Walkabout In The UK

Blow you Bugger, Blow

2012-01-22T18:54:00.010Z

Thanks folks for the kind welcome back.

Back from where? Ah that's another tale, and one that will have to wait awhile.

For the moment - some snaps from today's New Forest saunter.

Whitten Pond near Burley is usually a place of peace and tranquility. However today's gusts seemed to think this a little tame, insisting on trying to push the pond content's down to one end.

First time I've seen waves like this on an inland NF pool.

(yes I know its side on. Bloody Smartphone cameras. You'll find a "rotated" version below but the sound and picture are even worse)

And later, wandering away from my usual route, I chanced upon this victim of the local gales.

These snaps don't really show the wind force - the trunk is approx one metre thick, but still its been cleanly snapped off at a point some 3-4 metres above ground.

Oops there goes my hat again!

Legalise wild camping - Background information

2012-01-15T19:28:00.003Z

For anyone seeking the Campaign website, I noticed earlier today that its no longer on-line.

However as much of the information there still stands good this link should give you access to a backed-up version.

LEGALISE WILD CAMPING

Wild Camping: The Legalities

Still, still here ....

2011-05-17T17:17:00.009+01:00

Well there went another good intention! Oh so poorly addressed. Typical behaviour at present.

So looking back.....

a spur of the moment few days wildcamping at a couple of special Dartmoor spots noted on previous trips.

Short sleeves obligatory with the unseasonal heat. Such a positive mood enhancer.

Sun protection unnecessary courtesy of the previous weeks on a Caribbean beach building up an obscenely brown skin tan.

(turtle watching an unexpectedly unique bonus)

But Dartmoor's sting in the tail - thick mist and rain on the final morning. Full foul weather gear, including gloves. A reminder not to expect too much of the season.

Back to the everyday ennui that is my present existence.

Ho hum. So it goes.

Still here ....

2011-03-06T20:31:00.002Z

... lest the JH doses of shining wit have ere been missed. But little to report at present - so why bore you needlessly?

As "The Stranglers" said back in the mists of time (a history now regularly rewritten by the P.C. Media Brigade) "Something Better Change"

Selah.

The Outdoors Station - Another UK Podcast Award

2010-12-13T19:52:00.011Z

Well done to Podcast Bob on taking the 2010 European Podcast Award as top UK Business Podcaster for The Outdoors Station.

Impressive stuff bearing in mind its the second time his Outdoor Podcasting endeavours have been recognised by the EPA as winner in this category in 2008/9 with Backpacking Light Audio.

You can see the announcement on the EPA site (around 10 minutes into the video)

Now onto the final stage for European Winner 2010 - fingers crossed.

Bob has recently changed the hosting agent for The Outdoors Station site and it seems to be having a few teething problems at present. I checked with Bob earlier today and and he confirmed that the site is most definitely alive and kicking with Normal Service To Be Resumed as soon as the gremlins are sorted)

A dog's life ......... A Final Chapter

2010-12-01T21:45:00.003Z

On Monday evening I shook off my current (and wholly accidental) period of Blogging low profile to leave a comment on Darren's site on reading of his loss of a dear and well loved friend.

It was only when I sat down to pen this short piece for those acquainted with the Hee entourage, that I spotted the perverse timing of that seemingly innocuous event.

Life does throw up some freaky circumstances at times, so it seems.

(Happier times. Primrose days)

Having 'lost' Midge (left) a little over two years ago, Bob (right) has become my solitary companion on all my local outdoor wanderings. Especially so during recent months.

Little did I realised that shortly after penning my meagre words of condolence on that Monday evening that our own dog, Bob, would suddenly exhibit strange behaviour for a few minutes.

Erratic movement. Poor motor control. And most distressing of all his driving desire to urgently get physically close to family members.

As quickly as this behaviour began, it had ceased. And despite our close attention following this event, he appeared to have returned to normal, albeit a little quieter than usual.

Tuesday morning there was the usual waggy tailed greeting with its polite (but ever insistent) demand for food. Still unsure as to the cause of the previous night's episode we mentally shrugged and life in household Hee continued as normal.

Until Tuesday afternoon.

As the first of the snow started to fall locally there was an alarming repeat of the erratic staggering & Bob's need for physical closeness. Being on my own at the time, and with the clear distress of an animal in need, an emergency trip to the local vet was essential, with a hurried call to Mrs H along the way.

The diagnosis - a stroke. Cause - unknown. Treatment - drugs, close nursing & a trust that the next few days would show whether this had been a singular episode, or an indication of darker matters.

Sadly our vibrant and deeply loved companion of many years was not to bounce back this time.

Bob and myself spent the night together dossed down on the living room floor. My backpacking sleeping kit, normally used for happy circumstances, now turned to a darker occasion for one in need. Myself, frustrated by the limited means to comfort him, silent but ardently encouraging him to improve.

Sadly his physical and mental decline continued.

This dog that we had walked with out in a frosty New Forest only last Monday afternoon. He as usual eager to please. Somehow so suddenly gone. Leaving in its place this husk of a a shallowly panting & long inert shadow as a cruel reminder.

