If you'd prefer to watch a video (with subtitles) of the trip:
Had the opportunity to get out for another overnight, this time with some proper cold (down to about -4C) and therefore it was a perfect excuse to get the stove out in the hot tent again. Since last using it, I've purchased an additional length of flue and some leg extenders for it so that it's a better setup in the Onetigris Rock Fortress.
I arrived late morning and the floor of the woodland was crispy, like walking on a creme brulee. The sky was blue, however, and cold air with blue skies is one of my favourite combinations for camping. Getting camp set up took less than an hour, which left me with plenty of daylight left for relaxing and doing a few little chores.
The robin I met last time was back and this time was even braver. Perhaps he'd had a few ales. He (or she) was in the tent a few times and hopping around happily, no doubt examining my kit and determining I've not got a clue what I'm doing.
There was some clay shooting going on nearby, which punctuated the air with the odd shotgun blast occasionally but it was otherwise a calm and peaceful afternoon, with very little breeze.
Dinner tonight was going to be steak (or robin if he punctures my bed). Nice piece of ribeye and some cabbage to sautee in butter alongside. Someone's got to do it.
I didn't get any photos of the finished plate although there's a bit in the video. Alas, I was too excited to shove it in my face. As you can see, I have the paraffin lamp with me again. This is one of my new favourite bits of kit, even though it's functionally not necessary. It's just wonderful to sit there with the light from it gently keeping the darkness at bay and adding warm texture which an electric torch simply cannot provide.
Is there much more of a cosy sight in an otherwise cold and dark woodland than this?
By the time I was ready to head to bed, it was pretty cold.
A few small pieces of wood later and the tent was positively tropical.
My sleep wasn't too bad, especially considering a couple of drams of Talisker 12 year old prior to getting my bonce down.
The morning was quiet, full of hot tea and you'll never guess who I bumped into again.
Yep. My old pal robin.
Had the opportunity to get out for another overnight, this time with some proper cold (down to about -4C) and therefore it was a perfect excuse to get the stove out in the hot tent again. Since last using it, I've purchased an additional length of flue and some leg extenders for it so that it's a better setup in the Onetigris Rock Fortress.
I arrived late morning and the floor of the woodland was crispy, like walking on a creme brulee. The sky was blue, however, and cold air with blue skies is one of my favourite combinations for camping. Getting camp set up took less than an hour, which left me with plenty of daylight left for relaxing and doing a few little chores.
The robin I met last time was back and this time was even braver. Perhaps he'd had a few ales. He (or she) was in the tent a few times and hopping around happily, no doubt examining my kit and determining I've not got a clue what I'm doing.
There was some clay shooting going on nearby, which punctuated the air with the odd shotgun blast occasionally but it was otherwise a calm and peaceful afternoon, with very little breeze.
Dinner tonight was going to be steak (or robin if he punctures my bed). Nice piece of ribeye and some cabbage to sautee in butter alongside. Someone's got to do it.
I didn't get any photos of the finished plate although there's a bit in the video. Alas, I was too excited to shove it in my face. As you can see, I have the paraffin lamp with me again. This is one of my new favourite bits of kit, even though it's functionally not necessary. It's just wonderful to sit there with the light from it gently keeping the darkness at bay and adding warm texture which an electric torch simply cannot provide.
Is there much more of a cosy sight in an otherwise cold and dark woodland than this?
By the time I was ready to head to bed, it was pretty cold.
A few small pieces of wood later and the tent was positively tropical.
My sleep wasn't too bad, especially considering a couple of drams of Talisker 12 year old prior to getting my bonce down.
The morning was quiet, full of hot tea and you'll never guess who I bumped into again.
Yep. My old pal robin.
