As the weather had given us a window we decided to go and do a quick overnighter somewhere not too far.
The biggest issue when taking small kids wild camping is the logistics, because obviously they don't have the strength to carry all their own gear. So my tarp and groundsheet have to be big enough for two, and I need to carry double the food and water. Owen (9) was confident he could manage his sleeping bag and mat, a headtorch, his jacket and a small book.
This was the load out.
We picked a spot but had to abondon it as we were getting mullered by mossies. Even wilmas nordic summer balm was struggling, man I love the smell of that stuff! So by the time we found another place it was getting a bit dark but Owen thought it was way cooller as the sandstone bluff made it feel more stoneage.
Got a small fire going straightaway to help with the bugs, cook our supper on and of course keep the wolves at bay.
A fillet of salmon each for supper, cooked over the fire for a delicious smoky flavour.
The choice of beverage for the evening, for Dad anyway!
Starving, he never took his eyes off his fish as he waited.
This happy chappie watched over us through the night. Owen went off quick and slept really well. I struggled to nod off and then slept only fitfully. It might have been because it was a new place and I had Owen with me to think about. There was a running stream nearby and the sound of it was masking other sounds and making me hear things. I also need a new sleeping mat as my Millets one is naff
View of the camp next morning.
Snug as a bug in a rug. My brother brought me that blanket back from Nepal years ago. Its made from yak hair and is so warm but weighs so little that its always worth bringing.
Morning brew on the go.
View from the other side. Unconventional tarp set up but I'm reasonably confident it would have kept us dry if it had rained. I guess we'll never know!
Finest choppery.
The light of a new day dancing through the trees.
Enough of the poetry, get the bacon on!
Practising carving skewers for next time.
The way out..
I ended up carrying his pack on the way back to the car.
Thanks for looking.
Sean
The biggest issue when taking small kids wild camping is the logistics, because obviously they don't have the strength to carry all their own gear. So my tarp and groundsheet have to be big enough for two, and I need to carry double the food and water. Owen (9) was confident he could manage his sleeping bag and mat, a headtorch, his jacket and a small book.
This was the load out.
We picked a spot but had to abondon it as we were getting mullered by mossies. Even wilmas nordic summer balm was struggling, man I love the smell of that stuff! So by the time we found another place it was getting a bit dark but Owen thought it was way cooller as the sandstone bluff made it feel more stoneage.
Got a small fire going straightaway to help with the bugs, cook our supper on and of course keep the wolves at bay.
A fillet of salmon each for supper, cooked over the fire for a delicious smoky flavour.
The choice of beverage for the evening, for Dad anyway!
Starving, he never took his eyes off his fish as he waited.
This happy chappie watched over us through the night. Owen went off quick and slept really well. I struggled to nod off and then slept only fitfully. It might have been because it was a new place and I had Owen with me to think about. There was a running stream nearby and the sound of it was masking other sounds and making me hear things. I also need a new sleeping mat as my Millets one is naff
View of the camp next morning.
Snug as a bug in a rug. My brother brought me that blanket back from Nepal years ago. Its made from yak hair and is so warm but weighs so little that its always worth bringing.
Morning brew on the go.
View from the other side. Unconventional tarp set up but I'm reasonably confident it would have kept us dry if it had rained. I guess we'll never know!
Finest choppery.
The light of a new day dancing through the trees.
Enough of the poetry, get the bacon on!
Practising carving skewers for next time.
The way out..
I ended up carrying his pack on the way back to the car.
Thanks for looking.
Sean
