tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48383426392638702962024-03-21T17:51:11.647-07:00Surviving OutdoorsWelcome to the Surviving Outdoors blog. The idea behind the blog is to combine all three sites, Blogger, Facebook and the surviving-outdoors.co.uk site into a user friendly access point for Bushcraft and Survival related persuits.
Although Bushcraft has really taken off over the last few years, there are still ideas and sbujects that will need discussion.Surviving Outdoorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01710864587009781464noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4838342639263870296.post-15852177463582181122011-08-19T11:54:00.000-07:002011-08-19T12:19:12.930-07:00Cherry Wood Spoon<div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">This is a piece of wood I have had for some time now, having made and carved a smaller spoon from the wood. This went to a friend of mine who is a wood turner and has a display in the Lane Gallery, Cathedral Lane, Truro.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPqUUDk4a2ZuffgJ-UaOrHor9QQwfkCC1wtr3KTMhBpp3jxz6_qxB1j_bmaI7BGQYcmltjkxC2pX90zt7A1xVSHVs2eNXmMizAZscD57PI0DWq0LjLXhDMD7dE0E5m4Q_FQenDw41Hz4k/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPqUUDk4a2ZuffgJ-UaOrHor9QQwfkCC1wtr3KTMhBpp3jxz6_qxB1j_bmaI7BGQYcmltjkxC2pX90zt7A1xVSHVs2eNXmMizAZscD57PI0DWq0LjLXhDMD7dE0E5m4Q_FQenDw41Hz4k/s320/1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_xhJelh2_JoiGGzYyeEn-dzyFXkcwk8UJh13qqyVZrP3wEcDqocxBwmnwpB_OzsM68o5di_9gkBuxJBCOFh4KpmUPBDycTcacEeiioHZi0ypGKK9MxsmDzT9zKhFIlpNDanSJ8wH8SAE/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_xhJelh2_JoiGGzYyeEn-dzyFXkcwk8UJh13qqyVZrP3wEcDqocxBwmnwpB_OzsM68o5di_9gkBuxJBCOFh4KpmUPBDycTcacEeiioHZi0ypGKK9MxsmDzT9zKhFIlpNDanSJ8wH8SAE/s320/2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>As with all projects like this you have to choose which part of the wood you are going to use, in this case I wanted a specific bend to the bowl of the spoon, so made the cut like this below.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6u1P_cFaAHlmVj60pEZLFMGOtCfVZtg8Mtjzvx8pt6WNARrCu5tzfPzq53FLITi08S2ZV-lCtiEbSBW-FVhC9YNW0jxGO20cEg4DujTOF2mijlgMhyphenhyphenwkoSGzNW2LHQzbzzK4xQESauCE/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6u1P_cFaAHlmVj60pEZLFMGOtCfVZtg8Mtjzvx8pt6WNARrCu5tzfPzq53FLITi08S2ZV-lCtiEbSBW-FVhC9YNW0jxGO20cEg4DujTOF2mijlgMhyphenhyphenwkoSGzNW2LHQzbzzK4xQESauCE/s320/3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>You then have to split the wood (above), watch some of my videos on youtube about fire making and battening wood if you are not sure how. This really is the point of no return and where you find if the wood is going to split where you want it to. Sometimes it does not, so ends up in the fire or used for another project. The splitting process is needed as its gong to take a hell of a long time to whittle the existing timber down if not. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSW-ZoTE8j8hhw4WsUgrUcWJ7e7QEuHZDcTPrQDGj9EorWbUDphMsmfwGcuD1vb45R8f183P1lS8sH65dtWJMLMvA7ZMT_OrTvEddlZM-1uunHcQShIkZAscp4Lcd7Uk7vAduGG8XzhJQ/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSW-ZoTE8j8hhw4WsUgrUcWJ7e7QEuHZDcTPrQDGj9EorWbUDphMsmfwGcuD1vb45R8f183P1lS8sH65dtWJMLMvA7ZMT_OrTvEddlZM-1uunHcQShIkZAscp4Lcd7Uk7vAduGG8XzhJQ/s320/4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The next step is to get the basic shape of the spoon. I am led into how the wood feels, so may bend off to one side, or be twisted. All this adds the character to the finished spoon, so unless you want it perfect, go with it! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyFPwNnoDclKIiZaK_d50TNdQaMYL3QX_9T3VTOOrl_k1T9ADuJwUyFvI4TNZGAg8MosHTkRjQzU7x8wVrTpgnTjUcVemv-z99TByU_93YLKYR4NQ1oevLfOSz0bWxqzhkXPXNxnSqE_0/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyFPwNnoDclKIiZaK_d50TNdQaMYL3QX_9T3VTOOrl_k1T9ADuJwUyFvI4TNZGAg8MosHTkRjQzU7x8wVrTpgnTjUcVemv-z99TByU_93YLKYR4NQ1oevLfOSz0bWxqzhkXPXNxnSqE_0/s320/5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>After a few more minuets the basic shape is made. Note the rather large knife I was using to do this, I suggest use what you are comfortable with if doing this. I was in rather a bad mood when making this one so wanted it to be fully therapeutic for me!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX83lBaij_PnU772NvC9BfCFwhTqiLmWhufEYC2dTFNyycnldRZqFtYsUivv9X5JeuI8lwMuDVvIzTiiu-jWgC3-XcqFWIfCTUFrO7tBLVbO2OIPijA8BCVsYUxhQrrXEoGyBxYTntJ0E/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX83lBaij_PnU772NvC9BfCFwhTqiLmWhufEYC2dTFNyycnldRZqFtYsUivv9X5JeuI8lwMuDVvIzTiiu-jWgC3-XcqFWIfCTUFrO7tBLVbO2OIPijA8BCVsYUxhQrrXEoGyBxYTntJ0E/s320/6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Slowly you come to the finished version, (above). Picture is terrible, not my usual clear quality as I was using a little point and shoot for this. Also I changed the knife I was using. Although I have carved with the A1 knife in the above picture, the finer carving does take some doing, so I went for the little Frosts wood carving knife. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqaStAWdl4yyligEg9Q51oCqztV51OHAusY5dnFgQsz8IAeX4_i7jOj6tf5wXA6Pd7EV2_CcRwDn4oq1VpSaj9vvJ4sdS1hARhy2GNFAcTrwgVcwWwG_oIleec6updwGXotf80mHFiIaw/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqaStAWdl4yyligEg9Q51oCqztV51OHAusY5dnFgQsz8IAeX4_i7jOj6tf5wXA6Pd7EV2_CcRwDn4oq1VpSaj9vvJ4sdS1hARhy2GNFAcTrwgVcwWwG_oIleec6updwGXotf80mHFiIaw/s320/7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">Even with the previous bad picture, you can see after adding the tongue oil, as the spoon will not be used for eating purposes as the wood has gone soft for one. The oil certainly brings out the best in the wood. I won't be selling this one as I like my spoons to be made in the frame of mind I made them in. I am a great believer in things that are hand made pick up the vibration from that person, so I only pass on spoons that have a good feel to them. Like everyone though I have my off days and carving spoons is a good way of letting off some steam! </div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Surviving Outdoorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01710864587009781464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4838342639263870296.post-63218095302844117502011-07-06T08:37:00.000-07:002011-07-09T07:48:14.259-07:00Heavy Rucksack Alternatives!<div class="MsoNormal">I am not sure how many of you really enjoy carrying a rucksack? In certain cases it can't be avoided due to severe hill or mountain gradients and cragginess. Over the years I have found it tiresome at best, and if you do experience any back problems its not the best thing to do anyway. So I got into thinking about other load carriage systems. Something easy to setup, that will carry the weight I want to put on it and not let me down.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYZNw9hq0Crs-s5Oq4MvmbZPFRDXTXrcekOTFDoS6mnTqQXJBUi_ttn9mbMzu2KBuG1ILoSbA7db3JvggL50-BIO2TEkIKI8mTMDEVaaHOR_MXxXnZKDEUQ7GNPIHB3ZbILWV3u8GeOlw/s320/DSC_1084.jpg" width="320" /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>There are a couple of excellent systems available but tend to be expensive at over £500+. So what about making your own? This system isn't perfect, but as you can see it will carry weight, not going to say how much but its better on there than your back!<br />
