Having managed to get a day to myself (I know, how selfish.... 
) I took a look at the map to see if there was anywhere within 30 minutes driving distance for me to go for a wander. Right on my door step is the Teutoberg Wald, a series of forested low mountain ridges. I have never been, so plotting a grid reference into my GPS, off i went. I arrived at a track which led into the forest. Locking the car after a final check that I had everything, off i went.
As you can see, the first is thick. Not wanting to stray too far off the beaten track just yet, I walked about 3 km along the track taking a few pictures as I went, identifying plants and watching the red squirrels run through the tree tops.
I came across this footpath which headed upwards and thinking it looked inviting I followed it. A short way in there was this dead beech (I think) covered in Horses Hoof Fungus.
My aim today being nothing more than to wander I left them in situ. At the end of the footpath was a large track junction. I took a few minutes to get my bearings and have a look around. Almost right away I saw what I think is Deadly Nightshade? Am I right?
Knowing exactly where I was on the map, I took a bearing into the trees. The forest is a fairly even mix of beech, pine, ash, some birch, alder and hazel. The ground is littered with millions of fallen leaves, as autumn is upon us now. Once under the canopy, the wind dropped and I was able to slow right down. I came across this wallow, which showed loads of sign.
I continued on. The forest smells different here. I can't explain it, buy it definitely smells different to the forests in the UK. Deeper into the trees I wandered, moving from deciduous to coniferous parts in quick succession.
I came across a clearing. There was obvious sign of boar rooting in the wet grass. They're rather good at de-turfing large areas. Tucked in the corner was areas hunters high seat. On the edge of the clearing I found this.
What it is exactly I don't know. But the deer are clearly attracted to it. The Base of the tree stump has been worn clear and der sign surrounds it, cuts and droppings. Maybe it's a lure for an unsporting hunter....
Anyways, I went back into the trees to find a spot for a rest and some lunch. It had gotten chillier. Looking up at the sky through the trees, rain looked likely. I scouted about for a quiet safe spot to lay up. I chose here...
Pulling out my JervenBag I put up a quick shelter.
This simple design goes up in less than a minute so it's perfect for a short stop, although I have used it overnight, curled up in a Bivi Bag. So, time for lunch....
I haven't used my regular cookset for a while, so I wanted to treat my self. I use a Primus 1ltr kettle. It suits me well for basic faire when I'm out. Inside I have my spoon, some salt, sugar, garlic powder and cinnamon, a sponge, dried meat, coffee and a small 2 cup sized pot which I normally carry dry bannock mix in. But today I brought a long a prepared pancake mix!
On with the brew then make some pancakes. I used my homemade meths cooker.
Hot water done, I made up a few little pancakes. They didn't come out perfect but hey ho, still had pancakes in the forest!
Suitably fed and watered I packed everything less my shelter away and went on a little wander. Came across this kill site. Most likely a bird of prey has had a pigeon.
By now it was mid afternoon. On returning to my shelter, the heavens opened. I sat under my JervenBag thinking it will most likely pass, but it didn't. There was nothing else for it, I donned my JervenBag as a poncho, complete with arms and headed for home.......
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) I took a look at the map to see if there was anywhere within 30 minutes driving distance for me to go for a wander. Right on my door step is the Teutoberg Wald, a series of forested low mountain ridges. I have never been, so plotting a grid reference into my GPS, off i went. I arrived at a track which led into the forest. Locking the car after a final check that I had everything, off i went.
As you can see, the first is thick. Not wanting to stray too far off the beaten track just yet, I walked about 3 km along the track taking a few pictures as I went, identifying plants and watching the red squirrels run through the tree tops.
I came across this footpath which headed upwards and thinking it looked inviting I followed it. A short way in there was this dead beech (I think) covered in Horses Hoof Fungus.
My aim today being nothing more than to wander I left them in situ. At the end of the footpath was a large track junction. I took a few minutes to get my bearings and have a look around. Almost right away I saw what I think is Deadly Nightshade? Am I right?
Knowing exactly where I was on the map, I took a bearing into the trees. The forest is a fairly even mix of beech, pine, ash, some birch, alder and hazel. The ground is littered with millions of fallen leaves, as autumn is upon us now. Once under the canopy, the wind dropped and I was able to slow right down. I came across this wallow, which showed loads of sign.
I continued on. The forest smells different here. I can't explain it, buy it definitely smells different to the forests in the UK. Deeper into the trees I wandered, moving from deciduous to coniferous parts in quick succession.
I came across a clearing. There was obvious sign of boar rooting in the wet grass. They're rather good at de-turfing large areas. Tucked in the corner was areas hunters high seat. On the edge of the clearing I found this.
What it is exactly I don't know. But the deer are clearly attracted to it. The Base of the tree stump has been worn clear and der sign surrounds it, cuts and droppings. Maybe it's a lure for an unsporting hunter....
Anyways, I went back into the trees to find a spot for a rest and some lunch. It had gotten chillier. Looking up at the sky through the trees, rain looked likely. I scouted about for a quiet safe spot to lay up. I chose here...
Pulling out my JervenBag I put up a quick shelter.
This simple design goes up in less than a minute so it's perfect for a short stop, although I have used it overnight, curled up in a Bivi Bag. So, time for lunch....
I haven't used my regular cookset for a while, so I wanted to treat my self. I use a Primus 1ltr kettle. It suits me well for basic faire when I'm out. Inside I have my spoon, some salt, sugar, garlic powder and cinnamon, a sponge, dried meat, coffee and a small 2 cup sized pot which I normally carry dry bannock mix in. But today I brought a long a prepared pancake mix!
On with the brew then make some pancakes. I used my homemade meths cooker.
Hot water done, I made up a few little pancakes. They didn't come out perfect but hey ho, still had pancakes in the forest!
Suitably fed and watered I packed everything less my shelter away and went on a little wander. Came across this kill site. Most likely a bird of prey has had a pigeon.
By now it was mid afternoon. On returning to my shelter, the heavens opened. I sat under my JervenBag thinking it will most likely pass, but it didn't. There was nothing else for it, I donned my JervenBag as a poncho, complete with arms and headed for home.......
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