The Camping Thread - Page 25

prydey · 07-02-2021, 08:23 PM

Our latest purchase for the van

to be paired with my wacaco nanopresso with pod adapter. Trialling a lot of pods at the moment trying to find something that tastes half decent.

prydey · 07-02-2021, 08:53 PM

I thought I'd put this weekends activities in this thread as it was essentially camping...

I came across these in a visitor guide i was printing at work
https://cabn.life/
https://cabn.life/cabns/#sa

We stayed in Georgia
https://cabn.life/product/georgia/

I really like the concept these guys are doing. I'm not in to the whole 'envionmental warm fuzzy feeling' type stuff but l like the idea of feeling like you are alone in the wild in your own little cabin. Its totally off grid and you kind of pay a premium for that and its also the reason I've felt it appropriate for this thread as its basically camping. There is power but basically only to charge phones etc. Strictly no heating devices of any kind (toaster, coffee machines, hair dryers etc etc) as the power is all solar and battery and heating uses a ton of power. There is a diesel heater if needed and a petrol genie to run the split system a/c if needed. We didn't need either.

There was a couple of things we weren't too happy about given the price we paid (freezer section of the fridge so frosted up we had to chip a heap of ice out before we could fit in a couple of ice creams, pots and pans and utensils that looked like they'd been salvaged from a scrapyard.. not exactly the premium experience they portray) however overall it was a great weekend just kicking back and forgetting about the world for a couple of days. My wife and I hadn't had a holiday without kids for 20 years so it was long overdue to get away by ourselves. I would have loved to have stayed a few more nights but they are that popular they are all booked fairly solid until april and there was a two night opening at Georgia for this weekend so i grabbed it (booked about 6 weeks ago). Too expensive for us to do on a regular basis but great for those special occasions.

NeillNZ · 07-02-2021, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by prydey

Our latest purchase for the van
image

to be paired with my wacaco nanopresso with pod adapter. Trialling a lot of pods at the moment trying to find something that tastes half decent.

We have one of those, does a great job.

raised by monkeys · 08-02-2021, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by prydey

Our latest purchase for the van
image

to be paired with my wacaco nanopresso with pod adapter. Trialling a lot of pods at the moment trying to find something that tastes half decent.

That's a nifty gadget. Im a big coffee drinker, for the flavor not necessarily for the caffeine. I don't do espresso shots but I probably should. We use a weber Q for camp cooking and will do still when we get a caravan or camper van and due to fire restrictions I bought a single burner for the camp kettle. Best $50 ive spent to have the luxury of a fresh brew in the morning at the beach.

raised by monkeys · 27-01-2021, 11:29 AM

Camped 2 nights at Shell Beach campground Innes National Park. Great beach although word got out and was packed on our second day. Good sand, rock pools and good water when we were there. There is clean enough public long drops.

Stayed 3 nights at Point Turton at family's shack. Went fishing with family friend and bagged out on king George. Heap of Rat Kings around the marina and jetty but I had no luck with them.

blueoval · 27-01-2021, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by raised by monkeys

Camped 2 nights at Shell Beach campground Innes National Park. Great beach although word got out and was packed on our second day. Good sand, rock pools and good water when we were there. There is clean enough public long drops.

Stayed 3 nights at Point Turton at family's shack. Went fishing with family friend and bagged out on king George. Heap of Rat Kings around the marina and jetty but I had no luck with them.

I think with the uncertainty of borders opening/closing, a lot of people are opting for the local haunts now. What once was occasional visits by city folk are now being bombarded by those who dont really get into camping and looking for their next holiday fix. Just means seldom visited areas will now be over flowing with cashed up people who previously couldn't care less about Yorkes or anything much in SA.

prydey · 27-01-2021, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blueoval

I think with the uncertainty of borders opening/closing, a lot of people are opting for the local haunts now. What once was occasional visits by city folk are now being bombarded by those who dont really get into camping and looking for their next holiday fix. Just means seldom visited areas will now be over flowing with cashed up people who previously couldn't care less about Yorkes or anything much in SA.

while i do agree with what you say, I'm a bit more cautious in tarring all with the same brush. Yes, people are forced to holiday locally rather than travel, but they aren't all the types you portray.

