Winter Woodland Wild Camp by Canoe. River Little Ouse. Hammock Camping in the Amok Draumr UL.

In this video, I am out in the canoe after a long time on dry land - a very windy paddle and woodland overnight camp on the Little Ouse in the Norfolk Fens with my good mate Ginge. Loaded up with all we need for the weekend, we begin our adventure - two blokes, two dogs and two canoes.
We head off upstream with the gusty wind pushing us along, making fast progress as we pass narrowboats, all manor of houseboats and several boat wrecks, stopping for lunch in the lee of a bridge for shelter and then arriving at our camp spot for the night - a small woodland beside the river.
After setting upper hammocks, we collect firewood and get dinner going - a delicious curry cooked by Cornwall’s finest. A couple of good beers and a cheeky glass of wine with the owners of the woodland, Ginge’s friends Gino and Charlotte and it was time for bed.
The morning brought a stunning sunrise and a cloudless sky - what a change from yesterday! Feeling very rested after an amazingly comfortable nights sleep in my new flat-lay hammock from Amok Equipment, we ate a hearty breakfast and hit the water again. Birds galore, still water, reflecting perfectly the landscape around and just the sounds of geese, swans and the dip our paddles, we head towards the end of this wonderful, relaxing mini adventure.
Thank you Ginge, and thank you Gino and Charlotte!
I hope you enjoy the video, thanks for watching!
Link to Rick’s JustGiving page.
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Links
(as an Amazon associate, I may earn from certain qualifying Amazon purchases - it doesn’t cost you any more, but helps support me)
Silverbirch Broadland 15 Canoe
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Amok Draumr UL Hammock, Amok Fjøl UL Pad, Amok Skjold Tarp
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TJM Metalworks Mini Fire Anchor
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Honey Stove
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SealLine Boundary Drybag
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The North Face Cats Meow Sleeping Bag
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Fjallraven Keb Trousers
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Simon, a bloke in the woods
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Music
Autumn Sunset by Audionautix
Freewheeling by Lindsey Abraham

[@matineira7600]

I just broke up a 6 year reationship and i don't know why but yout video give me peace. Cheers from Argentina, sorry for the broken English

[@GG-ch1hm]

Onwards and upwards. Look ahead at what’s to come not what’s behind.

[@scetis]

Your English is great! Sorry to hear about the break up…

[@Phoeff99]

Hang tough buddy.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Sorry to hear that Mati - life takes us in all different directions 👍👍

[@jefflanham1080]

Buys canoe and some gear and get in the wild places…….you’ll forget all about her!

[@RickTOutdoorAdventure1969]

Thanks for the shout out for the charity Simon, really appreciated 👍.Thankyou 🙂👍. Really great little trip out with Ginge and the dogs too, I love seeing the old boats and history of the waterways. Those waffles and bacon looked bloomin amazing too, washed down with a big mug of coffee in the great outdoors. Priceless 🙂👍. Cheers again Simon atb Rick

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers Rick mate! My pleasure - superbly good cause! 😁👍🛶

[@DouglasRollins-h7p]

That beautiful

[@freedomdove]

I miss seeing Maggie on the trip but I totally understand why she couldn't be there. Bless her sweet soul. 🙏🐕

[@Astrobutch0901]

I'd love a "World according to Simon and Ginge" Camp fire rambles style video..reckon I could learn a thing or two! Great video, good to see you both back together!

[@thekingfish4574]

Simon! Many thanks for stirring up old memories from 1971-75. My wife and I lived in Brandon Hall thru which the Little Ouse ran nearby. We used to go to the river and swing on a rope from a very large tree and fall into the water. Brandon was our first married home and our first child was born at RAF Lakenheath. So many good times and memories from Brandon, Suffolk and all of the UK. We began our camping adventures in England and continue to this day (although we are in a caravan more often than not). Thanks again for the memories!!! Dan A. aka The Kingfish.....

[@heathernisbet4136]

Fantastic video Simon ! I've missed your canoe adventures. Your river footage is absolutely gorgeous by the way, so serene. And it's so nice to see you teaming up with Ginge again...its been too long ! 😁

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks Heather!

