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... the sky is baby blue, and the just-unfurling leaves ...
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dpack



Joined: 02 Jul 2005
Posts: 45383
Location: yes
PostPosted: Fri Dec 07, 18 6:27 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

anywhere that might have boar is hammock in a tree territory , helps with ants as well

even the best equipment or cunning plan will fail if it is properly challenged what matters is how you deal with that
i have trashed a lot of kit, darwin's quartermaster is a very efficient chap and my current range of stuff works.
very light, very strong, very functional and i can get 4 season comfort in most landscapes down to 25 litres and less than 15 kg (even with an axe or machete, 3ltrs of water and a few days food )
if i had to i could go no kit and collect it as you go but it is rather uncomfortable, minimum for basic comfort is decent clothes, cutting tool and the ability to make fire, a few kilos of nice bits n pieces is luxury:lol:

the folk who buy a huge family tent for a "bargain " price along with all the bits n bobs to fill a large car will be fine if they and their kit are not challenged by circumstance.
if they are most will not do well without a bit of help
even those of us with a lot of experience of such things are often surprised the first time it happens to us

i was raised by scouting werewolves but there is a big jump between that and living "outdoors" . imho you are never educated enough when it comes to leaving babylon for the "wilderness".
im still learning, practising new skills and trying new kit.

i was just trying to tot up how long i have lived extra mural and it is considerably longer than most folk , about ten years might be a reasonable estimate.
nice if you get reasonable competent and the odd forehead slug is hardly as nasty as rush hour traffic fumes or never seeing the stars.

even if you are "a houser" ( to borrow a phrase from old chums ) it is good to live "outside " sometimes, smell the world, watch the critters, feel the sleet or the sun, taste the rain, sleep in a tree. collect a salad or stew .the list goes on .

Mistress Rose



Joined: 21 Jul 2011
Posts: 15542

PostPosted: Sat Dec 08, 18 8:26 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

I am afraid that I prefer a bit of luxury these days, which is why we have gone for the trailer for camping at shows. I have never gone real wilderness camping, but do use occasional bits from the woods for food, including making what are 'conventional' things like jam and wine, but probably have a better idea than most how to live with the minimum if needed. It never ceases to amaze me how little so many people know rather than how much I know, because I understand that I am a bit limited in my knowledge.

gregotyn



Joined: 24 Jun 2010
Posts: 2201
Location: Llanfyllin area
PostPosted: Sat Dec 08, 18 10:31 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

I am into home comforts now too MR. Camping as scouts at an early age was fun and good for me; the trip into the woods with a hatchet, ground sheet, box of matches, rope and a sharp knife are over; now I am more into comfort. I always managed to make a shelter somehow or occasionally borrow a barn. I say 'I' but it was always with a friend, solitary fun like that was not approved-with the "what if scenario?" quoted at me by mother. They were good days. Once mate and I could drive we used to go to Cornwall a lot for "holidays"-chasing the girls in reality, but still tenting!

I am now heading for a hair cut and serious beard trim. I do Father Christmas and usually have enough beard growth to achieve; but it has peaked too soon so is now uncomfortable and I will have a good trim and use the fake 'silvery' beard which comes with the outfit. I have lost some weight so the outfit may be on the big side this year! I hate deceiving the children, but their faces are good to see. They don't care as long as they get their money and presents!

Then back to the wood shed.

Mistress Rose



Joined: 21 Jul 2011
Posts: 15542

PostPosted: Sun Dec 09, 18 7:45 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

What a pity about the beard Gregotyn. Not really the time of year to have it cut either, as I have heard bearded men say it keeps their face warm in winter. Us women either have to get cold or wear a scarf.

We delivered a log load yesterday morning as the woman really couldn't have it delivered during the week, so husband and I then went up to the woods to do some more log sacks. Just as well as another outlet has ordered, so we are still 22 short of the number needed. Still, should be able to do those on Monday, then just keep going. They finally seem to be selling faster.

Made a large batch of mince pies in the afternoon. Not sure how many as I lost count, but more than 50, which should do for at least our Volunteer group and us.

gregotyn



Joined: 24 Jun 2010
Posts: 2201
Location: Llanfyllin area
PostPosted: Tue Dec 11, 18 2:21 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Oh no it was a trim and hair cut-£10- which is a lot round our way, for a casual hairdresser, and a shame it got to where I didn't want to stand the itchiness. It was almost a Santa beard, if I had left it, it would have been just right Christmas. I still have the beard but much reduced in weight now, and sits on the face rather than sticking out everywhere-much more civilised. I will be away this next w/e off to friends for a birthday party to the daughter in law's 30th. and there is a do on Sunday at a pub 40 miles from anywhere, which seats lots of folk.

