possible meet [Archive] - BushcraftUK: Community Forum

CBJ

12-06-2010, 07:43

(Also in Scottish corner)

Hi folks hope you are all keeping well.

Firstly a question .

Has anybody camped up at Aden park in Mintlaw Aberdeenshire ???. I live about 15 min away and have visited a few times but never camped there.

I was thinking if all goes well mabey something can be arranged in the way of a get together.

I am willing to have a go at sorting something out if theres enough interest and depending on the site etc.

I have already got in contact with the ranger service to see whats what

Any feedback would be appreciated

Thanks

Craig

Toddy

12-06-2010, 09:50

Oh nice idea :D
I haven't camped there but I've been through it a few times and it's a nice bit of the world :D

A fair few folks up that neck of the woods and though we keep talking about a meet in the NE for one reason or another it doesn't come off.
Go for it, if we can help, let us know ? :D
We can also provide contacts for other Ranger services who we've been in touch with and used their areas before, if the local Rangers would like any kind of assurances.

atb,
Toddy

CBJ

12-06-2010, 10:00

Thats great Toddy thanks. I am just waiting on a reply and I will let everyone know.

It really would be good to get something going up this part of the UK as I personnally cant make many of the meets due to distance.
Also would be great to meet folks from the forum

kiltedpict

12-06-2010, 12:19

Hi CBJ

Count me in, dates and shifts depending!! if I can help out with any aspect, let me know.

KP

CBJ

12-06-2010, 19:09

thats great kiltedpict. If I havent heard back from on Monday I will give them a phone.

Ironside

13-06-2010, 18:09

Yes, definitely interested and 15 min drive from New Deer shoul not be to hard!

Lodian

21-06-2010, 19:10

Hows this getting on?
Regards
Ryan

CBJ

22-06-2010, 08:20

Hi Ryan .

Update: One of the rangers got back to me saying if we wanted he could come along and show us a few things if we were interested and dates depending but he stated that we probably knew more than him.

As for the site we both are still waiting for the owners to get back in touch (after a few E mails and phone calls) I am hoping that they do soon. If they dont then I will see about another site.

Regards

Craig

CBJ

01-07-2010, 09:23

Well first of sorry that this has taken so long to come off.

The good news is we have been given permission to camp at aden park. I have to go down at some point with the guy in charge to pick a location that we can use.

What I do need to know now is how many people want to come and also we have to arrrange a date.

Other things i need to sort out is what type of fires we wish to use and if anything what crafts are we planning on doing there.

Any feedback would be most welcome

Thanks

Craig

StJon

01-07-2010, 09:35

Hi Craig,
I'd be up for this, not been to that neck of the woods for camping,
jon

Toddy

01-07-2010, 09:39

Oh well done :D

Might I suggest ?
How about you suss out some dates and see which one seems the best option ?
If folks know that, then you'll have some idea of who's coming along, and at that point you'll also get a fair idea of the kinds of things they're happy to do :)

It's kind of inevitable, put a few of us together and the conversation and show and tell will flow, but it's a good idea to have somethings that are 'going' to happen too :cool:

I'm interested :D Long way up, but folks from that far North come down, so why not ? :D

atb,
M

CBJ

01-07-2010, 12:01

Thanks Toddy:

I will be going down to the park on Saturday so if we can come to an agreement on dates by then it would be appreciated. Also if i can get a confirmation on who wants to come that would give me a better idea of space needed

The dates I have got are

Fri 9th - Sun 11th or Fri 16th - Sun 18th July.

If this is to close to the moot we can arrange for some time in August.

Thanks

Craig

CBJ

01-07-2010, 14:44

Update:

First off now I am going to meet with Mr Grant on Monday so that gives a few more days to get replys in.

Also he is going to take me to a wood 5 min away from the park which is out of bounds to the public and would mean more privacy for us.

