The biggest challenge for today’s walk was finding the start!
It’s been a few years since I’ve walked here.
After being nowhere near to where I thought the walk was I ended up using the OS Map app to feed into Apple Maps to give me a route to the start.
As we got nearer to the start things started to come back to me.
I’ve tried to recall how I found this walk. But for the life of me I have no clue, except I was not told about it.
The final bit of road saw us pass a kestrel perching on an overhead line.
Little did I know that this would be one of the handful of birds I would see this afternoon.
Start Point: TF 42634 19713
Distance: 2.1 miles
Total Distance: 10.12 miles
Dolly keeping watch on a guy riding an e-bike.Mystery solved?
Near the start of the walk glimpses of the first flowers of the year were showing. A small patch of snowdrops, two or three patches of daffodils. It’s no surprise these were early in the walk near the boundary of a garden.
Unlike yesterday this was not a windy walk, every now and then there would be a light breeze.
What surprised me about this walk was the lack of bird life. I saw a single gull, and a couple of crows. Maybe that regular bang of the bird scarer a farmer was using was working. But I didn’t see anything on the water.
However I did find maybe an answer to the mussel mystery. As the photo above shows I found the remnants of some baby mussels on the base of some reeds that had been dredged out of the drain.
During the walk I was reminded of bringing Nico here with Strider. Especially of the time Nico was chased by a flying pheasant. But boy did Nico like going off into the crops making the walks last a lot longer than they should have taken.
On the way back an egret flew across the drain.
As we walked towards the car I was paying attention to the tracks in the mud. There are some big dogs being walked here going by the size of the paw prints. But I also saw evidence of deer using the path as well. You didn’t need to be a tracker to know horses were also rode here.
If you feel you are able to make a donation you can use one of the donation links below.
I’d like to say a big thank you for doing so and if you weren’t able to I’d like to thank you for reading this far and hopefully sharing the page.
After a day off from the fundraising challenge due to union meetings after work yesterday it’s back to clocking up the miles.
With hindsight I think this photo could have been used on Saturday to celebrate Nan’s birthday and the start of fundraising challenge.
But I wanted to remind folks why I’m doing all this.
I know I wrote a post about it about a month ago when I first decided to do this. However I think as I do this thing I’m doing in Nan’s memory I actually remember Nan.
Nan with her guardian angel Loki.
Loki was Nan’s little guardian angel. often I give the following as an example of just how cunning attack chihuahuas can be. There was a couple of occasions when I’d come home from work only to find Loki on top of Nan’s bed with her dentures! Yes Loki is so cunning he can get the teeth out of an old lady!
Like Timmy and Rex our family dogs when I was a teenager, Loki loved drinking the remnants of Nan’s cup of tea. His head is perfect for fitting into a mug to get those last drops of tea.
But Nan loved having not only Loki but also Nico. They couldn’t wait to go round to Nan each morning.
The two little furballs were great company for Nan.
Today technically I took Dolly to the coast.
Our walk was going to be along the sea defences at The Sir Peter Scott Lighthouse on the Lynn side of the Nene at Sutton Bridge.
Start Point: TF 49335 25484
Distance: 4.91 miles
Total Distance: 8.02 miles
Phantom Ultralight Stove in the BCB mk1 stoveMy coffee for todayMERMOO YILAN Collapsible Pour Over Coffee DripperOuter Trial Bank
This was a very windy walk with the wind coming in from the west. Which meant as we walked back it would be into the wind.
The advantage of a “midweek” walk is we hardly see anyone. On our walk out the only people we saw were far off into the distance on the mud flats. And it wasn’t until we got nearly to the end that we bumped into anyone else.
Unlike the walks by North Level Main Drain there was no mussel shells, or shells of any kind. I did see a kestrel struggling to hover above the embankment in the distance. But it was gone by the time we got even close to where it was.
Other wildlife spotted were a couple of gulls, plus a couple of flocks of ducks flying inland.
One landmark you can’t escape as you walk along this part of the sea defences is the Outer Trial Bank. I’ve dreamt of stepping foot on this artificial island for years. Not just stepping foot on it but wild camping on this desolate “remote” island. One day.
As we walked along the sea defences looking out across the mud flats towards the wash and the Outer Trail Bank. It was hard not to remember younger, more innocent times on the opposite sides mud flats. When as a family at weekends during samphire season navigating the mud flats and the many channels picking samphire. Which when home mum would clean, and the boil, before pickling in vinegar. My mouth is drooling just remembering eating the pickled samphire or even having it in a sandwich. I’ll try and dig out some photos that dad took of us doing this.
