Bushcraft in the New Forest
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 6 сен 2024
- After ten months unplugged from YT it felt like a good time to dust off the cameras and get out for a bit. Well, in truth I have to give credit and thanks to friends whose words inspired me to get my act together.
A simple walk through the forest I thought, but I cannot do simple. After only a few minutes it felt so natural again, more like ten days than ten months. The colours of early spring the sound of the wind and rain in the canopy and creative ideas flooding back, will I have enough time in just a day? maybe I'll pop back tomorrow. So filmed over two days stitched together as one. It rained both days but the sun did join in as well.
Solo stove in the pack and bushcraft in mind I make a fire, the traditional way, two cameras rolling the entire time so you get to see the full prosses from sourcing very wet Birch bark and bringing it to flame with Ferro & steel, not just the perfect strike but the full scene... warts & all. Got to keep it real.
Retrospective for sure, visiting the site of my first YT video, thoughtful too with memories of my little dog Frank and memories of old friends and childhood days in the woods. A little melancholy maybe, but if you have been here before then you know how I roll, so I won't make excuses for who I am.
It's been a tough year for us all and we aren't through it yet. My heart is a bit broken, not just because I can't get away but for Humanity and the little old lady walking round a supermarket with an empty trolley while everyone reaches over her to get the last pack of loo rolls.
Freedom and adventure, if I had to define what this channel is about.
Seems now I may have to adapt to keep it going, but at the end of the day it's ultimately about contact with soul mates, kindred spirits, friends. You the audience are the deciders on the way moving forward. If you want to see days like this then I'll continue. Hope for a return to the mountains and big wild camping walks is still there but as time moves on I know that things have changed, so let me know what you think.
Apologies from the heart if you have left a comment and I haven't answered but the only way I could cope was to switch off, unplug and get stuck into work. Your comments mean such a lot, I sat and read every one a couple of weeks ago and was filled with inspiration, almost like waking up from a sleep. Thank you all.
Music Reiki Healing www.purple-pla...
All is well with the world as Jim has uploaded a video. I haven't even watched yet Jim but wanted to let you know that I am going to treat myself and watch later from start to finish. Paul 👍😊
Morning Paul, hope you are well my friend. Such a bizarre time we are going through, kinda make or break for us I feel. But I trust humanity and feel the ruling class have over played there cards. Truth will be out and we will truly be free, that's my hope and it keeps me going. Cheers mate.
A truly beautiful video Jim on many levels that resonates strongly with me. Nature is the antidote. I love my woodgas stove and it is always good to see someone top loading then lighting👌. On a more esoteric level, I feel that the human race is being tested on an individual and collective basis. It appears that the majority have relinquished their responsibility to question and think critically and have instead given their minds, their power away to an outside agency that claims to have their best interests at heart. There is only one question on the exam paper: Can you identify truth from lies and defend and uphold that truth no matter how inconvenient? The truth and our relationship to it will be the judge of each and every one of us. I love the footage of a 13 year old Jim and lovely to see Frank also bless him. Keep at it mate. Paul 👍😊
@@PaulOutdoors Thank you again Paul and a very good morning to you sir. Such wise words and absolutely spot on. I have to be honest, you speak my heart. From the outset I wanted this upload to speak to that, but just don't have the ability with words. I had a go on camera but it sounded more like a rant, so didn't use it. Feeling it would have the opposite effect. My heart is a bit broken my friend, how can we thrive in a world of such deceit. Clearly thrive is the wrong word, survive maybe, I just don't know. I tell my children to just work on themselves, be better people, see things as they really are and not how they are being portrayed, be in it but apart from it and all that. On a spiritual level, this is a war and on it's face we are losing, but deep down when I close my eyes and sit in silence and truth, there is a powerful feeling that it was always meant to be this way, always going to play out like this. The enemy has showed it's hand, big mistake. Disclosure is happening and some see it now, most people feel it and my faith is, that when things shift, it will be fundamental and lasting.
Bless you Paul, your friendship and presence here is a great value, not only to me personally but to all who read your words.
All well here thank you Jim and I hope that the same is the case with you sir. Yes, the "enemy" whilst psychologically attacking and using fear to traumatise the masses via the media must be wondering what on earth "they" have to do to make the populace sit up and ask what the hell is really going on such is the transparent ridiculousness that has been trotted out 24/7 for the past 12 months or so, and now the pushing of experimental vaccines that's aren't vaccines to combat a pandemic that is not a pandemic which of course was intended from the beginning. I really feel that this is a test for each and every one of us and the "enemy" has volunteered to play this role, possibly, maybe. Covid19 is the latest in a long line of powerful delusions and this is the big one I feel.
Are we are all witnessing the POWERFUL DELUSION mentioned in the Bible? A strong, powerful delusion that is so ridiculously obvious that anyone who cannot see the truth and embrace that truth is doomed. Interesting and challenging times but also an opportunity to reset humanity on our terms 👍😊
Brilliant stuff mate now that’s a bit of me🍄☘️🌳
So glad to have you back Jim . I was concerned. Regards, Randall.
Morning Randall, I know it's been a while.. too long for sure, but it was good to get the cameras out again. I just want to build on this now and get some momentum back, not sure how but I'll think of something.
💯 on humanity lost its way, I’m shocked to see so many give up basic freedom without critical thinking. Much love Sir
Hi Jim, you don't know me, but 12 months ago when the school lockdown first started, your videos inspired me to get out in the New Forest with my son. Subsequently I started making my own videos about the New Forest, albeit on a slightly different topic on WW2 history. I wouldn't have started my own hobby without being inspired by your walks, and discovering what's around me locally. So, whilst I am a complete stranger to you, I just wanted you to know how you inspired me and to thank you. Without your content I wouldn't have my own hobby now in the Forest - walking a couple of times a week outdoors has kept me sane and happy during the pandemic.
You have a very unique talent to connect with people you don't know on an emotional level. I think that's a big part of your videos which many others, myself included, wish they could tap into. Good to see you back briefly, I hope your own journey continues.
