 15–17 Mar, Fri, New Plymouth, Taranaki Music and dance performers from around the world and across Aotearoa! womad.co.nz | ckw.nz/womad-camp ckw.nz/womad-eventfinda Havelock Mussel & Seafood Festival Sat 16 Mar Havelock, Marlborough A seafood extravaganza. Camping available, certified self-contained. No dogs. ckw.nz/mussel-eventfindackw.nz/mussel-fest ckw.nz/mussel-camp Earth Beat Festival 2024 Wed 20 – 24 Mar, Wellsford, Auckland Stay the weekend with the family. Cutting edge creativity, life-changing experiences and learning, a party. No dogs. Tent and vehicle camping. Accessible camp sites. ckw.nz/earth-beat ckw.nz/earth-beat-eventfinda RIPE 2024: the Wanaka wine and food festival Sat 23 Mar, Glendhu Bay, Wanaka, Otago Central Otago’s finest wine and food. Camping at Glendhu Bay Motor Camp, or Albert Town Park. ckw.nz/ripe | ckw.nz/ripe-eventfinda Port of Tauranga 61st National Jazz Festival 23 Mar–3 Apr, Bay of Plenty A week of jazz and fun. Choose an event near a free camp. Jazz Street Party Katikati, 23 March. Tauranga & Mt Maunganui on the other days. ckw.nz/katikati-jazz | ckw.nz/jazz ckw.nz/jazz-eventfinda Evening Meditation on the Maunga Sat 23 March, Maungatautari, Waikato Evening birdsong and gentle sounds of nature are an ideal setting for meditation. There are a few overnight parks at Sanctuary Mountain. ckw.nz/meditation ckw.nz/sanctuary Warbirds Over Wanaka Mar 2024 29 –31 Mar 2024, Easter, Wanaka, Otago One of the world’s top Warbirds airshows it is a biennial event. More than 50,000 people attend. Sort your accomodation first. warbirdsoverwanaka.com Oxford A&P Show 2024 Sat, 30 Mar, EASTER Saturday, Oxford, North Canterbury Enjoy some country hospitality. There is a lovely freedom camping by the Eyre River, 1km from town. ckw.nz/oxford-show ckw.nz/oxford-eventfinda APRIL Mackenzie Highland Show Mon 1 April, Easter Monday, Fairlie A fun family day out with something for everyone. Freedom camping is some distance away at Lake Opuha, but there is free parking for the day at the show. mackenzieshow.co.nz ckw.nz/mckenzie-eventfinda Aspiring Conversations Thu 4–7 Apr, Wanaka, Central Otago A biennial festival of ideas where key thinkers talk about a diverse and rich array of current, controversial and just downright interesting subjects. Camping at Glendhu Bay Motor Camp, or Albert Town Park. festivalofcolour.co.nz ckw.nz/aspiring-eventfinda Waiau School trail ride 2024 6–7 April, Waiau, North Canterbury For competent riders of off-road motorcycles and ATVs. Breathtaking. Basic overnight camping. theride.co.nz LATER Mardi Gras Ohakune June, Ohakune ckw.nz/ohakune-24 Fire & Ice Hot Air Balloon Glow and Laser Festival June, Mt Hutt village ckw.nz/fire-ice-24 Mystery Creek Field Days June, Hamilton fieldays.co.nz GO TO Celebrating Summer Up Up 7 Autumn 2024 , p 41 ISSN 2815-827X (Online) | ISSN:2815-8261 (Print) ISSUE 4 editor@campingthekiwiway.org

2 Summer 2022 2 Summer 2022 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Tapotupotu Tapotupotu DOC campsite Tapotupotu Tapotupotu Matauri Bay Matauri Bay Hitting the Northland beaches — Stop and Stay Gary Stoneley Check out our Stop and Stay listings for recommended places to stop and stay on your travels around the top of NZ. Only the best. www.stopandstay.org Heading up to the top of the North Island to see Cape Reinga is on most people’s bucket lists. For those who enjoy a bit of camping, finding that perfect spot to stay is an added bonus. Finding two such places is something special. Tapotupotu DOC campsite Situated only a couple of km’s south of Cape Reinga the Department of Conservation, Tapotupotu camping area is well worth the drive down into the secluded bay. Very popular over the Christmas and January period it is recommended that you book through DOC if you are wanting to stay during that period. For the bulk of the year you can just roll up to the camp and choose your spot. The camp is located on the foreshore of a small bay and lagoon suitable for swimming. For hikers there is the coastal walkway to explore. To get to the camp it is an easy drive down a short winding metalled road, suitable for all vehicles. Camping sites are flat with several different areas. There are multiple, vault toilets on site but you need to take your own drinking water. ckw.nz Tapotupotu Campsite Camp near a lagoon suitable for swimming and kayaking. Visit Cape Reinga/Te Rerenga Wairua only 5 minutes drive away or 3 hours via the walking track. Instead of driving up to the Cape and back in one day why not stay overnight at this special place and see the cape at first light or sunset. Standard DOC charges apply.potu Erratum: In our printed magazine we incorrectly showed this camp asTaputaputa, another Northland campground. taputaputa.nz Matauri Bay Holiday Park Thirty kms north of Keri Keri is Matauri Bay. It’s a steep, tarsealed road down to the campground and reserve but a relatively easy climb back out, even with large vehicles. A large, flat, campground with all amenities plus store and gas station is situated in a wide sandy bay. Which is a shell collector’s paradise. A very picturesque bay, the water is warm, safe and popular for swimming and with a moderate surf. The location, view and peacefulness is such that it is hard to pack up and leave when it’s time to go. Prices are very good, including full facilities, and non-powered sites are just slightly more than DOC camp fees. For a bit more you can have a powered site. This camp comes highly recommended as fantastic value for money, beautiful surroundings and terrific hosts. matauribayholidaypark.co.nz Up Up 2 Summer 2022 , p 37

