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Digital Trends
a day ago
- Automotive
- Digital Trends
This power station changed the way we camp as a family
We recently decided to take a family camping trip – something I used to love to do with my husband but not dared since I became a mom to my children. So it was with some trepidation that we packed up the car to the brim and headed to the coast with toddlers in tow. Recommended Videos While previously we've 'gone basic' when it comes to camping, this time we decided we needed a couple of reinforcements. While we enjoy biking on the trails, with toddlers tagging along we decided to upgrade the experience to e-bikes to make things a little more manageable, so we added the Aventon e-bikes—the Aventure 3 ($1,999) and Pace 4 (which some may remember from my last article, where I got hooked on the e-bike world). With the added weight which comes with e-bikes, we needed to make sure we had a bike rack that couldn't accommodate them, and we went with the 2-Bike Hitch Electric Bike Rack from Young Electric ($359.99). There's also the question of getting comfortable sleep – sure, we can't expect amazing slumber when out under the stars, but we wanted to smooth the experience over for the kids. To that end, we went for the Jackery HomePower 3000 ($2,499), a portable generator that stole the spotlight, with the goal of making bedtimes a bit more like home while getting all the benefits of the outdoors (and hopefully giving my kids a lifelong love of camping…). A rocky start We arrived at the campsite at 10:30pm, which was a bit of a nightmare. The kids had been asleep in the car and woke up cranky and confused as we started digging through everything in the dark (although somehow, our two dogs were a sleepy dream to manage). It quickly turned into a one-person race against time with my husband setting up our giant cabin tent solo while I tried to keep the peace. We couldn't get to the Jackery without unloading the kids, and we didn't want to risk waking everyone in the campground. An important note: the Jackery is heavy, at nearly 60lbs. Ours doesn't have wheels, and it's not specifically designed for portability or outdoor use. You definitely feel it when you're moving it around. However, once the tent was up and we got the generator inside, everything shifted. We powered on some lights and the iPad, and suddenly the mood turned from meltdown to magical. The kids were calm again and cozy in their sleeping bags. That moment set the tone for the rest of the trip and it finally felt like our adventure had begun. E-bikes that changed the game In my last article, I shared more about my very first experience riding an e-bike, specifically the Aventon Pace 4 Step-Through ($1,699), so I decided to bring it along on our trip. If you've ever tried managing a large campground with young kids and dogs, you know it can feel like a workout. This time, my husband and I each rode an e-bike. To get them to the coast, we used a heavy-duty e-bike rack with a built-in ramp, meaning we thankfully didn't need to lift the 50lb bikes. I'd strongly recommend a similar setup for anyone taking e-bikes on a road trip, as it really takes the stress out of things, even if it does add to the cost. When it came to our ride, my husband took the Aventure 3 while I rode the Pace 4, each towing a trailer with a kid and a dog in tow. We glided across packed trails and winding paths without breaking a sweat. The Aventure 3 is designed to be more rugged, and it handled the rougher terrain and gravel with much greater aplomb thanks to its wide tires and rugged frame. The Pace 4 gave me a smooth and comfortable ride on paved stretches and light trails – but it's definitely not made for rugged terrain. On one ride near the beach, the gravel got a little too rough and I had to hop off and walk it back. Sand was a total no-go. That definitely took some of the 'adventure' out of the ride and reminded me that if we want to tackle more off-road trails next time, it might be better for both of us to bring fat-tire bikes like the Aventure 3. For parents juggling kids and gear across big campgrounds, having an e-bike can be a total game-changer, turning what could be a tiring trek into an easy, even fun, ride. We didn't have to worry about charging the bikes during our two-night trip—we'd gotten to know their range around our neighborhood and were confident they'd last. They were mostly used for joy rides around the site and trips to the beach, so charging never became a concern. That said, if we were planning to clock serious miles, we'd definitely need to plan for a power source. Gear Upgrades That Made a Difference Since my first ride, I've added a few upgrades to both bikes that made a big difference when heading away from the city. Front (Aventon, $59.99) and rear racks (Aventon, $65.99) were great for storage, especially with kids, and gave us a place to stash snacks, water bottles, and random treasures picked up along the trail. Fenders (Aventon, $69.99) helped keep them dry in the trailer after a muddy shortcut back to camp. Those little additions made the ride more comfortable for everyone, and a lot less messy. One thing I didn't expect: my water