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Tents and Tent Stability: A Month-Long Camping Adventure In Germany - In a Rather Dodgy Tent!
As he heads rapidly towards his fifties and realises that the most exciting event in his life is the arrival of a new range of men’s winter pullovers at Marks & Spencer, Chris Lown embarks on an adventure that he hopes will quell his growing feeling of middle-age restiveness.
With his backpack, his walking boots and the cheapest, most unreliable tent that money can buy, Lown sets off on an ill-fated camping expedition around the national parks and nature reserves of Germany. His mission: to explore Germany’s rustic countryside and historical towns, meet the local people, eat their cheese and drink their beer. Whether riding a draisine in the Uckermark National Park, witnessing the spectacle of rabbit showjumping in Jena or bathtub racing on the Edersee, Lown takes in the sights and dissects the culture as he zigzags his way around all sixteen of Germany’s states. But his tent doesn’t fare quite so well. After it survived an act of wanton vandalism, battled against inclement weather and was torn to shreds by a fox with a rapacious appetite and a penchant for Knackwurst, Lown is finally forced to concede that buying a cheap tent wasn’t the wisest of decisions.
With his backpack, his walking boots and the cheapest, most unreliable tent that money can buy, Lown sets off on an ill-fated camping expedition around the national parks and nature reserves of Germany. His mission: to explore Germany’s rustic countryside and historical towns, meet the local people, eat their cheese and drink their beer. Whether riding a draisine in the Uckermark National Park, witnessing the spectacle of rabbit showjumping in Jena or bathtub racing on the Edersee, Lown takes in the sights and dissects the culture as he zigzags his way around all sixteen of Germany’s states. But his tent doesn’t fare quite so well. After it survived an act of wanton vandalism, battled against inclement weather and was torn to shreds by a fox with a rapacious appetite and a penchant for Knackwurst, Lown is finally forced to concede that buying a cheap tent wasn’t the wisest of decisions.
407 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 8, 2012
18 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
March 31, 2018
I've been reading a couple of books about Germany recently, Go, Went, Gone and Those Who Save Us, and I felt that I didn't really have a handle of what Germany was like today and knew very little about the geography so did a search for books which might include some insight about the country and came up with Tents and Tent Stability: A Month-Long Camping Adventure In Germany - In a Rather Dodgy Tent! by Chris Lown. Now I'm not sure that it gave me a great understanding of the German culture, but I do have a bit more knowledge about the geography.
To be clear, Chris Lown is not German he is a nearing 50 Englishman who feels that he is a bit in a rut and needs to break out and do something youthful and spontaneous, so he decides to do a month long camping trip to all of the German states.
The inconvenient truth of the matter is that, as I head towards my fifties, I am slowly but surely turning into a miserable and cantankerous old git. My wife of course would argue that ‘miserable’ and ‘cantankerous’ are two traits that have always featured predominantly in my personality profile – my age having nothing to do with it. And I suppose she must be right. But the thing is, I’ve noticed it more of late. I’ve reached that milestone of middle age, when your broad mind and narrow waistline begin to trade places
He travels mostly by train and bus, but does also journey, by ferry, car, and bicycle. After his visit to each German state he gives a report on the beer, the cheese and the stability of his tent. Lown is a humorous guy and I enjoyed his voice immensely and I believe that it is the key to the book, I imagine there are those who would not find him funny at all so should not pick up a copy of this book. Here is a sample:
I missed my bus connection – resulting in a three-hour wait at Grimma. Those nice people at Deutsche Bahn were profusely apologetic of course – their apology delivered with all the remorse and sincerity that the recorded announcement could muster. But I’m afraid to say that Grimma isn’t the sort of town you’d choose to linger in for any prolonged period of time – it’s about as exciting as having your ears stapled to a tree.
He often goes on about extraneous things, but since I enjoyed his humor, I didn't mind a bit. I found the things he chose to do in Germany quite entertaining as well. He went to a German wild west show which was also anti-violence and a bathtub race, but also more typical things as a beerfest and alpine hiking. Lown also had more than his shares of misadventures which is one of those things which made the book so good.
This was another of those travel books which failed to have a map, which is one of my pet peeves. I made my way through it by printing up a map of Germany and looking up locales and images along the way, while tracing the route to satisfy my OCD.
I encourage anyone who finds this review appealing to read the book. I imagine with the right reader it would be very good on audio.
To be clear, Chris Lown is not German he is a nearing 50 Englishman who feels that he is a bit in a rut and needs to break out and do something youthful and spontaneous, so he decides to do a month long camping trip to all of the German states.
