Windermere meet up - Interested?

[Bodge]

I got back from the windermere meet saturday evening after spending all day friday and saturday morning there.
Thanks Simon M for organising this meet.
here are a few photos of the hardship we had to endure.

First we (me, swmbo son and daughter) set up our luxury camp. (I dont usually use my van but were had spent the earlier part of the week in the lakes camping).
You can see from the first photo that it was going to be hell on earth

The view from my hammock was terrible at times.

Simon showing the boys flint fire lighting.

The mini bushcrafters fire now alight.

Another site shot.

I think there will be more photos to follow from other members from the meet.

I can't believe the location of this meet, thanks Simon it was brill:You_Rock_
It was great to see familiar faces and to meet new people.

Nice weather while I was there but there were a few dark clouds gathering as I was packing up. I hope the weather holds out for the people still there till sunday afternoon.

Bodge

 

[firebreather]

:yikes: Thats not simon showing the boys how to light fires........he has no hat on .........its a fake an imposter I tell you..........

Looks like we missed a good weekend. Nothing like hard core roughing it in the woods...... I'm only jealous as I sold my camper a few years ago and missed it as soon as I drove off.
Get some more piccys up so I can see what we missed.
Greg

 

[Dingo]

Firstly I would like to say a big thank you to Simon for sorting the weekend out, sterling job there mate.

well what a weekend, the weather was kind to us which made the days more enjoyable, and also it didn't seem to get dark until about 10.30. awesome.

some piccys, will post more when the connection is better this end.

Our Camp.

Kettles on!

Morning glory.

The kids spent hours literally playing in the lake, Matt & Nat brought their kids canoes with them and they where enjoyed by all the kids and Nat!

will post more pics later.

Top weekend at a great venue with magic company, nuff said i think.

 

[SimonM]

First of all can i thank those that came for making the weekend a success. A nice location is worthless without good company!

The view across the lake...

Matt's special chill out place...

My camp ...

Matt blowing up his special friend, sorry kayak ...

Messing about on the water ...

The view from my tarp ...

Chilli ...

Minime shooting a (paper) hare (video link) ...

Simon

 

[SimonM]

:yikes: Thats not simon showing the boys how to light fires........he has no hat on .........its a fake an imposter I tell you..........

Looks like we missed a good weekend. Nothing like hard core roughing it in the woods...... I'm only jealous as I sold my camper a few years ago and missed it as soon as I drove off.
Get some more piccys up so I can see what we missed.
Greg

Never mind the lack of a hat..... That camera has put at least 10lbs on me!
BUT what about Brownie points for wearing a BcUk Tshirt?

Simon

 

[Matt Weir]

Hi Matt,

Fireguard - Yes please!

Carparking - Depends on where you pitch! Its not a huge wood and you can drive at least half way in. Either way, I'm sure there will be enough people to give you a lift carrying gear!

Simon

See PM Simon...

 

[Matt Weir]

Now then

A thousand thanks to Simon for this weekend. As has been said it was a glorious spot and it's a great shame that we'll lose it but I'm so glad we could make this weekend, it was fantastic.

Nice to see old friends and meet new ones. The kids loved it and despite the age range they, as always, all teamed up and had a great time. Thanks again to Simon for coaching the kids at archery and they all loved bobbing about in the kayaks.

I popped my Pignut cherry on this trip which is something I've been aching to do for ages They are pretty abundant about the site and a quarter of a mile away I came across a place that is absolutely heaving with them.

Another highlight was sitting watching the bats along the lake edge at dusk catching insects and drinking water by just skimming across the surface - magic.

One dodgy moment came when the dual personality Swan came along with her Signets looking for us to give her some food but at the same time rearing up and hissing a warning to stay away

The weather was superb and (thanks to Bodges wife) we were all lathering up with suncream on Saturday afternoon. Just as I was packing the last bit's into the car on Sunday we felt a few spots of rain. On the way home we reached about 5 miles south and it hammered it down so thanks to the weather Gods for keeping it nice

Here are some photo's

View from camp...

Home...

My first Pignut...

View of the main fire...

Archery...

The ladies gassing on the beach...

Yours Truly (Can you hear those banjo's?)...

Kids on the lake...

A beautiful peacock butterfly (I had to stalk this fella for a while creeping up inch by inch)...

The swan family...

An arty f4rty to close ...

 

[elevenses]

Hi All

Just like to say a big thank you to everyone that went for making me feel so welcome

Thanks to simon for inviting me and teaching me how to shoot a bow correctly, and well done for ordering such great weather

this was the first meeting I have attended and I really enjoyed myself

watching the bat's drinking had to be the highlight for me.

next time I will be a little more sociable and bring some alcohol and stay longer

all the way home I was wishing I could have stayed

I have a few pictures from the morning ill post them when I get to my home PC

don't know what is happening with the website but this has been the first time I have been able to get on since last Thursday !

thanks to all again hope to see you soon

 

[rancid badger]

I knew I should have tried to get Sunday off
Actually, what I should have done is take you up on your kind offer in the first place and at least popped over for friday/saturday:sulkoff:

We were supposed to doing some more canoe training but it was called off because it was raining
It certainly looks like you all had a cracking time.
Thanks for the invitation anyway Simon and hopefully, we'll meet one day
best wishes
Steve

 

[SimonM]

Just a quick end note...

After hearing me talk about our weekend away, a good friend of mine at work has said that HE will book the campsite for a weekend next summer and invite us up again! It really is true - there is more than one way to skin a cat!

RESULT!!!

Simon

 

[Dingo]

Put me on the list please Simon.

 

[Bodge]

Just a quick end note...

After hearing me talk about our weekend away, a good friend of mine at work has said that HE will book the campsite for a weekend next summer and invite us up again! It really is true - there is more than one way to skin a cat!

RESULT!!!

Simon

Simon, this is the most sensible idea ever. well done to your co-worker:You_Rock_

Bodge

 

[Matt Weir]

Just a quick end note...

After hearing me talk about our weekend away, a good friend of mine at work has said that HE will book the campsite for a weekend next summer and invite us up again! It really is true - there is more than one way to skin a cat!

RESULT!!!

Simon

Nice one Simon

 

[wanderinstar]

Will have to keep a close eye out for that Simon. Computer has been down for a while. Damn.

 

[SimonM]

Just to foot note this Meet...

The school has now sold this plot of land, as some of us discussed at the Meet.

Yet another patch of woodland gone, no doubt some fat cat will have his house on it soon!

Simon

 

[Bodge]

Just to foot note this Meet...

The school has now sold this plot of land, as some of us discussed at the Meet.

Yet another patch of woodland gone, no doubt some fat cat will have his house on it soon!

Simon

Yes Simon I've bought it to put a nuclear plant, wind farm and sewage plant on it.

On a serious note though that is a shame, and it makes me glad we all had such a good time there. It was just such a special meet I wont forget in a hurry.