Holiday Outings (Part One)

I’ve had a great few days off work – and apart from tomorrow when I have to go in, I’ve still got until next Wednesday off.

I’ve been out for a few short excursions, but nothing major. On Tuesday, I met up with JP at Hatfield Forest. We went for bimble into the forest as the snow melted around us and tried out some new cutlery from Duncan Chandler. I’ll do a full review later, but this trio of a neck knife, Bushcraft style knife and Nessmuk camp knife certainly looks promising.

I was very impressed with the camp knife as JP put it through it’s paces. It was well weighted and almost felt like a leuku. The belt knife made short work of making a feather stick, which, despite the cold and damp, JP duly lit with a firesteel. The neck knife has a normal sized handle, which felt good in the hand.

Today I took a member of our conservation group on a tracking mission. We knew there were a number of fallow on-site and wondered how they managed to get into a secure fenced-in area. The idea then was to track the deer to the entry exit point and hopefully see some of them on the way.

The conservation group aren’t too keen on having the deer on site as there are plans to put on a total of 10 thousand trees in the area. That’s a lot of food for a fallow!

I figured out a start point based on re I thought they might lay up in a sheltered area; and low and behold we immediately found some tracks leading along a fence-line. The droppings indicated that this trail had been used in the last 24 hours. All we had to do was follow the fence-line.

After a couple of hundred yards, a couple of other trails converged and pointed like an outstretched arm to a hole in the fence. I wasn’t convinced this was the only entry exit, so we walked on. After another hundred yards or so, we came across another smaller hole. Nevertheless, by examining the hairs on the wire, we could definitely say they were fallow.

To finish the job, we continued along the fence-line making sure there were no other holes. Even though I had my nose to the ground, I remembered to look up occasionally, and there, through the fog, I saw 3 fallow does at about 50 yards. They had already spotted us and were standing stock still looking in our direction. It was an eerie sight and I managed to get this picture as they stotted off in the opposite direction.

A nice end to an overall  successful little mission.

No doubt I’ll have more to report on next week. Until then – have a happy New Year.

Holiday Outings (Part One)

I’ve had a great few days off work – and apart from tomorrow when I have to go in, I’ve still got until next Wednesday off.

I’ve been out for a few short excursions, but nothing major. On Tuesday, I met up with JP at Hatfield Forest. We went for bimble into the forest as the snow melted around us and tried out some new cutlery from Duncan Chandler. I’ll do a full review later, but this trio of a neck knife, Bushcraft style knife and Nessmuk camp knife certainly looks promising.

I was very impressed with the camp knife as JP put it through it’s paces. It was well weighted and almost felt like a leuku. The belt knife made short work of making a feather stick, which, despite the cold and damp, JP duly lit with a firesteel. The neck knife has a normal sized handle, which felt good in the hand.

Today I took a member of our conservation group on a tracking mission. We knew there were a number of fallow on-site and wondered how they managed to get into a secure fenced-in area. The idea then was to track the deer to the entry exit point and hopefully see some of them on the way.

The conservation group aren’t too keen on having the deer on site as there are plans to put on a total of 10 thousand trees in the area. That’s a lot of food for a fallow!

I figured out a start point based on re I thought they might lay up in a sheltered area; and low and behold we immediately found some tracks leading along a fence-line. The droppings indicated that this trail had been used in the last 24 hours. All we had to do was follow the fence-line.

After a couple of hundred yards, a couple of other trails converged and pointed like an outstretched arm to a hole in the fence. I wasn’t convinced this was the only entry exit, so we walked on. After another hundred yards or so, we came across another smaller hole. Nevertheless, by examining the hairs on the wire, we could definitely say they were fallow.

To finish the job, we continued along the fence-line making sure there were no other holes. Even though I had my nose to the ground, I remembered to look up occasionally, and there, through the fog, I saw 3 fallow does at about 50 yards. They had already spotted us and were standing stock still looking in our direction. It was an eerie sight and I managed to get this picture as they stotted off in the opposite direction.

A nice end to an overall  successful little mission.

No doubt I’ll have more to report on next week. Until then – have a happy New Year.

Of Solstice and Yule

I take an interest in many cultures mainly to examine their skills and customs, but not intrusively so. I believe “study” of our own ancient cultures is important before we disturb others’.

Unfortunately, in Britain, written legacy and customs from the prehistoric days are few and far between resulting in only the Roman’s relatively limited uncomplimentary accounts of our tribal activities.