As the cold morning light dispiritedly lit the room the decision was inevitable. This being was slowly slipping away before us. The body not in pain, at present. But that vital & vibrant life force was going. The surviving body before us clearly declining to an unavoidable conclusion.

The vet visited later. Kind words were said. Stout hearts ripped. Tears were shed, or choked back.

Tonight my companion of many years lies alone on a cold garage floor, awaiting his final walk.

As I lay him there earlier I found myself wrapping the body in an extra blanket to keep out the exceptional cold. And tonight my ears occasionally hear a familiar noise in the house. I start to turn before remembering that the assumed source of the particular sound can no longer be the cause.

Tomorrow, even if the ground remains frozen, the earth's crust will be ripped apart so that Bob's remains can properly be laid to rest beside his long time companion Midge.

But tonight ..... for first time in many decades ...... the Hee household is empty of any animal companions.

And is a much poorer place as a result.

RIP Bob.

Normal Service ......

2010-11-01T18:22:00.003Z

.......... is due to be resumed in the very near future.

Without going into the details I've stayed away from blogging whilst certain contractual obligations of a work nature played themselves out.

Well that phase has now been satisfactorily concluded. Which means I now have unlimited free time to look forward to after many, many years of drawing a salary.

Well for a while at least.

It's going to take for the change from gainful employment to sink in. But as I start to get my head around it all I will soon once more be blighting your day with a tirade of personal opinion and peevish humour that you may have been missing these last few weeks.

And boy have I lot of that stored up here at JH Towers. Enough to fill the spare room alarmingly.

But tomorrow sees me out on a road trip for a few days looking up family and friends, a long overdue obligation on my part.

So for any of you gagging for my pearls of wisdom better find a worm to place on your tongue whilst you await further missives.

With suitably baited breath.

Ahem.

The Eagle Has Landed

2010-10-14T21:11:00.003+01:00

Back in the UK after a couple of weeks - sun scorched, drink driven, rush less relaxation.

Sigh.

So who has been f*kin' about with the UK weather while I turned my back?

Is it Central Heating or Sun Hat, T-Shirt or Thermals?

Something tells me to take the usual approach and plan for the worst, but hope for the best.

On the positive side I've some news about a very timely purchase of a new piece of kit. Plus a (FREE) competition thanks to a donation from one of our favourite national outdoor organisation.

More to follow once I've worked out exactly what the competition will be.

Say. Perhaps that should be the competition itself?

Naw. I can do better than that.

Surely.

Rambling Man

2010-09-25T17:32:00.002+01:00

As these boys once coyly observed - 'It's been a long time since I R&R'd'.

Or so it would appear based on the empirical evidence of my recent minimalist posting frequency.

There's a Good Reason for this.

Well perhaps not A Reason. That normally indicates some form of defence position associated with a blameworthy deed.

So lets try An Explanation instead.

Yes, that feels a far more honest way to express my intent.

Regular readers (or at least any of you still following these jottings despite patchy outpourings over recent months) may recall my explanation of editorial policy back in 2008.
(The full article can be found here, here, & here for any so inclined)

'If you've nothing to say, say nothing'

A trap, as I observed at that time, which is all too easy to spring on one's self.

At the same time I've observed over recent months a certain creeping ennui amongst a number of the Outdoor\Walking Blogs that I keep up with.

Now that may just be my own personal reflection on life at present. Or perhaps the format & content of the Outdoor Blog, per se, has reached its maturity. And with this arrival of 'comfy middle age' has come an inevitable complacency.

Whatever the situation it seems I have been especially uninspired for the last few months to spend the lengthy time it requires to jot down some credible thought or observation worth sharing.

No apology for this. If the passion is missing, the writing can never be anything more than turgid entertainment even when at its best (IMHO)

I had hoped to be attending the Outdoor Trade Show at Stoneleigh this weekend. Especially as the Press Pass, kindly issued by the organisers, sits besides me still beckoning alluringly, and the pre-show information had my interest piqued.

But a sudden opportunity (one long overdue) to flee to foreign climes for a impromptu break means the show trip has fallen by the wayside as I instead resolve last minute holiday arrangements.

So where does this leave this particular Blogger?

Perversely, and despite all of the above, in a good place.

Life events, conjoined with a recognition of The State of Things, are leading to a certain point. One where for the first time during my adult life I find myself speedily approaching a crossroad on what has become a long but increasingly tedious track.

Ahead there are many interesting diversions offering the time & resources to freely select my pattern of living into my future. Which carries that somewhat scary penalty of (virtually) unlimited Free Choice.

Too enigmatic? For certain reasons I must at present remain circumspect about the detailed background.

But my hope, on your part dear reader, is that my current lethargy is about to be Blown Out Of The Way. A Wind Of Change is a-gustin' in these parts. And with it, I trust, an extra sparkle of content variety will result for your own R&R purposes.

But hark. I hear the tannoy's call, urging me to hurry onwards for embarkation and the welcoming embrace of my personal Flight Attendants. Or Airline Sales Reps as they have become in these days of low budget flying.

