Herts / North London Christmas meet

[Mesquite]

Following on from the success of the first Herts / North London meet and queries from people about when the next one will take place I'm pleased to say the little wifey has given me a pass for the first weekend of December from Friday 5th, to Sunday 7th.

The meet takes place in a wood in the Watford/Rickmansworth area and is approximately 14 acres of primarily mature larch interspersed with various decidious trees mainly beech, birch a few oak and ash. It's about 10-15 minutes from the M25 as well. There's plenty of suitable trees for the hammock dwellers, also, there's plenty of fallen wood and loads of flint free for collection. There's several nice river walks nearby as well if you fancy going for a bimble.

Please note that there are absolutely NO facilities at the woods. You'll have to make sure you bring enough water with you and there will be a latrine pit.

Unfortunately, due to the size of the wood, numbers will be restricted and there are 18 adult spaces and will be reserved on a first come first served basis. Children are welcome to come along and join in the fun. Hopefully we can have some sort of festivities on the Saturday night and cook up something special for everyone. Someone did mention a turkey curry :D

Please indicate if you'll be attending 1 or 2 nights and which nights they'll be.

1. Mesquite, Friday & Saturday.
2. C_Claycomb, Friday & Saturday
3. Ncarvajal + 1, Friday & Saturday
4. Grebby, Friday and Saturday
5. Red Kite, Friday & Saturday
6. Mick Miller, Saturday night (+ Friday TBC)
7. Dave1942 + 1 Saturday night
8. Benp1, Friday & Saturday
9. Rat pac. Friday & Saturday (Friday TBC)
10. Godfather + 1, Saturday night
11. Mittenz, Friday & Saturday
12. T1tch, Friday & Saturday
13. Stevesteve, Saturday
14. Phil Wright, Saturday
15, Shovel reccy, Friday & Saturday
16. Herbz + 1 Friday night



3 spaces left for Friday night
0 spaces left for Saturday night

[Grebby]

Would it be possible to pop over during one of the days to meet up and say hi?

I'm only just down the road and would like to come and play but I don't really have the kit to overnight.

Cheers

Grebby

[C_Claycomb]

Me please:D
I will be sure to put the CORRECT dates in the diary this time!
:lmao:

[Mesquite]

Would it be possible to pop over during one of the days to meet up and say hi?

I'm only just down the road and would like to come and play but I don't really have the kit to overnight.

Cheers

Grebby

You're more than welcome to come over Grebby.

If you do fancy staying overnight I'm sure that between us we can find you some kit to use. It doesn't take that much to get started up. I've got a spare tent you can use as well as cooking gear etc.

[Mesquite]

Me please:D
I will be sure to put the CORRECT dates in the diary this time!
:lmao:

:lmao: :lmao: no game fairs around then are there Chris? ;)

[ncarvajal]

Can you put me down for both nights again please? I will try to get there early on friday this time. Thanks!

[Grebby]

You're more than welcome to come over Grebby.

If you do fancy staying overnight I'm sure that between us we can find you some kit to use. It doesn't take that much to get started up. I've got a spare tent you can use as well as cooking gear etc.

Cooking gear isn't a problem. Its more the sleeping gear. I've got a tent but its a 3 man so a little on the large side. I'll have a delve under the stairs and see what sleeping bags I can find.

I'm currently trying to sell a 6' fish tank to raise some funds and please SWMBO. This will mean that I can splash out on a hammock and some other bits.

That said hopefully I'll have managed that by December so I'll say go for it. I've just checked and I'm allowed. A mate of mine may be very interested as well. If I could say yes for both nights possibly with my mate.

I'll call him and see if he wants to come and let you know ASAP.

Cheers

Grebby

[Red Kite]

Hi Steve

Put me for both nights please

Cheers

Stewart

[ncarvajal]

Hey Steve,

The missus might be up for it but has to check her schedule. Can you put her down as a TBC please. I'll let you know as soon as I hear back from her if it is a yay or nay.

Best,
NC

[Mesquite]

Hi Steve

Put me for both nights please



Hey Steve,

The missus might be up for it but has to check her schedule. Can you put her down as a TBC please. I'll let you know as soon as I hear back from her if it is a yay or nay.


All done :)

[mick miller]

Hi Steve, I thoroughly enjoyed meeting you all and would love to meet up again, can I be put down for Saturday night please whilst I see if I can work things so as to do both nights.

Thanks once again for organising!

[dave1942]

Hi Steve,
Please book 2 spaces for Jason and myself for the Saturday night only. (Scouts on Friday)

Thanks
Dave

[benp1]

having missed the first one please count me in for this one! friday and saturday nights for me please

[godfather]

I would love to stay over Saturday night.

