I missed last weeks club due to prior commitmnts, but Craig had arranged for someone else to stand in as they ran through different methods of making fire.
Club this week was great, we planned on doing fire 2.0, after some discussion before it started we decided that if we split the group into 2 we could manage a fire each with 20+ kids each.
We got all the kids to pair up and then split the pairs, this sounds a bit mean but it ment that kids that usually get very excited being alongside each other were split, giving us more manageable groups.
We each gave a fire lecture, this normally lasts about 20 mins but we thought as they were so young we would make it a bit shorter to keep their attention, after half hour of lecturing (they asked so many good questions) we cut it short and got them preparing the fire, we had built the fire with a cord tired above so when it got to a certain height it was ready, they all had a go at putting wood onto the fire then, we got out the marshmallows (we had told them that this was not happening).
They all ate these toasted with a biscuit before going back for their parents, I'm pleased to say, no one got burnt on this week.
Another successful club, on the way home we discussed the plans for the last few weeks, we have a week off next week due to half term then back on it.
17.05.14 Flint Knapping with Will Lord
Got my late birthday present from the wife today, went to Natural Pathways site and met with Will Lord for a day of flint knapping, to start with he showed us some basic techniques then let us have a bash whilst spending time with each of us, I made a couple of hand axes and some arrow heads, although only one arrow head was any good the hand axes cane out well.
Taking on loads of information such as how to create a platform, the best position to rest the flint whilst knap, and different tool use.
Photos to follow.
Taking on loads of information such as how to create a platform, the best position to rest the flint whilst knap, and different tool use.
Photos to follow.
09.05.14 with Black Wolf Survival
Week 2 of the bushcraft club, shelters mk2, this week the kids were a little more boisterous as we expected, we demonstrated how to build a kennel shelter and had some kits made up of a ridge pole and 2 y-poles, then split the kids into groups they then built small shelters, once they finish we put a sheet of paper with a person drawn on it and then tested it for waterproof by pouring a cup of water onto the shelter, of the 6 shelters, 2 were dry, 2 a bit damp and 2 soaked, the kids also made beds inside, parking spaces and one a helicopter pad.
03.05.14 Stacey and Andrew Wedding
My friend got married the other day, she has shown some interest in bushcraft and was looking to book her fella onto a basic course, so I sorted out a present for them.
His n Hers Mora Knives and an invitation for a weekend out with me as an instructor, I must admit I'm looking forward to this weekend.
His n Hers Mora Knives and an invitation for a weekend out with me as an instructor, I must admit I'm looking forward to this weekend.
02.04.14 with Black Wolf Survival
Been offered some work with Black Wolf Survival working at a private school in Tunbridge Wells, starting off a Bushcraft Club consisting of 46 children from 6 to 10 year's old, we and taught them how to put up a simple lean to shelter, splitting them into 6 groups they then ran around screaming and having fun for the rest of the hour, with Craig and I helping out with knots etc, at the end they had put up a sheltea adding walls, making sleeping quarters, chairs etc, with one group even adding a wooden telephone for emergencies.
Early feedback from the school has been very positive.
Early feedback from the school has been very positive.
25 to 27.04.14 Camp Blaze with Beef
I planned on packing on the 22nd, this was put off for a few days due to other family commitments and WORK, so I did not get to pack until the morning of the 25th, so I planned on packing for us both and Beef could then just add his clothes when he got home from school, which he did.
We left around 17.00 and was off to the woods, arriving around 17.30 leaving a note in the window BADGER WATCHING, then the walk through to camp, that we did in two runs taking kit first then back for food, water and a few extra bits only stopping to check on the wild gnomes.
Once at camp we cleared the fire and set up the fire pit, tarp, chairs and I left Beef gettng the cooking kit out while I put up the hammocks and monster tarp, it was not until this point that I realised I had not packed any extra cordage (I remember picking up the cordage bag, then I must have just put it back, idiot), so I robbed cord from Peter to pay Paul, this has ensured I now need to replace lots of cord.
After the camp was set we set about collecting fire wood and got it lit before 20.00.
We sat and I cooked us some calzone bushcraft pizzas then sat chatting into the evening,getting into the hammock was one of the worst experiences of my hammocking life, I could not get comfortable the sleeping bag would not stay in, I ended up waking every hour to sort myself out.
