Camping, loved by some and loathed by others. We did it religiously from 1981 to 2015 when - for a second time - the remnants of a Hurricane blew us into oblivion. From 2016 onwards a comfy bed in a warm flat has been our preferred choice, although a few hardies keep up the tradition from time to time.
1991 - First Camp
In 1991 we hire the well appointed big frame tents supplied by the Garrison campsite - that were blown into the sea by a storm in 1992.
1995 - Wakey Wakey
Tucks demonstrates that rising from a tent on a cold, wet September morning (1995) is an effort.
1998 - Cosy
Sleeping 2 in a single person tent (1998) is very cosy but essential when you are a tent short! ps It's Plums inside.
2004 - Big Tent
2004. Peter's large frame tent is so big that it dwarfs the Toilet block and is a devil to erect.
2007 - Stunning September's
Obvious statement - but when the weather is good camping on the Garrison - as it was in 2007 - is a great experience.
2010 - Dof E Expert
2010. Thankfully the Hoot Toots is graced by the presence of Duke of Edinburgh experts in all things wet, windy and rugged. In the time it takes Jake to pose for the camera Gribsy has erected the tent!
2010 - Recycled
September 2010. It is a glorious evening and having found a discarded camping chair in the rubbish bin Jim sits and reads a newspaper in the evening sunshine.
2015 - Floyd Returns
The morning of 14th September 2015 brings back memories of Hurricane Floyd (1993). Unexpectedly the wind turns gale force overnight and by daybreak many of our tents are flattened. Tomsy, Hutch, Gribster and Mr. Bump spend the pre-dawn hours sleeping (and drying their clothes) in the toilet block. Tucks hangs onto his tent until 6.00am when enough is enough and it is pulled down. The Scillonian fails to sail that morning! In this pic Ben wakes up after the storm. "
1993 - Pre Floyd
In the hours before the remnants of Floyd hit the islands (1993) our tents stand firm. A short while later only the big one remains and our camera is saturated and we cannot take a photo.
1996 - Under The Stars
Sitting out under the stars is a wonderful experience on Scillies where the light pollution is minimal and the Milky Way dominant. (1996)
2002 - Help
In 2002, Peter is concerned that he may have brought the blow up paddling pool by mistake.
2006 - Playful Packing
2006. A playful photograph of our two Peter's packing their tents!
2010 - Speedy Erection
2012. Ben always brings a tent the size of a cornflake packet that he erects in seconds.
2010 Bomb Site
Erecting the tentage in 2010 takes forever. Bored with waiting Jim has a 'sit down'.
2011 - Help
2011. When all else fails use your own body to support the canvas.
2023 and still camping!
In 2023, Ben, George and Jake camp and snap this photo to prove it.