<div class="MsoNormal"> </div><div class="MsoNormal">Most of the time my walking consists of short trips between filming or sound recording, so taking a rucksack on and off every few hundred yards isn't fun, so what to do?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX-34XvsLxRgdmPqIcKO2vCzD8z_kdZbIa1hWMxowX7nDVNg78JcTqV9_A_lOB7unq2oeaPak8ErZJpYDTjdc4MhsRrfyHMcmjYGtJHBUO6DZEUCcdvJqKoZQOmPk7gFuqqSXILXYBCOg/s1600/DSC_1021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX-34XvsLxRgdmPqIcKO2vCzD8z_kdZbIa1hWMxowX7nDVNg78JcTqV9_A_lOB7unq2oeaPak8ErZJpYDTjdc4MhsRrfyHMcmjYGtJHBUO6DZEUCcdvJqKoZQOmPk7gFuqqSXILXYBCOg/s320/DSC_1021.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">After much thought about cycle wheels, which I deemed as being good but more difficult to attach the spindle to any framework and possibly making a weak point. I had a brainwave about a wheelchair. The framework and wheels are designed to carry a fair amount of weight without to much messing about with strengthening the frame etc. I managed to find one after asking at hospitals and any other places I could think of. Its not as lightweight as some modern designs but for a tester I guessed it would do just fine.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKVDu1nkP5GHmp9RhDf4oj7AOtjgcwKwAqb2zYjhhOzU5WxnOCBFX2-98HZ3BrEMwzKYgwnxsdI7QsuboSany9Qki2In8vWfiaRhU58HZWgGDlnE4iXA9H2HFakgxktKzpeWzGk0Kn40Y/s1600/DSC_1195.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKVDu1nkP5GHmp9RhDf4oj7AOtjgcwKwAqb2zYjhhOzU5WxnOCBFX2-98HZ3BrEMwzKYgwnxsdI7QsuboSany9Qki2In8vWfiaRhU58HZWgGDlnE4iXA9H2HFakgxktKzpeWzGk0Kn40Y/s320/DSC_1195.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>First of all I gave myself time to look over the frame and see where the first cuts would be made and what I would remove. As you can see from this image, the frame has been adapted and turned through 45 degrees to work. The front jockey wheel is no longer needed and so removed, but the brakes have been left in place.<br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRVfJv1S277E1bGdW-W4HC2ybsaTOuGGF8nM0qS8aTIhf12Ar1rA2ajuja5H69WmH7FN3i_H779Iq72MHVneIdgPQ9OxPjRHaltMR6_5FboMy8xcmlcMRVEm71tQwZYQT34ztEOFziBkk/s1600/DSC_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRVfJv1S277E1bGdW-W4HC2ybsaTOuGGF8nM0qS8aTIhf12Ar1rA2ajuja5H69WmH7FN3i_H779Iq72MHVneIdgPQ9OxPjRHaltMR6_5FboMy8xcmlcMRVEm71tQwZYQT34ztEOFziBkk/s320/DSC_1024.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">The seating was removed to lessen the weight. The main support for the seat which was originally crossed to form the folding action of the chair has now been shortened and bolted together. I guess it could be made to come apart easily enough so that it would fold flat'ish. Also any other bar extensions etc have been taken off to lower the weight.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizBcXynaS9GGqlLYYDHYqJAzBhhioj0BWG998cq4_ugjNpGevKPEzB3TYf7uVw_wDy0m0El2FhwcW2sVL7byN9IAQZUGIOtz_2S3SNDi6oXqRj8SjG0xviHocR7vQYeyHk4O7coTDXxsc/s1600/DSC_1197.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizBcXynaS9GGqlLYYDHYqJAzBhhioj0BWG998cq4_ugjNpGevKPEzB3TYf7uVw_wDy0m0El2FhwcW2sVL7byN9IAQZUGIOtz_2S3SNDi6oXqRj8SjG0xviHocR7vQYeyHk4O7coTDXxsc/s320/DSC_1197.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The two bars that now form the base support are 1" aluminium cut and moulded to fit nicely, then fixed with a bolt through the entire frame of the wheelchair. Then I chose to use webbing to help stop any items falling through as I hadn't come across any suitable netting material, my first choice.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7PvFkZUui8MdoEdL-rOTHFR9_3e0ep6m48V5QsJNsKA3jBCIkO-7ZAgNg_ApdFQM0X85hxXahnsfaClmXVdBnCWmcNBk2CtugPVUFF6x781W2m0dY0Ga2KTlLZnhRMfcYFMm6VOckT4U/s1600/DSC_1189.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7PvFkZUui8MdoEdL-rOTHFR9_3e0ep6m48V5QsJNsKA3jBCIkO-7ZAgNg_ApdFQM0X85hxXahnsfaClmXVdBnCWmcNBk2CtugPVUFF6x781W2m0dY0Ga2KTlLZnhRMfcYFMm6VOckT4U/s320/DSC_1189.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">After a few successful trips out and over rough ground I found it needed a bit of a tweek. Don't get me wrong about this idea it is still hard work, and maybe a little slower than carrying a rucksack, but far, far less tiring and wearing on your back and muscles.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">One problem that was noted was the handle kept twisting. This made keeping it upright difficult so I thought some more on it and came up with this. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">It adds a little more weight to the overall thing</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">but, titanium or carbon fibre would be nice but out of the question at this stage.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA_oNB_cC5_pvr04vhOoIe5hnyeSmntImY6UW4VpTpPD_kc_iq32RU5FNQAUsiG5i3QJLuCbMSuBoBLr_up7WY8upWmtNtHx4-Q_3nuDuof6b9tziD8X9NMjEBCmCX6gda3DOhqTNjsN8/s1600/DSC_1190.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA_oNB_cC5_pvr04vhOoIe5hnyeSmntImY6UW4VpTpPD_kc_iq32RU5FNQAUsiG5i3QJLuCbMSuBoBLr_up7WY8upWmtNtHx4-Q_3nuDuof6b9tziD8X9NMjEBCmCX6gda3DOhqTNjsN8/s320/DSC_1190.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">The handle now comes in two parts, with an inner bar that slides into both the fixed and removal handle. The inner bar and handle are drilled together to take the holding bolts. This then locks into place with two bolts. The bolt through the front bar and handle adds extra support and stops the whole thing twisting. On the middle fixed section a U bolt that ties that all together has also been added. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The next step is to add a cross section to the front of the handle. Surprisingly when travelling up hills it is easier to push than to pull. Having a nice flat area to push against will really make a difference here as sometimes it will catch me in the hipbone or stomach area, and also helps when descending steeper hills.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIC0L2M54u8Ex-aWt6dYFsK_z_lUuuSuKTeg3Ma5J0z3GtCbRD6DCofDMMzp09YREdGV-Qe7HntOhK5ne4CPQE3_NM4WdCrEtqjnPKNpSW7mQytwfLFXSebMlf1bKJypHebvEmK-yPAZ8/s1600/Image009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIC0L2M54u8Ex-aWt6dYFsK_z_lUuuSuKTeg3Ma5J0z3GtCbRD6DCofDMMzp09YREdGV-Qe7HntOhK5ne4CPQE3_NM4WdCrEtqjnPKNpSW7mQytwfLFXSebMlf1bKJypHebvEmK-yPAZ8/s320/Image009.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So now the basic setup is complete and usable, I may even get around to painting it DPM!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div>Surviving Outdoorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01710864587009781464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4838342639263870296.post-25234369687903828372011-06-17T06:11:00.000-07:002011-06-17T06:17:27.135-07:00Rain rain go away!<div class="MsoNormal">Whilst I don't really mind the wet stuff, when you have got things that need to be done outdoors it can pose some problems. Especially when you use sensitive equipment that doesn't like getting soaked. I do try to get the best water-resistant equipment when I make any purchase, as with my DSLR, a Nikon D300. At the time it was the only one in that price range that offered even the slightest bit of protection from the elephants. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Yes I wrote that in to try to lighten an otherwise drab account of a rainy day!</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizsltIVgHSpZaxawPEbksznNdA3WS0gKzSlMtle-MBtDIiUL0EXU27zzFUKKdK4FYpzmiDxoKnL1M3KWASx_WydWT_NtgvtUXISQauT5EUNd9ISMFDCt43NaY20EtSH9fkFjo0DTOiH2Y/s1600/DSC_1069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizsltIVgHSpZaxawPEbksznNdA3WS0gKzSlMtle-MBtDIiUL0EXU27zzFUKKdK4FYpzmiDxoKnL1M3KWASx_WydWT_NtgvtUXISQauT5EUNd9ISMFDCt43NaY20EtSH9fkFjo0DTOiH2Y/s320/DSC_1069.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: left;">So what can I do instead. Research, yes there is always plenty of that to do when you have another <a href="http://youtu.be/_VJxneA5mmk">documentary</a> to write. Some of the information is already in place, but getting the motivation isn't always as easy as it sounds.