I will take a few pics when I am down there

As this is the first time I have organized a meet I may not remember everything so
if anyone can think of anything I need to ask please let me know so I can get as much info as possible

Thanks

Craig

StJon

01-07-2010, 15:21

Fri 16th - Sun 18th July would be better for me...or August
jon

Toddy

01-07-2010, 16:11

See how the locals feel, I'm away to the Moot so later dates would suit me best, but there'll be other jaunts :)

The questions I usually ask are:
Is there drinking water on site ?
What about toilet facilities or an area ?
Is there safe parking ?
Are we allowed open fires or would they prefer raised hearths?
Can we collect firewood or do they want us to bring it in ?
Are there any particular plants or animals that we mustn't disturb ?[
Ask for a postcode for the site, and for the local A & E, for folks who'll come with satnavs in their cars. Best be prepared rather than sorry.
Have a look for somewhere to hang a chute, or ask if we could cut dead standing for poles ? If there's a pine plantation nearby we'd just be thinning out three light starved skinny ones.

Sounds a lot, but it's not really, just common sense.

atb,
M

CBJ

01-07-2010, 16:47

Thanks Toddy , thinking about it now August would give a bit more time to prepare so If we could set it for either:

Fri 13- Sun 15th

Fri 20-Sun 22nd

Fri 27-Sun 29 August

thanks

Craig

Ironside

01-07-2010, 18:45

Well I am definitley in for this one. Might just be one night. Can't confirm a date until this weekend.

CBJ

02-07-2010, 15:13

Just to say if I can get rough numbers thats fine. I know some people wont be able to decide until nearer the time but if anyone is interested let me know.

I will wait until Monday morning to see what everyone thinks about the dates Hopefully we can agree on something that suits all

thanks

craig

andy_e

02-07-2010, 15:42

I'd be interested if you're looking for an idea of numbers - depends what else I've got on at the time so I'll leave date preferences to others.

Cheers,
A.

charleslockerbie

02-07-2010, 16:02

Im very interested as i wont be going to the moot :(, im up for doing anything as this will be my first meet. Im able to get most dates off so im happy for it to be anytime.

kiltedpict

02-07-2010, 21:12

Hi.

I can make the Fri 20-Sun 22nd weekend. Thanks in advance for your efforts at organising this by the way.

As for fires, I'm happy with my Woodland Edge and Honey stoves, but not adverse to an open fire if the ground is suitable.

Crafts- I was at the Crannog Centre last week and got an ember first go, but was too enthusiastic blowing on it and did not catch- would love to have another go at friction fire lighting . Keen to see any other crafts too.

KP

CBJ

04-07-2010, 06:23

Hey all,

Np kiltedpict hopefully everyone can make it on the day,

Looks like Fri 20-Sun 22nd august is going to be the best dates.

I will post some pics of the site when I get back from the meeting tommorow.

Thanks
Craig

CBJ

05-07-2010, 17:24

UPDATE::

Great news folks just got back from Aden and the site is very nice.
It is the static camp site wich has a big open space and is surrounded by trees.

Drinking water: There is a tap onsite which is for drinking ,washing water etc and also has a pit for slops waste etc which we will get the key for.
Parking : We will be allowed to bring cars right on site and will be given a key and padlock so that we can lock up the gate when we wish.
Fires : Any type fire is allowed
Wood/fuel : We can collect as much dead wood as we want
Plant/animals : As long as there is no trapping and common sense is used we can explore as we wish.
parachute : We are allowed to collect what we need for the chute and any other tasks.
Toilets : We will have to dig a pit (or any other means) as the toilets will be closed unless its the daytime and you could use the public ones further up the park

There is plenty of room for tents, tarps, Hammocks etc (though we will need to clear some space for the hammocks in the stands of trees next to the open area and you can hear the road on the one side.

After 10pm the park is closed to the public so it will be quiet then.

