Northern Ireland Outdoors Forum - Hiking, camping and more

General => Meets, places, trips and reviews => Topic started by: RedLeader on March 01, 2010

Title: Donard Wood Family Overnighter - 06/02/10
Post by: RedLeader on March 01, 2010
Me and BillyBackpack are heading for Donard Wood on Saturday for a quick overnighter with the kids. Nothing strenuous, just up the banks of the Glen to Donard Forest for some craic round the fire with the boys.

Plan is have a pop at spit cooking chickens over an open fire amongst other meat related fun. Also, the weather is looking good so we might consider some bivying rather than tenting it.

As ever, allcomers welcome but obviously we wont be doing anything not suitable for a few 8 - 11 year olds.

The potential list at the mo is:
J +1 adult + 2 smalluns
BillyBackpack + 1 smallun
NeilB
SuspectMonkey + 1
Andy1984
chris_8764
MikeD

Food discussions here:
http://www.ni-wild.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=896.0

You will know you've located us if you see the flag  (Arrrr!):
(http://www.ni-wild.co.uk/images/flag-sm.jpg)
Title: Re: Donard Wood Family Overnighter - 06/02/10
Post by: chris on March 01, 2010
what time are you heading up at?
Title: Re: Donard Wood Family Overnighter - 06/02/10
Post by: RedLeader on March 01, 2010
Not totally decided yet. Probably aiming to be up there about 3 or so but it's flexible.
Title: Re: Donard Wood Family Overnighter - 06/02/10
Post by: MG1 on March 01, 2010
I'll have to miss this one guys i'm working >:(
Title: Re: Donard Wood Family Overnighter - 06/02/10
Post by: billy backpack on March 01, 2010
Should be a good trip and a perfect opportunity for all those with new kit to get out and get it dirty !

This is a chance to fettle and tweek those bits of gear and work out exactly what you can carry and what you could do without. ;)
Title: Re: Donard Wood Family Overnighter - 06/02/10
Post by: RedLeader on March 01, 2010
So chum, whats our food choice for the weekend. I fancy something awesome!

Should be a good trip and a perfect opportunity for all those with new kit to get out and get it dirty !

This is a chance to fettle and tweek those bits of gear and work out exactly what you can carry and what you could do without. ;)
Title: Re: Donard Wood Family Overnighter - 06/02/10
Post by: chris on March 01, 2010
Me and BillyBackpack are heading for Donard Wood on Saturday for a quick overnighter with the kids. Nothing strenuous, just up the banks of the Glen to Donard Forest for some craic round the fire with the boys.

As ever, allcomers welcome but obviously we wont be doing anything not suitable for a pair of 11 year olds.

Will you be bringing your new tarp ;D would you consider selling your old one? If so how much for?
Title: Re: Donard Wood Family Overnighter - 06/02/10
Post by: RedLeader on March 01, 2010
You spotted that quick :) Not sure about selling the old one - depends on the size difference. You can buy them new for £29 tho which is a steal.

Me and BillyBackpack are heading for Donard Wood on Saturday for a quick overnighter with the kids. Nothing strenuous, just up the banks of the Glen to Donard Forest for some craic round the fire with the boys.

As ever, allcomers welcome but obviously we wont be doing anything not suitable for a pair of 11 year olds.

Will you be bringing your new tarp ;D would you consider selling your old one? If so how much for?
Title: Re: Donard Wood Family Overnighter - 06/02/10
Post by: billy backpack on March 01, 2010
So chum, whats our food choice for the weekend. I fancy something awesome!

I see where your going with this....

Sticky BBQ chicken roasted over the fire , minted lamb chops and some home made beefburgers for the young cubs followed by chocolate gateau with fresh cream, followed by cappuccino and after 8's  ;D ;D ;D ;D


Nothing fancy this time just good eating !
Title: Re: Donard Wood Family Overnighter - 06/02/10
Post by: RedLeader on March 01, 2010
No starter? How uncivillized  ::) We going to have a pop at spit roasting the chicken or a pre-cooked?

So chum, whats our food choice for the weekend. I fancy something awesome!

I see where your going with this....

BBQ chicken roasted over the fire , minted lamb chops and some home made beefburgers for the young cubs followed by chocolate gateau with fresh cream, followed by cappuccino and after 8's  ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Donard Wood Family Overnighter - 06/02/10
Post by: billy backpack on March 01, 2010
I should think a full on spit roast !

