Hi Paul, great camp you too had, and I can really relate to everything you said about what it was like all those years ago, I think back then life was a alot simpler and we had a lot less choice and simply made the best of what we had. Amazing to hear my name mentioned at the end , I had so enjoyed the content and was really suprised, but you right not changed my gear for years, and some of my really old stuff still does the job it was designed to do,really enjoyable, thanks Pat
Eh up Pat. Every day was an adventure when we were kids. Playing in the woods, climbing trees and rocks and sneaking the odd beer in the shed. I’m very envious that you haven’t changed one bit 😀. You are spot on about keeping things simple. The amount of gear I have is obscene. I still have my old vango tent that would still do a job. Love the fact that you still keep it real. If you ever fancy a pint or camp then please drop me an email. Best wishes Paul.
How true .. it was much simpler and better for your well being. We made our own fun today they buy it. We were taught respect and so much more if only it could be brought back. And we all went through military training where discipline was key that made men out of boys mostly. Boy don't we need that now. Gppd to see you opening up Paul part of the healing process. Bushyboy Oz.
Eh up Paul. Aye when I were a lad I was pretty ferrell as a rule, although sent away to boarding school, when home I was nowhere to be seen; I'd leave a note for my mum saying I was off cycling and or fishing, I'd call at tea time to let them know i was okay and where i was, you can't do that at 10 -15 now! School was too much lessons and drill. As a wee bairn until our late teens we'd go camping as a family. I asked to join Brownies, but they said no - the thought of camping with other lads - "sounds gay sir!" Lol. In the service I spent most of the time out on hills or somewhere and loved that part, the extra training in the wilds was heaven for me.
I grew up in a care home Paul. Most weekends we would run away from the home and camp in the woods. Get caught Sunday and taken back to the home for Monday. We would build camps and make huge fires until one weekend the owner of the wood caught us but instead of shouting at us or calling the police he sat us down and talked. He asked us why we where there and explained how we should be managing fires and respecting our environment. We found out the woodland was named after his wife who had died young and that we where Welcome as long as we demonstrated respect. 25 yrs after that day John passed away. I attended his funeral and while I can no longer go to that woodland, it’s long since been cut down and turned into a housing estate I still carry the lessons he taught me every time I light a fire for a brew or fry up a Penny Bun for my supper. Stay happy and healthy Paul.
Normal service is resumed ❤️🥳 For all its worth Paul, I'm on a 12 hour shift in ambulance control and your video is my moment of time out from the stress of the job . Totally appreciate it
I'm a bit older than you boys, I was the guy selling the Spectrum to your parents. We had a far richer childhood than today's generation. We had real friends, not virtual, real experiences, not virtual. It was for sure a simpler time. Fall outs were face to face and done and dusted. Parental discipline wasn't questioned. I learnt to make things from an early age. My first pen knife was earned by proving I could carve a boat hull at the age of 8. At the age of 17, I was doing a 96 mile backpacking walk called the Peakland Way. At 20, I walked across the Swiss Alps. I'm in my 60s now and have osteoarthritis, I can still get up on to Kinder, but not carrying kit anymore. Your videos are a real tonic. Make sure you enjoy your camping whilst you can.
I am a kid/teen from this generation and myself, my dad and my cousin are all outdoors and wild camping lovers. Its was probably 2 years ago my cousin told me about your channel, and I have watched every video since, you and many others have helped me change my life for the good and will always love the outdoors. At 14 I can relate to most things about your conversation... and I just think my generation need to learn how to read a map and get themselves outside just as I did 🙂 - all the best from Dan
When I was young! I still am, just older! We do not stop playing because we grow up, we grow up because we stop playing, sending love and peace to all👍
When I was a kid, my uncle decided to stop using drugs. He camped out, at my father's property, all summer. This taught me of the healing power of nature. When life gets rough, I head to the Backcountry. I hope you get your feelings sorted, and get back on top of your game. I enjoy your videos from across the pond. Best wishes, Paul.
