Honey Stove aus 2009

Honey Stove 2009 in use as a windshield and pot-holder. Alpkit’s MyTiMug (750ml). Tinny’s BlackFly#4 meths stove (1 oz fuel). The new design allowed me to move the Blackfly closer to the base of the pan. When the fuel ran out, I had enough hot water for two mugs of tea. It still amazes me that such a small amount of fuel can give 2 people a cuppa each – truly a marvel.

Honey Stove in wood-burning mode. A few scrapes off a ‘maya’ stick with the pocket-knife, on to cotton-wool coated in Vaseline, and quick blast from the gas-lighter, and fire was made. I’m sure the Ancients did it the same way.

I boiled enough water for another brew for us both. Then to rehydrate my dinner. Then to wash the dish. Then just to stop the fire from going out.

After the fire was done, I left the stove to cool down, and activated the cloaking device.

Designer and retailer: http://www.backpackinglight.co.uk/product397.asp

Bob and Rose are selling an Upgrade Kit for owners of the 2008 version.

For me, if I’m taking the meths stove, this is a standard accessory. I amn’t counting the grammes, but I am looking at a flat-pack kit that just slides into a side pocket and is multi-functional.

One Step Forward, Two Steps Back

I was following up Darren’s re-broadcasting of Tinny’s videos of the products from MiniBullDesign when I noticed something.

 

Is it me, but it seems to be an old backward-looking attitude that just because a man is watching another man baking a cake, that the said viewer would be interested in such relationships?

I thought these assumptions died away with Mr Inman from “Are You Being Served”.

Okay, let’s end the weekend on a high note, and kick Google into touch with a real view of the manly outdoor life.

Breakfast with SnowPeak 900

Question was:

Just wondered if the SnowPeak 900 set was any good - interested in fact it has small frying pan, and lightweight - does pan burn and could you use pan as mug.

My answer is:

Although there was some sticking of the potato scone to the frying pan (lid), the lid cleaned up fine for me afterwards.

As to using the pan as a drinking mug – yes, but it isn’t as good as drinking from a separate mug (eg a plastic one).

Although I have used the SnowPeak 900 as my cookset of choice for a couple of years now, this is the first time I used it in this way. I never have anything along to fry, and I always carry a separate mug. As with any hollow solid object in my pack, things can get packed inside.

Pizza and Other Strangeness

Tonight I watched these couple of videos. I’ll need to try it in the lid of my SnowPeak 900. I suppose I should be interested in world politics, but this is much more fun. Well done to GrinchMT, I’ll need to watch some more. I’m already thinking of how I can make a lid (as I’d be using the cookset’s lid as a frying pan) – maybe use metal foil.

Part 1

Part 2

I found them off the ‘related’ list from Tinny’s new design. I have been mentioning him as an example of Web2.0 at its finest. Just watch his view numbers.

Soddit

Or... Didn't get there, so came back again. Or... Nature gets Napoleonic. --- update later ... updated

---

On Saturday the forecast was for intermittent showers. It looked variable, and had not changed when I looked again on Sunday morning. I packed for three days and headed out, stopping in Braemar for a shop and breakfast. In the gear shop, I bought a Patagonia merino wool long sleeved base layer in their sale (35 quid off) and wore it for the rest of the day: unlike the bacon roll from the Hungry Highlander, which lasted until the Linn of Dee car park.

Walking out, a bird of prey landed on a solitary tree, and young deer bounced around on their own in the valley and the plants shone in the cloud-focused sun. But these clouds came in and the 'shower' of heavy rain set the tone for the rest of the day. Plan H was to walk until the weather closed in. (maplink)

I sheltered at the Derry Lodge ford, and carried on, watching the clouds and not really wanting to spend three wet days in the Cairngorms. An hour later, I was further north up Glen Derry, and the rain came on as I reached the bridge. "Soddit", I thought, "there's a cracking pitch here, I may as well sit out the weather"

The rain stopped, the midges rose and I dosed the late afternoon away in my tent. I heard voices on the path and fought back my guilt, listening to the limited radio reception and reading about the poet William Cowper in the wee book of his poems I had grabbed as reading material.

A brew with my Blackfly3 meths stove, some more midge-spray, and I swapped one of the TNF Hedgehog laces with one of the laces that I had taken from my Inov8 Terrocs (in case you really, really want to know, it is the right shoe).

Up hill, along slope, down hill, and I was satisfied enough to swap out the other TNF shoe lace. At least I had achieved something. As the sun set below the mountains, I had my second "sod it" moment, and now with the midge-netting over my head, I broke camp and walked back to the car.