Today is the Winter Solstice and we know that this was one of the most important days in the British prehistoric calendar. In fact it’s celebrated in many other cultures as well. In astronomical terms it means the Earth's tilt is farthest away from the sun; thereby making it the shortest day of the year.

It was extremely important for earlier Neolithic cultures to respect this time simply because it was so easy to starve during the winter months. The onset of longer and warmer days was surely something to be celebrated. Stonehenge is a testament to this celebration, and undoubtedly with great intention, the axis of Stonehenge is aligned to the Winter Solstice sunset.

Although we’re still not entirely sure what went on there we can presume a fair amount of animal sacrifices were carried out which may have served two purposes; firstly, to thank or appease the Gods, but more likely so that they didn’t have to feed the livestock and therefore save on food. It may also have been an appropriate time to replenish depleting food stocks with fresh meat.

In later Celtic terms the winter season began on 1^st November on Hallows eve or Samhain and ends when spring begins on Imbolc or Candlemas, which is on 1^st February. Therefore the Solstice can be considered mid-winter or Winter’s Day. Since the days become longer from this date, many cultures, including the Celts, recognised this as a time for rebirth.

This year (2010) an extra event took place (this morning) in the form of a full lunar eclipse. This occurs when the Earth is directly between the sun and moon. It’s a yearly event but only happens on the Winter Solstice every 450 years. The Earth's shadow prevents the moon from catching any of the sun's rays, and the moon glows red with only indirect sunlight, refracted off the Earth's edges. (I took this picture in 2007)

If you were up early to see this I hope you weren't disappointed. If you were up early to celebrate the solstice, I’m sorry to disappoint you but the true solstice takes place at 23:38 on 21^st (tonight) according to precise astronomical data tracking. If you’re still up at that time, then join me outside for a wee toast to what may be the true New Year.

Yule is a more relatively modern term, possibly stemming from the Germanic peoples in the 4^th Century, meaning a winter festival. This originally occurred during late December to early January.

Even though many Yule-tide customs appear to stem from the Old Norse/Scandinavian/German pagan, some were absorbed into Christian celebrations. Perhaps they were not seen so much as religious customs but traditional ones, which were required to be kept alive. Indeed today, we seem to have the remnants of many of these “seasonal” customs. Traditional customs involving plants like mistletoe, holly, ivy features quite prominently to this day.

Oaks were seen as sacred and the winter fruit of the mistletoe which grew on oaks was a symbol of male fertility and life in the dark winter months.

The tradition of bringing sprigs of Holly and Ivy into the home pays homage to the masculine and feminine elements. Both of these are said to be powerfully magical plants and are evergreen, a reminder in itself that the earth never dies, but merely sleeps during the winter months, (a tradition which was the precursor to our modern tradition of the evergreen Christmas tree). The male element is represented by the prickly holly; with its sexually potent red berries. The ivy is the female; entwining, gentle yet powerful.

Personally, I like the tradition of the Yule log. This custom may well have been brought from the earliest Celtic days when it was thought that the sun stood still for twelve days in the middle of winter. During this time a large log was dragged in to the hearth and lit to conquer the darkness, banish evil spirits and bring luck for the coming year. The Yule log also had many other connotations especially in rural England, and I’m sure you will realise that, as with most cultures, each region has a number of different interpretations.

Whatever your culture and belief; have a safe and happy holiday and all the best to your families and loved ones.

Of Solstice and Yule

I take an interest in many cultures mainly to examine their skills and customs, but not intrusively so. I believe “study” of our own ancient cultures is important before we disturb others’.

Unfortunately, in Britain, written legacy and customs from the prehistoric days are few and far between resulting in only the Roman’s relatively limited uncomplimentary accounts of our tribal activities.

Today is the Winter Solstice and we know that this was one of the most important days in the British prehistoric calendar. In fact it’s celebrated in many other cultures as well. In astronomical terms it means the Earth's tilt is farthest away from the sun; thereby making it the shortest day of the year.

It was extremely important for earlier Neolithic cultures to respect this time simply because it was so easy to starve during the winter months. The onset of longer and warmer days was surely something to be celebrated. Stonehenge is a testament to this celebration, and undoubtedly with great intention, the axis of Stonehenge is aligned to the Winter Solstice sunset.

Although we’re still not entirely sure what went on there we can presume a fair amount of animal sacrifices were carried out which may have served two purposes; firstly, to thank or appease the Gods, but more likely so that they didn’t have to feed the livestock and therefore save on food. It may also have been an appropriate time to replenish depleting food stocks with fresh meat.