I'm in my mid 50's and feel lucky be able to have lived both lives, from having nowt and playing in fields and making dens in the local woods and playing out all day - using my imagination, only going home when I was hungry, covered from head to toe in mud and muck. Then having the thrill of getting better technology as its came along... no more wooden poles and mouldy canvas tents that weighed a ton and smelt like a damp dog... Cooking beans in the tin with the lid bent over as a handle - luke warm on the top, burnt on the bottom. Great to see you both chatting 👍
Good to see you out Paul and chatting it's so important to be able to talk to mates, I lost my wife 14weeks ago I am grieving so deeply, I have to talk and I want to try to get back into bushcraft and camping when I can start to heal, at the moment my grief is too much but time hopefully will make it less It was good to see you enjoying life, great stuff 👍
My childhood was exactly how you lads descrbe it.. Every day out was an adventure.. You learned everything from cut knees torn clouts and thick ears from grown ups. Thats how we learnt common sence and how to live. Id never change my childhood for owt it was one huge adventure. Now as " grown ups" we still do it and love it . Great memories lads,thank for a great vid. Right ..im off out to go knock a door run.😎🤣
Paul Messner is a legend, he got myself and the rest of my friends into camping with his helpful and well put together videos. Just wanted to say thanks and let you know the impression you leave with others
This is one of your best videos Paul. You can see straight you are happy again. You and Andy talking about the old days was the best medicine for you. It’s great you have friendships like this and family to help support you and bring back the Paul we are all subscribed to. Keep up the great work and I hope you don’t feel pressured again and just do what makes you happy
Must be something about the hills that bring these chats out. I swear I've had exactly the same conversations up in the hills. Maybe I'm just getting old!
How to make an old sod feel even older. Watching two youngsters reminiscing and mentioning seager and tennis games! I'm going to start looking for care homes that allow camping in the grounds and leave the outdoors to you pups LoL
Paul….absolutely “belting” video. Great to see you getting back to your former old self. Your discussion with Andy certainly done you both good. By the way…. your footwear !!!…. My wife said they were sea sick green !!! More power to your boots 🏴🥃🏴🥾🥾🥾🥾
OMG the syllable smack - I laughed and laughed - I was the recipient of those at times. Great video - thanks for getting out there and doing it for those of us who can’t or don’t have the opportunity.
"Almost as good as a dehydrated meal".....Much better I would say. I feel hungry after watching :) My first camping experiences go back to the late 60's, things were indeed a lot different back then. It was all canvas and paraffin and torches used heavy none rechargeable batteries and the bulb glowed dim and yellow...But it was romantic and innocent and I can feel myself being drawn back to simple less techinical camping
Hey Sandy. Hope you’re well. The steak 🥩 was tough 😂. The knife made it look like butter. Definitely better than dried food. Your camping vids are so therapeutic. The glow of the lantern and the flickering of the flame on the wood stove. Simplicity at its best. Need another catch up in the next few months mate. Best wishes and congratulations Grandad 😉
I like that little talk between both of you! Im 37, grew up in 90' in Poland and agree with everything you said I miss those times a lot! I will be a father myself in 7 months and I am a little concerned about future of my new kid, social media, mobiles, more stress and general rubbish in schools, media, tv etc There is nothing better then just being outdoors, in nature or wherever having fun with you best pal or being rascals from time to time ;D My dad use his leather belt few times on my ass but I totally deserved it lol
Paul and Andy, what a great video. I spent my younger years exactly where you chaps are sat right now. I moved away and started a family, and I often have the same conversation in my head that you guys had during this video. The next generation will make the right choice I'm sure. I miss it and you can't really replace it with anything else. Friends, 18 hours of daylight, and a tent. All the best.
Camping enthusiasts of all ages, it is a pleasure to do what they want. I saw your natural smile at the beginning of the video, just relax, man! I hope everyone reading this comment can always be healthy and happy!
The two Rambling Yorkshire Ramblers … absolutely fantastic. I feel like I just relived my childhood with two mates. You have both brought my a big smile and at the same time, great calm. Cracking video lads.
I used to spend a lot of time outdoors as a kid, especially walks on a Sunday afternoon with my mum. However, ten years in the Army has influenced my need to get our hiking every weekend, it helps with mental health. I too did a lot of talking on our last video, I find it also helps vent all the frustrations of daily life.