On the positive, I think its very good for the well being of these communities. Tourism is what these places live on a lot of the time and this period will eventually pass, but at least these places are having an increase in patronage for a while. Its good from their perspective.

blueoval · 27-01-2021, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by prydey

while i do agree with what you say, I'm a bit more cautious in tarring all with the same brush. Yes, people are forced to holiday locally rather than travel, but they aren't all the types you portray.

On the positive, I think its very good for the well being of these communities. Tourism is what these places live on a lot of the time and this period will eventually pass, but at least these places are having an increase in patronage for a while. Its good from their perspective.

I completely agree with this part. These communities do need the help and I am happy that they are receiving it.

I guess I am more disappointed that state locals weren't supporting these regional communities better pre-covid, rather than being 'pushed' towards it now because they have no other choice. Just feels like artificial support to me. Once the international borders open, I dare say this honeymoon period will be over to a certain extent.

raised by monkeys · 27-01-2021, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blueoval

I think with the uncertainty of borders opening/closing, a lot of people are opting for the local haunts now. What once was occasional visits by city folk are now being bombarded by those who dont really get into camping and looking for their next holiday fix. Just means seldom visited areas will now be over flowing with cashed up people who previously couldn't care less about Yorkes or anything much in SA.

Quote:

Originally Posted by prydey

while i do agree with what you say, I'm a bit more cautious in tarring all with the same brush. Yes, people are forced to holiday locally rather than travel, but they aren't all the types you portray.

On the positive, I think its very good for the well being of these communities. Tourism is what these places live on a lot of the time and this period will eventually pass, but at least these places are having an increase in patronage for a while. Its good from their perspective.

Yes and Yes. Port Lincoln was packed out with tourists both within and interstate over the past few weeks. Unfortunately, it is the dirty dozen that ruins it for the majority. One of our coastlines was smashed over the period with people driving over the scrub that holds it all together rather than using tracks, camping in spots not dedicated to camping and leaving rubbish behind - meanwhile its a small cohort of volunteers that look after this large area.

Tonz · 27-01-2021, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by raised by monkeys

Yes and Yes. Port Lincoln was packed out with tourists both within and interstate over the past few weeks. Unfortunately, it is the dirty dozen that ruins it for the majority. One of our coastlines was smashed over the period with people driving over the scrub that holds it all together rather than using tracks, camping in spots not dedicated to camping and leaving rubbish behind - meanwhile its a small cohort of volunteers that look after this large area.

packed ! it was stupid crazy for those not involved with tourism. There are some prize drongos around that I would gladly not see here again.

BENT_8 · 27-01-2021, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by raised by monkeys

Yes and Yes. Port Lincoln was packed out with tourists both within and interstate over the past few weeks. Unfortunately, it is the dirty dozen that ruins it for the majority. One of our coastlines was smashed over the period with people driving over the scrub that holds it all together rather than using tracks, camping in spots not dedicated to camping and leaving rubbish behind - meanwhile its a small cohort of volunteers that look after this large area.

It'll only get worse until the council starts restricting access, then when all the bogans sell up and **** off back to Bali next year the legacy left behind will be to have stuffed it up for the seasoned camper.
Its already happening around the hills and riverland, places which were once open have been closed or restricted.

hayseed · 27-01-2021, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blueoval

I think with the uncertainty of borders opening/closing, a lot of people are opting for the local haunts now. What once was occasional visits by city folk are now being bombarded by those who dont really get into camping and looking for their next holiday fix. Just means seldom visited areas will now be over flowing with cashed up people who previously couldn't care less about Yorkes or anything much in SA.

Very True, We had a week away Camping recently. Spent 2 nights in the caravan Park at Jindabyne. The couple next to us said that they were supposed to be Touring Europe for the Month of January. But Instead had bought a caravan & went on a road Trip.
they had been pleasantly surprised at the sights & attraction Australia has.. Wife & I got the distinct impression that they were going to do More caravanning & less international Travel, in future.

blueoval · 27-01-2021, 02:20 PM

I think this will be the sadder side to an otherwise flourishing regional tourism sector. You will see more and more of these city folk who care not or are supremely ignorant of the care and respect needed for these communities.