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">In my previous working life, especially working outside which I spent a good many doing, I was often put off by our Weather system. To anyone who doesn't live in the UK, you may have heard all the English talk about is how bad the weather is. Just of late though, that place has been taken over by how many of us hate politicians and a total lack of leadership for the people. Saying nothing about the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marie_Antoinette">Marie Antoinette</a> system they have forced onto us, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">'there is no bread let them eat cake'. </i>Did she say it, or didn't she, maybe it was invented for just these times!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Anyway enough of that, just playing my part of a whinging pom!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Rain, rain go away. The plants need it I guess, but then do I need frequent showers? Em, the answer to that could be yes, where does our water come from out of the taps. All our water comes down in rain, gets processed then sent out to us through the maze of underground pipework to your home.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Anyway enough wittering. As always days like this give that much needed time to catch up on paperwork and the things we all like doing so much. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Here I am again, about to set out on another moan!</i> No I don't hate paperwork that much, but then given the choice where would I rather be. Sitting here typing this or in a nice warm sunny woodland with the wildlife chattering all around me. No competition.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So you may ask why am I writing this when I am supposed to be cooking, em doing my books. You may well ask and the simple answer to that would be my literacy seems to work like a pressure valve. Things or pressure build up behind it, then and only then am I able to write with gusto and interest for anyone finding this drivel. If I don't have that pressure and write something, even if its something I am interested in, it always comes out wrong. It looks wrong to me, and to everyone else, know what I mean?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZmE1NBaPAKhtLjBECJlfjmDjbNVQe6Qf30cfc7PC2Dm60uKh3EqE08zU9zxT7vXzVGV5Z__1K2V07xQE1v5OFJvAoOpaQDeSgrGNVProCEdLKw-3Dk0RnBHPSGa27zgMSATyTFM_4BG4/s1600/DSC_1070.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZmE1NBaPAKhtLjBECJlfjmDjbNVQe6Qf30cfc7PC2Dm60uKh3EqE08zU9zxT7vXzVGV5Z__1K2V07xQE1v5OFJvAoOpaQDeSgrGNVProCEdLKw-3Dk0RnBHPSGa27zgMSATyTFM_4BG4/s320/DSC_1070.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">So in the hope these tappings will encourage further and brighter thoughts into my head, I tap on getting no further with all the important stuff I am supposed to do. So on that note, I will take all the future advice I will get from my fans, both here and Youtube and get on with it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cheers, I hope the sun is shining where you are.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinkxQWFBxlRq-rLso5GnG6lzxPVm2fL1lH7cj3qx8wPDE-PiDUvgHcPeVJDWGPq3uFVrYnUsjr1CrT09xqG5y4x7VoihlUQbAMy47qZP25gg2eEmFJq74Dh6LQmlbl1vhkdnOq8M64r8g/s1600/DSC_8678.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinkxQWFBxlRq-rLso5GnG6lzxPVm2fL1lH7cj3qx8wPDE-PiDUvgHcPeVJDWGPq3uFVrYnUsjr1CrT09xqG5y4x7VoihlUQbAMy47qZP25gg2eEmFJq74Dh6LQmlbl1vhkdnOq8M64r8g/s320/DSC_8678.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div>Surviving Outdoorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01710864587009781464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4838342639263870296.post-88772230780637929042011-06-11T03:01:00.000-07:002011-06-13T01:44:37.636-07:00Stress relief in easy steps. Tree Identification<div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeMtFANuFTv6QgnxhgC7-Oi712JUQQXoiZz72SMZZyeu4xNjuy36GnDRrIQgS0XEqwB_xJx4aktZ12jsZEN1nRRUqIRAwagNliwK-PqqzxgkPLjgoOmtFe2Zbz-3xEMWSj_0VTVZNjDCM/s1600/DSC_0699.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeMtFANuFTv6QgnxhgC7-Oi712JUQQXoiZz72SMZZyeu4xNjuy36GnDRrIQgS0XEqwB_xJx4aktZ12jsZEN1nRRUqIRAwagNliwK-PqqzxgkPLjgoOmtFe2Zbz-3xEMWSj_0VTVZNjDCM/s320/DSC_0699.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
Trees, from the first moment that thought came into my head, to make a DVD not just about bushcraft but about trees! Our unsung hero's, some lasting a single lifetime while others watching over several generations as they grow and die. But what makes them special? What makes them overlooked, if that were possible. These pre-paper, fire and construction timber beings, always there watching over us like invisible guardians.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Ask yourself when have you ever hugged a tree. To most the act is simply laughable and brings about thoughts of dancing around in the nude, barking at a full moon. If I could tell you different would you believe me? How many of us will stop and look at the majestic beauty of what trees give us all year round. That's right, they have their own beauty when they have shed all their leaves and only the twigs and branches are visible swaying to the rhythm of the winter storms. They are true followers of the real Earth magic. Adjusting themselves throughout time to give an abundance of possibilities for all woodland creatures.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So I ask again, why do they remain invisible to all but a few? The simple facts are our lifestyles and a lack of knowledge about them. The lack of knowledge grows in the winter months when it is more difficult to identify what tree is what. But that is the time when we need them the most, to remind us of times gone and to keep our feet firmly planted, lest we be blown over or slip on slippery ground!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Our lifestyles encompass our lives in such a way that it blocks out all of natures goodness. Just recently while listening to the local radio, Lawrence Reid was speaking to Michaela Strachan about her new campaign called '<a href="http://www.ni4kids.com/features/article.aspx?listing_id=b79b189d-c4cf-40ba-bd76-818926e5551e&cat_id=f87614a8-a513-4527-9d1b-4990a18267d6">Lets go Wild</a>' which encourages children to get outside and experience great outdoors. She stated that, 'if you have had a stressful day, go out for a walk and you will feel so much better, just breathe the air'. Many people are forgetting the benefits the outdoors can offer us. The disconnection that occurs when children spend so much time at their computer, and the reconnection and joy they experience when they see wild animals and plants is very rewarding.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">To help rekindle the want to get outdoors, watch nature programmes on TV and DVD. This after all is a useful resource and can't be overlooked. Learning as much as you can will help, and even give rise to organise the next outing while you are still there.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Stress is our unseen enemy, it will creep up and devour your life and soul if you let it. I have always been an outside type of person and always had a fondness of trees and nature, often recognising the fact that can play a huge part in stress reduction. Where stress is concerned I am no different from anyone else, I need to find time to get outdoors away from the hum of the computer and escape the four walls!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So the idea I had to bring you the Tree Identification DVD, suitable for all viewers and translated to over 10 different languages. Bringing the outdoors to you, indoors. In easy to follow videos with loads of information about the trees you may find along your woodland walk.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">More information and purchase details can be found below:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Purchase: <a href="http://www.surviving-outdoors.co.uk/shop.html">http://www.surviving-outdoors.co.uk/shop.html</a> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Trailer:<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/_VJxneA5mmk" width="560"></iframe><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><a href="http://www.surviving-outdoors.co.uk/shop.html"></a>Surviving Outdoorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01710864587009781464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4838342639263870296.post-45648237030641640022011-01-05T05:24:00.000-08:002011-04-13T01:44:09.133-07:00Where have I been?Well what have I been up to over the past few months besides convalescing?<br />
