Woodlife

Sunday, 15 September 2013

Hannah (Skipper)

Pablo (Crew)

Billy the Bichon (Crew)

Erin the Colliedor (Crew)

Hannah (Skipper)

Pablo (Crew)

Billy the Bichon (Crew)

Erin the Colliedor (Crew)

Sept 13–Day One

We left the mooring at Stortford at 1100. Usually we can get to Harlow in a day but the route planner said we should end up in Roydon if we were to make this 8 day trip.

The daily check revealed no problems except the usually prop shaft bolts a little loose. These are tightened every day before we set off for the day. Oil and water are checked too.

It was nice to get beyond Harlow. This is the limit of weekend trips so I won't dwell too much on the first part of the journey.

On going through Roydon lock, we were invited to a lock party. There were a number of other boaters already there. After a bit of dinner we went along and were introduced to Steph, John, Vijay, Harry, Danny & Gill. (Sorry if the spellings are a little out).

We knew Harry from the Moorhen moorings but it was great to meet other boaters on this part of the river. You never know when you need a hand.

Needless to say,we stayed at Roydon lock overnight.

Sept 13–Day One

We left the mooring at Stortford at 1100. Usually we can get to Harlow in a day but the route planner said we should end up in Roydon if we were to make this 8 day trip.

The daily check revealed no problems except the usually prop shaft bolts a little loose. These are tightened every day before we set off for the day. Oil and water are checked too.

It was nice to get beyond Harlow. This is the limit of weekend trips so I won't dwell too much on the first part of the journey.

We knew Harry from the Moorhen moorings but it was great to meet other boaters on this part of the river. You never know when you need a hand.

Needless to say,we stayed at Roydon lock overnight.

Monday, 9 September 2013

Woodfest 2013

The weekend was Hatfield Forest’s annual event, Woodfest.

This year was bigger, better, and busier. The showers didn’t really dampen any of the proceedings as most of the time the sun was out and it was fine and warm giving JP the opportunity to demonstrate bow drill.

The music during the event was great and the main stage was packed during the evening, and the Morris dancing was a big hit as it usually is here a t Hatfield.

We set out our stall and as soon as we did we were inundated by people looking at out nature exhibits and now famous Table of Death.

This year not only did we have Mr Spock the Ashy-faced Barn owl but also Barny the British Barn owl.

Thanks to everyone who visited the stall especially those who showed and interest in our October Tracking Courses.

Places are going soon, so don’t delay in booking up.

Woodfest 2013

The weekend was Hatfield Forest’s annual event, Woodfest.

The music during the event was great and the main stage was packed during the evening, and the Morris dancing was a big hit as it usually is here a t Hatfield.

We set out our stall and as soon as we did we were inundated by people looking at out nature exhibits and now famous Table of Death.

This year not only did we have Mr Spock the Ashy-faced Barn owl but also Barny the British Barn owl.

Thanks to everyone who visited the stall especially those who showed and interest in our October Tracking Courses.

Places are going soon, so don’t delay in booking up.

Wednesday, 4 September 2013

A selection of the tried and trusted... updated in 2013 from the 2010 version.

Shelter

Snugpak Stratosphere

A new meaning to bivvying.

DD hammock and Tatonka tarp

The only way to sleep out in summer (or winter).

Tipi/Lavvu

For base camping I use either the Helsport Lavvu light (this can be backpacked it’s so light! - above) or the Helsprt Varanger camp. Both excellent tipi/lavvus.

Sleep

Exped Down Mat

It’s more important to get insulation under you than on top. Exped is the way to go.

Alpkit down bags

Great price - great bag

Clothes

Woolpower base layer

200g is enough to ward of the British winter

Wool and possum fur hat

Great for sitting around the winter fire.

Fjallaven

This is as close to a wide-brim hat as I get!

Hogs of Fife headwear

The Scots know something about weather – so why not?

Woolpower balaclava

Essential winter hammock wear - do not enter banks wearing this.

Snowsled

Not the cheapest ventile about – but if its good enough for Ran Fiennes, it’s good enough for me.

Deer Hunter Gamestalker 2 Smock.

If your going to go cammo – go Deerhunter or Mad Dog. I love this smock for its in-built mossy net and large horizontal front pocket.

Vivo Off-Roads

Excellent boot boot for trackers! No padding or lumps and bumps. As close to barefoot as you’ll get. Brilliant protection from thorns and 100% waterproof.

Buff

Multi-functional head or neckwear. I think I'll get this colour!

Flektarn Army Surplus Trousers

I can’t see the point of spending out lots of dosh for quality trousers when most of the time I’m grubbing about on the floor. These should cost you no more than £15 a time.

Food / Cooking / Water

Bushbuddy stove & Crusader cup

Natural fuel and a stainless receptacle

Mini Trangia

Lightweight and reliable meths cookset . Take the burner out and add it to the tracpac billy and bushbuddy. Voila!

Primus ETA Stove

This is the only gas stove I own. It’s ultra-efficient but tends to be temperamental when the gas is getting low. Good for base-camp stuff.

Primus Litech Frying pan

Probably the most versatile piece cookware you’ll ever have.

Nato water bottle

Mine says 1976. I was issued it when I joined the British Army - and it's still going. Use as a hot water bottle in winter!

Tracpac billy set

What more do you want for £14-00? I use the smallest one. The others can be made into hobo stoves.

Carry

Karrimor Sabre 75

So versatile – add side pockets and you’ve got 100 litres - as long as you're not walking too far!

Camelbak Cloudwalker

Technical lightweight daysack. I always come back to this as a light daysack.

Tools

Frosts Clipper

Excellent knife for under £10 - I still use mine.

Leatherman Charge TTI

Always in my possible pouch.

Bruseletto Leuku

Simple, cheap and effective large knife.

Bahco Folding Saw This is an excellent piece of kit and I never leave home without it. It usually resides in my tool pack or shoulder bag. I tend to use this more than the axe for cutting green wood.