A few months back I mentioned to a couple of friends that it would be a nice idea to go wild camp on Dartmoor. One of them was due to get married and as I couldn't make his stag do I thought this a good alternative.
Gentle bonding around a camp fire, swinging from trees in hammocks and long walks through beautiful countryside were the order of the day so I started researching.
First problem - no open fires on Dartmoor, second problem - limited hammocking possibilities due to well, . . . limited trees. Third problem where to start?
Fortunately I met a chap whilst working ( Steve - Look at the View ) who introduced me ( by way of this forum ) to Ivan. Who, I am sure will need no introduction.
Ivan and I had a chat on the most old fashioned of communication devices ( the house phone ) and he very courteously gave advice and pointers as well as the offer of a wood to sleep in. I couldn't honestly believe how friendly he was so, when he announced a meet a few days later I thought it would be a good idea to attend, just in case his generosity was hiding something sinister, such as ritual worship, or morris dancing. I wasn't worried about myself you must understand, but one of my friends is frightened of being murdered, and the other has an innate fear of men waving hankies.
I had nothing to fear. I had a fantastic time at the meet and met some new friends. It was brilliant and I couldn't wait to go again. My only problem now is would my pals enjoy the experience? Both had camped before and been involved in the cadets and scouts etc, but old age and city living had made them both soft in the belly and hands, and the lure of comfy hotel rooms, fast food and Daily Mail reading had made them fearful of strangers, and mud, and pooing in a hole in the ground. . . .
So, I tried not to big up the experience I'd had, but not very well. Rich ( Eidos101 on here ) took to the idea with a relish. He Made his own stove from an Ikea drainer ( see pics ) along with a variety of meths burners. He beg stole or borrowed other bits of kit, watched loads of Youtube videos and we spent ages on the phone discussing kit and ways to make do with very little money. By the time we were ready to go he had pretty much everything he needed. Knife, Axe, pack - He was taking to the idea with a relish. I was impressed.
Garrick on the other hand had a slightly different take on the task ahead. He'd got a sleeping bag though, and I didn't want to dent his enthusiasm - I asked him what season it was as Dartmoor could be a little bit cold? His answer,
'Purple'.
So, without further ado are some pictures.
Ok, a bit more of an ado but I'm writing this ok? And whilst I have your attention you're mine. Don't be so hasty!
I would like to say that we had a brilliant time. The weather didn't play ball but who cares?
Ivan and Alison were brilliant hosts, nothing was too much trouble. Ivan helped us rig up a parachute which you will see in the pics and this gave our camp a really lovely feel. He also arranged some shooting for us, and whilst we didn't manage to get any rabbits, we did see plenty. Both of my mates had a brilliant time, I know this to be true because they are both massively depressed today. The post meet blues cannot be faked!
They were both also full of praise for Ivan and Alison. They even catered for us on the second night by way of a fantastic Chilli. Rich had never eaten Chilli before as he's fussy so and so. He managed four bowls full before giving in with stomach cramps and sweats. He could have done with some GAVISCON but Alison had hidden it somewhere. . . . . .
Ok, here are some pictures.
Garrick woke up cold on the first night. Can anyone spot why?
This is my favourite picture of the trip.
Kettle photo competition.
![image[1] (2).jpg](https://bushcraftuk.com/community/data/attachments/11/11825-76b8b93b8866577025e7d4716a775065.jpg "image[1] (2).jpg")
![image[1].jpg](https://bushcraftuk.com/community/data/attachments/11/11826-215ede8e963dec273f78e2ddee033060.jpg "image[1].jpg")
![image[2].jpg](https://bushcraftuk.com/community/data/attachments/11/11827-5e509a198202fbb9a5fb8e43aa69bd82.jpg "image[2].jpg")
![image[3].jpg](https://bushcraftuk.com/community/data/attachments/11/11828-46bac0eedbdd2d9e6118d77e62620d66.jpg "image[3].jpg")
![image[4].jpg](https://bushcraftuk.com/community/data/attachments/11/11829-92a7763f6492fc90cc9dcd540d8fc990.jpg "image[4].jpg")
![image[6].jpg](https://bushcraftuk.com/community/data/attachments/11/11830-763dc607375661b60040da3c190d0a8b.jpg "image[6].jpg")
Rich and Garrick both carved some things. Rich's spoon. Not bad. Garrick's offerings are too offensive. Not in a phallic way, more to the senses.
![image[7].jpg](https://bushcraftuk.com/community/data/attachments/11/11831-7519c6658fd0c8bb2e12ff6afb862ab5.jpg "image[7].jpg")
Rich foraged some cramp balls with Alison's help
![image[8].jpg](https://bushcraftuk.com/community/data/attachments/11/11832-377dbe32f0550868ea0457503f204187.jpg "image[8].jpg")
I'm carving a Sweep sized dobber.
![image[9].jpg](https://bushcraftuk.com/community/data/attachments/11/11833-2e37596a61ac6334146ed89848dbb477.jpg "image[9].jpg")
![image[10].jpg](https://bushcraftuk.com/community/data/attachments/11/11834-d8c87fcd7440b636970ec6f1ae1ae7e7.jpg "image[10].jpg")
![image[11].jpg](https://bushcraftuk.com/community/data/attachments/11/11835-3ae5779c136ce2136b4c3f6bb07718d1.jpg "image[11].jpg")
What do you mean? Just the three of us for breakfast?
