Blog assignment 1
Overnight fieldtrip, forest winter
Location: Jegersberg, Kristiansand
Recreation Act- Rules to consider when camping
- It is not permitted to use sites on cultivated land for picnicking, sunbathing, staying overnight or the like without the permission of the owner or user.
- In uncultivated areas, it is not permitted to use sites for purposes such as mentioned in the preceding paragraph if this unduly hinders or inconveniences others. Picnicking and camping must not take place if this may cause significant damage to young forest or to regenerating forest. A tent must not be pitched so close to an inhabited house (cabin) that it disturbs the occupants, and in any case no closer than 150 metres. However, the rules on the distance from habitation do not apply in an area that has been specifically designated for camping.
- Camping or another form of stay is not permitted for more than two days at a time without the permission of the owner or user. Permission for a longer stay is nevertheless not required in mountain areas or in areas distant from habitation, unless it must be expected that the stay may cause significant damage or inconvenience.
- Immediately before and during the hunting season for wild reindeer, the Ministry may prohibit or regulate camping that may cause inconvenience for such hunting.
- Camping and other forms of access must take place at the person’s own risk as regards damage that animals may cause to persons, tents or other property.
Introduction
Wednesday 29th Jan 2014 we went on our first camping trip. We were assigned tent groups in which we would arrange and set up camp, sleep, and prepare food which was a three course meal. We travelled by skis for about one hour through Jegersberg, Kristiansand where we found a nice area to camp.
The main focus of the camping trip was to make the most comfortable camp possible in the winter season. Before we set out on the camping trip we had a lesson on what types of cloths to wear and how to layer clothing effectively.
Class on layering and correct clothing
We discussed base layers and how the best material to wear is wool as the fibers in the wool are strong and trap body heat for a longer period of time than cotton or poly fibers. Wool will also keep you warm when wet. Layering is important when skiing and camping as it is important to be warm enough but not too hot that’s you sweat making cloths wet and cold. A lot of small thin layers are more effective than a few thick layers. This enables you to remove and add layers to regulate your temperature easily. Windproof and waterproof layers are also important for insulation. Soft shell material is a great material for wind proofing however it is only splash proof and will not keep you dry in wet weather. Here a waterproof layer should also be worn. Waterproof jackets that have ventilation zips under the arms are great to wear as they allow air flow and again help to regulate temperature.(Langmur, 2013)
Pine needles for added insulation
When we found an area big enough for all groups to camp in began to arrange the camp area.First of all we flattened the fresh snow using the skis and walking on it to compact it down to make a solid surface for the tent and to sleep on. We then took Pine leaves from the lower branches of the pine trees to put under the tent, this helps to insulate the tent, adding an extra layer between yourself and the snow.
We then began to erect the tent.We used the skis and ski poles as tent pegs as the snow was very deep.
We then helped to make a fire area and a toilet area for all groups to use. For the fire area we found a large area big enough to fit all 20 students. Using a spade we dug a hole in which the fire would sit, the snow from the hole was used for seating around the fire area. The type of fire that we built was a pagoda fire. This type of fire is best for use in winter as the larger pieces of wood are at the base of the fire and if they are slightly damp they can dry out as the fire starts to burn. The pieces of wood get smaller as you get to the top, the fire is lit at the top at the small pieces and burns down through the larger wood. This is great for the winter months as the top wood burns it heats and dries out the larger pieces. (Langmuir, 2013)
When we were satisfied the camp was set up and ready we split into our tent groups and prepared dinner. One of our tasks was to make a three course dinner we had use of a trangia storm cooker with gas and methylated spirit, we experienced cooking on both types of stoves. The gas stove is very safe but reduction in the gas pressure occurs in minus temperatures causing it not to work. The methylated spirit stove is less efficient in normal operating conditions however work very well in cold and windy climates. They are inexpensive and there is not a lot that can go wrong with them (Langmuir, 2013). My tent group had Spanish omelette, made with potatoes and egg, for our first course. The second and main course consisted of fajita wraps. We decided on fajitas as it is an easy dish that only required one pan to cook in. We sliced and onion and some chicken before we left for the camp to make the cooking easier. We placed the chicken and onions in the pan to let them brown off before adding the peppers, sweetcorn and tomatoes. We chose this meal as it had a good sauce of nutrients, for example, protein from the chicken, and minerals from the vegetables. Our final course, desert, consisted of a chocolate fondue, here we melted down chocolate and had chunks of banana and apple that we dipped in the chocolate. This was a sweet desert and included fruit for extra nutrients.
Reference
Langmuir, E. (2013) Mountaincraft and Leadership, Mountain Training England and Mountain Training Scotland.