Meanwhile I leave you with this short, but oh so sweet, commentary on life.

Cumbria Floods - Journo in Jug

2010-09-23T18:08:00.002+01:00

For those following this tale of woe - the finale.

Whilst it seems a heavy penalty perhaps it could be a helping hand for one particularly troubled individual.

Lets hope so - for then something positive would come from the whole sorry affair.

Cumbria Floods - Journalistic Licence Cancelled?

2010-09-04T19:50:00.000+01:00

If you happen to remember my previous comments about naughtiness at a really inappropriate time you may recall my May '10 update that formal charges had been brought.

Well thanks once again to Grough, there is a conclusion, of sorts, to this tale of woe.

The trial started last Thursday, during which the legal representative quit.

By Friday the court had declared a Guilty verdict.

Regrettably the journalist involved "felt too unwell to attend the trial"

The local MRT response to the decision was an honest one, no doubt thankful that action has been publicly taken to warn against similarly hoax ideas.

And as for the punishment ........... the hearing was adjourned for reports, but with a warrant issued for the arrest of Ms Crickmer, who remained absent from her trial.

Keep 'em peeled folks.

Scarecrow Festival - Bisterne (Ringwood)

2010-08-28T20:10:00.008+01:00

If you do happen to travelling in or through the Bournemouth\New Forest area before 6th September try to take a detour south of Ringwood along the B3347.

Once again the annual Bisterne Scarecrow Festival is making its presence known in its usual and highly entertaining manner.

Each year the number of scarecrows on show increases, and there is always something suitably innovative or amusing to bring a smile to those passing.

One note of caution.

Last year I noticed an increasing number of people pulling over to take a closer look. A similar thing was already happening earlier today when I grabbed these snaps.

This is a narrow & fast B road, with minimal parking, so beware vehicles suddenly braking, or even parked verge side in unexpected spots.

There are 23 'locations' this year, so its worth paying the £1 charitable donation for the map from the Texaco petrol station on the southern edge of Ringwood.

Which is amazingly the first roadside 'location' you'll spot coming from that direction.
(and as its not shown on the guide map - I make that a total of 24 to find)

Have fun.

(Watch for the bees buzzing around the honeypot - all clever stuff)

The Speed of Change - Ripple No 2

2010-08-25T19:59:00.003+01:00

For those following the debate (here & here) Andy over on Must Be This Way has added a few thoughts on the subject.

Meanwhile here are a few (tongue in cheek) tips of my own.

Oh I do so like to help out.

(Ahem)

Ringwood - A Tale of Two Shops

2010-08-25T08:14:00.001+01:00

Local news for those in the Dorset\Hampshire\NewForest area

I discovered a few days ago that my local (and very independent) outdoor shop Barkers of Ringwood, recently relocated premises a short distance away in Ringwood.

So I popped in earlier to sniff out the story behind the move. Was there a sordid tale to tell maybe? Was this to be a revenge against the High Priestly Purveyor of Paramo Pantaloons?

Nothing so torrid it turned out. As I walked in through the door I was hit by the obvious increase in floor space & an amazing amount of natural daylight lighting up the whole place, courtesy of some very sensible conversion work.

Mr B, smiling broadly in his new abode, was remaining tight lipped about quite what plans he has for the enlarged premises. But meanwhile his personal approach to service, especially where boot fitting is concerned, and zeal for Paramo etc continues unbridled for those who've come to trust his advice.

He's gained quite a reputation over the last couple of years as The Man Who Knows How to Fit Boots. A rare enough service these days.

Now if this all sounds like I've been bought off, perish the thought. Barkers, as an independent is still in business because of the attention to detail for each customer who walks through the door.

And that is a story that deserves to be told.

Ah but that's not the whole tale. It gets better.

Those visiting Barker's old premises (still with me here I hope?) will find they are now the home of Rough Gear, previously an on-line outdoor retailer, and a new name to me.

Well I had to didn’t I?

Go take a look I mean.

Not that I get any pleasure from visiting two gear shops in the same day.

No. Not me. I don’t do kit.

And I find that Rough Gear are another independent company with just this one shop, having made the leap into the physical world after setting out on-line.

There's little actual overlap between the two competitor's products with Rough Gearstocking climbing, camping (Lightweight - Hurrah) kit along with a small range of clothing and waterproofs, especially Montaine.

And once again it’s a shop staffed by people who know what they are talking about.

So that’s TWO independent outdoor shops in a small market town on the edge of the New Forest. A location that Millets disappeared from some considerable time ago because they couldn’t make a go of an outdoor business here.

Between theses two there is now a wide range of many specialist brand names that can prove quite difficult to track down in some of their much larger High Street competitors. Which is good for those of us who know the sort of gear that we like.

Well it seemed churlish to go in two shops without returning with something to show for it all.

Ever seen one of these X-Bowl contraptions?

Well me neither. But it is very durable construction and at a sensible price.

In times of all this economic doom & gloom its heartening to see successes like these two entrepreneurs based on some very old and durable values to us, the outdoor customer.

