The Big Lebowski invited me for an overnighter near his place in Pontypool, so I could try winter hammocking for the first time, and I was up for the challenge. Possibly the mention of some of Al's venison stew had something to do with my enthusiasm.
The weather was blustery but largely dry, so we set off on the epic 200 yard trek from Al's place to the site (Al made 4, count them, 4 trips back to the house over the course of a single night), and got ourselves set up
Al's set-up. I forgot to take a shot later when he had the hammock up as well, but he was helping me with mine.
My effort (before the wind did things to the guy lines and redistributed my nice new titanium tent pegs!). I wasn't using an underquilt as i don't own one, but a second sleeping bag as mat worked really well, and it wasn't a cold night anyway.
Al crafed a nice little cooking set up. Note the dutch oven with enough venison stew to feed 4, pre-cooked so it just needed heating and the addition of some salami dumplings. I've had a few of Al's campfire offerings, but this was one of his very best.
The stew was for later though. First I rattled up a quick brunch of smoked bacon, scrambled eggs, and scones (we had no bread), and that went down passably too. We were using what I think Al called a Dakota fire pit. Whatever, it worked, although with damp wood it struggled to stay alight at times.
Shortly afterwards we were suddenly invaded by a bundle of Jack Russel terriers, as a couple of guys came past on their way for a spot of rabbiting. They knew the landowner, and had permission, so that was ok. We had a chat and they moved on. An hour or so later they returned, and asked if we wanted a rabbit, as they had had a good day. We accepted their offer, so after removing the head (for the ferrets, he said) we were given this little beastie to play with.
Al not being one to miss an opportunity foraged some tomatoes, onion, and balsamic vinegar (as you do), and we had rabbit Italian-style as a starter.
Then we settled down for the main activity of the late afternoon and evening - drinking. I brought some sloe gin, some gin flavoured with wild thyme, and a bottle of homemade cranberry vodka. Al brought a tawny port. When we ran out, it was time for bed. Oh, and at least in principle, we were supposed to be carving some lime logs that A had brought along. I got this far along with an attempt at a bowl. Note the artistic bloodstains when I scraped my knuckle. Al settled for sharpening my knives (again) and making pine pitch.
We had one of those really enjoyable relaxing evenings, just sat round a fire talking and doing little things. Apart from a short visitation from an enormous ravening beast - well, Al thought it was and was momentarily terrified - it turned out to be a large German Shepherd dog belonging to the landowner that had followed us up (your face was a picture Al
), it was really mellow.
I slept really well, and was very warm and comfortable.
Just a good night out. Thanks Al.
The weather was blustery but largely dry, so we set off on the epic 200 yard trek from Al's place to the site (Al made 4, count them, 4 trips back to the house over the course of a single night), and got ourselves set up
Al's set-up. I forgot to take a shot later when he had the hammock up as well, but he was helping me with mine.
My effort (before the wind did things to the guy lines and redistributed my nice new titanium tent pegs!). I wasn't using an underquilt as i don't own one, but a second sleeping bag as mat worked really well, and it wasn't a cold night anyway.
Al crafed a nice little cooking set up. Note the dutch oven with enough venison stew to feed 4, pre-cooked so it just needed heating and the addition of some salami dumplings. I've had a few of Al's campfire offerings, but this was one of his very best.
The stew was for later though. First I rattled up a quick brunch of smoked bacon, scrambled eggs, and scones (we had no bread), and that went down passably too. We were using what I think Al called a Dakota fire pit. Whatever, it worked, although with damp wood it struggled to stay alight at times.
Shortly afterwards we were suddenly invaded by a bundle of Jack Russel terriers, as a couple of guys came past on their way for a spot of rabbiting. They knew the landowner, and had permission, so that was ok. We had a chat and they moved on. An hour or so later they returned, and asked if we wanted a rabbit, as they had had a good day. We accepted their offer, so after removing the head (for the ferrets, he said) we were given this little beastie to play with.
Al not being one to miss an opportunity foraged some tomatoes, onion, and balsamic vinegar (as you do), and we had rabbit Italian-style as a starter.
Then we settled down for the main activity of the late afternoon and evening - drinking. I brought some sloe gin, some gin flavoured with wild thyme, and a bottle of homemade cranberry vodka. Al brought a tawny port. When we ran out, it was time for bed. Oh, and at least in principle, we were supposed to be carving some lime logs that A had brought along. I got this far along with an attempt at a bowl. Note the artistic bloodstains when I scraped my knuckle. Al settled for sharpening my knives (again) and making pine pitch.
We had one of those really enjoyable relaxing evenings, just sat round a fire talking and doing little things. Apart from a short visitation from an enormous ravening beast - well, Al thought it was and was momentarily terrified - it turned out to be a large German Shepherd dog belonging to the landowner that had followed us up (your face was a picture Al
), it was really mellow.I slept really well, and was very warm and comfortable.
Just a good night out. Thanks Al.