There is a lot of area to explore.

http://i50.tinypic.com/1z4lc3o.jpg
http://i45.tinypic.com/2vt88ye.jpg
http://i49.tinypic.com/30uty7l.jpg
http://i50.tinypic.com/2uonn6s.jpg
http://i49.tinypic.com/ezrj94.jpg
http://i49.tinypic.com/14pogw.jpg
http://i49.tinypic.com/2ytpite.jpg
http://i47.tinypic.com/x1nlub.jpg
http://i46.tinypic.com/1rbztx.jpg

Note: On Sunday the 22nd august the scottissh pipe band is being held although that is on the other side of the park.

Is that ok with everybody???

Obviously as we will have the site to ourselfs anyone who wants to come is welcome.

Feedback Appriciated

Thanks

Craig

Ironside

05-07-2010, 19:37

Craig,
Excellent work mate and I will definitely be there, can only manage the Sta night but looking forward to it. I stay pretty close by, so if I can help let me know and I'll do my best.

CBJ

06-07-2010, 09:00

Glad you will be able to make it mate . I just hope we can get enough numbers to make it worthwhile

Thanks

Craig

CBJ

13-07-2010, 09:00

Ok Folks the booking for the site has been confirmed so we are all set to go. We will have the uniform campsite all to ourselves as nobody else has booked for that weekend.

I am putting in a paragraph from the confirmation letter just to let everyone know what is expected in regards to cleaning up etc.

"Use of the area is of course subject to our usual conditions in that the area must be cleared on completion of the event and any damage to grass areas made good to our satisfaction etc. You will be responsible for any tidying-up. You will also be responsible for any Health & Safety issues prior to and during your event."

Pretty straight forward and if we make a good impression it will stand us in good stead for future use of the site.

I will start a list and anybody can add there name to it and confirm nearer to the time or as soon as they know. Also if there is any particular activities anyone wants to do we can try and get it sorted.

1. CBJ

thanks

Craig

Pandabean

13-07-2010, 20:03

Hi CBJ, I may be interested, i will be doing alot of travelling the weeks prior, first down to the moot and then off to houston. Is there a date you need to know by?

CBJ

13-07-2010, 20:41

Hey mate, as long as I know whos coming a couple of days before that should be fine

CBJ

18-07-2010, 09:45

Hey folks,

I now have confirmation that David Brown (ranger for aberdeenshire) will be able to come along and show us a thing or two.

Also here is the postcode for the site which I have forgot to put in and the postcode for the nearest A+E.

Mintlaw - Aden Country Park : AB42 8FQ
Peterhead Hospital : AB42 2XB

Thanks

Craig

Big Geordie

18-07-2010, 11:01

Hi Craig,

Count the 2 of us in. We are having to move North in September, and we are up & down a lot at mo looking for accomodation etc. So some trees & a break with you guys
fits well.
G:campfire:

CBJ

18-07-2010, 19:47

Glad you can make it Geordie,

Hope you like it up this far north

Craig

CBJ

06-08-2010, 18:49

Ok folk heres the list of people so far:

Could you please confirm when possible

CBJ
Kiltedpict
Ironside
St Jon TBC
Andy_e TBC
Charleslockerbie
Pandabean TBC

Thanks

Craig

kiltedpict

06-08-2010, 20:06

Count me in, for Friday at least- hopefully the sat as well but wont know till nearer the time.....

Now, what to pack..........?

Dingus Magee

07-08-2010, 18:24

Good work CBJ! Glad somebody took on the task of organising a meet for us nor'easters lol ;) I'll be coming along, but have no special bushcraft skills to share...just an opportunity to meet other like-minded folk in my area and enjoy the craic around the fire :)

Dingus Magee

07-08-2010, 18:26

I guess I should have done this...yes?

