With little gaming going on at the moment and the impending holiday and return to the hills. It does seem like this blog has shifted focus for the time being as I prepare for said return.
I do have some more bits on the way for the trip or future plans!
Having inspected my 15 year old plus Leki trekking poles that had been living against the front door of Nans for most of that time. The tips of the poles were not in good condition, one was missing and the other very loose (unable to be tightened, they had seen better times) I decided to get new poles.
I settled on the Alpkit Carbon long Backpacker Twins XL Trekking Poles. These extend to a length of 150cm. Which when using with a tarp that extra 15cm or so gives important extra headroom. Yes you can buy dedicated tarp poles that are longer. However that’s extra weight. I use trekking poles so they are the natural things to use with a tarp.
I like Alpkit. I remember when they first hit the outdoors scene in the UK (they are a British company). They were very popular and whatever they produced sold out very quickly. Which wasn’t surprising because they offered great products that were affordable. Yes often they weren’t the lightest but the price more than made up for that.
Obviously since then they have grown, expanded their range. It’s good to see them still around and being successful. A real success story.
There are a couple of items coming for my “outdoors” kitchen. The first is the MSR Dish Scraper. All these titanium pots, and the odd non-stick frying pan need cleaning, sometimes you need to scrape off bits. And I don’t want to damage these not cheap items.
Next I have the MSR Alpine Spatula and Joseph Duo Locking Kitchen Food Tongs on the way. These join my Tala Silicone Mini Spatula to complete my cooking implements. There will be no whisk. These will be great with the frying pan or if I use one of the wood burners as a mini bbq!
Which reminds me all these outdoor YouTubers whether they are hikers or bush crafters. Who the feck carries raw meet in their rucksack all day to cook in the evening? I do think they are being a bit disingenuous with their videos and hiding a cool bag.
I have midge head nets (two I think). But I wanted an option to work with the tarp that I could sleep in more easily. After a bit of research I ended up tracking down a US Military mosquito bug net that was designed to be used with a pup tent (an old US army tent). What sold me on this was the shape. It would work better with an A-frame tarp setup. Which is probably the tarp configuration I’d be using the most in good weather and also the most likely time insects would be an issue. So one of these is on its way.
Finally I have a British Mountain map on its way too. Yes I have finally decided on an area to go to. But this will be the subject of another post. The only drawback is this is not an official OS map so no free download of the map data.
My return to the hills is fastly approaching and I have no idea where I’m going!
I just can’t make my mind up.
One thing I am certain of is going north of the border is out of the question.
With the time I have for doing this the amount of travel required to get there and back rules it out.
Which is a shame I love Scotland. It is such a a beautiful place to visit and explore on foot.
The same distance travel time handicap rules out Dartmoor as well.
Areas pushing the limits of this self imposed restriction such as the New Forest or Brecon Beacons are tempting. Especially the later which has a lot of fond memories.
I’m left with North Wales, Peak District, Lake District, and Yorkshire Moors. Although my gut is telling me the Lakes might also be stretching it.
One benefit for me no matter which area I finally end up exploring is I will be going midweek. So hopefully I will be avoiding those weekend crowds.
My current thoughts or I should say where my heart is being pulled is North Wales. But which part?
I need to look at maps and see what grabs me. The usual honey spots don’t grab me. I can do them some other time.
This posts title is a famous quote from Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s poem, ‘The Rime of the Ancient Mariner’.
Let’s face it when we are backpacking we tend to carry the bare minimum water because the plan is to fill up along the way as and when we need it.
The problem is how safe is our water to drink?
Definitely the water quality in the UK has gotten worse over the last decade or so, especially in the low lands. Our water companies can it seems pump literal shit into our rivers with impunity. Farmers being allowed to spray ever more toxic chemicals on crops, micro plastic pellets. The list of possible contaminants goes on. Even the fastest flowing stream far from the polluting grasp of our water companies might be contaminated.