The next morning Beef sorted breakfast on the meths burner, warm croissants n coffee, we then went for a wander looking at various plants, finding a what I think was a satellite Badger set, we also collected some green wood to make a few bows with and when we got back to Camp we had lunch then fashioned two bows, the my one snapped after 2 shots, Beef was working on another that I helped with this one was getting better and we were working on extending the pull (tillering) before this too snapped, we then collected some more wood and processed it before it got dark, at dusk we left to see if there was any further sign of the badgers getting back to Camp unsuccessful after dark.
I cooked again in the evening curry n rice very noice, and again chatted, we turned in earlier this time (even after faffing about with the hammock I still could not get comfortable) as I had set my alarm to wake me at 03.00 so we could go for a night walk, we did this with our wool blankets wrapped around us as it was getting cold, we again looked for badgers (unsuccessfully) listened to the sounds of the night and walked to the edge of the wood to watch the stars, getting back to Camp a few hours later and went back to bed, this time I got comfortable pretty quick and we slept in till nearly 09.00.
Beef sorted breakfast again Bacon wraps went for another walk we then packed up and left, leaving in one trip as without food n water the packs were more manageable.
We eventually saw a Badger on the way home (roadkill), Beef was happy, we spent a lot of the weekend laughing and read a book to each other at night, we have 3 chapters left to finish at some point, we also used reference books to try to identify trees and plants with some success.
When we got home Beef said it was the best weekend of his life, leaving me a very happy dad.
Enjoy the pics
http://s1136.photobucket.com/user/HatMa ... ith%20Beef
We left around 17.00 and was off to the woods, arriving around 17.30 leaving a note in the window BADGER WATCHING, then the walk through to camp, that we did in two runs taking kit first then back for food, water and a few extra bits only stopping to check on the wild gnomes.
Once at camp we cleared the fire and set up the fire pit, tarp, chairs and I left Beef gettng the cooking kit out while I put up the hammocks and monster tarp, it was not until this point that I realised I had not packed any extra cordage (I remember picking up the cordage bag, then I must have just put it back, idiot), so I robbed cord from Peter to pay Paul, this has ensured I now need to replace lots of cord.
After the camp was set we set about collecting fire wood and got it lit before 20.00.
We sat and I cooked us some calzone bushcraft pizzas then sat chatting into the evening,getting into the hammock was one of the worst experiences of my hammocking life, I could not get comfortable the sleeping bag would not stay in, I ended up waking every hour to sort myself out.
The next morning Beef sorted breakfast on the meths burner, warm croissants n coffee, we then went for a wander looking at various plants, finding a what I think was a satellite Badger set, we also collected some green wood to make a few bows with and when we got back to Camp we had lunch then fashioned two bows, the my one snapped after 2 shots, Beef was working on another that I helped with this one was getting better and we were working on extending the pull (tillering) before this too snapped, we then collected some more wood and processed it before it got dark, at dusk we left to see if there was any further sign of the badgers getting back to Camp unsuccessful after dark.
I cooked again in the evening curry n rice very noice, and again chatted, we turned in earlier this time (even after faffing about with the hammock I still could not get comfortable) as I had set my alarm to wake me at 03.00 so we could go for a night walk, we did this with our wool blankets wrapped around us as it was getting cold, we again looked for badgers (unsuccessfully) listened to the sounds of the night and walked to the edge of the wood to watch the stars, getting back to Camp a few hours later and went back to bed, this time I got comfortable pretty quick and we slept in till nearly 09.00.
Beef sorted breakfast again Bacon wraps went for another walk we then packed up and left, leaving in one trip as without food n water the packs were more manageable.
We eventually saw a Badger on the way home (roadkill), Beef was happy, we spent a lot of the weekend laughing and read a book to each other at night, we have 3 chapters left to finish at some point, we also used reference books to try to identify trees and plants with some success.
When we got home Beef said it was the best weekend of his life, leaving me a very happy dad.
Enjoy the pics
http://s1136.photobucket.com/user/HatMa ... ith%20Beef
April 2014 Kit Organisation
Well I've been at this Bushcraft lark a few years now, and I thought it was about time I sorted my kit.
