Mad Mike: Harkan 2017 Pre Xmas Camp out.

Maisie had organized a Pre Xmas Camp out for those Sweden Harkanites of 2017 that could make the date. Alas as with so many arrangements made close in to Xmas one is always fighting the diary. It was agreed that we would meet at The Punch Bowl and Ladel Inn at Feock for 1300 hrs. http://www.punchbowlandladle.com/

We Stopportons thought we would take advantage of being this far down into Cornwall to visit Tim's Provodore Resto for one of Bev's Saturday morning breakfasts. I say Bev, as of course Bev also has a great following in the resto. We were fortuneate that whilst polishing off our Eggs Benedict that Tim called in and we managed a lengthy chat. It was great to catch up again. The talk seemed to centre around woollen blankets and Tim suggested I take myself to Exeter Surplus Stores in search of a couple.

Inside Provedore Restaurant Falmouth

We had some time on our hands and took a small detour around past the docks and Falmouth Castle to the point. The wind was fairly whipping up the channel here and Jackie was somewhat reluctant, indeed she refused to get out of the van. It was gloriously sunny but so cold. Wind chill. We could see away in the distance the entrance to Dave's Percuil River.

We arrived at The Punch bowl at about the same time as Mel and Les, ordered drinks and found a cosy nook. There are plenty of those in this olde worlde pub. Alas the mulled wine was off. Or rather not on. Having eaten very well at Tim's earlier this am we were not that hungry for lunch but managed some soup and a roll.

With lunch finished we made our way 'to the woods' here we set up our respective tents and ponchos. There is a permanent 'shelter' here in the woods which was extremely well appointed. I had anticipated a night under the poncho but as the others had their tents Jackie and I took advantage of the straw bales and would later in the evening crash on these beside the fire.

With light failing fast now Maisie set about lighting a fire whilst Dave Mel and Les collected some firewood.

Maisie demonstrating the correct stance for wood chopping.

Father Xmas or should that be Mother Xmas brings gifts.

Les and Mel prepare more wood for the fire.

Jackie cracked open the bottles of mulled wine she had brought and Mike put this on the fire to warm. A few mugfulls of this and soon the stronger stuff started to appear.

Mulled wine heating through.

Drinking invariably leads on to food and as we had brought jacket potatoes to cook with our steak we put these on. Then had another drink. Mel and Les were on stew which they had finished before our spuds were cooked. Some peas and carrots, Portobello mushrooms with melted cheese topping and sliced Montana Toms made up our meal. All cooked on the skillet over the fire. Dave had some home made pasta which no sooner had he warmed he spilt all over the floor. "Ten second rule" we all shouted in unison!

As the night fell the little people started to appear.

Soon even more strange creatures emerged from the woods.

Even these strange eyeless toe hugging tree hoppers put in an appearance.

Having wined and dined most Royally it was time to turn in. The night was nowhere as cold as it might have been and the rain held off. A pretty goods nights sleep was enjoyed.

Jackie snug as a bug!

Poor old Mike on the floor again!

The next morning Mike and Maisie soon had a fire going for a brew and we cooked bacon on the skillet. Some had porridge.

Check out Maisie's JimJams!

Jay called over just as we were finishing breakfast then it was down to the River to launch the canoes for a couple of hours paddle. This was broken into two legs, the out and back by another fire, brew up and bacon and egg banjo.