Advice for a Camping Trip - IELTS Listening Answers & Explanations

Pete: ... So as you see it's going to be quite an action packed weekend. Well, that's all from me so I'd now like to hand you over to Mary who is going to tell you about the camping trip we've arranged for the coming week. Mary, it's over to you.

Mary: Thanks Pete. Well, as Pete just mentioned the camping trip has been organised for the coming week, which means that it will probably be quite chilly, especially at night, so I guess clothing would be a good place for me to start.

Now as I said, be prepared for some chilly starts. A good woolen sweater is an absolute must. Thermal underwear would also be a good investment, although I'm not suggesting you dash out and buy some. But if you do happen to have some knocking around I'd certainly recommend taking them.

You may also consider taking walking boots. They really do help to protect your feet from the undergrowth, and offer good support for your ankles. In fact sprained ankles are one of the most common injuries on trips such as this one. But if you don't have any, don't worry too much. A good, strong pair of shoes will do just as well. After all; we're not going rambling or pot holing! But what I strongly suggest is that you buy some lightweight waterproof clothes. You know the sort of thing. They fold up very small and easily fit into your pocket. But do make sure they are both windproof and waterproof. This is very important because it can get very windy on the moors this time of year, and the chill factor can actually be very dangerous. People have even died from exposure simply because they weren't protected from the wind. So make sure you have those waterproofs with you.

Now for equipment. A torch would be handy, especially if you need to use the bathroom in the middle of the night. A small, pocket size torch is ideal. You don't need anything that's too big. A pocketknife is always handy too. Especially a multi-purpose knife. A Swiss army knife is ideal. Now this may sound strange but take some plastic bags along too. They're ideal for putting over your shoes if the ground is wet, and they really do keep your feet warm and dry.

That's about it for equipment. Oh, by the way, I forget to mention, all the camping equipment will be provided, so you don't need to bring your own. In fact the tents will be erected by the time we get there so you won't have much work to do which I'm sure will come as a welcome relief.

We'll be camping on the edge of the forest, so with some luck we should see some wildlife. Deer, buck, badgers and hedgehogs are very active this time of year, so it's certainly worth taking your camera along. But I must insist that the animal's needs come first. Always remember that we'll be camping in their home, so we must respect both their privacy and their territory. So it's very important that (a), you never, and I repeat never, leave discarded rubbish lying around, and (b), that you keep the noise level to a minimum at all times, especially at night.

I know that some of you are concerned about insects. After all, camping does seem to have an image of creepy crawlies. But let me reassure you now that insects are never disturbing. In fact, and this may come as a bit of a surprise, they are generally very shy creatures and prefer to keep well out of people's way.

Anyway, we're running short of time so I'll wrap up now. But what I'd like to say before we go and have lunch is that one of the greatest rewards of camping is to simply appreciate nature. To get away from the overcrowded cities and just enjoy the natural sights, sounds and smells of the countryside. OK, so we can go for lunch now. But if there are any questions you'd like to ask I'll be available all day. Just come along to my office.