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Ray Mears Goes Walkabout - Your Views
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Just watched it again on Iplayer and enjoyed it for the second time.
There are only so many "TV worthy" skills a man can learn in a lifetime and Ray is now looking at how those skills were employed in past times. I have to agree with the comments about the parabolic reflector though - it wasn't available to the explorers and is little more than a poorly masked advertising shot. But on the whole, I'm awaiting next weeks episode and I recon I'll enjoy that too.
I'm not convinced that another "British Bushcraft" series is entirely valid either, other than breaking from the Beeb and doing a tour of the country troubleshooting peoples problems and learning a few things from ordinary "campfire folk" to show that there is a learning curve for every skill you want to acquire. Though it would'nt make for mainstream viewing.
Keep up the good work Ray!
Ogri the trog
There are only so many "TV worthy" skills a man can learn in a lifetime and Ray is now looking at how those skills were employed in past times. I have to agree with the comments about the parabolic reflector though - it wasn't available to the explorers and is little more than a poorly masked advertising shot. But on the whole, I'm awaiting next weeks episode and I recon I'll enjoy that too.
I'm not convinced that another "British Bushcraft" series is entirely valid either, other than breaking from the Beeb and doing a tour of the country troubleshooting peoples problems and learning a few things from ordinary "campfire folk" to show that there is a learning curve for every skill you want to acquire. Though it would'nt make for mainstream viewing.
Keep up the good work Ray!
Ogri the trog
Dont start that one!...
There was no way even my thigh was getting in that belt! I noticed he used a folder a couple of times and after you mentioned it; I watched back my recording and it does infact look like a Fallkniven U2, however I've never handled one myself.
I forgot he mentioned on Radio 1 about this new big project he was working on, thanks for reminding me, I wonder what that will be
Perhaps he'll be teaming up with Ewan McGregor again and do a Bushcraft Long Way Round!... Ewan can teach Ray how to ride a bike and Ray will no doubt display many skills through different environments! ahhh I can wish 
I don't think he can go back to just a 'bushcraft' series, he's done it all in the past really. How many time do you need to see a demonstration of a drill and bow, or rigging a tarp etc. He is coming together with a good format of history and the natural world and its people plus bringing in other experts. He also throws in bits of bushcraft information; good luck to the guy.
I enjoyed it, though Im going to be naughty and say I don't find the life of this stuart guy appealing. Sorry Ray Id like to see Ray do some programes on indigenous peoples more in the manner of Bruce Parry, although I guess we have Bruce Parry for that. Im just thinking that we are often shown the practical dimensions of bushcraft, but rarely the spiritual side, yet in many cultures its difficult to differentiate between the two, it would be great to see programmes that focused on philisophical and spiritual beliefs of peoples round the world and how this has shaped their behaviours.
Id like to see Ray do some programes on indigenous peoples more in the manner of Bruce Parry, although I guess we have Bruce Parry for that. Im just thinking that we are often shown the practical dimensions of bushcraft, but rarely the spiritual side, yet in many cultures its difficult to differentiate between the two, it would be great to see programmes that focused on philisophical and spiritual beliefs of peoples round the world and how this has shaped their behaviours.I really enjoyed it.
In my book, all of Ray's programmes are excellent and never fail to inspire me. Thanks to a life long involvment in Scouting, outdoor pursuits are in my blood. I have Ray (and the BBC programme 'Tracks') to thank for my interest in Bushcraft and I always look forward to his programmes.
One thing I like to do is makes notes on the skills he demonstrates. When I'm next in the woods I look at my notes and have a go at something - think I mught struggle to find a Eucalyptus tree in Hampshire though!
Mat
In my book, all of Ray's programmes are excellent and never fail to inspire me. Thanks to a life long involvment in Scouting, outdoor pursuits are in my blood. I have Ray (and the BBC programme 'Tracks') to thank for my interest in Bushcraft and I always look forward to his programmes.
One thing I like to do is makes notes on the skills he demonstrates. When I'm next in the woods I look at my notes and have a go at something - think I mught struggle to find a Eucalyptus tree in Hampshire though!
Mat
I don't care what knife/watch/shirt/pants/boots/hat/car/cup/pencil he was using! Am I in the minority?
Very much enjoyed it. Looking forward to the Les Hiddins episode with great expectations! For some reason, I am really keen on Australian bushcraft, despite living a long way away. I thought this programme struck a fine balance between history and practical skills and, in actual fact, it reminded me of Les Hiddins' 'Bushtuckerman - Stories of Survival' in terms of content and aim.