Bless you my friend. Really appreciate your words. I've always questioned the stranger thing, somebody once said that "there is no such thing as strangers just friends that we haven't been introduced to yet". I like that. We are all connected on so many levels and your story testifies to that. Thank you for sharing it, I'll check your channel out, as for me, well I now know that I need to keep this up, these connections are priceless and food for the soul. Thank you.
@@JimHolden Don't feel obliged to check my videos - this was a genuine comment just to say how good it was to see your video online when I woke up this morning - and wanted you to know how they impacted me last year.
4 seasons in one day, I hear that. I'm from Colorado and that's how we live. Beautiful, great video. Thank you.
David
simply beautiful and a tonic for the chained covid masses. You've been missed Jim!
Thanks for sharing.
Morning Wayne, it was good to get out and about again with the cameras. Proper missed it these past months. All work and all that, isn't good at all. Nice to hear from you my friend.
Great to see you back Jim.
It's good to be back Billy, just got to come up with another idea and I'll be out again.
Great to see you back Jim, you’ve certainly been missed 🙏
I couldn't wish for better support Jon, really appreciate everyone on here, been full of energy all day.
@@JimHolden reading through the comments it’s obvious you and your channel are much loved. Stay positive Jim and keep up the great work.
Missed your videos man. I always find them very calming. Big shout out from NZ!
The woodland is like church to me, walking light feeds the soul. It's good to be back, hope all's well in NZ
Good to have you back Jim. My favourite RUclipsr. 😊👍
Thanks Stephen, really appreciate that.
Thank you so much for this. Brings back many memories of perhaps the most beautiful place on earth
Channeling some of that Green Man rebirth walking amongst the ancient trees. Welcome back. Here’s to more trees, and more Jim. We kinda love you, y’know.
Uploading this vid and receiving the fabulous response I do know. Proper feel the love through every ones comments and I'm blown away with it, truly humbling for sure and I appreciate every one. My next vid will almost certainly be to honour the ancient Oak. Thank you for your words of encouragement.
Great to see you posting again Jim and I agree with your sentiments. Travel restrictions are easing and the pubs will be open soon.
It's been a long hard year Sandy, feels like things are settling down now so more to come from me soon. Thanks mate, really appreciate your words.
That right there is the best video you've made Jim. Thank you.
A true Gentleman
Respected by all ages
Magical video and very powerful with emotions 💗
Dear Mr Holden your words echo our thoughts and feelings,.. if the fates allow we'll see you when the fog clears and the light of liberty shines once again 🙏
Beautiful words Eric, but I'm going to keep going now. The response to this upload has been amazing and filled me with positive energy. So until that light of liberty does shine I'll do some walks and talks to keep in touch. Thank you as always my friend your comments are always appreciated.
So great to see you back Jim, glad you are well.
we always look forward to your uploads.
We would love to see the story behind the old oaks. Just imagine all the history they must have witnessed.
With all this negativity and suppression at the moment your videos are a reminder of what is right in the world.
All the best and stay positive from us in Cornwall.
It's so great to be back JW, can't quite believe it took me ten months to get my act together, but there you go. It's been a mad year but some sort of normal seems to be coming back. I'm just off out again, absolutely beautiful day. Cheers my friend.
Really pleased to see you back Jim. Something very special about your videos. Hope you’re keeping well mate
Just been reading your comments on this video Jim, sorry to hear you have been out of sorts and focusing a bit much on work. I think I have said to you before but I was out of work for 9 months a couple of years back and I watched one of your videos on the south coast path around Cornwall and decided to take myself down there and do it. I had a great time mate, just me and the dog, and came back home feeling refreshed and inspired and got a job a month later. You were the inspiration for that and I’m in the same job now and enjoying life mate. I wish there was some way for all of us subscribers to give back the pleasure we get in seeing your videos mate but I do enjoy them all and look forward to them very much 👍🏼
A very good morning to you Andrew, And thank you for your words they mean such a lot to me. The last year has been such a testing time for us all and I suppose we got through it in our own way. Mine was to shift focus. I was semi retired, kinda living the dream. As you probably know I have been living off grid in my van for the past five years, more or less this entire YT journey. The freedom that comes with that is indescribable an absolute joy. I park up on a mates farm in the middle of nowhere, well, the middle of Hampshire and I love it. Exactly were I want to be at my time of life.
So when the first lock down came, I didn't think too much about it, I couldn't get away but it was nice to just chill out for a few weeks. Then after twelve weeks off, work came back in, I'm self employed so I didn't lose the work it was just put off for a bit. Not only that, loads more work came. So at that point it was decision time, and to be honest with everything going on out there my decision was an easy one. Focus on work until it settles down. Problem was, work is a means to an end for me. Don't get me wrong I enjoy my work but it doesn't define who I am. Consequently I lost my way. Fell into a hole. Too much to do down there before I can even think about climbing out. Slowly the work has eased off and thankfully that's now behind me. You talk about subscribers giving something back, Well it was you guys that gave me my mojo back, the love and support has been wonderful. Non stop the comments kept coming.
We head towards an uncertain future, maybe this channel will have to adapt. But so be it. At the end of the day it's about "Us" people that connect on a who really knows what kinda level but the connection is there and for my part I absolutely love it, love you guys and now look forward to getting out again, were only a couple of weeks ago just didn't have a clue how to get back. Thank you again my friend, your story of inspiration, is beautiful, so please be reassured "inspiration" is working both ways.
Much love to all.
Well said Jim . You speak for us all , stay local stay safe. Such a beautiful video . Look forward to your adventures when we have our freedom back
What a magnificent forest ,thank you so much for some time in a very spiritual place ,
Jim please stay strong big man👍
You are a inspiration for people seeking freedom and time with nature
I'm stronger now than I was a couple of weeks ago. After lots of support and good wishes I got my act together to do this vid. It was going to go two ways, one was to speak my mind and the other to be more discerning with my words. I chose the latter. Now I'm guising by your channel name that you understand what I'm trying to say, in the vid and right here, but this isn't the right platform for us to speak our minds. We have to be a bit smarter. That's why I chose the latter. There are more ways to skin a cat, so they say, and I think for my friends on here raising the vibes and planting seeds is the best way. I thank you for being here and hope to speak again soon, in a round about way. Take care my friend.
