Thank you all very much, that's all most helpful and reassuring; apart perhaps from Sandy's male and female anatomy, as both of my pole ends look the same - perhaps that's why it was at "clearance" price!!

If that signifies a real problem, I don't know whether to say don't tell me or I'll worry, or tell me quick and I'll take the old Akto after all. But I did pitch it in the garden, and it did seem to work. Haven't bought extra guys though, & no chance now, but i could take a bit of climbing cord.

I'm off in the morning, whateffer!!

Jean.
Both ends do indeed look the same. Where the section joins is the difference.

I think my explanation has lost something in the translation. Sorry if I have confused you.

My Laser Comp is the best tent I have used.

I'm sure an old hand as yourself will have nae bother.

Have a good trip.

Not the ends of the pole Jean.
Look at the coupling points.
One is an inny one an outy.
That's how you tell the gender.

As Jean will be singing traditional songs about lovelorn maidens, handsome boatmen, and rugged ploughboys all the way across, I'm sure she will have worked out the male/female business by the time she gets to Montrose

Hey, lay off, you unruly lot!.....Sorry, yes I was just being a bit thick there.

See you in Montrose!