Storm in the Forest.
Well the storm has
finally reached us here in Wychwood Forest. This would not be a good time to be
camping in the woods. If you ever find yourself in this situation, the best
thing to do is either find some open area well away from the trees, or find a
rocky outcrop that will protect you from falling trees. We have had rain now
for two days, and the ground in the valley bottoms is soft. Up higher it is
very rocky, so the trees have not been able to put their roots down deep. Water
soaked ground and high winds in any forest will be a sure combination to bring
down trees.
Do not light a fire in
these conditions, it is wet enough to stop the spread of fire through the
forest, but not wet enough to stop your shelter and gear getting burnt. The
high winds will blow sparks and embers into your shelter. This is when it pays
to be carrying foods that do not require cooking.
If you are using
stakes to secure the lower part of your shelter, make sure they are long and
driven deep. Winds like we are getting here will tear stakes out of the ground
and turn them into dangerous weapons being wielded by the wind still attached
to the canvas. Skills on woodsmanship really count on days like this. Once you
are in a relatively safe place, stay there. Do not venture away from the
protection of high rocks or large fallen trees. I have seen small sticks driven
far into the ground by winds like these. If you get hit by one, it could be
bad.
1 comment:
Yep, a bad day for widow makers. Didn't seem to bother the roo though. I expect lots of dead fall around here this spring. We've had lots of snow.
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