The inconvenient truth of the matter is that, as I head towards my fifties, I am slowly but surely turning into a miserable and cantankerous old git. My wife of course would argue that ‘miserable’ and ‘cantankerous’ are two traits that have always featured predominantly in my personality profile – my age having nothing to do with it. And I suppose she must be right. But the thing is, I’ve noticed it more of late. I’ve reached that milestone of middle age, when your broad mind and narrow waistline begin to trade places
He travels mostly by train and bus, but does also journey, by ferry, car, and bicycle. After his visit to each German state he gives a report on the beer, the cheese and the stability of his tent. Lown is a humorous guy and I enjoyed his voice immensely and I believe that it is the key to the book, I imagine there are those who would not find him funny at all so should not pick up a copy of this book. Here is a sample:
I missed my bus connection – resulting in a three-hour wait at Grimma. Those nice people at Deutsche Bahn were profusely apologetic of course – their apology delivered with all the remorse and sincerity that the recorded announcement could muster. But I’m afraid to say that Grimma isn’t the sort of town you’d choose to linger in for any prolonged period of time – it’s about as exciting as having your ears stapled to a tree.
He often goes on about extraneous things, but since I enjoyed his humor, I didn't mind a bit. I found the things he chose to do in Germany quite entertaining as well. He went to a German wild west show which was also anti-violence and a bathtub race, but also more typical things as a beerfest and alpine hiking. Lown also had more than his shares of misadventures which is one of those things which made the book so good.
This was another of those travel books which failed to have a map, which is one of my pet peeves. I made my way through it by printing up a map of Germany and looking up locales and images along the way, while tracing the route to satisfy my OCD.
I encourage anyone who finds this review appealing to read the book. I imagine with the right reader it would be very good on audio.
Read
November 16, 2020The first day spent recovering after recent surgery, I found a nice get well card from my Mom, and a copy of Chris Lown's delightful travelogue, with a note taped to it, "Prescription: Take as needed to stay recumbent as you convalesce." Great idea! Thanks, Mom!
When middle-aged, cantankerous Chris Lown's wife gets the opportunity to go on a Caribbean cruise with her best friend, he decides he should fill the time during her absence with a trip of his own, tent camping in each of Germany's sixteen states. His journey is described in Lown's chatty, humorous style, with a great attention to detail, seasoned, perhaps, with a dash of hyperbole.
Lown decides in the first place not to spend the big bucks for a top notch tent for his adventure, settling for a cheaper and, in the end, far less durable model. The series of unfortunate events (sorry Lemony) that befall his shelter steadily and inexorably erode its stability and degrade its appearance to a truly sad state. At one point, after offending a group of late night musical pretenders at a campsite, his tent is vandalized when he goes off during the day by having the word "Schwanz" (look it up) written boldly on its flank, and Lown has to be creative for the next few days concealing the offensive word while staying at family friendly campgrounds.
Each of the states that he visits are thoroughly described, and left me thinking that I need to move Germany a bit closer to the top of my travel bucket list. At the conclusion of each visit, he also delivers a report on the best beer and cheese selection he encountered there. The only time he abandons tent camping for more comfortable surroundings is when is when he visits his friends, Jan and Sophia, on their farm near Wittlich, and when Jan meets up with him on Lown's last day in Cologne (Koln). I gave up tent camping not too long ago, after my back surgery, but even at my best, I doubt I'd have maintained my equanimity through some of the crazy things that happen along the way - I'd have (literally) pitched the tent and moved to an inn long before the trip was through.
This one's going on my shelves permanently, to use as a reference when my wife and I finally do visit Germany. A great read, filled with the best medicine, laughter.
When middle-aged, cantankerous Chris Lown's wife gets the opportunity to go on a Caribbean cruise with her best friend, he decides he should fill the time during her absence with a trip of his own, tent camping in each of Germany's sixteen states. His journey is described in Lown's chatty, humorous style, with a great attention to detail, seasoned, perhaps, with a dash of hyperbole.
Lown decides in the first place not to spend the big bucks for a top notch tent for his adventure, settling for a cheaper and, in the end, far less durable model. The series of unfortunate events (sorry Lemony) that befall his shelter steadily and inexorably erode its stability and degrade its appearance to a truly sad state. At one point, after offending a group of late night musical pretenders at a campsite, his tent is vandalized when he goes off during the day by having the word "Schwanz" (look it up) written boldly on its flank, and Lown has to be creative for the next few days concealing the offensive word while staying at family friendly campgrounds.
Each of the states that he visits are thoroughly described, and left me thinking that I need to move Germany a bit closer to the top of my travel bucket list. At the conclusion of each visit, he also delivers a report on the best beer and cheese selection he encountered there. The only time he abandons tent camping for more comfortable surroundings is when is when he visits his friends, Jan and Sophia, on their farm near Wittlich, and when Jan meets up with him on Lown's last day in Cologne (Koln). I gave up tent camping not too long ago, after my back surgery, but even at my best, I doubt I'd have maintained my equanimity through some of the crazy things that happen along the way - I'd have (literally) pitched the tent and moved to an inn long before the trip was through.
This one's going on my shelves permanently, to use as a reference when my wife and I finally do visit Germany. A great read, filled with the best medicine, laughter.
