Here is part 2 of How to Properly Erect A Canvas Tent. You have preliminarily considered the preliminary considerations and now it is time to decide where you are going to erect your tent. Let’s narrow it down to three basic areas -The Ground, The Location and The Weather
The Ground
Wise people consider what they are building on - or pitching their tent on come to that. Soggy ground is a big no-no - unless you want to sleep and/or walk in a puddle. The tent should be pitched on dry, flat ground which is free from sharp or otherwise uncomfortable obstructions such as stones or tree roots, which may puncture the ground sheet.
It is not just the condition of the ground when the tent is pitched that should be considered - if the tent is positioned on a steep incline the danger of run-off needs to be taken into account. Never pitch a tent at the bottom of a hill, for here you are liable to flooding in heavy rain - higher is better, but not too high! unless you want your tent to be exposed to the elements.
The Location
Where you pitch in terms of location is obviously important. The tent should be positioned with the door facing down-hill if on a slope, away from trees if possible - helping prevent sap, leaves, branches (or worse) falling on and in the tent. Sap from some trees is virtually impossible to remove and will ruin the canvas. The sun is obviously an important factor and so the amount of shade on offer and to what point of the compass the tent is facing should be considered.
If you are pitching your tent on a busy site make sure to leave plenty of space between you and your neighbours, this will enable privacy - for both you and them -but also is a precaution against fire. A distance of about six metres should be sufficient.
The Weather
Part of the fun of camping is being that bit closer to the elements - but not too close!
If there is a strong breeze blowing from a specific direction, it is best to avoid pitching your tent at an angle such that the breeze will blow into the tent through the door.
Hedges and similar natural obstructions can provide good protection against wind, but beware of using trees as shelter from rain. As stated above, trees (or things in trees) drop all sorts of debris onto your tent. In addition, any rain will continue to drip off the leaves after the rain proper has stopped.
Obviously what the tent is being used for affects the kind of place where it is suitable to pitch. For example, if it is for use during the day considerations such as available shade become more important, and if you intend sleeping in the tent local noise levels and wildlife should be considered.