Big Retailers take note.

Customers that are happy with the advice, service & goods make for repeat business through the door.

Support your local indie outdoor shop!

The Speed of Change - Ripple

2010-08-22T19:12:00.003+01:00

My recent comment as to the likely demise of the GPS unit as a individual piece of kit item has prompted some lengthy thought from Ebothy.

It seems the increasing use of Smartphone technology, out on the hills, concerns others of us with some experience of the operating conditions.

There's an old saying "Don't put all your eggs in one basket".

Given that the 'basket' in this particular instance seems (IMHO) to be poorly suited to the conditions and sort of use required.

Short battery life, with the added complication of replacement\recharge.

Robustness, durability & water resistancy of the particular model.

And that's just the phone itself.

I don't even want to think about the pricing & availability of of mapping software.

Too many drawbacks as far as I can see.

Any retailers out there reading this - please feel free to educate me further?

Dartmoor Southern Walkabout:

2010-08-22T08:00:00.000+01:00

Oh dear.

The trip report.

Well its not been forgotten - I just can't get the enthusiasm up to finish up the trip report.

I'll just slip outside to beat myself with wet birch twigs in an effort to get focused & will post it in chronological sequence asap

(Ouch)

The Speed of Change

2010-08-21T20:29:00.003+01:00

It’s a rain sodden murky day out on the hills with visibility near zero.

Thank goodness for the trusty digital map and GPS readout, courtesy of Smartphone technology.

Then the mobile telephone slips from your frozen & wet fingers, hitting the rock at your feet with a worrying clunk. Or more likely the screen starts to flash a 'Low Battery' warning.

Of course, being the sensible hillwalker that you are, dear reader, out comes the map and compass carried as a fall back for times like this.

But stop for a moment to think about those less experienced than yourself.

Those who believe the hype about Smartphone technology & its promise to deliver Always On Internet, GPS location finding, detailed mapping, nearest pizza shop etc etc.

My kit is map, compass & GPS unit. The latter a low budget Garmin piece primarily used for the Grid Reference. The fact it happens to record distance covered, height, time etc is something of use, but not why I originally bought it.

As a piece of outdoor kit its robust, waterproof (well so far), and has a reasonable battery life of 2-3 days (10-12 hrs per day) before its replaceable AAA batteries are changed.

But all this may be due to alter.

My personal view is that the rise of the Smartphone is resulting in a rapid drop in the sales of GPS units. Take this quote from a Millett's shop I was in earlier this week.

"We don’t stock GPS any more. We were selling about one every 3 - 4 months. So we dropped them'

As to GPS units themselves. Well the manufacturers have only themselves to blame with the attempt to bolster an inflated price by over speccing functionality, largely unwanted. Or at the lower end of the market selfishly maintaining excessive margins on basic models, despite their payback on that technology having been recouped some years ago.

After all - who will spend £100+ on a GPS unit when your "free" contract phone can provide it at no extra cost?

So for those of us interested in functional kit that does exactly what it promises, and keeps on doing it, we're likely to become increasingly frustrated. I suspect buying a replacement GPS in the coming year may prove difficult, as yet another technology, rapidly taken up by Outdoor users, equally quickly bites the dust.

And not so much through failure of the idea. Or even a lack of relevancy or market.

More fashion & greed.

Dartmoor Southern Walkabout: Fri July 16th (Settling in)

2010-07-27T21:09:00.004+01:00

It had looked to be a reasonable wildcamp spot with protection from the persistent wind.

Even so, deep down below the pit walls, finding that 'special spot' still took twenty minutes.

So it goes some days.

By now the good weather in the valley had turned to gloomy cloudspread. Rain threatened.

Tent quickly pitched I managed to find enough of an erratically wandering telephone signal to check in with home and let them know my grid ref (For some reason the strongest signal was on the bridge, despite higher spots nearby)

To be honest what I'd marked down on earlier trips to be a sheltered spot, easy water access, and panoramic views on this evening felt like a gloomy place.

Perhaps it was the worsening weather. Maybe it was me.

Down at the lake's edge as I bent down for my bedtime ablutions. The water surprisingly warm thanks to earlier sunshine. Clearly a spot which in better weather would be a pleasant suntrap.
(So probably my frame of mind was the cause today then)

Turning back to the tent a small movement on the ground caught my attention. What I had thought to be a small sheep dropping transformed into a small black frog (or toad?), about the size of a fingernail. Body mass cunningly disguised as poo. Small spindly legs, little thicker than grass stalks.

Weird little buggers. And possibly something highly evolved for this location?

Soon scores of the little fellows were hopping about meaning that the rest of my stay required great precision as to where my feet should be placed.

My ballerina style tippy-toe gait, an unusual one for a wildcamping trip, essential in my attempts to leave the local tenants lives largely undisturbed.

I crept early into my sleeping bag. The usual lullaby of Dartmoor skylarks silent tonight, replaced with the persistent bleats of lambs seeking their freshly barbered mothers.

Ah well. At least I was back where I belonged.

