There's a few decent sized woodlands near me, so on Friday afternoon we loaded up and set off to the biggest one for a quick overnighter.
I'd done some scouting on Google maps to see if I could spot a decent location. Unfortunately not, but I never let things like that put me off! On arriving at the woods it became apparent that the road I had seen on the map was indeed a road, but the forestry commission have closed it off, with a very loose chain
We did open the gate, but I didn't really fancy getting my truck blocked in or any aggro from the FC, so we left it at the gate and started walking. Went down the path about half a mile, then spotted a track in the undergrowth that diverted from the black top. Off we went, into the woods proper. We walked for about half hour before stopping for a beverage. I dropped the pack and had a scout ahead. Just round the corner, under a downed tree was a lovely little stream. 20 feet across the other side was a perfect location, and our home for the night.
I chucked up the tarp and hammock and left the others to set up their accommodation for the evening.
We had a few beers, a little fire so we could cook our tea, and generally sat talking shit all evening (no difference there then!)
Turned in about 11 when the alcohol ran out and slowly drifted off to sleep to the sound of running water - paradise.
I'd used all of our water to douse the fire, so I woke up about half 5, grabbed the katadyn and water bottle and headed off for the stream. 5 minutes and one full water bottle later I returned to find the other 2 still fast asleep - so I went exploring a bit further. Found a perfect spot for 5 or 6 hammocks 100 yards further in, loads of room for bivi'ing too.
Returned to find what I initially thought were two zombies stumbling round the camp. On closer inspection these un-dead beasts turned out to be my two mates slowly coming round to the world of the living. quick bite to eat, then time to pack up camp. Completely covered our tracks, by the time we were done there was no trace we'd ever been there.
Just as we'd all finished packing the gear away a dog walker came under the downed tree, and over the stream. She did look petrified at first sight of 3 dishevelled looking herberts dossing around in the trees, but after a jovial "Good morning" from me the look of terror slowly faded and we actually got a smile!
We sat around for another hour or so, then set off on the walk back to the truck.
PSHTF I'll be looking to get the gate open, the truck in and then secure the gate (properly) and drive all the way in. Plenty of wood pigeons there, and signs of deer too. Evidently a water source, plenty of pine trees, pretty good location. It's the site of an ancient settlement, so people have survived there before.
I'm going to pop back with Winston for another overnighter as soon as the wife allows, so I'll get in there earlier and have a better scout around before setting up camp. Nice to have a location locally that I can get out to, even if it is a bit naughty.
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