3 days to go to the Bushmoot…not that I’m counting.

While I’m there, I intend to make copious notes about what’s going on, skills that I’ll undoubtedly pick up and the normal observations about the apparent abundance of wildlife in the area. I will probably make notes in a diary type of format in my field journal. Nature notes, sketches and observations will also go in the journal.

There’s no doubt that hard copy written  notes are far superior to electronic format for a personal reference, and I’ve always kept some form of notebook or field journal. The journal entry usually starts off with a weather report followed by notes of the excursion and wildlife observations. I usually make a list of sightings at the the end of the entry.

I tend to use a small pocket sized hardback book like the brown one on the left of the picture. These are made by Paperblanks but Moleskines are just as good. The journal goes in a weatherproof holder with a pencil and pen. Unless I’m doing a diary type entries or making observations or drawings in the field, I tend to wait until I’m at home to write out the full entry.

I must admit to being influenced by a book I purchased many years ago A Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady by Edith Holden. This exquisite facsimile of her actual diary is full of wildlife & nature observations and wonderful drawings. I’ve recently extended by my own journal entries to include notes of a Bushcraft theme, including kit carried, tasks carried out and what I would and wouldn’t do next time. It’s a mixture of all these notes that I copy to put up on these pages. I also like to make entries in a simple MS Access database. The entries are archived and reset at the beginning of the new year to record the new years sightings. A tick box enables me to see at a glance sightings that I’ve never seen before.

Of course the huge advantage of a web journal is the ability to be able to share your thoughts and observations with others. I often think about the people who read this blog and if it wasn’t for you guys and girls and the positive comments you make, I wouldn’t have the motivation to carry on. So a heartfelt thanks. Have you read Mondays entry below? I’ll probably make one more entry before I go.

Did I say 3 days to go? I’m sure it’s 2!