[@timec2002]

Only just up the river from me. A great part of the country.

[@kenjohnson5498]

I can't believe neither of you offered the guy on the dock who was skin and bones a bite to eat! lol

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

😂😂😂

[@АлексейЗахаров-ц2и4с]

Да здравствует Симон! Хорошое видео, уже 2 dog!! И ветер, мы не ищем лёгких путей! Гуси и лебеди, канал и какая красота! Доширак как-то непривично, но вечером ужин 🍽 будет царский. Да, залезть в каноэ при таком ветре не просто, хорошо 👍👌отдохнуть!

[@davidstenton4365]

*Simon* EXCELLENT experience bro.! Really like Ginger too, you guys obviously get along great.! I never comment but I REALLY loved this one my friend.! Thumbs up on your beer can cooker videos too, I watched all of them.! Much respect from *Idaho USA* *David* were with you in spirit brother, thanks for the ride along.....

[@lynnann96]

Thanks! Was in need of an adventure fix and you twinkling eyes. 🤩

[@laurensplompen]

The contrast in weather between the first and second day was huge, and the fact that Ginge predicted the mirror water surface was ridiculously cool!

[@Lightandlovetoyou]

GINGE DRAM and TORR are Gems 💎 can we have more camping trips with them please Simon :) Bless you all

[@xsirdavidianx]

Simon you really do know the nicest people. I'd love friends like yours, canoeing and camping, just chilled like. My friends would burn the woods down or set my tent on fire I'm sure of it.

[@charlottecirillo9564]

Thanks Simon, we really enjoyed watching this, it’s great to see our much travelled route through your eyes in a canoe. See you again one day, I’ll get those steaks in for next time, you two are always welcome xXx

[@claramullen]

Hi Simon lovely paddle but a bit brisk wind for the first bit. That was a brilliant idea for the waffles. I am so excited hearing that you and Andy will be going on another outing I love the collaboration with you two. Take care.

[@user-bm5bi9cw1j]

Love these a couple of blokes having fun in in the wood videos...laughing and smiling right along. Good times.

[@AntSurviveTheNight]

Two of my top favourite blokes together, what more could I ask for on a Wednesday nights viewing bloody great trip lads. Great to see you out in the canoe again Simon and what a river to be paddling first time back on the water mate. Great food both the curry and that breakfast!! Couldn't be fed anything better in a adventure I reckon! Simon, thank you so very much for giving the new charity adventure a shout out like you just did. Rick will be over the moon mate. You really are one in a million! Hope to see you soon for a paddle buddy.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks Ant mate!! My pleasure - all for such a great cause! It was a nice paddle and good fun weekend - we’ll have to sort out a trip up your way sometime soon 👍👍

[@squirrelcovers6340]

That intro music is beautiful 🎵🎶🎼❤❤❤❤ The broken Naan song you're thinking of is Broken Wing by Mr. Mister.😂

[@Gabblerwba1]

“Scoffalls” looked very tasty, in fact all the out door food did, very relaxing trip and that’s just watching on the IPad, great job.

[@williamkenyon9858]

Wow. Day two was just amazing. Love my big trips but short local ones like this are just heaven. You are a bit braver than I or your trumpet swans are nicer. I would never get that close. Ours over here in Connecticut would attack you. Great video friend. See you out on the water some day.

[@oshiforb7445]

I loved the video thanks for sharing, I was quite shocked as to the amount of abandoned boats left there just to rot it makes me wonder why they bought them in the first place, l live not far from the river Wyre in which runs to Fleetwood and its the same there too some of them look as if they were trawlers in their time if only they could tell their stories.

[@kirbywheeler5235]

Love your videos. Especially when you mention places I have been 60 years ago now, Shippea Hilll to Ely for Saturday night dance, Great Yarmouth and etc. Fond memories! Thank you.