Like my sleeping system I’ve refreshed my options for clean water whilst out on the hill. Besides can I really trust a filter that has remained unused for over a decade?
First up I have a 500ml Pure Clear Collapsible Filter bottle. This will be used throughout the day to stay hydrated by drinking from convient water sources on route.
The next addition is the Sawyer Squeeze SP129 Waterfilter. This will be my main filter for filtering in the evening at camp.
I’m not going to use the bags that come with the Sawyer Squeeze. They don’t have a great reputation online, from ease of filling to how sturdy they are. It would appear that a popular replacement for them is a CNOC Vecto water container of some capacity. I went with the one litre version.
The washer in the Squeeze where it attaches to the water container apparently can fall out when back washing the filter if not careful. So I have some replacement ones in a general mini repair kit.
I also have a SP150 Coupling that allows you to attach bottles etc to the Squeeze.
I’ve also hacked my Squeeze by replacing the sports lid with one from a water bottle. I’m not a fan of the sports lid and its pull to drink. I am much more comfortable and find them easier to use with the flip cover to drink lid.
Another hack I’ve adopted is one to protect the filter end when stowed away.
Now to extend the life of the Squeeze, and increase the time between having to back wash the filter (ie clean it) I intend to pre-filter the water to remove large particles from the water. This should stop the filter becoming clogged as much.
To do this pre-filter I’ve borrowed from the military once more by adding a Millbank bag water filtration bag to the kit. If I’m using this then the water must really be bad.
A hack to the Squeeze itself is to replace the washer I mentioned above with a Danco 80070 Hose Washer with Screen. So I’ve done that too. Yes there is a spare in the repair kit.
This last hack may make the Millbank bag redundant with the Squeeze.
Well that’s my clean water taken care of. But where am I going to be using this setup? I’ll cover that in the next post.
Saturday afternoon I got some gaming in with Charlene and her daughter Annabelle.
We started off with playing Expeditions with the newly released expansion Gears of Corruption.
Neither Charlene or Annabelle had played before.
We used the new leaders from the expansion. I was going to use one of the new mechs, which was a choice Charlene also made. Annabelle went with a mech she thought looked cool. Which is as good a way as any when you have never played before.
Below are our choices.
Freya/Mole – me
Zehra/Scarecrow – Charlene
Bjorn/Lumberjack – Annabelle
Without using the corrupted mech rules there is nothing else within the expansion that can’t be used with new players.
The expansion comes with two new mechs, four new leaders and their companions, pieces for a sixth player, seven mech cards (used to help select mechs, starting resources, and reminder of mech ability), cards for corrupt mech mode, automa cards, replacement tile and card, seven hero worker meeples, new map tokens, and a handful of new cards.
I liked the new hero worker. It does get round an issue some players had for the start of the game. Having a worker that acts as a wild does take the pressure off getting a specific worker early on to be able to trigger a cards ability.
In fact the new hero worker probably makes the game for a new player a better experience.
I also liked the new map tokens. They are larger and have an icon on one side. This icon is a bonus you get when you explore a tile with a map token on. But be warned if you go to collect the bonus and there are none available then you don’t get that bonus.
The two new mechs really push the use of map tokens. Which in turn encourages you explore tiles to collect them.
In this game I didn’t take a single refresh action. Whilst naturally Charlene did a few.
Although I dashed the hopes of Annabelle and Charlene by grabbing the 20 corruption token. Annabelle was particularly thrown by it as she was working towards it and using her mech ability to make it cheaper.
Two more turns was all I needed to place my last glory token but alas Charlene triggered the end of the game. Getting revenge for the 20 corruption token.
Charlene easily won this game.
Our second game was a learning game of Pioneer Rails.
This was a read the rules as we learned to play the game. None of us had played it before.
The rules as you read them make the game seem more complicated than it is. But in reality it’s a light ish flip and write.
