Ivan's big Dartmoor meet - the aftermath - probably pic heavy

[jonajuna]

well, home and fed, fresh cup of tea in a proper mug. not yet showered and still enjoying the aroma of woodsmoke and peat filtered water :)

will post our pics in due course but a very big thank you to Ivan, a great host with a lovely bit of land. we had great fun and reckon the same was had by all

highlight of the weekend other than the company and the wild woods would have to be watching Badger90 and the spoon meister Wayne nigh on killing themselves on the rope bridge assault course. cant wait to see the video and kill ourselves laughing again! :)

really hope Ivan enjoyed it as much as us :) If anyone else here is lucky enough to go and visit him, you wont be sad, look after him, a great guy :)

[Nova & Pinky]

Oh, and bushwhacker's jokes - the 'pretentious' and 'strawberry' ones in particular...

Going through my pics now so will post soon!

[savagebushcraft]

Oh, and bushwhacker's jokes - the 'pretentious' and 'strawberry' ones in particular...

Going through my pics now so will post soon!

He is a character isn't he lol

[savagebushcraft]

managed to get a couple photos this trip with my mobile (left the camera in the car all weekend)

Early sunday morning

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/bushcraft%20locations/Ivans%20meet%201-3%20april/03042011570.jpg

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/bushcraft%20locations/Ivans%20meet%201-3%20april/03042011571-002.jpg

Around midday sunday

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/bushcraft%20locations/Ivans%20meet%201-3%20april/03042011572.jpg

And here are the links to the photos I got the weekend before the meet down there.

http://s1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/Dartmoor%203%20day%20solo%20cu t%20short/Day%201%20of%20the%20moors%20s olo%20-%20cut%20short/

http://s1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/Dartmoor%203%20day%20solo%20cu t%20short/Ivans%20secret%20wonderland/

http://s1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/Dartmoor%203%20day%20solo%20cu t%20short/

[HHazeldean]

Is that the new DD Tarp in camo?

[savagebushcraft]

And the videos from my little trek onto the moors

http://www.youtube.com/user/crazysaint222?feature=mhum

[savagebushcraft]

Is that the new DD Tarp in camo?

It is, well spotted

[ex member mick sturbs]

Well hello everyone , That was good fun , it went better than i could have wished for , a couple of things , i tried to steal a little of everyones kit so they had to return ! but i only ended up with ,Adams paracord, a rust coloured welders glove , a regatta waterproof ( fits nice ) 4 potatoes, an empy cider brandy bottle ! thank goodness thats empty ! a bag full of cans and dave53's tarp cord still in situ , so not a bad haul . Now at least some of you have to return . On a serous note , thankyou everyone for coming , putting up with my fussing , awful catering and all tidying up so well , i have had to go up there today and mess it up a bit , leave no trace my bottom! talking of bottoms i have sent you all swabs for dna sampling to back up the letter to the Guiness Book Of Records ,regarding the pooh i found , its impressive and a small horse would have been proud of that !! i cant put into one post all of my thoughts , so i will be back to remind you of some of the more memorable moments . Ivan ...

[ex member mick sturbs]

Oh just bin the swabs when they arrive , my mistake it was a small horse !! silly me , i will at some point , when i have your undivided attention , give an Oscar speech with special thanks and mentions to some . I have asked for a tenner back from my met office mole as there were moments it spotted with rain and for that i apologise .

[ex member mick sturbs]

A special thanks to some of the unsung heroes that couldnt make it .. Vickyjs that big tent was invaluable and it only took four nearly grown men half an hour to erect !! very happy with the size and condition . and the little loo tent was great for the kids etc. Also the help behind the scenes by Badger , Ed , James and Andy , cheques are in the post !

[HHazeldean]

It is, well spotted

Is it good,I was thinking of getting but I didn't know if there is a better alternative in that kind of price range. :)

[ex member mick sturbs]

Not exactly thanks but special mentions ... Bushwhacker ( who by the way does in no way shape or form resemble a poacher ) Cider brandy ummm ! still reserving judgement but could listen to that man all night , sat next to him of course although up to 5 miles away with them bins's , and for his fruit related stories ! Pinky for his cat like qualities and swing management ( just a bit difficult to tell him and Nova apart ) dont think he will make the final of Masterchef though . Never actually seen a man run up atree barefoot .Freddyfish for his unflappable nature and invaluable help with computery things beyond the call of duty .Oh and his calming influence and millbank bag .And lastly in this segment , the swiss family robinson (sorry the jonajuna clan ) for showing how to go light with family in tow ! and being a lovely family . special thanks for finding Katies mobile !! and the wee drop of cactus juice ..

