The annoying thing about walking at Whitehills Wood is getting into the car park.
There is no signage to indicate where you turn in.
You are literally right on top of the entrance before you see it.
Which means you are breaking hard.
I always feel like I’m a fighter pilot landing on an aircraft carrier pulling into this car park.
And the entrance itself is rather bumpy if I’m being generous. So a bumpy landing so to speak.
After a spell of colder weather, the last day or two had been quite mild. Today was no different continuing the weather trend.
I’m not a weather forecaster, but personal experience tells me after the weekend we will get a few days of damper weather. Saturday will see a few fireworks going off. And that usually affects the weather. It’s all the sulphur or whatever they put in the fireworks entering the atmosphere.
We had barely started our walk when I saw a muntjac wander into the path ahead, notice us, and return the way they’d come.
It wasn’t long into our walk that I was removing my shemagh because I was getting too hot.
I loved the contrast between the deciduous trees of this wood and the coniferous trees at this time of year as we made our way round the walk. The autumnal shades of browns, fading greens. At one point leaves were falling like a light shower.
We found a quiet spot not far from the main path to have our brew and enjoy the sounds of nature.
Today’s brew was made using the titanium version of the G2 Firebox Nano. I’d bought it with the X-Case kit, flame guard, leather case, and grill (not pictured).
I’d bought the Nano with the X-Case kit because it provides more stability for the Nano, and acts as an ash tray. Whilst also providing a cool storage case for the stove.
Yes I have to admit having the stove in a rather cool, luxurious leather case does undo the weight advantage of having the titanium version of the stove.
The carbon felt pad that comes with the X-Case is intended to be used as a windshield. However there was no breeze today. But I don’t think I’d use it that way. I have my foil windscreen in my cook kit that I’d use instead. I’m more likely to use the felt pad to help insulate the X-Case and stove from the ground to stop any heat transfer, and leaving any nasty marks on the ground. It’s why I have the high temperature soldering mat in the bag. This soldering mat is a perfect size for this stove or the next mystery stove I will be using. Or even meths stoves like the Trangia.
I also have a Forest Fundamentals Artisan Fire Mat with me. Which too can be used to protect the ground from a stove. But it can also be used for sitting or kneeling on, bushcrafty stuff, starting fires. I just need to find a way to attach it to the Polish Army Bread Bag so it’s not flapping around.
The stove is lightning fast to set up. And it should be because it’s a folding stove. No having to assemble the stove before use. It pops open. Literally. It took me longer to get into the X-Case. Which by the way I find a bit stiff to open.
Today I used a bic lighter to start the fire with birch bark.
I was taken aback by just how little wood I used to boil my water for a brew.
The flame guard was amazing. I was able to lift the nesting cup from the stove without using my leather glove. It worked as advertised. It also provides a bit of wind protection if needed.
Feeding in wood via the two holes at the bottom of the stove was pretty cool. It allowed me to use the longer lengths of “processed” kindling I had with me.
Once the flames were out, and I had emptied the ash on to the X-Case the stove cooled down pretty fast.
Being a proponent of leave no trace I left no scorch marks, carried my ash and waste out with me.
The stove in the X-Case packs down quite small. Would easily fit in a pocket. Obviously the leather case (not needed) does make it a bit bulkier. But it’s so cool.
I really like this stove. I’ve yet to try it with the Trangia. Maybe next time. I want to get the Wood Flame Gas Burner & Ti Ember Glow Diffuser to try with it. I didn’t get the solid fuel plate for it. I should for completeness. However it’s not a fuel type I’d plan to use with it. I think meths or gas would be it.
Has this stove replaced the Bushbuddy for me? I’m thinking it just might have!
After our brew stop we continued our circular walk making our way back to the car.
Although there seemed to be much more up than we had done down.
This had been a wonderful autumn walk.