[@jennyleef1775]

I just love being taken along on your little trips. Sadly I haven't been able to fit in a camp since before Christmas time, plus it's been too hot for camping the twice I could have gone. I don't camp in 35-40C weather if I can help it. The waterway was so peaceful and watching the birds always gives me a bit of joy, I just love watching nature. Thanks for taking us along with you again. I will be looking forward to your trip with Andy. It's a pity that Mrs in the Woods isn't a camper, she doesn't know what she's missing. Hubby is the same, not a camper but lets me go off and do my camping thing. Take care.

[@Gugong_camp]

I learn a lot from watching videos.🥰

[@gregalbee9725]

Fantastic to see you back in the canoe! That wind looked rough... I wonder how your sail would have fared?! But that wouldn't be fair to Ginge! 😃

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

It might have been a bit too fast! 😳😂

[@mykalmartin1696]

I love how happy you are in these vids, I can truly tell that you are really enjoying yourself. You inspired me to get another canoe.

[@cliffspicer6555]

Love watching your videos Simon. They are a great collection of the old and the new in camping; the old stove and the new hammock. I was watching you unload your gear when you got to your site and for the life of me I could not figure out what the heck the furry looking thing was. At first, I thought it was a wooly scarf or piece of clothing. I had to laugh, when I saw it was your sit-pad. Keep these coming and I am jealous this is what a blustery cold winter day looks like for you. Very different for me in February in Canada. LOL

[@texasford]

Love the video Simon ! Cool canoeing trip Everything so peaceful heckuva wind y’all had Curry & beer 🍺🏆

[@steveb1972]

YES!!! You and Andy! About time he went and paddled his own canoe! 🤣

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

😂👍🛶

[@TheNeilo-Audiosound]

Every Trip an adventure Simon and Every Adventure a Trip with you which is always Rather Pleasing and this one’s a Big Thumbs up as Always👍 Always nice to See Ginge out in the Collaboration👍 Thoroughly Enjoyable Outing for you and Us. Thanks Simon and Ginge for the Time money and effort put into making these for us Subscribers👍🥾⛺️ By the Way anyone else like the Seated Skeleton😂😂😂

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks Neil! 😁👍

[@BulldogBadger]

Nice to see you featured my sett 🤘🤣🦡🦡🦡

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

😂😂👍

[@Seamus3051]

Brilliant video, many thanks for sharing. Also thanks for the introduction to " squaffles ", will have to give them a go .. Cheers.

[@stevesmith3556]

I've seen you use wedges in trees to break up medium sized fire wood. Smart work! I'm definitely going to adopt that practice! 🤠

[@abolt3555]

the green listin boat looks like a project n half.....great film.....thnx andi

[@jonathanmarkbotterell1926]

.....I'm certain that these videos of yours, give great joy to those who cannot get out and about. As a kid, I watched 'Out of Town' with Jack Hargreaves. This reminds me of that. ( You're not as old though) 😎☯️🌱

[@mu-mu-cakes]

Thank you Simon. I love your videos... and your gentle, kind manner...

[@MA-uu3sb]

I so enjoy watching your videos and this is probably the third or fourth time I’ve watch this because I can’t find anything new from you so I don’t know and this was a good one so I hope you’re all right.

[@alantaylor688]

Love the canoe / camp videos Simon. I know the Silverbirch are great boats but do hope your beutiful wooden canoe is OK / your repair worked

[@danielunderwood4634]

this was wholesome as always Simon, love Ginge and the doggos too.

[@jito7377]

Just came home from a mini adventure today. I'm delighted to find the day outdoors can continue with your video!

[@brownsauce30]

Great vid. Looking forward to you & Andy canoeing among the vikings again, can't wait.

[@paulat2515]

Good to see you back out on your canoe Simon. I’d rather a trip like that over any 5* hotel. So nice that you are always respectful and leave no trace that you’ve been there too

[@sierramarieable]

Looks like it will be "Croffles" for breakfast at our house! Never heard of them before this! Thanks for the idea. And the footage of water and sky, so beautiful. Thanks for taking us along!

[@BeeKay4444]

New to your channel. Super enjoy your content. Your camera and editing skills are very good. Very serene and peaceful to watch and I appreciate it. Stuck in the middle of a wicked cold snap in Northern Canada and your content has been a great distraction. Stay safe.

