johnsunter.com >> outdoor >> bushcraft >> abo 2
The ultimate bushcraft test. 3 days in the woods, on the Woodsmoke Abo course (2/2).
The fire in the center of our shelter was the lifeblood of our existence. It provided us with heat, the ability to rest, safe drinking water and something to sit around in the evening whilst talking.
After the fire and shelter, water was our most important commodity.
The the nearby stream enabled us to wash, and provided the water we boiled on the fire without having to waste calories walking a long distance.
In a lake nearby, I put out some night lines, and caught 2 fish.
Although we had nuts and berries and fruit to eat, the fish were a real moral booster, and tasted delicious.
Eating fish, using the Billy can lid as a plate, and a knife as a fish fork.
Ben and Lisa came around to see us every few hours.They took this picture of us.
Treating them as guests and offering tea and berry's made our shelter feel more like home.
Evenings around the fire were filled with a mix of interesting and lively debate. A special time for me. I wont forget it.
After 3 days and nights of successfully living in the wild, We return to the boat house.
Lisa provides us with a brew and a cooked breakfast. Meet up with the other team's. A feeling of euphoria descended on the room.
I remember being told once "Experience is a cruel teacher, it gives you the test first, and the lesson after).
I think this pretty much summarizes an experience like this. Many of the changes in mind set and general confidence, happened when I got home, and the course was over.
For some R and R, we had a go at building "Basha Boats".We put some sticks in the ground, and then fed sticks and thatching around them in a kind of "O" shape. We put a cris-cross of sticks in the middle to provide a seat.
Here we fasten an Australian Hoochie around it, and secure it with cord. It was amazing to me, as a basha and some Para cord way nothing, and I always have them with me. This skill will allow me to construct a boat whenever I have my day sack, and I am in a forest.
Put to the test.
My trousers are wet because it rained earlier, the boat was completely Sea (well, tarn) worthy. Amazingly manoeuvrable, and a great laugh.
johnsunter.com >> outdoor >> bushcraft >> abo 2
