View Full Version : Meet up in Herts
dave1942
27-11-2009, 11:50
A couple of us have decided to have a night (or two) out on the weekend just before Christmas.18th to 20th December. If anyone is interested in joining us they would be most welcome. As it is the first meet that I have arranged i would like to keep it fairly small, so there are approx 10 spaces available. the location is between Watford and Hemel Hempstead and has easy access from the M25 at junction 20. I / we intend to be there from the Friday afternoon but if you cannot come until the Saturday that's OK.
If you cannot camp and wish to come just for the Saturday to meet old friends that's OK as well.
As to the exact location, well I will inform those interested later. The site is flat and comprises mainly pine so there is space for hammock and ground dwellers and an open area if you wish to bring a larger tent.
If you are interested add you name to the list below. If you want more details please PM.
Dave
Dave 1942
Jason
scubapauly
27-11-2009, 15:03
Hi Dave,
Sounds good. Put me down as a maybe for that (need to check with SWMBO) :)
Paul
Mesquite
27-11-2009, 17:39
Hi Dave. Yes please, it'll be good to see you and Jason again :D
Dave 1942
Jason
Mesquite
Would love to join you, but not a good time of year for me to get away :( but will look forward to joining you next year, assuming you have another one that is :)
scubapauly
27-11-2009, 22:12
I'm still going to camp out this weekend in Stevenage. Still just two of us, if anyone else wanted to join :)
stevesteve
27-11-2009, 22:13
Dave,
I would love to join you, though it is close to end of term etc so I will have to check dates etc but provisionally. Yes please!
Cheers,
Steve
hertsboy
29-11-2009, 16:10
A couple of us have decided to have a night (or two) out on the weekend just before Christmas.18th to 20th December. If anyone is interested in joining us they would be most welcome. As it is the first meet that I have arranged i would like to keep it fairly small, so there are approx 10 spaces available. the location is between Watford and Hemel Hempstead and has easy access from the M25 at junction 20. I / we intend to be there from the Friday afternoon but if you cannot come until the Saturday that's OK.
If you cannot camp and wish to come just for the Saturday to meet old friends that's OK as well.
As to the exact location, well I will inform those interested later. The site is flat and comprises mainly pine so there is space for hammock and ground dwellers and an open area if you wish to bring a larger tent.
If you are interested add you name to the list below. If you want more details please PM.
Dave
Dave 1942
Jason
Yes, please Dave - just what I'm looking for. I'm in Watford so this is ideal for me!
TallMikeM
29-11-2009, 16:30
if time allows, I'd like to come along for an hour or two in the morning and meet up with some local peeps. Won't be able to stay past lunchtime tho... :(
stevesteve
29-11-2009, 18:33
Dave,
I would probably be able to come on Friday night over to Sat... possibly on to Sun.
Would this be a suitable event to bring two young 'uns to (9 & 12yrs)?
Cheers,
Steve
dave1942
30-11-2009, 21:51
Steve, your children are most welcome but only you can decide if the event would be suitable. I don't know if they have been to a similar event. What you need to consider is that the day's will be short and possibly cold or wet. As adults we are more than happy to sit around a fire drink tea and coffee and chat. Children can get bored with this. However it is your call as you know your own children.
Regards
Dave
Hi Dave, i'd like to come up if thats ok. I've got to come up from north Kent, so would need some directions. Would be good to have a couple off nights out.
cheers
Mesquite
03-12-2009, 19:21
Dave, Just wanted to check what fees might be needed to pay for this meet and what's the situation regarding fires.
I'm definitely interested. Do you have space for 1 more Friday or Saturday night?
would it be possible to book me and my dad in for the friday and saturday night altough if there's not enough places I understand.
Thanks,
Herbie
Hi Dave,
Could be put me down for a Saturday daytime visit only please (plus 1 - no overnight camping this time).
I will PM you for directions if thats OK?
Would be great to meet up with some of you guys!
ATB, Jon.
dave1942
06-12-2009, 16:01
Ok Folks this is an update as to where we are with the meet. So far I have had replies from the following:-
Camping confirmed
Dave1942.
Jason.
Mesquite .
Hertsboy.
Ski.
Tune.
Herbz +Dad.
Camping not confirmed
Scubapauly
Stevesteve + 2
Day visitors
TallmikeM
JDO330 +1
The location is a Scout site so there will be toilets and water available. Open fires are permitted but will need to be built off the ground on a steel sheet and stand. (supplied by the site). If you are bringing a tent and wish to pitch it on the open site please bring strong tent pegs as it is gravel just below the surface. There should be enough natural wood but I will go there during the week before to ensure that we have enough.