[Badger90]

I wondered where my jacket went....

Will do a write up later when I'm home, but thanks to all for a great weekend :)

[Bushwhacker]

Great to meet everybody and everybody was great. Much thanks to Ivan for being such a hospitable and entertaining host and Nova & Pinky for the lift. All the youngsters were fab and kept their parents in check.
It's an excellent site, quite sheltered but with the open moors on the doorstep and no disturbance from 'normal' people. You have enough space to either mix or be on your own and it's not somewhere that I would ever get bored with visiting.

I will be back to fill up that cider brandy bottle again Ivan so watch out!

Oh, and if Steve can get a soundtrack on THE video, then here it is ..........

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0_zzCLLRvE

[ex member mick sturbs]

Mentions in despatches , Jaysurfer for planning since Feb to go lighter than usual , Salad for anyone who cant think of a name (good reasoning behind that one !) dave 53 for being wonderfully patient and informative with Katie ( i have now lost my tarp hammock karabiners and paracord ) Emma87 for being rock hard , never under estimate the power of a woman !! ( similair comment applies to Joy ) Adam for winning longest traveller , and being there when ever you needed a hand ( and for the dvd mate oh and beer ! ) The children for being brill and having a cool time ! ( must move tent further from fire after watershed ! think they may have some new jokes ! ) Foxy for making sure i ate (yummy stew ) and mothering me as and when required .

[ex member mick sturbs]

Sorry there is more , SteveM for coming and chilling , sharing knowledge , advice and taking some fantastic photographs cant wait.. Andy Bruce for working his socks off ( he probably made them himself ) for discovering a neat little bushcraft spot , just a shame he couldnt stay for the lamb, after preparing the oven .

[Nova & Pinky]

Not exactly thanks but special mentions ... Bushwhacker ( who by the way does in no way shape or form resemble a poacher ) Cider brandy ummm ! still reserving judgement but could listen to that man all night , sat next to him of course although up to 5 miles away with them bins's , and for his fruit related stories !

Pretentious and strawberries come to mind, and ofc in his inimitable accent :D


Pinky for his cat like qualities and swing management ( just a bit difficult to tell him and Nova apart ) dont think he will make the final of Masterchef though . Never actually seen a man run up atree barefoot .

Think you might need your eyes testing Ivan - I'm the considerably shorter and wider of the two! :lol:
I also don't have a penchant for hanging myself upside-down from the swings! :D

[Badger90]

Ivan: ' let's keep the jokes moderate as we have impressionable ears present '



...............


Bushwhacker: ' I went to the doctors with a strawberry up my....'

:):)

[ex member mick sturbs]

Maybe the last bit , i doubt it , thanks to Mayobushcraft for the wood and use of the trailer. But a very special word for Badger volunteering to be first on the assault course , and doing a wonderful job , but !! what about mbiker !! sorry new name mr spoon , 2nd on the course with a time of 1.28 to beat , i honestly dont think i have laughed so much in my life , in the woods anyway , if that magical few minutes are not an internet sensation , i will show my @rse to the town hall steps , and to go further if that doesnt make youvebeenframed , i will eat my hat , i literally cannot wait , be warned it is not suitable for those with a weak bladder !! one of the funniest things i have ever seen , and all on film folks . By the way 2.24 i think but nobody could have topped that ... pleas when watching keep your keeboard out of the way tear damage is not covered by insurance !!

[Nova & Pinky]

Ivan: ' let's keep the jokes moderate as we have impressionable ears present '



...............


Bushwhacker: ' I went to the doctors with a strawberry up my....'

:):)

That still makes me giggle :lmao:

[Steve M]

Absolutely top weekend. The kids loved it and it was great to meet a great group of new people.

Here are a few of mine on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/stevemarvell/sets/72157626301301987/

Here is ... the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qK7u1ZqLqno

[Nova & Pinky]

Some absolutely cracking pics there, Steve - and that video still has me laughing - just very glad there is no-one else sat by me at work right now!!

Will post ours tonight...

