Do TV & Camping actually go together

Submitted: Friday, Jan 30, 2009 at 14:20
ThreadID: 65543 Views:5647 Replies:25 FollowUps:45
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Apologies in advance if this can been done to the death ...however.

Recently, while enjoying the Victorian High Country, I pulled into a Caravan Park in Bright and asked for a spot as away from other campers as it's possible to get. I required no power & didn't mind a bit of a walk to the 'facilities'.

Found a nice enough site and between some shade trees and was set-up in no time. Soon afterwards a lady approached to explain that her young girl was teething and she apologised for what she feared may be a 4am alarm bell for other campers. Fair enough & thnaks for the warning. At least I'll know what that is.

What she failed to explain was that their mob like to watch telly until around 11pm. So while I was sitting back sipping coffee & port, breathing in that beautiful night air and watching the stars, not too far away were our 'neighbours' and they were sitting outside their caravan watching TV.

To us it seemed kind of weird. But maybe we're the odd ones. Maybe camping should be about TV, internet & what ever else one normally gets up to at home.

What do others think?
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Reply By: Dunco (NSW) - Friday, Jan 30, 2009 at 14:33

Friday, Jan 30, 2009 at 14:33
All I can say Wayne is...To each their own.

Some like it and some don't. I won't criticise one way or another as we are all different, but many in here will swear black and blue that their point of view is the correct one.

Good luck with the camping.

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Reply By: Rolly - Friday, Jan 30, 2009 at 14:34

Friday, Jan 30, 2009 at 14:34
"Getting away from it all" has been successfully distorted into "Taking it all with you".
"Home away from home" has become the (almost) universal catch cry.
We're in the minority, I fear, Wayne.

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Follow Up By: OzTroopy - Friday, Jan 30, 2009 at 20:55

Friday, Jan 30, 2009 at 20:55
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Reply By: takenbyaliens (QLD member) - Friday, Jan 30, 2009 at 14:35

Friday, Jan 30, 2009 at 14:35
Wayne we camp for 3-4 weeks every year. We choose a non powered site and only this year ( after 15 ) did I relent and took away a powerpack so we did not have to use the gas lantern to read by at night. However the vast majority ( admittedly in caravans ) have TVs and even worse, game consoles. So here we are at the beach and where are the kids for hours at a time?? Inside the vans playing computer games!!! And yes, TVs going till 11 which I consider to be well past normal camp etiquette time! Talk about a parallel universe!
According to modern astronomers, space is finite..a very comforting thought particularly for people who can never remember where they left things

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Follow Up By: takenbyaliens (QLD member) - Friday, Jan 30, 2009 at 15:11

Friday, Jan 30, 2009 at 15:11
And then there was the fellow in Kinchega who fired up the genny so he could watch the TV later that night. And then needed to get it going at 5.30 the next morning! We watched the stars and had a satelite counting competition!!
According to modern astronomers, space is finite..a very comforting thought particularly for people who can never remember where they left things

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Follow Up By: Patrolman Pat - Saturday, Jan 31, 2009 at 16:12

Saturday, Jan 31, 2009 at 16:12
takenbyaliens spends his nights counting satellites. Afraid they might be coming back for you ? ;)
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Reply By: Member - Old Girl (QLD) - Friday, Jan 30, 2009 at 14:35

Friday, Jan 30, 2009 at 14:35
We use to camp with tents then camper trailer and couldn't understand why on earth would anybody would bother with the tv. BUT now we have a van and have the opportunity to use one. Mind you we take a bit of a walk around to make sure its not loud.
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Reply By: Member - Mick O (VIC) - Friday, Jan 30, 2009 at 14:43

Friday, Jan 30, 2009 at 14:43
A couple of years back I was struck down by the "Kununurra curse" (That is, any mechanical difficulty you will experience on a trip around Oz will occurr within 70 km of Kununurra...Guaranteed!). 4 vehicles pulled into the caravan towing identicle rigs. Picture a top of the line T/D Hilux ute with Custom side bins and a super expensive euro-made off road bike in the centre, towing a $45K plus Kimberley camper all with boats and motors. All vehicles had the name of a prominant Melbourne Crane Co. emblazoned on them, all drivers looking like they had just stepped from the set of Underbelly (and were probably named in the series lol). Everything was optioned to the hilt. Even their missuses had full airbags (for safety of course). They pulled these four rigs into a circle on one of the grassy areas of the park, and like synchroised swimmers, unfolded the boats into a lotus position, set up the 50" flat screen in the middle, plugged in the DVD and didin't move for three days, tele blaring from dawn till 11.00 p.m. at night. Then one morning.....they were gone.

Now that's an outback trip for you. Would love to see their photos!
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trip would doubtless be attended with much hardship.''
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Follow Up By: Wayne David - Friday, Jan 30, 2009 at 16:08

Friday, Jan 30, 2009 at 16:08
Mick O (Vic)

Holley Moelly...........you must have wondered if you were hallucinating.

