2jan1

Time to look for a Bivvi site. The one we eventually used had been my second choice. For a one person shelter I would have used the corner of the field, using two fences as two walls and a sloping roof. However, with the arrival of LonePig and Apoc, the Bivvi from hell began to take shape. This turned out to be adequately waterproof, but winds were a problem.
With the announcement that TMF would not be joining us, spirits did fall slightly. We had been looking forward to some competitive gaming – looked like this might have to wait until Sunday.

However, as the weather brightened an afternoon game was quickly organised – 3 TMA Vs 3 Bush Pigs (gulp!). simple “back in” rules were used allowing for quicker gameplay. Unlimited lives also made for an interesting afternoon.

The game started badly enough, with Bush Pigs (BPs) starting near the safe zone. We moved out along the top edge, and it was not long before TMA were spotted below us. We decided to push on before setting up an ambush to cover our rear. However, things went wrong…
Leading on Point, I was struggling to make headway, falling over several times trying to get up the same short bank (LonePig was quietly wetting himself under a bush at this point). Eventually I gave up and went the long way round, just in time to hear Apoc engage TMA behind us. He exchanged rounds with Lee, only to have his battery die and was tagged by the return fire. Trying to get back in support, LonePig and myself came under fire. I was hit by Lee and quickly rejoined the game. Taking up positions on the top path, LonePig in a fox (badger?) hole and myself at the base of a tree. PAPABEAR sneaked along the top path only to see LonePig once it was too late. There then followed a long range battle with the aptly named G-Spot (buggered if I could find him!) along the top fence. Meanwhile, Apoc seemed to be out of the fight (dead battery?) and LonePig and I were being flanked by PAPABEAR and Lee.

As they began to close in, our situation became worse. LonePig managed to move away after being tagged. while I stayed in roughly the same area. I was forced back against the fence, and eventually surrendered. Returning to the safe zone Apoc said LonePig had gone back out down the hill. I waited with Apoc, TMA came by and went back out to look for the lone Bushpig. TMA patrolled to the far end of the land, before an exchange of fire occurred. PAPABEAR and Lee quickly ran in to support G-Man. Resulting in LonePig tagging PAPABEAR and then Lee hitting LonePig. The game ended.
That evening the wind picked up. Taking our food we all retired to Hectors Hut for the evening – what went on over the next six hours shall remain a secret until death – and did our best to keep warm.
Retiring to bed around midnight, a beautiful clear (in parts) sky and an almost full moon gave the safe zone an almost magical feel – shame the temperature was approaching zero! Crawling into my (inadequate) sleeping bag, I expected to get a sleepless night. Fortunately this was not the case – I managed a good three or four hours sleep altogether.

JAN 2002 REPORT- SATURDAY by NAPOLEON

Oh dear, it’s raining! No surprise there then. Struggle up the river - sorry – road, with all my kit. Lot’s of runoff from the fields, my boots are soaking before I get to the gate!

The field is not too bad, a bit slippy in places. First sight of the beck at the edge of the Winter Land comes as a surprise – looks deep.

Struggling down the field side, I make it into (literally) the stream, and yes it’s cold! Now to get up the other side… I’ll spare you the details, but I managed to fall back down the bank three times! Covered in mud I manage to reach the fence and climb over, grateful for a rest. It had taken 35 minutes from the car park.