Ok folk heres the list of people so far:

Could you please confirm when possible

CBJ
Kiltedpict
Ironside
St Jon TBC
Andy_e TBC
Charleslockerbie
Pandabean TBC
Dingus Magee

Thanks

Craig

CBJ

07-08-2010, 19:05

Glad you can make it mate,

Hopefully we will all learn something and have a good time,

I am making up some bow drill kits for us to play around with and will be bringing my big char tin along aswell.
Also if you have a buckle belt (the wider the better) The ranger will be showing us tips on stropping with a belt and is bring several sharpening stones aswell.

Any ideas on things we can do please fell free to say and we can sort something out.

thanks

Craig

Ironside

11-08-2010, 19:07

Yes I'm still coming. Should be across some point Saturday after lunch. Is it a group cook for tea? need anything brought along?

Chance

11-08-2010, 22:01

Almost missed this through inattention: keen, but will need to 'check dates' (i.e. ask Mrs Chance).
Would it be bad manners to PM the Aberdeenshires?

CBJ

12-08-2010, 08:29

Hi Chance,

Would be great if you can make it. I dont mind at all if you pm , As long as I know who is coming a couple of days before .

thanks

Craig

charleslockerbie

12-08-2010, 12:20

Will be there fri and most of sat. dont know yet what im working sunday so dont know when i will have to leave, if im lucky i might be able to stay sat night. Anything i should bring?, other than my kit.

andy_e

12-08-2010, 13:09

Hi CBJ, not going to make this one. Have got a weekend pass for the Wilderness Gathering which is on that same weekend. Sorry about that but well done for organising, I know what it's like. Have fun and I'll hope to make it to another one sometime.

andy_e

12-08-2010, 13:22

... double post

CBJ

12-08-2010, 13:50

andy_e, No worries mate mabey next time, have a good time at the gathering.

About bringing other things than your kit, As this will be my first meet I hope we can sort out enough thing to keep us amused. I will be bringing a tin and a pile of cotton to cook up some char for us all .Also I have made up a couple of drill sets to have a play around with.

If anybody wants to bring something to do around the fire that would be great.

We are allowed to collect any dead wood for the fire but I will be bringing some with me aswell.

In regards to a group cook I have no problems with that and I will leave that up to you guys if you want it . Just let me know so I can bring some ingredients for the pot.

Craig

CBJ

12-08-2010, 13:52

Forgot to mention if you can bring a belt or a strop along so you can use it for the sharpening lesson.

Thanks

Craig

CBJ

13-08-2010, 12:25

Out of interest what are you all planning to bring??? Tent , bivvi, hammock

I havent decided yet on whether to pack my HH or the 2 man tent.

windward

13-08-2010, 13:43

I'll be at the Wilderness Gathering so going to miss this meet up...shame as I've not been out for ages.

Out of interest I'll be going to the ceilidh at Comrie Croft on the weekend of the 16th/17th Oct http://www.comriecroft.com/eventscourses.html I'll start a separate post for anyone interested in coming along for the weekend. The ceilidh is on the Sat night and on Sunday theres the Hairy Coo mountain bike race is anyone is interested. No need to take part in anything...just come along for a weekend out.

Vince

charleslockerbie

13-08-2010, 17:09

Will be bringing my bivi and my hammock, not sure what i will sleep in, only slept in the hammock once to find out my tarp in A frame its too short. Might treat myself to a new toy or two for the meet (any suggestions).

Ironside

13-08-2010, 20:06

Was going to bring my bivi and tarp as I haven't had a chance to use them yet. My put a tent in the car, incase it goes pete tong.

Dingus Magee

14-08-2010, 09:00

Out of interest what are you all planning to bring??? Tent , bivvi, hammock

I havent decided yet on whether to pack my HH or the 2 man tent.