Well here it is on two shelves.
Left hand unit
Top two shelves
cooking equipment, stoves, utensils, cutlery n crockery, storage containers, food etc.
Third shelf down
Fire, first aid, hygiene, cordage, lights, flint knapping, binoculars, whistles n compasses, odds n sods
Bottom shelf
Tools, axes, saws, files, knives, carving kit, sharpening equipment etc
Right hand unit
Top shelf
Overflow box, heavy duty plastic bags, NBC suit, bits of carving.
Second shelf
Wooden equipment, traps, bow drill, tinder, twatting stick, etc, books on bushcraft and related subjects, maps.
Bottom three shelves
Sleeping bags, roll mats, hammocks, tarps, blankets and bivvy bag.
Not in shot
Heavy duty iron cookware, rucksacks n bags, clothing n boots, tent n camp beds.
Also I have made up 2 packs for the car, one for emergencies and the other for whenever I feel like a day out.
Recently I sorted out my Bushcraft Kit, clearing, organising and tidying it onto shelves, I thought this would make it easier for me to pack, making it less likely for me to forget something.
10.04.14 Pegwell Bay Nature Reserve
Wifey and I planned on having an adventure to Pegwell Bay Nature Reserve, we have intended to go here for the last few years but have not managed it for no reason at all (although we did drive to the car park last year to check on parking prices).
As I was packing a kit to take, Hobo stove, frying pan, tarp etc etc etc, I had a thought, it ran along 2 lines, Wifey enjoys the fact that I enjoy bushcraft but has no real passion for it herself, also lighten my load, so I changed what I packed, 1litre flask of tea, bottle of water, cutting board, food prep knife and a wool blanket, for food we took, cheese and crackers, and a cake.
Also in the front pocket of my daypack I had my first aid kit, radio, small amount of cordage, hand sanitiser, and a compass.
The walk was beautiful, along a stretch of coastal wetland, filled with a variety of birds, butterflies, and even Exmoor ponies, we didn't see longhorn cattle and some wild sheep also near to the mouth of the river Stour apparently there are seals, so next time we visit we will take some binoculars and a better camera.
We walked for nearly 5 miles as a round trip stopping twice to sit and eat and on the way out stopped for an ice cream all in all we had a memorable day.
http://www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk/res ... egwell-bay
As I was packing a kit to take, Hobo stove, frying pan, tarp etc etc etc, I had a thought, it ran along 2 lines, Wifey enjoys the fact that I enjoy bushcraft but has no real passion for it herself, also lighten my load, so I changed what I packed, 1litre flask of tea, bottle of water, cutting board, food prep knife and a wool blanket, for food we took, cheese and crackers, and a cake.
Also in the front pocket of my daypack I had my first aid kit, radio, small amount of cordage, hand sanitiser, and a compass.
The walk was beautiful, along a stretch of coastal wetland, filled with a variety of birds, butterflies, and even Exmoor ponies, we didn't see longhorn cattle and some wild sheep also near to the mouth of the river Stour apparently there are seals, so next time we visit we will take some binoculars and a better camera.
We walked for nearly 5 miles as a round trip stopping twice to sit and eat and on the way out stopped for an ice cream all in all we had a memorable day.
http://www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk/res ... egwell-bay
19.03.14 to 20.03.14 Camp Blaze
Well day after my birthday, let's get out and play with my new toys.
I had every intention of packing and leaving by 10am for a solo camp, but you know how it is, kids off to school, start packing, cook dinner for kids tonight, one of your kids is ill, look after her, visitors arrive and can't get rid of the for an hour etc etc.
On the way I drove past a joke waiting to be created...
...A Pheasant, a Fox and a Badger dead at the side of the road...
Anyway arrive at the woods at 14.30 (not bad) stick my pack on and walk to Camp Blaze, the woodland looks beautiful in the early stages coming to life, I start to shoot a video explaining my load, and my camera decides it's not going to work oh well, still can do a vid with pictures.
Make a coffee using new coffee pot (wow tasty), dismantle the fire place and reassemble into a working fire, collect some wood for fire and carving and chill for a bit, set up camp, get the fire going and put on my new digital radio (BBC Radio 6 Music, win).