[ex member mick sturbs]

Thats brilliant Steve, still smiling ! cant wait until the next time , well done everybody , you cheered Dartmoor right up , first serious laughter and fun in that spot for about 30 years ! unless the wildlife have been secretly doing it behind our backs !! top top weekend .. Ivan ...

[morch]

Looks like a fantastic time was had by all. Great photos and the video is brilliant. Wish i was closer

atb

Dave

[skate]

Excellent video and some nice photos there. Glad I heeded the warning and had nothing in my mouth while watching. Looking forward to a return visit sometime soon.

[bojit]

That has to be the funniest video i have seen in a long time ! brilliant !!

Looks like you guys had a great weekend in a beautiful location !

Craig..........

[ex member mick sturbs]

Thanks for nice comments , of course it was all staged ! and it has cost a fortune to pay all of those actors to perform , but i am in trouble because one dopy so and so forgot his equity card , no doubt i will be sued, still " where theres blame theres a claim , no win no fee "

[jonajuna]

LOL, had us all laughing again :)

will be sharing the vid on facebook so my friends can see that i dont go away into the woods to play at being a freaky bunker digging survivalist, but rather cause its an excellent giggle in the big outdoors, away from the trappings of the "civilised" world

bar the video cameras, digicams, mobile phones in marshes and the occasional check of the weather on my pda :P

will be posting up our pics once flicker has sucked them up off the pc :)

thanks again Ivan (think i will say this a lot) and to everyone for making it an even more special place to spend a few days

[ex member mick sturbs]

LAST bit of serious stuff , really sorry for various reasons , and a 30sec somber moment for . Southey, Leon1, Radix Lecti , Neumo and Emma87's partner for not being able to laugh their socks off . But there will be another in honour of them ! Planning already !! Ivan...

[ex member mick sturbs]

Whoops nearly forgot sorry thread and idea starter Zarkwon .. apologies pal !

[Nova & Pinky]

Full-res pics available to attendees, on request :D

http://www.nova-star.co.uk/bushcraft/dartmoor_0411/IMG_1895.jpg
http://www.nova-star.co.uk/bushcraft/dartmoor_0411/IMG_1897.jpg
http://www.nova-star.co.uk/bushcraft/dartmoor_0411/IMG_1900.jpg
http://www.nova-star.co.uk/bushcraft/dartmoor_0411/IMG_1901.jpg
http://www.nova-star.co.uk/bushcraft/dartmoor_0411/IMG_1902.jpg
http://www.nova-star.co.uk/bushcraft/dartmoor_0411/IMG_1903.jpg
http://www.nova-star.co.uk/bushcraft/dartmoor_0411/IMG_1906.jpg
http://www.nova-star.co.uk/bushcraft/dartmoor_0411/IMG_1907.jpg
http://www.nova-star.co.uk/bushcraft/dartmoor_0411/IMG_1909.jpg
http://www.nova-star.co.uk/bushcraft/dartmoor_0411/IMG_1911.jpg
http://www.nova-star.co.uk/bushcraft/dartmoor_0411/IMG_1913.jpg
http://www.nova-star.co.uk/bushcraft/dartmoor_0411/IMG_1917.jpg
http://www.nova-star.co.uk/bushcraft/dartmoor_0411/IMG_1925.jpg
http://www.nova-star.co.uk/bushcraft/dartmoor_0411/IMG_1928.jpg
http://www.nova-star.co.uk/bushcraft/dartmoor_0411/IMG_1932.jpg
http://www.nova-star.co.uk/bushcraft/dartmoor_0411/IMG_1933.jpg
http://www.nova-star.co.uk/bushcraft/dartmoor_0411/IMG_1935.jpg
http://www.nova-star.co.uk/bushcraft/dartmoor_0411/IMG_1938.jpg
http://www.nova-star.co.uk/bushcraft/dartmoor_0411/IMG_1941.jpg
http://www.nova-star.co.uk/bushcraft/dartmoor_0411/IMG_1942.jpg
http://www.nova-star.co.uk/bushcraft/dartmoor_0411/IMG_1943.jpg
http://www.nova-star.co.uk/bushcraft/dartmoor_0411/IMG_1950.jpg
http://www.nova-star.co.uk/bushcraft/dartmoor_0411/IMG_1955.jpg

[andyBruce]

Thanks to everybody for a great weekend. I'm gutted i couldnt stay for the whole weekend, it was a pleasure to meet you all. It was great to see such a big range of kit, skills and knowledge shared between different generations of people from all walks of life and all shared through this thing we call Bushcraft.
A big thankyou to Ivan, and all who were able to come. I look forward to meeting you all again.

