Family Christmas Camp 2010 - 4th Dec

[suspectmonkey]

Chris has just volunteered to do Parsnips that taste like turnip

All those Pepperami must have nuked my taste buds

[DryBag]

http://www.metcheck.com/V40/UK/FREE/dayforecast.asp?zipcode=Newry&day=5

looks like it's going to be a mild one.

[RedLeader]

Just pondering the weekend, and I don't know if anyone noticed but it's been a bit parky around Northern Ireland these last few days. Forecast is for a low of 0c on Sat night but it could be chillier at altitude.

I'm just thinking we should maybe have some or all of the following:
Axe
Bowsaw (need a big fire for warmth)
Rope (don't want to be sitting on the ground in this weather and the logs we usually use may be gone)
Grill (for cooking on)
Kettle of some sort for the fire for hot drinks for everyone

There's also nearly no moon on Saturday night and clear skies forecast so a few pairs of binoculars might be interesting for a bit of star gazing.

Feel free to add anything else you think individuals would need to have but not have thought of or stuff we could do with as a group.

[Dowser]

Just pondering the weekend, and I don't know if anyone noticed but it's been a bit parky around Northern Ireland these last few days. Forecast is for a low of 0c on Sat night but it could be chillier at altitude.

I'm just thinking we should maybe have some or all of the following:
Axe
Bowsaw (need a big fire for warmth)
Rope (don't want to be sitting on the ground in this weather and the logs we usually use may be gone)
Grill (for cooking on)
Kettle of some sort for the fire for hot drinks for everyone

There's also nearly no moon on Saturday night and clear skies forecast so a few pairs of binoculars might be interesting for a bit of star gazing.

Feel free to add anything else you think individuals would need to have but not have thought of or stuff we could do with as a group.

Smash... Nobodies offered to prepare the mashed potatoes yet   

I'll have my Binoculors with me and Chuck and Timbo will probably have some sort of Kettle/Pot, of a good size, for the mulled wine which could be used later for other hot drinks.

[Matthew]

I have the large Trangia kettle and a 1.7l pot so hot water will not be an issue.

Matthew

[suspectmonkey]

I will bring the Smash.  Can't believe no one has offered to bring what is probably the easiest, cheapest, lightest item on the menu   Couple of packets should be okay?  One regular, one cheesey?

I will have my Trangia kettle and pots with me as well.  Going to bring the Honey Stove for some wood burning banter.

[Dowser]

I will bring the Smash.  Can't believe no one has offered to bring what is probably the easiest, cheapest, lightest item on the menu   Couple of packets should be okay?  One regular, one cheesey?

I will have my Trangia kettle and pots with me as well.  Going to bring the Honey Stove for some wood burning banter.

Good for you Suspect... Thanks    I see your down for the gravy and sprouts too.  If your happy to let me do it, I will take the gravy off you.  From experince, the best way to re-heat Turkey (when there is no microwave available) is to have it swimming in a bit pot of the stuff.  I'll also have a lot of run off from cooking the turkey that should make some mighty fine gravy. 

Doing it this way warms the turkey through, without drying it, out so it makes sense that I do it all in the one big pot leaving you to concentrate on the finest sprouts and mash ever produced on the side of a mountain 

[RedLeader]

NI has its coldest November night since 1919. Ooer.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-11898645

[suspectmonkey]

I see your down for the gravy and sprouts too.  If your happy to let me do it, I will take the gravy off you.

Makes sense!  To be honest, my gravy skills probably aren't the best anyway

[RedLeader]

We're aiming to meet at Donard Car Park at 130pm on Saturday. Sun goes down at 4 so that gives plenty of time to get up and get a fire going

Obviously, anyone coming up later can just meet us at the site.

[Matthew]

Christmas puddings bought and so is the brandy sauce. Only issue is that the puddings take an hour to steam lol.

Matthew


ooh Andrew, you still driving? and if so still good to nab a lift?

[ChuckMcB]

I was planing to bring a tonne of firebricks/charcoal bags...save me having to do any of that pesky running about with an axe looking for a dead fallen tree.

Was also planning to bring enough wine to keep the mulled wine brewing/flowing all night...(everyone bring their insulated mugs)...not got a pot/kettle yet tho, but will pick one up the 'morrow (and some sort of pot stand thing to allow it to brew without risk of it being knocked over)

Anyone got a large thermometer? Would be cool (boom boom...sigh) to know the temperature as the night progresses.

[RedLeader]

Sounds awesome. I was also pondering trying to find a small thermometer so we could keep an eye on the temps. Haven't managed to find one small enough yet.

I was planing to bring a tonne of firebricks/charcoal bags...save me having to do any of that pesky running about with an axe looking for a dead fallen tree.

Was also planning to bring enough wine to keep the mulled wine brewing/flowing all night...(everyone bring their insulated mugs)...not got a pot/kettle yet tho, but will pick one up the 'morrow (and some sort of pot stand thing to allow it to brew without risk of it being knocked over)

Anyone got a large thermometer? Would be cool (boom boom...sigh) to know the temperature as the night progresses.

[Matthew]

ill see if I can "borrow" one from a science lab tomorrow!

[Dowser]

Christmas puddings bought and so is the brandy sauce. Only issue is that the puddings take an hour to steam lol.

Matthew

ooh Andrew, you still driving? and if so still good to nab a lift?

The Big Fat Turkey has been defrosting in my fridge since Monday and should be ready to pop in the oven tomorrow, once I've stuff 3lb of Homemade Sage and Onion stuffing up it's backside.

No probs grabbing a lift Matt.  I'll collect you at 11:30am, then we'll go and get Fourman before meeting at Readleaders about 12:00.  Planning to squeeze in a wee McD's on our way down to Newcastle and should be in Donard Carpark about 13:30ish.

Defo try and "Borrow" the thermometer... that's a great idea Chuck.  We could start a competition to see which NI-Wilder has slept a the lowest temperature.  Photographic evidence required!!!