As it is a Scout site there will be a charge of £3-00 / person / night.
It's up to you whether you wish to come for 1 or 2 nights but I shall be there Friday from about 1-00pm onwards
Is anyone interested in a group meal on the Saturday night? Jasons wife makes a pretty mean stew and has offered to do one for us. There would be a small charge for the ingredients. Please let me know this week so that she can shop.
I will send details on how to get there by PM during the next week.
Look forward to seeing you there
Dave
TallMikeM
06-12-2009, 18:39
is that the one on the bypass? I should be free to make sat morning. Is there a plan/agenda or just a meet up and chat kinda thing?
Mesquite
06-12-2009, 18:44
I'm up for the stew please Dave.
Should be a good weekend. :)
stevesteve
06-12-2009, 19:04
Dave,
We will be there for Friday/Sat, I have PMed you for some details.
Cheers,
Steve
I'm up for the stew as well, cheers.
Looking forward to it.
hertsboy
08-12-2009, 00:11
Thanks for putting me on the list, Dave. I'll probably only camp out on Friday night as I have commitments on the Sunday morning.
Please put me down for the Stew.
If there weather's not too cold and wet I wonder if I could bring my dog along - lovely Golden Retriever bitch, very well behaved. But if anyone doesn't want a dog around, then she stays at home!
Lookig forward to meeting you all!
Hertsboy
nevetsjc80
09-12-2009, 18:45
i have never meet any of you guys and cant do december either way. But i am in the aylesbury area and do nt know any bushcrafters so thought id take this chance to say Hi!
Steve
Would it be ok to drop in on Saturday for a couple of hours as I only live 15mins away??
dave1942
14-12-2009, 22:29
You will be most welcome skinny1. Have PM'd you details
Dave
dave1942
14-12-2009, 22:37
Have just PM'd details to everyone that has been in contact. If you don't get them please come back to me.
Dave.
scubapauly
14-12-2009, 23:19
Just PM'd to confirm myself for Saturday night :)
Pack your thermals folks, weather warning of heavy snow in place for the east of England. Temps could drop as low as -7 over the weekend.
godfather
16-12-2009, 23:04
Just got back from a trip abroad and am envious of the guys that are going. Have a great time and wish I could be there.
stevesteve
17-12-2009, 07:26
We will be there Dave, although there has to be a 'Weather Permitting' caveat in there at the moment.
If I can get the car to the site (twice) we will stay from Friday to at least until Sat evening. Also, what do we need to do to arrange the metal fire stands? Please can you bag one for my family and hold it until we get there?
Cheers,
Steve
dave1942
17-12-2009, 10:50
Steve, not a problem. I will sort out fire stands at campsite. Will see you weather permitting. Bring plenty of warm clobber, it's only a few yards from the carpark to where we will be camping.
Mesquite (Steve) I believe that you have one of the Polish army tipis ( made from 2 ponchos). Is there a chance that you could bring it as I would like to see what they are like.
Latest local weather forecast is up to 20cms of snow (on high ground) between Thurs and Friday evening so it could be a fun camp. Don't forget to bring some inner warming liquid, if you are that way inclined. For anyone who likes to sing Christmas carols the site are having it's annual Carol service on Saturday evening.
See you all at sometime over the weekend
Dave
:hatscarf::hatscarf:
Mesquite
17-12-2009, 14:20
Mesquite (Steve) I believe that you have one of the Polish army tipis ( made from 2 ponchos). Is there a chance that you could bring it as I would like to see what they are like.
No probs Dave, I was going to be bringing it anyway for some extra shelter
Latest local weather forecast is up to 20cms of snow (on high ground) between Thurs and Friday evening so it could be a fun camp.
What's the Bushcrafters equivelant of Mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the miday sun? Even mad dogs have the sense to seek shelter at times like this :D :D :D
hertsboy
17-12-2009, 14:28
20 cms of Snow in the night and a nice bright crispy Saturday morning -- that would be my ideal. Better fill up with inwardly warming "antifreeze" before settling down for the night though!
Hi guys, I'm a newcomer to this forum and can't make it over to Watford-ish this weekend. I'd love to meet up with some like minded folks sometime though. Have a good weekend & I'll hope to get to be able to join you another time. I'm really pleased even to find that there are other bushcrafters in Herts.