I don't mean to tar everyone with the same brush. But I know of some people who are avid country hoppers (pre-covid) that wouldn't set foot in a camp site or visit some of our awesome regional areas, but now using their cash surplus to put on the grey nomad lifestyle with their sub 150-200k car/van setups all of a sudden, and are completely unaware/uneducated in respecting some of the camp spots and grounds around SA. Not all I will point out. But you would expect them to know better.

BENT_8 · 27-01-2021, 04:55 PM

You can pick the new money campers a mile away, 80k 4wd, 80k caravan and no idea how to manouvre it.
Had to laugh the week before christmas, standing in the check in queue at West beach listening to some random whinging because their site wasnt drive through and they had to reverse the home on wheels into position..lol

Van yards cant keep up with demand, many big brands have such long wait times on new builds(8mths) that they've decided to give the caravan show a miss this year.

raised by monkeys · 27-01-2021, 05:41 PM

This is the spot I was talking about above

BENT_8 · 27-01-2021, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by raised by monkeys

This is the spot I was talking about above

So much for 'take only photo's, leave only footprints'

blueoval · 27-01-2021, 11:42 PM

Thats just disgusting.

davenl5l · 28-01-2021, 07:40 AM

I bush camp and have carted my rubbish 100's of klm's until i find a empty bin sadly this usually includes a bag of other peoples rubbish picked up off the ground at the campsite

roKWiz · 28-01-2021, 07:59 AM

Geeze, newbies trashing the countryside. No different to what's been happening in other states.

At least the OS backpackers won't get blamed for it.

prydey · 28-01-2021, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roKWiz

Geeze, newbies trashing the countryside....

At least the OS backpackers won't get blamed for it.

No, just the 'newbies' this time. Unfortunately my observations is it's not those new to camping. These types of things have been happening long before covid.

BENT_8 · 28-01-2021, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by prydey

No, just the 'newbies' this time. Unfortunately my observations is it's not those new to camping. These types of things have been happening long before covid.

Yes but not to the current extent, its due to the huge influx of people holidaying at home that the amounts of rubbish and excrement has come to attention, hence the media interest.
This inturn will draw the wrath of the do gooders and soon after the easy fix of restriction.

12 months ago i could free camp anywhere around lake Bonney, now due to ferals and 4wds theyve reduced access to many of the good spots and will no doubt start charging for the few spots, it'll only get worse.

Its hard enough finding a bush camp setting at the moment, with many of them going to online bookings and when you can its packed solid and the facilities are filth.
I can get that in a caravan park on any long weekend or holiday period.

blueoval · 28-01-2021, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BENT_8

Yes but not to the current extent, its due to the huge influx of people holidaying at home that the amounts of rubbish and excrement has come to attention, hence the media interest.
This inturn will draw the wrath of the do gooders and soon after the easy fix of restriction.

12 months ago i could free camp anywhere around lake Bonney, now due to ferals and 4wds theyve reduced access to many of the good spots and will no doubt start charging for the few spots, it'll only get worse.

Its hard enough finding a bush camp setting at the moment, with many of them going to online bookings and when you can its packed solid and the facilities are filth.
I can get that in a caravan park on any long weekend or holiday period.

Spot on. Even going to Chookaloo in Kuitpo Forest is almost impossible no matter the time of year last year. Ive tried going mid week, non school holiday, non long weekend and can never ever get a spot. Cannot prebook. Its first in best dressed. Makes me wonder if these 'campers' are actually permanent residents there or not. I've given up trying to get in there, its hopeless.

I have a mates with land in Myponga and Mt Compass which I have been welcome to stay at. So I will probably do that again in future.

Jack91 · 28-01-2021, 11:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BENT_8

Yes but not to the current extent, its due to the huge influx of people holidaying at home that the amounts of rubbish and excrement has come to attention, hence the media interest.
This inturn will draw the wrath of the do gooders and soon after the easy fix of restriction.

12 months ago i could free camp anywhere around lake Bonney, now due to ferals and 4wds theyve reduced access to many of the good spots and will no doubt start charging for the few spots, it'll only get worse.

Its hard enough finding a bush camp setting at the moment, with many of them going to online bookings and when you can its packed solid and the facilities are filth.
I can get that in a caravan park on any long weekend or holiday period.