Let me know if anyone needs any transport as I live a couple of miles away from the woods.

[Grebby]

My friend has decided that it might be a bit too cold and nasty + it's the busiest time for him at work so he may have to work those days so has backed out.

So its just me. What sort of stuff will I be needing?

Cheers

Grebby

[godfather]

I have 4 friends that would like to go if that is possible?

[godfather]

BTW,

let me know if you would like me to bring along some group food (pasta and my homemade ragu)?

[Mesquite]

So its just me. What sort of stuff will I be needing?

Cheers

Grebby


I have 4 friends that would like to go if that is possible?


You both have PM's :)

[stevesteve]

Hi Mesquite,

Please can I book in for Saturday?:You_Rock_
Sounds great... I assume you've booked some good weather:D

Cheers,
Steve

[phil wright]

put my name down for the saturday night please.
i will have to come straight from work so wont be there until 6.30ish, hope this isnt a problem.
rgards
phil

[Mesquite]

Please can I book in for Saturday?:You_Rock_
Sounds great... I assume you've booked some good weather:D



put my name down for the saturday night please.
i will have to come straight from work so wont be there until 6.30ish, hope this isnt a problem.

All booked :) As for weather I'll let you know on the day ;) and as for arriving late that's no probs at all apart fro you having to set up in the dark so make sure you aren't using some new kit that night or it might be an interesting night for you :D

[phil wright]

i'll give my tent to shovel reccy, he will be there a whole day before me lol

[phil wright]

oh by the way when do we get the directions to these woods?
just curious to see exactly where they are.
phil

[Mesquite]

oh by the way when do we get the directions to these woods?
just curious to see exactly where they are.
phil

You have a PM :)

[mittenz]

Is everyone coming who came before? i hope so! It was fun fun fun! I wonder if I'll be the only other one with a huge ass tent again!

Em

[Mesquite]

Is everyone coming who came before? i hope so! It was fun fun fun!

It looks like just about everyone who was there in September is planning to attend again in December so it should be a good time again :D


I wonder if I'll be the only other one with a huge ass tent again!


If it turns out to be a cold frosty meet we may well be jealous of you in your huge tipi. Be prepared to repell invaders :D

[shovel reccy]

sorry not to clever with the old pc thing. would love to do the full weekend if poss cheers.

[Mesquite]

sorry not to clever with the old pc thing. would love to do the full weekend if poss cheers.

Nope probs. Look forward to having you along :)

[Mesquite]

Following on from this thread (http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/showthread.php?p=450453#post45 0453) that I posted is anyone interested in a cheap bowsaw?

I'll let people know the price once I know how many might be interested but I don't expect it to cost that much.

[Grebby]

Yes please :D

Grebby

[Mesquite]

Just to let the folks who have said they're attending know I've mailed you the details of the meet.

One of the things suggested at the September meet was we have a social meal on the Saturday night for everyone. Turkey curry was suggested as a potential meal... How does that sound to everyone? And if you don't like the idea of a curry can you suggest something else?

[Grebby]

I had my head in the freezer (defrosting) the other day and discovered that we still have a lot of large lumps of pig in there and was wondering if we had any budding bushcraft cooks along who could/would make use of some at the meet. I can't cook for the world but I do like a nice bit of pork;)

I was just wondering if big chunks of pig would be appreciated/used?

Cheers

Grebby

[Grebby]

I'll take taht as a "No" then. :)

Grebby

[Mesquite]

Sorry Grebby, I forgot to reply to your question. Thanks for your offer, I'd love a bit of pork. We can do a stew or something on the Friday night perhaps.

[Grebby]

I'll bring up a chunk along then. How big do you reckon?

[Mesquite]

Does anyone fancy a night out in the woods this weekend?

I'm planning to go down and do a bit of work in the woods this Saturday 15th/Sunday 16th in prep for the December meet.

If you do then drop me a PM and I'll give you the details :)

[Mirius]

I'd be interested in coming along, not going to be able to stay overnight on the Friday because I've not tested any of my camping kit! But if there is space on the Saturday to come and say hi, then that'd be good.

[Mesquite]

I'd be interested in coming along, not going to be able to stay overnight on the Friday because I've not tested any of my camping kit! But if there is space on the Saturday to come and say hi, then that'd be good.

There's plenty of space as this is just a one off as I fancy a night out and as I said I've got to get a bit of firewood chopped for the meet.

I'm only doing the Saturday night and aim to be down the woods by about 2pm on the Saturday.

I've PM'd you the location :)

[Mesquite]

Just a bump to those folks that are coming.