[@tomwilson6915]

Seeing as though it’s a curry based nosh up here’s an easy one for a future camp! Better for Spring/Summer months! 😋 Chaat Masala Potatoes: Quarter New Potatoes and boil until almost cooked, reduce to simmer and add Chickpeas. Drain once cooked. Slice three tomatoes into eight and add. Finely chop five shallots and add. Squeeze the juice of one Lime over and mix in. Add and mix in Chaat Maslala to taste (Depends on heat preference! Anything more than two and a half heaped teaspoons may blow your head off!). 🥵

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Nice! I’ll give that a try and thanks for the warning on the chaat masala!! 🔥🔥🔥

[@davidfoppe8087]

Love your waffle solution. Pretty clever inflation device too. Glad you're able to get out and about now.

[@steveb1972]

When the sun’s shining with a blue sky you don’t mind the cold!😊

[@jctothel]

Awesome! Can’t wait to see Simon running ‘Amok’ on this one. I’m here all week.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

😂😂👍

[@kennb.3389]

Beautiful Trip. Like your SR71 Canoe !. Great Palm Roll u have. Thanks for the video.

[@Leiter85]

I love that feeling you get the first time you get out in a while. Like it all comes rushing back and everything is just excellent. Thanks for sharing Simon!

[@mbrider56]

Nice one Simon, awsome footage and it looked so relaxing🌬 🛶. Ah really excited for you and Andy to go away together, that will be epic 👌🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@klondiketom8281]

Haloo Simon very nice video! When I see these pictures I'm already looking forward to June. As I paddle the Yukon in a canoe from Whitehorse to Dawson City. Greetings Tom from Austria.

[@paulmaynard408]

Looks like fishing on the river might be a waste of time going by the look of that fellow just after you put your sunglasses on. 😄

[@gommechops]

The sound of that wind is so uplifting, you can almost feel its freshness on your face as it whistles through those reeds, over those rooftops and across the water. beautiful.

[@mickreid7153]

Great film Simon, looked fun! Stay safe. 🖖👍👊😊

[@craigpalmer347]

Quallity that Simon 👍👍👍

[@V.I.Outdoors]

Nice Olight Perun mini! great video! fun times. glad to see others with great lights. own many Olights . cheers.

[@JEBOOUTDOORS]

What a Great camping time, enjoyed every bit of it! Just made my day better, thank you!

[@stevetaylor8446]

Really enjoyed this one mate. Good to see Ginge out with you too. Hammocks, good food, woodland, good company, and what a loveky trip out of there in canoes...great video Simon, thanks for taking us along with you

[@dhession64]

I'm just now watching this video, and you mentioned the very video series I've been watching (I'm about to watch Part 6 after this) from you at the end of this video. It's like there's a space/time vortex going on lol Tell Ginge the US Army took my helmet from me (that he's been sporting oh-so-proudly) back in the '80s, and that it's way more versatile than the Kevlar ones issued since the '90s. And he wears his well, I must say. Another one well done, good sir. I always enjoy your forays and how you shoot and edit them. There's a reason you have so many subs, and I'm surprised you've not grown more. All good things come in time. Keep up the good work, sir.

[@kungracke5717]

Nice trip and what a fantastic breakfast!👍🏻

[@eugeniomoore3920]

New boat!!!! Did I miss that video? And the skeleton on the chair ain't creepy at all.

[@thenanlife1141]

Wonderful video as always . Great content .. Thank you , such a pleasure to watch

[@treksntarps]

What a great paddle and camp . A lovely way to escape for a while . Looked like you both thoroughly enjoyed it . Beautiful scenery nice company and good food . Take care 👍

[@markramsell454]

I sure do miss camping and canoeing. Once upon a time we took a trip down the Shenandoah in Virginia. It was a great 3 days with a couple of spots with class 2-3 rapids and long stretches of calm water, about 50mi and ends at the Steps. Most of the time we canoed the Pine Barrens and Rancocas River in NJ.

[@janetogrady]

Great viewing, I escaped for a little while, thank you.

