It was supposed to be a weekend camping in beautiful spring weather. But at camping De Heische Tip in Zeeland, campers don’t sit in the sun with a cold beer on Friday, but curl up under a blanket with a cup of hot chocolate. “It’s terrible”, laughs Bianca from Eindhoven, while her husband Paul firmly fixes the awning to their caravan in the snow.
It is quiet on Friday afternoon at Camping de Heische Tip. But not all campers let the snow put them off. A few enthusiasts are getting ready for a night in the great outdoors in the afternoon.
A couple from Alblasserdam will put the caravan down on Friday for their daughter, who will come a day later. “We wanted to be here for the grandchildren, to take them in tomorrow. Otherwise we would have stayed at home,” says Mr. “We’ve considered going to a hotel down here,” he jokes.
It is almost three degrees, but the couple is confident that it will be fine. “We have brought an extra blanket and there is heating in the caravan,” says Mrs. They don’t have much experience with camping in the snow. “Last time we were camping on April 1, we were in shorts. So you never know at this time of year.”
The couple left those summer clothes at home on Friday. “Dress well and stay indoors a lot, then it will work. We also have hot chocolate with whipped cream.”
A little further on, father and son from Helmond have just set up the awning of their caravan. Now the decorating can begin. “Personally I would have chosen last weekend,” says father. But unfortunately, son really wanted to put down the caravan this weekend and father had to come along. “He thought I had more expertise, so you go with me. You have children for that,” he laughs.
That expertise is not that bad, he thinks. “Not in the snow. It’s not camping weather either. After an hour your fingers will be stiff, with all those cold herrings.” He doesn’t mind, father quickly adds. “We’re ready now, so we’re going to have a cup of coffee.” Tonight they will sleep at home for the night. When the weather warms up again, their caravan will in any case be ready.