About half way back we did get to see and hear a pilot practice on the target range on the opposite side of the wash. We’d hear its jets before seeing it drop out of the low clouds to do its attack run, before sharply pulling up disappearing once more into the clouds. The pilot (I’m assuming it was a single plane) did this about six times before returning to I assume base.
Once back at the car I made use of the picnic bench to brew up using the Phantom Ultralight Stove with the BCB crusader mk1 cookset. The Phantom is an alcohol stove that has carbon felt in it that soaks up the meths. So if it did get knocked over the meths doesn’t spill everywhere. However it fits really nicely into the mk1 stove, and is a nice light alternative to using solid fuel.
As you can see from the photos above I used my MERMOO YILAN Collapsible Pour Over Coffee Dripper to make today’s brew. I like that in its case you can fit some paper filters. My actual coffee was from Artisan Coffee.
I was going to enjoy my coffee at the picnic bench but more cars started to arrive, and one of the dog walkers I bumped into on my way back. I wasn’t going to get a time to enjoy the peace here. So I dug out my travel mug so I could enjoy my coffee on the way home.
Once home I measure the route we took. And I was amazed by the mileage Dolly and I did today. It’d explain why she is lying next to me snoring as I write this post.
It never ceases to amaze me how generous and giving people can be. So when friends and family, even strangers make a donation I’m so thankful. It’s not easy in this day and age for everyone. I know not everyone can donate. But there are ways that people can help that doesn’t cost anything. Sharing this post or the donation page is one such thing.
If you feel you are able to make a donation you can use one of the donation links below.
I’d like to say a big thank you for doing so and if you weren’t able to I’d like to thank you to for reading this far and hopefully sharing the page.
Sunday is a work day for me. Luckily I get an extra hour in bed with the store opening to staff at 7am.
But even that extra hour in bed was not enough for Dolly. When it was time to get up, answer the call of nature, and go next door to mum. All Dolly did was lazily lift her head, give me that look that said “I don’t wanna get up I’m happy here in bed.”
I had to lift an almost rebellious Dolly doing her best limp body, I shall not be moved impression.
Anyway I had to carry Dolly and Nico (don’t ask Nico doesn’t do stairs!) down. Even downstairs Dolly was in her best protesting mood sitting her bum down refusing to go out. I had to shut the stairs door before she made a dash back up to bed.
Work could only at best be described as frustrating, even challenging. The upside for me is that I finish midday. What helped get me through the shift was the thought I’d be out soon enjoying the fenland landscape with Dolly.
Today our walk started on the Newton-in-the-Isle side of North Level Main Drain. The actual parking spot for this walk is about .4 of a mile away from the drain. So technically a little walk in to get to the drain.
Start Point: TF 42406 14330
Distance: 1.77 miles
Total Distance So Far: 3.11 miles
We were going to park a little bit further up the road and actually end up opposite where we were yesterday.
However tractors had really trashed the public access path. It was so cut up and muddy it wouldn’t have been pleasant to walk along for Dolly or me.
Our walk turned out to be a there and back again along the bridle way.
As I said we had a little walk before getting to the foot bridge over North Level Main Drain.
On this side of the drain as we approached it I once again saw a kestrel hovering this time over the field the bridle way bordered.
The sun was out, although not warm, and a slight breeze gave us a lovely fenland afternoon. A complete contrast to the previous day. On days like this the fens can compete with anywhere.
I saw a couple of mussel shells as we headed in the opposite direction to yesterday. So the mystery continues as to how or why these are here. And even why this side of the drain has so few compared to the other side.
I also saw only a couple of crows today. Once again far fewer than yesterday.
There was a new spotting of an egret. I first saw one of these back around 2008, maybe 2009 on a hiking trip down south with my departed friend Alan.
We also saw three cygnets swimming on the drain. Luckily they managed not to upset the fisherman on the bank that we saw, or run into his lines in the water. Apparently today was not a good day for the fisherman he was not having much luck when asked.
It’s hard to make these there and back again walks along the drains sound exciting. But it’s interesting to see what wildlife they attract.
Tomorrow will be a “rest day” I have a couple of meetings after work meaning I won’t be home my usual time. So our next walk for this fundraiser will be Tuesday.
It seems apt that the first day of this 28 Miles In February starts on Nan’s birthday.
If Nan was still with us she would be turning 98 today.
Happy birthday Nan. There is not a day I don’t think of you or miss you.
