3 Days in East Sussex

I'm not long back from 3 days in East Sussex. This is an invite only event  run by a group of people all over the country who get together every two months.

It's a nice area but despite careful management the rhododendron bushes are getting out of control. They might look nice at this time of year but they spread rapidly and strangle everything else. The wood is useless and gives off toxic fumes when burnt.

 

I gave my ankle a good work out by walking in to the site (it's not far but it is quite undulating) and doing quite a bit of walking over the 3 days.

It was great to see some the folks again. Dave (who's just joined the group - but I've known him for a while) brought some rabbits that he'd shot for us to prep and they ended up in the pot last night. A muntjac leg was also roasted over the fire.

The weather was faultless with clear blue skies and temperatures in the 20's C. I discovered an elusive adder warming up on a path. Unfortunately, I must have miss clicked the video camera and only got the tail end (literally) of it skimming away into the undergrowth.

 

I had to content myself capturing some footage of early damselfly appearances around the pond.

It was a nice chilled out weekend with a few drinks with pals around the fire.

Thanks for the visit.

Pablo.

3 Days in East Sussex

I'm not long back from 3 days in East Sussex. This is an invite only event  run by a group of people all over the country who get together every two months.

It's a nice area but despite careful management the rhododendron bushes are getting out of control. They might look nice at this time of year but they spread rapidly and strangle everything else. The wood is useless and gives off toxic fumes when burnt.

 

I gave my ankle a good work out by walking in to the site (it's not far but it is quite undulating) and doing quite a bit of walking over the 3 days.

It was great to see some the folks again. Dave (who's just joined the group - but I've known him for a while) brought some rabbits that he'd shot for us to prep and they ended up in the pot last night. A muntjac leg was also roasted over the fire.

The weather was faultless with clear blue skies and temperatures in the 20's C. I discovered an elusive adder warming up on a path. Unfortunately, I must have miss clicked the video camera and only got the tail end (literally) of it skimming away into the undergrowth.

 

I had to content myself capturing some footage of early damselfly appearances around the pond.

It was a nice chilled out weekend with a few drinks with pals around the fire.

Thanks for the visit.

Pablo.

Two Day Out

I only had a few hours on Saturday to go to Poor Park woods, so I thought I would try and find the badger sett I knew must be in there. I'd found quite a few tracks but not enough to guide me to the sett; so it would be pot luck if I found it.

I made my way to the north east side, a place I haven't been for a while because of my ankle. I skirted my way around the old pond and low and behold... an entrance hole. It was easy to confirm it was badger as there was a large latrine hole about two yards away and badger hairs all around the entrance.

 

I went further to the east and couldn't believe my eyes as I stumbled across another sett about 200 yards from the first. Both setts will be easy to view so it's just getting the time to get out and observe them. Pot luck indeed.

 

We were meant to have rain today, but as yet, there's no sign of it. I went into the local woods this morning and tried out my new rucksack. It's more like a haversack and at around 25 litres not too big and not too expensive at £20-00 including post and packing. Just right for use as a daysack.

 

I had a bit of lunch (healthy stuff or what!) before I set about a couple of tasks.

I wanted to make a new bow saw and I was surprised that I can now make one in about an hour.

I don't bother with the fancy joints anymore and just make a couple of notches in the wood.

I also took my bow-drill set with me. It's easy to get out of practice and I set to work getting an ember.

The conditions were perfect so it wasn't a great challenge; nevertheless it's always a good feeling to see the little ember smoking away. A little tinder was all that was needed to get a fire on the go.

Ragged robin

Hope you had a good long weekend (for those that had one)

PS I'm now on Twitter. You'll find Twitter Update on the left where you can also subscribe. Just follow the link.

Thanks for the visit.

Two Day Out

I only had a few hours on Saturday to go to Poor Park woods, so I thought I would try and find the badger sett I knew must be in there. I'd found quite a few tracks but not enough to guide me to the sett; so it would be pot luck if I found it.

I made my way to the north east side, a place I haven't been for a while because of my ankle. I skirted my way around the old pond and low and behold... an entrance hole. It was easy to confirm it was badger as there was a large latrine hole about two yards away and badger hairs all around the entrance.