I had walked about 15km, spent about 6 hours in my tent and 4 hours walking. But more, I had reached the nadir where my head knows I can do something, so thinks it doesn't need to prove it by forcing the body to achieve the task. I think I am doing this for other people and not myself. I need to stop thinking about this.

Walking in the failing light, I stop thinking of these things as the trees closed in amongst me, and the primal fears of predator attack kicks in. My inbuilt jukebox starts to play a Creedence Clearwater Revival track, and I hum it back to the car and civilisation (speeding cars, pedestrians staggering in the road and news from Georgia).

Something Different

Caught up with the recent Net@Night, where Amber pointed out this video. Heck, I thought it funny.

See more funny videos and funny pictures at CollegeHumor.

Alternatively, the news from the Outdoor Trade Fair in Friedrichshafen can be found at L4TO, where I'm failing to get enthused by a new Primus Eta stove (heck, if you remember the last time ... when I eventually had the chance to buy it, I took my money elsewhere, keeping my Primus stove and tiMug cookset). Roman found the Heatstick, and it looked good ... until I saw the size and price. But this is just the first incarnation.

Eastern Border Marches

In the English side of the Border listening to AT Hiking podcast where Sarah "freezerbagcooking" Svein was interviewed. I didn't try it this weekend and just stuck with convenience food (and some pub cheesy chips). I'll need to give it a proper go. If i work out the portions properly and not use chunks of soya (the only dried main ingredient i could find), but dehydrate my own, the bulk will be reduced. Turmat's wolffish sets a high standard to reach.

What's that now, Mr D?

It is a wick snuffer for my Blackfly3 stove.

You will require: duct tape, scissors and a hand.

Form fingers into a pinching shape. Take a length of duct tape tape to fit the length and double it. Cut tape. Fold tape back on itself so that non-sticky sides are outside. Trim off any excess.

Warning: flames are usually hot and may cause damage if the wrong sort of tape is used, or if the flame catches the users hand. No liability is accepted by the writer if you hurt yourself, others or damage possessions (yours or others) when using this device.

FBC: Soya and Rice

Tried out a Freezer Bag Cooking recipe from Sarah last night after coming back from the beach. I couldn't get hold of meat that was pre-packed in pouches (apart from fish), so had previously decided to use soya (aka TVP).

Mix it up, add boiling water.

Put in the cozy and set for 10 minutes.

I overdid the proportions and half of the pouch filled me. I'll try some more over the weekend.

More recipes and details across at Sarah's site.

I bought a folding spoon today

Not quite the highlight of the day, but sadly close.

I've been after a spoon to use with the freezer-bag cooking. Sarah recommends not using a spork in case the tines tear the bag. As I prefer having my cooking kit all together, finding a folding spoon was fun today, as I was merely cruising through gear shops looking for this month's TGO magazine to take down to Darren at the weekend. In case you work in gear shop nr 2, TGO magazine is a popular outdoor magazine printed in Scotland. So, much kudos to Blacks today.

No, the highlight was finding that, according to Google reader, the "Live for the outdoors/News" feed has 2 subscribers. Darren has 31. Dawn 16. Chris Townsend 41.

Back to Reality

In the last 4 weeks I have been mainly keeping my left leg elevated and following the doctor's orders. She's been a great doc, and my leg is merely itchy now, and breathing a lot better. Enough for me to get back to work yesterday (with the obligatory "welcome back" interview with HR), and thank my workmates for picking up 4 weeks of classes. Strange how much work changes in that time of absence, even when keeping in touch via emails.

So, I've a pile of things that I haven't tested yet.

The TNF Hedgehog GTX XCR trail shoes, bought on 12 hours before I phoned NHSDirect (no link implied). I refuse to wear them on my short walks that I have to take in the last week after my meds changed.

The Blackfly#3 that I bought from Tinny in the USA  - kindly resent when the original never arrived.

The doc was concerned that I couldn't look after myself - I did point out some of my recent hikes, and how much food I had in the flat. But I've still to try some FreezerBag recipes, as I'll need to find storage space in my kitchen for all the ingredients currently living in a box on the floor.

The Aquagear Survivor water filtration system needs another trip out before I write up my report. I have a Nalgene bottle carrier to strap it onto my belt, so I can access it when walking. It should allow me to carry less water in Camelbak, as I like to drink without stopping. It is important to keep hydrated, otherwise strange things happens to the body's systems.

Mike collected the Akto's inner from Tiso's. Good repair job, good price. Oh, and I measured the cord length again, and it is the recommended 165cm.

