Devil's Spittleful

If I could sum up today's walk in one word it would definitely be: RAIN. I set out at midday and I was soaked through by one o'clock. It was today that I rigorously questioned whether or not I was crazy, or just really stupid. (the answer I settled on was both)

So I set about on finding the 'Devious Devil' series of Caches, starting adjacent to the West Midlands Safari Park. Taking a wooded path behind the Safari Park's fencing was quite exciting, although I couldn't see any baby kangaroos through the chain-link. I found these caches pretty easy to find, which I was very thankful of because the miserable weather was quickly turning my mood sour! For each log that I found and signed, there had been two other names signed on this very same day. Although I didn't come across a single soul whilst I was out.

I came home with 7 Finds, and 3 DNFs, although I didn't log any of these as I know I didn't do a thorough look, so I will be going back soon to have a proper rummage! I also didn't go up to the top of Devil's Spittle Rock, I really just wanted to keep trudging along to get home. But I will be sure to go back very soon. (When it isn't raining hopefully!) But either way, the surrounding nature reserve was a beautiful sight, even in the gloomy settings. I can't wait to go back and take my time there.

Calluna - Common Heather

I have given myself a little research project (don't you just love the word project!) Anyway, I want to educate myself of Heathland habitats before I go back. So I can truly understand and appreciate the habitat when I am there, and this is something I would like to do before I go to any new area. I want to learn, not just observe. I think it would also be pretty cool to share these findings as maybe 'Idiots Guides' mhmm, that'd be pretty cool!

Devils's Spittleful Nature Reserve 

A few things I learnt from today's Geocaching adventure: 

1. I really need to buy a small first aid kit, just in case!
2. I really need to bring a small hand towel, signing logs with wet hands is not ideal!
3. I should buy a pair of weatherproof gloves. 
4. My iPhone doesn't do great in the rain ... (shocker) 

Geocaching Trio

On Sunday (16th August 2015) I met up with two complete strangers.  Being pretty new to Geocaching I'd only really ever gone alone, or gone with friends I had introduced to it. And here I was, approaching a stranger I didn't know, to check if he was in the fact the man I had agreed to meet. Having introduced ourselves, we chatted whilst we waited for the third and final Cacher. One thing became very apparent: Geocachers are inherently incapable of finding each other. Eventually we found the third and final Geocacher.

We followed the riverside footpath from Bewdley to Stourport, then crossed the river and walked back along the other side. And boy, the weather was absolutely gorgeous! Around 15 caches found with ease (perks of walking with experts eh!) with just one DNF :(

It was definately a lovely experience, to be able to share the day with two lovely people, who both loved to do this same thing! And they also kindly answered all my lame newbie questions, so I am now slightly more knowledgeable now. 

I am now planning a short day trip for this Sunday, hopefully to pick up another 15 odd Caches, and I am also planning a two night solo camp over at Arley to pick up quite a few! (Just hoping I can get everything I need before the summer season dissipates!) Has anyone got any camping tips they could pass on? 

The Importance of Binoculars

Pyronia Tithonus - Gatekeeper Butterlfy 

This is becoming a regular thing, myself apologising whole heartedly for not posting for sooooo long. So here I am again, now that life in my new house is all settled, determined to keep this blog going! (Promise!)

Today my lovely friend Sarah  joined me in Bewdley before she jets off to Canada for a whole year!! So we decided on a stroll along the river, having persuaded her to try out some Geocaching! We ended up finding four caches in total, and I think she may be hooked! A good day in my book. We also had a very good day wildlife wise too, although both annoyed we brought no binoculars with us!

A Dopping of Female Goosanders 

We spotted a butterfly on the vegetation alongside the river bank, snapped a picture and carried on. Having come home we were able to identify it as the Gatekeeper Butterfly. We almost settled on identifying it as the Small Heath Butterfly, until we noticed the number of white dots on the wing! (Gatekeepers have two not one!)
Sarah also spied a Kingfisher darting into the shrubbery on the other side of the river, but after waiting silently for some time, we decided to walk on.
I also spotted a dopping of female Goosanders on the river, a bird I had no seen before, so that was exciting, but gutted having no binoculars!
I promise to post again very soon!
If you'd like check out my instagram to see what I'm up to!

