Thursday 24 December 2009

the reversing relationship test

The others are continuing a game of 500 they started last night ... it got abandoned late in the evening without a winner ... they are back at it so I'll post an observation about a tourist park phenomena we've seen played out many many times. It goes like this.

After check in the rig moves slowly through the park full of anticipation for the site that will be their temporary home. The male is 'always' driving. Said male's reputation is on the line.

Although not obviously gawking, surrounding campers already comfortably settled into their site are curious ... how well can this bloke reverse his rig? Let the games begin.

It is important to note that in most cases, the male's self understanding of his reversing competence far exceeds his actual ability. The female companion by now has disembarked and is stationed towards the rear of the site as  guide. Then, after one or two attempts a strange thing happens ... the blame for the less than competent reversing transfers to the female. Put  more simply, the male, often loudly and in exasperated tones starts berating the female for ... well for directing him incorrectly I guess. Its all her fault.

Well it couldn't be his. How could he admit to poor reversing ability with the neighbours taking notes. How embarrassing! He will need to communicate with these same people at the communal bbq.

Of course this meer male wouldn't be guilty of such behaviour would he? Thankfully the park staff here at Emerald Beach used a little tractor to collect our stored van and position it expertly on our site when we arrived to save me the indignity this time around.

With the expectations of a perfect holiday ahead, it is amazing how often couples get off to a testy start via this simple little routine ....