Dartmoor Southern Walkabout: Fri July 16th

2010-07-22T21:45:00.003+01:00

The train journey was meant to be a gentle start to the trip.

But picking up the Plymouth express at Westbury resulted in an unwilling endurance test for the next two hours, wedge as I was at the end of the buffet counter, the nearby empty seats of 1st class teasing me and the other 20 or so standees by my side.

The rest of the train was even worse!

Seems like I’d picked the opening days for two separate festivals, both fed by this line.

Hurrah.

I hoped off at Newton Abbott ducking into an adjacent pub for a large refreshment, fill my platypus from the pub tap & prep my walking kit. A welcome oasis of calm whilst awaiting the next slow train to take me the final few stops onto Ivybridge.

Finally I was onto the moor following a familiar track towards the night's destination

(I'll gloss over this part, but details here for those interested)

Suffice to say after a couple of hours I’d reached LEFTLAKE PIT (GR: 647 634) a spot I’d noted on previous trips as a possible kick off point near to the station.

Pause for effect

2010-07-21T21:44:00.004+01:00

Apologies to those waiting for my Dartmoor trip report.

True to form, following the total de-stress experience, an unexpected illness on the home front required juggling work, hospital visiting, and spare time.

Like to guess which one got the short straw?

All sorting itself nicely now. I hope.

Normal service is likely to be resumed soon,

Meanwhile here's a brief taster of things to come.

Back home on the Sunny South Coast

2010-07-15T13:18:00.005+01:00

After the variable weather that Dartmoor had to show me over the last few days its just so nice to be back by on the local seashore to enjoy the rest of my Summer break.

Paramo won't cut it here. More like a wet suit day I think.

(Highcliffe Beach - spot the tourist)

Rather than just lie in the garden soaking up the sun's rays I guess I could start transcribing my trip report notes for your perusal.

dartmoor - sheeps tor

2010-07-10T21:07:00.001+01:00

No problem with heatstroke here today as once again low cloud obscures the view, excellent as it was earlier

Normal Service Is Suspended

2010-07-09T16:00:00.000+01:00

If the darned technology works as intended this note will pop up around the time I step off the train, and head off into the wilds of Dartmoor.

(BTW Just in case you are reading this for less salubrious purposes. The house will be occupied whilst I'm away. Plus the resident attack dog)

Who knows? If the mobile signal plays nicely during the trip I may even pause to post a few teasers along the way.

But in any case there will be my usual trip report when I get back home.

Suitably refreshed and reinvigorated.

Here's hoping.

Dartmoor Perambulation - Careful Preperation & Kit List (sort of)

2010-07-07T20:47:00.006+01:00

Not quite the best planned trip I've ever considered.

I've a few interesting ideas which sketch out over a rough route for the first couple of days.
Then beyond that - well nothing really concrete.

I intend to work my way into those to areas not previously visited, heading North until it feels time to turn around and head back Southwards.

Rucksack packing - not yet started.

The gear minutiae check is far from done.

Or even started to be honest.

Around the house there are small piles of 'must get that ready' kit slowly accumulating.

About the only thing properly semi-prepared are my boots (thoroughly cleaned of last Winter's New Forest mud prior to reproofing)

Oh, and electronic gear.

Fresh batteries packed away. Rechargeable items plugged into the nearest socket to ensure a full charge before setting out.

It used to be that the preparation work was part of the Fun. But nowadays its more a case of throwing a few things in a bag the night before I hotfoot it for the train.

Part of that is probably down to the way I now have my kit stored - all together in the spare room. Even better - safely stored in a large chest of drawers or on some (ex-garage) storage racking.

I've even managed to store two down sleeping bags unpacked, as per manufacturer recommendation.

Until the final packing I'll litter the house with large yellow Post-Its flapping in strange, but strategic-to-me locations. Reminding me of last minute items to sort & things yet to do.

But in the end anything forgotten, or even lost, can be sorted out on the trip down to Devon. Or when I get there.

That's if I don't decide to Do Without.

I guess my approach these days is 'Don't sweat the small stuff. Things tend to sort themselves out one way. Or another'

So for those of you anticipating a detailed kit list - its over there somewhere. Behind the pile of mounting gear collected together to sort out tomorrow.

So feel free to have a look for it if you want
;-)

New Forest Drought

2010-07-05T08:54:00.005+01:00

The BBC weatherman on yesterday evening's forecast muttered something about a record dry start to the year. Well it definitely wasn't feeling like that earlier this year.

But this picture taken during my New Forest walk yesterday underlines the present conditions.

Only the second time I've ever seen this water hole as dry as this is twenty years.

Somehow I don't think I'll have the same problem finding my water supply on Dartmoor though.

[Edit: "The first six months of this year were the driest across the UK since 1929 according to the latest Met Office figures" - The Times 5/7/10]

The Better Wildcamp Pitch

2010-07-02T20:25:00.009+01:00

I've previously scratched a few lines on finding that Wildcamp Site, & some basic guidelines to help when Pitching The Tent.

During the last few days part of my mind, preparing for a sudden leap from the hassling everyday to a solo sojourn with Nature, has fallen to reflecting on past trips.

