Being new to this caravanning journey, would like some tips on the protocol of 'happy hour'
We are definitely not shy, but wonder why when people talk through the day but then at night you are not invited for drinks. Is it up to us to force our way onto people or just be patient and abide by the general way of life? Just wondering ..... we have had many happy hours with many nice people but would like to know other opinions and suggestions.
Dougwe said
09:38 PM Jul 3, 2015
Welcome to the gang Suzrein, enjoy here and out in the playground.
If you really want to join in a happy hour maybe take you chair, drink and some sort if nibbles and just go ask to join in nicely. I'm sure you would be made welcome, especially if you had been chatting earlier.
JayDee said
07:34 AM Jul 4, 2015
Perhaps you could invite them to join you and then the invite would be reciprocal.
Of course there are some folks who want just their own party. That's ok, it their choice.
Happy hour is one of the best happenings in caravanning.
Although I find it more friendly in free camping v C.Parks.
Jay&Dee
Phil C said
10:58 AM Jul 4, 2015
Welcome to our mob, I have always just let happy hour happen. I agree with what Dougwe has said, but a lot of times someone will come over to our caravan and invite us over.
Nothing quite like happy hour in the great outdoors.
Enjoy yourselves and be safe
Bruce and Bev said
03:39 PM Jul 4, 2015
Happy hours are a funny thing. Some CPs, people will keep strictly to themselves, especially if its a park where people mainly stay just for a few days.
I agree with Jay that low cost or free camps seem to be more friendly. Im currently in a show ground in Melbourne with a small camp ground (does have power/water/showers/toilets). About half those here have been here a few months or more for various reasons and we are like an extended family. When its not raining or the breeze is freezing any living thing solid, we light up the communal fire pit and sit around with some nibbles and drinks. Any new inmates we always welcome and invite them to these sessions. Some come along, and others shut the windows, draw the curtains and padlock the doors !!
Yesterday we had a young English backpacking couple arrive in their whizz bang for one night before they caught the train back to Sydney. We invited them to join us and we supplied them the drinks (they had none) and they loved the evening.
Its all about attitudes. Just like neighbours in the suburbs - some are friendly and others are not.
If we're new in a CP or whatever, we will say hello and judge how friendly they are - a good gauge of whether or not you will be welcomed to their fire or drinkies session.
But don't be deterred if you get rebuffed sometimes - don't be like those that shut the windows ad padlock the doors lol
Hey Jim said
06:02 PM Jul 4, 2015
Suzrein wrote:
Being new to this caravanning journey, would like some tips on the protocol of 'happy hour'
We are definitely not shy, but wonder why when people talk through the day but then at night you are not invited for drinks. Is it up to us to force our way onto people or just be patient and abide by the general way of life? Just wondering ..... we have had many happy hours with many nice people but would like to know other opinions and suggestions.
Hi their Suzein,
Have look under Search (Happy Hours??)
This should get you into party mode.
Enjoy. We will allways include you both.
jim & Lambie
Happywanderer said
07:14 PM Jul 4, 2015
I have been to some free camps where not one person has spoken to me. I've been to others where I have met a lot of friendlies and made life long friends with them.
It's different every time.
The last time I stayed in the Emerald Free camp the only person who spoke to me was a German traveller in his 40's. Can't call him a backpacker, he had last been in Aus about 18 years ago. Had hired a nice campervan, this time, and had 3 weeks to travel from Brisbane to Cairns before flying out again.
All the others there seemed to be in couples, one crowding my van in then standing at the back of my van talking to the neighbours. Even though I was outside keeping an eye on Daisy, only one muttered hello when I greeted them.
lkgr said
09:58 PM Jul 4, 2015
Bruce and Bev - Where abouts in Melbourne is the showground you are camped at, and the cost please. Larry
Dougwe said
10:12 PM Jul 4, 2015
Bruce and Bev wrote:
Happy hours are a funny thing. Some CPs, people will keep strictly to themselves, especially if its a park where people mainly stay just for a few days.