We'll cover the bird in sticky honey and BBQ sauce then crisp it up  :D


To keep it simple ... if you want a starter we'll do a little fan of melon
Title: Re: Donard Wood Family Overnighter - 06/02/10
Post by: RedLeader on March 01, 2010
I'm game to give it a try! Will sniff out a few instructionals on th'internet.

I should think a full on spit roast !

We'll cover the bird in sticky honey and BBQ sauce then crisp it up  :D


To keep it simple ... if you want a starter we'll do a little fan of melon
Title: Re: Donard Wood Family Overnighter - 06/02/10
Post by: Juh 101 on March 01, 2010
not sure if we can make it billy.just arrived back in the country lik 1 month ago.
was travelin for a year.
but if we decidid we were for coming what all equipment would we need?
im sorry maby thts a silly question but litraly iv only camped like 9 times in my life.
and none of it was on like a serious note.
infact most of the time we didnt really do much sleepin.was more jus sitting up til sun rise talkin crap and eatin bbq food lol.
Title: Re: Donard Wood Family Overnighter - 06/02/10
Post by: billy backpack on March 01, 2010
You wouldn't need too much .... the clothes on your back, some sort of tent and a sleeping bag that you feel is suitable for this time of year (or what you would feel comfortable in) a sleeping mat, possibly some spare clothing, a torch of sorts and something to eat out of... and thats about it.

Oh and anything else you think you can't live without ie teddy bear or lip salve...... lol

(Remember it's only Donard Wood, so the cars are only a short distance away if it doesn't go according to plan or the weather forces you to bail out)
Title: Re: Donard Wood Family Overnighter - 06/02/10
Post by: NeilB on March 01, 2010
i will try and get down guys, get a night by the camp fire!
Title: Re: Donard Wood Family Overnighter - 06/02/10
Post by: MG1 on March 01, 2010
i will try and get down guys, get a night by the camp fire!

Neil any word on kendog for the Nevis trip?
Title: Re: Donard Wood Family Overnighter - 06/02/10
Post by: NeilB on March 01, 2010
not yet mate, he is still deciding, think issues with time of year but i will speak to him again this week
Title: Re: Donard Wood Family Overnighter - 06/02/10
Post by: MG1 on March 01, 2010
No worries mate
Title: Re: Donard Wood Family Overnighter - 06/02/10
Post by: suspectmonkey on March 02, 2010
Sounds good to me, going to try my best to make this one.  Straight forward overnighter to play with some new toys will be great :)
Title: Re: Donard Wood Family Overnighter - 06/02/10
Post by: RedLeader on March 02, 2010
Awesome - you need to practice pitching that tent anyway  ::)

Chris, are you coming?


Sounds good to me, going to try my best to make this one.  Straight forward overnighter to play with some new toys will be great :)
Title: Re: Donard Wood Family Overnighter - 06/02/10
Post by: suspectmonkey on March 02, 2010
Awesome - you need to practice pitching that tent anyway  ::)

Ohhh I reckon I can get it up in around half the time this Saturday.  So that should be about an hour then :D  Kat should be coming along too, and we are definately bringing something tastier than Pasta 'n Sauce!
Title: Re: Donard Wood Family Overnighter - 06/02/10
Post by: RedLeader on March 02, 2010
Maybe we should do some sort of group cooking rather than all solo?

Awesome - you need to practice pitching that tent anyway  ::)

Ohhh I reckon I can get it up in around half the time this Saturday.  So that should be about an hour then :D  Kat should be coming along too, and we are definately bringing something tastier than Pasta 'n Sauce!
Title: Re: Donard Wood Family Overnighter - 06/02/10
Post by: suspectmonkey on March 02, 2010
Maybe we should do some sort of group cooking rather than all solo?

Would probably make good sense!  Andy can bring the cow, and someone else can bring the knife for cutting the steaks ;)
Title: Re: Donard Wood Family Overnighter - 06/02/10
Post by: andy1984 on March 02, 2010
now i've the sleeping bags sorted i was thinking of coming along on Saturday, it'll all depend on work, should know later in the week!

few questions:

where do you meet?
where would you be camping at?
do you just build a big fire between everyone and then pitch tents nearby?

cheers

andy
Title: Re: Donard Wood Family Overnighter - 06/02/10
Post by: RedLeader on March 02, 2010
We're camping in Donard forest - I'll pm you a link to a map and directions - it's about 200m up and just shy of a miles walk.