Dinner is a Lamb Jalloffee (damn I can cook), I have a few beers, chill some more and turn in.
I wake early before its light, and lay in my hammock watching the sunrise, listening to the dawn chorus and get up about 07.30, have brew or 2, pack most of my kit, have breakfast, and then sit to do some carving after 10 mins (woops, I slice into my thumb) clamp down and wrap that up, time to leave (boo was not planning on this till the afternoon.
Any way off home, great time in the woods and the thumbs not too bad.
I forgot to add, when I got up on 20.03.14 I checked my phone and had a missed call from the police, they left a message Saying my car had been left in a woodland car park (phew), I rang back and said I was Badger watching (kind of true, had a Badger on my beer).
Oh also forgot to thank Paul for his first aid kit advice.
Something like put together his FAK then put in the biggest bandage he could, this made it much easier for my thumb, as when I sliced it I was able to get it out of my kit easily and use it.
Must replace it now.
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Adw0FG3BpQ8
I had every intention of packing and leaving by 10am for a solo camp, but you know how it is, kids off to school, start packing, cook dinner for kids tonight, one of your kids is ill, look after her, visitors arrive and can't get rid of the for an hour etc etc.
On the way I drove past a joke waiting to be created...
...A Pheasant, a Fox and a Badger dead at the side of the road...
Anyway arrive at the woods at 14.30 (not bad) stick my pack on and walk to Camp Blaze, the woodland looks beautiful in the early stages coming to life, I start to shoot a video explaining my load, and my camera decides it's not going to work oh well, still can do a vid with pictures.
Make a coffee using new coffee pot (wow tasty), dismantle the fire place and reassemble into a working fire, collect some wood for fire and carving and chill for a bit, set up camp, get the fire going and put on my new digital radio (BBC Radio 6 Music, win).
Dinner is a Lamb Jalloffee (damn I can cook), I have a few beers, chill some more and turn in.
I wake early before its light, and lay in my hammock watching the sunrise, listening to the dawn chorus and get up about 07.30, have brew or 2, pack most of my kit, have breakfast, and then sit to do some carving after 10 mins (woops, I slice into my thumb) clamp down and wrap that up, time to leave (boo was not planning on this till the afternoon.
Any way off home, great time in the woods and the thumbs not too bad.
I forgot to add, when I got up on 20.03.14 I checked my phone and had a missed call from the police, they left a message Saying my car had been left in a woodland car park (phew), I rang back and said I was Badger watching (kind of true, had a Badger on my beer).
Oh also forgot to thank Paul for his first aid kit advice.
Something like put together his FAK then put in the biggest bandage he could, this made it much easier for my thumb, as when I sliced it I was able to get it out of my kit easily and use it.
Must replace it now.
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Adw0FG3BpQ8
08.03.14 and 16.03.14 Herne Bay Woodland
Been to the woods twice with a kids home, making camps and using a compass and natural navigation in local woodlands.
Risk Assessments and Paperwork
Been spending quite a bit of time writing risk assessments, and creating new bushcraft programs for kids in care.
Using therapeutic thinking around the organisation from initial meeting through to required outcomes, a variety of activities and then to follow through with an assessment of the expedition.
Using therapeutic thinking around the organisation from initial meeting through to required outcomes, a variety of activities and then to follow through with an assessment of the expedition.
01.03.14 Woodland near Rye
Out for a walk in woodland, using Binoculars to look at a variety of birds, pigeons, robins and various tits, also taught the folks with me to use a sling, we also made a children's bow.
Finished off with a cup of tea.
Finished off with a cup of tea.
Feb 2014, Wales
Just got back from 8 days in Wales, on the edge of Snowdonia National Park, I can't go into too much detail as I was working, I spent two days building a lean to shelter, it worked out well, we were able to use it to be comfortable for lunch whilst I poured down, we cooked on slate to prevent fire as we were in a pine woodland.
We also spent an evening carving Tiki Heads, this went very well with everyone making a successful carving.
On the last day I was packing up and dropped my axe, I stupidly attempted to catch it, luckily I missed and only grabbed the blade of my bow saw, this left me with some holes in my hand.
We also spent an evening carving Tiki Heads, this went very well with everyone making a successful carving.