If you cant find a free camp at least 5km from anyone else, you need a better 4wd. Id rather set the swag up in scrub then be next to the flogs on their dirt bikes and hiluxes in a camp ground.
It sucks but theres so many people out there now we cant even have a uhf channel to ourselves without some idiot playing music over it etc.

Tonz · 29-01-2021, 10:17 PM

I now manager a Christian campsite, they used to have online booking, purely so I have control over who is going to be staying.
last Oct. phone call ....
'yeah, g'day can I book the place for couple of days>'
"any dates in particular?"
nah anything will do"
"What high school you from?"
silence......"whats that got to do with it?
" Id say xxxxxxxHigh school, any teachers or staff coming?"
more silence
(me) " Tell you what I can give you these dates, cost will be for min of 20 people plus a $2000 bond up front."

click...

has solved a lot of problems

BENT_8 · 29-01-2021, 11:03 PM

I dont know about you guys but part of the adventure that camping is is the unknowns, will i get a site, did i pack the mallet. Its what you laugh about round the fire and becomes part of the story you take back home.

Back at the end of 2006 we decided at the last minute to head up Yorkes for new years, we packed and left for Ponde Bay mid arvo on the 28th, Us with our 3 and Nephew and partner. We stop at the inlaws in Maitland briefly and arrive at Ponde just on dark, little did we know theres only 2 sites left in the entire park and were looking in the dark when one appears, so im looking at it under headlights and im thinking, the place is packed and theres this nice flat vacant site, what am i missing.
Then i look closer and see the site is 70% bullant nest.
On we go searching in the dark and after a while we come across another...minus the ants.
Looks good, grab the tents, whack, whack, whack, pegs bent, solid rock, oh well too late to mess around, bent the whole bloody bag.
We still laugh about it to this day.

davenl5l · 31-01-2021, 06:52 AM

The re has been big problems with sa national parks booking service as well allowing multiple bookings for sites saw this first hand at Innaminka last year

blueoval · 08-02-2021, 11:59 AM

Great pictures Rob. Awesome location for the van. In Wirrina I assume? I need to check this place out and perhaps stay a night or too. My old mate Ben Taylor and his family own the property.

The CABN units look the business but Im glad you were able to provide a real world review. Been reading reviews but found it hard to find any negative feedback.

As for coffee makers. I have a ROK coffee maker which is handy as long as you have access to hot water and bring your own ground coffee

prydey · 08-02-2021, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blueoval

Great pictures Rob. Awesome location for the van. In Wirrina I assume? I need to check this place out and perhaps stay a night or too. My old mate Ben Taylor and his family own the property.

The CABN units look the business but Im glad you were able to provide a real world review. Been reading reviews but found it hard to find any negative feedback.

As for coffee makers. I have a ROK coffee maker which is handy as long as you have access to hot water and bring your own ground coffee

image

Yeah, Ben and holly are the nicest people. Chat to you like they've known you for years, every time we go there. They are well aware there are things that need doing to their park and if you have any issues it's best to just go chat to them rather than leaving negative reviews. Really nice place.

The ROK things are meant to be good but I went with the nanopresso because it was cheaper and much smaller.

blueoval · 09-02-2021, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by prydey

Yeah, Ben and holly are the nicest people. Chat to you like they've known you for years, every time we go there. They are well aware there are things that need doing to their park and if you have any issues it's best to just go chat to them rather than leaving negative reviews. Really nice place.

The ROK things are meant to be good but I went with the nanopresso because it was cheaper and much smaller.

Ben loves his dogs too. Ive known Ben since we went to school. But we went out of touch for a while. Been meaning to get back in touch with him for sometime now. Yeah I have no issues with them making improvements to the park. Its good they are slowly progressing. From what I heard, it was a dumpster prior to them taking ownership.

The ROK is expensive for what it is and I paid more to get custom made Lathe spun tamper. Plus all the other accessories. Its ok and does the job. Doesn't create crema as well as I'd like, but the flavor is still there. Good enough for camping.

davenl5l · 09-02-2021, 06:49 AM

I loved our bellman but found it too slow so switched to aeropress