Jim Holden thanks for replying , 💯 understand what you are saying
Glad you got the motivation to come back and share with us
In doing this You have for sure gave a good few people the push they need to get out and be determined to be one with nature.
All the best My friend
So happy to see both you and the forest. Glad to have you back! It's been a hard year.
A very hard year indeed. But I feel like I have my Mojo back now, so hope to upload on a more regular from now on. May have to adapt but it won't be forever. Thank you Aly.
Welcome back, Jim. Love watching your adventures. 👌
I've thought of you often over the past weeks, months. Wondered if I should contact you, decided it wasn't appropriate. So I am really pleased you are well and decided to share your thoughts in the beauty of the New Forest. Your words were wise and echo my own thoughts. Like you I'm lucky enough to live on a national park so don't have far to go for my freedom, freedom that was so quickly taken from so many, so easily. I have a deep seated fear this coming summer will be harder on our national parks and rural areas than last, I know bookings in Cornwall are through the roof. Mankind, aside from a few, too few, have no idea how to behave in a low impact way.
You must take your channel and do with it as you will, follow your heart. There will always be those, like me that will follow along and enjoy your wise ramblings. Good to see that grin back with us Jim, I for one missed it.
Morning Si, really good to hear from you my friend. These are troubling times for sure and I can hear in your words the concern for the parks and nature as a whole. My feelings as well but I have to slightly disagree, I still feel the vast majority of folk are good respectful wonders through the countryside. It's just that mindless minority that have the biggest impact. We in the outdoor community have always put out the leave no trace message and in my heart feel that we have made a difference, I have to think that or it has all been for nothing, nothing lasting at least.
I've been lost Si, just focussed on my work for months working into the evening most days. Thankfully it's started to ease off and my mind is clearing. This upload and the wonderful response has restored my faith in humanity and given me my purpose back. I will be going back out soon and continue to do so, but inevitably I will have to adapt, staying local I plan to do more walk and talk type vids. Channels like ours have got to push the message of walking light though nature.
Take care mate and who knows we may get to have that couple of pints together one day.
Great to see you Jim missed your fantastic videos.
Thank you Paul, you guys have restored my faith in humanity with the fantastic response to this upload, really appreciate every comment. Cheers mate.
Great to see you back Jim ! You have a deep and sensitive soul my friend . Will we ever have a ' normal ' again? Who knows but whilst those of us , like you, can find peace and harmony in nature we at least can find happiness.
Hiya Martyn, and thank you for your words they mean everything to me. It's so good to be back, in many ways it feels like a return. Back on here talking with like minded souls and back to my normal self. I had to shut down last year mate, just to survive but living like that is so bad for the spirit. It's you guys that saved me from my work non stop existence and I'm truly grateful for every comment as they brought me back and showed me the reel value to this channel. We are all connected and to shut myself off was the wrong way. But we live and learn mate. Cheers my friend.
Lovely piece Jim , you always seem to capture the feeling for the place wherever you are . sometimes we overlook the beauty around us . Thank you .
Very true, the New forest has never felt adventurous enough for me, too close to home and all that. But I see it with very different eyes now. Just editing my latest outing down there. A couple of weekends back I had an overnighter and a fantastic circular walk checking all the ancient trees out. Should be up in a couple of days. Thanks for watching my friend.
Great to see back Jim i have missed your videos, hopefully 3 or 4 weeks and all restrictions will be over.
It's so good to be back as well, what a long boring work driven life it's been for me this last year. The cameras are staying out now and I'm focused again. Got a few things planned but like I was saying, I'm going to stay reasonably close to home though, only because I expect It to be busy everywhere. I'm so lucky having the SDW and the NF close by, Dorset down the rd. So my plans for now will be round here. Down the line when things settle down I'll be off for a good en. Cheers mate.
Nice to see you back Jim😊😊
Thank you Steve.
Really great to see you doing what you do so well. Tree videos would be very welcome!
Morning Pete, I've found some wonderful old Oaks dotted around, and that was going to be the theme for this one. So yes I'll be visiting them with the cameras soon. Good to be back mate.
Hi Jim, it's great to see you back & all the enthusiasm you bring to you're video's, i look forward to seeing you're next one when this lockdown finishes. All the best.
Hiya Andrew, the enthusiasm and my Mojo are back and It feels great. Looking forward to another trip down the NF in a few weeks, got a big walk planned there. Cheers mate.
Hi Jim bet that brought back memories being there were it all started. Love the wild deer shots and just think many will never see wild deer in their "natural" habitat.
Nice to see you again Jim. I have missed you. I have been looking for you each week for the last ten or so months. I'm glad to see you have resurfaced in the "hundred acre wood". I will keep checking on you. “If you want me again look for me under your bootsoles. You will hardly know who I am or what I mean, But I shall be good help to you nevertheless
And filter and fiber your blood. Failing to fetch me at first keep encouraged, Missing me one place search another, I stop some where waiting for you”
― Walt Whitman, Leaves of Grass
Beautiful Boyd, love the odd verse or two. They speak to the soul just like this walk did for me. Bloody horrid year, but I feel the energy of spring in the air, so the cameras are staying out and so am I. Cheers mate, hope you are well.
I've missed your films Jim. And I know exactly what you mean. Until we get that old level of freedom back it won't be the same. I've mainly restricted myself to not filming off of Portsea Island. Hilsea lines is as far as I went for four months until two weeks ago, and that's mainly because I work at the Lines. Your videos are inspiring to me. Keep em coming.
Thank you Rob, It's been proper challenging for sure, Staying put and just working but It's dragged me into a dark place and It's taken an age to climb back out. Suppose I'm lucky living the other side of the hill from you, there have been a few escape routes over the months but I haven't felt that lucky and most are in a worst situation than me. Documenting these times is good as this channel is all about emotion good and bad. But I can see the light again now, did me a world of good getting the cameras out and then the response from friends on here, proper food for the soul. Made my mind up now, I'll be back down the forest in a couple of weeks, going to build on this and try to get back the good vibes. Take care my friend.
