Solo Camping - How did I get on?

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I set up Just Pick One to try and do something different, to express myself and be free if the usual daily constraints. Following on from this, I decided I needed some time alone. I have never lived alone in my life and I wanted a taste of it. So I bought myself a smaller tent to take with me and set up a solo camp. 



I took myself to The New Forest. Camping in the new forest is easy as there are lots of campsites and places to visit. I decided to use campinginthenewforest.co.uk again as I was happy with their sites before. I chose Roundhill Campsite for this trip. Partially because it was last minute and they had availability and it felt like a get away. 

I bought a CfLity tent from Amazon. Nope I've never heard of that brand either. It is a 3 man tent (and as with all tents if you want room decide how many people will use it and then add 2 and you will be comfortable), and it goes up like an upside-down umbrella. And the best part, it only took 20 minutes, from unpacking it from the case to fully assembled and pegged out. It would have been quicker but it was a windy day and I was being fussy. It took a while to decide which one to buy but ultimately the space inside, the double doors and the price of only £68 was all I needed. 

I set up my camp and cooked some dinner on our individual stove, noodles and chicken with a side order of sweets. Watched some shows on my phone that I had downloaded and chilled out. No responsibility, no one needing me, just being me, doing what I wanted to do. Which on this trip was not a lot. 

My pitch was close to the loos and fairly secluded so when I opened one of the doors I couldn't see anyone else. I could hear families playing and adults chatting but nothing too loud so I felt peaceful in the evening calm. Overnight rain came at around 9pm and continued until at least 1am. I know this because I am old and needed the loo again. I did feel slightly nervous as this is a new tent. Will it hold up, did I pitch it right in the end or will I be swimming home. I needn't have worried as it did fantastically. I was completely dry, no condensation the next morning and I was warm throughout. That is literally all a tent has to do so I was very pleased. 

I had a nice breakfast the next day, packed up and went for a drive. One of those drives with no real point to it. Just to go and see what's over there. I like doing that. Just me and the road. It was beautiful because the New Forest is stunning to drive around. I found many many horses, stunning scenery and even wild cows. I've decided I want to go back to Beaulieu as I only drove through but it looks really pretty. I've been to the motor museum before and it's nice but I'm not really a car person. 

I am thankful that we have all of the gear to go camping alone or with the family. It makes everything easier. I think I will do a future blog about what gear I take and feel is essential. I am not a wild camper and so I do take luxuries and heavy things. 

In the end I headed home with two thoughts. Oh well this was so nice to be alone and I want to do it again but for a bit longer next time. I think I will take different food, be more adventurous and hope for nicer overnight weather so I can film some lovely stars. I'll keep you updated. 


For more videos from me check out my YouTube Channel JustPickOneUK

Until next time

Xx


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