Separating Tydd St Giles from Newton-in-the-Isle is North Level Main Drain. Like a lot of the water ways in the fens this is man made. You can tell because of its unnatural straightness. I’m not a historian but if this wasn’t built as part of the big draining of the fens in the 1600’s I’d be surprised.
Dolly and I arrived at our start point on the Tydd St Giles side by accident. I was looking for another walk. But my poor memory led me here instead of the correct location.
I do actually have a start point for another walk on the other side of the drain that brings you to the other side of the foot bridge we were parked next to. You can see part of this and a drone shot in better weather on this post from last year.
Today would be Dolly’s introduction to the stunningly stark fenland landscape. The land of the endless sky.
Start point: TF 41973 15019
Total Distance: 1.34 miles
I’d say today was a typical winter fenland day. Overcast and windy. I didn’t think it was that cold.
This particular walk is a there and back along the bank of the drain. The majority of the “path” is more a boggy, uneven tractor tract. Absolutely no cover for a midway brew stop, or have suitable dryish spot to stop.
One thing along our route I kept spotting were mussel shells. Something I never expected. How they got here I have no idea. Maybe mussels were being used by fishermen on this stretch of the drain as bait.
It’s hard not to miss the fishing platforms and other signs (litter) of the local anglers.
As we headed out away from the car I saw two distinctive white shapes in the distance on the path. There was no mistaking these were swans. But as we got nearer the swans did move down onto the drain. When they did this we were not that close. But I’m glad they did.
I also saw a heron ahead of us that relocated else where by the time we got to roughly where it had been.
On the way back to the start I saw a kestrel I think hovering just above the edge of the path.
There was the usual crows spotted during the walk in neighbouring fields, and I think some starlings.
Back at the car I decided to have the brew up I was unable to have during the walk. Dolly sat in the car out of the wind, curious about what I was doing.
The passenger side of the car acted like a windshield as I used the BCB crusader mk1 with a BCB Firedragon solid fuel block. It was too windy to use a lighter to ignite it. So I used a windproof match.
Considering I did not use a windshield I thought it did ok in the conditions.
But it was nice to have that moment at the end to enjoy a coffee and remember Nan. The person whose memory I’m doing this all for.
Dolly did well to deal with the uneven, muddy, boggy tractor tracks that passed as a path.
I’ve not decided on tomorrow’s location for our walk. Probably make that decision during tomorrow’s shift.
Currently after updating the mileage covered today on my charity fundraiser page I noticed I am now sitting £1 short of £300. That’s incredible. Words just escape me really for expressing my gratitude to all those that have donated. I’m also thankful for all those that have shared my donation links even if not in a position to donate.
If you are able to donate you can use either of the two links below.
This time next week Dolly and I will be starting our first walk in this fundraiser for Alzheimer’s Research UK.
Which means my timeline on various social media platforms will be full of photos from the walks, and our progress. Obviously there will be posts on here as well.
In the last week or so I’ve dug out the OS maps for the surrounding area. Refreshed my memory of where I used to walk the wolf pack. Measured out the routes making sure we will clock up enough mileage each day.
I had retired these walks with the passing of Strider. I think initially when I visit each one they will bring up some strong emotions as I remember my beloved four legged companions (they weren’t pets).
I’m looking forward to introducing Dolly to brew time, and sharing stories of the wolf pack and Nan with her. Yes I’m one of those dog owners that talks to his dogs.
The current amount I’ve raised so far is £279. Which is a fantastic amount.
If you are in a position to donate and so inclined you can make a donation using one of these two donation pages.
It’s been a busy week so there has been a distinct lack of posts.
I’ve been on a two day union event this week at Wyboston. It was a great event and very useful and inspiring. The only draw back was the luke warm evening meal, and a white americano that just a hot watery milky drink.
This union event was also a big deal for Dolly. It was her first overnight with mum. I was wondering how Dolly would handle it, and also how mum would get on with three dogs sleeping on the single bed in the living room.
When I called mum Wednesday morning to see how they got on I needn’t have worried. Instead of the usual phone call while I’m away (for whatever reason):
Mum: did you sleep ok?
Me: yes
Mum: well I didn’t your dogs wouldn’t settle and wouldn’t let me sleep.
It went completely different. Mum actually got some sleep, and managed to find space to sleep with all three on the bed.
With this first test passed with flying colours. I’m not worried about the two nights away for the health and safety course in a couple of weeks.
I did play some games last Friday. And hopefully I’ll get to talk about them in the next post.
I’m continually left speechless and amazed by people’s generosity when I see how much that has been donated for this 28 Miles in February.
