At the weekend myself and several others from the forum arranged to go up to Dartmoor to spend a weekend in a private woodland with permission from forum member Ivan. It was my first time on Dartmoor and we were expecting minus temperatures so I scrambled around like an idiot asking people questions about kit and generally being disorganised. I eventually decided on taking my hammock and tarp and plenty of layers!
Day 1
We met up bright and early in the Plume of Feathers in Princetown for a mug of tea and a decent fried brekkie, arriving at half eight (well most of us Raven) and then went in a convoy down to the mystery location near West Buckfastleigh, after some surprisingly adept map reading we all arrived in one piece. Ivan & Ed (Entbane) took us on a quick tour after introductions. Well what can I say? It's a lovely location, access straight onto Dartmoor, a clean stream running through, decent mix of woodland and open areas, beautiful spot. All was going well, it was even dry though the skies were a bit grey and mighty cold!
After setting up camp we split into two groups; one planning to hang back on Ivan's land getting up to some bushcraft shenanigans I guess, but I don't really know what they did because Martin and me decided to be brave and venture out onto the open moor for a stroll. Martin was kind enough to teach me some navigation techniques and we had a decent stroll of about 6-7km (correct me there if I'm wrong Martin), diving into some tin workings out of the wind for a spot of lunch.
It was a tad cold up there with plenty of frozen moorland, and even the tubes from our water pouches had the nerve to freeze up. We were met by this dodgy looking bunch on our return.
A great evening followed, campfire, good banter, decent food and general merriment. A few bits of carving, thanks for the teaspoon Ashley! Ed made some pine resin candles which were pretty nifty. The food was particularly impressive, special mention goes to Matt for his seemingly endless supply of delicacies (including an entire saffron loaf and clotted cream) and Ivan & Ed for their generous and much appreciated hunk of Lamb (cooked in a pit with hot stones) and veg casserole. Unfortunately I forgot an integral part of my tripod so once dark set in I was unable to take any decent photos!
The night was very cold, dropping down to about -5, and I think I was pushing the limits of my kit (dd hammock + tarp, foam roll mat & thermarest!) but I managed to get some shut-eye. I was envious of Ashleys hammock cacoon though, and intend to try and make one soon.
Day 2
We all awoke to find sunlight streaming through the trees, transforming the woodland in the way that only a decent sunrise can.
The embers were poked and a fire brought to life for brews and sausages as everyone tried to warm up. I attempted to take some photos but had no time for settings and adjustments while the camera was trying to freeze my hands! Paul Webster came along on the Sunday to check out the site, meet everyone and have brekkie.
A top weekend was had by all.
Thanks to:
Ivan & Ed for the use of the land, and for going beyond the call of duty by having a fire going when we got there with plenty of spare firewood piled high, unexpectedly feeding us, providing beers and being very welcoming. Oh yeah and Ed for being the friendly neighbourhood pyromaniac!
Matt for the lifts and all the shared food!
Martin for teaching me how to use my compass.
Ashley for teaching me some better knots for my hammock, including the famous Cawley Hitch!!
Everyone for being great company.
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