Cheers Steve, if experience has taught me one thing it is being honest with my feelings, emotions, expectations and being confident to express them. I think that us males have a harder time expressing our emotions so this channel acts as a conduit for me to express myself. If in that it helps others then happy days. The video from this week (due next Tuesday) sees me and Dave out hammock camping again. Again, we have some very honest, insightful and dare i say even humorous chats. An observation from editing my own videos is that the following day after wild camping my whole persona is so much brighter. The great outdoors is indeed great. 🙂

@@WalkTalkBrew Well said! On a more mundane note, have you seen you can buy a separate quilt liner thing that sits inside the hammock. More cost and bulk to lump around but a possible if things are looking a bit chilly. I have seen OneTigris do one but there may be other cheaper options.

@@BoomBoom7621 yeah, i saw that DD sell an underquilt. I ended up using my Exped Ultra the first time I was out. It was ok, very warm but the mummy shape was a tad challenging. On the last camp i used my Trekology UL80 as an underquilt. That worked perfectly well and packs up nice and small when not in use.

Cheers Gerry, we found an even better place last week for hammock camping below the Binevenagh cliffs. Will have a video of that up next week. Being out in nature and being comfortable is great, I even bought a sleep mask this week as dawn is so early this time of year.

Cheers Ervin for the comment, it's massively appreciated.

Cheers dude, 100% agree morning coffee is a winner. 🙂 Also, agree with you regarding the breathing, Wim Hoff style. Have you moved any further forward in putting out some KZfaq videos of you out in the Rockies?

Cheers Bill, our youngest is doing great thanks. Turns out that she has Coeliac Disease, she had Neuro Psychiatric symptoms with it. Been Gluten free for nearly three months now and she's getting better every week. Yes, been really enjoying the hammock camping. We're heading out tomorrow but i fancy sleeping under a tarp on the ground for a change. Thanks so much for commenting and watching the video. It's massively appreciated. Mike

Cheers mate, really appreciate your comment. 🙂

Cheers Mark, I must admit that I really am enjoying the hammock camping. It gives you a very different camping experience. In saying that I was away on a community camp last month and slept in my Vango Helvellyn 300 for three nights... it was bliss to have so much room and to be able to close the flaps down at the end of the day.

@@WalkTalkBrew A pleasure there. Yeah, they have their virtue hammocks but I like the ground too. Good to hear you had a good community camp.

Lol, there’s a lot to consider when you go wild camping. I had the fear of leaving the car and it being damaged overnight.

I’m a complete beginner with hammocks. This was literally my first hammock camp. So, every day’s a learning day for me. You’re probably 100% right about the height though. Hopefully, I’ll figure out what’s best with more practice. Thanks so much for taking the time to comment. It’s massively appreciated. 👍

Thank you so much for taking the time to comment, it's massively appreciated. Abed, one the guys i go camping with (Dave) also has a bad back and he finds he gets the best sleep in a hammock. I've slept in mine twice now and I must admit that when I wake in the morning i do find quite hard to get up... mainly because i am so comfortable. Opening up, being honest and authentic on here wasn't easy. I very nearly deleted the whole section where i was talking about our daughter and her ill health. The reason I kept it in is because living with this is part of our life, we do have challenges and face many obstacles. If we're facing these challenges then opening up about them, talking openly and honestly about it and how we all feel may hopefully help someone else. Keeping emotions, feelings etc buried isn't good for you or anyone else. So, for me this channel is an opportunity to be 100% who I am. You say that you've been going through the same for the past 13 years. Is that with a child, if you don't mind me asking? I've found that living each day in the here and now works well for me. No point dwelling about what's happened or about what'll happen tomorrow, you can only do what you're doing in the current moment. Be well mate, take care of yourself, Mike

MAte I have a bad back and the hammock is the most comfortable thing that I can sleep in. Try it out. Don't forget to out a pad underneath!

@@saxoncrow2500 I agree the hammock is very comfortable. Though I haven’t managed side lying on it yet.

Thank you David for your great comment. I also like being on the ground, hammocking is a new experience for me. So, far i'm happy with the experiences. Yes, the Bushbox was most certainly dug in. I've a few reasons why. I've learnt that if you can't be honest with yourself how can you be honest with others. I also dislike people who put up sensationalist style KZfaq videos when wild camping just to get clicks and views. I figured that for me, being authentic, expressive and conversational is my way. It feels more natural to me. We had the private consultation last Tuesday for our youngest daughter and it went really well. We're now getting ready to head to London in a week or so for further tests. The Dr (specialist) is 100% certain that he knows what the issues are (based on presentation and previous blood tests etc) and the according treatment plan. The tests will confirm his prognosis and setup the correct treatment plan. So, we're all feeling happier with a bit of the stress lifted. I've discovered that I enjoy wild camping alone in the winter (it gets darker sooner) but prefer the company of others during the lighter nights. The solitude and peace of the woodlands is great for grounding and being present whilst having a fellow camper with you is great for those conversations that can only occur around a campfire. I always let people know where i'm at, my route and then pass on my exact location using what 3 words or an 8 figure grid reference. Whilst all that is great, accidents can and still do happen, so yeah being with a buddy certainly is better. Catherine and I do chat about anything and everything. The past 6 years, especially the past 2-3 have been challenging for us and our kids. We are a very open and chatty family where nothing is taboo or not talked about. We all sometimes feel the pressure of the past few years building up within us and seek ways to relieve that pressure. Sometimes, it's a brisk hike for Catherine and I, It can be walking and playing with our dog, spending time with friends, wild camping, gardening, going to a show or just spending some time alone. Thank you again, for the comment. It's great to reflect on what people have written. 🙂

Thank you Mike. I'm so pleased your daughter is getting the diagnosis and help that will hopefully lead to better days. Good to read that you take all necessary safety precautions when out alone. I can't recall any solo wildcamper covering in detail safety aspects . Perhaps a video for you in future. 🙂👍

@@davidf4897 That's a great idea. 🙂

Thanks Russell, I know what you're saying with tea AM. The main reason I go coffee when i'm camping is that i can't drink milk... black coffee is more agreeable than black tea. Thanks for the well wishes, we had a good consultation with the Dr last week and are now waiting on a trip to London for further tests on our daughter. Mike Outdoors as best i know is doing ok at the moment.

@@Twin_Peaks_Outdoors hi Simon and Mark. Hammock camping is great, though you will need a tarp if it’s any way wet. I even take the hammock out on hikes now as it’s so quick and easy to setup. Then you can either sit or lie down and chill out for a while. Mike

@@WalkTalkBrew thanks Mike we’ve both got onewind hammocks and I am at this moment purchasing a DD 4x4 tarp 👍😁

@@Twin_Peaks_Outdoors the 4x4 is huge, I prefer the DD 3x3. It still gives protection and is easier to put up in the woods, when space is an issue.

@@WalkTalkBrew Hi Mike, I’ve just ordered a DD 3.5 x 3.5 Tarp 👍 I can’t wait to get out in it now 😁

@@Twin_Peaks_Outdoors awesome, you’ll have to let me know how you get on.