Great to see you looking well and out on lovely wander. We are all chomping at the bit to get back into wild camping and long walks and I certainly look forward to seeing your next adventure. Take care Jim.
Thank you Andy, yes all good here mate, like you I can't wait for things to return but I've kinda come to terms with having to adapt. So I will for now and hope for a better future down the road. Cheers mate.
You are clearly a very thoughtful man, your videos are fantastic, and you are missed by many, so it is good to have you back. I hope you make a video on trees too. Best wishes
Thank you Donald, really appreciate that and yes the video on trees is under way, I was out a couple of weeks back and had the best couple of days with a wild camp. The New Forest has my attention now and plan to do a couple more big walks there, maybe I'll wait for the Autumn colours though as my next outing will be in Dorset, a coastal path. Thanks again mate.
Jim mate, firstly welcome back, its great to see you again, and your return video is in the beutiful New Forest, my back garden.....you came in the best time of the year, when its empty and quiet, mind you as a local i can always find somewhere when i am alone except for my thoughts, as for the "ugly" oak, give it a hug it will heal both you and the tree, and yes i do hug trees when out there.
We tree huggers seem to get a bad press, but it has always felt so natural to me, always feel better after an intimate moment with an ancient Oak. The forest has some real good ones. My next upload will be about that I think, I have to adapt from the Hiking-Wild Camping trips to more chat based vids but it won't be forever. Thank you my friend.
Seeing your latest video was like seeing an old friend that I haven't seen for years! As others have commented, you're inspirational Jim. I fully understand your decision to lay low for a while, abide by the rules that have been set out for us and wait until it is right to venture out into the beautiful mountains and nature. It's all waiting for us, and it will be even more of a wonderful feeling when we all eventually taste freedom again. Take care Jim
Morning Simon, really appreciate all the support on here. I always wanted this channel to be about contact with like minded lovers of nature and the freedom to roam, explore and the joy that comes from that. Now the world has changed and It's never going to be the same again. In my heart and every fibre of my body I reject these " rules that have been set out for us " Sorry mate but until we all unite and see what's really going on we will never see those freedoms again.
@@JimHolden Thanks for your reply Jim, I do appreciate your thoughts and understand your feelings. As it is said in one of my favourite films, The Lord of the Rings, "there is always hope". I am hopeful that we all would have learnt something from what's happened during the last year, respect for on another, respect for the beautiful aspects of nature that we have. My good wishes to you Jim, Simon.
So nice to see you back. Take care.
One day we'll all be free again!
New Forest is one of my favourite places btw 🙂
Yes and roads will be gridlocked with everyone getting away at the same time. I hope we get our freedom back very soon because it will be while before things settle down as well.
Because the NF is so close by I've always had my favourite spots but only for a few hours strolling along not really appreciating it. But now I plan to map out some big walks and really explore it. Thanks mate.
I'm going to do my best to avoid everyone, they'll all rush off as soon as they're allowed.
Lovely to see you back Jim, The New Forest is such a wonderful place, look forward to the next one when you're feeling it ;-)
I'm feeling, proper feeling it now with spring in the air. I'm not cut out for work all the time as that's what it's been like for months, but I'm done, going back to being semi retired. Hopefully these restrictions do one soon for everyone's sake and we can all get on with it. Cheers mate.
Super excited to see you've new stuff out. Not watched it yet, as to honour the quality of your content, it'll be on the big screen later.
I always watch it myself on the big screen before upload, just to check it out. But on this one the colours of early spring just blew me away, the trees looked splendid. Hope you enjoy it.
@@JimHolden watched it, loved it...picture quality stood up well to being on a big screen 📺. By the way, your West Mendip Way upload (included Crooks Peak & Cheddar Gorge) helped inspire me to get out Wild Camping...just wanted to say, thanks 👍.
Welcome back Jim fantastic to see you back. As usual another great vid mate. Stay safe till the next one cheers 👍⛺️🔥
Hiya Alan, so good to get back out. But it was also really good to get creative with the edit as well. Missed both aspects and feel energised and eager to get going again. Cheers mate.
So good to get out in the wild .
Yes Jim! So great to see you back. Good lad.
Just in time for spring as well. Thanks mate I'm going to be back out again soon I've got my Mojo back.
@@JimHolden well you've kept me and a lot of other people sane during this past year. Thank you for that Jim. Happy wandering fella.
Great to see you out and about Jim
Thank you Ryan, so good to be back mate.
I was expecting the donkeys to turn up to ransack your food stores. I'd assumed you'd stopped making vidoes so great to see you back because we need people like you keep the world sensible. I played truant a bit when I was a 10 year old kid in the early 70's. One day I decided I was going to live wild in the New Forest. That plan lasted a day. Times are changing, wet wood has been banned from domestic fuel burners, and I suspect they'll soon be banned for camping use. I inherited a Bowie knife very similar to yours but I've never taken it out of the house because it looks like a weapon. I've booked a trip to north Devon in late May to go hiking, beach combing and rock climbing.
I know, I thought I'd leave it open last year because never in a million did I think it would go on this long, but it has, so now that my work has eased off I just want to focus on the channel and keep it going.
This vid started out as a walk and talk but I became enchanted by the trees, and then it turned into a retrospective, hence the two sections. A lot of my walks are like that, just letting it happen on the fly. They don't always work but the noodle vids never get on here. Enjoy your break in Devon Stevo.
Well jim it sure is good to see you back mate , the worlds gone mad and we’ve all suffered somewhat .but as an avid outdoorsman myself I completely understand where your coming from my friend,live your life pal we will always be here waiting for the next vid , just stay safe till the next time all the best 🥾👍
Hiya Ed, last summer was heart breaking for all of us, to have our basic rights wiped away like that, somewhat out of the blue really shook me to the core. My only escape was my work. I just couldn't come on here, reminded me of how much we had lost. So work took over, I booked way too much and it took me an age to get through it. But here I am and here I'll stay now, may have to adapt but so be it. Thanks mate.
