It was a great spring day today – an ideal day for a walk across the Lincolnshire fields. I packed light so I could cover a reasonable number of miles in time I had available. I took a flask for my stop and made instant coffee rather than use a stove, again so I did not loose much time.
Sunday Walk – around Branston Read More »
I tried my new Light My Fire Spill-free Cup out today. Rather than take a stove, to save time I opted for hot water in a thermal mug and instant coffee.
The cup was a big success. As I hoped the lid kept the coffee hot, even though the cup/drink has a large surface area. It was comfortable to drink from and hold. I am not sure this cup will replace the plastic beaker I take backpacking but it will make a useful addition to my kit on trips when weight is not such an issue.
More rain so it was a day for a coffee and walking on the Lancaster city trail.
Lancaster Castle
Roman Baths
With the weather forecast for the day being reasonably good, I decided not to waste any time driving but set off to Craigellachie National Nature Reserve – with a plan to go up onto the ridge and walk along the top.
The weather was great and relatively warm (for January in the Cairngorms), I did not need my gloves, hat or jumper nor did I need to zip my coat up until I got out into the wind on the exposed ridge and summits. One thing I did have on though was the new Helly Hansen Lifa Dry base layer Diana bought me – and it was excellent, it kept me warm, was comfortable to wear and did not absorb any sweat when I was warm so when I did need the insulation on the top, it worked.
Have you ever wondered who puts the rock steps in the footpaths? Well I met two of them today.
Rather than get my stove out to make a coffee, I took hot water in a thermal mug, for the first stop. I had a number Octagon Technology emails and texts to deal with – if there is one problem with the titanium mug I normally use is that on a longer break, like this one, the drink would get cold too quickly. But not when using a thermal mug. I had packed it for this trip having recently read a blog of a backpacker who used one to keep water hot for his late night hot chocolate. He boiled the water when he made his evening meal so it meant he could pack his stove and pots away for the night and still have a hot drink later. I bought my thermal mug a number of years ago but it has had little use but I am going to try it out on this trip and if it works out I may pack it for subsequent trips.
Lunch
Lunch was soup and crackers. I really like the “Squeeze and Stir” tomato soup but I have found it difficult to stir in and dissolve all the paste when I have been making it for lunch when walking and backpacking. I tend to use cup-a-soups which are really easy to make on the trail. But today I had a thermal mug. I put the paste in the mug and half filled it with boiling water. Then making sure the lid was on firmly I vigorously shook it. After about a minute I topped the mug up with more boiling water and I had perfect tomato soup – and once I was finished no messy mug to clean up, I just put the lid back on and packed it away.
click on the above image for a larger version
Walking today – Craigellachie National Nature Reserve Aviemore Read More »
I got out for an early morning walk today – rather then heading towards the Witham, I went out through the village, across the fields towards Waddington.
I packed my breakfast, some of the cold roast pork, from last night’s dinner, crackers, some dried mango and pineapple. I took my meths stove, titanium mug and lid and brewed some fresh coffee when I stopped. The dried fruit was something new I was trying – I bought it because it looked the right size and weight for breakfast when I am backpacking.
The label said it had nothing added, so the pineapple and mango bits looked a little odd, were very dry, but tasted great. So it looks like breakfasts in future will be Pop Tarts and Bear Fruit.
I found a wall to sit on – and because it was damp and cold, my hat was useful insulation
Sunday morning walk Read More »
I have spent today drinking coffee – and having meetings.
Tomorrow the plan is much the same but in London so the photos should be more interesting.
My job really is drinking coffee Read More »
I saw the ultimate backpacking coffee machine today in Truro.
It comes with your own personal barista who, I am sure, would drive it along behind you as you walk! So not adding any extra weight to your backpack.
Backpacking coffee machine Read More »