Generally, we extend our manual awning when we’re going to use it and put it away if there’s any chance of wind. At one time I staked the awning out and put “anti-flap” clamps on it but, frankly, when threatening weather came around and seeing the damage done to people’s awnings I just wasn’t brave enough to leave the awning out. All my tie down measures just meant it took longer to close the awning. These days, I may put a couple of stakes and bungee cords out if it’s a bit breezy but that’s about it. Otherwise, we just put it away when we’re finished using it in the evening.
Our unexpected non-traveling 2016 Adventure means we’re spending a few months in one place, something we usually only do during our winter volunteering time. Because of this extended stay in a pretty tight campsite we decided to invest in a handy source of shade for our campsite.
We found this nifty patio umbrella at Academy Sports. It is free standing, needing no stakes and has a handy crank on it so it can be folded and left standing when not in use.
Time will tell if it travels with us, otherwise, it’s just an extravagance for this unusual summer.