Mesquite
17-12-2009, 18:07
Hi guys, I'm a newcomer to this forum and can't make it over to Watford-ish this weekend. I'd love to meet up with some like minded folks sometime though. Have a good weekend & I'll hope to get to be able to join you another time. I'm really pleased even to find that there are other bushcrafters in Herts.
Shame you can't make it over Toth.... it's looking to be an interesting and fun meet :)
As for other bushcrafters in herts, there's quite a few of us on the forum now :mexwave:
Ok Folks this is an update as to where we are with the meet. So far I have had replies from the following:-
Camping confirmed
Tune.
I can't make Friday night but will be there on Saturday afternoon as early as I can. Am I too late for the stew?
scubapauly
17-12-2009, 19:30
Yay for Herts bushcrafters lol :)
dave1942
17-12-2009, 19:49
Tune, I am sure that we could fit you in with a portion.
Dave
Mesquite
17-12-2009, 20:23
Tune, I am sure that we could fit you in with a portion.
Dave
I'm sure we can find somewhere cold to put it :D
hertsboy
17-12-2009, 22:09
Well, I'm all packed ready! I'll be indulging in the luxury of a tent this time - should be warmer than the hammock, and I've put a blanket in as well as a down sleeping bag.
Those, together with thermals and a fleece - and not forgetting some internal warming liquid - will hopefully get me throught the night.
I'll be walking up from Watord, with about 40 lbs on my back, so I should be nicely warmed up by the time I get there.
Mesquite
17-12-2009, 22:20
I'll be walking up from Watord, with about 40 lbs on my back, so I should be nicely warmed up by the time I get there.
Walking??? might be better if you take your skis tomorrow :D
We've got about an inch of snow here already with it still coming down hard and fast still.
dave1942
17-12-2009, 22:56
Does anyone know how to build an igloo as Mesquite has already said it sure is coming down here in Hemel Hempstead. Don't forget to pack a shovel and other kit in your car as we may have to dig ourselves into the site. If anyone decides in the morning, not to come we will understand. As I will be on site (hopefully) from about 1-00pm I will not be on line to take messages so use the mobile. If you get there before me the entrance gate should be unlocked even if it aoppears not to be.
Dave.
hertsboy
17-12-2009, 23:18
Well, it's 10:20pm and we've got 3 inches in Watford (Snow, that is!)
scubapauly
17-12-2009, 23:20
At least that here in Stevo, snowing so hard I can't see across the road.
Mesquite
17-12-2009, 23:21
Shall we build a few snowmen? :D
scubapauly
17-12-2009, 23:26
Shall we build a few snowmen? :D
I think we might end up being a few snow men lol
stevesteve
18-12-2009, 01:04
Evening All (just),
I drove down to the site tonight at about 20:00 and Dave's directions are spot on!
The roads are not too small so it should be passable if eveywhere else is open.
I have birch bark drying in the lounge and a pile of kit in the hall. When I get there (weather permitting) it will probably be later on, say between 8 and 9PM.
See you there,
Cheers,
Steve
I dont envy you all out there in the snow, but i do hope you all have a great time, and hope that i can join you sometime soon.
I hope the snow holds of for you all tonight and the stew looked the business!!
stevesteve
20-12-2009, 16:41
I would just like to say thank you to Dave for organising this weekend.
Although I have been out in the cold, I have never actually camped in snow before and it was beautiful. Both kids had a nice snug sleep.
The weathermen had promised more snow on Friday night. What we actually had was crystal clear, star-lit skies. It made it quite cold though (-5C?).
We stayed Saturday before having to go at dusk (leaving the others to the stew which looked fab-u-lous!).
Thanks to everyone there, Steve, Jason and especially Herb who kindly showed my mob the contents of his fire tin. I have my rod, vaseline rich cotton wool and char cloth in a little suede pouch. Herb has everything! - I think the wirewool was the favourite.
Here is a pic of our first brew at dawn (before Dave lent us a larger fire box which suited our family-sized frying pan better).
Dawn in the snow
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n71/stevestevephoto/Bushcraft/dawn_brew_sml.jpg
Cheers,
Steve
Mesquite
20-12-2009, 16:53
Had a great time... despite the wifes departing comment 'you're mad':rolleyes:
Great company and a great site. Many thanks for organising it Dave :You_Rock_
More pics are here (http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/showthread.php?p=614549#post61 4549)
hertsboy
21-12-2009, 19:12
Thank you all - especially Dave, Jason, Steve and Herbs (he's a guy to look out for!)
Great company and a great experience! Waking up under my tarp to the sight of the sun just coming up over the snow covered fields was an unforgetable experience.
Now all I've got to do is to work out how to post the photos!