I like the poker element and as a three player game having the dealer take the card only they could use. You could really screw up another players poker hand this way, turning a potential four of a kind or straight into a lower scoring hand.
I wasn’t wow’d by the game. But it was fun.
We finished off with a game of Marvel: Remix.
I’ve explained why I bought this game previously. It’s quick it’s fun and a great game to finish an evening or afternoon of gaming off with.
A great afternoon of gaming. A big thanks to Charlene and Annabelle for joining me.
In my previous “still alive” post I hinted at an offer I had to ponder.
Well it looks like with a fair wind I could be back on the property ladder.
Yeah I know at my age too.
So long story short I should be buying the house I’m currently renting.
I’m excited and nervous about the whole thing. It’s something I never thought would happen again.
There are also changes at work happening that should make it possible for me to get to club nights again.
At the start of the week the first Expeditions expansion Gears of Corruption (Ironclad edition) did indeed arrive.
After seeing one or two posts on the Expedition’s Facebook page of the metal mechs being broken, with a little apprehension I opened my copy yesterday. Luckily the two in my copy are fine. I was pretty relieved.
I don’t think I’ve mentioned in any post but last week I did pick up a copy of Marvel: Remix. The decision was based on a Dice Tower top ten list on games for MtG players. Marvel: Remix like Red Rising from Stonemaier Games is based on Fantasy Realms. I’ve not played Fantasy Realms but I do like Red Rising. Add in I’m a comic book fan, that does include Marvel stuff (despite the attempt by Disney to destroy that). Then this ticked all the boxes for me to get it. Added bonus it’s not that expensive and a smallish box that makes it easier to carry around for game nights.
Catch you in the next post when I might have something interesting to say!
After the flurry of gaming that happened at the expo it looks like the Summer gaming drought is now upon me.
Sunday gaming has dried up. So I’m planning to cancel those. No point leaving them on the discord server and having to face the disappointment each week of them not happening.
With the first Expeditions expansion Gears of Corruption (Ironclad edition) dropping through my letter box tomorrow. Who knows when I will be able to get this to the table.
On life and all the stuff that that covers. I’ve really missed Nan in the last week or so. I’ve missed talking to her, and her counsel. It’s really hit me hard her not being here.
I think it’s moments like this when I feel the most alone.
Normally I’m happy with my solitude. The attack chihuahuas are happy. I look after mum next door.
But there are times when I really do miss her. Like now.
My aunt and uncle are over from New Zealand and I will be getting to see them in the next couple of days. There will be more visits during their stay in Blighty but for now this first one is brief.
Yes I’d love to visit them in New Zealand but like returning to the TGOC the circumstances that this would be possible are not ones I want to contemplate. Basically it’d mean I’m no longer needed as mums carer.
They’ve been very supportive over the years and done a lot for me. Which I really appreciate and am very very thankful for.
There is an amazing offer been made by them to me which I’d love to be able to take it up. If Nan was around and not ill I’d be discussing it with her. I’m trying to work out how I can get into a position in which I can take up the generous offer.
If things work out I’ll share with you what is happening.
My wild camping in the past has never been with a conventional tent. I’ve used a Trailstar, a Golite Hex 3, and a tarp. I have some great memories using them. Heck the later two I used on two TGOCs.
My shelter of choice for my return sees me returning to using a tarp by using a DD Hammocks – DD SuperLight Tarp. This is a 3 metre by 2.9 metre tarp. Don’t ask me why it’s not 3 by 3 exactly. I’m sure there is a good reason for this. It’s just that I’ve not been that interested to dig into what it is.
It comes with four pegs and guy lines. But these will be taken out and replaced with 550 para cord. I’m also using 5mm bungee cord that will be added to the tarps attachment points as small loops to attach to. The thinking is this will provide a little give in strong winds and take some of the strain off the attachment points.
I have bought some generic brand tent pegs that are aluminium. But I’ll also be using my titanium ones too.