Great chat you had with Andy took me back 50 years the odd crack didn’t do us any harm and I’m with you guys life growing up then was so much better. Glad your back out wild camping Paul you looked at home 👍👍
Our chemistry teacher had a white pump called Percy, the dreaded words ....come and shake hands with with Percy, got a reyt whack across the hand. Good video, a bit different, good to see you back out Paul, TFS David 👍
I'm a Barnados boy through the 70s and into the 80s and Scout's saved my mind and soul, Fire's, camping, cooking sausages with beans on an old trangia when out on hikes. I'm a Scout leader now myself married to a Cub leader about to go wild camping in hammocks for a couple of nights with the kids to help the stress float away. Great video Paul
Fantastic to see you out. Am a DofE leader for the school - its amazing to see the participants throw themselves into their expeditions. For so many its well outside of their comfort zone but they love every minute. Would love to have you along to a training session to inspire them !
I loved the whole chat, I am probably of the same age and did the same 'stupid things and learnt my lesson quickly'. Exactly how you mentioned and I fully agree with all you said. Had a good chuckle tonight, cannot wait for the next vid Paul. :)
Having good chats like that are a rarity in today’s society, things like that give us the chance to get our thoughts out and realise that everyone is struggling with the same things at times! Everything is always moving. Looked a great camp, beautiful evening, long slow sunset, good food and it looked a decent walk in too. Seemed to be a Fair drop of wind in the morning but tent stood up well. Glass you had a good one mate, these were victories top up the old “get up and go” for a while, change of scenery helps too, also Loving the longer vids.
Loved the video I think it's one of the best you've done. Late 50s early 60s i lived in Rochdale on the edge of Blackburn moors, my home was surrounded by fields my dad was a long distance lorry driver and he made a tent out of an old tarpaulin this was left erected all summer in the garden l practically lived and slept in that during the summer holidays my company was two Alsation dogs I was about six years old. Listening to you two brought so many memories back. I remember one day my mum saying I couldn't camp out anymore the reason being the Moors Murders but my best friends my dogs went everywhere with me on walks with my grandparents over the moors through woods they my grandad even camped out with me what fantastic memories you've helped me remember so many so many good times.
Watching one of your videos each week is now a bit of a tradition for me. I haven't been out camping yet but, tonight, I'm actually watching this video in a bivvy bag in my garden, as a bit of a trial run. I really like this one, where you're chatting and philosophising with a fellow camper. I think you should do more of these because they'd all be different, whereas there's only so many product reviews that can be made. Thanks for the inspiration, Paul.
When I was a teen in the 70's I was hiking into the Rockies with my parents sometimes with my uncle between 6 and 10 miles carrying a 70-pound loaded backpack with a week's worth of supplies. I never really thought about if other teenagers were doing it but I was having fun. Most of the time we would pick a place and drive in, if we couldn't drive in we hiked. We did it about 6 times during the summer but I never did it in the winter I'm not sure if hot tents were affordable or even existed back then. Half the fun was weighing things on scales and choosing what not to take if we hiked far. So much camping gear today did not exist at the shopping centers in the 70's. I don't remember titanium pans and cups or tiny folding stove burners. Prepared dehydrated food didn't come in flavored packages, we had to cook it and add spices and stuff ourselves. I used a cheap tarp for a tent and some plastic for a ground sheet for long hikes.
We were fossil hunters. The locations of the fossils are where we decided to camp or hike. There are many square miles of desolate public land with nobody on it to go fossil hunting. Some people even freak out when get to a high spot and they can't see a single building as far as you can see. We found very nice specimens, some of which are now displayed at a museum.
Amazing talk guys loved it all The youth of today are Changing so much in good ways and bad not drinking like I use to at that age and being glued to their phone Great to see you out Paul
Good video that. You and Andy bounce well off each other. I've camped in that spot and I loved it up there. I still say the view from Ringing Roger is one, if not the best in the Peak District. It is for me anyway.
Thank you for an absolutely brilliant video. You and Andy chewing the fat with a down to earth raw realisation of the generation changes. It brought back so many memories of my childhood growing up and just how free we really were back then. I was fully tuned in, one of the best yet.
