Going Proper Wild...

Finally I Got Out On The Hills

I have spoken about my passion for wild camping in the past. To be out in the wild and free just relaxes me and allows me to forget all the stresses (not that I have many) also it feeds my anarchist self portraying that sense of true freedom. I have done it with a tent before but wanted to do it properly. For my Xmas present last year I requested a bivy bag and a sleeping bag and I was set. The only problem being the English weather, but this last month has been absolutely cracking! Not high on the mercury gage for some of you but this is England; its been hovering around 20 degree but it's not rained and thats a bonus.

I attempted last the other weekend but the clouds looked ominous and I chickened out.

The forecast this weekend was cracking so the decision was made. Now my bare foot escapades have already earned me the nick name Frodo at work. When I announced this, my work colleges had a field day! Apparently this is odd to be in nature connecting with the universe; you should be at home watching telly and conforming like the norms folks. After the initial "oh my god your going to get killed". By who I wonder? You make your own destiny and if your fearful of something it's more likely to happen, but thats for a deeper post. Back to my work colleagues; funny though after sending pictures and telling them about it the all said how nice it seemed and how they would love to do it. Join me I said, then the conformist excuses came in. See the desire is in all of us it breaking through that barrier and unplugging from the societal conformity thats the hardest part. Once you allow yourself to do something that might be considered out of the ordinary, it like a buzz. This in my opinion is why people take so many drug to escape the confinements of society, they are looking for that freedom (I knew I was). When you are living your life following your natural desires and connecting with something natural rather then your phone or a Tv; that puts you into a state of unnatural trance, you vibrations balances and become more in tune with the natural vibrations of the universe. In turn releasing stress, anxiety and yes i'm going to say it depression. Anyways thats enough reasons for getting out there lets get on it.

I gathered my items trying to keep it as light as possible as it's about an hours walk to the chosen spot. I still had the bag of wood I collected last time so this would save on collecting this time. Then I considered the aspect of entertainment and added a few more items to the bag.

After a brisk stroll of about forty five minutes in the glorious sun, I had worked up quite a sweat. Having chosen to go the steepest route possible in the infinite wisdom that it would be quicker so as not to miss the sunset, I was shattered. But to be fair even though I was rather warm and knackered the sun was still high in the sky and still beaming down. I had a little time to find a spot for the night and set up camp. Not that I have much setting up to do; basically get the bags out and light a fire. Now I decided to use the stove, mainly as I have not used it in a while and also saved burning the grass alright I could charge my phone off it but only to take shots in the morning.

Nicely warm and settled I got the book out and read until the sunset, to be honest not long at all. This was fairly relaxing and liberating to be sure. There was no industrial sounds apart from the odd car in the distance, my ears were filled the evening bird chorus and odd sheep in the background. My eyes could not really focus on the book as the views for constantly changing in the failing light. The fact I was alone with no one around was also quite satisfying.

Then the sunset...

I'll let you enjoy it without my commentary although not the best quite pleasing I think you'll agree:

After this colourful display of nature I did actually read the book of a bit and then dozed off.

I woke around three and had a minor panic as my bag appeared to have vanished. This was shorty understood as I looked around and realised in my sleep I have rolled down the hill a meter or so. After a short shuffle I was reunited with my bag, after admiring the lights and blissful calm sleep was once again achieved.

As expected I was woken but the sound of the birds morning chorus, now I'm not sure what bird it was it was nesting on the ground in the long grass. By all accounts it was a nice way to wake and to be honest I have woken to much worst. First thing I did was strike up the stove and make a nice brew to enjoy the sunrise with, blooming marvellous what more could you ask for on a Saturday morning (haha don't answer that one). The sunrise again was not spectacular but worth a few shots to share.

With the sun in the sky and beating down on me I decided to have another nap and slept under its rays for an hour of so. Then my rubbling stomach woke me and it was time to strike up the stove again and cook some porridge before the walk home, got to get up the energy. I send a picture to the work colleagues with the feet out and at the right angle to live up to my new Frodo name. The porridge was sublime must have been cooking it on the fire added that desired taste.

After the porridge had settled it was time to clear up and leave the site as though no one had beed there or as close as I could get. Just a bit of flattered grass and the ash from the stove. One last look as the and homeward bound it was. Past some mushrooms, don't think this one was edible, not forgetting the sheep with the wild hair do and home. Thanks for coming along!