I think a combo of these should cater for most ground types. And yes you do detect a very small ultra light weight tent peg used to pull the titanium ones out of the ground. I really should attach some cord.
Obviously I’ll be using my trekking poles with the tarp.
I’ve also got a DD Hammocks – DD Magic Carpet – XL to use as a groundsheet. This is a 2.2 metre by 1.4 metre waterproof groundsheet.
In my controversial post on my proposed sleep system I mention the goretex bivy bag from the US Military Modular Sleep System (MSS) that could be used as part of it. However it should also be thought of as part of my planned shelter.
There is the obvious use of just using the bivy bag with no tarp erected. My first ever wild camp was in a borrowed bivy bag on the side of a Welsh mountain in the Brecon Beacons the night before picking Strider up.
But the main use will be with the tarp to add that extra layer of protection to the rest of the sleep system from the elements.
Using a tarp isn’t for everyone. I get it. But I love using one. I love the flexibility they give. Tarps can be erected in a multitude of ways depending on weather, location, or just how you feel.
I love how they bring you closer to nature. I certainly feel more connected when using a tarp.
I think it’s this last point especially that I want to recapture when I do my first trip that is approaching fast.
So that’s my sleep system, and shelter covered. Water next?
This could be my most controversial blog post ever!
Before I had to stop going to the hills I had made the jump to using a quilt instead of a sleeping bag.
My quilt of choice was the Ray Jardine quilt which I used with a Sea to Summit sleeping bag liner, and a self inflating Sea to Summit sleeping mat (can’t remember which one), plus a Sea to Summit blowup pillow. I had a bivy bag too but it never got used with the quilt.
I really liked using the quilt instead of a sleeping bag. It worked for me.
Now that’s all about to change.
I’ve moved to a more “modular” system that I hope will handle a wider range of temperatures and weather conditions. And for sure it’s not lighter!
The Ray Jardine quilt is staying. And when I initially wrote the first draft of this post I meant it. I really did. But somehow a Sea to Summit Cinder Down Quilt is in my rucksack!
The Cinder is a summer quilt. But in use with the other parts of this modular system could be used in spring or autumn I think. But don’t quote me on that!
The first part of this new sleep system is the goretex bivy bag from the US Military Modular Sleep System (MSS). I did have to hunt around for this because I didn’t want the whole MSS. So hard to find some-one selling just the bivy. But eventually I managed to find one.
Why this specific bivy?
It’s a combination of things. Firstly it’s goretex and bombproof (bloody well better be considering). Secondly it has a 3/4 length side zip. A lot of the hiking specific bivy bags do not have this zip. It’s a heavier bivy than I’ve used in the past. But more rugged, more waterproof, and better as my emergency shelter if needed that way. And yes it replaces my emergency shelter.
Next is the sleeping mat. I’ve gone with the Klymit Static V2 Sleeping Pad, Ultralight. I needed a new mat, the old one got damaged beyond repair whilst in storage. So needed replacing. Its R value is 1.3 iirc so not a winter mat. I’d need one with a R value of 4 plus if I’ve understood this rating system correctly. It would be a push using it in spring and autumn too. But the use of a suitable foam mat might allow its use in those two seasons. Plus at the moment I have no plans to go winter camping.
Flextailgear Zero Pump, Klymit Static V2 Sleeping Pad, Ultralight, Light AF non-slip camping mat, woobie or poncho liner, Geezy Go Easy Camping Mat, “Original German Army Surplus Wool Blanket”Sea to Summit Cinder Down Quilt, MSS bivy bag, Klymit Unisex’s Drift Camping Pillow
To inflate the Klymit I’ve got a gadget that never existed on the market 14 years ago, a Flextailgear Zero Pump. This is a portable air pump for blowing up sleep pads. Back in my day (that makes me sound sooo old) we had to blow these sort of pads up with our breath. That was the attraction of the self inflating mats. A couple of puffs was all that was required. Don’t underestimate how tired you are after hiking all day and then setting up camp. The effort required to blow up a sleep pad is quite a lot. This is a godsend invention.
