We were really keen to get Olaf away in the camper van this side of the year but the timing was crucial… If he was young and it would be a bit of a nightmare for all of us (think toilet training) and if we left it too late in the year it would likely be too cold and wet.  We also knew we’d have to accommodate Olaf’s naps and need to only have short walks as his puppy joints develop.

So the first camping trip with Olaf was to Delamere – 3 nights cut short to 1 on account of the (above mentioned) wet weather.  Delamere is less than an hour from our house and you can head right out onto the forest trails from the campsite so we’re sort of regulars there.  The last time we went though there was a Friday night fish and chip van and we also remember a Saturday night pizza van but those little bonuses are all gone now sadly.  In an unfortunate turn of events Paul didn’t come on this trip as he was very uncomfortable with a sore back which presented itself a couple of days before the trip.  What was neat though was that Brent and George came up from London to meet Olaf and I and camp too.

I was a little nervous about being in charge of the van on my own but I managed after some coaching from Paul before I left… It was really sunny when I arrived on Friday afternoon – Brent had already been there the night before and had settled in. Our pitches weren’t too far apart and once I’d got organised we went for a little walk into the forest before hanging out in the van for a catch up and some toasties for tea.  We went for another walk the next morning after breakfast and then decided to pack up before the rain came… something we managed to do just in time!  Olaf and George got along well – George was very patient with Olaf and all his puppy annoyances… Olaf travelled and slept well and there were no accidents either!  He was happy seeing other people and dogs on the site but not too keen on the road noise he could hear coming from the road running along the side of the site…

Our second camping trip was another planned 3 day trip cut down to 1 – this time to Betws y coed in North Wales.  We did think about not going at all when we saw the forecast but decided just to go for it and enjoy the nice weather and get Olaf used to the van a little more even if just for one day. Again we are regulars at the riverside site which has great facilities and is an easy walk into the village with its pubs, shops (particular mention goes to the bakery), the fish and chip shop and the tasty ice cream!  Olaf was happy enough being on the bed with us sleeping mostly by our feet and in the gap of my curled up legs.

I think we’ve set ourselves up well for future camping trips by making sure Olaf is comfortable in the van and understands our little adventures.  More to come next year!

Here are some pictures from our two (very) mini breaks!