>>299073OP here, Ok, time to think...
I scouted the site I'm at three years ago, the others at various times. I get this uncomfortable, anxious feeling when I've been in the city for too long. Like when you're holding in a full bladder, but you know, different. It makes me take cumpulsive long walks, treks, when I had a bike, bike rides here there and everywhere I can get to in a day or weekend. Once out, I get a serious joy exploring interesting areas, or areas where I think there might be something interesting. Forests (even planted, sometimes you can find ruins in them) thick carrs, abandoned land, boulder fields. I've even been into some of the underground canals in the city (the spiders down there are the most repulsive I've seen. Fat, greasy, venomous looking things, covering the walls with an inch thick swiss cheese weave. Touch the walls and they all swarm towards you. Gave me the willies and I'm not normally put off by arachnids.)
Anyway, so while exploring, I take note of terrain, local food, water and fuel sources, fauna and flora, animal habits, examine scat see what they are eating etc. But what I really get a kick out of is looking for good hiding/camping spots. The above taken into consideration, obviously. Also, google sattelite view helps when finding likely interesting places to scout.
Camped at the quarry and other locations with my dog to scout them better. (Pic)
I am in the constant state of upgrading my kit. However, I purchased the groundsheet, camo tarp, paracord and one 2X3m camo net during the months in advance, anticipating my move. The two camo nets covering either side were bought after I realised I needed more cover.
I backpacked the gear in in stages. The quarry was originally going to be a training ground for me, so I cached water, food and the tent there; just as a little camp to rest, dry off, chill out. When it became clear I was going to live out there instead, I packed in the camo net, and some more food.