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I have spent a fair bit of time working on the Tree ID video, gathering info, video footage and data relating to trees throughout the seasons. I have been in touch with a few people who are kindly allowing me to use some images I have no chance of getting myself. I say no chance, over time yes but many of the trees close by me are chopped back and the limbs are way out of reach. I do travel about but then it’s a case of finding the trees concerned which takes time and lots of effort.<br />
The video itself is slowly coming along, but having to re-do certain parts due to them not being to my liking is both time consuming and frustrating. Take one scene about 1 minute long, I have re-filmed it about 3-4 times now as it hasn’t met with the way I want it to be. I know many probably would not bother, at the end of the day though it has to be right and even if it sells just a dozen copies, oh well! Que Sera Sera<br />
Money of course is always an issue. Purchasing the equipment I use for the filming and getting good quality sound is really expensive. Other than that the learning curve that goes with it is intense, and sometimes mind boggling. I thought taking good quality stills was bad enough, but there again a lot from photography can be put into practice with filming, such as lighting angles etc.<br />
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I released another video on the Spyderco Delica 4 and the Fallkniven U2 knives, two very good knives with only a few differences, but is one better than the other? I try to point a few things out that may be of interest, you can watch it <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fd87I4WnN4A">here</a>. Carrying on with the Youtube theme, I have still got a few ideas to try out, the next probably likely to be making a webbing pouch which I have mentioned in the past. Another idea I am working on is on map work, orientation etc, which when I have released part one of the trees I plan on making a map reading tuition DVD as well.Surviving Outdoorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01710864587009781464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4838342639263870296.post-83211626838276251012010-04-25T14:24:00.001-07:002010-04-25T14:24:08.755-07:00Sycamore<div style="text-align: left; padding: 3px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cdbdi/4546791430/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4011/4546791430_8c27db674e.jpg" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" alt="" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cdbdi/4546791430/">Sycamore</a>, originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/cdbdi/">cdbdi media</a>.</span></div><p>I am working on a project at the mo, but like most things I do is starting to run away with itself. Not that I was thinking it was going to be an easy one. The picture is part of the project which will hopefully be released later on this year. <br /><br />Watch this space for information when I get things together!</p>Surviving Outdoorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01710864587009781464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4838342639263870296.post-57465364275817929472009-11-20T00:58:00.000-08:002009-12-27T10:16:46.186-08:00Free your mind<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVJ_VHqF_oNi3L7MYs7XfD5X1SWBkKtCyqTZBB9sGrivH1hmPZy6yDi56eeDoeE9rDbUtDWDfJfjIw2FysqYTySq9jgEs9FWz5T4bqQMI20lNHK7Dh9KJLAN6wlnFcaYWnwHw9mJrVG1Q/s1600/DSC_7393.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVJ_VHqF_oNi3L7MYs7XfD5X1SWBkKtCyqTZBB9sGrivH1hmPZy6yDi56eeDoeE9rDbUtDWDfJfjIw2FysqYTySq9jgEs9FWz5T4bqQMI20lNHK7Dh9KJLAN6wlnFcaYWnwHw9mJrVG1Q/s320/DSC_7393.jpg" /></a><br />
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</div><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carpe_diem">Carpe Diem</a>, one of my favourite latin phrases. We all have to realise we need to make the most of outdoor activities. Just ambling through woodlands on a weekend can release stress and help keep you fit and of course is very enjoyable. There are many people that feel their own stress levels are well below what they actually are. This is the thing about stress, it has a tendency to creep up on us without any warning or ill effects to start with.<br />
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The reason for this is we lead a too hectic lifestyle and so miss the important signs that our bodies give out, so leading to further problems that take more drastic action to resolve further down the line. <br />
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So I say, do something about it NOW!<br />
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Survival isn't just about owning a knife, torch, extra food and bugout bag etc. It is far more wide reaching than just that. It encompasses our whole lives, it is the thing that keeps us alive and well.<br />
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If you are too far gone down the stress path you will be in no fit state to take the necessary action if a survival situation does arise. Bah you may say, but the main reason why people fail in these situations is stress. Stress that has built in you over the years (yes years) and the extra stress of the event, whatever it could be that has put you in this position. If you are borderline stressed, a little extra could be what tips the balance, flinging you into oblivion.<br />
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On a day to day basis reducing your own stress levels can only be a good thing, right? You will sleep better at night, have more energy and generally be more relaxed about everyday issues that arise.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Breaking the habit</span><br />
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If you have ever has a massage, or alternative therapy, most will tell you that because your body has been locked into that pattern for so long it will take more than one treatment to put it right. I know all about the money makers thoughts out there, but the majority of the time this is perfectly true. Its like what we eat, or drink come to that. If our bodies grow accustomed to consuming large quantities of alcohol, if you ever break the habit you will feel really rough for some time whilst you body re-adjusts to how it should be! This is the reason why so many people fail going cold turkey so to speak. (not forgetting the psychology issues of some addictions as well). So setting your body back into the correct position or pattern can take some doing.<br />
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It is completely the same with stress over a period of time. Our bodies get used to the stress in the body, and so will feel strange when you start to release it. This is nothing to worry about, but I hasten to add at these times you should take things a lot easier and drink more water to help clear your system of impurities. Look afer yourself!<br />