Generally we meet in Donard car park at a pre-set time but you can also just wander up to the place we camp and meet us. We usually just pick whatever spot is the flattest, preferrably with a few logs to sit on, light a fire in an existing fire circle and everyone pitches as close by as they fancy (or the hardier ones just sleep by the fire). There's loads of room up there, although there's sometimes a few other groups about.

Think I'll get us a flag so we can be spotted from a distance :D


now i've the sleeping bags sorted i was thinking of coming along on Saturday, it'll all depend on work, should know later in the week!

few questions:

where do you meet?
where would you be camping at?
do you just build a big fire between everyone and then pitch tents nearby?

cheers

andy
Title: Re: Donard Wood Family Overnighter - 06/02/10
Post by: andy1984 on March 02, 2010
cheers J a map and directions would be good!

who sleeps by the fire?  ;D

do you just sit round the fire and have a few beers and bit of crack?
Title: Re: Donard Wood Family Overnighter - 06/02/10
Post by: RedLeader on March 02, 2010
I've yet to see Chris sleep in a tent except under arduous weather conditions :D

We would usually just sit round the fire and have a few beers and some music but since we're bring the younger ones we'll probably stay relatively sensible. Maybe just a few snifters to keep out the cold :D (Actually no-one ever drinks beer, just spirits - it's far too damn hard to carry enough tins up :D)

cheers J a map and directions would be good!

who sleeps by the fire?  ;D

do you just sit round the fire and have a few beers and bit of crack?
Title: Re: Donard Wood Family Overnighter - 06/02/10
Post by: andy1984 on March 02, 2010
yeah i know what you mean on the beer! spirits it is!!  ;D

that sounds really good... few drinks and a little music around the camp fire on a cold winters night! nice ;D
Title: Re: Donard Wood Family Overnighter - 06/02/10
Post by: RedLeader on March 02, 2010
Awesome, I'm really looking forward to this now. The weather even doesn't look too bad - either cloudy or sunny but no rain.
I can't wait to get the small boy out for his first proper wild camp!
Title: Re: Donard Wood Family Overnighter - 06/02/10
Post by: chris on March 02, 2010
Awesome - you need to practice pitching that tent anyway  ::)

Chris, are you coming?


Sounds good to me, going to try my best to make this one.  Straight forward overnighter to play with some new toys will be great :)

I'm planning on it!

So what about this group cooking thing? I'd be up for trying anything from fire pits to spit roasts. I'll maybe have a look online and see if it throws anything out.
Title: Re: Donard Wood Family Overnighter - 06/02/10
Post by: Kirth on March 03, 2010
Unfortunately I have to work all weekend now, im gutted. as my PD400 arrived yesterday and im all good to go.



Title: Re: Donard Wood Family Overnighter - 06/02/10
Post by: RedLeader on March 03, 2010
Thats a shame. We'll catch you the next time.

Unfortunately I have to work all weekend now, im gutted. as my PD400 arrived yesterday and im all good to go.
Title: Re: Donard Wood Family Overnighter - 06/02/10
Post by: andy1984 on March 04, 2010
what kinda food do you guys take usually take on a over nighter? obviously something easy to carry, simple to make but tastey!

I was just thinking pasta and sauce or super noodles or something? any ideas of some a little better?
Title: Re: Donard Wood Family Overnighter - 06/02/10
Post by: RedLeader on March 04, 2010
I'd always take dried food - Pasta'n'Sauce is great source of energy as far as calories per 100g goes - better when you add a cooked meat of some sort. Super Noodles are also a great choice - easy to make and tasty. Lots of the guys eat CousCous but I've never tried it. You can also get ready meals that you boil in the bag designed for camping from companies like Wayfarer. They're pricey and a bit heavy but not bad if you're going somewhere that you can't source water.

My principle is, if there will be water where I'm going then why carry wet food - dried is much easier. That said, you can't beat a bit'o meat so sometimes it's worth carrying the weight so you can have a sausage and bacon roll or something like that.