Great to have you back Jim. Lovely video as always. Hope you’re well mate. ATB, Craig
Yes all good Craig, even better since getting out to do this one. It's been a mad year hope you got through it all right. Thanks mate.
Morning Jim, better than any Easter Egg a video dropping from you sir, great to see and hear from you, totally understand the desire to feel that level of freedom before 'travelling' but it will come Jim and we will all look forward to that next wild camp / mountain video, take care my friend.
Hiya Jon, yes I know it will come but it's been such a tough year for everyone. My escape as you know was my work, and I can honestly say, I've never worked harder than these past few months. It served a purpose, kept me busy and put a few quid into the old retirement pot, and stopped me going stir crazy with the cabin fever. But I've had enough now. I am so pleased to get a video out and want to keep it going now. I was off here way too long, kinda suffered a bit of upload anxiety this morning wondering if there was still any interest out there. So I am over the moon with the response. Thanks as always my friend, hope you spotted your name at the end there.
Far too kind Jim, you’ll never fully appreciate how your videos helped me through lockdown, still love the long winter Langdale to Wasdale adventure as a favorite you’ve inspired me to head up there all things being ok in September 👍🏻
Hi Jim glad your back you have been missed..and good to know your safe and sound 🤗
Hiya Steve, yes all good now mate. The response to this upload has blown me away and filled me with hope and good vibes so onwards, I'll be back out again very soon. Thanks Steve.
@@JimHolden your very welcome indeed Jim you and your channel are loved by loads who love the outdoors and nature..me and my family had a great day at the meon valley trail on Sunday beautiful up there.. look forward to your next video until then take care mate
Nice to see you back looking forward to your next journey
Thank you Richard, I will be out again very soon, my inspiration is back.
Hi jim nice to see you again, and the new forest
So much to see and explore down the forest Andy, this trip woke my need for the great outdoors and I'm chomping at the bit to get back out there. Cheers mate.
Nice to see you back Jim making you high quality content again a great pick you up
Good to be back out Jon, really good and I'll be back out again soon for more. Cheers.
Good to see you well fella. Looking forward to your next installment, whenever that may be.
Great to be back out and in touch with you guys again, it's been an incredibly tough year for everyone but I can see light coming now. Cheers mate.
You managed to capture those parts of the New Forrest, the trees, the wildlife and the atmosphere so well Jim. I only found your channel a few weeks ago and have enjoyed watching your content, now all watched in full. It is nice to take some quiet time out sometimes and then be refreshed and re-energised ready for more. Hopefully we will be permitted to travel further afield very soon and, with this, we have the chance to explore other areas we are fond of and check out new adventures. Looking forward to your next adventure, wherever and whenever that will be. Take care; cheers, W :)
Thank you, a wet water logged woodland wasn't at the top of my list to go walking, but our options are limited right now, so just went for it, and I've gotta say it was truly magical. Proper woke me up and filled me with inspiration. I know it's been a good day when I get back to my van in the pitch dark after extending my time in the woods as long as I can, and this trip was like that. I've always told my children to stretch themselves and just go for it even when the odds are against us. This past few months they gave me my own advice back and I'm so grateful to them. My Mojo is back after months of nothing but work and pressure. Now it's spring and work can wait. I think I came to terms with the travel thing when I was doing this vid, knowing that freedom and adventure comes when we are ready and it doesn't have to be a lung busting two-three day walk, just a day in the local woods and now finally the penny has dropped. Thanks again for watching and checking the channel out, speak again soon I hope.
Great to see another awesome film Jim. Like when we chatted other week at work. Both could not wait to get back out in the wilds
Morning Asa, yes I could feel it coming and I'll be back out again soon. I'm going to be back at the Browns soon so I'll see you then mate. Cheers.
Love your video's mate, keep em coming, good to have you back, got Hampshire and the South Downs Way on my to do list, thank you 😁👍
Hiya Stevie, good to be back mate and I have my eye on the SDW myself as I could do the western section from home, maybe the eastern later in the year. Now that spring has sprung I'm feeling energised again. Thanks mate.
Great to see you back! Looking forward to seeing more great content in the fells
Thank you Richard, I'll be back out soon mate. I aint missing Spring. Cheers.
I just found your channel through Mark from Wye Explorer! 😁 Taking a break is a good idea some times! I really liked the wildlife and your 13 year old self! 😁 I think we all feel a bit sad about all the restrictions! Hang in there! Kaat
Great to see you back Jim, looks a lovely place to explore mate ATB Phil 👍
Hiya Phil, good to be back, and good to spend time in the New forest. It's vast mate, I'm only familiar with a few small areas up to now so intend to explore it much more over the coming months. Cheers mate.
I haven't even viewed the Video yet, but knowing your previous work, I'm sure it'll be super. I'm just glad that you have surfaced again as I was really thinking you'd not made it through this Pandemic. Yes, sometimes it is good to get away, but sometimes it is good to leave a note too before you go walkabout. ATVB.
I know Robert, I should have left that scene in my last film just to let people know the score but I just didn't think it would go on as long as it has. In some ways this was me reasoning it out and trying to make it right, but I know.
Great to see another vid from you great shots of the deer
Good to get back out Shirley, It's been a tough time but I feel the vibes changing for the better now, slowly I know but with spring in the air It's good to feel that positivity.
As with so many here, I was concerned about you and wondering where you are at. A couple of days ago I was going to go to your last video and leave a note and see if you were around. Well, got around to it today and saw this new video!!! Good to see you again.
I believe this past year alot of us began to reflect on our lives. It's good, you discover things and maybe see just.how blessed you are.
For me I took up writing my story from journals I wrote back in the 70's and added those stories to my channel. They are about my joining the hippies, back when you were king fu.(I loved that show too!!)