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So instead of looking at ‘taking that walk’ like a trial, even in the rain, wrap up and go out and explore what you will never see in your house. Learn to enjoy the beauty of natures gift and relax and set your mind free.Surviving Outdoorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01710864587009781464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4838342639263870296.post-92145919507718130352009-11-05T00:04:00.000-08:002009-11-05T00:10:14.214-08:00Tools of the trade (responsible toileting)One thing we all have to do is go to the toilet and when the call comes its best to take it sooner rather than later. Being prepared for this when out and about is an important factor for your health and comfort.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tools of the trade:</span> To help protect the environment take an unscented natural (white) toilet paper. This will have the least impact on the surroundings. For a natural form of toilet paper use large leaves, such as dock or burdock. Smooth stones, grass or twigs and even snow can be used.<br /><br />Consider taking a small shovel, or hand trowel to dig the hole with. Proper shovels that fold can be purchased for this task. If this can’t be done, or if you find yourself caught short, find a solid stick and maybe flatten one end to aid the digging process. In softer soils the use of flat rocks can be helpful, but be careful if digging with your hands!<br /><br />In certain sandy areas, it is advised to take a strong plastic bag with you to carry out your waste, or at least for the toilet paper you use.<br /><br />Additional items called the Shewee are useful for women that don’t like the thought of stooping in the bushes. This clever little devise allows women to stand whilst urinating.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Hygiene:</span> For the task of cleanliness afterwards, washing your hands should always be carried out when you have finished your business. You may think this is less important when outside, but in fact it is even more relevant. For this purpose I carry a small pot of the antibacterial hand wash gel, or you can use the green heat fuel gel at a push! The antibacterial gel can also be used to help light a fire as it is alcohol based. Also, From a purely natural source of soap, you could try soapwort or even the leaves from the Sweet Chestnut tree, scrunched up and rubbed with a little water, produces soapy liquid.<br /><br />So being prepared is the key to staying healthy and comfortable.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Not advisable:</span> Burning toilet paper, making a toilet site upstream for yours or anyone else’s camp. Burying or burning sanitary products (to long to burn or decompose). Not checking the toilet area on a regular basis. Keep it clean!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Toilet site :</span> This should be at least 200 ft, (60m or 70 adult paces) away from a water source. Also a good idea is to have a place down wind from the camp, and well enough away not to cause any problems, and to give privacy. Also choose a place where it is least likely where anyone will go, ie away from footpaths etc.<br /><br />Solids or faeces should be buried at least 6-8” deep and deeper depending on the size of log cabin you usually make! If burying isn’t an option a plastic bag should be used and the waste carried out with you! If taking this option, take a little cat litter or sawdust to add to the bag of poop to help deodorise it. In sandy or desert areas, it is best to take toilet paper out with you.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Digging for victory:</span> It has been shown that buried faecal matter will in most cases decompose faster than any left above ground. There are only a few instances around the World where this isn’t the case and may last up to a year before dispersing properly. Once buried underground it can’t be trodden in by anyone else and the spread of any disease kept to a minimal.<br /><br />So when outdoors two types of latrine can be utilised. The quickest type is classed as a cat hole. This is basically a small hole about 4” wide and 6-8” deep minimum, and used once. The same respect for single use toilets need to be taken as for any other (200ft from water etc)<br /><br />The other or camp toilet, can be made as long as you like, but is usually, 3ft (long) x 8”-2ft (deep) x 1 ft (wide). The excavated soil should be left at the side of the hole, and be used to fully cover any solids and paper that have been deposited. A trowel or shovel should be left available at all times, as should a light and toilet paper, in a bag to keep it dry.<br /><br />A properly set up facility can also include a washing area and could be surrounded by a screen of sorts to provide privacy. No need to be uncomfortable when you are outside.<br /><br />Use a separate hole for liquid or urine, filled with stones or gravel to aid percolation. It is best to train everyone in the camp that is it always best not to urinate anywhere as it can attract animals to the salts and minerals present in pee, something we should strive against.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Privacy:</span> Most women will like to have a private toilet area which means taking a little extra time in preparing the site and maybe use growing bushes or ponchos walled around to give additional cover. In wet seasons a tarp cover will make things better for all and help keep the pit you dig from flooding.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Smearing:</span> Spread your faecal matter out in an inconspicuous place and well away from camp with a flat stone etc.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">NB:</span> This technique should only be used in extreme circumstances and best left to hotter climates where the bacteria will dry and dissipate much quicker.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Remember:</span> Your responsibility is to know how to behave properly so that others and their pets stay safe. Dogs eat and roll in any faeces then come across and then come and lick your face!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Leaving the site: </span>When you have finished your visit and filled all holes and tidied the area, mark the toilet area with two crossed sticks. This is a well known old scout trick and unless you find an unrelenting treasure hunter, all should be left well alone.Surviving Outdoorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01710864587009781464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4838342639263870296.post-10806836512809492052009-10-20T10:56:00.000-07:002009-10-20T11:29:10.398-07:00NutsI went for a walk again through the woods today, well more than that did quite a bit of filming as well. Still feels weird being in front of a camera and even worse talking to it. Although I talk to trees, trees are a living entity that breathe and grow and die, much like ourselves but talking to something as soleless as a camera takes some doing!<br /><br />Well the one thing I have noticed this year, especially here in Cornwall is the amount of Sweet Chesnuts that are falling off the trees. And above all the squirells obviously can't collect them fast enough as there are some realy gorgeous ones left for the taking.<br /><br />So since I hadn't taken any lunch with me, I had a feast on Chestnuts, very nice. But one thing did occur to me. I can't remember there ever being this good a crop of Chestnuts since moving to Cornwall 12 years ago, all I can assume is that we are in for one mightily cold winter.