Wednesday, July 16
Dartmoor Wildcamp, or is it a BBQ?
The local butcher has just changed hands. Oh hang on, that could be taken wrongly. Not an industrial accident, just that the ownership of said establishment has been revised.
The new man, hailing from South African, has an interesting assortment of ethnic trail food. Proper stuff rather that tasteless bought in the bag stuff.
Looks like this weekend's Blogger meet may turn out to be a DIY feast; Darren's bread-on-a-stick, my chewy spicy stuff; And those bits 'n pieces that always seem to appear from the depths of the various backpacks.
So who's bringing the toilet trowel? That's what we really need to be certain of.Labels: dartmoor, UK Outdoors Blogger Meet
Monday, July 14
Dartmoor wildcamping beckons once more
We've another UK Outdoor Blogger get together this coming weekend. For once its almost "local". Well Dartmoor in fact. And that's about as local as we're ever likely to get if we want to wildcamp without worrying about the access rights issue. Now don't get me started....
For us in the south it makes a change from the usual 4-5 hour northward trip just to get near to the area in question. Although yet ago the plucky Aktoman finds himself travelling far beyond his native Scotland.
Surely the next one is going to have to be north of our border - I'm sure Duncan is starting to pick up an English accent with the number of trips 'abroad' he undertakes these days.
As its a long weekend in an area I've some familiarity with there's a chance for some experimentation on this trip, and another FAQ Tip which might assist someone out there.
Labels: UK Outdoors Blogger Meet
Sunday, August 12
More Outdoor Blogs
The reports are starting to slink back from the Outdoor Bloggers meet in the Beacons, and as expected a high old time seems to be had by all.
Suitably gutted am I.
So whilst they wend there disparate ways back home I'll take the opportunity to scoop them all with news of two new UK blogs that have just come to my attention.
Walk Blighty
"I want to share my experiences and my love for the Great British Outdoors and hopefully pass on some ideas and inspiration..........I've amassed a great deal of kit on my travels and have made many mistakes. I've been too cold, too wet, too hot, too hungry, too thirsty and too uncomfortable enough times to be qualified to give advice on the outdoors"
Sounds an eminently good idea to me.
lost-in-a-forest
From what I've seen so far it was may gave started as a photo blog but is now providing some South West Coastal Footpath/wildcamping pieces. Nice to have another blogger reporting from things in the deep south for a change. (BTW Any idea what the tent is?)
Early days for both contributors, so please give them a chance to settle in.Labels: UK Outdoors Blogger Meet, uk walking blog
Saturday, August 11
While the cats are away....Wordsworth & me out in the sun
With many of my fellow UK Outdoor Bloggers away this weekend on the backpack/wildcamp meet high in the hills of the Brecon Beacons, it leaves the field free for my groundbreaking scoops & exposé from my insider investigations. To bring you the real story behind this nefarious outdoor blogging practice that seems to be sweeping some parts of the walking community. Well a tiddly little bit of it at least.
But unfortunately there's no scandal to speak of. If this weekend's meet is anything like the inaugural Lake District one in June it well be a pleasant, well mannered and thoroughly enjoyable affair for all concerned, especially for the newer brethren joining in for the first time.
I sit here at the garden table, beating my laptop keys whilst squinting to make out the characters on the screen in the strong sunshine. Heat all around. A beer by my right hand. Music on my headphones. And all life's small luxuries a small stumble away back inside the house.
And yet I feel so disheartened that I've not managed to make the meet this weekend. Not jealous. Just aware I'm missing out on friends that I've come to know only so recently, and all the new ones yet to be made.
At the risk of becoming tedious I'll just express what the continual cross communication, fertilisation of ideas and meeting of kindred spirits means to me - Community.
OK as in any walk of life there's a rich variety of backgrounds, personalities and differing viewpoints. And some might even say there's one of two weirdos amongst them (but I'm away this week so your safe - lol)
But behind it all a recognition of a shared wonder of things outdoor that can only be there through practical experience.
We're not all long in the tooth mountaineering experts either. Some have come to the wildcamping experience more recently. But the savouring of that special something can grab you for life, once you've tuned in and accepted that presence. Not necessarily a religious or metaphysical thing.
William Wordsworth for one kept trying to get that feeling out in words:
"With an eye made quiet by the power of harmony, and the deep power of joy, we see into the life of things"
"When from our better selves we have too long been parted by the hurrying world, and droop. Sick of its business, of its pleasures tired, how gracious, how benign in solitude"
"One impulse from a vernal wood May teach you more of man, Of moral evil and of good, Than all the sages can"
Did he manage it? I don't know. But I recognise the symptoms. Most infectious.