And more importantly what differentiates a decent overnight wild camping site from that Something Special?

That one night pitch that lives on as a special occasion to be recalled to mind as a bright jewel to be enjoyed at less happier times.

So here's a personal reflection that may chime with your own feelings. Or perhaps prompt you to share your own thoughts via the comments at the foot of this post.

Pitching on top of a ridge
Always sounds perfect for that feeling of an open perspective & panoramic views.

Typically it turns into a less enjoyable experience. The tent exposed to winds from every direction possible. And that means goodbye to a quiet night's kip as tent fabric is continually slapped around. Muttering away to itself. All the bloody night until half an hour before dawn arrives.

Add in rain showers, especially wind driven, popping by on an infrequent visit - and unless you sleep really deeply that Ideal Spot becomes just OK. Or worse.

I only ridge camp these days if I'm pretty sure of the weather conditions ahead. Better still I look for a dip in the terrain which can provide shelter from the airstream moving over the ridge top.

Riverside/Waterfall
Idyllic in theory. Ever so handy for fresh water supplies.

In practice, in the quiet of night, that background noise of moving water will take on a myriad of different voices as the volume of water changes from moment to moment. Usually something that is not consciously heard, but can rise up on the edge of sleep.

Not so much spooky, more Chinese Torture, in the wrong conditions.

Ah. Let me not forget, for some, that continual urge to empty the bladder.

All night long.

No joke when snugly zipped into a nice warm sleeping bag at 2 a.m.

I love waterside camping. I just ensure I pitch far enough away to tone down that noisy neighbour, and avoid potential flooding if water levels rise overnight.

That's ok - I hear you say. No problem with still water.

Never, ever, forget the clouds of flies that magically appear as dusk falls. All keen to great you as their dinner partner for the evening ahead.

With you as the main course.

Pointless having a lovely waterside spot if its spent hiding away in the tent.

Valley/Hillside slope
Avoids the risk of flooding from rising water. May even be great for a view up/down the valley.

Not so good for a radio or mobile phone signal if that is the sole method of entertainment & human contact. That great slab of hillside makes all the oh-so-smart technology totally redundant.

If that's not a concern of yours - go for it.

Me? Well as a solo wildcamper I need to check in with home regularly. And I do so like listening to my radio wrapped up warm at night. All part of my own enjoyment.

How about flood avoidance? Yes you're safe from rising waters. But that doesn't deter the stuff coming down on the hillside above you to make its way straight down, via your carefully chosen spot, during a heavy downpour.

Possibly at some speed and volume.

These days when hillside camping, I go for a small rise, ideally jutting out into the valley
(Drawback - see Ridge Pitch)

A hillside pitch may offer protection from the wind. But don't forget an windless evening can turn into a wind funnel when the direction & intensity change.

That is especially true near a valley pass where the Wind Tunnel can become a serious danger in the wrong conditions.

The Perfect View
I love a View.

I'll even pick poorer spots to get them.

Which means I accept that when I'm not looking at the Perfect View (i.e. whilst sleeping most of the time) I accept whatever drawbacks come with it.

Quite often its worth the effort. That's assuming I have enough daylight hours to savour it. Otherwise - pick an alternative.

Oh dear........somehow this isn't turning out to be anywhere near as informative as I'd intended. Casting my eye back over what I've scrawled so far I realise I've somehow crossed out most locations.

Ok. Lets try another tack......

Pick a spot for the sort of reward that is personal to you, where you have the choice.

And given that choice - be aware of the less obvious drawbacks.

Then .......either willingly accept them. Or move on.

The Outdoors is a big place when your miles from anywhere. And anyone.

But that also means there are plenty of excellent spots when looked at with the right sense of mindfulness.

As you reflect on both your good & bad overnight stops, that ability to select the better ones will quickly improve.

Until eventually you realise - there are no Bad spots.

Definitely some that are unsafe.

Maybe even some that just don't "feel" right (heed that strange voice of disquiet - its there for a reason)

But for the Better Pitch its more a case of working out what is best for you, whilst applying sensible camping practice.

And eventually this latter element will become negotiable given the conditions at the time, and your own level of experience.

And don't forget that all important attitude to it all.

Dartmoor - Ivyrbridge Railway Station

2010-07-01T22:19:00.003+01:00

Well that has taken a damned sight longer than I expected.

But the main thing is that my rail ticket for the imminent Dartmoor wildcamp is booked, paid for, and ready for pick up tomorrow.

One note for anyone considering Ivybridge Rail Station as a jump-off point for its easy access to Dartmoor wanders, especially the Two Moors Way. The frequency of trains stopping at this station has markedly reduced compared to my past jaunts. True it was never the busiest spot. But careful perusal of the train timetable is a real must-do for this year with l-o-n-g two hour gaps between service typical.

And that's if you want to travel during the day. Forget anything outside the typical commuter timetable.

So here's my hint.

Travel direct to Plymouth. Then pick up a local return train from there, or maybe hop a local bus/taxi if you want to avoid hanging around.