9 Spring 2024 9 Spring 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Marlborough A&P Show © 2024 Marlborough A&P Show Festivals Editor Central Hawke’s Bay Spring Fling Festival Now to 3 Nov, Hawke’s Bay Whether your passion lies in food, gardens, history, markets, or outdoor adventures, there is something on the calendar for you. ckw.nz/hb-spring-tickets ckw.nz/hb-spring-pdf The Bay of Islands Walking Weekend Thu 10–13 Oct, Bay of Islands Walk in footsteps of some of our first European explorers. Walk the islands and the remote and hard to access spots. Breathtaking scenery, amazing flora and fauna, rich in history and culture. Book your campsite in Russell or nearby. ckw.nz/walk-fest24 Martinborough Community Market - Labour Weekend Sat 26–28 Oct, Martinborough Support local artisans, discover unique treasures, and connect with the community. ckw.nz/martin-market Foxton Spring Fling Sun 27 Oct, Foxton Market stalls, live music, food. Camp with All Points Camping for the weekend. facebook.com/foxtonspringfling Taranaki Fringe Garden Festival Fri 1–10 Nov, Taranaki A ten day adventure into the homes of garden gurus throughout the Taranaki region. ckw.nz/tara-garden The Queenstown Writers Festival Fri 1–3 Nov 2024, Queenstown Novelists, poets, short-story writers, children’s writers and non-fiction writers talk about books, share their stories and lead writing workshops. qtwritersfestival.nz Otaki Camping Expo & Craft Market Sat 2 Nov, Otaki, Kapiti Hosted by Otaki Hunting & Fishing and the Otaki Market. facebook.com/otakihuntingandfishing Marlborough A&P Show 2024 Sat 9 Nov, Blenheim Check out the sheep, cattle and horse riding. Enjoy dog trials, wood chopping, the Terrier Race and the Grand Parade. marlboroughshow.co.nz Nelson Motorhome, Caravan & Outdoor Show Sat 9–10 Nov 2024, Nelson Motorhomes, caravans, campers, e bikes, boating & industry related suppliers and manufacturers. Plus fun, food and great displays. Book your site at the Tahuna holiday park. nelsonmotorhomeshow.co.nz Winton Open Day Winton Town Centre, Sat 16 Nov, Winton, Southland Live music, Santa, street stalls, displays, kids entertainment, street parade and much more. winton.co.nz Cross Hills Gardens Country Fair 2024 Sat 16 Nov, Kimbolton, Rangatikei 200 + stalls and live music, set in 18 acres of the most beautiful private gardens. crosshillsfair.co.nz Rhythm & Alps 2024-5 Mon 30 Dec–1Jan, Wanaka A three-day music festival held in the picturesque Cardrona Valley between Queenstown and Wanaka. It’s a community, and a celebration of life, music, and camaraderie. On-site camping. rhythmandalps.co.nz Later Wairarapa Wines Harvest Festival Sat 15 Feb, The Cliffs, Carterton, Wairarapa Celebrate the start of the grape harvest— enjoy the best wine, food and entertainment we have to offer. Motorhome (SC), available, or book at the local camp. wairarapaharvestfestival.co.nz Campfest 2025 Fri 21–23 Feb, Bulls Domain A social gathering to bring together campers from all walks of life who are proud to enjoy and promote the benefits of camping. We also have craft and trade stalls, workshops and entertainment. campfestnz.org South Island Motorhome Show Sat 22–23 Feb, Ashburton, Canterbury Social campers are welcome and encouraged to make weekend getaway of this fantastic annual event. southislandmotorhomeshow.co.nz George Begg Festival 30 Mar–2 Apr, Invercargill The party vibes of the 1960s and 1970s for petrolheads, party people and families. georgebeggfestival.nz Vero International Festival of Historic Motoring 2026 Sunday 15–21 Mar 2026, Nelson An international rally that celebrates veteran, vintage, and classic vehicles. Its every 4 years. There will be vehicle rallies and public events across Nelson Tasman through the week. more on eventfinda ◼️ Images from event websites. Up Up 9 Spring 2024 , p 37