Dawn's had another clear-out, and I've a pack-full of excess gear to collect on my way down to Dartmoor later in the month. I'll need a dust-off before then, especially to make sure that my leg is up to a weekend of exploration.

In week 2, I was able to elevate my leg and use my computer at the same time (footstool with 4 cushions on it did the trick). I caught up with some tech podcasts, mainly from the TWiT stable. I lodged my interest in the new iPhone with O2, and was really enthused watching Steve Jobs' keynote speech, but was less enthused the more I listened to podcasts like MacBreak Weekly and Today in iPhone. I gave up on Trail magazine and will not be renewing my subscription, but have been reading the BPL.com forums - I haven't bought a membership there, merely the magazine subscription.

Watched a pile of dvds, highlights "Doctor Who: The Beginning" (first 13 episodes from 1963), and "The Day the Earth Stood Still", lowlight "King Arthur" (not as bad as Braveheart, but sodding close. Great kit, good sets, poor - really poor - story). Finally bought a copy of "Scottish Hill Tracks" and can see why people on the TGOc like it, and why it was useful for Gayle and Mick in route-planning their country-long trek. Also realised that I didn't have Paddy Dillon's "The National Trails", so rectified that as well as buying "Walking on Dartmoor" by John Earle.

As it is impossible to paint while keeping leg elevated and major dosage of anti-biotics setting the daily routine, I've been unable to paint figures. I have, however, been planning my trench system, and would love something as detailed as this, but doubt I can achieve that level of realism. I treated my research to a blast of the "Charley's War" reprints - I forgot how realistic they were. Pat Mills answers his critics with research.

The Palmolive bottle still hasn't been eaten by the meths/water mix, so that's another piece of kit for the dust-off test.

As to the blog, I've added some 'non-ads' to the sidebar. Unpaid, unsponsored, unasked, just highlighting some companies that do a good job. The only other change I made was to change the type of "map-amung -us" to show where about current readers are.

Think I might get the iPhone 3g as I think Web2.0 has reached it's limit for me. It becomes just noise rather than information. Despite being laid up for this time, I've still got piles of podcasts and blogs to read, as well as programmes to clear from my recorder. As people require log-ins before comments can be left, or become protective about the purity of comments (see podcast about responsibility), as there are more media-podcasts being set up in direct challenge to the dire terrestrial broadcasting schedules, will we see an end to the lowly ramblings on forums, newsgroups, blogs? Is the term "friend" being demeaned by its use in social networking? Is the brain being rewired by the reliance on the Net (or is that, shudder, the "cloud").

TGO just dropped through letterbox, time to get a move on.

Saturday. To Corrour Bothy

Linn of Dee to Corrour Bothy. Met George and his hiking buddy, Keith. I managed to hear THE football score. Rangers one by one goal, but at one point, Queen of the South scored 2 goals to bring them equal with the Wegies. Unbelievable.

--

Parked the car at the Linn of Dee at about 2pm, walking along in rolled up fleece sleeves, with sun-tan lotion on, and my boonie hat for eye shade. (maplink)

The target is the patch of trees in the distance.

Chewed the fat with Big Kev, who let me know that George and his trail buddy were about half an hour away. Unsurprisingly, in this weather, Kev was in no hurry to leave. he was looking for places where he and his lad could go wild camping. I think he's spoilt for choice.

I reached the White Bridge just after 3pm, and turned north up Glen Dee. I stuck to the west side, as I'd never been fully up that side (having walked part of it when walking off Beinn Bhrotain last summer.

From the west of the glen, the Bod stands guard, blocking the view of the Lairig.

Further up the glen, the Lairig Ghru becomes visible - the main pass through the Cairngorm plateau. indeed, a U-shaped valley.

After the path runs out, I follow the deer track across the sandy shore of the Geusachan Burn. The plan is simply to contour round and come in on the bothy. It's a hard life.

As it is now 6pm - had I been walking that long? - the sun starts to lower in the sky, allowing cracking views of the snow-lined side of Monadh Mór.

South back down Glen Dee - I walked up there. Approximate distances - Linn of Dee to White Bridge = 4.5km, White Bridge to Corrour = 9.5km. (tune in my head)

The bothy eventually becomes visible. (tune in my head)

As the sun starts to move behind the Bod of the Devil, was it worth the walk? In this weather, yes.

A chin-wag with George and Keith. They've been here a while (the path on the east of the valley allowed them to get to the bothy quicker than my saunter).

The bothy with its new toilet block - use it or lose it.

Dying sunlight picks out tomorrow's target - Carn a' Mhaim.