The last time we were out BillyBackpack and Chris had steak, baby new potatoes and mange tous all cooked in a Trangia (with sticky pudding, custard and a decent red) and they hiked over Binnian to Donard so anything's possible :)

This weekend I think we're going to have a pop at spit roasted spatchcock chicken for something a bit different with potatoes cooked in the fire and maybe a few lamb chops!

what kinda food do you guys take usually take on a over nighter? obviously something easy to carry, simple to make but tastey!

I was just thinking pasta and sauce or super noodles or something? any ideas of some a little better?
Title: Re: Donard Wood Family Overnighter - 06/02/10
Post by: andy1984 on March 04, 2010
Quote
This weekend I think we're going to have a pop at spit roasted spatchcock chicken for something a bit different!

Sounds good!  ;D

That was going to be my next question, what do you usually do for water? I've camped loads of times but never on a true wild camp, always in campsite with access to clean water.

How much water is reasonable to take for 2 ppl for a few hours walk and overnighter.

The only way i have to clean water is boiling!
Title: Re: Donard Wood Family Overnighter - 06/02/10
Post by: RedLeader on March 04, 2010
That's a complicated question - depends on the person really as far as how much water you will need and how much exercise you'll be doing. The Glen River flows through Donard at quite a pace and I've never been worried about drinking from it direct but some people will never touch water that hasn't been properly cleaned. Boiling obvously will clean it too - can be time consuming but isn't too bad if you stay organised.

Water weighs 1Kg per litre and so is quite heavy if you need to bring a good bit. Generally I'll bring a litre or so from home along with a foldable 2L water carrier from Platypus which I'll fill from a local water source and pop 2 water purification tabs in just to be sure.

I also have a Travel Tap which will clean the dirtiest water:
http://www.backpackinglight.co.uk/product353.asp


Quote
This weekend I think we're going to have a pop at spit roasted spatchcock chicken for something a bit different!

Sounds good!  ;D

That was going to be my next question, what do you usually do for water? I've camped loads of times but never on a true wild camp, always in campsite with access to clean water.

How much water is reasonable to take for 2 ppl for a few hours walk and overnighter.

The only way i have to clean water is boiling!
Title: Re: Donard Wood Family Overnighter - 06/02/10
Post by: chris on March 04, 2010
J's pretty much got it covered there andy. Since your only walking from the car park up to the forest food weight shouldn't really be an issue. Just bring what ever you think you'd like to eat its not the end of the world if you end up bringing it back down! I would recomend that you bring a few tea bags or some chocolate powder, just something for a hot drink. Its good before you go to bed and It can give you something to do if you get a bit bored!
As J says the river is fine for water and I've never had any quams drinking from it.
Title: Re: Donard Wood Family Overnighter - 06/02/10
Post by: andy1984 on March 04, 2010
good stuff lads!

are you just planning on walking up from the car park or doing a walk before camp?
Title: Re: Donard Wood Family Overnighter - 06/02/10
Post by: RedLeader on March 04, 2010
Me and BillyBackpack and the kids are just walking straight up. Can't speak for anyone else though.

good stuff lads!

are you just planning on walking up from the car park or doing a walk before camp?
Title: Re: Donard Wood Family Overnighter - 06/02/10
Post by: RedLeader on March 04, 2010
Plenty of people seem interested in sharing meals as well as having a pop at spit roasting something so a dedicated thread seems appropriate:

All make yourselves heard here:
http://www.ni-wild.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=896.0
Title: Re: Donard Wood Family Overnighter - 06/02/10
Post by: RedLeader on March 04, 2010
So if you're not travelling up with the group just watch for the brand new NI-Wild flag

(http://www.ni-wild.co.uk/images/flag.jpg)

Should make identification easier, plus now we can plunder if needs be!
Title: Re: Donard Wood Family Overnighter - 06/02/10
Post by: suspectmonkey on March 04, 2010
I like it :D
Title: Re: Donard Wood Family Overnighter - 06/02/10
Post by: MikeD on March 04, 2010
Hi J,

I'm going to be going too, so remember to send me the details of the campsite plzzzzz.

M
Title: Re: Donard Wood Family Overnighter - 06/02/10
Post by: RedLeader on March 04, 2010
No probs, I've pm'd you.

It's looking good - weather's looking fine and there's 12 of us going. Awesome!

Hi J,

I'm going to be going too, so remember to send me the details of the campsite plzzzzz.

