Woodlife

Last weekend saw a long drive down to Devon for a weekend helping out with the Shadowhawk Foundation/Intermediate Course.

As usual, the weekend wasn’t without rain. This is the start of my third year down there, and the weather has never been good for all four days.

First chore was to build a table because someone forgot the folding one! (their excuse was to give Steve and I, the mentors, a bushcraft task !)

The students were very keen but there is always some that doubt their own ability…

…It’s just a case of finding your rhythm when cadence tracking as Max Maxwell demonstrates.

I did two sessions and embarrassingly got some basic terminology wrong. I shouldn’t be doing that at this stage. Back to the books (!!!) but at least I was more confident in delivering the material.

The good thing about going back all the time is that you learn something different with each visit as well as catching up with old friends. It’s great to meet new faces as well.

We had some good results tracking Badger, Fallow, Red and Muntjac deer. Oh yes…and some cows!

The best part of the course is to watch the sheer delight and the total jaw dropping joy on peoples’ faces when they had those “eureka” moments that only trackers seems to experience. For some (including me when I first attended) the course is a life changing experience. As one student said “…One of the most inspiring weekends of my life.”

But it’s bloody hard work for everyone, especially for us poor mentors who have camp chores to do as well!

The course is held in the spectacular area of Canonteigne Falls, England’s highest waterfall. You can read more about the history of the falls on their new website.

The backdrop is perfect for delivering the “Vision” session on the last day.

Thanks for the visit.

Pablo.