I only had a few hours on Saturday to go to Poor Park woods, so I thought I would try and find the badger sett I knew must be in there. I’d found quite a few tracks but not enough to guide me to the sett; so it would be pot luck (or at most an educated guess) if I found it.
I made my way to the north east side, a place I haven’t been for a while because of my ankle. I skirted my way around the old pond and low and behold… an entrance hole. It was easy to confirm it was badger as there was a large latrine hole about two yards away and badger hairs all around the entrance.
I went further to the east and couldn’t believe my eyes as I stumbled across another sett about 200 yards from the first. Both setts will be easy to view so it’s just getting the time to get out and observe them. Pot luck indeed.
We were meant to have rain today, but as yet, there’s no sign of it. I went into the local woods this morning and tried out my new rucksack. It’s more like a haversack and at around 25 litres not too big and not too expensive at £20-00 including post and packing. Just right for use as a daysack.
I had a bit of lunch (healthy stuff or what!) before I set about a couple of tasks.
I wanted to make a new bow saw and I was surprised that I can now make one in about an hour.
I don’t bother with the fancy joints anymore and just make a couple of notches in the wood.
I also took my bow-drill set with me. It’s easy to get out of practice and I set to work getting an ember.
The conditions were perfect so it wasn’t a great challenge; nevertheless it’s always a good feeling to see the little ember smoking away. A little tinder was all that was needed to get a fire on the go.
Ragged robin
Hope you had a good long weekend (for those that had one)
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Thanks for the visit.
Tags: fire, mammals, tracking, woods
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PABLO JUST SUPER PICS ON YOUR 2-DAY OUTING. ALSO JUST A 7-STAR WEB SITE AND INFO, BEST TO YOU AND ALL.
Pablo:
Great pictures as always. The different shades of green you have there in the UK are interesting to see. They are different than those here in the US.
Chris
wonderful pics..glad to see u are out in the world again..just a bit of info for u in the back of your new pack ( inside i mean) is a large pocket..if u look on line for a german shooters mat u will find it slides right into place..it serves as a frame for the ruck and a sleeping pad at night..(3ft X 6ft)i use mine as a pad inside my hammock for extra warmth..great rucksack..and again great job to u!!
Thanks for the comments.
Chris – This time of year is fantastic to see the different shades of green in the woods and the fields
Blackie – Thanks for the tip. You’re right about the pouch. I’ll look out for the mat.
Hi Mr P its been a while, but as usual a great read and ace pics. Just a quick question….or two! Without the fancy joints on the cross member of your buck saw, how sturdy is it and what wood are you using for your bow-drill set? Keep up the good work
Regards Sailor
Hi
Nice bow saw – I have been looking on and off for a saw blade like yours – where can you get them?!
Hi Sailor. Good to see you again! It is quite sturdy but you need a good hard wood.
I think (!) the spindle and bow is hazel (anyone please correct) and the hearth board is pine. The key to it though is the stone bearing block which has a handy ident in it.