I agree with Jay that low cost or free camps seem to be more friendly. Im currently in a show ground in Melbourne with a small camp ground (does have power/water/showers/toilets). About half those here have been here a few months or more for various reasons and we are like an extended family. When its not raining or the breeze is freezing any living thing solid, we light up the communal fire pit and sit around with some nibbles and drinks. Any new inmates we always welcome and invite them to these sessions. Some come along, and others shut the windows, draw the curtains and padlock the doors !!
Yesterday we had a young English backpacking couple arrive in their whizz bang for one night before they caught the train back to Sydney. We invited them to join us and we supplied them the drinks (they had none) and they loved the evening.
Its all about attitudes. Just like neighbours in the suburbs - some are friendly and others are not.
If we're new in a CP or whatever, we will say hello and judge how friendly they are - a good gauge of whether or not you will be welcomed to their fire or drinkies session.
But don't be deterred if you get rebuffed sometimes - don't be like those that shut the windows ad padlock the doors lol
Good info there bigB. Now I know not to bring drinks with me to your place.
Gee, thanks mate.
Desert Dweller said
06:47 PM Jul 5, 2015
Don't forget to have at least two alcohol free days per week for health reasons. About a month ago we decided to go with two days having a drink (Sat. & Weds.) & five alcohol free. We certainly feel a lot better off for it. We spend most of the time camped in the bush alone so if there's no-one around to share happy hour with we put a CD on & enjoy it by ourselves.
Being new to this caravanning journey, would like some tips on the protocol of 'happy hour'
We are definitely not shy, but wonder why when people talk through the day but then at night you are not invited for drinks. Is it up to us to force our way onto people or just be patient and abide by the general way of life? Just wondering ..... we have had many happy hours with many nice people but would like to know other opinions and suggestions.
If you really want to join in a happy hour maybe take you chair, drink and some sort if nibbles and just go ask to join in nicely. I'm sure you would be made welcome, especially if you had been chatting earlier.
Of course there are some folks who want just their own party. That's ok, it their choice.
Happy hour is one of the best happenings in caravanning.
Although I find it more friendly in free camping v C.Parks.
Jay&Dee
Nothing quite like happy hour in the great outdoors.
Enjoy yourselves and be safe
I agree with Jay that low cost or free camps seem to be more friendly. Im currently in a show ground in Melbourne with a small camp ground (does have power/water/showers/toilets). About half those here have been here a few months or more for various reasons and we are like an extended family. When its not raining or the breeze is freezing any living thing solid, we light up the communal fire pit and sit around with some nibbles and drinks. Any new inmates we always welcome and invite them to these sessions. Some come along, and others shut the windows, draw the curtains and padlock the doors !!
Yesterday we had a young English backpacking couple arrive in their whizz bang for one night before they caught the train back to Sydney. We invited them to join us and we supplied them the drinks (they had none) and they loved the evening.
Its all about attitudes. Just like neighbours in the suburbs - some are friendly and others are not.
If we're new in a CP or whatever, we will say hello and judge how friendly they are - a good gauge of whether or not you will be welcomed to their fire or drinkies session.
But don't be deterred if you get rebuffed sometimes - don't be like those that shut the windows ad padlock the doors lol
Hi their Suzein,
Have look under Search (Happy Hours??)
This should get you into party mode.
Enjoy. We will allways include you both.


jim & Lambie
It's different every time.
The last time I stayed in the Emerald Free camp the only person who spoke to me was a German traveller in his 40's. Can't call him a backpacker, he had last been in Aus about 18 years ago. Had hired a nice campervan, this time, and had 3 weeks to travel from Brisbane to Cairns before flying out again.
All the others there seemed to be in couples, one crowding my van in then standing at the back of my van talking to the neighbours. Even though I was outside keeping an eye on Daisy, only one muttered hello when I greeted them.
Bruce and Bev - Where abouts in Melbourne is the showground you are camped at, and the cost please. Larry
Good info there bigB. Now I know not to bring drinks with me to your place.
Gee, thanks mate.