Anyone Else Noticed...

[durulz]

...the numbers of single, middle-aged men with large backpacks walking the lanes?
Now the weather seems to be turning I have noticed over the last couple of weeks a relatively high number of people walking the countryside, looking outdoorsy and slightly dishevelled, with packs on their back too big for just an afternoon stroll. All male. Always on their own.
Last week I was driving through West Farleigh and I saw two men, on their own, clearly either on their way to or from the woods. And this morning as I was driving into Canterbury I saw another bod near Chilham looking similar.
I've been doing the whole 'outdoors' thing for many years, but never noticed so many people before. Either my eyes have come accustomed to seeing bushcrafters and can spot them easily, or numbers are increasing. Possibly a mixture of the two.
Or maybe since the weather is getting better my mind is turning to camping out for the night (I'm happy to admit I'm a fair weather camper) and so I'm seeing more of it because I'm thinking more of it.
What a marvellous morning.

 

[locum76]

There could be something in that. i've noticed a massive jump in the number of volunteer applications at my work, from people who want to learn more about working in the outdoors. There has also been a gender shift too - most of our applicants used to be 20 something women. now it is more mixed with a decent proportion of men over 30 applying.

I think the general message from the media about our precarious position in the world is hitting home and folk are perhaps making an effort to get out of their comfort zone, the couch.

Also where do you live Durluz? Are there any factories near by that have made workers redundant? An increase in the number of walkers would correlate with an increase in the number of peoplw with free time....

 

[bikething]

There has also been a gender shift too - most of our applicants used to be 20 something women. now it is more mixed with a decent proportion of men over 30 applying....

I'm not surprised if there are plenty of 20-something women there...

 

[locum76]

I'm not surprised if there are plenty of 20-something women there...

last year most guys seem to be scared of volunteering with us because they had to go through an enhanced disclosure, its funny how things change. If anything I'm stricter about all that than I ever have been.

 

[Klenchblaize]

Increase commensurate with the number of unemployed?

All very sad

 

[Shewie]

I've noticed a lot more blokes in the woods lately aswell but most of them have a guilty look on their face and seem to be looking over their shoulder all the time. Very odd.

 

[pheasant plucker]

Ere Shewie are you sure that was'nt a dogging spot lmao

PP

 

[calibanzwei]

There'll be one more this weekend
It's probably due to a combination of several reasons; economic downturn, influx of this years middle-aged 'Mears' generation' and a gradual realisation that life involves more than just a couch potatoe mindset.

Where these 20-something women at again?

 

[Shewie]

Ere Shewie are you sure that was'nt a dogging spot lmao

PP

Oh yeah, wrong forum sorry

 

[pheasant plucker]

Lamo now there could be an interesting bushcraft meet especially when comparing chopper size : 0

 

[scrogger]

If Stan Collymore were there it would be a dead giveaway!! doggin spot lmao!!

 

[BigShot]

I've noticed a lot more blokes in the woods lately aswell but most of them have a guilty look on their face and seem to be looking over their shoulder all the time. Very odd.

Maybe some aren't used to having gert big blades on them and are half expecting and Armed Response Unit to swoop on them Sweeny style and drag them down to the nick over a camping knife and an axe.

 

[RAPPLEBY2000]

I've notice more younger men, on push bikes about, but Not older men with bags. might just be an area thing.

 

[taws6]

workers redundant? An increase in the number of walkers would correlate with an increase in the number of peoplw with free time....

That's what my money's on too locum76.
Kit monsters who finally have a bit more time on their hands, and a freedom to enjoy what they want to do, and best of all, it's a relatively cheap hobby....

And second the sightings of cyclist, again, a cheap 'outdoorsy' type enjoyment thing.

 

[Andy2112]

If Stan Collymore were there it would be a dead giveaway!! doggin spot lmao!!

A friend of mine works security in a city centre outdoor/skiing shop and the aforementioned goes in for his gear, everytime he goes in he starts barking.

 

[Twodogs]

The call for " The Nature " is strong with in us all me thinks ...
Twodogs