I set out to the forest this afternoon to scratch the itch for the outdoors and get some final testing and skills practice in before my first overnighter in 8 years (next week.)
It was a beautiful afternoon, there was barely a cloud in the sky and the temperature was a steady 10-11*C.
I found a great new spot on some high ground right next to a small flowing stream under some pine trees, and set my Tarp up in the usual fashion.
This method uses two walking poles to support the ridge of the Tarp which are usually stuck into the ground. However this means placing a ground sheet is tricky. So to overcome it I found a fallen branch, cut and split it and then carved a hole in each piece to locate the poles. Now I can place a ground sheet under the poles without any risk of puncturing it and the pole is still sturdy enough to put pressure on the Tarp.
I then knocked up a very quick stand to hold my hydration bladder up.
Quick peek inside
By this time I was getting a bit peckish so I knocked up some rice courtesy of good old uncle Ben.
I don't normally like that kind of thing because it requires using water to cook it, however the uncle Ben one only needs a few ml so I gave it a try.
Then sat down to dinner with Mr Mears
After cleaning up I turned my attention toward a fire. I had collected some cramp balls on a previous trip which I wanted to try out. I had mixed results with these, eventually got it going though. Only very small so as to remain inconspicuous but enough to warm my extremities and practice some skills.
Fire extinguished and scattered. Litter collected and camp packed up I headed off just as dark was falling. Today was a good day.
Bryn.
It was a beautiful afternoon, there was barely a cloud in the sky and the temperature was a steady 10-11*C.
I found a great new spot on some high ground right next to a small flowing stream under some pine trees, and set my Tarp up in the usual fashion.
This method uses two walking poles to support the ridge of the Tarp which are usually stuck into the ground. However this means placing a ground sheet is tricky. So to overcome it I found a fallen branch, cut and split it and then carved a hole in each piece to locate the poles. Now I can place a ground sheet under the poles without any risk of puncturing it and the pole is still sturdy enough to put pressure on the Tarp.
I then knocked up a very quick stand to hold my hydration bladder up.
Quick peek inside
By this time I was getting a bit peckish so I knocked up some rice courtesy of good old uncle Ben.
I don't normally like that kind of thing because it requires using water to cook it, however the uncle Ben one only needs a few ml so I gave it a try.
Then sat down to dinner with Mr Mears
After cleaning up I turned my attention toward a fire. I had collected some cramp balls on a previous trip which I wanted to try out. I had mixed results with these, eventually got it going though. Only very small so as to remain inconspicuous but enough to warm my extremities and practice some skills.
Fire extinguished and scattered. Litter collected and camp packed up I headed off just as dark was falling. Today was a good day.
Bryn.