I'm going to take a tarp and hammock, but I will also have a tent that I've recently bought on here and have never had the opportunity of trying out yet; but it'll be a case of bung it up to see what it's like, then take it down and use the hammock...unless it blows up a hooly, of course ;) For that matter, I will also bring along a couple of tents that I am trying to sell...I'll be posting them as 'for sale' on here after the Mintlaw Meet, so if anyone is interested they'll get a chance to see them before I post them (typical Aiberdonian, trying to save on postage lol)

DM ;)

CBJ

14-08-2010, 09:41

Looks like Ill take both to be on the safe side

windward : never mind mate mabey next time , have a good time

Dingus: lol

Charleslockerbie: What kind of thing are you after mate, I have heard a lot of good input for the dd tarps (might be worth a look). A Kelly kettle or something similar. All depends on what you need and will get good use out of.

Ill be going down to Aden on Wednesday to have a better scrunt around and look for the best places and see how much deadfall is around.

Also if none of you mind Ill try and bag us a couple of bunnies the night before we go for the pot.

Can anybody think of anything else I have missed ?? . I dont want to turn up and relise I havent done something important

Dingus Magee

14-08-2010, 10:26

I've no probs with eating Brer Rabbit. And I can vouch for the DD hammocks and tarp...good service, good products, and a Scottish company too :) If anyone has a Kelly kettle or similar, I'd be glad of the opportunity to see one work....as an evaluation thing y'know. Might be a chance of a trade, maybe...?

kiltedpict

14-08-2010, 16:42

Oh, rabbit-always wanted to see if I had the stomach to prep one.... Like the idea of using this abundant food source more!

I was planning on taking my hammock and as yet unused under blanket, as well as a wee tent, but if the forecast is poor, I have a lavuu I could bring as a group shelter thing if that's any use?

Really looking forward to the weekend....

Kp

charleslockerbie

14-08-2010, 17:28

Bunnies sound good, never tried them but meat is for winners. Its a DD hammock so a DD tarp would make sense, just a little annoyed at myself having to buy another tarp. Dont have the need for a kettle, im weird because i don't drink hot drinks. Really don't know what i want.

Looking forward to this very much.

Ps just call me charles, chaz, charlie no need to be formal.

CBJ

15-08-2010, 06:30

The lavu sounds like a great idea kilted pict.

I will post more pics up on wednesday .

Dingus Magee

16-08-2010, 21:27

Hey hey! The weather looks set to be fair for the week end...I'm looking forward to this :)

kiltedpict

16-08-2010, 22:07

Snap, gutted I can't stay the saturday night too.....

Dingus Magee

16-08-2010, 23:10

Snap, gutted I can't stay the saturday night too.....

Well...if this proves to be as good as its shaping up to be...there might be more of these meets; we could try Glen Tanar, once the D of E season is past...that might be closer to base for you, and hence a little easier to get a 'week end pass' ;)

DM

CBJ

17-08-2010, 10:30

Im glad the weather looks to be fine makes things more enjoyable. Its a pity you couldnt stay on kilted pict but like Dingus said mabey a future meet nearer you would give you the chance.

Just to mention the knots needed for the tarp setting up etc are:

a Round Turn and Two Half Hitches;
the Adjustable Guy Rope Knot;
two Evenk reindeer herder knots;
and, if suitable branches can be found , the Wagoner's Hitch

If I ever manage to finish this bleedin possibles pouch Ill start sorting my kit out. Wedensday im having another looksy at the site then coming home to cut wood if there isnt a lot there. Thursday is packing kit and bunny bagging (Hopefully).

Ill be at the site early on Friday after ive taken my daughter to school and Ill Pm you all my mobile number in case you need to get in touch

thanks

Craig

kiltedpict

17-08-2010, 15:00

I plan to be there early Friday too.

The weekend pass thing is not really due to distance, it's more about compromise. My wife would be happy for me to stay both nights, but as I work every second weekend, I feel it's only fair that I split it between my hobby and the family. I also have an essay due in at the end of the month so have a lot on.

Can I bring anything food wise by the way?

CBJ

17-08-2010, 15:11

I know exactly how you feel mate, I hate missing time with the wife and kids.

Foodwise bring enough to last as long as you are staying and anything you fancy for the pot.