The good news? The ticket price is pretty similar to last year.

As for Ivybridge, I wonder how long that particular station, an unmanned one with minimal facilities as it is, will continue to appear on the rail network, despite the money spent in so recent times to bring it back into mainline service.

Dartmoor Bound

2010-06-23T19:33:00.002+01:00

With work\life changes immanent (once again) my thoughts have turned selfish recently.

So July will see me heading for a week on Dartmoor, merrily wildcamping for as many nights as gives my pleasure (God am I going to smell after this one!)

Its all slightly karmic really.

Last year's trips were panning out so well with one in April, and a second in May. June's trip was planned, but personal events led to a postponement, which spookily has lasted just over a year.

Time to get back to where I belong.

After all I do a duty to The Fan to field test the new MP3 Player.

Yeh.

As if I need an excuse!

I've had the builders in

2010-06-18T21:00:00.002+01:00

A couple of small site mods - most of which would probably pass you by if I don't mention them.

An unsought link referral earned me a commendation from TripBase. I'm still not certain what this means. Or how long I'll leave it up on the site. But if it causes any reader irritation, rather than assistance - please let me know.

More controversial perhaps is my next change.

I've noticed recently that more of my on-line purchases are now via Amazon or E-Bay despite checking for other sites for those Best Price Deals etc.

In the last month I've easily made over 10 separate purchases via Amazon. Mostly cheap used paperbacks, but also more costly items. My MP3 player & batteries were both via this source, rather than the specialist sites I've used in the past.

The reason? Amazon's prices mostly remain competitive. And delivery is usually a painless and rapid process.

By coincidence I came across a couple of articles about the Amazon Associates scheme. As I seem to be already linking to Amazon items, I figured by signing-up to this I may potentially bring a few pennies in my direction to balance this site's overheads.

Its not that commercial a move.

I don't intend to plug products. Nor introduce those intrusive hovering link boxes.

And as I won't see any £s unless someone actually buys one of the products I'm not conniving with those damned site link thru scams.

But I do like to keep this Blog honest & fair. So I thought it worth a mention.

Somehow I don't think early retirement will be the outcome of all this.
;-)

Kit: MP3 Player & Battery Recharging in the wilds (Part 2)

2010-06-13T18:01:00.008+01:00

A quick recap...having inevitably replaced my long lived MP3 player with a contemporary model I was left with a common problem. How to recharge the internal battery during my outdoor trips, when access to a power source would be minimal or more likely nil.

Surprisingly my web research took a couple of hours before I finally found the type of recharge-on-the-go unit I required.

I deliberately excluded offerings from Powermonkey & Freeloader both established names on the scene. I've heard some mixed reviews as to their ability to deliver what I am looking for, and whilst undoubtedly popular & well established, there is the overhead of their bulk, weight & design use.

In a similar vein I instantly ditched any recharger that was itself build around a rechargeable battery. Sort of defeats the object as far as I can see. And once again there is a weight & cost issue.

My needs were simple:
1. Lightweight, or at least at the bottom end of what I felt was an acceptable weight addition
2. Small
3. Portable
4. Durable
5. Low cost
6. Easy to use
7. Mini USB connector (to fit my MP3)
8. Infinite recharge capacity

As I said, my needs were simple.

I figured the less high tech the solution, the better the chance of the recharger standing up to the sort of physical & environmental rigours that come with a week spent in strange places, and stranger climatic conditions.

I finally succumbed to the Portapow Recharger, which at present appears to be mainly available via an E-Bay Shop outlet.

Its a simple unit made of strong black plastic, and looks very watertight.

As you can see from the snap, its very small & easily stored away in a backpack.

Basic weight is approx 25g.

Loaded with 2 AA batteries Energizer Ultimate Lithium AA Batteries (4+2 free) this increases to 54g.

Why Lithium? An AA battery weighs 14.6g compared to the 23g of the standard Energizer alternative, but I'd expect 4-6 times the power output. Excellent power to weight ratio despite a higher unit cost.

So - infinite recharge capacity is possible. Given large enough pockets to carry the spare batteries. But at least I have the choice unlike the majority of other rechargers I've looked at.

The package is basic. The USB cable supplied with my MP3 Player wasn't much use for PC/MP3 connectivity due to the shortness of the cable. But happily its ideal for the Player/Recharge meaning that I can recharge the player, whilst in use, and still tucked the bits safely away in it's usual belt pouch home.

However add another 22g to the weight for the cable, bringing the total up to 76g.

But when compared to the Freeloader's 185g ( a random comparison choice) that weight just suits me fine.

There is a sliding 3 way switch for Off, USB, & Light. Whilst the last function may be useful, perhaps trying to connect the recharger in the dark, its the main negative I can foresee.

As the switch isn't protected it could be moved from Off to Light whilst bouncing about a backpack or pocket, and flatten the batteries.

My solution, based on past experience, is a simple one. I'll reverse one of the batteries so if the switch is moved the circuit remains incomplete. In this way the unit it loaded & ready for use with merely a minor adjustment.

Finally at one end of the unit is a standard USB port, and the light itself.