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Follow Up By: Member - Scott M (NSW) - Friday, Jan 30, 2009 at 18:09

Friday, Jan 30, 2009 at 18:09
Funny Mick - does it exist?

The only electrical problem I've ever had with the 40 series was just outside Kununurra - in fact the only problem I had on that trip....

hmmmmm
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Follow Up By: Member - John (Vic) - Friday, Jan 30, 2009 at 23:18

Friday, Jan 30, 2009 at 23:18
Mick funny you talk about crane companies and Underbelly.

Mick Gatto (Carlton Crew Fame) owns a crane company so they say ;-))


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Follow Up By: Member - Mick O (VIC) - Saturday, Jan 31, 2009 at 12:34

Saturday, Jan 31, 2009 at 12:34
Funny that John. Pretty close to the mark there. Should add one of our infamous outlaw motorcycle gangs own a crane company as well. Good front for $ laundering.

Cheers Mick
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trip would doubtless be attended with much hardship.''
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Follow Up By: x - Saturday, Jan 31, 2009 at 14:43

Saturday, Jan 31, 2009 at 14:43
Were they watching underbelly?
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Reply By: Best Off Road - Friday, Jan 30, 2009 at 14:48

Friday, Jan 30, 2009 at 14:48
Wayne,

Camping is different things to different people.

For example, I don't consider staying in a Caravan Park as Camping. It can be crowded and noisy. That is not to stay we don't stay in Caravan Parks, we often do for a weekend away when we want to go out for dinner, lunch etc.

As for TV, well I hardly watch it at home, so no, we don't take it camping. For us bush camping is about getting away, reading a book, chatting around the fire, the odd afternnon nap etc to recharge the batteries.

Having said that, if people enjoy their TV, and want to take it bush, why not? We take a variety of items that the "purist" campers scoff at eg gas hot water servive, porta dunny, electric blanket in cold weather (plug into the inverter for 30 minutes before bedtime), wife's curling wand etc. Struth, I've even taken the breadmaker away.

We like to be comfortable in the bush now that we're in our fourties. When we were 19 and 20 it was a different story.

We have friends who take their two small kids with them. The kids run around the bush all day and then at night hop into their van and watch DVD's. And that is fine I reckon. What children really want to sit around a campfire listening to adults waffle on?

To me there are no rules, camping is what you want it to be and what you make of it.

Different strokes for different folks.

Cheers,

Jim.

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Follow Up By: possums - Friday, Jan 30, 2009 at 17:22

Friday, Jan 30, 2009 at 17:22
Well said Jim .... I've just come home after 11 months on the road with wife and 5yo and the tv was our saving grace after a long day sight seeing and keeping the kid happy with all sorts of things. We could have dinner and put her in front of the dvd for a hour or two while we had some US time to relax. Or mingle with some other campers with out the little one butting in every 2 minutes. So i luv the tv not only for the baby sitting value but every now and again to catch up on the news Cheers Tony
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Reply By: Member - Norm C (QLD) - Friday, Jan 30, 2009 at 14:51

Friday, Jan 30, 2009 at 14:51
No, you are not the odd ones, far from it. But your experience is pretty common these days.

For the past 4 years, we have spent about 5 months per year travelling. We have never carried a TV and the only time we have wanted one was Rugby League State of Origin time. I think of 12 games while on the road, we have only missed 3 or 4. For the others, we arranged to be near a town twice (dropped in for a pub meal and watched the game) and got an invite from other campers with TV for the rest.

We also find it odd that people go camping, then sit and watch Neighbours, McLeod's Daughters and the like. I can understand the news, 60 Minutes, 4 Corners and the like, or maybe a favourite sport occasionally. If spending every night in front of the box, you might as well stay at home. But it is amazing how many people do it.

Well, with a recent upgrade to a van (from CT), we have joined the ranks of TV owners in our camping palace. We have only used the van for about 14 nights so far. I'm glad to say the TV has been turned on once, when it rained all evening. Wife and I have made a pact. If we ever fall into the trap of putting the TV on every night, we'll pack up and head home. I don't expect that to happen - there are too many stars to see, camp fires to enjoy, yarns to tell, books to read for that to happen.

We are soon to hit the road full time for a few years, which is the reason for upgrading to the van and TV. But I still expect to spend most evenings under the stars, by the fire.

Norm C
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Reply By: ob - Friday, Jan 30, 2009 at 15:11

Friday, Jan 30, 2009 at 15:11
Wayne,
IMHO I don't have any problem with other campers watching TV or whatever. I think the problem arises when these activities impact on those around them.

