Ivan's big Dartmoor meet - the aftermath - probably pic heavy

[FreddyFish]

I'm loving all the piccys and the priceless video (thanks for catching that Steve and Wayne for the action)

The weather was pretty good to us, rained a bit at night but wasn't a bother during the day.
The site was just as I expected, Wonderful. All the joy of Dartmoor plus trees, a fresh stream and open fires.

Ivan was the most affable host you could wish for.
There was a fine supply of beer on offer. Recycling service and the kit taxi to.
The lamb pit roast was immense A+++ Tender beyond all reason. It even made a convert out of Mayo' who 5mins earlier professed not to like lamb and only had a taste to be polite.... but he was also the first back in line for more, and we had a huge pot of veggies to go with it to.
And thanks to Fox for the stew too

It was really great to meet up with some new faces and a few old'uns to.

With the recent rain the site was pretty soggy in places, especially the lower part of the site, but hey it's to be expected. (Would you believe sometimes it's wet on Dartmoor.....)
The walk up from the parking was a bit more than I was expecting. I measured it and according to Mr Naismith 1.2km with 70mt climb @ 4km/per/hr that's 25mins.

 

[jonajuna]

hiya, yep. ours, its from belltent uk, had it for about 3-4 years now. inner tent too, but no stove yet (wait til the kids no longer want to camp in the same tent as us) only downside is weight, but as long as you have a man called Ivan nearby who is so kind as to ferry it in on the back of a quad... all is sorted

cool in summer, warm in winter, no condensation and none of that sweat box effect when the sun hits it in the mornings

 

[jonajuna]

he parking was a bit more than I was expecting. I measured it and according to Mr Naismith 1.2km with 70mt climb @ 4km/per/hr that's 25mins.

i walked to the car and back on Saturday evening. With no kit and only lager for sustainance, i did the return (to camp) leg in 16 minutes. with my corrections applied for stopping for a wee behind some gorse... 15 minutes

 

[Nova & Pinky]

i walked to the car and back on Saturday evening. With no kit and only lager for sustainance, i did the return (to camp) leg in 16 minutes. with my corrections applied for stopping for a wee behind some gorse... 15 minutes

Stopping for a wee indeed...

 

[ex member mick sturbs]

I was up there once , and a muckle coo and baby spotted me and mummy wasnt happy , believe me it can be done in about 5 mins by a grey haired old un , even allowing for running around the gorse a bit ! no time for a wee , but nearly did the other en route !!

 

[FreddyFish]

Maybe Naismith's is better for longer distances.

 

[Emma87]

Cheers for an awesome time. Wish I could have stayed longer, looks like you guys had a fab couple of days. See you all again soon.

 

[MrSpoon]

Hi all

What a fantastic weekend, my first night under a basha.. my first ever marsh mallow on a stick.. my first ever attempt at spoon making... my first ever bushcraft assault course (we all know how that went). My first ever post!

I really appreciated all the knowledge that was shared, i learnt soooo much this weekend, learnt loads of new jokes, courtesy of Bushwaker - who incidentally should be stand up along with Ivan who had us in stitches....!

Many many thanks to FreddyFish for inviting me along, Ivan for his generosity, Katie for being such a great kid and for all their efforts (along with others) to make this a fantastic experience for everyone, a great venue for learning and exploring the outdoors - never to be forgotten!

 

[ex member mick sturbs]

Hi Spoony, Cadburys have been on the phone , they are thinking of reviving the old (all because the lady loves milk tray ) and now i am your agent i am negotiating a deal, stick with me kid i will make you a star !! Top weekend top people and cant wait to do it all ! over again . Thanks for the kind words , keep in touch , you hero ! atb Ivan...

 

[Nova & Pinky]

I get the feeling Ivan's going to turn into some kind of celebrity agent - he's trying to get me to go halves on film rights to a sequal starring MrSpoon and Pinky....!

MrSpoon - you were without a doubt one of the highlights of the weekend. Hope to see you at future meets and around BCUK!

 

[MrSpoon]

As long as that's not Spooning Pinky....!

 

[Nova & Pinky]

Don't tempt him - Pinky would probably be up for it for a laugh...

 

[ex member mick sturbs]

The script is on its way as we speak " Broke Back Spoon On Dartmoor Mountain " but we have made it , in black and white for obvious reasons , and you both have to wear bikini and wellies ..

 

[ex member mick sturbs]

Because of the massive success , of my first Bushcraft meet , i am currently writing a novel , and i just know it will be a best seller ! No seriously i think whilst it is still fresh in our minds , and as soon as some of you come out of rehab . We really ought to start planning the next foray for later in the year, so we have plenty of time to organise it , and those who only log on occasionally wont miss out , maybe even make this one a little more formal ! thats it , maybe a sensible end for crafting / learning skills spooning of course , cordage , fire lighting , wild food foraging etc . and up my end . Big fires ,cooking, laughing, assault coursing and drinking etc , what do you think ?

 

[Nova & Pinky]

Where do we sign up?

 

[ex member mick sturbs]

To be fair , if Freddyfish is ever contactable again , he did such a stirling job , i feel it only right to give him a proper headache if he wants ,because he is brill at that sort of thing , so i will pm him to get his thoughts Ivan ...

 

[FreddyFish]

if Freddyfish is ever contactable again...

I'm here and up for it. It wasn't that tricky.

 

[jonajuna]

most definitely up for it, let me know if you need me to do anything, bring anything or organise anything......


though by the sounds of it, i will draw the line at sharing a tarp with Pinky and the Spoon Meister! :yikes:


just found this smiley that luckily wasn't need for the assault course.....




as far as i am concerned, the sooner the better! late June is a no go for me (Glastonbury) as is the latter half of August (family hols) but if you do it on a date we/I cant make, I'm coming up anyways... try to keep me away!

 

[MrSpoon]

Yep...the spooner the better...LOL

Sorry folks couldn' resist....

On a serious note, i'd love to go back again - count me in. Freddy...can i get a lift?

 

[MrSpoon]

Forget - She WEE & He WEE...we've got

TREE WEE...!