10 summer 2024 Summer 2024 ISSUE 10 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption GO TO Springing I’ve met a nice group of friends, who mix happily and include everyone STOP and STAY Teeming at Terako Downs Julie Adam — the Kite Lady Not bothering much about the forecast warning for rain over Labour Weekend, I loaded up the camper, with clothes, food and my two dogs, and off we went to Terako Downs. The roaring rivers on the drive up through the Amuri region suggested that there had been quite a bit of rain in the mountains, but the sun was shining and it was going to be a long weekend with gorgeous views and good people. Terako Downs is situated in North Canterbury on the Inland Road between Waiau and Kaikōura. This is one of my favourite drives. There are no villages or shops en route, just mixed-use farmland, braided rivers and mountains. From Waiau, the road is a little hilly and windy with some tight corners, but well signposted — as long as you know 25kph means go really slow! After Mt Lyford, the scenery opens up, with views across big open river valleys, before arriving at the coast just south of Kaikōura, where the sea goes out to the horizon. Terako Downs is only 18km from Waiau, just south of the Mt Lyford Village. If you’re coming from Kaikōura, the trip is 64km, which takes about an hour. I hadn’t been to the Terako Downs site before, and was really looking forward to it. It is clearly signposted on the road, with a gate leading into a rambling grassy site (no hard stands, but good firm ground, even after all the rain), with trees, quirky fences and bridges over a drain to navigate. It’s not all level, but there’s plenty of level ground. There’s bush and birdsong around, as well as chickens and, to my dogs’ delight, feral rabbits! Below the campsite is a river with a swimming hole, which would be fabulous in summer — but we weren’t ready for that this Labour Weekend. Robins ©2024 Debbie Tutton ©2024 Tony Knights. Vans, motorhomes and people of all shapes and sizes arrived over the Friday, and, after setting up camp, we all gathered under the shade of a large gazebo and outdoor covered area by an old corrugated iron barn, which was the campsite ‘clubrooms’. Exploring inside this building was a delight, with a kitchen area (microwave and electric kettle), plenty of armchairs, table and chairs, and a big log burner keeping the space very toasty. There was a door leading through to another bigger space. The building, inside and out, was filled with an eclectic collection of memorabilia, creating a fun museum — clearly reflective of our wonderful hosts’ (Fritz and Debbie) personalities and lives. ©2024 Jo Robinson As the sun went down, the fairy lights in the trees and on fences came on, creating a fun and colourful outlook in the darkness — although most of us were gathered around the fire inside, where the chatter and stories went on until bedtime. Saturday brought rain, so most of us gathered around the fire again or laid low in our own spaces doing the things we like to do. A few brave souls with dogs attached the leads, and went off along the road, or down through the paddocks to explore. Some campers even headed off to Kaikōura for the day to check out the shops and restaurants. Back at my camper after our morning walk, the dogs dried out on the bed and watched the other campers through the windows (Dog TV!), while I spent time with an audiobook and knitting. On Saturday night, there was music. People brought guitars, ukuleles, tambourines, shakers and song sheets. A stage and sound system was set up and the extroverts performed — some even trying out a bit of line dancing. We all joined in and the rain on the roof kept up the rhythm. Sunday morning, and the sun came out glorious and warm — and to show a new river had appeared, where the day before there had been a dry drainage ditch running through the campsite. This provided a bit of entertainment as our host took off her trousers to get in and clear grass clippings blocking a pipe under one of the wee bridges to let the water clear. Out of the water, at least, the temperature wasn’t freezing! But the rain came back in the afternoon, and we retreated again to the fire. A screen and projector were set up where the music had been, and we were able to pick from a good variety of DVD movies. A great excuse to snuggle into a comfy chair with a blanket and sit back, knit and relax. The following morning brought sunshine again, and after a session under the gazebo to talk about our weekend and make our farewells, we all packed up at a leisurely pace and headed on to our next adventures, or to home. The All Points camping weekends I’ve attended so far have all been really friendly and laid back. I feel I’ve met a nice group of friends, who mix happily and include everyone. There’s always snacks and drinks shared and no time pressure. Linda seems to manage to include an extra treat, whether it’s a cream tea, or a pot luck meal, and ensures everyone is made welcome. I’m looking forward to the next one — and should be dried out by then! ◊ Trevor, a Cairn Terrier, trying to decide whether he needs to go out in the rain. ©2024 Julie Adam See the gallery for more images. Up Up 10 Summer 2024 , p 35