 

I went further to the east and couldn't believe my eyes as I stumbled across another sett about 200 yards from the first. Both setts will be easy to view so it's just getting the time to get out and observe them. Pot luck indeed.

 

We were meant to have rain today, but as yet, there's no sign of it. I went into the local woods this morning and tried out my new rucksack. It's more like a haversack and at around 25 litres not too big and not too expensive at £20-00 including post and packing. Just right for use as a daysack.

 

I had a bit of lunch (healthy stuff or what!) before I set about a couple of tasks.

I wanted to make a new bow saw and I was surprised that I can now make one in about an hour.

I don't bother with the fancy joints anymore and just make a couple of notches in the wood.

I also took my bow-drill set with me. It's easy to get out of practice and I set to work getting an ember.

The conditions were perfect so it wasn't a great challenge; nevertheless it's always a good feeling to see the little ember smoking away. A little tinder was all that was needed to get a fire on the go.

Ragged robin

Hope you had a good long weekend (for those that had one)

PS I'm now on Twitter. You'll find Twitter Update on the left where you can also subscribe. Just follow the link.

Thanks for the visit.

Archery at Mark's

I've not long been back from Mark's in Reading. As usual it was a great meet with seven of us eating ourselves full to bursting with John's chicken in red wine sauce last night.

I forgot my camera so a big thanks to John who took these pics on his camera and gave me the memory card.

The weather was variable with strong winds at times and occasional showers. The sun did venture out but it was still a case where 3 or 4 layers were necessary to keep the chill out at night. Taking heed of the weather forecast, I'd brought along my Tatonka 3 x 3 m tarp. It was certainly a luxury compared to the usual Auscam 2.5 x 1.75. I had my usual DD Scout hammock but this time I swapped my Alpkit down sleeping bag for my summer synthetic bag with no adverse effect comfort wise during the night.

On Saturday, Mark and I took out the bows for a bit of stump shooting. We were both a bit rusty but managed to get two shots each on target at about 30 meters. The rest weren't too far away though. It helps to practice regularly when you're shooting bows.

Mark's bow is a cracking piece of kit. It's a Reiver bow from Border Archery.

I was shooting my usual Samick SKB. On this shot we both hit the target. Mark's arrow went straight through it demonstrating the difference in draw weight (60lb compared to mine - 35lb).

We were all quite industrious carving and whittling this weekend. The challenge was to make a spoon at one end and a spatula the other. I managed it but cut them up as it will be shorter and more manageable. This was made of birch.

Mark showed us how to split sweet chestnut so you can get the wood thin enough for a chopping board. You always split the wood in the centre making two halves, then split it in the centre again continuing like that until you get a piece thin enough for use. I whittled the basic shape of my board but didn't have time to finish it completely.

Once again, a big thanks to Mark and to John who cooked up the meal and took the photos. It was great to see Andy, Ben and Bob again and be introduced to Dom.

Thanks for the visit.

Pablo.

Archery at Mark's

I've not long been back from Mark's in Reading. As usual it was a great meet with seven of us eating ourselves full to bursting with John's chicken in red wine sauce last night.

I forgot my camera so a big thanks to John who took these pics on his camera and gave me the memory card.

The weather was variable with strong winds at times and occasional showers. The sun did venture out but it was still a case where 3 or 4 layers were necessary to keep the chill out at night. Taking heed of the weather forecast, I'd brought along my Tatonka 3 x 3 m tarp. It was certainly a luxury compared to the usual Auscam 2.5 x 1.75. I had my usual DD Scout hammock but this time I swapped my Alpkit down sleeping bag for my summer synthetic bag with no adverse effect comfort wise during the night.

On Saturday, Mark and I took out the bows for a bit of stump shooting. We were both a bit rusty but managed to get two shots each on target at about 30 meters. The rest weren't too far away though. It helps to practice regularly when you're shooting bows.

Mark's bow is a cracking piece of kit. It's a Reiver bow from Border Archery.

I was shooting my usual Samick SKB. On this shot we both hit the target. Mark's arrow went straight through it demonstrating the difference in draw weight (60lb compared to mine - 35lb).

