3 days bushcraft and camping. Finally some real cold. Below -10C in the nights. This year has been a struggle with the never ending wet but now that the cold came, fire making and walking far is so easy.
Trying to see the positive aspects of things, sure I miss the snow but it can also be a bit claustrophobic. snow seals you in and mutes all sounds. Walking far is not easy and everything takes a lot of time to do. Frozen bare ground and freezing cold fresh air gives a feeling of freedom. No tics, mosquitoes and tiring heat. Very easy to remain dry and warm.
First time ever I could simply walk over the gigantic mires north of me. If there is snow it prevents the mire from freezing so you sink down. A week of cold weather and no snow did the job. I reached some new desolate spots, hidden woodland I've never been to before. No sign of man. The wet can really dispirit the best woodsman. This time I enjoyed it. And the good spirits produced some new ideas.
The Ridgeline stopper sticks are a great alternative to the prusik knot. Stronger and faster. Requires some slack at first, a bit more than you think. But tensions when putting them on. If there is some slack when done simply do a finishing pull on the tree trunk attachment knot for a tight tarp setup.
Thanks for watching!