The Wilderness Warrior

Hitting The Trails

Already I am half way through my holiday- why does it go so quick!? Me and the old man have spent the last few days hitting the trails near Galashiels. We went rambling in the 'New Wood' (Or rather, the wood my Dad had no idea was there for the last 12 years!) Where earlier  in the year he had spotted some wild Deer, however no luck for us - just a very startled Hare. Nevertheless the area was beautiful, and in true scottish style, it was pretty steep! We were looking for a camping spot to try out, but with the steep gradient and rocky coverage we found no place suitable for the two of us to camp. However, we did find a wood pile, one that belonged to another Bush crafter.  My Father has been studying the Bushcraft pool of knowledge intensely, and to his knowledge he expected the pile was put together for the puroose of fire wood, with most of it stacked off the wet ground and  some peices perched upright to keep dry. Although the quantity of menacing cob webs fortells a bushcrafter that never came back for it!

As for yesterday - for the 30 Days Wild Challenge I wanted to learn a new skill. So I learnt how to make a fire, pretty useful I' d say, and it wasnt even that difficult!  Started off by making 'Feather Sticks' and then igniting Birch bark shavings  with a Ferro Rod.

And today we hit the trails again! It was just a short walk to find some Geocaches, and all were found!  (Unlike all the others we've been trying to find) No complaints either with sunny weather with the odd shower and views to die for! We even spotted the rump of a startled deer, but it was too quick and we spotted nothing else.

Not too sure what tomorrow brings, but no doubt it will be wild!

All the best,
The Wilderness Warrior

Gelert Walking Boots Review

First and foremost I would like to say that I am in no way sponsored or iffiliated with Gelert in any way. These are just the boots that I am currently using and wish to inform my readers off of my own personal experience!

Now I will say, I only ordered these boots because they were the cheapest decent looking (gotta look good ya'know) boots that I could find. For the last four years I have been wearing a trusty brand of Regatta, which, don't get me wrong, served my very well! But just a week before going off on holiday to Scotland I spotted a wee hole in the outerseam. A disaster. So I need some new boots, and I needed them fast. 

So here I am with a pair of Gelert walking boots. And I'm impressed! For you dear readers I have put these boots through thick and thin! And they have held pretty darn well! They lasted through a tough 10 mile hike, enduring dirt and mud. There is absolutely no visible damage to the boots at all, just some dry mud to clean off! Although there is a down side, I found these boots to be very painful around the ankles as a result of friction. With the constant varying gradient of the walk, with many steep inclines the material around the ankles, which does well to support the ankle, does begin to rub. Now I suppose I should have used thicker socks, or that they were not 'worn in' enough, I am just merely passing on my experience, information that some may find useful! (Or not, who knows!) 

But either way, I am very impressed! They have kept my feet dry whilst trekking through streams, even when the water submerged past the tounge (impressed!) They have supported my ankles whilst rambling on uneven dirt and rocks. So I suggest you take a look and give them a go! 

They can be found here: http://www.gelert.com/gelert-leather-ladies-walking-boots-186136?colcode=18613603

All the best, 

The Wilderneas Warrior

The Three Bretherens

So what a day yesterday was! Never have I ever walked so far, and so tough, that I have been left in this much agony! 

But heck, it was a darn good walk! Me and the old man decides to head for The Three Bretheren, to which there was a lovely cache situated at the summit of. Except this time round we decided to go the long way. And it was hard. And now I am sat, over 24 hours later, still resting a very, very agonising hip pain. (Oh the joys!) I am just hoping and praying that the pain subsides so that I can do more walks this holiday. But that ten miler almost killed me!

But I knew the view from the top was going to be worth - and I wasn't wrong. 

I am still slowly but surely ticking off the odd bits on the 30 Days Wild Challenge. But please, if you really want to see what I am up to on a daily basis then please check out my;

TWITTER: @WildWarriorBlog

INSTAGRAM: @taylamayisabellex

Stay wild! 

All my love, 

The Wilderness Warrior

The Scottish Borders

So I am I holiday! So hooray for some well earnt free time! Like every year I am spending my holiday in Scotland, as I have done for the last 12 years. It really is my home away from home!

To make up for my utter disgrace of an effort with the 30 Days Wild Challenge, me and my dear old man are going to cross as many things off the list as we can! And yes, expect photos and updates! 

Check out the Twitter account to follow the blog so you can keep updated no matter where you are! (@WildWarriorBlog)