We were all quite industrious carving and whittling this weekend. The challenge was to make a spoon at one end and a spatula the other. I managed it but cut them up as it will be shorter and more manageable. This was made of birch.

Mark showed us how to split sweet chestnut so you can get the wood thin enough for a chopping board. You always split the wood in the centre making two halves, then split it in the centre again continuing like that until you get a piece thin enough for use. I whittled the basic shape of my board but didn't have time to finish it completely.

Once again, a big thanks to Mark and to John who cooked up the meal and took the photos. It was great to see Andy, Ben and Bob again and be introduced to Dom.

Thanks for the visit.

Pablo.

Johnny Two-Shoes and Some Proprioception

Last month I visited the consultant who allowed me to take off the Aircast "... only if you're not going to do anything stupid. "No, sir," said I, imagining myself screaming around the woods shouting "I'm free!" He also added I shouldn't lift anything heavy, nor should I walk long distances. If I were going to do any one of these things, the Aircast should go back on; "...and I'll see you in 2 months." Yes, sir.

He gave me a referral to the dreaded physiotherapy department or better named (at least in my day), the torture chamber!

Let me explain. Having been a Physical Training Instructor in a previous life, we were trained somewhat in the art of remedial gymnastics. This involved rehabilitating injured patients using exercises under the supervision of a physiotherapist. The line between trained remedial gymnasts and physios were so narrow that many of us went on to become fully fledged physios. Alas, I was not one of them.

Knowing what pain I inflicted on unknowing soldiers (all in good faith of course) I waited with trepidation for my name to be called. I was going to be seen by Hazel; no doubt a 7 foot tall Neanderthal, all-in-wrestler with a 5 o'clock shadow.

Hazel wasn't 7 foot tall, nor was she a Neanderthal nor was she a an all-in-wrestler, nor did she have a 5 o'clock shadow. She was young and extremely pretty. "We're going to stretch the achilles gently." Gently? Surely there's no such word in the physio-dictionary. I searched my brain for a word that was close enough to have been misunderstood. The nearest I could come up with was genitals; but surely that couldn't have been it... could it? "After we've stretched the muscles and the tendon, we'll strengthen up the whole ankle joint," she said. Seems like a plan.

Garlic mustard

In fact Hazel offered the most sensible theory of causation I'd yet heard. The impact of the heel striking the ground was obviously the main cause; however two previous ankle injuries rupturing the lateral tendons of the foot quite a few years ago had not been properly repaired. This may have led to a weakening of the whole joint. To prove this I had to stand on one foot and close my eyes. Sure enough, when I tried to stand on my injured foot I lost my balance within 2 seconds.

It's all to do with the proprioception sensors located in the joints and muscles. Try this test yourself. Try standing on one foot for about a minute. If you can do that, try it with your eyes closed. You may find you can stand on one foot longer than the other without losing your balance.

You can train your muscles if there is an imbalance in one foot. Just practice balancing on the other one (or take up Tai Chi). It will help you when stalking and improve your overall balance. The sensors allow the body to sense the position and movement of our limbs. The tiny muscles and tendons make minute movements to compensate for where it thinks the body should be to keep it balanced. In my case, the left side is out of kilter making the whole ankle joint unstable and more susceptible to injury. But it's nothing that can't be fixed.

To celebrate the fact that I was allowed to wear two shoes and that the physiotherapy sessions were going to be a "gentle" affair under the  skilled hands of Hazel (!) I went to Outfield woods where, on that fateful evening of October 31st 2008, I slipped down a slope and ended up with a ruptured achilles tendon.

If I was at all spiritual, I would have offered something to the woods spirits as an appeasement. Instead I sat in the ditch and had a cereal bar and a cup of coffee.

So ends this chapter of my life.

Pablo.

Johnny Two-Shoes and Some Proprioception

Last month I visited the consultant who allowed me to take off the Aircast "... only if you're not going to do anything stupid. "No, sir," said I, imagining myself screaming around the woods shouting "I'm free!" He also added I shouldn't lift anything heavy, nor should I walk long distances. If I were going to do any one of these things, the Aircast should go back on; "...and I'll see you in 2 months." Yes, sir.

He gave me a referral to the dreaded physiotherapy department or better named (at least in my day), the torture chamber!

