The Wilderness Gathering

  We returned from the Wilderness Gathering on Sunday. As promised by the illustrious weather forecasters (who actually got it right on this occasion) we had 3 days of dry weather (one particularly sunny and warm) and the final day wet. It just so happened that the downpours were just prior to packing up; therefore we had to pack away wet kit.

The Gathering itself was a great affair. Four days of wandering around the stalls debating whether this or that purchase should be made or not and admiring the items that were out of our price range!

To be honest, many items (especially the knives) were totally over-priced. I don't know why, but I formed an idea that  things may be a little cheaper there. I was certainly wrong about that! It was good to talk to some of the makers though and actually have a feel of some of the goods. I was on the look out for a small, thin handled neck knife and came away with one in D2 by Mike Snody.

The lack of obvious bargains didn't stem my determination to get some tracking boots or moccasins, and I'm pleased I was able to try on some before purchase. I rejected what I thought would be my first choice (Rogue Desert boots) because the tread was almost non-existent. I finally settled on the most expensive (typical) but wonderful hand made tracking boots by Roger Harrington that feel like a pair of slippers.

I purchased a few other odds and ends as shown in the photo and I'll try to describe these as and when I use them at a later date.

Although there were a few workshops going on, I didn't sit at them for any great length of time. The majority were run by full time bushcraft schools which certainly had the advantage of portraying a professional image unlike some Bushmeets, where the reliance is on willing volunteers.

There was plenty of craft stuff going on including a forge, some basket weaving an d green woodworking. I didn't see a lot of leathercraft going on though.

The greatest benefit of the Gathering was meeting up with people, renewing acquaintances and making new ones.

I caught up with the Shadowhawk Tracking School crew and had a long chat with Max Maxwell. I'll go into that in more detail at a later date. It was also good to see a number of other old friends and I was quite surprised how many people recognised me! I'll have to shave off this beard - or grow a longer one!

On Saturday, a few "Woodlifers" from the network got together and had a chat. It was great to put faces to names. There were still a few there who weren't able to make the photo shoot as they were busy helping out at various stalls or workshops.

The evenings were spent around the fire with dubious concoctions in unrecognisable containers. The field campers looked pretty uncomfortable on what looked to me like a pretty steep slope. The wood dwellers looked a little cramped in their area and I was pleased I was with the Tribe in their own site.

I'm not sure whether I would go for the full 4 days again. It wasn't a cheap four days by any means and I had the impression that the stalls were "more of the same" and overpriced. Nevertheless, it was very well organised. Huge credit should go to the organisers and the staff. I enjoyed meeting up with folk and generally having a good time. 

Cheers for now.

The Wilderness Gathering

  We returned from the Wilderness Gathering on Sunday. As promised by the illustrious weather forecasters (who actually got it right on this occasion) we had 3 days of dry weather (one particularly sunny and warm) and the final day wet. It just so happened that the downpours were just prior to packing up; therefore we had to pack away wet kit.

The Gathering itself was a great affair. Four days of wandering around the stalls debating whether this or that purchase should be made or not and admiring the items that were out of our price range!

To be honest, many items (especially the knives) were totally over-priced. I don't know why, but I formed an idea that  things may be a little cheaper there. I was certainly wrong about that! It was good to talk to some of the makers though and actually have a feel of some of the goods. I was on the look out for a small, thin handled neck knife and came away with one in D2 by Mike Snody.

The lack of obvious bargains didn't stem my determination to get some tracking boots or moccasins, and I'm pleased I was able to try on some before purchase. I rejected what I thought would be my first choice (Rogue Desert boots) because the tread was almost non-existent. I finally settled on the most expensive (typical) but wonderful hand made tracking boots by Roger Harrington that feel like a pair of slippers.

I purchased a few other odds and ends as shown in the photo and I'll try to describe these as and when I use them at a later date.

Although there were a few workshops going on, I didn't sit at them for any great length of time. The majority were run by full time bushcraft schools which certainly had the advantage of portraying a professional image unlike some Bushmeets, where the reliance is on willing volunteers.

There was plenty of craft stuff going on including a forge, some basket weaving an d green woodworking. I didn't see a lot of leathercraft going on though.

The greatest benefit of the Gathering was meeting up with people, renewing acquaintances and making new ones.

I caught up with the Shadowhawk Tracking School crew and had a long chat with Max Maxwell. I'll go into that in more detail at a later date. It was also good to see a number of other old friends and I was quite surprised how many people recognised me! I'll have to shave off this beard - or grow a longer one!