The current total is £279!
That is such an amazing amount.
I’ve said previously I thought that when I signed up I didn’t even think I’d get close to the initial £150 target.
Then when that target was passed I thought it’d be cool to hit £200. But now with £300 so close. I’m just wow. How is this possible?
I really am touched, and so proud of my friends and family who have given so much to something I’m doing in memory of Nan. We all know how close I was to Nan, and how much she meant to me. I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to express my gratitude to everyone for their generosity. The words “thank you” don’t seem enough. But at the moment they are all I have. Thank You.
If people are in a position to donate, and feel they would like to then I’m really appreciative of that, and very grateful for the generosity.
Returning to work on Wednesday after basically two weeks off was a bit of struggle.
I’d gotten used to the relaxed, gentle start to the day. Ok my waistline wouldn’t have taken much more of the breakfast routine. The ham I cooked not only gave mum and me a couple of meals (ham, egg, and chips). But also was a major part of my breakfast. Along with eggs, beans, the best black pudding I’ve ever had from Stornaway (part of an amazing hamper that was sent to me by Duncan’s parents), and sausage. So not quite the full English. But still bloody good.
Dolly feels like she has always been with me. She has fitted in that well.
Obviously Dolly has had to adjust to the work day routine. Which she has done really well. Better than me I think!
Mum did hurt her shoulder Thursday lifting Dolly onto her bed. Luckily mum seemed back to normal the next day.
I need to say a big thank you to all those that have donated so far. The initial target of funds to raise was £150.
This figure was a default when the charity set up the donation pages when I signed up.
I didn’t think I’d even get close to this total.
But the generosity of my friends and family I actually reached that target on the 2nd January.
The actual current amount raised so far is £168.
Which is amazing. I’m stunned.
I’m taking a low key approach to fundraising because I know how difficult times are for folks financially. I don’t want people to feel pressured to give money. I’d much rather people are made aware of the charity Alzheimer’s Research UK, the work they do, and the impact of Alzheimer’s and dementia has not only the individual with it, but also the loved ones around them (often acting as the carers).
If people are in a position to donate, and feel they would like to then I’m really appreciative of that, and very grateful for the generosity.
Here we are with my second new setup for making a brew whilst out on a walk or even a meal. But this is equally at home on a backpacking trip also.
The BCB Crusader Mk1 Cooking System isn’t the lightest cooking system by a long shot.
There are two versions of the cook system from BCB. The main difference between the two are the crusader cooker and cup. The Mk1 crusader cup has a capacity of 750ml, whilst the Mk2 has a capacity of a litre. I also think the Mk2 crusader cup is lighter. The crusader cookers are also very different. The Mk1 is much shorter and meant to be a solid fuel only stove. While the Mk2 is taller, more ventilation, and can use multiple fuel sources. Whether that’s solid fuel, alcohol burners, or even a fire.
I’ve gone with the Mk1 version because it is a shorter form factor compared to the Mk2.
A brand new Mk1 cookset from BCB comes in at £95. However you can pick used ones (army surplus) much cheaper. For your money you get the following: “Plastic Mug & Water bottle (Osprey / NATO), Crusader Cup Lid, Crusader Cup, Crusader Cooker, Zulu Belt pouch, Fireball Flint and Striker” (plus some solid fuel blocks).
It is possible to use a Trangia with the Mk1 Crusader cooker if you use an alcohol stove cross stand (see the photos below).
How the crusader cup would be used with the crusader stoveThe plastic Osprey water bottle, plastic cup, lid, and ferro rodThe Crusader stoveHow the Trangia can be used with the Mk1 crusader stoveEverything inside minus the TrangiaHow the Trangia can be used with the Mk1 crusader stove a better shotThe inside of the pouch showing the little pocketThe belt pouch The official plastic lid and the third party (eBay) metal lid
Ok the water bottle has a capacity of a litre, and its companion plastic mug has a capacity of 500ml.
Compared to the Boundless Voyage titanium cook set in the previous post this is heavier. For starters it has the water bottle and mug which the other set doesn’t have. Oh and the handy ferro rod. And to be fair you would need to have if using the other set. Otherwise I don’t think the difference in weight if considering just the cooker and crusader cup, although heavier is too big.
The advantage this has over the Boundless Voyage setup is you can use just solid fuel tablets with it, with no need for a meths burner. Saving a bit of weight there. Granted not a great deal. But still.