On the last day I was packing up and dropped my axe, I stupidly attempted to catch it, luckily I missed and only grabbed the blade of my bow saw, this left me with some holes in my hand.
17.01.14
After going to the quacks earlier in the week the stronger anti-inflamitories and pain killers gave me the confidence to go further.
I picked up Mo (whom I had met through YouTube) and we went to Thornden Woods, its been teeming down here for ages now, the pathways were flooded out, so we bushwacked through taking a very wobbly route in.
I planned on doing some more flint knapping and possibly making a bow, but with all the extra walking ran out of time, Mo asked lots of questions about the wood and vairious thing in it, I was quite suprised at how much I knew.
A couple of things of note, the amount of water has created some new streams and ponds, I will be interested to see how quickly they dissappear when it dries out, also and definitely the most astonishing to me, the wood ants seem to have gone and been gone for some time, with sign of rabbits etc using them for toilets, so temperature does not affect them (I've been when it's been -10, snowing and they have still been active) but tons of water does.
Mo then made his first fire in the woods, taking some pointers from me (he was as happy as a pig in s**te, it reminded me of doing this with PDF).
Rather than trying to follow out the flooded path we followed the stream out to the road.
I picked up Mo (whom I had met through YouTube) and we went to Thornden Woods, its been teeming down here for ages now, the pathways were flooded out, so we bushwacked through taking a very wobbly route in.
I planned on doing some more flint knapping and possibly making a bow, but with all the extra walking ran out of time, Mo asked lots of questions about the wood and vairious thing in it, I was quite suprised at how much I knew.
A couple of things of note, the amount of water has created some new streams and ponds, I will be interested to see how quickly they dissappear when it dries out, also and definitely the most astonishing to me, the wood ants seem to have gone and been gone for some time, with sign of rabbits etc using them for toilets, so temperature does not affect them (I've been when it's been -10, snowing and they have still been active) but tons of water does.
Mo then made his first fire in the woods, taking some pointers from me (he was as happy as a pig in s**te, it reminded me of doing this with PDF).
Rather than trying to follow out the flooded path we followed the stream out to the road.
16.01.14 Montifiore Woodland
Wifey and I decided to go out for lunch, we drove to a spot near the beach but as the weather was very blowy we decided to goto a woodland, again ending up at Montifiore, I cooked on a gas stove (pasta, rvioli and chopped tomatoes) the food was noice the stove s**te, we then had another mooch around before coming home.
12.01.14 Montifiore Woodland
It's the end of a week off from work, I planned on getting out for at least an overnigher, but due to injuring my shoulder had put off going out till today. I have had to decide that I could just make it to local woods (Montifiore Woodland), I had a mooch around, made a brew and knapped my first arrow head using the knapping kit my wife got me for xmas, before coming home.
Catch Up Overview...
The last 3 posts have not had much detail in them, most of the trips and things me tined in the Catch Up section have YouTube vids available on my YouTube channel MrHatManS.
I have not mentioned many of the colourful characters I met, or talked through a lot of the actual activities and amazing experiences I've had whilst on camps.
If anyone has any questions about any of these posts or would just like some more clarification please feel free to comment.
I have not mentioned many of the colourful characters I met, or talked through a lot of the actual activities and amazing experiences I've had whilst on camps.
If anyone has any questions about any of these posts or would just like some more clarification please feel free to comment.
Catch up Cont...2013
2013 started much the same as 2012 ended with only getting a days here and there out, then in March I went back to the Bushcraft Company for the Unit Leader Training where we had an intensive 10 day course on bushcraft and all its vairious skills, after the course and a lengthy conversation with my wife I decided that I would not do too many courses for them, this was mainly for family and financial reasons, I cooked for a few camps and led a couple throughout the year.
Then in June I went on the Stoneage Bushcraft Canoe Meet, again new experiences from the canoeing to the type of kit and how it's packed.
At this time Wifey was showing some interest again in what I'm was doing and we decided that we would start to have some adventures walking out and about in the local area.
I then continued with my knife project profiling the blade thanks to Paul de Fitter giving me some files (I've still not made a forge).
In October we had another East Kent meet.
2013 was a relatively quiet year for my Bushcrafting, but I still made 20 odd days dirt time.
