The March itch and the digital map book
There is something very special about March. Outside it might be slush, gray, and the occasional optimistic coltsfoot fighting for its life on the roadside. But inside? There the season has already started – at least in my head. For us who prefer roof tents, Camp-lets or smaller campervans, March is the month where we sit with the coffee cup in one hand and map services in the other.
We know that we don't have the same insulation as the big motorhomes (yet). We know that the nights can still be biting cold. Therefore, the planning phase is now absolutely critical. And just in time for this planning party, Fricamp has released news that makes a tech-loving outdoor nerd cheer a little on the sofa.
News: Vipps, Android Beta and PC party!
Let's take the most important thing first, because we have been waiting for this. You know that feeling when you have found the dream spot, but have to start fiddling with credit card numbers, expiration dates and CVC codes with cold fingers? That time is soon over.
Fricamp now supports Vipps payment on Android Beta and via the browser on your computer!
This is a small revolution for user-friendliness. For us who might be sitting at work (don't tell the boss) and planning the weekend's excursion via the browser, we can now book or pay for access seamlessly with Vipps. The same applies if you are one of the lucky ones testing the Android Beta version of the app.
What about us with iPhone?
I hear you, Apple enthusiasts. I am sitting here with my iPhone myself, tapping my feet. The status is as fresh as it can get: Apple has a brand new app for approval «as we speak». This means it is in the queue at Apple in California waiting for a stamp of approval. As soon as that is in place, the Vipps integration will roll out to iOS as well. Hang in there, it is just around the corner!
That is why "big screen" is gold for the roof tent people
Why do I nag about being able to log in via the computer now? Isn't the app enough? Sure, the app is fantastic when you are out on the road. But for us with roof tents and smaller rigs, the desktop version is an invaluable tool in the planning phase.
When you are going to set up a roof tent or park a Camp-let, you are much more vulnerable to the terrain than a motorhome that can be leveled up on blocks almost anywhere. We need to know two things:
- Is it flat?
- Is there shelter from the wind?
By logging into Fricamp on your PC or Mac now in March, you can combine Fricamp's unique locations with satellite images on a large screen. You can zoom all the way in. Do you see large rocks? Does the terrain slope down towards the water? Are there trees there that can provide shelter from the north wind, or will you be standing like a sail on a hill?
I usually use the March evenings to make a list of "potential gold mines" for the spring. I check Fricamp on the big screen, note down coordinates, and check the sun conditions. The fact that I can now also arrange payment and booking directly via Vipps at the same time makes the threshold much lower.
How to use the waiting time (while we wait for spring and Apple)
While we wait for the snow to melt in the heights and for Apple to do its job, here is my recipe for a perfect March evening for us free campers:
- Log in to Fricamp via the PC: Familiarize yourself with the web interface. It gives a completely different overview of the map than the mobile screen.
- Update the payment method: If you are on Android Beta or Web, connect Vipps. It is a joy to avoid card numbers.
- Save favorites: Use the big screen to find the hidden gems. Look for small side roads and open spaces near water.
- Check the equipment: Has the roof tent survived the winter storage? Does the Camp-let need a round of impregnation? March is the month for maintenance.
A little tip at the end
Even though Vipps now makes payment playfully easy, remember that the most important currency we leave behind is leave no trace. When technology makes it easier to find and pay for spots, it also becomes even more important that we take care of them. Use the large screen to plan where to put your trash as well – find the nearest recycling point before you go.
Happy planning, and cross your fingers that Apple is quick on the draw this week!