[@oliverhenninger7937]

thank you, simon! we r a fan! pauline and my dad

[@pauls4708]

loved those old optimus primus stoves

[@johnberryhill8106]

That English BACON looked FANTASTIC !!!!! ....love your show !

[@marieancel1877]

I love the vidéo thank you mister Simon

[@cdesfusa]

best guy on youtube

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you!

[@Baron-Ortega]

Fantastic fishing on the Ouse Simon, I'm surprised you don't dangle a line . Thanks for the fab video 🙂

[@martink9785]

Great looking trip! Thanks for sharing 🙂

[@CMPInstructor]

What a perfect overnight. The canoe perspective is a refreshing and different view of the use of the English canals and rivers from the narrowboat genre of videos. Also, I'm glad to see I'm not the only one who likes to combine a can of fish with a pack of noodles.

[@jim.bambury]

Love your stuff Simon I really do...and I'm slowly making my way through your fantastic content. I do however have a problem with a section of this video, namely the imbibement of noodles with fish in tomato sauce!! Good god man!! Whilst in isolation I adore both of these food stuffs, I feel that as an assemblage they are unspeakable. I shall pray for you brother.

[@micahwinters7021]

I love these canoe trips and overnights so much! So soothing to watch. By far one of my favorite channels! Keep it coming Simon! You’re the best!

[@k.schmitz1539]

Greatings from Germany. Very nice trip.

[@psychosorcerer9438]

Love the commitment to fire safety and leave no trace. I've seen someone almost burn down a forest because they didn't properly extinguish a fire.

[@steveb1972]

Love the pocket for the mattress!👍🏻

[@counterdebate]

Good to cya again 😍

[@BulldogBadger]

Excellent video as always Simon, really enjoyed watching along 👏🍻

[@youngmarwood]

Nice video, could almost feel the wind in the first part and smell the fishy noodles. Would love to know how Ginge hammock camped with two small terriers. We have a little Border Terrier as well who wouldn't do well in a hammock.

[@WarrenKimpel]

another nice video THANKS

[@Petestleger]

Another cracking video there Simon. Ginge comes across as a top bloke too, both when he appears on YT videos and on Insta. All the best and all that, Pete.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

He’s a legend 😁

[@JohnGault2398]

Love they way you just pass the skeleton in the deck chair with no comment.

[@marianfrances4959]

Aww...Maggie growing old gracefully! Mmm the curry dinner! The bacon! Oh ya...and the river! 👍😎🇨🇦🔥🛶

[@albionpatterns3986]

Those coissant things with the bacon looked really amazing, Im gunna have to try that

[@eddiekeylon323]

I really do enjoy your canoe videos. I would love to hear the story behind ginges steel pot that he wears on his head and why he always has that. I'm sure there's something behind it. That sunrise was absolutely gorgeous with all the steam on the water.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you! I think it’s a Swan defence system 😁

[@brandweerquest]

Live the wild forces of nature on day one. Even on video makes me humble and loving the raw beauty of it at the same time. Day two I was listening the whole time to the nature sounds on the water. Love it. Thanks

[@RickallsBushcraft01]

Another great video 👍

[@exileinderby51]

Great video Simon, good to see two mates having a relaxing time on the river

[@lafonevc5663]

What a lovely trip! So windy in the flat places :)

[@geoffminter2927]

Great video Simon. Good to see you and ginge out in the water again. Loved the hammock too!

[@johnnycobalt2758]

Honestly, I see these vids come up in my notifications and its a highlight of the day.

[@scottengh1175]

So many great things. Nice adventure. Like the camo tarp, neat barges, canoes, wildlife. Thought of buying a Rome waffle iron. Recommend testing the coals with back of hand palm and inside side of fingers are sensitive and more damage. Had kipper snack herring in tomato sauce with fresh sourdough for supper once last week. Nice.

[@jasoncole767]

Nice paisley design on that tarp....

[@kanlife5768]

Excellent video Simon!

[@82ogo]

I really enjoyed it. Thanks

[@JosephStealin]

Breakfast looked so good