Glad the logs are going well now. The weather to come it is going to get cold quite soon they say, but they could be wrong. We are not hot but today has been comfortable by any standards.

I have to go to the garage man I use as there is an interesting bounce when I break coming from the LH front wheel, so I am away now up the hill to see him.

Mistress Rose



Joined: 21 Jul 2011
Posts: 15542

PostPosted: Wed Dec 12, 18 8:20 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

We have a lot on order and I now have the majority of them made; just need to deliver them. In fact if some don't get delivered soon I won't have any more room, so hoping over half will go this week.

Have a good time at the weekend. We are going to have a quiet one I hope as I need a bit of a rest.

We went to the village carol service in the square yesterday evening, which was rather nice. They always have a nicely lit Christmas tree, and had some reindeer made out of logs, which I think was probably something to do with the Countryside Department. Local brass band leading the singing, so a good evening.

gregotyn



Joined: 24 Jun 2010
Posts: 2201
Location: Llanfyllin area
PostPosted: Thu Dec 13, 18 2:15 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Always good when the production for selling is at the break even point and a bit to spare, the annoying bit is when you can't deliver; today I will be coming back to the town with another load in case they need more for this w/e when I am away. The log man and I are sharing a place outside and it has been hard to keep up with demand when there was so little space available-50% of what I am used to having-and having to top up daily when normally it would at this time of the year be 2 to 3 times a week with full storage facilities available. "all good stuff" as they say.

I had new brake pads fitted to the rear of the van yesterday as it has been breaking with a funny noise, I am thinking I should maybe slow down when they say time is money. It is fact, the faster I go in the van the more often things wear out.

Glad you had a good carol service. I go to the local church where I go for Christmas and it is always packed with singers, lucky to get a seat, but if I can't sit down I would need to go back-standing for an hour is what I can't do now! The log reindeer sounds good.

So now I am off to get the sticks delivered and to pack the motor as I will be going straight from work tomorrow lunchtime. Saturday will be spent finding a birthday present-the friend's wife and I will go shopping on Saturday morning and doubtless find something. I always like to give money, then they can choose what they want themselves-a bit of a cop out, but I don't want to waste money on something someone hates.

Have a good rest! Give my Christmas greetings to Cassandra if/when you are next in touch with her. I had an address, but it has evaded me for a year or so!

Mistress Rose



Joined: 21 Jul 2011
Posts: 15542

PostPosted: Fri Dec 14, 18 7:50 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

I will look up the address and PM you, but I will send your greetings anyway as a card will be a bit late now. Still a card in the New Year is nice as well.

Husband and I delivered 50 log sacks yesterday as son had the afternoon off. One place had 30, and they had run out that morning when someone came in for 20, so just in time (or an hour or so late). The other should be good for a bit as they had some over. Now have 45 on order with 28 ready, so will have to work hard next week. I have a nice big pile of wood though, so should be able to make plenty.

I hope you have a good weekend Gregotyn. I must say I find standing for an hour rather trying, and sometimes have to move about a bit.

I have a feeling the run up to Christmas is going to be hard work, so am looking forward to having a few days off over the holiday. Sadly I expect that we will have to work at least some of the holiday week, although we are hoping not to have to do log loads then, just a nice bit of pottering doing birch cutting and perhaps a bit of maintenance or timber extraction.

gregotyn



Joined: 24 Jun 2010
Posts: 2201
Location: Llanfyllin area
PostPosted: Tue Dec 18, 18 3:16 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Not a bad idea to send Cassandra a letter in the New Year as she will be as busy as everybody else during the run up to Christmas. The weekend went well, we had a meal at a local pub for the birthday girl and produced balloons and so on. Actually I and the friends of mine had a meal at the same pub the night before. But they pulled the stops out with "happy birthday" sung by all in the restaurant, all 60 of the other meal eaters, staff and us and a cake presentation. I have been there many times and it is always good food, well presented. The biggest bonus was the children were very well behaved which is a first for the little boy, but I am nasty uncle David. I come from a long line of family whose offspring were not expected to speak unless spoken to and it is not like that today!

