Well, that was certainly an experience!
No photos taken at all sadly
I can say, it was great fun, but totally fucking shagged out/knackered/in pain on the home stretch of the hiking/camping circuit, limping the last half mile.
We worked out we walked roughly (underestimate) 30miles over 4 days (3 nights) that includes one day where we walked only 2 miles.
3 separate camping sites/locations. Forrest, springs, streams, moorland. My rucksack was heavy as fuck when I got up north, then we all stripped out things to lighten our loads. Mine was still lighter but not by much.
Did map reading/compass/leading (taking turns etc.) made fires at each camp site.
Wet wipes was a god send. Sunblock/sunscrean needed next time... I've got cracked lips, grazed/bruised arms/ sun burned face, neck arms legs (not badly) and ache like a mother fucker. or at least i did until i blocked it out with booze and painkillers yesterday, and similar today.
Feel like we achieved something but we all agreed it was too much walking... the hills we climbed too. with full gear. Ugh! Next time we do it we'll set up base camp and camp same spot for more than 1 night. As by end of trip we were all so achey we couldn't be fucked to mess around too much with the bushcraft side of things.
No rain, or very very little during one of the nights. I slipped in river up to my knees day two and walked in socks for ages while boots dried out round fire... we got pissed 2 nights stoned every night, played cards.
Some beautiful areas we passed through. Digging a shit trench was interesting! as was using it.
I can honestly say I don't feel like i've worked so hard in such a short space of time in my life, and my bones muscles brain agree! Having said all that it was still good fun mind you. My kit held up... I lost a cheap pair of sunglasses and a key fob light. All else held up. Was cold at night but had enough layers packed at least. Fire a huge help till we retired to respective tents n hammock n sleeping bags.
Saw lizards, hares, an owl, a few birds of prey. Lots of livestock through fields. Came home feeling like i'd been through boot camp when i got in yesterday evening.
On lyrica, tramadol, booze and diclaz today and taking it easy as walking up and down stairs was annoyingly painful.
One mate who was meant to be joining us jumped out a 4 story building in budapest on a stag and broke his leg and arm in various places....as their group had been targeted/held up to cough up 500 euros or something, so there were 3 of us in the end, and a 4th joined us for one night.
Boiled water, used my life straw and chlorine tabs just to try everything out. We stopped off half way for a pub lunch and a small shop restock which was a welcome break I can tell you! I could easily disappear into that whole area (dolby forrest, near york) if I ever felt the need
Nice to be back in own bed and rest mind you...