In later Celtic terms the winter season began on 1^st November on Hallows eve or Samhain and ends when spring begins on Imbolc or Candlemas, which is on 1^st February. Therefore the Solstice can be considered mid-winter or Winter’s Day. Since the days become longer from this date, many cultures, including the Celts, recognised this as a time for rebirth.

This year (2010) an extra event took place (this morning) in the form of a full lunar eclipse. This occurs when the Earth is directly between the sun and moon. It’s a yearly event but only happens on the Winter Solstice every 450 years. The Earth's shadow prevents the moon from catching any of the sun's rays, and the moon glows red with only indirect sunlight, refracted off the Earth's edges. (I took this picture in 2007)

If you were up early to see this I hope you weren't disappointed. If you were up early to celebrate the solstice, I’m sorry to disappoint you but the true solstice takes place at 23:38 on 21^st (tonight) according to precise astronomical data tracking. If you’re still up at that time, then join me outside for a wee toast to what may be the true New Year.

Yule is a more relatively modern term, possibly stemming from the Germanic peoples in the 4^th Century, meaning a winter festival. This originally occurred during late December to early January.

Even though many Yule-tide customs appear to stem from the Old Norse/Scandinavian/German pagan, some were absorbed into Christian celebrations. Perhaps they were not seen so much as religious customs but traditional ones, which were required to be kept alive. Indeed today, we seem to have the remnants of many of these “seasonal” customs. Traditional customs involving plants like mistletoe, holly, ivy features quite prominently to this day.

Oaks were seen as sacred and the winter fruit of the mistletoe which grew on oaks was a symbol of male fertility and life in the dark winter months.

The tradition of bringing sprigs of Holly and Ivy into the home pays homage to the masculine and feminine elements. Both of these are said to be powerfully magical plants and are evergreen, a reminder in itself that the earth never dies, but merely sleeps during the winter months, (a tradition which was the precursor to our modern tradition of the evergreen Christmas tree). The male element is represented by the prickly holly; with its sexually potent red berries. The ivy is the female; entwining, gentle yet powerful.

Personally, I like the tradition of the Yule log. This custom may well have been brought from the earliest Celtic days when it was thought that the sun stood still for twelve days in the middle of winter. During this time a large log was dragged in to the hearth and lit to conquer the darkness, banish evil spirits and bring luck for the coming year. The Yule log also had many other connotations especially in rural England, and I’m sure you will realise that, as with most cultures, each region has a number of different interpretations.

Whatever your culture and belief; have a safe and happy holiday and all the best to your families and loved ones.

More Snow…

We got dumped on by the snow here in the East on Saturday afternoon. It didn’t stop for about 6 hours leaving about a foot of snow.

This morning, I was due to meet JP at Hatfield, but we considered the journey’s on untreated roads to be not worth the effort; so we abandoned the trip.

My hopeful excursion to the local wood to see some tracks proved pretty fruitless. I realised there is a fine line between good snowy tracks and some tracks that are just too difficult to discern. The reason for this was that the snow happened to be extremely powdery. It might have been too deep for all but the hardiest animals to venture out.

I went to the local badger set only to see tracks going from one entrance to another and not venturing out at all. That in itself is quite interesting behaviour.

A fox track meandered in and out of the hedgerow.

Even the rabbits seemed to be reticent to forage far from home.

Of course the benefit of the snow is the beautiful layer of gleaming white that has descended. All sound seems to be muffled. The woods, at last, are quiet in their winter contemplation.

Thanks for the visit.

More Snow…

We got dumped on by the snow here in the East on Saturday afternoon. It didn’t stop for about 6 hours leaving about a foot of snow.

This morning, I was due to meet JP at Hatfield, but we considered the journey’s on untreated roads to be not worth the effort; so we abandoned the trip.

My hopeful excursion to the local wood to see some tracks proved pretty fruitless. I realised there is a fine line between good snowy tracks and some tracks that are just too difficult to discern. The reason for this was that the snow happened to be extremely powdery. It might have been too deep for all but the hardiest animals to venture out.

I went to the local badger set only to see tracks going from one entrance to another and not venturing out at all. That in itself is quite interesting behaviour.

A fox track meandered in and out of the hedgerow.

Even the rabbits seemed to be reticent to forage far from home.

Of course the benefit of the snow is the beautiful layer of gleaming white that has descended. All sound seems to be muffled. The woods, at last, are quiet in their winter contemplation.

Thanks for the visit.

