Swifts Return

Nice to see the Swifts have returned for Summer above the garden.

Bird of Paradise feature in new book on evolution.

Bird of Paradise Project

Check out a feature in the New York Times abour Richard Prums new book on evolution.

Read more here

Must be a first

A badger seen wandering nr Victoria Park

RSPB has announced that Cattle Egrets are breeding at its Burton Mere Wetlands reserve in Cheshire

RSPB has announced that Cattle Egrets are breeding at its Burton Mere Wetlands reserve in Cheshire this spring.

read more here

How to Draw and Paint Birds

I'm thinking of starting a journal, a nature journal so have looked for a few books on painting birds etc.
I have some Windsor and Newton water colours and some sketch pads and have been practicing, its been a while since I have done any sketches but now we are podding I think I may just have some time to do a bit more.

 

 

I will post some new examples up soon, there are a few old images here

Pod Checklist v3

POD CHECKLIST:

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Spare Tyre (Underneath)

Wheel brace

Plastic Jack Pads

Hook-up Cable

Lrg Window Blackout

Awning Extension Cable

Water Pump

Water Carrier (Sm)

Waste Carrier (Sm)

Kyham Awning 12kg (Put in car of needed) pegs & mallet

Propane Gas 3.9, (9.9kg Full)/ Spanner

Vision Plus Digital TV/DVD 18.5", Ariel, Remote, Bracket, Booster etc.

Fan Heater

Electric Low Wattage Kettle

Electric Low Wattage Toaster

Gas Folding Silicone Kettle

Leisure Battery

Consumer Unit

Dometic Fridge

2 Burner Stove

Portapotty / Chemical Tablets / Loo Roll

Sm Wastebin

Table Top and Leg (*Have small circle table for one nighters / Single beds)

Spacer for Bed

Step

Wheel Lock / Hitch Lock

Ground Sheet (2.5mx2.5m) (Breathable)

Rechargeable Lantern/Torch.

Pans x2 (Camping)

Frying/Poaching Pan

Chopping Board

Lighter

Sm Plastic Bowl

Cutlery & Tray

Cork Screw

Can Opener

All Melamine - Plates x4 / Bowls x4 / Cups x4 / Glasses x4

Cleaning Products (Wipes, Fairy, Refuse Bags, Dish Cloths)

Duvet / Pillows / Throw / Topper

Flat Sheet

Sleeping bags (Double)

3 x soft cushions

2 x Bath towels

2 x Hand Towels

2 X lrg Bath Towels

Tea Towels

In the car we would have....

============================

CCC Membership Cards / Insurance / Breakdown Recovery details folder

Campsite Fees (Usually paid on arrival)

Waterproofs

2x Chairs

Folding Cupboard (Larder)

Clothes for what you are doing / weather

Slippers / Flip-flops (showers)

Beer

Food - Plan menu or have an idea of some meals, eat out treats.

Toiletries - Flannel, Soap, H&S shampoo, Toothbrushes, Toothpaste, Deodorant

Bug Spray

Technology - Phones, Tablets, Laptop / Camera's / Scopes etc.

Books

Chargers

Oil Radiator (650W small)

Can always put the awning in the car if needed and use the fridge, just need to distribute weight across each.

GOING AWAY?

===========

1. If you need the Fridge hook-up and get it to correct temp before hand. Switch to "car" whilst traveling and everything will stay cold. Only works on hook up or gas to chill.

2. Give the Pod a good wash.

3. Check Tyre's car Run Flat Tyre's (32psi Locking nut in boot) and Pod (35psi) Change every 5 years (3914 so need changing wk39 2019). Check water / Screen wash etc.

4. Check Gas Bottle, will it be enough? Swap/take spare?

5. Hitching up - ensure all windows and cupboard doors are locked. Everything is secure and distributed OK. Remove TV from bracket and ensure it is stored safely. Remove wheel lock and hitch lock. Ensure pop up is down and secured. Ensure Gas is turned off. Ensure safety cable is attached correctly (wrap around tow bar). Test lights are working.

6. Ensure you have breakdown / recovery details and know how to sort out a puncture on both car (RFT’s) and pod (underneath).

7. Every year get your Pod serviced (102 RL)

NOTES:
======

STANDARD POD WEIGHTS: New MiRO = 545Kg
TOTAL WEIGHT: Approx. 680Kg (MAX POD Weight=750Kg) & Approx. 47Kg Nose Weight

COUNTRYMAN Max tow weight unbraked and braked

HANDBOOK: MINI Countryman (2010 onwards) 1.6 D Cooper ALL4 (Chili Pack)5d
UnB = 500kg B=800kg (1760lbs)
MAX Nose Weight = 75kg

FOOD CHECKLIST:

===============

You can always go shopping when you get there so only take what you need for when you arrive in the evening and breakfast the following morning:

Coffee, Tea, Sugar

Milk
Bread or Barms & Crumpets Potato Cakes
Bacon
Eggs

Cereals

Butter
Jam/Marmalade
Ovaltine

Reb / Brown Sauce
Salad Dressing
Bottles of Beer
Cordial
Bottled Water
Biscuits

Salt and Pepper
Pek
Crisps

Packet Soups
Porridge

Shopping:

Fruit
Salad, tomatoes, cucumber etc

Pickles
Ham

Steak