Andy.

Ps. sorry for the state of my grammer and spleling!

[jonajuna]

our pics, heavily "Swiss family Robinson" centric ;) but shows what we got upto while such things as "spoons anonymous" went on "ooop t'other end o' woods"

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jonnicholas/sets/72157626303921837/

[ex member mick sturbs]

Well done Nova and Pinky , excellent pics , Nova please ask if Pinky is available some time this summer to do a duet with mr spoons LIVE ! performing without the aid of a safety net , and both are responsible for their own insurance. You and i will go halves on the film rites , what do you think ?

[Nova & Pinky]

Well done Nova and Pinky , excellent pics , Nova please ask if Pinky is available some time this summer to do a duet with mr spoons LIVE ! performing without the aid of a safety net , and both are responsible for their own insurance. You and i will go halves on the film rites , what do you think ?

SOLD! :D
You say when!

For anyone on the eveil FB, our album is up HERE (http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=337077&id=719771083&l=2c2c43abac) if you want to tag yourself

[salad]

Great weekend. Some good photos there. And once again a big thanks to Ivan:)

[ex member mick sturbs]

Well jonajuna/robinson , youve done us all and the place justice, very nice photies , looks like somewhere i would like to spend a weekend with friends , not too long afore us all do it again eh ? atb Ivan ...

[Vickyjs]

Hi Ivan, nice to see the white mess tent being put to good use!! Looks like you had a good weekend.
Vicky

[morch]

[QUOTE=jonajuna;867536]our pics, heavily "Swiss family Robinson" centric ;) but shows what we got upto while such things as "spoons anonymous" went on "ooop t'other end o' woods"

Is the Bell Tent your's mate? Have one very similar, what do you think of it?

Dave

[zarkwon]

Thanks Ivan mate. Pics look great and that video is a corker. I won't miss the next one and can't wait to get up there for a visit soon.

[FreddyFish]

I'm loving all the piccys and the priceless video (thanks for catching that Steve and Wayne for the action)

The weather was pretty good to us, rained a bit at night but wasn't a bother during the day.
The site was just as I expected, Wonderful. All the joy of Dartmoor plus trees, a fresh stream and open fires.

Ivan was the most affable host you could wish for.
There was a fine supply of beer on offer. Recycling service and the kit taxi to.
The lamb pit roast was immense A+++ Tender beyond all reason. It even made a convert out of Mayo' who 5mins earlier professed not to like lamb and only had a taste to be polite.... but he was also the first back in line for more, and we had a huge pot of veggies to go with it to.
And thanks to Fox for the stew too :)

It was really great to meet up with some new faces and a few old'uns to.

With the recent rain the site was pretty soggy in places, especially the lower part of the site, but hey it's to be expected. (Would you believe sometimes it's wet on Dartmoor.....)
The walk up from the parking was a bit more than I was expecting. I measured it and according to Mr Naismith 1.2km with 70mt climb @ 4km/per/hr that's 25mins.

[jonajuna]

[QUOTE=morch;867788
Is the Bell Tent your's mate? Have one very similar, what do you think of it?

Dave[/QUOTE]

hiya, yep. ours, its from belltent uk, had it for about 3-4 years now. inner tent too, but no stove yet (wait til the kids no longer want to camp in the same tent as us) only downside is weight, but as long as you have a man called Ivan nearby who is so kind as to ferry it in on the back of a quad... all is sorted ;)

cool in summer, warm in winter, no condensation and none of that sweat box effect when the sun hits it in the mornings

[jonajuna]

he parking was a bit more than I was expecting. I measured it and according to Mr Naismith 1.2km with 70mt climb @ 4km/per/hr that's 25mins.

i walked to the car and back on Saturday evening. With no kit and only lager for sustainance, i did the return (to camp) leg in 16 minutes. with my corrections applied for stopping for a wee behind some gorse... 15 minutes

[Nova & Pinky]

i walked to the car and back on Saturday evening. With no kit and only lager for sustainance, i did the return (to camp) leg in 16 minutes. with my corrections applied for stopping for a wee behind some gorse... 15 minutes

Stopping for a wee indeed... :rolleyes: ;)

[ex member mick sturbs]

I was up there once , and a muckle coo and baby spotted me and mummy wasnt happy , believe me it can be done in about 5 mins by a grey haired old un , even allowing for running around the gorse a bit ! no time for a wee , but nearly did the other en route !!