There was talk of having a social meal on the Saturday night one of the suggestions was doing a turkey curry. Also Grebby has offered to bring some pork for the friday evening.

So who's up for some pork on the Friday evening and who wants turkey curry on the Saturday. Also....... does anyone know how to cook a good curry? I love eating them but I'm not that hot on cooking them :(

Also, is there any activities that you might like to do or learn. If so speak up and we'll see if there's anyone that can help with it.

[Grebby]

I'd quite like to work out how to reprofile/sharpen my spoon knife.

That and how big a lump of pig is needed?

Cheers

Grebby

[dave1942]

Like many people on this forum, I have alot of gear that I would like to dispose off. It ranges from sharps to cooking equipment plus other odds and sods. I will be bringing it at the weekend to see if anyone is interested. Likewise if you are in the same situation bring your unwanted kit. I am sure that there will be something for everyone. Helps to keep the cost down as it cuts out paypal and postage fees. You can also see before you swap / buy.

See you all at the week end

Dave

[C_Claycomb]

Dave,
Don't forget to bring that knife you mentioned wanting to have re-ground. Can't say I will do it on the day, but I might as well have a look and can then take it home if needed. Also, you mentioned having some home made stoves that sounded like they would be worth seeing. I'll bring mine, plus the bought one, and we can compare notes :)

Sorry, but I have never cooked a curry in my life, so am afraid that I wouldn't know the first thing about cooking one in the woods. I am happy to help with prep though if someone else can direct. ;)

Having said that, I am also quite happy to potter around burning my own dinner on my own stove, I kind of find it one of the joys of being out :rolleyes: :lmao:

Handy group kit:
I don't remember much about what everyone had, or how things were arranged last time, seeing as I was late :rolleyes:, but if needed I have a shiney new 3.5 litre kettle that might do for over the fire, and a single mantle Coleman lantern that does well for area light of a dark night.

[Mesquite]

I'd quite like to work out how to reprofile/sharpen my spoon knife.

That and how big a lump of pig is needed?

Cheers

Grebby

Not too sure how to reprofile a spoon knife but I'm sure someone will help you out :0

As for the pork how about large lump and we can have a stew on the friday night


Like many people on this forum, I have alot of gear that I would like to dispose off. It ranges from sharps to cooking equipment plus other odds and sods. I will be bringing it at the weekend to see if anyone is interested. Likewise if you are in the same situation bring your unwanted kit. I am sure that there will be something for everyone. Helps to keep the cost down as it cuts out paypal and postage fees. You can also see before you swap / buy.

Looks like I'll have to bring some money with me for the weekend :D Any chance of listing a few of the items Dave so we've got a rough idea of what's on offer?

I'll also dig out any odd bits of kit that I don't have need for (more to the point the little wifey tells me I don't need :D )


Sorry, but I have never cooked a curry in my life, so am afraid that I wouldn't know the first thing about cooking one in the woods. I am happy to help with prep though if someone else can direct. ;)

Having said that, I am also quite happy to potter around burning my own dinner on my own stove, I kind of find it one of the joys of being out :rolleyes: :lmao:


I know what you mean Chris :) . Only a couple people have expressed an interest in doing a group meal for the Saturday night so I'll bring some stuff with me but I'm not promising anything special.... chillies are a better bet from my outdoor cooking :D


Handy group kit:
I don't remember much about what everyone had, or how things were arranged last time, seeing as I was late :rolleyes:, but if needed I have a shiney new 3.5 litre kettle that might do for over the fire, and a single mantle Coleman lantern that does well for area light of a dark night.

My kettle, large cast iron griddle and fire irons will be there also but we can soon take the shine off of your kettle Chris :D I'll also be borrowing an extra large tarp from work incase of inclement weather. I've also got a couple parrafin lanterns to help shed some light in a dark wood :)

[dave1942]

Hi All,
Here is a list of some of the items that I will be bringing at the week end for trade or sale. Nothing will be over £35-00 per item so if you buy it won't break the bank. I have not put up pictures but I have quoted the buy new price from the Heinnie web site.

1) New in box Spyderco Native folder model C41PBK plain blade. (Heinnie price £59-95) £35-00. (is may not be available on the day as a friend of mine has his eye on it.)

2) New in box Gerber folder. AR 3.00 Plain black blade G5848 (Heinnie price £38-95) £22-50

3) Little used EKA Nordic H8 fixed blade (Heinnie price £56-95) £30-00

4) Little used Fallkniven WM1 Fixed blade VG10 with Kydex /Zytel neck sheath Heinnie price £53-95) £25-00

5) Gerber Compact sport multitool, hardly used. (Heinnie price 42-95) £20-00

6) Coleman stainless cooking sets, about 10yrs old so they may not be available now. Both in good condition. One is small for one person lightweight and the other is a set of 4 pots of varying sizes plus fry pan / lid £8-00 and £15-00.