It was just a shift in focus for me my friend. I couldn't get out so got stuck into work, sadly work isn't that good for the soul so felt myself sinking fast. This upload put things back in focus and I'm back on track now. I'd love to read your journals from the sixties. That period shaped who I am, maybe it was because I was a child during it's hey day or just saw it from afar, but I got the philosophy, change the world with love, bring humanity together with kindness and return to harmony. Seemed pretty simple to me, always has and always will. Thank you for your concern, and thanks for your words.
Your videos are out of this world ! Be treating myself to the oak video tomorrow 💜 may invest in a little wood stove for my next woodland walk 💜
I picked up a firebox nano titanium and absolutely love it. Recommend it if you’re still looking. It’s also made to fit the trangia alcohol stove as well.
Are horses wild Jim? They're beautiful, surely!
Good to see you again Jim that looks a very special place I presume those were wild horses? Another well put together video very enjoyable. Looking forward to the next.
Hiya Mike, It's a treasure trove of special places down the forest mate and yes the ponies are wild, some can be a bit nasty as well so I don't get too close, Beautiful additions to the landscape. I'll be back down in a couple of weeks, the beauty for me is It's only twenty minutes down the road, I know I'm a lucky git but I don't think any of us has been that lucky over the past year, It's been tough for sure, but at least there is light coming through now. Thanks Mike.
Well well.. only thought of you yesterday drove into Rough tor Bodmin moor carpark to spot a van just like yours , thinking no news from you for ages . great to see you back up loading
Oh how I miss those moors Alan, my sister only lives a few miles the other side of the bypass so if all goes well I'll be down your way later this year to see them again myself. It's good to be back mate, hope to upload a bit more regular from now on. Thanks Alan.
❤ I looked on your Channel yesterday Jim to see how you were and here we have you with an update and awesome film.
So nany good things in your chat.
Kind regards.
👍🍻
I'm going back to being semi retired, my only escape last year was in my work so booked myself stupid. Did it though. But had enough now, I'm lucky being self employed and nearing that age, and I need to get out more. Thanks Dave.
@@JimHolden all the best👍
we haven't been on you tube much ourselves only came on to load up a video great minds think alike. will watch this on the big screen really lovely to see you :-)
Thank you Leona & Chris, good to hear from you both. Hope you are well and hope you enjoy the vid. Cheers.
Oh it's a real tonic to see you back Jim, and more importantly safe and well. And what a great video to return with. I really did wonder what had happened. I've been re watching all your back catalogue right from the start in the New Forest. Understand completely how you feel, but I know for sure you will be back. If not this year let's hope that our freedom will be back intact in 2022. All the best mate. Keep the faith. :)
Thank you my friend, It's been a tonic for me also, good for the soul to be back out and in contact with you guys again. It's been a tough year, really hard to get my head around what's going on, but I don't buy any of it and fear that are freedoms will never fully return. This truly is a moment in time for Humanity, make or break. But I know that some see and others don't and there lies the problem. A divided people are defeated. Sorry to sound pessimistic but I do have faith that the truth will come out and we will unite, only then will we see real freedom.
@@JimHolden Thanks Jim. Yes, I'm also at that point where I now don't believe a word we are being told. Even if covid isn't a hoax, I do believe the powers that be have manipulated the situation for their own agendas. I'm also angry that the government are ripping up Ancient woodland for this HS 2 high speed rail track, which nobody wants or needs. An abomination. Speak soon Jim.
Great to have you back Jim. Watched all ur full length vids ( again)just after Xmas. You’ve been missed. Ur lookin top of the pops as well mate. Best wishes, andrew in Swansea
Thank you Andrew, really appreciate it mate. Hope to be back out again soon and more regular uploads moving forward, I've missed it too. Cheers.
Missed your voice. Good to see you again mate. Big Ted 😀👍🏻
So good to be back Ted. To be honest dropping out like I did I wasn't sure if there was still any interest out there but I've got to say, the response has been great and filled me with positivity and some good ideas for more like this until the lockdowns finally end. Thanks mate.
He’s back !!
Yes I am Jim, and it feels wonderful. Cheers mate.
Jim, really good as usual, I love the New Forest too. I’m Southampton based, it would be nice to meet up. All the best.
Lovely area Ian. I've always had my favourite spots but I intend to explore more widely moving forward. We are so lucky to have it on the door step. Cheers mate.
I have felt the same ,the world has changed forever and I hope this soul sapping time of covid 19 has taught us all just how important our great outdoors is to our mental and physical wellbeing. Will we change ? Alas I don't hold much hope of that.
We are part of nature, some would say the most important part. Change is always hard for sure but I see two paths moving forward. One that the ruling class and tech giants want to take us and the second where we stand up together and move back closer to nature. I'm absolutely in the second camp and I have faith that that will happen. There are dark forces at work to ensure we go down the first path but good honest endeavor and the right to freedom will win. Have faith and stay positive.
Jim Holden jim you have answered my question right there Be strong my friend and Good will always prevail 💗
My face lit up when i saw that you had uploaded.. you have a very unique way of encouraging ,through the sheer majesty of nature and enthusing others who share this love ..you have been missed.! you are that friend i have not met yet.! i did three of your walks exactly a week later. your words on history or natures glory, were my companions. please continue to inspire us. with your genuine and beautifully shot trips. Mountains, hills, lakes and lagoons , historical muses on a old Oak.. i do not lie , when i say i cried tears of pure joy as the first white pony came into shot... this is Treasure... Golden , a sprinkling of stardust in every shot.. i could go on ..... Please my friend , do upload as soon as inspiration calls... as you can see.. you are much loved and a very cherished by so so many.. ATVB as always Stay safe my friend, Scott Somerset
Scott your words are beautiful and moving, thankyou my friend. The response to this upload has been a blessing to me, truly touched my heart. The last few months have left me lost, confused and without direction. But I can see clearly again now, the fog has lifted and my enthusiasm and passion are back, kinda feels full circle. You guys have restored something precious and I thank you all.
Time on the trail and in the mountains will return for us all one day but for now I am going to keep this energy going with regular local uploads. Bless you Scott.
Loved it Jim and welcome back.