[FreddyFish]

Maybe Naismith's is better for longer distances.

[Emma87]

Cheers for an awesome time. Wish I could have stayed longer, looks like you guys had a fab couple of days. See you all again soon. :)

[MrSpoon]

Hi all

What a fantastic weekend, my first night under a basha.. my first ever marsh mallow on a stick.. my first ever attempt at spoon making... my first ever bushcraft assault course (we all know how that went). My first ever post!

I really appreciated all the knowledge that was shared, i learnt soooo much this weekend, learnt loads of new jokes, courtesy of Bushwaker - who incidentally should be stand up along with Ivan who had us in stitches....!

Many many thanks to FreddyFish for inviting me along, Ivan for his generosity, Katie for being such a great kid and for all their efforts (along with others) to make this a fantastic experience for everyone, a great venue for learning and exploring the outdoors - never to be forgotten!

[ex member mick sturbs]

Hi Spoony, Cadburys have been on the phone , they are thinking of reviving the old (all because the lady loves milk tray ) and now i am your agent i am negotiating a deal, stick with me kid i will make you a star !! Top weekend top people and cant wait to do it all ! over again . Thanks for the kind words , keep in touch , you hero ! atb Ivan...

[Nova & Pinky]

I get the feeling Ivan's going to turn into some kind of celebrity agent - he's trying to get me to go halves on film rights to a sequal starring MrSpoon and Pinky....!

MrSpoon - you were without a doubt one of the highlights of the weekend. Hope to see you at future meets and around BCUK!

[MrSpoon]

As long as that's not Spooning Pinky....!

[Nova & Pinky]

Don't tempt him - Pinky would probably be up for it for a laugh... :rolleyes:

[ex member mick sturbs]

The script is on its way as we speak " Broke Back Spoon On Dartmoor Mountain " but we have made it , in black and white for obvious reasons , and you both have to wear bikini and wellies ..

[ex member mick sturbs]

Because of the massive success , of my first Bushcraft meet , i am currently writing a novel , and i just know it will be a best seller ! No seriously i think whilst it is still fresh in our minds , and as soon as some of you come out of rehab . We really ought to start planning the next foray for later in the year, so we have plenty of time to organise it , and those who only log on occasionally wont miss out , maybe even make this one a little more formal ! thats it , maybe a sensible end for crafting / learning skills spooning of course , cordage , fire lighting , wild food foraging etc . and up my end . Big fires ,cooking, laughing, assault coursing and drinking etc , what do you think ?

[Nova & Pinky]

Where do we sign up?

[ex member mick sturbs]

To be fair , if Freddyfish is ever contactable again , he did such a stirling job , i feel it only right to give him a proper headache if he wants ,because he is brill at that sort of thing , so i will pm him to get his thoughts Ivan ...

[FreddyFish]

if Freddyfish is ever contactable again...

I'm here and up for it. It wasn't that tricky.

[jonajuna]

most definitely up for it, let me know if you need me to do anything, bring anything or organise anything......


though by the sounds of it, i will draw the line at sharing a tarp with Pinky and the Spoon Meister! :yikes:


just found this smiley that luckily wasn't need for the assault course..... ;)

:stretcher:


as far as i am concerned, the sooner the better! :) late June is a no go for me (Glastonbury) as is the latter half of August (family hols) but if you do it on a date we/I cant make, I'm coming up anyways... try to keep me away! :P

[MrSpoon]

Yep...the spooner the better...LOL

Sorry folks couldn' resist....

On a serious note, i'd love to go back again - count me in. Freddy...can i get a lift?

[MrSpoon]

Forget - She WEE & He WEE...we've got

TREE WEE...!