Cheers ob
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Reply By: rocco2010 - Friday, Jan 30, 2009 at 15:16

Friday, Jan 30, 2009 at 15:16
Gidday

Stayed at the Wongan Hills caravan park in November on a weekend to check out wildflowers in the district. Found myself next to one of those multi-roomed Coleman tents which was also equipped with a very large tv with very large speakers . Friday night's DVD was Terminator II. Fortunately they went out on Saturday night ...
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Reply By: The Rambler( W.A.) - Friday, Jan 30, 2009 at 15:25

Friday, Jan 30, 2009 at 15:25
I completely lost it one night in Lee Point c/p a few years ago when I BANGED on this guys caravan at 12:30 am and told him to turn the f######... tv off.He had been doing this for days on end with noone saying a thing.He apologised the next morning saying he was a bit hard of hearing (I think he was deaf). I have nothing against people with tv's in their van but they should realise how sound travels at night which disturbs other campers.I usually bush camp so avoid the problem when possible.
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Follow Up By: Notso - Friday, Jan 30, 2009 at 15:32

Friday, Jan 30, 2009 at 15:32
Would have been much nicer to say "would you mind turning the telly off, It's keeping me awake"
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Follow Up By: Max - Sydney - Friday, Jan 30, 2009 at 20:51

Friday, Jan 30, 2009 at 20:51
Maybe, a practical solution would have been to suggest that he buy a pair of "buds" (the little things that go into your ears) and plug them into the telly. If two people, a "Y" connector and another bud would do the trick for both.

They are cheap, (i got one with my computer for free) and switch off the speakers in the TV. I am deaf, and I can assure you that the buds are a lot less painful to wear than the hearing aids supplied by WorkCover.

Having said that, we have camped / caravaned for 30 years and never found it necessary to watch a TV. We carry one we got with our caravan and may set it up if the caravan park supplies an antenna lead but it ain't on for long. Maybe watch the odd DVD but the laptop does that better.

Overall though, we all need to consider the people around us and make sure we don't annoy them.

Max
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Reply By: jvb1 - Friday, Jan 30, 2009 at 15:40

Friday, Jan 30, 2009 at 15:40
Hi Wayne,

I dont like (hate) the TV and as yet have not let the wife and kids take a tv camping, its just not camping. Camping is about doing something different and enjoying the outdoors.

Cheers
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Reply By: Honky - Friday, Jan 30, 2009 at 16:49

Friday, Jan 30, 2009 at 16:49
What happens if you have four young kids in a tent and it rains for 3 days?

Honky
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Follow Up By: robak (QLD) - Friday, Jan 30, 2009 at 17:56

Friday, Jan 30, 2009 at 17:56
Boardgames, books, paper planes, colouring in, puppet shows etc, song and dance comp...etc

...but all these require parents to do some ... parenting. Which appears is too much effort for some.
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Reply By: Member - DAZA (QLD) - Friday, Jan 30, 2009 at 16:59

Friday, Jan 30, 2009 at 16:59
Hi
We like having the best of both worlds, the flat screen tv & dvd
and Austar are part of the van, I like having a TAB phone bet on the
horses on a saturday, and the Cook likes her soapies, we also like
sitting around an open fire or we use the Braisier, and as a few
have mentioned, doing a bit of star gazing, we dont annoy any body
with the TV ect, and in most cases we camp up the beach where the reception is lousy, the funny thing about is, we respect
our camping neighbours, and some campers dont give a rats about
anybody except them selves.

Cheers
Daza
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Reply By: The Landy - Friday, Jan 30, 2009 at 17:36

Friday, Jan 30, 2009 at 17:36
Cecil Madigan crossed the Simpson Desert on Camel...what would he make of all these 'softies' doing it in a four-wheel drive these days.

Everything evolves and everyone to their own and just as long as it doesn't impact on the comfort of others who cares what others do!

Good weekend to all........

AnswerID: 346764

Follow Up By: briann532 - Friday, Jan 30, 2009 at 19:41

Friday, Jan 30, 2009 at 19:41
I tried to stay out of this one, but couldn't resist after this post.
It seems the general concesus is that everyone is different........

I think however Landy has hit the nail on the head

"..as long as it doesn't impact on the comfort of others........."

Whatever floats your boat is up to you. I think its just great that you are out there in the first place.
However if your passsion is disturbing others............offer a bit of consideration. Perhaps even try striking up a conversation with your neighbour. You may even end up watching the sunrise because you lost track of time enjoying yourself with a new friend.

Brian

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Follow Up By: OzTroopy - Friday, Jan 30, 2009 at 20:58

Friday, Jan 30, 2009 at 20:58
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Follow Up By: donks1 - Friday, Jan 30, 2009 at 21:17

Friday, Jan 30, 2009 at 21:17
X 3

I travell alone most of the time, and depending on where and when the tv comes along for the ride, sometimes it stays home. If i want/need to keep up with the rest of the world, it's there with me, but never annoying others. If in a C'park with many other people, I'd rather keep to myself or meet & talk to other travellers. ( maybe thet upsets them too ) LOL

Donks1
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Follow Up By: Wayne (NSW) - Saturday, Jan 31, 2009 at 08:02

Saturday, Jan 31, 2009 at 08:02
Landy,

I too have gone soft in my old age.
I now have a stretcher to place the swag on. Gets me off the ground which seems to be getting further away and harder to get up from.