For the record I also have the Mk2 crusader cooker. So for me that is also an option. But also shows you can just buy the bits of this system that you want quite easily. It’s also possible to replace the plastic crusader lid with a third party (usually custom made, see photo above) metal lid.
What I like also about this setup is it’s literally bombproof. After all this is designed for use by the British Army. It’s meant to be able to take a lot of abuse.
Well that’s the brief look at the BCB Crusader Mk1. I think I have at least one other newish one to share in another post. So more to come.
This is the first in a series of posts where I will look at recent purchases that can be used as a cookset for backpacking/camping. These are cooksets for a single person, not intended for cooking for multiple people.
I think any of these cooksets covered in this and future posts would be great in a day pack for a walk, or possible backpacking trip.
Yet again a YouTube video got me ordering more gear.
This time it was the Boundless Voyage Titanium Cookware Set.
What do you get for your money? For starters you get an 800ml canteen cup aka a pot, a mesh storage bag, a lid for the pot, and what they describe as a wood stove. Like some of the canteen sets out there this cooker allows you to have a fire to do your cooking. However for me that would be a last resort.
The problem for me with using this type of cooker/stove with a fire is the scar it would leave behind. Not very leave no trace. Yes you could use something to place this on to try and avoid that. But I think it would still leave a mark on the ground.
Everything insideWood stovefolding titanium spoon, and a BCB Fireball Flint and StrikerGoshawk OP-100800ml canteen cup aka a pot800ml canteen cup aka a potGoshawk OP-100Wood stoveLidMesh storage bag
My preference for heat source would be a Trangia or some other alcohol/solid fuel stove. The stove then acts like a windshield and pot support.
The lid itself for the canteen isn’t very tight fitting.
What I like about the pot is that you have the handles on the side plus the handle to hang it with. Although to be fair I’m more likely to be using this handle to remove the pot off the heat than hanging it over an open fire.
I’ve not weighed it but it is listed as weighing in at 230g.
To this cook set I’ve added the Goshawk OP-100 alcohol stove, a folding titanium spoon, and a BCB Fireball Flint and Striker.
Plus at just shy of £38 (from Aliexpress) this isn’t bad value for a cookset.
This is a nice compact cook set that doesn’t take up much space. The only thing I’d need adding to this is a cup of some sort.
After seeing an Alzheimer’s Research UK ad on Facebook for a fundraising event. I thought I can do that.
But more importantly I have a personal link to this. Mind you I could make a personal link to one of the many Cancer, Mental Health, or Animal charities as well.
So why this particular one for Alzheimer’s Research UK?
I’m doing this one for Nan.
There is not a day I don’t miss her.
Nan was never diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia. But she had (most likely) dementia.
Luckily during those declining years before Nan passed away she still recognised myself and mum. However we still had to watch as Nan deteriorated physically and mentally.
In the early days of Nan’s dementia I would be asked daily if I had a car, and who the red one outside belonged to. Sometimes it would be more than once during the day I got asked it.
Often in the later stages Nan would regress to being a child wanting her parents. It was heartbreaking hearing mum tell her they were no longer with us. We even had to constantly remind her she was in her own home.
There would be times when Nan would get angry with mum for no reason and try to hurt her or spit at her. Nan had no strength to do any harm. But I would often just hug her and tell her that I loved her when she was like this. I think it helped her calm down.
The two attack chihuahuas were great companions for Nan. Although how Loki ended up with her dentures on more than one occasion I’ll never know.
In the final years I was unable to visit my son because the distance was too great to do in a day. It took two of us to look after Nan. Particularly to get her on the commode. So my only contact during that time was several phone calls a week with him. I even had to give up working for the final couple of years to be a full time carer.
I used to bake mainly for Nan. After a sourdough loaf came out of the oven I’d take it round to show Nan. The act of touching the warm loaf with her hands used to bring her some pleasure. As did holding a hot mug of tea. Although Nan barely had a mouthful or more of whatever I baked (getting her to eat was a struggle). I baked for her. I’ve not baked since she passed away.
So yes it’s hard having to watch a loved one going through such a horrible slow, cruel death.
And that is why I’m doing this challenge of walking 28 miles in February.
I’m doing it for Nan. For those also going through the same. And to help find a way to prevent others having to go through the same.
If you are in a position to support me I’d really appreciate any donation you can spare. Or if you are unable to you can still help by sharing this post on your social media places.
You can donate in either of these two places (links below)
There will be posts in the run up to the start of February about my prep, and how I plan to tackle the challenge. Then during February there will be progress updates.
Thank you so much for any support you can give and for reading this.