Let me explain. Having been a Physical Training Instructor in a previous life, we were trained somewhat in the art of remedial gymnastics. This involved rehabilitating injured patients using exercises under the supervision of a physiotherapist. The line between trained remedial gymnasts and physios were so narrow that many of us went on to become fully fledged physios. Alas, I was not one of them.

Knowing what pain I inflicted on unknowing soldiers (all in good faith of course) I waited with trepidation for my name to be called. I was going to be seen by Hazel; no doubt a 7 foot tall Neanderthal, all-in-wrestler with a 5 o'clock shadow.

Hazel wasn't 7 foot tall, nor was she a Neanderthal nor was she a an all-in-wrestler, nor did she have a 5 o'clock shadow. She was young and extremely pretty. "We're going to stretch the achilles gently." Gently? Surely there's no such word in the physio-dictionary. I searched my brain for a word that was close enough to have been misunderstood. The nearest I could come up with was genitals; but surely that couldn't have been it... could it? "After we've stretched the muscles and the tendon, we'll strengthen up the whole ankle joint," she said. Seems like a plan.

Garlic mustard

In fact Hazel offered the most sensible theory of causation I'd yet heard. The impact of the heel striking the ground was obviously the main cause; however two previous ankle injuries rupturing the lateral tendons of the foot quite a few years ago had not been properly repaired. This may have led to a weakening of the whole joint. To prove this I had to stand on one foot and close my eyes. Sure enough, when I tried to stand on my injured foot I lost my balance within 2 seconds.

It's all to do with the proprioception sensors located in the joints and muscles. Try this test yourself. Try standing on one foot for about a minute. If you can do that, try it with your eyes closed. You may find you can stand on one foot longer than the other without losing your balance.

You can train your muscles if there is an imbalance in one foot. Just practice balancing on the other one (or take up Tai Chi). It will help you when stalking and improve your overall balance. The sensors allow the body to sense the position and movement of our limbs. The tiny muscles and tendons make minute movements to compensate for where it thinks the body should be to keep it balanced. In my case, the left side is out of kilter making the whole ankle joint unstable and more susceptible to injury. But it's nothing that can't be fixed.

To celebrate the fact that I was allowed to wear two shoes and that the physiotherapy sessions were going to be a "gentle" affair under the  skilled hands of Hazel (!) I went to Outfield woods where, on that fateful evening of October 31st 2008, I slipped down a slope and ended up with a ruptured achilles tendon.

If I was at all spiritual, I would have offered something to the woods spirits as an appeasement. Instead I sat in the ditch and had a cereal bar and a cup of coffee.

So ends this chapter of my life.

Pablo.

Up Close and Personal

I wanted to capture some more images of spring this weekend. There were 3 specific things I had in mind and that was fox cubs, badger cubs and a muntjac fawn.

It was harder than I thought it would be. The easy one was the badger cubs as I'd been watching them all week. Unfortunately, the footage is a little dull but I managed to get a good 5 minutes worth of two cubs, two adults plus a juvenile.

I spent the longest time on the fox watch. I went straight to the fox earth from last year. I waited for about 4 hours before they came out. They were very skittish and I counted only 3 as opposed to last years 6.

The adult lapwings tried to lure me away from the chick, but I'm a little too wise for that one. Even so, the youngster did a great job of keeping still and blending in with the background.

Although I captured plenty of plant images (the above is a Star of Bethlehem) time was running out for the muntjac. I saw a total of 3 adults (2 bucks and a doe) but I didn't see a youngster.

As a last ditch attempt I went into Broaks wood. Although not as warm today as the two previous days, it was nice and quiet before the dog walkers came in.

I saw another buck - but no young. However I did come across this grass snake trying to grab the few rays of sun that were trying to break through the cloud. I haven't seen one for ages and he was very amenable to my study, allowing me to get up close and personal.

I was pleased to see a white throat as well. This is a common summer visitor to the UK but it has managed to escape my all time bird list... until now.

I never did find any mutjac fawns. But I spent a great three days trying and I'll try to finish editing the full "Springwatch" video by mid-week. In the meantime, here are the fox cubs.

 

Thanks for the visit.

Pablo.