essential picnic kit
I’m beginning to treat picnics like dry runs for camping now, particularly short trips. So with Bridget heading up to London today to attend a Chocolate Delight Workshop, I returned to Saltdean Lido with both Beth and Max to try and see what we might need when we head off on our beach camping trip in mid-July.
After rummaging about in the loft, I found an old Optima backpack picnic set, which I think was another wedding present. Sadly, the plates and cutlery were missing so I replaced these with some blue plastic smart price sets from ASDA, where each set of 4 items were about a quid each. If you are going glamping then there’s always one of Optima’s handwoven picnic baskets, made from ‘high quality full willow from sustainable farmed sources’. Can’t help thinking that a backpack set with plastic bits and bobs would be a lot easier to carry, particularly when trampling across a pebble beach.
I also had to take took a collapsible cool pack, because there wasn’t enough room for all the food and drink in the backpack. Some kind of tupperware is definitely essential, and I could do with some recommendations as the ones we picked up from ASDA don’t seem to close properly. Ice packs are recommended, particularly when it’s scorching like today. I picked up a few packs Polar Gear Medium Ice Packs from Halfords. I also take my SIS GO/Rego/PSP 600ML Water Bottles that I use for cycling, or just re-cycle any plastic bottles for water, juice, etc. I tend to stick these in the freezer for a while before going out, as it helps keep liquids cool and everything else in the cooler pack. I also fill up the water jug with ice cubes if I’m going on a short trip. If they haven’t meleted by the time you get there you can use them for other drinks, otherwise you have some cold water to drink. Make sure the cap is on tightly though. Our tartan picnic rug is also from Halfords, and although it may not be as stylish as one of Bradley’s Welsh Wool Picnic Rugs, it’s plastic backed plus you can stick it in the washing machine with impunity – pretty essential after kids have smeared whipped cream all over it. Halford’s one also only costs about 12 quid, rather than 75. Inflatable crocodile was also very popular, and that will definitely be coming with us on our beach camping trip.
Reminders: must take new foot pump from ASDA for any trips that include inflatable crocodile, otherwise it’s a toss up as to whether lungs have easier time cycling up Ditchling Beacon. Must get a new thermos as I can’t wait until Christmas. Windbreak is also essential, particularly if it can also provide some shade for kids. Must remember Cook UK Greek Salad recipe – think it’s the oregano and lemon juice that has been missing in my previous attempts. Add a slice of lime to water that’s been stored in plastic containers, it improves taste considerably. Must get new lightweight tin opener: one that comes with Halfords Campers Cutlery Set too much like hard work. Also need to find new knife, having lost one from new cutlery sets. Need bag to carry swimming stuff, pump, crocodile, etc.
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