![image[12].jpg](https://bushcraftuk.com/community/data/attachments/11/11836-350c5d4fbc7d0ed0c3998cfcc9ed594a.jpg "image[12].jpg")
Rich's home made Ikea Stove. He boiled and ate 4 eggs both mornings as well as having 2 each day for breakfast. Good job the Chilli loosened things up.
![image[13].jpg](https://bushcraftuk.com/community/data/attachments/11/11837-b1b72e4a61dc9f8acb40d88536aa9ebb.jpg "image[13].jpg")
![image[14].jpg](https://bushcraftuk.com/community/data/attachments/11/11838-37547567501dfd53253d16be17c92b62.jpg "image[14].jpg")
![image[15].jpg](https://bushcraftuk.com/community/data/attachments/11/11839-c19dea41f19b724a46f554bec2a75f0b.jpg "image[15].jpg")
![image[16].jpg](https://bushcraftuk.com/community/data/attachments/11/11840-fd7ede0f5cd3682bddb5156e12d46a8a.jpg "image[16].jpg")
Garrick found this Grub in an old bit of wood he was 'carving'. Any ideas what it is? We replaced it.
Odd fungus. Any clues to it's identity?
Another Kettle picture.
Tidying up.
Thank you for reading. Comments welcome.
Thank you again Ivan and Alison. We will see you very soon.
Cheers,
Ben The Sweep.
Gentle bonding around a camp fire, swinging from trees in hammocks and long walks through beautiful countryside were the order of the day so I started researching.
First problem - no open fires on Dartmoor, second problem - limited hammocking possibilities due to well, . . . limited trees. Third problem where to start?
Fortunately I met a chap whilst working ( Steve - Look at the View ) who introduced me ( by way of this forum ) to Ivan. Who, I am sure will need no introduction.
Ivan and I had a chat on the most old fashioned of communication devices ( the house phone ) and he very courteously gave advice and pointers as well as the offer of a wood to sleep in. I couldn't honestly believe how friendly he was so, when he announced a meet a few days later I thought it would be a good idea to attend, just in case his generosity was hiding something sinister, such as ritual worship, or morris dancing. I wasn't worried about myself you must understand, but one of my friends is frightened of being murdered, and the other has an innate fear of men waving hankies.
I had nothing to fear. I had a fantastic time at the meet and met some new friends. It was brilliant and I couldn't wait to go again. My only problem now is would my pals enjoy the experience? Both had camped before and been involved in the cadets and scouts etc, but old age and city living had made them both soft in the belly and hands, and the lure of comfy hotel rooms, fast food and Daily Mail reading had made them fearful of strangers, and mud, and pooing in a hole in the ground. . . .
So, I tried not to big up the experience I'd had, but not very well. Rich ( Eidos101 on here ) took to the idea with a relish. He Made his own stove from an Ikea drainer ( see pics ) along with a variety of meths burners. He beg stole or borrowed other bits of kit, watched loads of Youtube videos and we spent ages on the phone discussing kit and ways to make do with very little money. By the time we were ready to go he had pretty much everything he needed. Knife, Axe, pack - He was taking to the idea with a relish. I was impressed.
Garrick on the other hand had a slightly different take on the task ahead. He'd got a sleeping bag though, and I didn't want to dent his enthusiasm - I asked him what season it was as Dartmoor could be a little bit cold? His answer,
'Purple'.
So, without further ado are some pictures.
Ok, a bit more of an ado but I'm writing this ok? And whilst I have your attention you're mine. Don't be so hasty!
I would like to say that we had a brilliant time. The weather didn't play ball but who cares?
Ivan and Alison were brilliant hosts, nothing was too much trouble. Ivan helped us rig up a parachute which you will see in the pics and this gave our camp a really lovely feel. He also arranged some shooting for us, and whilst we didn't manage to get any rabbits, we did see plenty. Both of my mates had a brilliant time, I know this to be true because they are both massively depressed today. The post meet blues cannot be faked!
They were both also full of praise for Ivan and Alison. They even catered for us on the second night by way of a fantastic Chilli. Rich had never eaten Chilli before as he's fussy so and so. He managed four bowls full before giving in with stomach cramps and sweats. He could have done with some GAVISCON but Alison had hidden it somewhere. . . . . .
Ok, here are some pictures.
Garrick woke up cold on the first night. Can anyone spot why?This is my favourite picture of the trip.Kettle photo competition.Rich and Garrick both carved some things. Rich's spoon. Not bad. Garrick's offerings are too offensive. Not in a phallic way, more to the senses.Rich foraged some cramp balls with Alison's helpI'm carving a Sweep sized dobber.What do you mean? Just the three of us for breakfast?Rich's home made Ikea Stove. He boiled and ate 4 eggs both mornings as well as having 2 each day for breakfast. Good job the Chilli loosened things up.Garrick found this Grub in an old bit of wood he was 'carving'. Any ideas what it is? We replaced it.Odd fungus. Any clues to it's identity?Another Kettle picture.
Tidying up. Thank you for reading. Comments welcome.
Thank you again Ivan and Alison. We will see you very soon.
Cheers,
Ben The Sweep.