And if you want more - his works are freely available on Project Gutenberg. Well if I can't be in Brecon in person, it makes up for it in some small way.Labels: books, Miscellaneous, UK Outdoors Blogger Meet
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
The new man, hailing from South African, has an interesting assortment of ethnic trail food. Proper stuff rather that tasteless bought in the bag stuff.
Looks like this weekend's Blogger meet may turn out to be a DIY feast; Darren's bread-on-a-stick, my chewy spicy stuff; And those bits 'n pieces that always seem to appear from the depths of the various backpacks.
So who's bringing the toilet trowel? That's what we really need to be certain of.
Labels: dartmoor, UK Outdoors Blogger Meet
Dartmoor wildcamping beckons once more
We've another UK Outdoor Blogger get together this coming weekend. For once its almost "local". Well Dartmoor in fact. And that's about as local as we're ever likely to get if we want to wildcamp without worrying about the access rights issue. Now don't get me started....
For us in the south it makes a change from the usual 4-5 hour northward trip just to get near to the area in question. Although yet ago the plucky Aktoman finds himself travelling far beyond his native Scotland.
Surely the next one is going to have to be north of our border - I'm sure Duncan is starting to pick up an English accent with the number of trips 'abroad' he undertakes these days.
As its a long weekend in an area I've some familiarity with there's a chance for some experimentation on this trip, and another FAQ Tip which might assist someone out there.
Labels: UK Outdoors Blogger Meet
Sunday, August 12
More Outdoor Blogs
The reports are starting to slink back from the Outdoor Bloggers meet in the Beacons, and as expected a high old time seems to be had by all.
Suitably gutted am I.
So whilst they wend there disparate ways back home I'll take the opportunity to scoop them all with news of two new UK blogs that have just come to my attention.
Walk Blighty
"I want to share my experiences and my love for the Great British Outdoors and hopefully pass on some ideas and inspiration..........I've amassed a great deal of kit on my travels and have made many mistakes. I've been too cold, too wet, too hot, too hungry, too thirsty and too uncomfortable enough times to be qualified to give advice on the outdoors"
Sounds an eminently good idea to me.
lost-in-a-forest
From what I've seen so far it was may gave started as a photo blog but is now providing some South West Coastal Footpath/wildcamping pieces. Nice to have another blogger reporting from things in the deep south for a change. (BTW Any idea what the tent is?)
Early days for both contributors, so please give them a chance to settle in.Labels: UK Outdoors Blogger Meet, uk walking blog
Saturday, August 11
While the cats are away....Wordsworth & me out in the sun
With many of my fellow UK Outdoor Bloggers away this weekend on the backpack/wildcamp meet high in the hills of the Brecon Beacons, it leaves the field free for my groundbreaking scoops & exposé from my insider investigations. To bring you the real story behind this nefarious outdoor blogging practice that seems to be sweeping some parts of the walking community. Well a tiddly little bit of it at least.
But unfortunately there's no scandal to speak of. If this weekend's meet is anything like the inaugural Lake District one in June it well be a pleasant, well mannered and thoroughly enjoyable affair for all concerned, especially for the newer brethren joining in for the first time.
I sit here at the garden table, beating my laptop keys whilst squinting to make out the characters on the screen in the strong sunshine. Heat all around. A beer by my right hand. Music on my headphones. And all life's small luxuries a small stumble away back inside the house.
And yet I feel so disheartened that I've not managed to make the meet this weekend. Not jealous. Just aware I'm missing out on friends that I've come to know only so recently, and all the new ones yet to be made.
At the risk of becoming tedious I'll just express what the continual cross communication, fertilisation of ideas and meeting of kindred spirits means to me - Community.
OK as in any walk of life there's a rich variety of backgrounds, personalities and differing viewpoints. And some might even say there's one of two weirdos amongst them (but I'm away this week so your safe - lol)
But behind it all a recognition of a shared wonder of things outdoor that can only be there through practical experience.
We're not all long in the tooth mountaineering experts either. Some have come to the wildcamping experience more recently. But the savouring of that special something can grab you for life, once you've tuned in and accepted that presence. Not necessarily a religious or metaphysical thing.
William Wordsworth for one kept trying to get that feeling out in words:
"With an eye made quiet by the power of harmony, and the deep power of joy, we see into the life of things"
"When from our better selves we have too long been parted by the hurrying world, and droop. Sick of its business, of its pleasures tired, how gracious, how benign in solitude"
"One impulse from a vernal wood May teach you more of man, Of moral evil and of good, Than all the sages can"
Did he manage it? I don't know. But I recognise the symptoms. Most infectious.