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_E4UO0igplmM/TZtrrTLE1GI/AAAAAAAAAG0/zEonCepa0Gw/s640/Tree%20WEE.JPG

[dave53]

just seen this thread as my daughter is ill at the moment kids eh anyway im still laughing thanks again to ivan and katie and to all who attended the meet a great sociable event one of many i hope i will be back in may to catch up with you all again regards dave

[savagebushcraft]

Mentions in despatches , Jaysurfer for planning since Feb to go lighter than usual , Salad for anyone who cant think of a name (good reasoning behind that one !) dave 53 for being wonderfully patient and informative with Katie ( i have now lost my tarp hammock karabiners and paracord ) Emma87 for being rock hard , never under estimate the power of a woman !! ( similair comment applies to Joy ) Adam for winning longest traveller , and being there when ever you needed a hand ( and for the dvd mate oh and beer ! ) The children for being brill and having a cool time ! ( must move tent further from fire after watershed ! think they may have some new jokes ! ) Foxy for making sure i ate (yummy stew ) and mothering me as and when required .

Think I was actually pipped on that one in the end LOL.


Is it good,I was thinking of getting but I didn't know if there is a better alternative in that kind of price range. :)

Yeah, it's a worthy tarp for the price. It's light and has plenty of mounting point (19) and is cheaper than the tatonka.


Because of the massive success , of my first Bushcraft meet , i am currently writing a novel , and i just know it will be a best seller ! No seriously i think whilst it is still fresh in our minds , and as soon as some of you come out of rehab . We really ought to start planning the next foray for later in the year, so we have plenty of time to organise it , and those who only log on occasionally wont miss out , maybe even make this one a little more formal ! thats it , maybe a sensible end for crafting / learning skills spooning of course , cordage , fire lighting , wild food foraging etc . and up my end . Big fires ,cooking, laughing, assault coursing and drinking etc , what do you think ?

After much micky taking of my club/digging stick/rounders bat/shovel/spoon, I have reduced it down to....sensible...proportions. http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y304/crazysaint22/bushcraft%20locations/Ivans%20meet%201-3%20april/06042011574.jpg

And as for your end of things, they make it all worth while haha

[Nova & Pinky]

Think I was actually pipped on that one in the end LOL.

Wow, how far did you come in the end?

And finished spoon looks great!

[ex member mick sturbs]

Hello everyone, wow ! great response already , you gluttons for punishment ! While i am here , can anyone think of anything that can be done to improve the site/meet /facilities etc, for instance Freddyfish suggested an inventory so people know whats available , man just thinks on his feet ! I dont mind constructive comments good or bad , its the only way i am going to get it right ,Freddy kindly said anyone who did not want to air their views etc in the public domain , can PM him and if he feels it wont make me cry he might pass the messages on , many thanks you guys !!

Ivan ...

[Nova & Pinky]

Only suggestion would be for you to pay (bribr?) the weather people more! :P

[jonajuna]

Hello everyone, wow ! great response already , you gluttons for punishment ! While i am here , can anyone think of anything that can be done to improve the site/meet /facilities etc, for instance Freddyfish suggested an inventory so people know whats available , man just thinks on his feet ! I dont mind constructive comments good or bad , its the only way i am going to get it right ,Freddy kindly said anyone who did not want to air their views etc in the public domain , can PM him and if he feels it wont make me cry he might pass the messages on , many thanks you guys !!

Ivan ...

tarmac the paths, on-site shop, oh and a nightclub would be good, complete with go-go dancers if you dont mind ;)

in all seriousness, i would say nothing, the beauty of your site is its natural state, the (as it is, minimal) need to adapt what you have and your environment (my loo pit digging and tarp rigging exercise for example..... some my think that sad, but i enjoyed doing it)

for me, if i was to turn up and have everything "laid on" so to speak, i would soon get bored... though of course, if there are those that want things laid on, then please recruit me to your working party to do such things :) i nearly cried when i realised i turned up too late to help with the ground oven :)

[Nova & Pinky]

I very nearly typed similar - ie, the 'keep it simple'.
The fact that you are able to provide a woodland that acts like a blank canvas for us all, is enough.

[savagebushcraft]

Wow, how far did you come in the end?

And finished spoon looks great!

196 miles each way. pretty sure someone got to nearly 300 though lol, and thanks for the spoon comment. It still needs some final finishing but it's getting there slowly haha

[Nova & Pinky]

we did 225 miles, although that was with a slight detour around Yeovil to pick up bushwhacker :D

[savagebushcraft]

Hello everyone, wow ! great response already , you gluttons for punishment ! While i am here , can anyone think of anything that can be done to improve the site/meet /facilities etc, for instance Freddyfish suggested an inventory so people know whats available , man just thinks on his feet ! I dont mind constructive comments good or bad , its the only way i am going to get it right ,Freddy kindly said anyone who did not want to air their views etc in the public domain , can PM him and if he feels it wont make me cry he might pass the messages on , many thanks you guys !!