Nothing beats sleeping under the stars, in a swag that is on a stretcher.

Wayne
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Follow Up By: The Landy - Saturday, Jan 31, 2009 at 11:22

Saturday, Jan 31, 2009 at 11:22
Hi Wayne

Trust all is well.........we are in the rooftop tent with a doona (talk about soft).

Hope all your travelling has been going well, they always say the grass is greener on the other side, but geez I get envious when I see all the trips you do. Were you in the Vic High country at Christmas?

Cheers
Baz
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Reply By: Motherhen - Friday, Jan 30, 2009 at 17:52

Friday, Jan 30, 2009 at 17:52
We were away for just over four months last year. The Old Rooster was shocked to find he'd miss an entire football season. He also missed the Olympic Games. We missed the entire campaign for a State Election - that has got to be a positive - although we also missed voting. No evening news with reports (like yesterday) that bring tears to your eyes, no news of bombings and wars. Just tranquillity and star lit skies. Now that is a holiday.

Motherhen

Back in the real world (darn)

Motherhen

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Follow Up By: Member - Willie , Sydney. - Friday, Jan 30, 2009 at 19:29

Friday, Jan 30, 2009 at 19:29
Yes Mrs Hen , I am like you. The first thing I did when I bought my 16 footer was to remove the TV. I read at my fire or wherevever, with an LED headlamp- they seem to last forever.
Willie.
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Follow Up By: Member - Dunworkin (WA) - Friday, Jan 30, 2009 at 21:08

Friday, Jan 30, 2009 at 21:08
"We missed the entire campaign for a State Election - that has got to be a positive" -

Hi Motherhen.

That was definitely a good thing, we missed it all too, didn't find out who won the election until we got to 'civilisation' and rang the kids who told us who had won, and that was a few days after the event.

Cheers

Deanna



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Follow Up By: Motherhen - Friday, Jan 30, 2009 at 21:57

Friday, Jan 30, 2009 at 21:57
Hi De

It was quite some days before the result was known too. When we got to Uluru i was able to talk to daughter at home, and it still wasn't decided - wheeling and dealing still going on.

When we were at Kings Canyon, the caretaker and cleaner were from WA, and they had only heard of the election days after the event from other WA travellers. At least i finally got some sense out of the WAEC and got us ticked off as unable to vote - but that really was a saga.

Mh
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Follow Up By: Member - Dunworkin (WA) - Friday, Jan 30, 2009 at 22:27

Friday, Jan 30, 2009 at 22:27
Yeah it took a few calls before the final decision was made but we were out at Coongee Lakes, and really at that point we didn't care, Coongie is such a lovely spot. We were fortunate to be able to vote early.

Cheers

Deanna


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Follow Up By: Motherhen - Friday, Jan 30, 2009 at 22:45

Friday, Jan 30, 2009 at 22:45
We couldn't arrange early or postal voting. When i realised an election was imminent, i looked for a phone number on the WAEC website - no phone number, no contact us section at all. White pages had a 131 phone number - which i tried, but message said it could not be used out of the state. White pages also had an email address. I emailed (it was Friday afternoon a week before the election):

"We are currently touring in the Northern Territory, and have recently been told about the WA election. We do not have an address for postal votes, and the time frame is too short. I am on mobile internet (no printing facilities) for this weekend only before heading outback again. I do not anticipate having any form of communication for the next few weeks." I put our full names and addresses as on the electoral roll on the top of the email.

The reply came back "you can vote in Darwin at this address - -- "

(The cleaning lady and Kings Canyon fell around laughing when i told her what they said.)

I again replied that we were in southern NT and that is no where near Darwin.

"Given your situation could you please forward your enrolment details and I would send through to enrolment advising that you will not be able to vote in this election due to your location."

I referred them to the details in my first email (now further down the page of the back and forth emails). I said i was unable to say what electorate, as we were away from home, we had not received mail telling us what new electorate we were in.

That was enough to get us ticked off. Phew! It only took me most of the afternoon to sort out.

Mh
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Reply By: Ups and Downs - Friday, Jan 30, 2009 at 18:38

Friday, Jan 30, 2009 at 18:38
After 4 months into a year+ trip around Oz we bought a 12v VCR and 4 movies. Thought it would be good to watch a movie occasionally.

Well, 10 months later when home and unpacking, we opened it to see what it looked like.

Too many other things kept us occupied when out bush!

Stars, bush, animals and all sorts of other natural things.

Paul
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Reply By: Willem - Friday, Jan 30, 2009 at 20:39

Friday, Jan 30, 2009 at 20:39
We avoid caravan parks like the plague.................


I don't even listen to ABC Radio when out bush (most of the time you can't get it anyway)

I shake my head when I see people in a camping area on the side of the road with an old bus(or whatever) etc etc and a satellite dish out the side. "Arrrr.... we can't miss our Friday Night footy.....(Or Home and Away?)..." lol

I used to have an HF Radio but never listened in to Happy Hour when all the crap gets recycled over the airwaves of who went where today.

AND...then there are some in a desert campsite, who decide that we all have to listen to their bloody C&W music of a night time. A quiet word ended up with a silent HUFF!

Avast ye laggards!!!! Camp away from me..Go onnnnn....git!!!!!

Cheers

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Follow Up By: Member - Fred G NSW - Friday, Jan 30, 2009 at 21:14

Friday, Jan 30, 2009 at 21:14
Naaaahhh...we wanna be entertained by watchinn ya pitch the hootchy for the night after gettin on the oysters and ruff red too early.....hahahaha...and haffen to put up with that there cussin!!! all the while when I am playing JW and SD and LK and RL.
Anyways, TV ???? Naaahhh.

hahahahahaha lolololol

Cheers.
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Follow Up By: possums - Saturday, Jan 31, 2009 at 06:50

Saturday, Jan 31, 2009 at 06:50
You just hit the nail on the head William (you have a laugh when you see a dish out side a old bus) most people who have a big old bus live in it on the road full time. I bet they would bleep them selfs laughing at you at home (like there are) with your tv , computer, internet connaction, and being on it as much as you are, I bet they would say they bloke should throw that computer in the bin and start getting out more. No offence ment Tony my wife thinks i spend to much time on mine too
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Follow Up By: Willem - Saturday, Jan 31, 2009 at 08:07

Saturday, Jan 31, 2009 at 08:07
Hey Possums

Before you go shooting your mouth off about me not getting out more go have a look HERE

Whereas I do have some electronic toys I do not need to amuse myself whilst out camping by watching inane TV shows.

Oh, and get my name right please.


Cheers
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Follow Up By: possums - Saturday, Jan 31, 2009 at 17:27

Saturday, Jan 31, 2009 at 17:27
I'm sorry if i upset you Willem but at no stage was that my intention. I was simply pointing out as your last post said when you go camping... that they might not be camping in the big old bus. Any way im sorry if i upset you or you felt i was implying that you are not a well travelled person as you must pride your self on as your own web site shows you are. But most of all excuse my grammar with the wrong spelling of your name but i kind of like William as it is my middle name. Mates again Tony x x
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Follow Up By: Willem - Saturday, Jan 31, 2009 at 22:29

Saturday, Jan 31, 2009 at 22:29
That's OK Possums....no worries


Cheers
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Reply By: OzTroopy - Friday, Jan 30, 2009 at 21:03

Friday, Jan 30, 2009 at 21:03
Have no use for the things on "camping" trips myself. Prefer the books and radio.

I can imagine that on touring holidays with littlies on board - there would be considerable benefit in having one on board, as an extra time filler in lousy weather.
AnswerID: 346792

Reply By: Member - Mark E (VIC) - Friday, Jan 30, 2009 at 21:22

Friday, Jan 30, 2009 at 21:22
I choose not to take television on camping expeditions, but I don't care what others take either, so long as they don't pester others with it. That being said, I do expect a certain level of this type of 'noise' in caravan parks, so I avoid them when possible. It's faily difficult to experience the 'bush' and 'nature' in a caravan park IMO.

From my experience, most people who end up annoying others with things like loud TV's, stereos, DVD's and the like do not set out to do so, but when it is brought to their attention that perhaps they might be disturbing the tranquility of others, the "...it's my right to do what I want..." line of thinking seems to dominate.

Not all of course, but this attitude can be found in all aspects of "camping" (and life for that matter). How many EO and other forum threads do we see with stories of campsites with gross amounts of rubbish, broken beer bottles and disposable nappies, campfires being left hot or burning, excrement behind every tree with the obligatory folded (or scrunched) bit of toilet paper on top?

It boils down to sheer selfishness and/or laziness.

Yes we live in a (relatively) free country, but IMO that comes with a level of responsibility that some never seem to acquire, unfortunately.

I spent 15 years teaching outdoor education in schools and I would be horrified to see any of my past students treat the 'bush' the way I see some people treat it or be grossly inconsiderate to others in the way they conduct themselves whilst camping.

Sound like a rant, eh?

Cheers and look after each other and the bush.

Cheers,

Mark
AnswerID: 346797

Reply By: dedabato (SA) - Friday, Jan 30, 2009 at 21:49

Friday, Jan 30, 2009 at 21:49
I'll say,
" It's a free country........ To each their own " but Priority must be consideration for others. People are funny. Some like to have (in bush) Sat.Phones, HF's, Notebooks, GPS,EPRB,Solar systems,Dual batteries,Generators,Hot water,Fridges,Air compressors,Beautiful C/T's,Boats,Bikes,etc,etc, but the good old TV? Oh no,no. Just ignore it and enjoy it...
It's just my way of thinking.....
Happy travelling to All.
Cheers
Steve






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Reply By: Wayne David - Friday, Jan 30, 2009 at 22:31

Friday, Jan 30, 2009 at 22:31
Strewth I've just returned from work and I'm amazed at the response to this one. Thanks all.

To sum things up for me.

I don't worry IF people watch TV while others are camping. It's up to them. As long as I'm not expected to listen to the damn thing. But then that applies to any kind of noise pollution....right?

I usually prefer to bush camp but sometimes I find that a day or so at Caravan Park is not such a bad idea. For starters the boss likes to have those long hot showers & wash her long hair. CP is a chance to catch-up on laundry. I've also found that it allows me to venture away from camp with more confidence to explore towns, tracks, other swimming spots & that sort of thing, without thinking that someone maybe back at camp helping themselves to my gear.

As for kids & TV for entertainment. Well I don't know about that. I think TV, the internet and DVD's have a lot to answer for when it comes to the lost art of entertaining one's self. Kids should at times be encouraged to use their minds with reading, solving puzzles, inventing their own games and so forth. Sadly adults have far too often opted for the easy/lazy way out by sticking junior in front of the TV.

Now before too many jump on me from a great height, allow me to share a true story.

We actually run a camp of sorts where people show-up for a weekend away from home for exercise & friendship. At this camp - which has cabins & bunkhouses - there is no TV or telephone reception. So it's make your own fun. And let me tell you that without this hi tech type stuff the kids are discovering life in the 50's. It's about running around playing hide & seek, bushwalks with torches, making friendships & having fun as it sued to be.

Parents are amazed at the change in their kids that two days without TV etc has made. But then it's all so easy to slip back into old habits isn't it!

End of rant.
AnswerID: 346805

Reply By: troopyman - Saturday, Jan 31, 2009 at 08:27

Saturday, Jan 31, 2009 at 08:27
No tv but definately the portable dvd for the 10 year old . He has to use headphones though . Anyway he usually only watches something before bedtime because i try to provide enough entertainment during the day , russell coight style usually .
AnswerID: 346832

Follow Up By: Wayne David - Saturday, Jan 31, 2009 at 09:32

Saturday, Jan 31, 2009 at 09:32
You did say 10 year old. Didn't you?

The name Russell Coight was familiar but I just couldn't put a face to the name and so I Googled 'russell coight' and then went "Oh yeah, I know tis character he's a comedian".

I like a laugh and since Google had a few utube type samples to view away I clicked.

It was funny alright. There was the shagging bit where he thought the couple were having a power nap and then there was the bare bum hanging out of the ute as the crew filmed RC.

Personally I thought it was pretty good but my thoughts were 'where were you when I was 10"?
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FollowupID: 614902

Follow Up By: troopyman - Saturday, Jan 31, 2009 at 12:03

Saturday, Jan 31, 2009 at 12:03
When i was 10 i had an old dragster pushbike and a football . Bit diffrent nowdays though .
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FollowupID: 614916

Reply By: Hairy (NT) - Saturday, Jan 31, 2009 at 11:42

Saturday, Jan 31, 2009 at 11:42
Gday,
What I find funny is people go camping in caravan parks
(Big paddocks set up to jam in as many people from different backgrounds, in situations a lot aren't comfortable with in a very close proximity) for fun.
Everyone thinks everyone else is there for the same reason as they are and then get surprised when they find out some people are different.

Im not into TV and camping but some obviously are, and just because one person is in for a quite night doesnt mean everyone else has to.
For the lady to come and appologise about the kid means to me they were good people, just different to you.
Maybe you and caravan parks and the best match.

I reckon you need to be a pretty tolerant sort of person and really enjoy others company and customs to want to camp next to a whole lot of different people you have never met.

I choose to go camping away from the crowds....that way you can make all the noise as late as you want or sit back in the quite as you please. And if someone chooses to come camp next to you its their choice.....(or problem)

Cheers
AnswerID: 346857

Follow Up By: Wayne David - Saturday, Jan 31, 2009 at 14:56

Saturday, Jan 31, 2009 at 14:56
Hairy (NT)
You may find it funny that "people go camping in caravan parks", Hairy, but as others have indicated already 'different strokes for different folks'.

Believe it or not, for some it's their best camping option. For example there may be no bush camping anywhere near where they need to be, so caravan park it is.

Or maybe they have an elderly parent who still loves to get away in a van with kids & family, but they need to close to facilities & 240 power. We all have different needs and situations.

As for being tolerant, I couldn't agree more. Once we enter the CP scenario the game changes. I tolerate TV until 11pm, even though I personally find it odd.

At one CP I had someone set-up camp within 4 feet of me - despite comments by the CP manager - they were so close that at night when they were all saying goodnight I felt light saying "good night John Boy".

In this instance I was at the CP because my car had broken down and I was waiting on the mechanic to come back from holidays. So there are good reasons to stay at a CP.
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FollowupID: 614961

Reply By: Dunco (NSW) - Saturday, Jan 31, 2009 at 15:21

Saturday, Jan 31, 2009 at 15:21
One thing I seem to miss here...with people criticising all the bells and whistles and stuff like TV....

