Yes this is me thirty years ago… Have I changed?

I guess so. Do I camp? Not that much nowadays, in fact I can’t remember when I last set up my tent.

I do know that things have changed in this area and once agin technology is playing it’s part in the modern way campers spend their time.

All I had back in the good old days were my trusty two man ridge tent, a thin piece of foam for a mattress,a torch, a small gas stove with mess tins, baby wipes as an essential a trusty knife and  a plastic bag for rubbish.

Its was simple, uncomfortable at times (but a more than liberal supply of booze helped) and open for disasters but it was fun and cheap.

Yes there may have been some poxy folding chairs and fly nets and portable radios but it was never going to be a home from home comfort. The best one could do was go swimming to get clean, visit museums and shops to get out of the rain and retire to a pub to eat and numb oneself for the lumpy sleep ahead.

Today there are tents for all types. day tents , all season tents (for the hardy types who go all year), blow up tents and dome tents to mention a few. They are light and some even come with a built in inflatable mattress.

There are even tents just for use as toilet surrounds and one doesn’t have to dig a hole to cover up when finished as proper loos can be taken, albeit chemical or compost ones.

Luxury or what?

They are made from high-tech materials and are quick and easy to assemble. One, two, three, job done.

Then there is the accessory stuff. My god! There is everything you could imagine and much more.

Foldable picnic tables and chairs, BBQ sets, comfy chairs, phone charging tech and music and even TV and video projectors. One can take portable hot-tubs and dining room style furniture so, now, you can feel like being home from home.

This can all pack down into a small trailer that can be pulled by the humble bicycle; yes the bicycle.

What? I hear you say. In my day a small lorry would have had to be employed to carry all that equipment which is why most just went with the basics.

Sleeping bags are now lighter, pack smaller and seasonal so one can be cool in summer and snuggly in winter.

Solar panels can provide energy to support fridges, lights and warmth so no more warm beer, cheesey milk or dodgy sausages and bacon.

But has it lead to more fun and fonder memories?

Nah. Not in my mind. part of the experience and challenge was to overcome the hurdles of nature and push the limits of one’s abilities. Getting away from the humdrum of daily life and getting off grid was part of the appeal and learning new skills is always good.

So once again technology has its bonuses and it would have been nice to have been a little warmer on cold nights and a little less bruised by bumps and stones in the ground but overall it has made the new generation soft and less reliant on themselves.

Don’t get me wrong I love some of the tech and would have  welcomed it at times but then I wouldn’t have become the person I am today and I know that armed with a few bits and bobs I could still survive a few weeks under canvas.

I do have the fortune to use a shed as my guest dwellings twice a year which is nice but very hardy.

If only I had the time today to indulge in this past-time……