Woodlife

I ventured into town to get some last minute shopping for Christmas. I hate shopping but something caught my eye on one of the market stores. It was a fishing tackle stall and to one side there was a fishing umbrella which had been set up. I had one of these many years ago when I was into fishing. I’ve often thought of adapting fishing gear for bushcraft purposes, especially a fishing umbrella. What could be easier? A touch of rain and up she goes. Instant shelter! What really caught my eye was the zip-on tarp skirting surrounding 3/4s of the umbrella. Feeling particularly guilty (well I didn’t because I’d bought my wife a nice new watch) I parted with £20 and whisked it home.

Yesterday I tried it out in the wood. The first thing I noticed was how long it was (about 4′ 5″ long). Now how can you put that in a rucksack? Doh!! Never mind. None to light either. Feeling as though this might have been my first complete waste of money for a bushcraft item, I persisted in dragging it into the woods. Up it went. No problem there. The adjustable spiked end stood nicely in the ground and I played about with the tilt (tilts to 45 degrees). This is getting a bit more promising.

I struggled with the skirting zip. None too robust, but once it went on it was fine. The anchor points were well made. They were reinforced and it even came with some cordage and tent pegs. Now that the whole thing was together, I was quite impressed. I fixed some cordage to the top. It wasn’t too windy, but if the wind does get up, it’s bye bye brolly.

I couldn’t help a smile. A PIDUS. Pablo’s Instantly Deployable Umbrella Shelter. I’ve no idea in what circumstances I’d use this over and above a tarp or tent. It’s too big to carry about as a matter of course but I suppose it might be handy to keep in the van.

All that remains for me to do now is wish everyone a Merry Christmas, especially to all the repeat visitors. I will certainly be in the woods this Christmas to walk off the excesses of the season and find a bit of solace from the madness. So, if you get bored with the atrocious television this year, log on and join me for a festive Woodlife. I wonder if Santa actually wears OG.

Best wishes, Pablo.