A Whole Heap of Bushcraft
Posted 01-Jul-2009 at 18:41 by Serenfach
As some of you may be aware, I have embarked on a forestry course. It started on Monday and up until today I really was doubting my decision. I have never been crammed full of so much theory in my life - I'll be writing papers for months! After coming home exhaused last night, head swimming, I was wondering what had hit me.
However, I knew today would be my day - out in the woods all day doing what I do best!
We started soil sampling, analysing flora and fauna and all the usual technical stuff, then embarked on a major cooking session. We started by carving our own cooking sticks (coppiced ourselves from hazel), got the fire going and with an assortment of potatoes, sausages, bacon, burgers, veggie burgers and sausages etc managed to feed all 18 of us more than adequately. One member even managed a ratatouille!
[IMG]http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb147/Serenfach_photos/Photo-0147.jpg[/IMG]
[I]Lunch[/I]
After lunch we toasted marshmallows, sawed up some logs (for later use), and made some jewellery, totally from scratch (or branch lol). This is my feeble effort at an elder necklace but I'm still pleased with my first attempt.
[IMG]http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb147/Serenfach_photos/Photo-0150.jpg[/IMG]
In between all this I had my tinder fungus out and desperately tried to start a fire without a flame but it just wasn't happening .... until someone suggested fluffing up some birch bark with my pocket knife. Hey presto, it caught first time so all the effort was well worth it.
After my first few days it was a lovely day and a welcome relief from the 'classroom' (which is a log cabin). I've thoroughly enjoyed my new practical skills and can't wait to put them into practice.
It's back to the cabin for more theory tomorrow but we're out again Friday and I just can't wait!
However, I knew today would be my day - out in the woods all day doing what I do best!
We started soil sampling, analysing flora and fauna and all the usual technical stuff, then embarked on a major cooking session. We started by carving our own cooking sticks (coppiced ourselves from hazel), got the fire going and with an assortment of potatoes, sausages, bacon, burgers, veggie burgers and sausages etc managed to feed all 18 of us more than adequately. One member even managed a ratatouille!
[IMG]http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb147/Serenfach_photos/Photo-0147.jpg[/IMG]
[I]Lunch[/I]
After lunch we toasted marshmallows, sawed up some logs (for later use), and made some jewellery, totally from scratch (or branch lol). This is my feeble effort at an elder necklace but I'm still pleased with my first attempt.
[IMG]http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb147/Serenfach_photos/Photo-0150.jpg[/IMG]
In between all this I had my tinder fungus out and desperately tried to start a fire without a flame but it just wasn't happening .... until someone suggested fluffing up some birch bark with my pocket knife. Hey presto, it caught first time so all the effort was well worth it.
After my first few days it was a lovely day and a welcome relief from the 'classroom' (which is a log cabin). I've thoroughly enjoyed my new practical skills and can't wait to put them into practice.
It's back to the cabin for more theory tomorrow but we're out again Friday and I just can't wait!
Total Comments 3
Comments
-
Merthyr Mohawk!
Well done!
You seemed to have found your niche? :thumbup:
( although when I did my combat survival, i dont remember any non stick pans) ;):pPosted 01-Jul-2009 at 19:57 by Shardy 
- When you write your papers, try then out on us first.
We will be friendly critics to you, who will advise you about any inadvertantly srupid thing you may have said.
..Posted 02-Jul-2009 at 08:28 by Philip Bedford -
Thanks
Thanks Philip for your suggestion, but I know the hysteria that would follow if I did slip up in any way so I think I'll pass on that one!
I'll stick to my tutor ... don't think I'll get so much stick off her if I mess up lol.
:icon_biggPosted 02-Jul-2009 at 17:45 by Serenfach