The mug and bowl is great (having arrived earlier that day). The cozy is 20cm wide x 24cm high. It fits a Wayfarer pouch perfectly. The cup kept the tea warm for between 15 and 30 minutes. The bowl holds 16 fluid ounces, and can fill most of the 18fl oz Aquagear filter bottle. Both are gradated with metric and imperial scales.

A group of phase-shifting red deer prance around the bothy.

And I discover an 'ole in the inner of my Akto. Jings.

Freezer Bag Cooking Order

The winner of yesterday's lottery is: Sarah from Freezer Bag Cooking.

So, what do I get to play with this weekend? Well, there's the starter pack with

• the book "Freezer Bag Cooking: Trail Food Made Simple" by Sarah Svien Kirkconnell. I'll be reading this and giving it a go. There are also lots of recipes on her website (as well as well-photographed trip reports and trees).
• cozy. I went for the desert camo one. I thought a subdued one suited me, but not so subdued that I couldn't find it in the heather. Just tried it with a Wayfarer's dinner pack, and it fits it perfectly.
• GSI long handled spoon. That's for the outdoor cutlery box, even though it has a spoon end and a "scraper tip". That's the non-spoon end. And in between, there is a handle - wow, they've thought of everything ;-)
• 2 ziploc bags. These are, with good planning, the right size for the cozy.
• Not in the starter pack is the GSI nesting mug and bowl. The mug has an insulated layer, and sipping gaps at two of the sides of the triangular-sectioned. Both are marked in ml and fl oz. The mug's lid could be used as a strainer for the bowl.

I'm off to swap out my Nalgene 'mug' (visible behind the stove in this shot, wrapped in an insulated layer) and put the cozy into a waterproof bag. My mug normally holds the makings for beverages, i.e. ziplock bag with tea bags, a Nalgene container with coffee, an old film canister with whitener and finally a slim container of sweeteners.

Note - the cozy mentioned above is not a pot cozy (home-made one photographed). The idea is that you put the food into the cozy instead of using your stove to simmer it. Here's a link to Sarah's interview with Practical Backpacking. It is where I first heard of this. I was at Geldie Lodge in, 2006, I think. Link.

And Sarah's also got a YouTube channel.

--

PS: as an ex-pat Doonhamer, it would be "unbelievable" (as someone's just said on the radio) if Queen of the South beat Rangers this afternoon in the Scottish Cup Final.

Alpkit Mytimug & Tifoon Combo

As I'm looking at cutting down my cookset for a 2-3 day trip, I have been looking at large titanium mugs to replace the SnowPeak 900 pot I currently use (photo). Noticing that the Mytimug and Tifoon Combo was back in stock with Alpkit yesterday, I ordered one at lunchtime. It arrived today. Less than 24 hours after ordering.

The mug is single-walled titanium, and I'll be using it for boiling water. I wanted something that would hold enough water so that I can have a cuppa and still have enough hot water for rehydrating a meal (0.5 litre capacity minimum). Also, it had to be big enough to hold a 100 gas canister and stove, or the new stove on order (and fuel).

Modifications to make:

• add duct tape to handles.
• replace wooden lid knob with a fold-flat tie.
• make pot cosy.
• track down mesh holder to keep it all together.

The spork came in a nifty holder made from ripstop material with a velcro seal. The spork itself has a shiney finish to the business end, and the handle has cut-outs to reduce weight further. Due to size, I'll be sticking with my folding spork, as that fits inside the Mytimug.

I'll wait until the new stove arrives before making a new windshield to fit it.

Fuel Test: Firestarter Matches v2

As the flame from the Firestarter match (test one) wasn't high enough to use on the woodburning stove, I thought I'd try my only other suitable stove. This was the White Box Stove (previous test). As this is a meths (alcohol) stove, the ventilation is different, so the flame died in a couple of minutes.

Set up

Burning merrily.

Lack of ventilation - doh!

I re-used the unburnt blocks with the hex burner- I'd snapped the match into 3 sections to fit into the stove.  These caught light with one 'normal' match.

Enough hot water for breakfast as I listened to Radio Scotland's "Out of Doors" and last Monday's TOS Podzine - before facing the washing up. Wishing I'd spent the week on something more productive than a doze of man-flu. that Cateran Trail is sounding shiny. I'd spoken to one of the chaps at the Outdoors Show - nice to hear the importance of tourism to the economy (yup, multi-day hikers are tourists too). Not being wealthy, I would of course be wild camping. For the same reason, I won't be walking St Oswald's Way until wildcampism ends.