It was nice weather when I got up this morning but as I was making my coffee, the thunder started and in the end I had my breakfast in the tent, whilst the rain beat down.
The rain stopped long enough for us to pack away but by the time we came to leave the site it was raining again. Change of plan, coffee in Hunstanton out of the rain.
Set up and brewing some coffee.
Nothing lightweight about this trip – Alex and I came down by car. The green bag contains the food for the weekend, cans of beans, big soup, rolls, chocolate, noodles, satay sauce, ground coffee etc etc.
The plan is walking and photography tomorrow before the forecast thunder storms!
Sandringham Camping and Caravan Club Site Read More »
click on the above image for a larger version
See here for – Early morning tea, watching the sunrise and listening to the birds
Fresh coffee and porridge with dried fruit for breakfast
Camping – The Viking Way – Woodhall Spa Read More »
This wild camping trip had been planned for months – the only issue was we chose the time over the Bank Holiday weekend when the weather was not splendid! However even with the wet, we had a great weekend.
The Lake District from Black Combe – click on the above image for a larger version
The route and site we chose for this camping trip was one I had checked out last January and it did not disappoint.
There was a suitable parking spot reasonably nearby – with a short walk from there to the start of the path, some care has to be taken as there is not footpath and the road is narrow. There is a car park at the actual start of the path, which is much safer for both the walker and the car driver, but unfortunately the local parish council prefers to see it empty overnight.
The view on the way up.
The first look at the trig point on the summit of Black Combe.
We found an excellent area to camp, over from the trig point towards the edge of the summit.
From here we had great views across to the summits of the Lake District.
click on the above image for a larger version
However once we had taken some time to photograph the view and get a group shot at the trig point it started to spot with rain. This rain became heavier and the visibility dropped to a couple of hundred meters. We each retreated to our one man tents for the evening – conversation was then shouting at each other.
The visibility was no better at sunrise.
Food and Water
As I had to carry all my water up with me for this wild camping trip, I chose my menu so it needed no water in the preparation. All the water I had with me was used for drinks or hygiene. I had planned to take up 2l of water but at the last moment I added an extra 500ml bottle of water to which I added two SiS soluble electrolyte tablets. I am glad I did this as I used this drink on the way up. I made a much faster pace to the summit than the other two, with barely a stop and only one quick photo opportunity. They on the other hand took the much more sensible way up with plenty of rests and photo stops. When I got to the summit I was very hot and I needed the extra water/electrolyte drink.
For my evening meal I made spicy sardine sandwiches with the Warburtons Brown Sandwich Thins which was a great success, I shall use this bread again. It comes pre-sliced which is convenient but even better it resists the inevitable crushing that food suffers in the backpack. However my crackers and breakfast biscuits did not survive so well when Richard turned my pack upside down.
I needed the wind shield for the stove because of the wind
Even in the flapping, windy conditions it was quite safe to boil water for my drinks in the porch of my MSR Hubba tent.
POP tarts and breakfast biscuits make an easy, filling breakfast with fresh coffee and tea. It is something I can prepare whilst still in my sleeping enjoying the view! The only thing to improve on my menu was the bacon bap Richard cooked and brought over to me in the morning, complete with Heinz tomato ketchup.
Two litres of water was enough for this trip – I had planned to have six hot drinks and some water for the walking. This worked out and included using a little water to clean my spoon, pocket knife, plastic mug and teeth. I also used KFC wipes and anti-bacterial hand cleaner for my hands and face.
Star Wars Day
After breakfast we packed away and left no trace of where we camped – inspecting the site carefully for wind blown litter or “lost” kit.
Heading back to the car on Star Wars Day – the visibility only improved once we were below 300m
Other posts about this wild camping trip:
Star Wars Wild Camping trip to Black Combe – Lake District Read More »
I am off to the Lake District with friends tomorrow for an overnight wild camp. The following is the backpacking food I will be taking.
As we are planning to wild camp where this is no water available, it means that all the water I think I will need I will have to carry in. This menu is designed reduce my water needs to drinks only – no dehydrated food. I am planning to carry 2l of water up into the hills.
The plan is to day hike, on Saturday, down to one of the lakes. Then go back to the car, restock with water, pick up our main packs and head off to our camp site later in the afternoon.
Lunch Saturday
Extra to this I am going to buy a Sausage Pie from the village shop when we leave and add a banana. The plastic bag is for the rubbish and the “hint of lemon” is a hand wipe.
Saturday Dinner
The bread is Warburtons Brown Sandwich Thins, which are pre-sliced. I shall probably eat the granola bar with my first mug of tea at the campsite before the tent goes up.
Sunday Breakfast
Extra Food
Just in case I am a bit more hungry than I expect – I am planning to have the chocolate breakfast biscuits with my early morning tea, whilst I am still in my sleeping bag, admiring the view.
Drinks and extras
The small Nalgene bottle contains dry milk powder. The Chrysanthemen Honey Tea, which I get from a local Asian Supermarket, can be dissolved in either hot or cold water.
There are two items not shown:
I have a 60ml Nalgene bottle of fresh ground Costa Coffee and I my Brew Kit.
Why “Star Wars”?
Sunday is May the Fourth.
Backpacking Food – “Star Wars” Camping Trip Read More »
I am going camping next weekend, probably to the Peak District. The plan is to get a cooked breakfast on the way, spend the day walking and taking photographs then onto a campsite for the night. I am not backpacking with this food, it is a car based trip.
As I am away next week on business I am sorting the gear and camping food this weekend. Packed in the bag above is the evening meal, breakfast and the extras! Not shown in the photo is trail food for the Saturday and some apples.
Trail Food
I am going the add a banana or apple to this – and I am planning to get my Alpkit Kraku stove out along the way to make the 2-in-1 coffee. Hygiene is essential when camping and walking, hence the hand wipe and napkin.
Evening meal
Once the tent is up I am having soup and crackers.
Chicken Chow Mein is a microwave meal from the supermarket. I am going to empty the contents of both packs into my Alpkit MiTiMug, heat, stir and eat. Instant custard for dessert.
Extras
There are tea bags and dried milk in the red neoprene pouch.
The two 60ml Nalgene bottles contain fresh ground coffee and dried milk. If fresh milk is available at the campsite I shall buy some.
Some of the mint chocolate is going to be broken up and added to the hot instant custard.
The breakfast biscuits are for having with my early morning tea whilst still in my sleeping bag.
Breakfast
I am going to mix the jam and dried fruit into the porridge – which can be made with either dried or fresh milk. The yogurt flakes I will eat with fresh coffee.
I am heading home after breakfast so no lunch.