Then in June I went on the Stoneage Bushcraft Canoe Meet, again new experiences from the canoeing to the type of kit and how it's packed.
At this time Wifey was showing some interest again in what I'm was doing and we decided that we would start to have some adventures walking out and about in the local area.
I then continued with my knife project profiling the blade thanks to Paul de Fitter giving me some files (I've still not made a forge).
In October we had another East Kent meet.
2013 was a relatively quiet year for my Bushcrafting, but I still made 20 odd days dirt time.
Catch up Cont...2012...
2012 started with my first snow hang (extreme hammock camping) with the temps getting down as low as -10, then preparation for a planned lightweight camp, where we were limited on how much kit we could take, made doubly difficult by budget constraints and with it still only being March the temps were not as warm as possible.
Soon after this meet I decided I would like to make my own bushcraft knife, I started the project by making a load of sketches and getting the steel with the intention of profiling the blade at in short order.
I had some more time out with my kids Jamie and Mooka.
In May my life changed dramatically when I got a job with the Bushcraft Company, who mainly teach bushcraft to schools, the position was as a Tribe Leader but after my first few experiences I decided that I would rather focus on the cooking side of this and spent the next 3 months cooking over open fires and had the best summer of working of my life, over the schools summer holidays I helped out in the warehouse sorting kit this really helped me think about what kind of kit I carry and pack personally.
Whilst at the warehouse I wild camped throughout the week, giving me loads of experience on erecting and taking down a camp with speed.
This carried on until September when the Bushcraft Company season finished, I did not get out much for the rest of 2012 just spending the occasional day here and there out.
Soon after this meet I decided I would like to make my own bushcraft knife, I started the project by making a load of sketches and getting the steel with the intention of profiling the blade at in short order.
I had some more time out with my kids Jamie and Mooka.
In May my life changed dramatically when I got a job with the Bushcraft Company, who mainly teach bushcraft to schools, the position was as a Tribe Leader but after my first few experiences I decided that I would rather focus on the cooking side of this and spent the next 3 months cooking over open fires and had the best summer of working of my life, over the schools summer holidays I helped out in the warehouse sorting kit this really helped me think about what kind of kit I carry and pack personally.
Whilst at the warehouse I wild camped throughout the week, giving me loads of experience on erecting and taking down a camp with speed.
This carried on until September when the Bushcraft Company season finished, I did not get out much for the rest of 2012 just spending the occasional day here and there out.
Catch up Continued...2011...
Well the rest of 2011 consisted of a Stoneage Bushcraft Family Meet at Seaford, attended for a day and night by Claire (Wifey) and Amy (fave eldest daughter) and the next two days by Lee (fave eldest son) Jamie/Beef (fave youngest son), Mia/Mooka (fave youngest daughter).
Vairious trips to the woods with my kids individually, solo camps, and practising skills in my garden, including Carving with Mooka, Fire making with Beef, who made his first fire using flint and steel, and a meet with Paul de Fitter where I took my daughter Mia and he took his Granddaughter Mia (unrelated), they built a camp with all mod cons including an internet chat room.
Another Stoneage Bushcraft Meet at Leith Hill and the first SBEKWCB (Stoneage Bushcraft East Kent Wicked Christmas Bash)
The learning curve was extremely steep this year, learning about different ways to lay a fire specific uses, using sharp tools, basic carving of green wood for different projects, also projects at home such as making a Hobo Stove.
It was a massively exiting year learning new things and completely reigniting a passion for the outdoors.
Vairious trips to the woods with my kids individually, solo camps, and practising skills in my garden, including Carving with Mooka, Fire making with Beef, who made his first fire using flint and steel, and a meet with Paul de Fitter where I took my daughter Mia and he took his Granddaughter Mia (unrelated), they built a camp with all mod cons including an internet chat room.
Another Stoneage Bushcraft Meet at Leith Hill and the first SBEKWCB (Stoneage Bushcraft East Kent Wicked Christmas Bash)
The learning curve was extremely steep this year, learning about different ways to lay a fire specific uses, using sharp tools, basic carving of green wood for different projects, also projects at home such as making a Hobo Stove.
It was a massively exiting year learning new things and completely reigniting a passion for the outdoors.
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