Day one of rare back to back days off.

When Dolly and I left for our walk it was cool.

I decided to return to Roydon Common and the upper field.

I wanted something easy on my legs (I’m still trying to rest them as much as possible) whilst giving Dolly a bit longer walk wise.

I thought also the benefit of doing this route was the horse trough on the planned route as a water stop for Dolly.

However when we reached the water stop spot the horse trough was gone! All that remained was the outline in the grass of where it once was.

We walked on to find a suitable spot to chill and have lunch.

My brew kit for today was the ultra light hikers favourite BRS 3000T, which I used with a BRS-3000T Special Stainless Steel Windproof Ring (from AlieExpress), a Fire-Maple Gas Canister Stand, plus the Pathfinder Stainless Steel Nesting Cup that goes with my Pathfinder canteen.

I also used my brew kit staples of a UCO Collapsible Cup, MERMOO YILAN Collapsible Pour Over Coffee Dripper, and Fire-Maple Dandelion Buddy Camping Table.

Before making lunch I made a brew, and gave Dolly much needed water.

My lunch was inspired by Chef Corso and his “pad thai” recipe (YouTube video here). But I’d forgotten a couple of ingredients (the powdered coconut milk, garlic and ginger powder). Instead my flavouring were packets of soy sauce, English mustard, sweet chilli sauce, plus two packets of peanut butter. I call this pad thai adjacent! Plus some sliced up cured meat (forget what it was specifically) thrown in. It was pretty tasty but left a messy pot.

So yes I did wash up before packing away.

The BRS and windshield did ok in the gentle breeze. It wouldn’t hold up in a stronger breeze or wind. But with the SOTO 750ml Thermolite pot, everything (stove, 100g gas canister, pot grabber, windshield) but the canister stand fits nicely inside the pot, and the canister stand tucks on top in the included bag. It’s a nice light weight cook system.

While we were chilling the day was starting to warm up.

Once packed up (leaving no trace we had been there) we did the final bit of our walk back to the car.

Dolly is really good off the lead. Stays very close, doesn’t go off chasing wild life. And is the same when we stop for a brew. She is very much like the wolf pack were when we were out and about and stopped for a brew.

All in all this was just what Dolly and I needed.