Again, well-made programming, hopefully bringing a few new users to BushcraftUK.
With any luck, broadband arrives in the next few days and I no longer have to log-in at the library a couple of times a week only. I miss you guys!
Very much enjoyed it. Looking forward to the Les Hiddins episode with great expectations! For some reason, I am really keen on Australian bushcraft, despite living a long way away. I thought this programme struck a fine balance between history and practical skills and, in actual fact, it reminded me of Les Hiddins' 'Bushtuckerman - Stories of Survival' in terms of content and aim.
Again, well-made programming, hopefully bringing a few new users to BushcraftUK.
With any luck, broadband arrives in the next few days and I no longer have to log-in at the library a couple of times a week only. I miss you guys!
I don't think so - I'm of the same opinion, although I wouldn't mind knowing what pencil he uses thinking about it.. It must be superior
He does have good taste in his new car though in my opinion
andyn
Bushcrafter (boy, I've got a lot to say!)
Several in the new forest
I watched it on Iplayer this morning and think it was pretty interesting stuff.
I'm normally the first to be a bit of a devils advocate, but you guys are so critical it makes me chuckle.
One thought though on the comments about "I wish it was UK based"...
If you want to learn more about UK bushcraft get off the sofa and go outside - its right on your doorstep
. Its not likely many of us will ever get to Oz to try it over there due to costs of travel, so I think I'd rather watch how the skills i employ in the UK can be adapted for other continents.
Me too
I was interested in the old stuff he showed and I liked the look back the way things were done in victorian times.
I worry about this sort of thing.....in case the price goes (up of gear that I already use) or I end up looking like a clone!
I am not a number........
I thought he looked old if anything. And sometimes a bit sad. I feel sorry for Ray in a way as he has had a rough time over the last few years in his personal life, maybe that is why he is throwing himself into all of these projects. My Grandma did that "age twenty years in one year" thing and it scared the crap out of me as I thought she was on her way out. It seems her medicinal brandy is working wonders though, she's fought bone cancer and could teach Margaret Thatcher a thing or two in the Old Battleaxe stakes!
I don't think you are, I am not a gear junky and just because RM uses it does not mean I would use one, I like to ask people that use equipment what they think I also like to see the stuff in the flesh and make my own decision.
I suspect allot of people on the forum here are the same or we would not need a kit discussion section IMHO
Did anyone else think the opening sequence was rather 'tracks' esque? - complete with the odd harmonica music
It's actually a remix of the title theme for 'World of Survival'.
The theme for Wild Foods was a different mix of the same tune as well.
Basically, it's become the Ray Mears theme - written by a guy called David Lowe.
http://www.davidlowemusic.com/
I just watched it.
And well, compared with the other series he made, there is not so much bushcraft education in it. Its more a documentary about people who did great things, and did it with bushcraft skills.
But after all his series, he has said and teached a lot of bushcraft skills. I don't think its queer he turned in another road.
And well, compared with the other series he made, there is not so much bushcraft education in it. Its more a documentary about people who did great things, and did it with bushcraft skills.
But after all his series, he has said and teached a lot of bushcraft skills. I don't think its queer he turned in another road.
I don't think so - I'm of the same opinion, although I wouldn't mind knowing what pencil he uses thinking about it.. It must be superior
Don't know but I bet he carved it himself!
The 'Chartube' thing he showed was v similar to one that was described on this website a while ago, made from copper tube and lamp-wick material. Spot on - must have a go myself.
I also very much liked the 'fast and light' approach. For any climbers out there, this is proper alpine-styleee!
The parabolic mirror is a great party trick, but I have no idea why a man who can make fire just about anywhere in the workld with bits of twig he finds around him needs to carry a gimmick other than to show off a bit of kit that he can stock on his website. A mirror can break, why not just carry a lighter if you're gonna use a mechanism? Twenty disposable lighters stowed in billy kits, housewife kits and around the land rover will keep him lighting fores for years. I just didn't see the point in it!
Perhaps the advantage of the parabolic mirror over flint and steel (or a fag lighter) is that it could be used for signalling in an emergency?
Jay
(Edit... I also fear that if he did a UK-based skills show then we'd have an influx of people with less than half an idea making a right old mess of the countryside. I remember being in the lakes one summer when there were fire warnings everywhere and we spent an hour on catbells watching the helicopter drop water on the fells a huge campfire tended by idiots on our campsite. Give these people a smidgeon of information and where could it lead...)
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