outdoor gear

The River Keer again with snow and coffee

It was not much snow but it did snow overnight. The plan was get out as early as possible after coffee, a cooked breakfast and checking my email.

Pine Lake Resort
The view whilst I ate breakfast
Hot dog and fried egg croissant
Breakfast

The walk

River Keer walk with snow
River Keer walk with snow
Lancashire with snow

Coffee

I found a convenient stone step to sit on and set up my stove. Fortunately being the middle of winter I could use the hole in the wall style without being disturbed by other walkers.

Coffee stop by a bridge
Upper Keer Bridge

I could not help my shadow in the photo and show the bridge.

I used a solid fuel stove today as it is easy to carry. Two of the fuel tablets boiled 400ml of water in about five minutes – not quickly but silently so it did not disturb the view.

Lancashire with snow

The downside is the residue and taste left on the titanium mug, hence the Sea-to-Summit collapsible mug to make the coffee in and drink from. The bottom of the mug needed a quick clean – a rub on the damp grass – before repacking.

Alpkit MiTiMug with lid, collapsible 400ml Sea-to-Summit mug, multi-fuel bushcraft stove, coffee bag, Trangia tin for solid fuel tablets.
Lancashire with snow

The River Keer again with snow and coffee Read More »

A new toy for camping

This is not for backpacking but rather for when we have the car with us. I am also expecting a 100w folding portable solar panel to go with it.

ALLPOWERS Portable Power Station 300W / 288Wh

It is a ALLPOWERS Portable Power Station 300W / 288Wh, with plenty of options for plugging in gadgets, including 240v three pin plug. It can even be charged from the car.

It will also be useful if the government cannot sort it’s energy policy issues out and we have power cuts.

A new toy for camping Read More »

More photos from my recent trip to Staffordshire

Wychnor Park Country Club

Staffordshire
grey squirrel
Wychnor Park Country Club
Wychnor Park Country Club
Staffordshire
Grey squirrel
Grey squirrel
Vietnamese iced coffee with the phin – I use Evaporated milk as it is less sweet than condensed milk
Sunset from the balcony​
Sunset from the balcony
Staffordshire countryside
Sundial
Wychnor Park Country Club

National Forest Way

Footpath through the trees
Bridge over a stream in the wood
Lightweight cookset coffee break
Lightweight cookset
Lightweight cookset
River Trent​
River Trent

The Wychnor Flitch

Swarbourne Meadows

More photos from my recent trip to Staffordshire Read More »

A walk in the other direction

The National Forest Way

Today I turned left onto The National Forest Way.

The path this way was quite overgrown in places with brambles and stinging nettles, and when it came to crossing some of the fields, the path was just visible. You also have to walk past a sign saying the way is a private gated road – no access – I ignored that.

The National Forest Way

Swarbourne Meadows

However there was a viewing platform – a small view as I am sure the trees have grown since it was installed, but a good spot for a coffee.

Swarbourne Meadows viewing platform
Swarbourne Meadows
Swarbourne Meadows
Swarbourne Meadows viewing platform
Coffee and my very useful pack-away stool

A walk in the other direction Read More »