On Saturday, a few "Woodlifers" from the network got together and had a chat. It was great to put faces to names. There were still a few there who weren't able to make the photo shoot as they were busy helping out at various stalls or workshops.

The evenings were spent around the fire with dubious concoctions in unrecognisable containers. The field campers looked pretty uncomfortable on what looked to me like a pretty steep slope. The wood dwellers looked a little cramped in their area and I was pleased I was with the Tribe in their own site.

I'm not sure whether I would go for the full 4 days again. It wasn't a cheap four days by any means and I had the impression that the stalls were "more of the same" and overpriced. Nevertheless, it was very well organised. Huge credit should go to the organisers and the staff. I enjoyed meeting up with folk and generally having a good time. 

Cheers for now.

Off to the Wilderness Gathering

Tomorrow, my colleague Paul and I will be off to the Wilderness Gathering.

This is the first time I've been and I'm really looking forward to it.

The weather looks good with only slight rain forecast on the last day, Sunday.

If you click on the picture you'll be able to see what it's all about including a professionally made video of what went on last year.

I'll see you next Tuesday with tales of what went on.

See you then.

Pablo.

Off to the Wilderness Gathering

Tomorrow, my colleague Paul and I will be off to the Wilderness Gathering.

This is the first time I've been and I'm really looking forward to it.

The weather looks good with only slight rain forecast on the last day, Sunday.

If you click on the picture you'll be able to see what it's all about including a professionally made video of what went on last year.

I'll see you next Tuesday with tales of what went on.

See you then.

Pablo.

Horror of Horrors

 

Yesterday, I bounced out of bed and headed straight to the outdoor clothes side of the wardrobe and started to pull on my trousers. Suddenly, I had a sinking feeling. You know that feeling of trepidation; the feeling of impending doom. I struggled to find out why I had that feeling. And then I realised! It was decorating day! Horror of horrors! No woods today! All day! NO! It's a nightmare! I'll wake up in a minute! Pleeeease, NO!"

I looked out of the window. At least it was raining as promised on the weather forecast and the reason I selected this day of the Bank Holiday.

"I don't feel well!" I shouted to Mrs P.

"Really? I wonder why that is?"

" Perhaps a bacon sandwich will..." Before I finished the sentence with "help" a bacon sandwich was thrust into my hands.

I peered over the balcony and noticed that all the furniture had magically rearranged itself into the centre of the room.

"I do believe you thought of everything!" I grumbled.

"If it's any consolation," said Mrs P, "I do feel sorry for you. But you've got to admit, the cave does need decorating." I nodded in disconsolate agreement.

Mrs P hovered around. "Don't worry, I won't escape," I said. "Just please go away and stop mithering me." I thrust my hand into my pocket and brought out some money for hair products.

This did the trick and I was left alone with my paint brush and roller. How can life be so cruel?

Yesterday's miserable trip to the woods did nothing to lift the spirits. I saw very little in the way of wildlife. I contented myself sitting by the edge of the field and watched the harvesters at work. A field full of stubble was the only evidence of the wheat and barley that once gently waved in the wind. I did find what I think is Fuligo Septica, going by the glorious  common name of Dog's vomit slime mould.

I thought about next week's Wilderness Gathering in Wiltshire. Ah! This was doing the trick. It would be my first trip there and I wondered what it would be like.

Before I knew it, I was half way through decorating. I had put a huge amount of paint on the roller in the hopes that it would only take one coat of paint. Unfortunately, even I realised that it needed two, so off I went around again.

What should I take? I went through a kit list in my mind. No point taking too much. After all, it's only one day more than my usual three day excursions. More to the point, how much beer should I take? My mind wandered and wandered as the arm automatically glided across the walls. I was actually beginning to enjoy myself.  Well, as much as you can be imprisoned within 4 walls and only a paint brush and a roller for company!

Then suddenly it was over. Finished. I put all the furniture back and was tidying up when Mrs P came in.

"Wow! That's great! And so quick."

"It was easy," I said. "I don't know what all the fuss was about".  A big grin appeared as a I realised I had another day off tomorrow.

Thanks for the visit.

Pablo.

Horror of Horrors

 

Yesterday, I bounced out of bed and headed straight to the outdoor clothes side of the wardrobe and started to pull on my trousers. Suddenly, I had a sinking feeling. You know that feeling of trepidation; the feeling of impending doom. I struggled to find out why I had that feeling. And then I realised! It was decorating day! Horror of horrors! No woods today! All day! NO! It's a nightmare! I'll wake up in a minute! Pleeeease, NO!"

