Rain rain go away!

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.  Yes I wrote that in to try to lighten an otherwise drab account of a rainy day!

 

So what can I do instead.  Research, yes there is always plenty of that to do when you have another documentary to write.  Some of the information is already in place, but getting the motivation isn't always as easy as it sounds.

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 Marie Antoinette system they have forced onto us, 'there is no bread let them eat cake'.  Did she say it, or didn't she, maybe it was invented for just these times!

Anyway enough of that, just playing my part of a whinging pom!

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.

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.  Here I am again, about to set out on another moan!  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.

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?

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.

Cheers, I hope the sun is shining where you are.

Stress relief in easy steps. Tree Identification

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.

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.

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!

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 'Lets go Wild' 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.

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.

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!

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.

More information and purchase details can be found below:

Purchase:  http://www.surviving-outdoors.co.uk/shop.html

Trailer:

Where have I been?

Well what have I been up to over the past few months besides convalescing?

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.
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
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.


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 here. 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.

Sycamore

Sycamore, originally uploaded by cdbdi media.

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.

Watch this space for information when I get things together!

Free your mind

Carpe Diem, 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.

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.

So I say, do something about it NOW!

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.

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.

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.

Breaking the habit

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.

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!

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.

Tools 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.

Tools of the trade: 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.

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!

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.

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.

Hygiene: 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.

So being prepared is the key to staying healthy and comfortable.

Not advisable: 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!

Toilet site : 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.

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.

Digging for victory: 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.

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)

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.

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.

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.

Privacy: 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.

Smearing: Spread your faecal matter out in an inconspicuous place and well away from camp with a flat stone etc.

NB: This technique should only be used in extreme circumstances and best left to hotter climates where the bacteria will dry and dissipate much quicker.

Remember: 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!

Leaving the site: 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.

Nuts

I 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!

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.

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.

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.

We did have snow last winter, which was fun but it only lasted a few days.

I am keeping my fingers crossed for a real cold snap this year, I will keep you posted.