And if you want more - his works are freely available on Project Gutenberg. Well if I can't be in Brecon in person, it makes up for it in some small way.Labels: books, Miscellaneous, UK Outdoors Blogger Meet
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
For us in the south it makes a change from the usual 4-5 hour northward trip just to get near to the area in question. Although yet ago the plucky Aktoman finds himself travelling far beyond his native Scotland.
Surely the next one is going to have to be north of our border - I'm sure Duncan is starting to pick up an English accent with the number of trips 'abroad' he undertakes these days.
As its a long weekend in an area I've some familiarity with there's a chance for some experimentation on this trip, and another FAQ Tip which might assist someone out there.
Labels: UK Outdoors Blogger Meet
More Outdoor Blogs
The reports are starting to slink back from the Outdoor Bloggers meet in the Beacons, and as expected a high old time seems to be had by all.
Suitably gutted am I.
So whilst they wend there disparate ways back home I'll take the opportunity to scoop them all with news of two new UK blogs that have just come to my attention.
Walk Blighty
"I want to share my experiences and my love for the Great British Outdoors and hopefully pass on some ideas and inspiration..........I've amassed a great deal of kit on my travels and have made many mistakes. I've been too cold, too wet, too hot, too hungry, too thirsty and too uncomfortable enough times to be qualified to give advice on the outdoors"
Sounds an eminently good idea to me.
lost-in-a-forest
From what I've seen so far it was may gave started as a photo blog but is now providing some South West Coastal Footpath/wildcamping pieces. Nice to have another blogger reporting from things in the deep south for a change. (BTW Any idea what the tent is?)
Early days for both contributors, so please give them a chance to settle in.Labels: UK Outdoors Blogger Meet, uk walking blog
Saturday, August 11
While the cats are away....Wordsworth & me out in the sun
With many of my fellow UK Outdoor Bloggers away this weekend on the backpack/wildcamp meet high in the hills of the Brecon Beacons, it leaves the field free for my groundbreaking scoops & exposé from my insider investigations. To bring you the real story behind this nefarious outdoor blogging practice that seems to be sweeping some parts of the walking community. Well a tiddly little bit of it at least.
But unfortunately there's no scandal to speak of. If this weekend's meet is anything like the inaugural Lake District one in June it well be a pleasant, well mannered and thoroughly enjoyable affair for all concerned, especially for the newer brethren joining in for the first time.
I sit here at the garden table, beating my laptop keys whilst squinting to make out the characters on the screen in the strong sunshine. Heat all around. A beer by my right hand. Music on my headphones. And all life's small luxuries a small stumble away back inside the house.
And yet I feel so disheartened that I've not managed to make the meet this weekend. Not jealous. Just aware I'm missing out on friends that I've come to know only so recently, and all the new ones yet to be made.
At the risk of becoming tedious I'll just express what the continual cross communication, fertilisation of ideas and meeting of kindred spirits means to me - Community.
OK as in any walk of life there's a rich variety of backgrounds, personalities and differing viewpoints. And some might even say there's one of two weirdos amongst them (but I'm away this week so your safe - lol)
But behind it all a recognition of a shared wonder of things outdoor that can only be there through practical experience.
We're not all long in the tooth mountaineering experts either. Some have come to the wildcamping experience more recently. But the savouring of that special something can grab you for life, once you've tuned in and accepted that presence. Not necessarily a religious or metaphysical thing.
William Wordsworth for one kept trying to get that feeling out in words:
"With an eye made quiet by the power of harmony, and the deep power of joy, we see into the life of things"
"When from our better selves we have too long been parted by the hurrying world, and droop. Sick of its business, of its pleasures tired, how gracious, how benign in solitude"
"One impulse from a vernal wood May teach you more of man, Of moral evil and of good, Than all the sages can"
Did he manage it? I don't know. But I recognise the symptoms. Most infectious.
And if you want more - his works are freely available on Project Gutenberg. Well if I can't be in Brecon in person, it makes up for it in some small way.Labels: books, Miscellaneous, UK Outdoors Blogger Meet
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
Suitably gutted am I.
So whilst they wend there disparate ways back home I'll take the opportunity to scoop them all with news of two new UK blogs that have just come to my attention.
Walk Blighty
"I want to share my experiences and my love for the Great British Outdoors and hopefully pass on some ideas and inspiration..........I've amassed a great deal of kit on my travels and have made many mistakes. I've been too cold, too wet, too hot, too hungry, too thirsty and too uncomfortable enough times to be qualified to give advice on the outdoors"
Sounds an eminently good idea to me.
lost-in-a-forest
From what I've seen so far it was may gave started as a photo blog but is now providing some South West Coastal Footpath/wildcamping pieces. Nice to have another blogger reporting from things in the deep south for a change. (BTW Any idea what the tent is?)
