Bits & Pieces

The fur on the camera worked reasonably well to cut out the wind in the microphone but I do need to find a way to attach it better than at present.

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I was really impressed with the Caldera Cone; not knowing how much fuel I would need or use, I took 400ml (I know overkill for two days!) and ended up using about 100ml for the two days.

Most of the cooking was just boiling up cups of water for either coffee, tea or cooking Freezer bag style.

Boiling water for coffee, tea used about 10-12ml of meths and to boil 300ml took about 15ml.

This is a great stove for solo cooking and when food doesn't need to be simmered; although that's what a pot cozy is for.

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Before going on the last trip; I couldn't decide whether to wear boots or trainers, in the end I went with the boots which are a pair of Hi-Tec Peak II eVent, I'm glad I did as the lanes on the Sunday coming back were full of deep puddles and sticky claggy clay.

I'm working on a review of the boots, to post soon.

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Back to the camera. For some reason and I don't know why but the lens on the Zi6 seems to be narrower than on my previous camera and although filming in widescreen doesn't give a very wide angle view.

To get round this I bought a little 0.67x lens to fit on the camera. This attaches via magnets; one goes on the camera and one built into the actual lens.



These are designed for the iphone but work just as well on the Zi6.

Ticket to Ride

My train tickets for my trip in May just arrived.

This will be a special backpacking trip, as my eldest will be joining me on it.

Although she has camped before, this will be the first time walking and camping.

We are going down to the Isle of Purbeck, and doing a variation of some of the walking I have done there in the past.

I have the route already planned but will adjust it according to how she feels day-to-day. At the moment it is working out at 8,12,8 miles.

She has done 8 mile walks in the past but that is without carrying a pack.

Hopefully she will enjoy the trip.

Mat

My last night in Scotland, last year; I found that my sleeping mat had developed a leak and was going down after a few hours.

Once home I got it in the bath, and eventually found the hole and repaired it. Or so I thought; last weekend's trip I used the mat for the first time since then and it was still leaking.

I've had this mat for 5 years and it was a freebie; so I pretty much got my monies worth from it.

Biggest problem now was getting a replacement, as they are impossible to buy in the U.K. Other than the U.S the only other countries than seem to have them is Australia or New Zealand.

I don't mind buying equipment outside the EU or even paying the 15% tax on it, but I do mind having to pay the P.O. the £8 for telling me that I have to pay a tax.

Luckily Mac E over at Stayin' Alive had just bought one from a company in the U.K.


So an order to Raw Outdoors on Thursday and today I have my shiny new mat.



I did looking into buying a NeoAir but was not sure whether I would like it or not and also the price was a bit to much; plus I know exactly what I'm getting with the Themo mat.

Ode to Mouse Lane

I can't forget the lane that goes from Steyning to the Ring

In summer time and on the Downs how larks and linnets sing

High in the sun. The wind comes off the sea, and oh the air!

I never knew till now that life in old days was so fair.

But now I know it in this filthy rat infested ditch

Where every shell must kill or spare, and God alone knows when.

And I am made a beast of prey and this is my lair.

My God I never knew till now that those days were so fair.

And we shall assault in half an hour and it's a silly thing

I can't forget the lane that goes from Steyning to the Ring.

Written by John Stanley Purvis - (using the name Philip Johnson) 5th Battalion

Yorkshire Regiment on 2nd Dec 1915 in a trench behind the Somme

This stone was placed in the lane by the people of Steyning

In the year 2000 AD in celebration of their inheritance, and replaced

after damage to the original, in 2006 AD.

South Downs Video

Shout Out

I'd like to give a shout out to Team io. AktoMan recommend them, cause I was looking for some new guys rope for my tent.

I ordered from their ebay site at 11.34 am yesterday and the new guys arrived today before 11.00 am, great and fast service.

Thanks Team io

A grand (few) days out.

Tomorrow I'm off to the South Downs for a couples of days hiking.

Saturday's Route


Sunday's Route


Just got to find all my gear and pack it.