As part of our attempt to keep up at least one bivvy per month, and also to at least justify some of the costs of the titanium gubbins we're buying (when alu and plastic would clearly suffice), we'd all pencilled in a few dates in December to set aside for some log burning action in the woods. It seemed five days before Christmas would be the most accessible, so we opted for that!
The weather reports leading up the the date had been 'frightening' to say the least...
50mph gusts had been predicted...hooning rain on the cards...zombie apocalypse likely...(probably).
Regardless, despite being advised against such a foolish venture we'd already packed our bags and we planning on swapping secret santa goodies on't hills, so it was too late now!
50mph gusts had been predicted...hooning rain on the cards...zombie apocalypse likely...(probably).
Regardless, despite being advised against such a foolish venture we'd already packed our bags and we planning on swapping secret santa goodies on't hills, so it was too late now!
Seeing as the single-speed is the go to bike for anything nowadays, and it's the only frame that fits the frame bag (see earlier blog) myself and Tommo headed up later than the rest of the chaps - this could have been partially due to Tommo steadily putting back the departure time, coupled with the plan to arrive with log fire up and roaring?!
It's only about 12 miles out to 'the spot', but yet we somehow managed to deal with a slow puncture, tubeless-> tubed faff, and a few pee stops!
However, as predicted, camp had been set up and the woods were steadily being fed into the flames!
It's only about 12 miles out to 'the spot', but yet we somehow managed to deal with a slow puncture, tubeless-> tubed faff, and a few pee stops!
However, as predicted, camp had been set up and the woods were steadily being fed into the flames!
Lee and myself were both starving - he'd opted for something straightforward and immediately munchable.
I, on the other hand, had a three course supper planned!
The menu was:
I, on the other hand, had a three course supper planned!
The menu was:
- Roast Camembert and bread sticks
- Steak, cous-cous and steamed veg
- Chocolate dusted almonds
And here's the kitchen at full service...
The food and drink was awesome! A big thanks to James for lugging up the tinnies (and the dry firewood to get the fire going) - he came in the car, but still had a few miles to plod through the woods!
After food and fire stoking, we all swapped secret santa goodies... Ta muchly to whoever got me my bobble hat!
After food and fire stoking, we all swapped secret santa goodies... Ta muchly to whoever got me my bobble hat!
At 'sometime'o'clock' we decided to hit the sack.
It appeared someone had spiked Tim's 14th drink, and it all became a bit too much for him. Being the sensible chaps we are, myself and Hoops managed to take hi muddy boots off and help him into his bag!
As expected - Asbo's attempt at pitching a bivvy was lacklustre to say the least. It's rare to have 4 bikes available to hold down your tarp, however on this occasion he stuck luck..
It appeared someone had spiked Tim's 14th drink, and it all became a bit too much for him. Being the sensible chaps we are, myself and Hoops managed to take hi muddy boots off and help him into his bag!
As expected - Asbo's attempt at pitching a bivvy was lacklustre to say the least. It's rare to have 4 bikes available to hold down your tarp, however on this occasion he stuck luck..
As I seem to have a tarp the size of a small country (yet it still fits in the frame bag...) Lee shacked up under my canvas (oi oi...) for the night.
A mix of careful planning on expected wind direction, and some handy tarp pitching (line between two trees, tarp hung below), despite the winds properly howling, and the rain really giving it some, we didn't get a drop of water in on us!
Here's Lee sleeping like a baby..
A mix of careful planning on expected wind direction, and some handy tarp pitching (line between two trees, tarp hung below), despite the winds properly howling, and the rain really giving it some, we didn't get a drop of water in on us!
Here's Lee sleeping like a baby..
Come the morning the rain had died down and water was heated for porridge and coffee (Lyons coffee bags FTW).
Camp was taken down, and the the rain started again so we tabbed it back along the road..
Camp was taken down, and the the rain started again so we tabbed it back along the road..
The great thing about these micro-adventures is that you can leave late, have a great time, and be back the next day mid morning!
People still think you're mad for doing it....but who wants to be sane eh?!
People still think you're mad for doing it....but who wants to be sane eh?!