Best of luck with the log sacks MR., always remember that you are not up to mischief if you have plenty to do! I guess this time of the year is your biggest earning period. It is sooner for me as they have been switching to central heating as it is that little bit colder up here now, so most don't light the fire now till Christmas Day, and then do a bit afterwards, the central heating is in charge at present. The Carol service is not till Christmas Eve, and we will go to the church early. We don't mind sitting and waiting, I just can't stand for long periods now and my friend's wife is the same. I will take the walking stick and bend down a bit if we are accidentally late and pray for a youngster to give up their hard pew for an old man! I am away to my friends next week too Monday Christmas Eve, till Thursday and then back to the kindling with some gusto to get stock back to a better level around the 200 mark. When you say birch cutting is that for the tree's benefit or for something you make

The weather today is awful now but has been pleasant till 2.30pm, now raining like mad, and not when I came in so no brolly to got out with.

I always look at my emails before I come on here "just in case". Today was a surprise when an old flame from Kent sent me an email to wish me happy Christmas. First time for about 10 years, I'm not too sure what she is about, but I will watch the space, and be treading carefully. I always remind myself that I can sit both sides of my fire place without the "that's my chair", not that I have any heat at home, but I would have to have if she was around!

gz



Joined: 23 Jan 2009
Posts: 8578
Location: Ayrshire, Scotland
PostPosted: Tue Dec 18, 18 8:02 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Add my greetings to Cassandra on your letter please..I miss her input on this thread

Mistress Rose



Joined: 21 Jul 2011
Posts: 15542

PostPosted: Wed Dec 19, 18 7:52 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Glad you had a good time Gregotyn. I will look up the address and send it to you over the next few days. I think I have Sunday off all being well.

We have been pretty busy with log loads for the last few months. There is always a rush before Christmas, but we stopped taking orders for 'before Christmas' a few weeks ago, as we prefer to be sure we will get them in without stressing ourselves too much rather than promise and not deliver.

The birch is for besoms, and I cut the twigs. As we have quite a lot of young birch in the wood, we cut the trees down and take as much of the top as is suitable. If we are lucky, the trunk should coppice and produce multiple stems for future years. Not too much luck so far, but birch is not the main crop in the wood, and does seed easily, so not a major problem.

The weather here has been horrible overnight. It was supposed to come in yesterday, but the rain didn't really come on until about 2pm or so. We organised our day so husband and son did some deliveries in the morning, then husband came shopping with me from then. We got a bit wet, but not as wet as if we had been working.

I will contact Cassandra and see if she will post with us again. I don't know what the state of her computer connection is, as she mainly uses her phone for Facebook I think, and she has been posting on there. Her main interest at the moment seems to be spinning and knitting.

gz



Joined: 23 Jan 2009
Posts: 8578
Location: Ayrshire, Scotland
PostPosted: Wed Dec 19, 18 9:01 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Very useful occupations!....I'm not sure what the weather has been in Tasmania but we had a high of 14 degrees today and it's at present only 10 degrees and still raining!! Summer??!!

sgt.colon



Joined: 27 Jul 2009
Posts: 7380
Location: Just south of north.
PostPosted: Wed Dec 19, 18 10:42 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Home from home GZ?

gz



Joined: 23 Jan 2009
Posts: 8578
Location: Ayrshire, Scotland
PostPosted: Wed Dec 19, 18 7:44 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

At least there is no snow! (Apart from the top of the peaks in the ski fields)
We're feeling healthier even though it is chillier than we expected!!

dpack



Joined: 02 Jul 2005
Posts: 45383
Location: yes
PostPosted: Thu Dec 20, 18 12:20 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

grey , damp and a range from a couple of overnight light sfreezing to 10 ish in the sun ( the odd sunny hour or two )

pretty mild for yule. damp but not floody damp , yet .

im not quite sure where you are in the mountains but from what my chum mentioned there is some good ice high up ( he should know considering his grandad was a local and got knighted for the big un )

i never got chance to play down south but many have said it is great if a little challenging re weather changes and bad weather staying bad until long after the fuel, food and batteries run out .

it might be summer but if you go high it can turn winter delux quite quickly and stay that way for an inconvenient amount of time
winter is winter.

i might be thinking a bit higher than a bike trail or stroll but tis worth taking into account if you do go up.

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