<br /><br />Whilst those of you that live in colder climates, such as Canada, Sweden etc will laugh at such a small amount of the white stuff, being in the UK when it snows is just utter pandemonium. Not only does the whole structure of civilisation come to an end, but the shops sell out of bread in double quick time! It really if quite funny seeing how people behave as their World comes to an end.<br /><br />We did have snow last winter, which was fun but it only lasted a few days. <br /><br />I am keeping my fingers crossed for a real cold snap this year, I will keep you posted.Surviving Outdoorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01710864587009781464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4838342639263870296.post-55880630526381499982009-10-19T03:21:00.000-07:002009-10-19T03:23:22.095-07:00Under a Tarp<meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CTim%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="time"></o:smarttagtype><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0cm; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} a:link, span.MsoHyperlink {color:blue; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed {color:purple; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} @page Section1 {size:612.0pt 792.0pt; margin:42.55pt 48.2pt 42.55pt 48.2pt; mso-header-margin:35.45pt; mso-footer-margin:35.45pt; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-GB">Under a tarp<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-GB">Saturday morning I decided to spend the night out again under the stars. This is called bivouacking, the meaning of which is to sleep outdoors, in a waterproof bag (bivy) instead of a tent.<span style=""> </span>Doing this gives you the utmost feeling of the outdoors.<span style=""> </span>The wind will occasionally blow across your face and you hear the birds and wildlife first hand instead of through the tent walls.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-GB">Anyway, I was dropped off in the usual place with a walk of about 1 mile to my camp spot.<span style=""> </span>Now you may say 1 mile isn’t very far, but carrying 30lbs in weight then climbing several thousand feet in the process of getting to the bivy area takes some doing.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-GB">One of the first things I came across was, lots of <a href="http://www.eatsomethinggood.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/sorrel.jpg">sorrel</a> plants on the wayside.<span style=""> </span>These whilst good to eat, aren’t much good in this case as it’s a local dog haunt, need I explain more! However a little further I came across <a href="http://www.purplesage.org.uk/profiles/hawthorn.htm">Hawthorn</a> berries, which make for good eating and are also good for your heart according to recent <a href="http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/hawthorn-000256.htm">medical studies</a>.<span style=""> </span>There were also loads of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prunus_spinosa">Blackthorn</a> which you can eat but is very sour.<span style=""> </span>Best used after the first frosts and to make sloe gin.<span style=""> </span>The seeds of both plants should not be eaten due to its cyanide content.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-GB">The walk up the hill, is very worthwhile because of the views along the way, but on a cold day, this is when you realise that good clothes are a must.<span style=""> </span>You must take care if you sweat then get cold by the sweat drying on you. <span style=""> </span>In bad situations this can lead to hyperthermia, and at the least a chill.<span style=""> </span>So clothes that wick away the sweat are best and several thinner layers serve the purpose very well.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-GB">After stopping along the way to the top, to catch my breath and to cool down, I eventually made it.<span style=""> </span>At this point I took the opportunity to remove my rucksack and to relax for a while.<span style=""> </span>This after all was supposed to be fun,<span style=""> </span>but also keeps me fit (ish).<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-GB">After being disturbed by a couple of harmless drunk teenagers, I made my way down to my camping area.<span style=""> </span>I like to keep my sleeping areas secret as not everyone has the same values as I and I would hate to get there to find the oak tree burnt with glass and beer bottles smashed all over.<span style=""> </span>Why some people choose to do this to our countryside is beyond belief, ‘RESPECT’ they have non for anything or themselves.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-GB">It was nice to get back under my oak tree and one of the first things I had to do was put up the tarp.<span style=""> </span>The weather at this point looked decidedly dodgy, and I couldn’t make out whether it would rain, snow or clear up and go foggy!!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-GB">One of the reasons I enjoy camping out, is that you have to take a deep breath and slow down, compose yourself and leave all the pent up feeling of rushing about behind you.<span style=""> </span>You do this because if you don’t, you can make mistakes and so will suffer later on in the night if things aren’t tied down well.<span style=""> </span>So do the job right and make it last the night, or for the duration it has to be there without doing any damage to the surrounding area.<span style=""> </span>Isn’t difficult if you put your mind to it!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-GB">Next job on the list is unpacking and sorting things into priority.<span style=""> </span>Now this doesn’t sound to important,<span style=""> </span>but when you are out in the wilderness you have to plan ahead and do as much as you can before darkness sets in.<span style=""> </span>There is nothing worse than trying to sort things out, even with a decent head torch.<span style=""> </span>So Bivy bag, sleep mat and sleeping bag all ready, I then set about getting tea ready.<span style=""> </span>This time I had already pre-decided not to have a fire, a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikmpw3fz_eE">contained fire</a> at least that doesn’t leave a fire scar on the ground and uses less fuel.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-GB">I put together the <a href="http://www.primus.se/Templates/Pages/3_cols_white_middle.aspx?SectionId=5888">Omnifuel stove</a> I had bought with me.<span style=""> </span>This basically meant screwing the gas bottle onto the stove pipe, and setting the pot on for boiling after lighting it.<span style=""> </span>I arranged my sit mat in the usual place next to the stove and set about making my tea.<span style=""> </span>This, tonight was going to be a dehydrated army 24 hour <a href="http://www.surplusandoutdoors.com/shop/army-surplus-uk/army-miscellaneous/genuine-british-army-issue-24-232866.html">ration</a> portion of a balti style rice dish, which is really very good and quite edible.<span style=""> </span>I tucked in and enjoyed, only to notice I had the first visitor of the evening, a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vanessa_atalanta">Red admiral</a> butterfly gracing my presence.<span style=""> </span>This was well worth the visit as in mid October I had thought they would be well and truly gone by now.<span style=""> </span>I then noticed a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Robin">robin redbreast</a> doing his rounds.<span style=""> </span>Totally astounding, two absolutely beautiful creatures had paid me a visit.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-GB">I now felt relaxed and well fed, as I set about drinking my coffee.