Ivan ...

Everything was perfect mate. I think the rapid response for "more, more, more" has proven that.
I do think you should charge people for carting their kit on the quad though, would make them pack lighter for that more bushcrafty experience LOL.

[savagebushcraft]

we did 225 miles, although that was with a slight detour around Yeovil to pick up bushwhacker :D

See? beaten already by you two LOL. I'll have to drive to suffolk to pic up casey, that should help regain my title for most travelled :)

[ex member mick sturbs]

Hey wait a cotton picking minute !! I know i shoul win shortest traveller only 1.2 kms dont know what that is in old money , but i went up and down 186 times does that count ? and is there a prize ?

[Nova & Pinky]

Hey wait a cotton picking minute !! I know i shoul win shortest traveller only 1.2 kms dont know what that is in old money , but i went up and down 186 times does that count ? and is there a prize ?

A spoon? :P

[Badger90]

'ere savage that spoon looks bloody good considering you did most of it with a knife...i remember watching you pick up that lump of beech and start whittling away wondering what you were doing...nice finished job :D

[ex member mick sturbs]

That does it , i am now not afraid to try my first spoon , and i am changing my image , i bumped into an old school chum today, and he thought i was wearing a grey swimming hat !!

[savagebushcraft]

'ere savage that spoon looks bloody good considering you did most of it with a knife...i remember watching you pick up that lump of beech and start whittling away wondering what you were doing...nice finished job :D

thanks Badg' I still need to sand the hollow but it won't take much. I was knocked into submission when everyone else got their spoons out, I thought.."why is mine so much bigger than theirs?"...LOL

[savagebushcraft]

That does it , i am now not afraid to try my first spoon , and i am changing my image , i bumped into an old school chum today, and he thought i was wearing a grey swimming hat !!

Some people have a cheek don't they? LOL. I bet your spoon will be bigger than mine, as you will need it to lever the quad up the slope/mud slide.

[savagebushcraft]

Oh and Badg', it was all done with a mora, James' crook knife, and a LOT of sandpaper haha

[ex member mick sturbs]

Actually Mr Savage, my spoon will be a delicate affair , for basting the lamb, and it will be made from balsa wood for any upcoming assault course challenge as i intend to go extremely light and win!! and because i will be the numpty putting up the prize , ive seen it and i want it !!

[ex member mick sturbs]

Nova you genius, thankyou , now i have an avitoff!! or whatever its called , wasnt allowed to put the other one on was told i looked like a cross between worzel gummage and compos dad !! charming !

[savagebushcraft]

Actually Mr Savage, my spoon will be a delicate affair , for basting the lamb, and it will be made from balsa wood for any upcoming assault course challenge as i intend to go extremely light and win!! and because i will be the numpty putting up the prize , ive seen it and i want it !!

Prize? What prize? lol

[ex member mick sturbs]

Im not telling what the proper prize is , but the booby prize will be Badgers , Canadian kayak paddle ! you will need a hand to carry it off site though , unless he has refined it , you know with a chainsaw or similar

[jonajuna]

I have a suggestion for the site! :)

a serious one too, yes really :P

where we were camped could perhaps do with a plank across the stream, not because we are too lazy to jump across, but a couple of times the bank gave way a little and i can see in time that damage would occur. there is a crossing point a little higher up by the fire circle, but we tended not to use that as it meant traipsing through other peeps spots

just a thought and as i say, one meant more to preserve the integrity of the bank then create extra convenience

if you have a plank, i will happily set it in place for you :) intend to camp down there again as we like the choice of quiet "wildness" with the option of joining the more social atmosphere at the top end :)

btw, did find the other pit that was dug, nicely sited with inbuilt privacy, when you said there was one already there, near the boundary, i didn't realise quite how close and didn't go searching further than i got as had the thunderbox in my arms at the time! lol

[savagebushcraft]

Im not telling what the proper prize is , but the booby prize will be Badgers , Canadian kayak paddle ! you will need a hand to carry it off site though , unless he has refined it , you know with a chainsaw or similar

I heard tell of such a beast. I thought it was a myth like the Loch Ness monster.