Early days for both contributors, so please give them a chance to settle in.
Labels: UK Outdoors Blogger Meet, uk walking blog
While the cats are away....Wordsworth & me out in the sun
With many of my fellow UK Outdoor Bloggers away this weekend on the backpack/wildcamp meet high in the hills of the Brecon Beacons, it leaves the field free for my groundbreaking scoops & exposé from my insider investigations. To bring you the real story behind this nefarious outdoor blogging practice that seems to be sweeping some parts of the walking community. Well a tiddly little bit of it at least.
But unfortunately there's no scandal to speak of. If this weekend's meet is anything like the inaugural Lake District one in June it well be a pleasant, well mannered and thoroughly enjoyable affair for all concerned, especially for the newer brethren joining in for the first time.
I sit here at the garden table, beating my laptop keys whilst squinting to make out the characters on the screen in the strong sunshine. Heat all around. A beer by my right hand. Music on my headphones. And all life's small luxuries a small stumble away back inside the house.
And yet I feel so disheartened that I've not managed to make the meet this weekend. Not jealous. Just aware I'm missing out on friends that I've come to know only so recently, and all the new ones yet to be made.
At the risk of becoming tedious I'll just express what the continual cross communication, fertilisation of ideas and meeting of kindred spirits means to me - Community.
OK as in any walk of life there's a rich variety of backgrounds, personalities and differing viewpoints. And some might even say there's one of two weirdos amongst them (but I'm away this week so your safe - lol)
But behind it all a recognition of a shared wonder of things outdoor that can only be there through practical experience.
We're not all long in the tooth mountaineering experts either. Some have come to the wildcamping experience more recently. But the savouring of that special something can grab you for life, once you've tuned in and accepted that presence. Not necessarily a religious or metaphysical thing.
William Wordsworth for one kept trying to get that feeling out in words:
"With an eye made quiet by the power of harmony, and the deep power of joy, we see into the life of things"
"When from our better selves we have too long been parted by the hurrying world, and droop. Sick of its business, of its pleasures tired, how gracious, how benign in solitude"
"One impulse from a vernal wood May teach you more of man, Of moral evil and of good, Than all the sages can"
Did he manage it? I don't know. But I recognise the symptoms. Most infectious.
And if you want more - his works are freely available on Project Gutenberg. Well if I can't be in Brecon in person, it makes up for it in some small way.Labels: books, Miscellaneous, UK Outdoors Blogger Meet
But unfortunately there's no scandal to speak of. If this weekend's meet is anything like the inaugural Lake District one in June it well be a pleasant, well mannered and thoroughly enjoyable affair for all concerned, especially for the newer brethren joining in for the first time.
I sit here at the garden table, beating my laptop keys whilst squinting to make out the characters on the screen in the strong sunshine. Heat all around. A beer by my right hand. Music on my headphones. And all life's small luxuries a small stumble away back inside the house.
And yet I feel so disheartened that I've not managed to make the meet this weekend. Not jealous. Just aware I'm missing out on friends that I've come to know only so recently, and all the new ones yet to be made.
At the risk of becoming tedious I'll just express what the continual cross communication, fertilisation of ideas and meeting of kindred spirits means to me - Community.
OK as in any walk of life there's a rich variety of backgrounds, personalities and differing viewpoints. And some might even say there's one of two weirdos amongst them (but I'm away this week so your safe - lol)
But behind it all a recognition of a shared wonder of things outdoor that can only be there through practical experience.
We're not all long in the tooth mountaineering experts either. Some have come to the wildcamping experience more recently. But the savouring of that special something can grab you for life, once you've tuned in and accepted that presence. Not necessarily a religious or metaphysical thing.
William Wordsworth for one kept trying to get that feeling out in words:
"With an eye made quiet by the power of harmony, and the deep power of joy, we see into the life of things"
"When from our better selves we have too long been parted by the hurrying world, and droop. Sick of its business, of its pleasures tired, how gracious, how benign in solitude"
"One impulse from a vernal wood May teach you more of man, Of moral evil and of good, Than all the sages can"
Did he manage it? I don't know. But I recognise the symptoms. Most infectious.
And if you want more - his works are freely available on Project Gutenberg. Well if I can't be in Brecon in person, it makes up for it in some small way.
Labels: books, Miscellaneous, UK Outdoors Blogger Meet
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