For the group meal ,I am bringing extra packs of noodles, a smoke sausage ,porridge packs and the wifes making us all some of her apricot bars and the rabbit (if I can bag em) and 1 or 2 other things.

Craig

kiltedpict

18-08-2010, 08:50

Will bring a bag full of goodies and hopefully some of it will be useful.

Now, which of my whiskys will I bring....... Mmmmmm

CBJ

18-08-2010, 15:10

Ok folks just back from aden.

Plenty of fire wood around so just needs collecting.

Just to remind you all that it is not the main camp site next to the caravans it is the uniform site at the bottom.

If anyone needs directions let me know as you cannot reach it by going through the park. You can use the link below to see the exact location of
the site in googlemaps.

http://pininthemap.com/77c76653fb25818b0

Ironside

18-08-2010, 19:24

Things are up in the air for me this weekend. Work is going side ways and a couple of other things have come up at home. Will definitley be across to visit/stay just don't when or for how long. Hopefully will still make Saturday night and will bring something along to eat or drink.

kiltedpict

18-08-2010, 22:14

Exact directions would be good for me as I don't know the area...

Cheers

CBJ

19-08-2010, 07:28

No worries ironside I know that things can go hectic very quickly.

kilted pict you have a PM mate

CBJ

19-08-2010, 19:05

Well folks everything is packed and I am really looking forward to this, I will check again on here tonight and in the morning just in case

See you all tommorow or Saturday

Craig

kiltedpict

19-08-2010, 19:27

me too, all loaded. just need to stop past a shop on the way for some essentials...

Look forward to meeting everyone tomorrow and trying a few new skills.

KP

Chance

19-08-2010, 21:18

Is it appropriate to pack 2x tame 10-year-olds?

charleslockerbie

19-08-2010, 23:49

Packed, repacked, rerepacked, rererepacked and im going pack again. How come 100l aint enough???? Good job im a decent sized guy.

Kids are fine with me. If anyone has a problem with kids you could easily keep them away from the main group.

See you all tomorow or sat.

kiltedpict

20-08-2010, 05:43

No worries about children coming along as far as I am concerned.

Is the camp area far from where we are parking the car by the way? If so might re-consider the lavu (17kg!!)

CBJ

20-08-2010, 06:11

hey folks

Chance I have no problems with you bringing your kids,

Kilted pict you can park your car right on site

Ill be leaving at 9 15 so will check back here before then.

Craig

ukbushmonkey

20-08-2010, 06:54

Have a great weekend guys :)

CBJ

20-08-2010, 07:01

thanks mate

Dingus Magee

22-08-2010, 17:39

Hi guys

Just wanted to say a big "Thankyou" to CBJ for organising the 1st NE Scotland meet at Aden Country Park and to the rest of you for sharing skills, knowledge and banter; it was great to meet y'all and have a yarn around the fire. I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to the next one. I'll also look forward to seeing some of the photos up on the site, if they come out.

Cheers for now

Dingus Magee & dog ;)

Chance

22-08-2010, 17:45

Copy that. Feeling very lucky to have had a 1:1 ratio of outdoor professionals to enthusiastic amateurs.
Hope to post star-finder chart tomorrow.

Chance, Boy & Boy's chum

CBJ

22-08-2010, 18:46

Thanks have to go to you all for turning up and making it a really great weekend.

Ill start a pic thread tommorow (as I can hardly keep my eyes open now).

Right my mystical powers tell me that something in the spring would be good if you are all up for it. LOL

again it was great to meet you all and learn so much in so short a time

charleslockerbie

22-08-2010, 21:31

As a first meet, it could have been any better. CBJ you deserve a bushcraft medal of honour for getting us all together. Im absolutely shattered now but was worth it. Iv learned something from everyone that came, even the young boys have the art of toasting marshmallows well learned. Pics tomorrow but i know there must be a few good ones there.

Spring would be fantastic CBJ, count me in.