[ex member mick sturbs]

No problem Jon, i will put a plank down , but let you install where best for you and i will reserve that spot for you as if the tribe do come no doubt you will be bringing the marquee !! and your choice of situ for the ablutions area was fine , you must have looked stylish walking all around the woods with that box under your arm!

[jonajuna]

No problem Jon, i will put a plank down , but let you install where best for you and i will reserve that spot for you as if the tribe do come no doubt you will be bringing the marquee !! and your choice of situ for the ablutions area was fine , you must have looked stylish walking all around the woods with that box under your arm!

cheers, will have fun bridge building (sounds like a management away day!) might even have a go at finding some good branches and rigging up rails and maybe some withy balustrades! lol

as for the marquee (we do love our bell tent even with the weight of the damn thing)... was thinking on the way home that maybe i should bung our big tent (a really big tent.... 35+sqm) that we don't really use any more onto fleabay and replace with a couple of more backpack friendly geodesics. It will only be a couple of years now before both the kids will want their own tents rather than sleep in with us and we would get more use of of those tents then we do out of our big one (was bought for longer term camps and to be able to take "guests" (had Cory's tenth birthday party in it at a rainy festival once, 8 kids and several adults with room to spare for the picnic in the middle, gives and idea of the size!)

and thank you for the compliment that i am hefty enough to carry the thunder box under one arm, took both arms and several rests to get it that far! the heaviest thing i lift on a daily basis is my cup of tea and i have that delivered to my desk on most occasions ;)

[ex member mick sturbs]

Well what a day , savagebushcraft , must have a voodoo quad and pin , coz i went up to the site today to finish off tidying up and ..guess who got the quad stuck , anyway after much grunting and swearing , no budge so had to call Badgers mountain quad rescue , there within the hour , about 10 mins and free , the next 3 hours shooting talking rubbish , sorry i mean organising and planning the next meet , all of a sudden it was time to go , a big thanks Badger , now time to invest in an all terrain vehicle !!

[savagebushcraft]

Well what a day , savagebushcraft , must have a voodoo quad and pin , coz i went up to the site today to finish off tidying up and ..guess who got the quad stuck , anyway after much grunting and swearing , no budge so had to call Badgers mountain quad rescue , there within the hour , about 10 mins and free , the next 3 hours shooting talking rubbish , sorry i mean organising and planning the next meet , all of a sudden it was time to go , a big thanks Badger , now time to invest in an all terrain vehicle !!

I did nothing, honest, but my little nephew was playing with a quad shaped beanbag in the shop, which was right next to the sewing kits.......:rolleyes:

[mayobushcraft]

Wonderfull time. I am now a pit lamb convert. Was the most wonderfull flaver I have ever tasted.

Thanks everyone for a great time. Ivan I will try to make it out again soon.

[savagebushcraft]

Wonderfull time. I am now a pit lamb convert. Was the most wonderfull flaver I have ever tasted.

Thanks everyone for a great time. Ivan I will try to make it out again soon.

Hope you can make it buddy, you bring gret company to the party.

Pit lamb is wonderful, but I can't wait to try your deep fried, whole turkey :)

[ex member mick sturbs]

Was gong to camp again tonight ! such a beautiful day but Badger and his tribe are coming tomorrow to work/camp so thought it best for a night in the bed ! and after setting hammock and tarp(upside down at first ) and being a bit of a wimp (first time, tent right beside ) will save it for tomorrow ! why am i worried seems fine in daylight for 10 mins ! also my youngest is coming to camp on Weds night so dont want to make a pig of myself , difficult though ! Why oh why do we have to live in the real world ?

[savagebushcraft]

Was gong to camp again tonight ! such a beautiful day but Badger and his tribe are coming tomorrow to work/camp so thought it best for a night in the bed ! and after setting hammock and tarp(upside down at first ) and being a bit of a wimp (first time, tent right beside ) will save it for tomorrow ! why am i worried seems fine in daylight for 10 mins ! also my youngest is coming to camp on Weds night so dont want to make a pig of myself , difficult though ! Why oh why do we have to live in the real world ?

Should have said you needed a work party. could have given you a hand. I know exactly what you mean about the "real" world