Why don't you consider setting up a facebook page dedicated to the New forest and the surrounding south coastal areas.
Your followers could also post their pictures, videos and adventures of that area. A bit like what Paul Messner set up. It's very popular.
I think it would be a big hit. Especially now summer is on the way too.
I'm down towards New Milton again early may. I shall be spending a lot of time in the Forest and coastline 👍
Don't know about that Craig. Great idea but I'm not on that platform much and kinda like it the way it is. I'll run it by my kids see if one of them wanted to do something like that as I can see the benefits. Hope you have a good en at New Milton. Cheers mate.
Yes I can understand that Jim. They are time consuming things for a start aren't they, especially if your in charge of it too.
Okay please keep up with the odd video.
I'm enjoying your back catalogue atm 👍
Great to see you back Jim. I was in the forest for a bit of a bivvi wild camp that same weekend.... Didn't see a SOUL :)
you hit the nail on the head when you asked the question "what's gone wrong with the human race".
I'm looking to get some hammock camping this year and enjoy the forests more. Not tried a hammock YET:)
I was thinking the same thing Andy, I have a hammock but only used it for day camps. Walking round I found loads of isolated spots that I would get away with it. The problem is the car, as rangers tend to notice a parked car over night. May need a big old walk away from it. Yes the world as gone mad and it's a proper concern moving forward, I'm scared for my grandkids and what sort of future for them, but I don't want to linger with them thoughts for too long. Cheers mate.
@@JimHolden I tend to park in a village and walk in. That way the car is safer overnight as well. It was pretty wet out there as you know but when I couldn't get to the lakes or Dartmoor then I had to think nearer to home. Did a great wildcamp in the Forest in December also, again not a soul.... But plenty of pigs about. Hammocks are something I'm really keen to try though. I'm already practicing my ridgeline setups. Love your videos though Jim.... Very relaxing to watch and so well made. They instantly lift my spirits.. Thanks for sharing them:)
Great to see you fit and well with another stunning video. Wish a lot more people would think like you. Take care Jim. Thanks Steve
Hiya Steve, I consider myself real lucky with the South Downs and the New Forest on my door step so it's time for me to really explore these areas, and I can't wait. Cheers mate.
Wonderful to see you back Jim . You have been missed .
Now that I've watched this video , whatever you do Jim , please promise me you will always be true to yourself . We all should follow our hearts more and are guilty of not doing so for various reasons .
The reason I subscribe is because I connect with you through your videos , your content , your emotions , the sheer joy you bring in a few minutes in an otherwise mixed up world .
It really has been fabulous to see you out again , and to know you're ok . Take care man , much love to you and yours Neil .
Bless you Neil, that is one promise I can surely make, it's been my life goal to be true and stand firmly in that truth, it means everything to me. This world is a mad mad place for sure, but it's also the place that we bring our children and grandchildren into, truth and freedom are our birth right, so is justice but we can't do much about that one. I truly believe we can unite and change this mad world with love, because that is the highest vibration on the scale, it's coming Neil I feel it in my bones.
Like I said in the description, the main point to this channel is to connect with soul mates, kindred spirits and friends.
Love and positive energy to you and yours too my friend.
Glad you're well and keeping true to yourself. You picked a good day to be out as the Forest will be packed as I write. Take care and cheers.
I never venture to the forest over the weekend for that very reason. During the week it's quiet, even quieter when it's wet, and for me that's the forest at it's best. Proper atmospheric, I was happy to see the sun though, but you know what I mean. Cheers mate.
Really good to see you back, many a true word spoken in this film. I always look forward to your films. Take care Grant.
Thank you Grant, I could of said much more, in fact I did, just didn't put it all in. These are troubling confusing time for all of us but it feels good to be back and I will be sticking around in one form or another. Cheers mate.
Fantastic Jim, Great To See You Back Think We Were All Wondering Where You Had Gone To . Take It Easy Jim , Looking Forward To Your Next Video
Yes, just got stuck into my work for a bit, never really thought this would go on this long to be honest. I had loads of plans for winter walks then this big old lock down came so more work. I now want to build on this, get some momentum and hope that the lock downs finally end so we can all travel further afield. Cheers mate.
So good to see you back Jim! What a range of emotions you evoked in this one video…happiness, sadness; I smiled and I cried. Lovely exploring the enigmatic beauty of the New Forest with you; echoes of the past, capturing the spirit of the times in this film. Thank you Jim; you give me hope for the future. Best wishes, Gill 👍
Thank you Gill, I honestly had no plan for this vid, a walk and talk maybe. Kinda just went for it, but within an hour I was buzzing with ideas, planning future walks down here, even a sneaky wild camp but the point was I felt myself again after months and months with my work head on. Didn't like it Gill, but it got me through the worst of it, I now really appreciate my local area to it's full and feel proper lucky to be here.
Magic happens when in the zone, and the thing that got me there so quick was that familiar damp woodland smell you get after rainfall, the bird song echoing through the trees, the strong gust of wind in the canopy followed by absolute stillness, then the calm came, back truly in the moment.
Your comment is beautiful my friend I appreciate every word.
I’m not gonna lie Jim I was thinking something had happened to you pal, I messaged you on Instagram a while back and heard nothing so was getting quite worried. Glad all is well mate and what a fantastic video to come back with. Thanks mate, Ant 👍
Thank you Ant, it was never my intention to cause concern but in truth just had to unplug and shift focus. Work has dominated me since last summer mate, and coming on here just reminded me of my passion, my love of the great outdoors had to stay in the back of my mind. It was my way of coping I think, don't know really. Certainly haven't been myself. But doing this vid and getting such a warm response has done me the world of good. Can't thank everyone enough. So I'll adapt and stick around now. As for Insta and the others, I'm done with them Ant. Insta was the kids doing, they wanted to grow the channel and tried to encourage me to self promote, I had a go but just didn't feel right so can't see me going back there or FB. I'll stick with YT and carry on doing what I do, let it grow naturally, I'm really happy with how it is. Cheers Ant and thanks again.
