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.