We set off for Coningsby at about 2pm. Even though we are carrying our kit, we managed to fill the car boot with the rucksacks.
The path went right across the fishing lake.
We have a very nice pitch by the lake.
Walking to Woodhall Spa from Coningsby pt2 Read More »
This weekend I have a short walk planned with a couple of friends – it is a gear try out before we go wild camping next month.
Following the trip a couple of week ago, I spent last night making a better job of packing my rucksack and I have got my sleeping mat packed inside the Golite Jam, rather than hanging on the outside. The new compression sack and making a better job of fold/rolling my tent made this possible.
I have a new bit of gear for this weekend. Diana bought me a case to protect my iPhone from the elements as the Watatait Case failed on me whilst away in Scotland in January. I contacted Haglofs, who took the faulty case back and then quickly replaced it – however they did not have my model in stock and so supplied me with a larger pouch which does not have the transparent back panel so I cannot use the camera whilst in the case. However it is a good waterproof case and I will find a use for it in the future.
The new case is less “hi-tech” than the previous cases I have used, but it is lighter and smaller. It has a velcro roll top and a padded interior to give a little more protection to the iPhone and has that vital transparent back so I can use the camera in the rain. However, contrary to the instructions I do not think it is 100% waterproof – but 100% weather proof – I would not submerse this case but I would carry it in my pocket and use it in the rain.
I added the paracord and cord grip for security.
Walking to Woodhall Spa from Coningsby pt1 Read More »
I am walking to Woodhall Spa today, via the Viking Way and the Water Rail Way.
I stopped off in Hardy Gang Wood for a coffee break and got this shot by holding the camera down low on the ground and using Pro HDR to balance the exposure.
Picture of the Day Read More »
As I am planning an overnight walk, next weekend, it was time to get the equipment out of storage and check it over.
Tent
I am still using the Colman Bedrock 2 (that I paid £17.50 for) – although I am looking out for something lighter and that I can cook in if needed. To save some weight I have got two longer alloy stakes to use, to peg out the guylines, that hold up the vent cover and the foot of the flysheet. This saves carrying three heavier pegs and gives a better angle to the guylines.
The carabiner is used on my backpack during the day to secure equipment.
Cooking Gear
All the utensils went through the dishwasher and the fuel bottles refilled. I changed out my beaker for the new one.
The water bladder for the rucksack needed a rinse.
Sleeping Gear
I packed my new sleeping bag into the lightweight compression sack it came with and I was able to pack my silk sleeping bag liner into the same bag.
I store my sleeping mat semi-inflated, so I inflated it fully to check for leaks and then rolled it ready for Saturday.
Bits and Pieces
I sorted through my accessory pack and removed all the extra bits that had accumulated in the pouch over the winter, whilst I have been using it for day walks – watching the grams keeps the weight down.
I checked the batteries in the headlamp.
I also checked the contents of my first aid kit.
Food
I took a trip to the supermarket to get the food for the weekend – Aldi and Tesco – rather than camping shops. Jeremy is going on a Duke of Edinburgh’s expedition this week so I got his food as well.
Saturday
Lunch
Tinned sardines with lemon, cream crackers, hazelnut wafers, coffee
On arrival at the campsite – tea and biscuits
Dinner
Tomato cup-a-soup, Duck flavoured noodles with added salami, instant custard, tea
Later
Chai Latte, Southern Comfort, hazelnut wafers
Tea and fruit and spice oatcakes – first thing in the morning, whilst still in my sleeping bag
Sunday
Breakfast
Tea, crackers and jam, cereal bars
Lunch
Salami, cereal bar and coffee
Trail snacks
Banana chips, Meerkat jellies, white chocolate buttons
Clothes and Wash Kit
I have packed my long sleeved underwear shirt, long johns and some wool socks – the nights recently have been cold and if needed, I can wear these in my sleeping bag.
The few spare clothes I need were packed into the same dry sack with my sleeping bag and my small wash kit.
Check List
Later this week I will check my kit against my spreadsheet check list to make sure I have only 9.5kgs of gear.
Backpacking Next Weekend Read More »
I have walked various bits of the Viking Way – but I had not realised, as it passes through Lincoln, that it runs along a road I regularly use to get to work.
I have a free gpx file of the Viking Way footpath available here. The file can be used in a variety of GPS navigation devices and applications including Memory-Map on the iPhone.
It was a bright sunny day for today’s walk.
This shot was taken using Pro HDR so I could shoot into the sun and still get an image of the light coming through the leaves. I cropped the shot using Photogene2 whilst I was walking along.
The blossom shot was made using Camera+, I focused on and exposed for the white petals. Once home I sorted through the multiple option shots I had taken to find the best composition that was sharp and then used Photogene2 to crop the shot to emphasise the blossom.
One of the original frames for comparison.
Walking to Potterhanworth Woods Read More »
I had enough time today at lunch for a short walk through the woods to find somewhere to have my lunch.