August 8, 2017
Laugh out loud adventure
This book was recommended by my Facebook friends, We Love Memoirs. And, I am glad I downloaded it. I must admit that camping isn't something I would enjoy. I would be like the author's friend Jan and whine the whole time. But Chris made the adventure fun, exciting, and funny. I love this book and highly recommend it to others even if camping isn't their thing.
This book was recommended by my Facebook friends, We Love Memoirs. And, I am glad I downloaded it. I must admit that camping isn't something I would enjoy. I would be like the author's friend Jan and whine the whole time. But Chris made the adventure fun, exciting, and funny. I love this book and highly recommend it to others even if camping isn't their thing.
February 5, 2018
Perfect for the Armchair Adventurer
I chose this because we used to go camping when we were nimble enough to crawl. Those days have surrendered to arthritis and age and so I hoped to recapture the fun of those days. The gentle humour found in these pages brought back many happy memories and made me want to drag the tent out for just one more time. A good read
I chose this because we used to go camping when we were nimble enough to crawl. Those days have surrendered to arthritis and age and so I hoped to recapture the fun of those days. The gentle humour found in these pages brought back many happy memories and made me want to drag the tent out for just one more time. A good read
November 23, 2016
Excellent travelogue, and the author has an engaging writing style! I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I would read more by this author. No dry spots.
September 28, 2015
Chris Lown has written a lighthearted and entertaining account of a month long camping challenge he set himself to visit every German state. Along the way he kept a diary of the local beer and cheese he sampled as well as chronicling the deterioration of his tent which finally bit the dust a little prematurely. Fortunately Chris had a friend or two in Germany who could help him out with his temporarily homeless plight. If you are planning a tour of Germany Lown's book may well tempt you to go off the beaten track and discover some sights and experiences that a tourist guide might miss. I acquired the book as a freebie but is is well written and a fun read. It deserves to join the ranks of mainstream travelogs. As an armchair traveller I found I really wanted to look up the venues Chris wrote about and feeling mildly ashamed of my marked ignorance of European geography resolved to rectify this!
October 30, 2013
A funny look at backpacking through Germany.
Chris gives a good picture of the locals and the adversity of tramping.
Someone should have warned him that you must have good boots, sleeping bag, backpack, and tent.
I’d probably skimp on the tent of the four though.
But Chris’ tent problems are only a part of this funny book.
I truly enjoyed it.
Chris gives a good picture of the locals and the adversity of tramping.
Someone should have warned him that you must have good boots, sleeping bag, backpack, and tent.
I’d probably skimp on the tent of the four though.
But Chris’ tent problems are only a part of this funny book.
I truly enjoyed it.
April 25, 2014
Very funny at times and extremely dry. It is an inspirational book about travelling Germany and has urged me to want to visit. but for me, I found quite a few parts of the book too drawn out and frankly slightly boring. I would have loved to give 5* and I can see why lot's of people would but I would have preferred less geographical and factual explanations and more of 'windbreaker deluxe'
June 19, 2013
It's not a bad read, it's quite dry in places and the opening (about the cat) could be dropped entirely to get to the journey quicker but it's not a bad read. Maybe a little bit too much geographic & historical info in places.
August 5, 2016
Man versus tent
I chose this book initially because of the title. It turns out to be a memoir of a journey I wouldn't mind taking myself. Chris Lown has a knack for gentle humour, and a mischievous sense of fun. I particularly enjoyed the beer, cheese and tent analysis.
I chose this book initially because of the title. It turns out to be a memoir of a journey I wouldn't mind taking myself. Chris Lown has a knack for gentle humour, and a mischievous sense of fun. I particularly enjoyed the beer, cheese and tent analysis.
March 31, 2013
Loved this, has inspired backpacking, loved the relationship with a very poor tent!
May 20, 2013
Very well balanced book, excellent read !!
July 12, 2014
I thought this was really very funny and witty. Enjoyed a lot!
May 27, 2014
Great book, funny and informative, brought back fond memories of time spent in Germany.
April 3, 2016
Great read
A very well written and engaging travelogue. I wanted the travels to continue. I'll certainly look for other books by this author.
A very well written and engaging travelogue. I wanted the travels to continue. I'll certainly look for other books by this author.
January 25, 2016
Great book but not sure if it made me want to go camping! Well worth a read as very entertaining.
February 21, 2018
A truly enjoyable read
Chris writes with wit and apt description...his story of Hamburg in the rain was as on point as the day I spent there visiting in the rain. His description of Scat...spot on. Please Chris hit the road again and write about it...I will read it. You made me laugh out loud and I loved the cheese reviews.
Chris writes with wit and apt description...his story of Hamburg in the rain was as on point as the day I spent there visiting in the rain. His description of Scat...spot on. Please Chris hit the road again and write about it...I will read it. You made me laugh out loud and I loved the cheese reviews.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews