European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - July 22, 1993, Darmstadt, Hesse C. A m n u o the Tranquility found during those moments in my Uncle s Field. American campgrounds no longer the exclusive Domain of tents and Hack packs have became homing beacons for an Ever expanding number of Quot rec vees Quot and motor Homes. I was puzzled by people s attempt to escape from civilization to the great outdoors by dragging civilization with them in the form of a $30,000 motor Home away from Home. Stocking it with half their household goods and driving at 8 Miles per gallon to the nearest 10-by-20-foot slab of Concrete they would pop the tops off cans of Beer and Settle Down to spend the weekend watching a football game locked safely inside their air conditioned boxes. Mother nature would have to reach out and touch someone else. Tenters and pack packers who dared plop their tents within a nest of re s would be greeted with the icy Quot Well there goes the neighbourhood Quot stares of their neighbors. Eventually tenters were relegated to the farthest Corner of the grounds often the most Remote from showers and toilets and frequently with the roughest terrain. Britain fortunately has been Able to preserve the original idea of camping somewhat. Although every British car on the Highway seems to be pulling a Small Camp trailer during the summer months the campgrounds themselves appear to be evenly divided Between tents and trailers. Rarely does the equivalent of a stateside re make an appearance and there is Little evidence of any kind of class Structure within the confines of the campgrounds. Pay your Money and go for a spot. The Beauty of British campgrounds lies in their variety of style and their proximity to thousands of historical. Sites and natural attractions. Campsites Range from Bare Bones pastures on the Windy Cliffs of Dover to converted monasteries like Rosetta Park near Peebles Scotland. Both attest to the uniquely British ability to turn almost any environment into a living space. Wake up in a stateside Koa Campground and you will have to consult a map to know whether you re in Hoboken or Omaha. They All look alike. But Wake up in the Sherwood Forest Park near Edwinstowe England and you virtually can feel the presence of Robin Hood and his merry band for the surrounding English Countryside is littered with landmarks that keep his legend North about 20 Miles West of Newcastle upon Tyne the Hexham racecourse turns into a Campground in the summer months following racing season. Within a few minutes drive North of the Campground lies Hadrian s Wall an ancient Stone Structure that signified the northernmost limit of the old roman Empire. The remains of what must have been the loneliest roman outposts can still be seen scattered along the length of the Wall which at one time ran from coast to coast in this part of England. If you really want to be alone you can trek straight through the heart of Wales with villages and campsites so Remote that you will feel like dropping bread crumbs to find your Way Back out again. Closer to civilization the Houghton Mill camping Park near Huntingdon features a 17th-Century Timber constructed water Mill still operating next to its tidy 9-acre campsite. Campers Are allowed to fish from the Banks of the River ouse which runs along the grounds next to the picture postcard thatched roof Village of Houghton. Just a few Yards Down the Road the Hartford Marina has set aside a few acres of ground for caravans and tents overlooking the Marina. Its Quot chandlery shop Quot carries a wide Range of products for boaters and campers alike. Whatever your camping pleasure you can find it in abundance in Britain. And if you re 9 years old you might even find a Farmer willing to let you unfurl your Bedroll in one of his pastures. A amps gut sch Vaetor a campsite near Newtonmore in Central Scotland. The. Beauty of British campgrounds lies in their variety of style. Set fast facts a amps gut set Kuetder an isolated tent is nestled in the scottish landscape. Campgrounds mentioned. A Sherwood Forest caravan Park five Miles Mansfield on b6030. Cost 9 pounds about $14. A Rosetta caravan camping Park i mile West of Peebles Scotland on a72. Cost 5-7 pounds $7.50-$11. A Houghton Mill camping Park Mill Street Houghton off a1123, hear St. Ives. Cost 6.50-7 pounds about $10. A a Hartford Marina near Wyton and Huntingdon off a1123. Cost tents a 8 pounds $12 caravans a 10.95 pounds $17.a Hexham racecourse 1v2 Miles South of Hexham off b6035. Cost 5-6 pounds $7.50-$9. A recommended guidebooks camping amp car vanning in Britain and Ireland a automobile association 7.99 pounds $12. Caravan and Camp in Britain Mirador books 7 pounds $10.50. Both books Are available at most British bookstores. A Dave Didio july 22, 1993 stripes Magazine 11
