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saxonaxe
28-10-2014, 08:47 PM
Not a woodland tale, not even a Bushcraft one just a wander and some amateur photos. Sun and overcast with a fresh South-Westerly breeze really not feeling like a couple of months before Yule, in fact most of the time, except brew stops I was in lightweight trousers and 'T' shirt. It was more of a Tab than a stroll as I'm trying to build up for more taxing walking in January.

First objective is the light patch on the horizon slightly left of centre.
http://i.imgur.com/rtl8Jepl.jpg

The hedgerows are heavy with 'Old Mans Beard' Anyone tried this as tinder? I wasn't impressed although when I tried once it was thoroughly dry and caught well enough, but a big handful disappeared in a flash. Ok for kick starting other tinder I suppose...
http://i.imgur.com/UmaaSFNl.jpg

This ready made shelter..:) was filed away for future reference in case I ever get caught out..room in there for as tarp or small tent (ground is level off to the right..
http://i.imgur.com/qWO9iLOl.jpg

Here's the entrance..public land, not upsetting anyone..
http://i.imgur.com/AVCtCgXl.jpg

Gorse I know, is an all year round colour provider on the land but it was nice to see other wild flowers along the way.
http://i.imgur.com/KThegbVl.jpg

Scabious.
http://i.imgur.com/R9tgfUol.jpg

White Bladder Campion.
http://i.imgur.com/tQ357fvl.jpg

Lots of Field Poppies still.
http://i.imgur.com/fUe88gjl.jpg

One of my great favourite Common Mallow and the bonus was bright sun through the leaves making them part golden..
http://i.imgur.com/v1bs8SNl.jpg

Survival tip number 29..If your feet are cold find a handy sheep..:D
http://i.imgur.com/mt5U1Kyl.jpg

The range of hills on the skyline are part of Humakt's wandering ground..:)
http://i.imgur.com/ypnbfOAl.jpg

Not just a well kept farm, but a very successful Vineyard..
http://i.imgur.com/TvK5zeml.jpg

Left of the white scar (old chalk pit) on the horizon, is the remains of a Hill Fort, Stone, Iron ages, Roman and Saxon and there's a slab of concrete up there where the Royal Observer Corps hut stood, while they watched for the Luftwaffe. And so the history goes on..:)
http://i.imgur.com/ocUSpfwl.jpg

On the way down, back to the coast, I pass this. Not an expert but that appears to be good quality polished Granite.
http://i.imgur.com/sLbIcxHl.jpg

And next to it, this. Always fresh flowers and I've known the spot for 20 years+
http://i.imgur.com/fCBrh9Ll.jpg

And here's the view..not a bad place to sleep away the Centuries..
http://i.imgur.com/Qlb2hgSl.jpg

Sat and had a final brew enjoying this view.
http://i.imgur.com/r0ONbkNl.jpg

13.5 miles and as nearly always I returned with a haul..
A nice webbing lead for a doggie and a small Daysack with no identification in or on it...
http://i.imgur.com/Ca9uxGFl.jpg

I'm sure I'm not the only one who got shouted at.. Check your pouches, Check your kit, do it all up 'cos you 'aint going back for it...:D.

And to finish...:ashamed:
I'm sure everyone on the forum is like me..hate to see litter in the countryside. So I'm going well, feeding on the move, when suddenly the silver foil wrapper from the choccie bar blows out of my hand. It's breezy, I chase it along the hedgerow. Realising it's escaping I drop my Bergen and leg it after the silver paper. As it clears the end pf the hedgerow it hangs up in the grass..( I have to say that by this time as often happens with me I'm laughing like an idiot.. chasing this silver Butterfly.) Seeing it trapped I dive on it saying something like " Got you, you naughty paper you" Well, words to that effect..:ashamed:

I roll over in the grass and 10 feet away hidden by the hedgerow are two very smartly turned out lady riders. Hard hats, cream Jodphurs, shiney boots sitting on two beautiful horses.
For moment they sat, mouths open, eyes nearly popping out, and then they turned their horses round and seemed in a hurry to depart for some reason, leaving an elderly, sweating bloke sitting in the grass grinning like a demented idiot, waving a piece of silver paper and swearing at it...
:D

Valantine
28-10-2014, 09:49 PM
Lovely views T^ except for the 2 ladies ;)

OakAshandThorn
28-10-2014, 10:14 PM
T^ Lots of history to see there - I'd personally love to check out that ancient hill fort :). Now who the heck would leave their day pack behind????

ian c
28-10-2014, 10:53 PM
Some very nice scenery there, I can remember check your pouches and pockets, and something I have not forgotten, the stuff that was in my pockets was also attached to the jacket.

midas
29-10-2014, 10:09 AM
Great Day n Photo's.
I'm sure that what the "horsey ladies"heard was nothing new to them!I learn all the swear words,as a youngster opening gates,for the hunt followers.

saxonaxe
29-10-2014, 11:21 AM
" Now who the heck would leave their day pack behind???? "

It does seem extraordinary but I have a theory Doctor Watson...;)
There are a few places where it's possible to drive up farm roads from the villages below and park a vehicle. In the summer these parking areas are sometimes targeted by thieves, they wait for people to park and perhaps take the dog for a run and then they break into the car and steal anything available. The daysack was completely empty and I wondered if it had been stolen, emptied then thrown away by the thief, rather than get seen with it...:confused2:

OakAshandThorn
29-10-2014, 04:24 PM
Aha!!! A clue, Sherlock! :D :p

Humakt
30-10-2014, 01:53 PM
I think it fair to say that the Downs are God's own treasured land...