To give the Klymit a bit of protection I have the Light AF non-slip camping mat. This is a very thin mat that should cut down the chances of the Klymit getting damaged, and stop it sliding all over the place.
For winter/freezing conditions I will add a thicker foam sleeping mat. Which is to be decided. Less pressure on sorting this out. I have one already. I like the look of the British Army Four Seasom foam mat. Bomb proof and can be picked up for about a tenner! But my egg box one should be fine for what I want. I have got a Mountain Warehouse Trek Mat which has a reflective layer which I want to try. But I still like the look of the British Army mat.
I did previously use a silk sleeping bag liner even with a sleeping bag. Obviously it gives another layer and a bit more warmth. Plus keeps your bag cleaner, so it needs less cleaning inside.
The sleeping bag liner I’m now using is a Carinthia Grizzly Sleeping Bag Liner. I’ve had to settle with a left sided zip. Ideally wanted a right sided one but wasn’t able to find one. Not even sure they do a right sided version.
I’m then adding another bit of US military kit the woobie or poncho liner as it is also known. This adds another layer to the sleep system as needed.
The final layer if needed will be a wool blanket! Just like the foam sleeping mat this will remain at home/in the car unless I’m expecting temperatures to drop. I have an “Original German Army Surplus Wool Blanket” it wasn’t expensive. The plan is to see how I get on with this, and if it works out invest in an expensive merino wool one at some point. That will be lighter and warmer.
Not a layer in the sleep system, however just as vital as the rest is the addition of the Klymit Unisex’s Drift Camping Pillow. I need a good pillow. We’ll see how this works out.
Obviously as I write this I’ve not tested this system in anger. Nor even have a clue what temperature range this system can potentially handle. Yes it is considerably heavier too. But I think its flexibility counters that.
When you think the base combination will be the following:
Light AF non-slip camping mat + Klymit Static V2 Sleeping Pad + Carinthia Grizzly Sleeping Bag Liner + Klymit Unisex’s Drift Camping Pillow
Then depending on conditions/expected weather could be any of the following combinations for example:
Base + poncho liner
Base + quilt
Base + quilt + poncho liner
Base + quilt + poncho liner + wool blanket
Base + quilt + poncho liner + wool blanket + thicker foam mat
To any of these the bivy can be used giving an extra layer, protection from the elements, etc.
I know I’ve not listed the base + wool blanket as an option or base + wool blanket + poncho liner as one either. And they are options I could use. I’m just not sure I would. Although I might at some point for scientific reasons.
Another thing I like about this system is that it can be used like its inspiration of the cowboy bedroll! So I could if I’m expecting shit weather have the sleeping mat, sleeping bag liner, quilt/poncho liner inside the bivy bag for protection and just unroll it when needed at night in camp. How practical that is I don’t know. But it’s an option.
Have you tried a similar sleep system? Or do you think I’m barking mad?
Since getting back into Dice Masters getting hold of a play mat has been challenging.
Yes I did get a custom one printed for me. But I wanted more to use when I play with others.
I did look on eBay but it’s eBay and people being totally unrealistic on the prices they were asking.
Whilst at the expo my friend and winding down proprietor of the FLGS in Chatteris The Hobbit Hole posted on Facebook he had some play mats going cheap to get rid of them.
As I scanned the images posted I noticed there was a Dice Masters mat, and there was a second.
I took no time to respond letting him know I was interested in them but couldn’t collect them until Monday due to being at the expo.
Monday lunchtime saw me make the 30 minute drive across the fenland landscape to The Hobbit Hole to buy the mats. At a fiver each they were a bloody bargain.
We had a good natter, remembered departed friends, and didn’t come to blows on the political side!
It’s sad to see John closing up shop. But I understand his reasons. I can only wish him luck and good health in the next stage of his life.