Winter Kit List 2010

Carry

Karrimor SF Predator 45 

Shoulder bag (tools and accessories)

 

Sleep

Alpkit SkyHigh 800

Exped SynMat 7

Highlander camp bed (with tarp) or

DD Scout Hammock

Shelter/Rest

Tatonka Tarp 2 (3m x 3m) or

Titanium Goat Vertex 5 tipi

Folding sit mat

Torch pack

Alpkit Head Torch

Spare batteries

Small Utility pack

6 Alu tent pegs

10m paracord

2 x hi-vis guy lines

Tea light candle

First Aid kit

Clothes

North Face Cedar Ridge boots

Woolpower 200gr (Base)

Woolpower 400g (mid)

Old button-up Swaandri

Snowsled Ventile Classic smock

Long Johns (depends on temp)

Surplus Cargo trousers (Outer)

Swedish Army Winter cap

Highlander Cold weather hat

Hat (cap)

Merino/Possum beanie hat (cold weather)

Ullfrotte Merino wool balaclava (Hammock)

Spare socks

Thinsulate woollen fingerless gloves

Tool pack

GB wilderness hatchet

Spoon knife

Frosts Small carving knife

Silky Pocketboy Saw

Falkniven DC4 Sharpening

Camera

Compass/thermometer

Notebook

Tinder pouch

Belt

Possibles pouch (Maxpedition Janus pouch or leather pouch)

Leatherman Juice CS4

Kuksa

Puuko/Stromeng Leuko Combi knives

Neck Carry

Micro Torch

Jet Scream Whistle

Button compass

Cooking

Bushbuddy with TracPac billy or

Mini Trangia

Primus Litech Frying pan

Plastic Thermo Drinking cup

Crusader cup

1 litre NATO water bottle

4 litre MSR Dromedary water bag

Hygiene Pack

Collapsible bowl

Foot powder

Antispetic wipes

Hygiene liquid

Food

Instant porridge mix

Bacon, eggs, tortillas (edible plate)

Mini bars chocolate

Mixed nuts raisons

2 x instant soup

Pre-prepared stew or fresh meat and vegetables or boil in a bag

Tea & sugar

Brandy (Medicinal!!)

Additional (Tracking)

Tracking stick; Green torch; Measuring tape

Winter Kit List 2010

Carry

Karrimor SF Predator 45 

Shoulder bag (tools and accessories)

 

Sleep

Alpkit SkyHigh 800

Exped SynMat 7

Highlander camp bed (with tarp) or

DD Scout Hammock

Shelter/Rest

Tatonka Tarp 2 (3m x 3m) or

Titanium Goat Vertex 5 tipi

Folding sit mat

Torch pack

Alpkit Head Torch

Spare batteries

Small Utility pack

6 Alu tent pegs

10m paracord

2 x hi-vis guy lines

Tea light candle

First Aid kit

Clothes

North Face Cedar Ridge boots

Woolpower 200gr (Base)

Woolpower 400g (mid)

Old button-up Swaandri

Snowsled Ventile Classic smock

Long Johns (depends on temp)

Surplus Cargo trousers (Outer)

Swedish Army Winter cap

Highlander Cold weather hat

Hat (cap)

Merino/Possum beanie hat (cold weather)

Ullfrotte Merino wool balaclava (Hammock)

Spare socks

Thinsulate woollen fingerless gloves

Tool pack

GB wilderness hatchet

Spoon knife

Frosts Small carving knife

Silky Pocketboy Saw

Falkniven DC4 Sharpening

Camera

Compass/thermometer

Notebook

Tinder pouch

Belt

Possibles pouch (Maxpedition Janus pouch or leather pouch)

Leatherman Juice CS4

Kuksa

Puuko/Stromeng Leuko Combi knives

Neck Carry

Micro Torch

Jet Scream Whistle

Button compass

Cooking

Bushbuddy with TracPac billy or

Mini Trangia

Primus Litech Frying pan

Plastic Thermo Drinking cup

Crusader cup

1 litre NATO water bottle

4 litre MSR Dromedary water bag

Hygiene Pack

Collapsible bowl

Foot powder

Antispetic wipes

Hygiene liquid

Food

Instant porridge mix

Bacon, eggs, tortillas (edible plate)

Mini bars chocolate

Mixed nuts raisons

2 x instant soup

Pre-prepared stew or fresh meat and vegetables or boil in a bag

Tea & sugar

Brandy (Medicinal!!)

Additional (Tracking)

Tracking stick; Green torch; Measuring tape