<span style=""> </span>What would have made the ultimate difference was an open fire, but most places don’t allow fires for obvious reasons, so I sat there and contemplated the World and its many problems.<span style=""> </span>I thought about my oldest brother who I have little to do with due to many problems with his wife.<span style=""> </span>Usually I don’t give it much thought as I knew a long time ago how things would eventually turn out, I wasn’t wrong.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-GB">Families, I always think, ‘you can pick your friends but not your family.<span style=""> </span>And if you had the choice would you pick certain members of your family as friends?<span style=""> </span>Not worth dwelling on it too much, but these are the type of thoughts that may come into your head when you are alone, why I think people that set out into the wild like Ed Wardle who set out in <a href="http://www.channel4.com/programmes/alone-in-the-wild">Alone in the Wild</a> and started to fail after only two days, due to the fact, how I see it, his unknowing of these inner feelings.<span style=""> </span>Basically there are many people that don’t really know themselves and fall apart at the first sign of being alone when the only place our thoughts can go is inwards.<span style=""> </span>This isn’t a dig at anyone, we are all different and I know the World would be an even lonelier place if we were all the same.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-GB">Having finished my tea, I set about on my little project of making a candle holder out of an old bean tin.<span style=""> </span>All you do is cut a hole in the side for the light to spill out from.<span style=""> </span>I made this one with a bramble hanging wire loop, which in the end I didn’t use as there weren’t so many places for me to hand it.<span style=""> </span>Now it was totally dark, apart from my headlamp hung around my neck and the light from the candle.<span style=""> </span>I set my billy can on top of the tin can so that the warmth from the candle would slowly boil some water for me, which it eventualluy did.<span style=""> </span>Just after that though the candle went out due to it not being a particularly good one.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-GB">I was now alone in the dark, in a haunted area.<span style=""> </span>I say that not just for dramatic effect but just as it is so.<span style=""> </span>It is used for Witchy goings on and has burial mounds in various places, which in my view adds more to the ambience of the place not to its detriment.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-GB">The time was getting on, just before <st1:time minute="0" hour="21" st="on">9pm</st1:time> so with it now getting cold I thought I would turn in.<span style=""> </span>Yes it was an early night, but unless you have a fire, which means drawing attention to where you are, or have company, when the lights go out there is little else to do.<span style=""> </span>So I crept into my sleeping bag to have the almost instantaneous warmth it brings with a good sleeping bag.<span style=""> </span>What a good time just to lie and meditate, so that’s just what I did.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-GB">I awoke for the first time to the sound of rustling around me.<span style=""> </span>I then realised I had left the bag my tea had come in folded inside my makeshift candle holder.<span style=""> </span>Rats, I thought. <span style=""> </span>I don’t want that.<span style=""> </span>So reaching out of my bag I moved the bag to hopefully stop the interest.<span style=""> </span>It didn’t!<span style=""> </span>I assumed it was more like a field mouse, due to the fact that it had squeaked a few times and was too high a pitch to be a rat.<span style=""> </span>I noticed the coolness of the air, and the now clear skies we would have a frost.<span style=""> </span>I wasn’t cold at all, one benefit of choosing the correct materials for the job.<span style=""> </span>I went back to sleep, with the rustling now further away.<span style=""> </span>I next awoke at about <st1:time hour="5" minute="0" st="on">5am</st1:time>, to see the skies a cloudy reflective colour and<span style=""> </span>the warmth it bought with it.<span style=""> </span>This didn’t surprise me at all, what with two coasts so close together, the weather can change faster than you can blink sometimes.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-GB">After then tossing and turning until dawn around <st1:time hour="7" minute="15" st="on">7.15am</st1:time>, I decided it was a good time to get up. So I got out of bed and made myself some porridge and tea.<span style=""> </span>Why does everything taste so much better when you are outside?<span style=""> </span>I then made a mental note to myself that if I ever became a scientist I would research this to see if people that don’t like being outdoors would enjoy a breakfast like this so much?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-GB">Shortly after cleaning my pots out I decided it was time to make a start on my packing.<span style=""> </span>This isn’t something that should be rushed, and there again, I had upturned my bivi bag to allow the underside to dry out a little before packing it away.<span style=""> </span>As I said, plan and think ahead and things will become far easier.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-GB">Satisfied I had packed all away I shouldered my pack and set out again back up the hill.<span style=""> </span>This time I would take a stroll through the woods before my pickup some 3 miles away.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-GB">As I walked I was already planning my next trip!<o:p></o:p></span></p> Surviving Outdoorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01710864587009781464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4838342639263870296.post-29042074807558462692009-10-07T11:06:00.000-07:002009-10-07T11:08:05.716-07:00Madness in the rain<meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CTim%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="country-region"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="City"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="place"></o:smarttagtype><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0cm; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN-GB;} @page Section1 {size:612.0pt 792.0pt; margin:59.55pt 89.85pt 59.55pt 89.85pt; mso-header-margin:35.45pt; mso-footer-margin:35.45pt; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Today must be the heaviest rain I have seen in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Cornwall</st1:place></st1:city> for some time. That’s not to say it hasn’t rained, far from it, usually it’s the damp misty type that gets you soaked through albeit very sneakily,</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">So I decided, after doing some paperwork to venture out and have my dinner.<span style=""> </span>Mad I hear you say!<span style=""> </span>Especially when you find out that I didn’t wear my gore-tex trousers.<span style=""> </span>My top half was taken care of by my Swazi coat.<span style=""> </span>Like the one Mr Mears friends wears on Wildfood, with the zip up front.<span style=""> </span>So to say the least my top half stayed dry, but trousers were soaked.<span style=""> </span>Just a good job they were my ex army lightweights and not jeans, they would have been like a wick all the way up to my shirt.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">On the way down to my favourite spot I perchanced upon a cache of Sweet Chestnuts.<span style=""> </span>Now in most parts of the <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">UK</st1:place></st1:country-region> this is something you can see a lot of.