M
Title: Re: Donard Wood Family Overnighter - 06/02/10
Post by: Matthew on March 04, 2010
Raging I can't make this meet either, I have a stupid fundraising "a night at the races" to attend on Saturday night as part of the Venezuela preparations. :'( :'( :'( :'( :'(
Title: Re: Donard Wood Family Overnighter - 06/02/10
Post by: andy1984 on March 05, 2010
like the flag J!.

The weather is looking great!

What time are you's going to be there?
Title: Re: Donard Wood Family Overnighter - 06/02/10
Post by: RedLeader on March 05, 2010
At the minute we're aiming to be in Donard Car Park at 2pm (after a quick Mickey Ds on the way). Obviously there's no need to be there at 2 if it's an issue - you can always just meet us at the camp site.

like the flag J!.

The weather is looking great!

What time are you's going to be there?
Title: Re: Donard Wood Family Overnighter - 06/02/10
Post by: RedLeader on March 05, 2010
Spatch-be-cocked!
Title: Re: Donard Wood Family Overnighter - 06/02/10
Post by: billy backpack on March 05, 2010
MMMMMMM ...My bird is currently having a swim in sweet piri piri sauce... can't wait to get it cooked !

However it's still intact so we shall perform surgery in the woods  ;D
Title: Re: Donard Wood Family Overnighter - 06/02/10
Post by: billy backpack on March 06, 2010
The weather looks perfect   8)

How's everyones prep going ?
Title: Re: Donard Wood Family Overnighter - 06/02/10
Post by: RedLeader on March 06, 2010
I'm pretty much good to go! Hope you've left room for the tent!

The weather looks perfect   8)

How's everyones prep going ?
Title: Re: Donard Wood Family Overnighter - 06/02/10
Post by: billy backpack on March 06, 2010
HA HA .... I think you will find that its half and half my old bean  ;)
Title: Re: Donard Wood Family Overnighter - 06/02/10
Post by: RedLeader on March 06, 2010
Thought you might say that :)

HA HA .... I think you will find that its half and half my old bean  ;)
Title: Re: Donard Wood Family Overnighter - 06/02/10
Post by: MG1 on March 06, 2010
Hope you s have a good time guys try not and come back with food poisioning :D
Title: Re: Donard Wood Family Overnighter - 06/02/10
Post by: billy backpack on March 06, 2010
If we do it's all down to J as he's the chef for the weekend ::)
Title: Re: Donard Wood Family Overnighter - 06/02/10
Post by: chris on March 06, 2010
Its gonna be awesome! better get packed soon!
Title: Re: Donard Wood Family Overnighter - 06/02/10
Post by: RedLeader on March 08, 2010
Another awesome weekend guys. Cheers to BillyBackpack for some serious chicken rescueage - good to know for future reference that he has asbestos fingers!


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Title: Re: Donard Wood Family Overnighter - 06/02/10
Post by: andy1984 on March 08, 2010
cheers guys,

Was good crack and nice to meet everyone!
Title: Re: Donard Wood Family Overnighter - 06/02/10
Post by: RedLeader on March 08, 2010
Was great to meet you both, hopefully we can all get out again soon.

cheers guys,

Was good crack and nice to meet everyone!
Title: Re: Donard Wood Family Overnighter - 06/02/10
Post by: suspectmonkey on March 08, 2010
Thanks all, was another class overnighter and the food was superb!  Thumbs up to billybackpack for keeping the meat turning and saving a few bits from imminent incineration :)  Was good to meet some new folk I hadn't met before as well, hope to see you all again soon!
Title: Re: Donard Wood Family Overnighter - 06/02/10
Post by: billy backpack on March 08, 2010
Seem's to have been a roaring success, glad everyone had a good time. Now lets plan for the next one  ;)
Title: Re: Donard Wood Family Overnighter - 06/02/10
Post by: Kat on March 09, 2010
It was really great to meet everyone at the weekend!  The campfire cuisine was excellent and Mike's Rocky Rds finished it off nicely!  The traybake challenge is on for the next camp! :)
Title: Re: Donard Wood Family Overnighter - 06/02/10
Post by: RedLeader on March 09, 2010
I'd forgotten about the Rocky Road - it was blummin awesome.

It was really great to meet everyone at the weekend!  The campfire cuisine was excellent and Mike's Rocky Rds finished it off nicely!  The traybake challenge is on for the next camp! :)