Do you take your laptops with you whilst you camp, so you can write your thoughts on different subjects on ExplorOz so that you feel better everyday ?

So sitting in front of a PC screen is different than a TV ????

Just let others do what they want and stop criticising everyone for doing things that you don't do...sheeish !!

Get a life and stop worrying about everyone else's..do what you want as long as it does not impact on those around you.Too easy !





AnswerID: 346892

Follow Up By: Member - Fred G NSW - Saturday, Jan 31, 2009 at 18:50

Saturday, Jan 31, 2009 at 18:50
Dunco, that's excellent. Perfect response to the original question, with a lot of angst from "some" others in between :-)

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FollowupID: 615027

Follow Up By: Best Off Road - Saturday, Jan 31, 2009 at 22:40

Saturday, Jan 31, 2009 at 22:40
Yes, I often marvel at the opinions here.

It seems to be a case, for some, if you don't do it my way it's wrong.

I think that is how Nazi Germany started.

Jim.

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FollowupID: 615080

Follow Up By: Willem - Saturday, Jan 31, 2009 at 23:17

Saturday, Jan 31, 2009 at 23:17
Dunco, Fred and Jim

No one is criticising what others do...just that they might not agree with what they do. But that doesn't mean they can't do it!!!

If we did not have different ideas and subject matter within this forum then it certainly would be a dull place. So why don't the three of you get a life....LOL


>So is sitting in front of a PC screen is different than a TV ????<

Yes, it is different. With a PC screen you are interacting doing what you are doing. With a TV screen you are being entertained or being led by the nose.

Electronics today is for everyone and it is the way the world is going so you cannot compare that with watching TV.

The original question was about TV being part of modern day camping.

To each their own, but I am still allowed to laugh at the antics of those who need to take all the comforts of home with them.!


Cheers

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FollowupID: 615089

Follow Up By: Best Off Road - Saturday, Jan 31, 2009 at 23:51

Saturday, Jan 31, 2009 at 23:51
Ah, my friend,

Some of those responses were just ugly.

Calling someones parenting qualities into question etc.

Make no mistake, I find the drivel on TV interminable and wouldn't waste my time with it, but it is up to the individual how they get "entertainment".

Cheers,

Jim.

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FollowupID: 615093

Follow Up By: Dunco (NSW) - Sunday, Feb 01, 2009 at 01:26

Sunday, Feb 01, 2009 at 01:26
Willem,

You do criticise whether you think so or not..

"I shake my head when I see people in a camping area on the side of the road with an old bus(or whatever) etc etc and a satellite dish out the side. "Arrrr.... we can't miss our Friday Night footy.....(Or Home and Away?)..." lol "

That is cristicism mate !!

I just wish people would let others do what THEY want in life. I never force my beliefs onto others like many do here in ExplorOz. It really gets out of control sometimes with the arrogance of some people.

I will criticise people when they talk rubbish and think they are experts in a certain field when it is obvious they are not, but when it comes to doing your own thing...well, many in here need a smack in the ear.

And when I talk about the PC and the TV...it is the bloody same mate, don't talk rubbish now mate. What others are saying here is that they AHTE anything that shouldn't be in a campsite...well a PC is one of those things the way they all talk, but they ALL bloody take one.

Society today cannot admit their errors and can never say they are wrong. What a pity. Hey, don't get me wrong, I am a terrible bloke sometimes with what I have done in my life, but I CAN admit error....can you ? If you said yes, then admit that you DO criticise people !



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FollowupID: 615095

Follow Up By: Willem - Sunday, Feb 01, 2009 at 08:30

Sunday, Feb 01, 2009 at 08:30
Dunco

So what?

Once again. A laptop is a tool. A TV is not.

Basically I voice an opinion or make a comment. If that is criticism then so be it. I don't walk up to people and say "Hey you can't do this or that. In fact I leave most people to their own devices. I just laugh at the silliness of it all ( in my opinion ) that when you go camping you have to take all of the mod cons with you like a satellite dish to watch whatever you dare not miss in the scheme of things when in the comforts of your home.

And that is my prerogative. I can put forward any idea or comment on a public forum as long as it stays within the guidelines and rules of the forum.

If you don't like what I say, then that really is too bad.

Chill out dude!!!


Cheers
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FollowupID: 615105

Follow Up By: Dunco (NSW) - Sunday, Feb 01, 2009 at 11:58

Sunday, Feb 01, 2009 at 11:58
Boring...........

I don't need to chill Willem as I already am. Retired at 51 ...ahhhh...why wouldn't I be chilled.

You can put forward your ideas, but please don't contradict yourself as you have done in this thread.

Yawn...I better go enjoy life a little more :-)

And...you better chill Willem as obviously you seem to get whipped up at being told you were wrong...after all, they are only words.