bottle flew out of its holder during a bumpy stretch of road while we were cruising downhill. It caught me off guard, and next time I'll make sure it's secured a little better—or opt for a different cage altogether. Mornings made better Every morning started with something that felt downright luxurious. Using our small coffee maker plugged into the Jackery generator felt ridiculously luxurious, as we brewed hot java right at our site. Sipping a fresh cup beside the fire as the coastal clouds rolled in was a quiet moment of joy that made everything feel just right. It set the tone for the entire day—and quietly reminded me how much comfort a little power can bring, even in the wild. Camp cooking for the modern era We also brought a compact air fryer, and at first it felt a little silly to pack it for a camping trip. But once we started using it, we couldn't stop. It wasn't necessary, but it turned out to be surprisingly fun and effortless. We didn't have to tend to a grill, cook in shifts, or keep kids away from a hot BBQ. It made mealtimes easier and gave us more time to actually relax and enjoy being together, making breakfast sausages and hot dogs with no mess and no waiting. Comforts of home, under the stars Nights were one of my biggest worries, as settling the kids in for the night is hard enough at home, let alone doing it in an unfamiliar place and terrain. That's a big part of why I wanted to bring power, to help recreate some of the home ambiance, and I was surprised, if I'm honest, with how well it worked. At night, our campsite glowed with twinkle lights, phones stayed charged, music played, and the kids curled up with an iPad, fully charged and ready for Curious George under the stars. We powered their nightlight and sound machine too, just like at home. It made bedtime feel completely familiar, even while camping. That small sense of routine helped the kids settle quickly and gave us all a better night's sleep. One of the coolest things was that the Jackery generator also powered my husband's CPAP machine. I've never been camping with him while he was able to use it, and it was an absolute game changer. No snoring. No interruptions. He woke up feeling great. I did too. If you know CPAPs, you know how rare that kind of peaceful night can be while camping. Final thoughts: camping, reimagined To reiterate, the Jackery HomePower 3000 is no joke—it's nearly 60 pounds and doesn't have wheels, so it's not the easiest thing to move around, especially if you're dealing with limited mobility. But it consistently delivered comfort and ease—from lighting to coffee to sleep—I still think it's absolutely worth it. That said, for a two-night weekend with fairly heavy use—including running lights, an iPad, a coffee maker, a sound machine, a CPAP, and even an air fryer—it held up surprisingly well. We didn't run out of power, and by 9:30am on Sunday the Jackery was at 32% and after our last ride through the campsite, while the bikes were at 24% for the Aventure 3 and 31% for the Pace 4. If we'd stayed longer or used the air fryer more often, a solar panel or power top-up would've been a smart backup. If you plan to use it the way we did, I'd recommend having a solar panel for backup just in case. If you're thinking about upgrading your camping setup, a power generator would be a great addition. I never thought we'd be camping with toddlers, let alone brewing coffee and watching cartoons under the stars. But with the right gear, we didn't just survive the trip, we actually had a great time. The Jackery, in particular, made everything seem seamless in a way I would have never expected when camping, especially with kids. Now we're already planning the next one.
The Independent
a day ago
- Climate
- The Independent
Unresponsive woman rescued by RNLI after drifting half a mile from shore
RNLI crews have rescued an unresponsive woman, Maria, who was found drifting half a mile off the Norfolk coast in her kayak. Dramatic footage released by the charity shows a boat racing to the kayaker, who was then pulled onboard along with her vessel before being taken to shore. Maria explained that she got into difficulty when the wind changed, leading to what she described as a "perfect storm" of conditions. The RNLI praised Maria for wearing a buoyancy aid and sun protection, saying that these precautions were vital for her survival. Watch the video in full above.
The Independent
a day ago
- Climate
- The Independent
Dramatic moment unconscious woman drifting half a mile out to sea rescued by RNLI
This is the moment RNLI crews rush out to save an unresponsive woman who was drifting half a mile out to sea off the Norfolk coast. Dramatic footage shared by the charity on Friday (11 July) shows a boat racing towards the kayaker, Maria, who can be seen lying motionless. The team of volunteers pull Maria and her kayak onboard before heading back to shore, where the woman was soon met with an ambulance. Following her rescue, she explained that she got into trouble when 'the wind turned and everything culminated to a perfect storm'. The RNLI praised Maria for wearing a buoyancy aid and having sun protection, stating that without these precautions, things could have 'ended very differently'.