7) Coleman 400 Featherlight multifuel stove. Again about 10 yrs old but in good condition. £17-50

8) Modified Ikea drainer (Wayland style) with 12cm Zebra pot. Both used but in good condition £12-50

9) Second modified drainer with two home made cook pots (sugar & tea containers). Used to boil water only. £12-50.

10) Swanndri Rover jacket size medium 96 cm (now too snug a fit). Blue and black check,
good condition one button missing from cuff. £25-00.

There will be a lot of other bits including belt pouches, small leather bags, firesteels.

These prices are not cast in stone and I am happy to bargain if necessary.

See you all at the week end

Dave

[Grebby]

As for the pork how about large lump and we can have a stew on the friday night

1.7kg(frozen) lump of leg now in fridge defrosting. Is that going to be enough? I can get more out if needed. I've found some leeks and carrots that my dad bought down when he visited so I'll bring those along for the stew as well.

It seems that illumination won't be a problem but if needed I can dig out my colman 2 mantle light?

Cheers

Grebby

[Mesquite]

1.7kg(frozen) lump of leg now in fridge defrosting. Is that going to be enough?

I think that'll be plenty enough for folks I'll bring some potatoes as well as the mixings for the curry Saturday evening. :D


It seems that illumination won't be a problem but if needed I can dig out my colman 2 mantle light?


Won't do any harm to have it in case of backup. Better bring it and not use it than not to bring it and need it

[Mesquite]

Hi All,
Here is a list of some of the items that I will be bringing at the week end for trade or sale. Nothing will be over £35-00 per item so if you buy it won't break the bank. I have not put up pictures but I have quoted the buy new price from the Heinnie web site.

There will be a lot of other bits including belt pouches, small leather bags, firesteels.

These prices are not cast in stone and I am happy to bargain if necessary.

See you all at the week end

Dave

Seems you're bring a veritable shop Dave :)

[dave1942]

You haven't seen it all yet. This shop is so overstocked that it dare not buy anything new until it shifts some of what it has got. That's what I have been told. It always happens no matter what I take an interest in, you should see my other camping gear and archery equipment. :eek:

Dave

[mittenz]

I'm really looking forward to this!! I have been so excited about this i haven't slept properly for 2days how lame is that :( i am going to be exhausted by tomorrow!

[Mesquite]

I'm really looking forward to this!! I have been so excited about this i haven't slept properly for 2days how lame is that :( i am going to be exhausted by tomorrow!

LOL..... I'm glad you're looking forward to the meet. I know I am too so lets hope the weather holds up and we all have a good time :)

[ncarvajal]

Steve,

What time are you planning on being there tomorrow?

Best,
NC

[Mesquite]

Steve,

What time are you planning on being there tomorrow?

Best,
NC

I'm aiming to be at the woods from noon onwards Nic. If the combination lock is on the gate them I'm there. If it's not I ought to be along very shortly.

See you tomorrow :)

[stevesteve]

Hi Mesquite,
I have sent you a PM... hope you see it before you leave for the woods.

Cheers,
Steve

[Mesquite]

Hi Mesquite,
I have sent you a PM... hope you see it before you leave for the woods.

Cheers,
Steve

Seen and replied to :)

[godfather]

Mesquite,

a big thank you for arranging this meet up it was clear that a great deal of effort went into preping the site.

I have a great time and it wan't as cold as it could have been!!

Great to meet all of the folks there too.

[dave1942]

Hi Steve,
The meet up weekend seems a long time ago. From Jason and I many thanks for organising. It was good to see people that had been on the earlier meet and to make the aquaintance of some new faces.Hope that we can do something similar in the new year.

Dave :) :) :thanks:

[Mesquite]

Hi Steve,
The meet up weekend seems a long time ago. From Jason and I many thanks for organising. It was good to see people that had been on the earlier meet and to make the aquaintance of some new faces.Hope that we can do something similar in the new year.

Dave :) :) :thanks:


It was good to see everyone again and the new faces as well. Tis a real shame that was the last meet we'll be able to have in those woods after the landowner withdrew his permission :( but I'm making enquiries so hopefully it won't be the last of the Herts/North London meets :)

In the meantime here's a few pics of that weekend to remind us all of what a good weekend it was.