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FollowupID: 615151

Follow Up By: Willem - Sunday, Feb 01, 2009 at 12:12

Sunday, Feb 01, 2009 at 12:12
You just had to respond with inane diatribe

So what's being retired at 51 got to do with anything...or are you bragging?

Contradict myself? That's your interpretation of it as you have lost the argument. And stop telling me what to do. You obviously get a kick out of telling people

You come on here with an axe to grind and when you are shown that you are talking crap you reply with more crap

As stated before. I don't care what you think or what your interpretation of anything is.

Go and stew in your own juice............................
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FollowupID: 615155

Follow Up By: Dunco (NSW) - Sunday, Feb 01, 2009 at 12:35

Sunday, Feb 01, 2009 at 12:35
hahaha...very good.

Poor fellow !

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FollowupID: 615159

Follow Up By: Member - Fred G NSW - Sunday, Feb 01, 2009 at 16:39

Sunday, Feb 01, 2009 at 16:39
Willem, I hope you're managing with the heat down there. We are only suffering 40 at the moment.
Mate, everyone on here has a lot of respect for your valued input, and advice, often from extensive experience. Buuuuuttttt!!!!!
Your last 3 follow ups have contained these one liners.

Get a Life.

Chill out Dude.

Go and stew in your own Juice.

I think even you would find that derogatory when directed your way.

Not necessary mate.

Anyway, my camp still luv's ya. (Loved the concise report of your recent trip to the sea side, without a TV I assume) :-) LOL

Fred.
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FollowupID: 615229

Follow Up By: Willem - Sunday, Feb 01, 2009 at 17:38

Sunday, Feb 01, 2009 at 17:38
Fred...Ummmmmmm

You have got it wrong, mate

Those comments are all complimentary.

No derogatory intent. True

Yerrr...also no TV by the seaside. Just watched the lightning in te distance for entertainment

24°C in the lounge. 40 something outside

I am Chilling Out........hahahahaha


Cheers
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FollowupID: 615247

Follow Up By: Dunco (NSW) - Sunday, Feb 01, 2009 at 17:52

Sunday, Feb 01, 2009 at 17:52
Well thanks Willem.

I didn't know you cared :-)




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FollowupID: 615257

Follow Up By: Member - Fred G NSW - Sunday, Feb 01, 2009 at 21:14

Sunday, Feb 01, 2009 at 21:14
OK mate, yerr or'right, true...may we read many more of your posts here, look forward to them. Cheers mate. Hope the heat leaves you soon,..hey hang on!!! that means it's heading our way...bugger :-((( 40 today but increasing as the week goes on so they say.
Cheers from Fred.
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FollowupID: 615296

Reply By: Kiwi100 - Sunday, Feb 01, 2009 at 15:25

Sunday, Feb 01, 2009 at 15:25
Sorry Willem, but you're a bit wide of the mark. When you talk broadly of people seeming to need the "comforts of home when camping", you're overlooking the fact that many of us are "at home" on the road and that is precisely why we have the comforts with us.
We've been on the road over three years and satellite TV is often the only way to keep up with what's going on in the world for weeks on end - that's not entertainment, it's education/information. That has nothing to do with soapies or serials, and everything to do with being informed despite being out of range of all of the forms of communication that you might take for granted when in your own home. The alternative is relative ignorance, which might be fine if you see camping as a brief escape from civilisation, but it's not the answer when you're out there full-time.

BTW, our TV watching is never imposed upon any fellow campers. We're either sitting out there under the stars with them, or plugged in via headsets.

Michael
AnswerID: 347067

Follow Up By: Willem - Sunday, Feb 01, 2009 at 19:08

Sunday, Feb 01, 2009 at 19:08
Michael

Thread was about camping. When I go camping I wish to escape from civilisation as I know it. I normally only camp with a select group but occasionally I camp where there are strangers and this is mainly in a parking spot close to the highway. It is here that I find the Grey Nomads watching Friday Night Footy etc. There is nothing wrong with that but it makes me laugh because the whole idea of going on the road is getting away from the bump and grind of suburbia. Otherwise, why would you bother?

So I voice a comment on this forum in relation to what was posted and a whole lot of you become aggrieved.

So be it. Be aggrieved, if it makes you happy

And BTW we spent 5 years on the road...but we were working a small business. We did have a TV with us at one stage and were watch a Ruth Rendall Mystery one night out near Burrum Heads when a spike from the genny melted the TV tube. What a disaster. Right there when we were going to solve the mystery. We never found out who dunnit and never replaced the TV :-)







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FollowupID: 615273

Follow Up By: Kiwi100 - Monday, Feb 02, 2009 at 12:37

Monday, Feb 02, 2009 at 12:37
Bugger - I thought we were camping. LOL.

Well, we may not be camping (are you sure about that?) but we're certainly not aggrieved, just saying that there might be a bit more to it than the popular view of what other people might be watching on their TVs.

Now, on a serious note, the butler probably did it. They usually do. ;-)

Michael
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FollowupID: 615367

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