Times
3 days ago
- Times
A modern waterside wonder on the Isle of Wight is yours for £4.75m
Fishbourne Quay House is an award-winning waterside home in Fishbourne, just along the coast from Ryde. It has more than 50 metres of of private beach frontage and views over Wootton Creek and the Solent. The ground floor has a large kitchen-living space, three guest bedrooms with en suite and a bunk room. Upstairs, a galleried landing leads to the main bedroom, which has a balcony, dressing room and en suite bathroom. There is also a library, TV room, triple-aspect study, two further bedroom suites and a large basement garage. Its outbuildings include a boathouse cabin with sea views and a garden store. There is also a swimming pool and pontoon mooring, ideal if you like messing about on the water. Fishbourne, which is accessed from the mainland via the Whitelink ferry, has several shops and pubs. • Best coastal towns to live in the UK 2025 Moorthwaite Cottage is a grade II listed five-bedroom country cottage near the market town of Wigton. Dating from 1691, it has 3,600 sq ft of beautifully maintained living space, including three elegant reception rooms and a spacious farmhouse kitchen. The property is set in a 0.6-acre plot with far-reaching views over rolling farmland. It is only 15 minutes by car from the northern edge of the Lake District, and 30 minutes from Carlisle. Park House in Dulwich has six bedrooms, six bathrooms and almost 6,000 sq ft of contemporary living space. The home has a three-storey atrium, indoor swimming pool and sauna, floor-to-ceiling glazing and a large garden. It's right next to the northwest corner of Dulwich Park and opposite Dulwich Picture Gallery. This grade II listed townhouse is in the centre of Kingsbridge, a South Hams market town four miles north of Salcombe, the coastal resort. It has three bedrooms and is set over three floors. The modern kitchen extension has bifold doors opening onto an enclosed rear garden with steps up to timber decking with Mediterranean-style furniture. Cherry Orchard, built in 1727, is a family home in South Newington village with five bedrooms and several outbuildings in its 1.5-acre grounds, including a one-bedroom annexe that used to be a bakery. The property is seven miles from Chipping Norton (just down the road from Jeremy Clarkson's Diddly Squat farm) and five miles from Soho Farmhouse. A B listed Victorian villa, 36 Dick Place has over 6,000 sq ft of living space and a generous landscaped private garden, which includes paddocks, woodlands and a children's play area. On the lower ground floor there is a large open-plan kitchen/sitting room, an orangery, utility spaces and a guest suite. On the ground floor, find a drawing room, bedroom with an en suite bathroom and entrance hall. Upstairs are two more bedrooms and a shower room, plus a the main bedroom with a dressing room and en suite. It's in the Grange neighbourhood, south of the Scottish capital's centre. This imposing property overlooking the coastal village of Barbati, on Corfu's sheltered east coast, is home to two air-conditioned luxury villas with six bedrooms in total, plus an infinity pool, terraced dining area with outdoor kitchen and direct access to a secluded beach with private jetty. The estate is eligible for Greece's golden visa and non-dom schemes. An impressive riverside stone house in Saint-Géry, with views of the Lot valley in the southwest region of Occitanie. The five-bedroom, five-bathroom home has traditional features, including a bread oven, wine cellar and a tower with a stone staircase. There is also an outdoor swimming pool and a clifftop spa bath with private terrace. A perfectly authentic Tuscan estate in a rural setting close to the town of San Miniato, halfway between Pisa and Florence (25 miles to the west and east, respectively). The estate, spanning about 110 acres, has five dwellings. The main house is a traditional Tuscan farmhouse, which was renovated in 2012 and has six bedrooms. The second-biggest house is divided into three flats with a separate office and a storage room.
BBC News
4 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Bridport-West Bay minibus shuttle pilot set for summer launch
A new weekend bus service aimed at cutting congestion on the Dorset coast is set to be launched at the start of the school summer by Dorset Community Transport, the WB1 pilot minibus service will link Bridport and West Davies-Coates of community group West Dorset Commons, who came up with the idea, said it aimed to create "a greener, more accessible Bridport".The group admitted the pilot scheme's vehicle was not wheelchair accessible and would only operate on afternoon and evenings. The WB1 service is due to launch on 26 July, running almost every half hour on Saturday and Sunday afternoons and evenings between Bridport town centre and West have been set at £1 per journey with children and bus pass holders travelling for scheme received a £20,000 grant from the Western Gateway Sub-National Transport Body as well as funding from Dorset Council Community will have constant "monitoring and evaluation" during the pilot which is set to continue through the autumn and winter, with a revised Davies-Coates said: "This isn't just about transport - it's about shaping a better, more connected future together."He said on social media that a long-term plan was to have a community-owned electric bus, which would be fully wheelchair accessible. You can follow BBC Dorset on Facebook, X, or Instagram.