<span style=""> </span>But since moving to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Cornwall</st1:place></st1:city> about 12 years ago, I haven’t seen such an abundance, and to say they taste nice is an injustice.<span style=""> </span>So in the pouring rain, I was there gathering wild food, making the most of this one time event.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Upon achieving my goal and actually managing to get to my area, the clouds set about and opened up into the deluge from hell.<span style=""> </span>Or more correctly, rain that would have put the fires of hell out.<span style=""> </span>I decided to try my hand first of all, by not putting up the cover, which today was simply one of my poncho’s.<span style=""> </span>Small and light, but very versatile, and possibly one of the most useful bits of kit you can carry, barring a knife.<span style=""> </span>So with rain running everywhere, soaking all the kits I had, proving to me why you should always start with your tarp, or alternative cover, I set about lighting my Crusader cooker for my dinner and cup of coffee.<span style=""> </span>This actually went quite well but did spit more than usual due to the rain hitting the now heated metal.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">You may ask, why I did this when I have all the kit available to stay dry!<span style=""> </span>My answer is purely and simply for the experience.<span style=""> </span>Mad sounding I know, but I consider the way our lives are now to be extremely pampered and just sometimes you need a wake up call, and this is the easier option than wishing for something interesting to happen in your life.<span style=""> </span>Something I will never do!!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">As my water was now on the heat, I thought it would be interesting to see if I could light a fire.<span style=""> </span>I hasten to add, I always have permission to do this and so should you too, in the <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">UK</st1:place></st1:country-region> at least.<span style=""> </span>My only tinder was some tinder card I had left in my bag, which does work wet but not as good as dry.<span style=""> </span>I will say ideally you should prepare for this and carry dry tinder in some form or other. <span style=""> </span>This is collected on dry days and kept dry for when you need it. Or picked up early in the day, and stored next to the warmth of your body to help dry it out for use later on.<span style=""> </span>I didn’t have that convenience as the whole trip would only take me 3 hours or so, and the tinder I do keep is for emergencies only.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">I set about splitting an old thin pine log, one I knew to be dry on the inside with the hatchet I was carrying, a Husqvarna ‘ Gransfors wildlife’ equivalent type.<span style=""> </span>A lot cheaper and from the same factory.<span style=""> </span>The splitting process wasn’t easy as all there was available was another log to rest against.<span style=""> </span>Oh what fun!<span style=""> </span>I did however manage to split enough to make a start on the fire.<span style=""> </span>Keeping the now dry inner wood dry, isn’t an easy job, all you can do is crouch over what you have split and slowly drip the contents of all the water running down over your coat, into the not yet lit fire.<span style=""> </span>I then set about making a few feather sticks, where you shave bits of the stick into a curly mass. These are used to persuade the small flames, or even sparks from a firesteel etc. ‘if you have sufficient cover,’ tee hee, into taking the wood into its warm encompassing embrace.<span style=""> </span>By now the wood was starting to look more like I had picked it out of the mud which in turn had been sitting around in the rain for the last few days.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Upon roughing up the tinder card to accept a spark from my firesteel, I noticed the pounding rain was starting to make its way further through the cover of the trees.<span style=""> </span>Very nearly at this point I nearly gave up, and got my poncho out.<span style=""> </span>I then thought, no damn it, prove it can be done.<span style=""> </span>This is what makes the difference in real survival situations ‘don’t give up’, not that this was, I was just getting wet.<span style=""> </span>I put the poncho down and carried on with the progress of lighting the fire.<span style=""> </span>First few sparks, didn’t take at all, not surprising really on how damp it was.<span style=""> </span>I roughed the surface up some more and tried again, whilst all the time trying my very best to keep everything covered up and dry’ish.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">At last the spark took and I added the small flame to the fire pile I had created.<span style=""> </span>Tender flames licking about the wood, spitting now and again at the water trying to extinguish its life.<span style=""> </span>Once the fire had taken hold, and it started to build a semblance of warmth, I then decided, enough is enough, <span style=""> </span>I would now make my cover. At this point, the water I set to boil before, started giving off the signs it was ready.<span style=""> </span>Blast I thought, ‘it never rains but it...’. I stopped myself there.<span style=""> </span>Typical sense of humour, now I felt completely insane.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">I took hold of myself and took the poncho out of the stuff sack.<span style=""> </span>I decided then and there the simplest way would be to use the eyelets at the edges, to hook a few small branches through there just to have enough time in the dry to get some paracord out of my bag which was now starting to fill up with water.<span style=""> </span>Yes I had put the lid down on it, but in my haste to get out of the smoke of the fire as it started, I had knocked it and it had opened slightly.<span style=""> </span>So after closing it properly now, I took out one length of cord and tied it around the corners of<span style=""> </span>each branch just to stop it landing in a heap when I was enjoying my dinner, which I now needed.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">At last success.<span style=""> </span>I sat down on the log, legs soaked through but now able to lower the hood on my jacket.<span style=""> </span>I set about making my coffee and the noodles meal I had bough with me and added a few more stick to the fire, nice warmth.<span style=""> </span>The fire now was really enjoyable and even started to dry my trousers a little, shown by the steam rising off them.<span style=""> </span>Sitting there, I once again realised what we have, and how we all take it for granted.<span style=""> </span>Just one slip of fate could create cataclysmic events across the globe and set us back half a millennia. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">After clearing the area for signs of me being there, I thought to myself maybe all the people that have called me insane have a point.<span style=""> </span>The only other people I saw out today were a couple from the local College doing something with their students, who I hasten to add were all sitting in their van.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">I always think life is what you make it, even if it means doing something unusual.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Being even half prepared is always better than being unprepared. <span style=""> </span></span></p> Surviving Outdoorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01710864587009781464noreply@blogger.com0