I looked out of the window. At least it was raining as promised on the weather forecast and the reason I selected this day of the Bank Holiday.

"I don't feel well!" I shouted to Mrs P.

"Really? I wonder why that is?"

" Perhaps a bacon sandwich will..." Before I finished the sentence with "help" a bacon sandwich was thrust into my hands.

I peered over the balcony and noticed that all the furniture had magically rearranged itself into the centre of the room.

"I do believe you thought of everything!" I grumbled.

"If it's any consolation," said Mrs P, "I do feel sorry for you. But you've got to admit, the cave does need decorating." I nodded in disconsolate agreement.

Mrs P hovered around. "Don't worry, I won't escape," I said. "Just please go away and stop mithering me." I thrust my hand into my pocket and brought out some money for hair products.

This did the trick and I was left alone with my paint brush and roller. How can life be so cruel?

Yesterday's miserable trip to the woods did nothing to lift the spirits. I saw very little in the way of wildlife. I contented myself sitting by the edge of the field and watched the harvesters at work. A field full of stubble was the only evidence of the wheat and barley that once gently waved in the wind. I did find what I think is Fuligo Septica, going by the glorious  common name of Dog's vomit slime mould.

I thought about next week's Wilderness Gathering in Wiltshire. Ah! This was doing the trick. It would be my first trip there and I wondered what it would be like.

Before I knew it, I was half way through decorating. I had put a huge amount of paint on the roller in the hopes that it would only take one coat of paint. Unfortunately, even I realised that it needed two, so off I went around again.

What should I take? I went through a kit list in my mind. No point taking too much. After all, it's only one day more than my usual three day excursions. More to the point, how much beer should I take? My mind wandered and wandered as the arm automatically glided across the walls. I was actually beginning to enjoy myself.  Well, as much as you can be imprisoned within 4 walls and only a paint brush and a roller for company!

Then suddenly it was over. Finished. I put all the furniture back and was tidying up when Mrs P came in.

"Wow! That's great! And so quick."

"It was easy," I said. "I don't know what all the fuss was about".  A big grin appeared as a I realised I had another day off tomorrow.

Thanks for the visit.

Pablo.

Primus Litech Frying Pan - Initial Review

 

Most of us consider that a billy is essential for cooking in the outdoors. The billy of choice is invariably a Zebra billy of some description, although I prefer the Tracpac billy.

Over the last year, I've also used a frying pan as I do like my bacon, eggs and beans in the morning. A frying pan is nearly as versatile as a billy. Although of course you can't hang it over a fire, it's great for heating up preprepared food and shallow cooking. The shallow pan tends to heat up food quicker and you can even boil up water at a push. Of course for frying with a little oil it's unbeatable.

 

I've been using the small frying pan out of a Trangia cookset. It helps to have a non-stick version; in fact I'd say it's essential. The only disadvantage is that the Trangia version is a little small even for one person.

I've seen a few people using a frying pan with a folding handle and after a few enquiries discovered that it's called a Primus Litech Frying Pan. After parting with £15 to Blacktoe (cheapest online by and average of £ 4-5 in UK and an excellent service) I received it the other day and took it out on a day's excursion last weekend.

 

 

The first thing that impressed me was the weight. It weighs just 268 grms. The non-stick seems robust enough and I've heard that it doesn't wear off even after heavy use over a number of years. The size is 165mm (base) x 220mm (top) which is certainly a little more generous than the Trangia frying pan. It takes up little room in the rucksack if you pack it vertically at the back of the pack. The depth is 50mm. Perhaps this is a little overkill and half that depth would have done me to be honest, but I can guess it would be a bonus for the more liquid based meals.

The best design feature is the fact that the handle folds under the base of the frying pan as opposed to over the top. This allows you to pack items in the dead space of the frying pan before packing it away in the rucksack. I've put a small bag containing spoon, alcohol gel, pepper, olive oil, sauce and a pot gripper in this dead space. The provided netting bag, which could double as a foraging bag, will keep everything together.

To fold out the handle, you squeeze it together where it fixes onto the locating holes. For additional safety, you can lock the handle in position - another nice feature.

Of course, this is a bit of a luxury item if you use it in conjunction with other cooking kit; but it is good addition in my opinion. Nevertheless think of this - if you're using a crusader cup for boiling up water, you might not even need to take your billy with you. This might save a bit of weight and will certainly save some space.

Pablo.