Main campfire area
http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk151/mesquite_uk/herts1.jpg

Dave pondering his hobo stove :)
http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk151/mesquite_uk/herts11.jpg

Grebby doing the same :)
http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk151/mesquite_uk/herts12.jpg

Jasons new toy.... it really made us jealous but just imagine trying to backpack with it :D
http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk151/mesquite_uk/herts2.jpg

Another view of Jason toy, one serious bit of iron work there for sure :)
http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk151/mesquite_uk/herts3.jpg

Folks playing around with a flip-flop winch. Amazing just how simple it is but how effective at the same time
http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk151/mesquite_uk/herts4.jpg

Chris trying out another winch method using caribiners. Again a very effective method (especially good at pulling over rotten trees :D )
http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk151/mesquite_uk/herts5.jpg

Jasons toy in action....
http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk151/mesquite_uk/herts8.jpg

And the end results... his and Daves breakfast on the sunday
http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk151/mesquite_uk/herts7.jpg

Steve with his young lad and their argos tipi
http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk151/mesquite_uk/herts9.jpg

Last but not least.... the after effects of a good bottle of whisky on a certain bushcrafter. He said it was a good idea at the time... but wasn't too sure when he woke up at 11:30am :D
http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk151/mesquite_uk/herts6.jpg

[Grebby]

Last but not least.... the after effects of a good bottle of whisky on a certain bushcrafter. He said it was a good idea at the time... but wasn't too sure when he woke up at 11:30am :D
http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk151/mesquite_uk/herts6.jpg

I'm just glad that no-one had a camera in action whilst I was trying to get into it. Only took 3 or 4 attempts :o

Still I was lovely and warm though. And I thought that 11:30 was pretty good. Only 15 mins later than the previous morning and a couple of hours earlier than a normal Sunday.

Looking forward to the next one :D

Cheers

Grebby

[stevesteve]

Hi to All,

A big thank you to Steve/Mesquite for organising the meet. It was a lovely weekend and a splendid setting.

I had intended to turn up on my own later on Saturday carrying a single pack and sleep in just a bivibag under a tarp. Then just a the last minute my son decided that there was no way he wanted me to leave without him (we had had a strange week and it was all a bit much when it was time for me to go out). After about 2 seconds thought I said "You'll need some more clothes on then!"

It also meant a quick trip up to the attic to the tent store. Mmmm... massive whole family tent (nominally 8 pers), four man dome or the two man tipi? The Argos tipi had only been pitched once in the garden but at £19 it had seemed pretty good value. So that was added to the heap. Plus more water, plus more food and another sleeping bag etc. By the time we finally left home it was 16:00 and already getting dark!

We made our way to the wood and pitched the tipi. This was easier said than done in the dark and not helped by the impenetrable flinty gravel that was immediately below the leaf litter - Note To Self: bin the Argos pegs and replace with something stronger! Still it was up and approximately conical.

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n71/stevestevephoto/Bushcraft/BCUK_nov/tent_6x4.jpg

We joined the main party by the fire and shared in the currey. The one thing I had forgotten to grab was some KFS but Grebby very kindly gave my son a hand carved spoon which he now has as a treasured souvenir. We had some chit chat but we were both tired and turned in at about 20:00. It was quite a cold night and being single skin the tipi had quite a bit of condensation. The sloping sides mean that we didn't get dripped on and I was very happy with the way it held up - no wind but the pegs will be better next time anyway.

We woke at dawn after a starlit night and ventured outside. I don't know how cold it had been at night but the puddles on the tracks had frozen.

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n71/stevestevephoto/Bushcraft/BCUK_nov/ice_6x4.jpg

The woods are mixed but there was plenty of fallen larch for kindling and small firewood.

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n71/stevestevephoto/Bushcraft/BCUK_nov/axe_6x5.jpg

We set to and dug down to the gravel outside the tipi. My son is eight and had never lit his own fire before. I had forgotten that there's a knack to using a ferrorod. He tried and tried before he finally got it right and landed some sparks on the charcloth. After blowing for a while he got flames and the biggest smile.

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n71/stevestevephoto/Bushcraft/BCUK_nov/fire_6x5.jpg

The weather was very kind to us and we had clear blue skies, which is quite a contrast to most weekends before and since. So top marks to Mesquite for organising the climate!

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n71/stevestevephoto/Bushcraft/BCUK_nov/sky_6x4.jpg

All in all a great weekend and one that did both my son and I a great deal of good. Thanks to everyone that made it such a success (including Grebby for also lending my son a wool blanket in the evening and Chris for his help sharpening my knife).

Cheers,
Steve

[fatduck89]

I can't believe I missed this! :''''''''''''''''''''''(