First Trip!!

[naganthunter]

We FINALLY got our first trip under our belts!  We took the extremely long drive down to San Clemente State Beach (2 miles).  Had a GREAT time, and looking forward to our next trip, already set for November in Julian, CA!

Thanks to all who've provided me with the info needed to make our first outing a good one.

A few things I found that I thought I'd share:

- Screenrooms that connect to the awning are too expensive and take too long
  to set up.  Go to WalMart and buy a free-standing screenroom.  15 minutes vs
  an hour or more, and $50 vs $200+.  While the instructions for both were
  obviously written first in a language other than english, then translated by  
  someone who had a low understanding of the english language, if you have
  a basic understanding of setting up a tent, it's a heck of a lot easier and
  your language and demeanor will be much more family friendly!    :swear:

- The RVQ was terrible.  I ended up trashing it and making a run to Lowe's for
   a BBQ that worked much better, and didn't throw heat up the side of my
   canvass and plastic windows.  

- Don't arrive late for your first away-from-home setup.  For some reason, it
  takes longer when you're not at home....a LOT longer....

- Your 2 year old will want to help you with everything, no matter what it is.
  (maybe this is why it takes longer?)  

- Explain to your DW that the casette potty does not have an unlimited supply
  of water, nor does the tank empty itself   :banghead:

[Funrover]

LOL   glad you had fun!

[Russinator]

Thanks for the report. It sounds like a great time.

Julian in November, as you know, might be pretty cold.

Last year we were camping down the road, in Romona, one day we took a drive to Julian and there was snow all over the place. It was really pretty, but really cold.

[tlhdoc]

It sounds like you had a good first trip.  Did your two year old get a ticket for parking in the no parking area?  Give the 2 year old jobs that they can do.  Having them help is a good way to make them feel that they are important.  The attached screen rooms/AARs go up quicker once you have done it a few times.  In very buggy country I wouldn't want to be without an attached room.  I hope your second trip goes as well.

[CajunCamper]

I'm glad you had a good time.

As with anything in camping, it all takes practice and the add-a-room that attaches to your awning may be the best example of that. First of all if you bought your pop up and add-a-room from a dealer, I would blame your difficulty in setting it up on a lazy dealer that didn't take the time to set it up with you. The dealer I bought mine from has a manditory training session before you leave with the pop up. We set up everything properly and tore down everything properly together prior to leaving his dealership. Then there were no questions and certainly no need to try and read poorly written instructions.

The hour or more set up you spoke about is rediculous. I set up my awning and AAR by myself in 15 minutes max. with my wife helping less than 10 min.

I can't imagine not having my AAR. If you would like I would be glad to try and walk you through the way I set up my awning and add-a-room. I think once you learn a few trick, you'll really come to appreciate what you have.

CajunCamper

[Camping Coxes]

Are  you going to William Heise in Julian?  Really pretty park.  Take the short hike (I think a mile or so) -- it's worth it.  A few spots you'll have to help your two year old, but this would be a great energy burner right before naptime and he can collect some sticks and rocks.  Have a piece of pie for me!!!

[jac43k]

Sounds and looks like you had a great trip!