1st overnight - out in the woods in Stevenage

[scubapauly]

After much lurking and soaking up information from users here I ventured off into my local wood. Armed with a bergen full (to my surprise) of kit andmentally ready for some testing of myself, skills and ability :)

Ok a bit dramatic, but although I've spent a lot of time in my local wood photographing the wildlife and videoing badgers, I hadn't done a whole night. Even camping as a kid I hadn't gone out alone.

I camped for the day on Monday just to test the setup. Cooked lunch and chilled for the afternoon.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v668/Scubapauly/IMAG0012.jpg

My chosen site was in a bit of a dip, I wanted to make sure the dogwalkers wouldn't see me. I have had permission to play from the guy who manages the wood and the owners tolerate people as long as they don't leave rubbish or cause damage. No one polices it though and my girlfriend and I have done litter picks just to make it look nicer.

So anyways, went back yesterday. Pitched in the same spot. Kept myself busy by collecting wood and keeping my hobo stove burning (local kids have had bonfires and always make a mess. Even had to call the firebrigade out this week!!). Surprising how warm you can stay sitting by the tin can stove :)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v668/Scubapauly/IMAG0019.jpg

Even though it started raining at 1am I was toasty, warm and dry and LOVED every minute of it. Even had 10 fallow deer walk past my camp once it was dark.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v668/Scubapauly/IMAG0020.jpg

For the kit junkies out there I was using;
Vango Nightstar 300XL sleeping bag
http://www.intertent.co.uk/product_414-23-97_Vango-Nitestar-300-XL-Square-Sleeping-Bag.htm
Tenth Wonder Green Hornet Hammock and Sargasso Tarp
http://stores.shop.ebay.co.uk/Tenth-Wonder-Hammocks

[scrogger]

Looks like a good first trip pauly thanks for sharing mate hope to see you posting a bit more for your future outings. And yes I lit just a small fire whilst messing with a new knife the other day it was just nice sitting in the autumn air with the little crackle of a fire.

[Mesquite]

Looks like a great time was had Pauly. It's good when you can have wood time like that :)

[lostagain]

Its addictive !! Bet you're already planning the next one!!

[Mistwalker]

Some cool pics, looks like a great campsite. I love it when I'm so quiet that deer walk up on me not expecting me to be there. It's amazing how much more you can "tune in" to the natural world when you are alone.

[Twodogs]

Nice one mate its good to get out ..
Twodogs

[scubapauly]

Thanks for the replies folks. I really did enjoy it much more than I thought I would. I guess the only downside for me was that I was on my own. I've got a couple of mates very interested in hanging from trees now so hopefully they'll join me another time.

I've had some great wildlife encounters in that woodland. Its always amazing when I'm sitting still and quiet what suddenly walks past you :)

[Shewie]

Looks like a good one mate, no bogey man in the night either :)

[SimonM]

Sounds like a good night out - I'll check out the pictures later as the school server has blocked them!

Simon

[MartinK9]

Thanks for sharing, and great pictures.