Car is PACKED!

The plan was to first spend a few days on Vancouver Island close to civilization to test out all the camping gear before we head up north. We figured that setting up a brand new tent for the first time in pouring rain with the bears breathing down our necks just to realize that we had forgotten the tent pegs or something else vital would be foolish. Therefore, we decided to do a ‘pre-camp’ in exciting Parksville, just north of Nanaimo on Vancouver Island. Not the most adventurous destination (mostly known as a retiree community), but close to stores where we could pick up little things we might have forgotten.

Parksville beach

As we got to the camp site quite late, we realized we had forgotten that it would go dark within 30 minutes. The next hour became an interesting exercise in ‘how-to-set-up-a-brand-new-tent-in -pitch-darkness’. But have faith! Before midnight, the tent was raised. In the dark it looked really good. Well…sort of. The next morning we woke up realizing that even though the tent was standing, most of the set-up was backwards….

Victoria testing out the luxury camping bed

Pre-camp in Parksville

The next day and a half was spent trying out ALL the gear which include a wood burning stove with water heating system, a propane stove, our dining table and chairs, indoor and outdoor lighting and everything else that’s needed to make tent living as close to condo living as possible :). Our camp site neighbours were watching us in disbelief as they probably thought our gear was a little excessive for Parksville….

Woodburning stove with chimney!

The tent 'kitchen'

In all, the two days of testing everything was quite successful and we were now ready for pre-camp phase II on Quadra Island.

Lessons learned in pre-camp:
• Don’t set up a tent for the first time in the dark
• Don’t pull out the pegs first when you take it down
• DO read the instructions carefully before you start! Get a set written by an Englishman not a Chinese tent maker who had his version interpreted someone who has never seen a tent!!!

written by  Victoria & Robert on August 31, 2009 from Parksville, Canada
from the travel blog: the Canadian Arctic
Send a Compliment

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I love your blog, I will read it for Gunnar. Your description of setting up a tent give me some flash backs from my childhood. Everything was so easy, my mother did it on her own, we just sat there waiting for food.

I like your way of writing and your pictures. Looking forward to the next report.
Good Luck!
Maud

written by  Maud Naess on September 7, 2009

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This is a wonderful way to join you on your adventure. Love the photos and the equipment looks awesome - if you're going to camp this must be the way to do it. Can't wait for the next stages.

love Fay(and Don)

written by  Fay Ryan on September 9, 2009

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Love the photo's. Like the one of the bear. You have have fed him a fish, then got out and patted him on the back. Bloody chicken! I would come and take the photots. Great travel plan. Makes me think back to inter railing back in the early 80's

Take care
Andrew

written by  Andrew Haydon on September 10, 2009

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You look fabulously kitted out: v. well organized. I'm sure you've become dab hands at setting up camp and tents - even in the darkness by now. Like the photo of Rob in car looking like he's driving down a road in Tipperary ! V. Irish look with soft cap, to be sure... Can't wait till you get to Europe. Where are you headed there? We're doing the coast to coast walk: Wainwright (190 Miles, Irish Sea to Tyneside through Yorkshire Dales and moors) if interested in May. Don't suppose you'll be heading East towards Churchill, Manitoba? Media says that that's actually one part of Canada/world where polar bear population is actually not declining !! Canadian relatives who are staying with us at the moment think that locals may have rigged the stats somewhat. Please keep blog + photos coming in!!
Look after yourselves, folks !
Giulia & Ben

written by  giulial123 on September 12, 2009

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