Islay Journeyman Course June 2007 - A tonic for the soul.

[Too Much Kit To Carry]

As some of my friends will already know I have just got back from the Islay Journeyman Course which is run by Jeremy Hastings of Islay Birding and Bushcraft: -

http://www.islaybushcraft.co.uk/

http://www.islaybirding.co.uk/

The course I completed is viewable here http://www.islaybushcraft.co.uk/courses2.asp

I don't intend going into too much detail or writing a review because I do not possess the words to describe what an amazing time I had on the course. Suffice to say it was the most spiritually uplifting experience of my life and it was a journey of far too many emotions for me to share on a forum. As for the wildlife - "WOW" is all I can say!

For those of you that are fortunate enough to have met and know Jeremy you will appreciate that he has made a massive impact upon me. He is truly a unique man and I am very fortunate and proud to have spent five days being in the nature with him and learning so much from him, not just about flora and fauna but also about myself.

If I were to rate this course I would give it the highest of marks. For those of you that want to undertake a journey, apply your skills for real and be as one with a wild place and the nature it is home to then this is the course for you.

I have attached some pictures taken during the journey. Enjoy!

http://www.acidman.co.uk/WClan/Islay_01.jpg

http://www.acidman.co.uk/WClan/Islay_02.jpg

http://www.acidman.co.uk/WClan/Islay_03.jpg

http://www.acidman.co.uk/WClan/Islay_04.jpg

http://www.acidman.co.uk/WClan/Islay_05.jpg

http://www.acidman.co.uk/WClan/Islay_06.jpg

http://www.acidman.co.uk/WClan/Islay_07.jpg

http://www.acidman.co.uk/WClan/Islay_08.jpg

http://www.acidman.co.uk/WClan/Islay_09.jpg

http://www.acidman.co.uk/WClan/Islay_10.jpg

http://www.acidman.co.uk/WClan/Islay_11.jpg

http://www.acidman.co.uk/WClan/Islay_12.jpg

http://www.acidman.co.uk/WClan/Islay_13.jpg

http://www.acidman.co.uk/WClan/Islay_14.jpg

Phil.

[andyn]

Beautiful mate. Very exciting!

Less kit yet? ;)

I'm really pleased for you that you enjoyed it, and that it turned out to be everything and more than you had expected. I can't wait till next year when I'm going up there. These tasters just make the wait more painfull!

Can't wait to hear about it in person.

[Fenlander]

Pleased you had a really good time Phil.

Can't help noticing you have by far the largest pack though!:p

Nice pictures BTW.

[Marts]

Sounds like an excellent course Phil. Now you've got me thinking about next year myself.....

I notice Jeremy is also talking about an offshore island expedition. Sounds interesting too..

[dommyracer]

Was reading up on this course recently, looks blinding. Might have to give this one serious consideration.

[AndyW]

Now that looks like somewhere I'd like to go and it sounds like a course I'd love!

I'll read up on it later after work ;)

[andyn]

Sounds like an excellent course Phil. Now you've got me thinking about next year myself.....

I notice Jeremy is also talking about an offshore island expedition. Sounds interesting too..

Marts, this could well be the collabourate effort between him and Bearclaw Bushcraft. Its called the 'Fasach Ile' Course. Its the one I'm on next year. I think they are fully booked for the 2008 course though. Popular huh! :eek:

[Marts]

Marts, this could well be the collabourate effort between him and Bearclaw Bushcraft. Its called the 'Fasach Ile' Course. Its the one I'm on next year. I think they are fully booked for the 2008 course though. Popular huh! :eek:

2008 courses booked already :eek:

This bushcraft malarky's getting far too popular :cussing:

[fred gordon]

Looks like you had a superb time. Thanks for sharing the pics.:D

[Too Much Kit To Carry]

Looks like you had a superb time. Thanks for sharing the pics.:D

Fred,

It was awesome in every respect and as for sharing it's my pleasure ;)

Phil.

[hanzo]

Thanks for sharing your great pictures. I see you had lamb and pignuts. The lamb looked a little stringy though. :rolleyes:

[Too Much Kit To Carry]

Thanks for sharing your great pictures. I see you had lamb and pignuts. The lamb looked a little stringy though. :rolleyes:

LOL - the lamb is McSheep one of my sons toys from when he was a baby - thought it would be funny to take along for the adventure and get various action poses :D

Phil.

[leon-1]

I was up there a few years ago with Jeremy, he is a really good guy. Islay is a beautiful place and the course I would think is really good (I was one of the trials team for the course).

[hanzo]

LOL - the lamb is McSheep one of my sons toys from when he was a baby - thought it would be funny to take along for the adventure and get various action poses :D

Phil.


I figured I would be politically correct and say lamb instead of making sheep comments. :o

[Too Much Kit To Carry]

I was up there a few years ago with Jeremy, he is a really good guy. Islay is a beautiful place and the course I would think is really good (I was one of the trials team for the course).

Yeah Jez was telling me Leon. We walked through the same corral where you guys saw the adder. BTW - His possibles pouch is still looking mighty fine :cool:

Mr. Hastings is one of the nicest and most inspiring people I have ever met. A very good teacher in not just bushcraft, nature, etc. but in life also.

Be good to see him again at the Gathering.

Phil.

[BOD]

Wonderful photos.

Glad you had a good time.

I must get myself up there soon

[Too Much Kit To Carry]

Just remembered this thread and looking at these pictues has bought back some wonderful memories.

Can't wait to go back next year and explore some more of this beautiful island :cool:

Phil.