Sunday walk
It was a sunny morning when I set out today but the wind was so strong that I did not stop for my usual brew up.
Walking
Sunday morning walk – Finnish Gas Mask Bag – First Aid Kit – StarShipSofa
New kit today – Finnish gas mask bag.
I got out this morning for a short walk around the village, just as the early morning mist was lifting. The day was much warmer than I expected so the heavy coat I had on was too much. I had saved this week’s episode of StarShipSofa to listen too whilst on this walk. There was interesting short story in this week’s show a mix of Philip Marlowe and E.T.
There were snowdrops everywhere I looked.
Tea and a Finnish Gas Mask Bag
I found a spot in the sun, tucked behind some bushes and out of sight of the many dog walkers who were out.
I had packed my gear in a bag I bought on my recent visit to Morecambe. There was an excellent stall in the indoor market selling Army surplus at exceptional prices. As well as this bag I bought some military gloves and a Norwegian wool shirt. He is not on the internet or email and just sells in this market, so if you want a bargain you have to go there.
I think this shoulder bag was originally designed as a gas mask bag, for the Finnish Army and is new, having never been issued. It is a useful size, with a third/two thirds divider in the main bag and a selection of smaller pockets inside with snap down flaps. The main bag lid is shaped and also snaps shut securely.
There is plenty of room for my backpacking cook set, water, food, sit mat and first aid kit and pockets for smaller bits of gear.
I have sewn some paracord loops on the bag so I can attach extra gear or a wet waterproof using elastic cord. I also want to add some stronger loops on the bottom of the bag, again to allow me to carry extra gear. (See here for the loops in action.)
The Finnish gas mask bag came with a waist strap, which I have carefully cut off. I did not think I would use it and just looping the belt up made the back of the bag uncomfortable to wear.
This will make a great bag for day walks – I have used my old British World War II gas mask case (which I bough when I was 11!) on some short trips, but age has started to catch up with it.
Sunday morning walk – Finnish Gas Mask Bag – First Aid Kit – StarShipSofa Read More »
Water treatment methods and their effectiveness
Whilst browsing Pinterest this morning I found a excellent document published by the USA government organisation, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about water treatment methods. This is a particularly useful, one page pdf description about the ways to treat water when wild camping and their effectiveness against various water borne pathogens.
Water treatment methods
a guide for individuals intending to use untreated or poorly treated water as a drinking source
Link to the CDC page – A Guide to Drinking Water Treatment and Sanitation for Backcountry & Travel Use.
More about water – Backpacking water, bottles and bladders
Water treatment methods and their effectiveness Read More »
Winter Walking – Loch Morlich
Today I went out to Loch Morlich and walked some of the Old Logging Trail, along the snow covered shore of the Loch and joined the two up with some forest paths.
Winter Walking – Loch Morlich Read More »
Walking in Craigellachie National Nature Reserve
Craigellachie National Nature Reserve
The weather this morning was bright and clear – excellent for walking in the snow, as long as you take gloves, hat, warm jacket, decent boots, thick socks, etc, etc.
The snow in most places was a couple of inches deep although from time to time it was much deeper.
My boot sunk in more than a foot of snow
Craigellachie National Nature Reserve is a short walk from Scandinavian Village and is very close to Aviemore – it is a great place to explore and take photos.
The lake was frozen and had this mysterious “Superman” logo on the ice.
I cleared the snow from the end of a bench and had a brew up, using my MSR Titanium mug and Alpkit Kraku stove, a great lightweight and efficient combination in the cold weather. Hot tea and cake, sitting in the winter sun shine.
I forgot to pack my sit mat so I had to sit on my gloves and hat as the icy bench was far to cold to sit on without insulation.
Walking in Craigellachie National Nature Reserve Read More »