@@JimHolden as long as your ok pal then that’s all that matters. You do what you want to do but I’m really glad your ok and very happy to have you back doing videos for us to watch again pal 👍
Strange times indeed Jim , good to have you back mate .
It's so good to get back on here. I just got stuck into way too much contract work, the problem was...no time for anything else. Done with working like that and I'm done with lock downs. There's loads round here still, so I'll be back soon. Cheers guys.
Great to see you back Jim. You have been missed round here...I would love to see a video on ancient oaks! Take Care.
Thankyou Sarah, I stumbled across the very large Oak that got the hug, and spent some time there sheltering from the rain. It was right in the middle of a huge pine plantation (my least favourite woods) and let my imagination run for a bit. That landscape would have been full of those old giants back in the day, I'm fascinated with ancient woodlands and found loads of areas in the new forest where the ancient Oaks are, so will be doing something soon with that. Cheers.
Great to see you back Jim. Its definitely all about quality and not quantity because love watching your films. Very much appreciated. Curious to what make your wood stove is and are they still being made. ATB Pete
It's called The Solo Stove, and I'm sure I got it from the Bushcraft Store, online. Got to be still available, such a quality stove. Cheers Pete.
Thanks for the reply Jim. Look forward to your next adventure Pete
I was worried you had fallen victim to covid Jim , very happy to see you back lad .
No nothing like that, thankfully. Just poured myself into work thinking it would be done and dusted way before now but there you go. I have had plans, just couldn't act on them, but now I have so I'm buzzing. Cheers mate.
Well, now had time to watch your video whilst noshing my Pork Chop. Very moving, eerie and old England; if Robin Hood had popped up and fired an arrow at the Deer, I wouldn't have been surprised. Now got you down as a Kung Fu Tree Hugging Hippy. Thing is, reading through these other 60 comments shows that your presence was sorely missed. You inspire folk with your positive attitude and your own way of showing us what you witness through your own eyes and then editing it all into one epic video. However, I get your point, if you can't get out and do your own thing then why bother to video, I get it, folks are camping out in their back gardens, doing reviews on endless torches and other bits of kit that is not their first choice to keep their channels alive. I've not been in any way subjected to the lockdowns like you have suffered in the UK, but I also don't want to video much in the way of content as I feel guilty for the freedom of movement that I have had over those that don't. Funny old game, this RUclips. You keep yourself safe, we're not out of the woods (or back in them) by a long chalk yet, but don't disappear again for another 10 months as folk would be more than happy to see you on the local Public Footpath showing us trees and making a brew. 😉
Wise words Robert and I thank you for them. That was it last summer, I was watching everyone in there back yards making the best of it and just feeling a strong sense of loss. I had to switch off to survive, my heart was breaking for everyone. So into a single minded work mode I went, like I said last night never imagined it would go on this long but here we are. This upload and the response has restored my enthusiasm and given me a new purpose. I won't be disappearing again, no reason to. Now that the fog has cleared I can see that It's not all about adventure, more about contact with friends, inspiring each other and getting through these challenging times together, and we will.
To be honest I was never that into Kung Fu, that was my school mates path, we where just his mates that he talked into help make the films. Great to look back on, but the Hippy, the Love and Peace man philosophy has always guided me.
Thank you as always my friend, appreciate your honest words.
Always look forward to your stuff Jim, it's "what you see is what you get", no BS. I'm going to rattle your cage a bit though, hope you don't mind. You start with a great quote from Alberto Villoldoo then towards the end of your video you do the exact opposite. You mope on about folk who live in national parks not wanting visitors like you and me. That's simply not true. What they don't want are the mindless clods who couldn't give a toss about nature. The sort who call out a mountain rescue team, get themselves off the mountain, drive home without telling anyone, and leave the team wandering around in the dark. The likes of you and me are always welcome, and you know that as well as I do.
Hiya Steven, don't mind you rattling the old cage at all mate. It would probably help if I give you a bit of context. The mopey clip was from last May and at that time Snowdon was being invaded, the Lakes had no food in the shops and down in Cornwall the locals where on about parking tractors in the road to stop us lot going down. I used to live just outside the park boundary in the Lakes, still know many of the locals. My sister married a Farmer in Cornwall so I felt reasonably qualified to speak about it. Having said that I didn't put that clip in the vid from last May, only using it here to show my feelings about what is happening and why I haven't been out since then. We all get tard with the same brush, doesn't matter that we walk quiet through the country side with respect if a bunch of mindless clods walked through an hour earlier, the locals view us all the same. I'll be waiting for it all to settle down before I venture too far afield. I'm gutted mate, I live in a van so I can hit the road as soon as work slows down. It's how I've lived for years now, semi retired and on the rd. Proper gutted, but I thank you for your comment, perfect for me to explain myself. Cheers Steven.
I'd love to live in a van Jim. It'll all sort itself out, always does. My eccentric Great Uncle introduced me to the outdoor life. He always shouted "Onward ever Downward, Regardless and Rewardless" as we set off up a big hill near where we lived.
It's difficult to imagine we will ever have the liberty we had pre-COVID. Too many people have found solice in the restrictions & wish hem to continue in some form or another & the powers-that-be are always reluctant to relinquish acquired powers of social control. There are even rumours of regulating "bushcraft" & wild camping.........we shall see but the future doesn't look as good as it once did..
No the future is bleak, I agree but only we can change things and I have a faith that we can. The ruling class-the powers that be have had there day. This is our time to shine. Not right now I know, but this moment in time will be remembered as a turning point for Humanity. They have over played it, too many are awake to there games. Freedom, Truth and justice are our birth right and I for one will not give them up lightly. Stay strong brother, down the road I see a bright future.
I've done a few classes in taijiwuxigong (buqi Institute) with a few teachers around Winchester if Yr looking for an (additional) exercise system that creates peace/strength of mind and flexibility. Can do it at home. If it's of interest, do get in touch,. Looking fwrd to my Meon valley walk when travel situation eases, bit of Downs, Warnford and Exton, chalk streams and watercress. Atb