All a very simple design.
1. Fit batteries
2. Connect USB cable
3. Recharge

Total Cost - £10.

Yep. Just a tenner inc P&P.

I have to say that the PortaPow construction feels robust and very durable indeed.

As to how it will work in practice...well I've tried a quick recharge test at home, and the charge-up was quite quick.

Of course the real test will be a week long trip.

So purely in your interest, dear reader, I'd better get a trip sorted in the very near future for a comprehensive field test.

One quick aside, picking up London Backpacker's comments on my last post, thinking along the same lines.

I was tempted by the Ricco Portable AA Battery Travel Emergency USB Charger.

Its much cheaper (<£4) but only uses 1 AA battery. The design once again is simple (like me) but there was something about it that caused me to doubt longer term durability.

That's not very objective, based purely on website pictures, but I've learnt to listen to these misgivings where a better alternative is available.

So there you have it - a cheap option to recharge your portable electronicl equipment, via a USB cable, whilst out in the wilds.

Kit: MP3 Player & Battery Recharging in the wilds (Part 1)

2010-06-12T21:00:00.005+01:00

I do so like listening to music, and it seems that has always been true.

Now I've nary a musical bone in my body. Ok there was the usual (thankfully short lived) coercion into the school choir. And that brief flirtation with an electric bass guitar (Its true. Lemmy Is God!)

But other than that I sort of spotted a long time ago that I was never going to make it as a Rock Star. Although that hasn't deterred me from living the lifestyle on occasions.

But that's another story, one probably rated Too Adult for this particular Blog.

But my appreciation of music has deepened over the years, a constant through times both thick and thin.

Back in my more youthful days, with frequent flat moves, my record deck, amp & speakers were always the first items to be set on arrival. With my record collection near to hand naturally.

The rest of the furnishings - well they could go sort of anywhere.

But the music set-up had to be just right.

I even survived for many years sans TV. What need had I of that particular conversation killer? Its inanely blinking moving wallpaper subverting the room and leeching the will from its captive audience. I had a cornucopia of so much Damned Good Music to appreciate. And still do.

Over the years listening to music still remains very much an essential element of my life. Through good times & bad.

In the past I'd trialled portable kit on my outdoor jaunts. Sony Walkman tape player. CD Walkman. Both limited in their durability on a walk. And both bulky & heavy items. Ok for short walks, but useless for anything more.

My fallback for many years was a small portable radio, albeit with its restrictive choice of another's musical output. And that was when I was lucky.

So it was natural turn of events that in 2005 I would delved into the possibilities of MP3 technology.

The random selection of a low cost 1 GB memory stick, powered by a replaceable AAA battery, offered a low cost test.

(Logik 1GB memory stick)

As most of my trips are solo, audio entertainment is one luxury I don't forgo. However, as you probably know, radio reception becomes poor, or even nil, especially during long valley walks in the sort of terrain I regularly find myself enjoying. Even the LW frequency, in 2005 shedding stations like a new Gore Tex rainproof out in its first shower, proved problematical on far too many occasions.

So my first trip with a MP3 player with an instant access to music of my own selection was a moment of sheer bliss.

I went through the player's play list 4 or 5 times on that trip. The player was robust & lightweight. Even the battery life seemed reasonable providing 10+ hours play time before replacement.

The only downside, that happened just the once, was a build up of condensation on the LCD display during several hours of use in torrential rain & gales.

And that was the only negative I could find.

I wanted more.

Having quickly outgrown the limit of the 1GB stick I tried a few cheap alternatives, all of which proved too fragile for outdoor use.

In 2006 my search eventually resulted in me shelling out around £60 for the Sandisk's Sansa E140, opting for the lower priced 1GB of on board memory rather than the deluxe 2GB version.
(SANDISK SANSA E140 - 1GB)
The advantage of this model was its use of SD cards thereby providing infinite music capacity. And as the price of these dropped I built up a small stock ready loaded with favourites from my CD collection, or BBC Radio dramas & music show downloads via the web (a topic for another day if any one is interested?) Except for the failure of one card, replaced under warranty, these cards have remained in use until quite recently.

The E140, powered by a single replaceable AAA battery, provided the sort of flexibility I demanded on my trips, proving faultless in standing up to the sort of daily abuse I can give my kit. Battery life 10-15 hours.

Another advantage of the E140 was its integral FM radio, which proved over the years to be a strong feature, rather than a cheap functional after thought (unlike the radio on my mobile phone of that time)

All this weighing in at around 50g, loaded with 1 ultralight Lithium AAA replaceable battery.

But time marches on.

For the last year or so the E140 has been showing increasing sign of wear. I use it on trips, holidays, dog walking, around the house when I want to escape that damned TV, and away on business trips.

In fact there is rarely a day when I haven't called on its sterling services.

Despite lengthy research on the web my attempt to source a replacement player were proving fruitless when it came to finding a model with replaceable batteries, SD cards, & an integral radio.

[Note to Mr Manufacturer: Its no good boasting that newer rechargeable battery technology, typically locked tightly within a sealed player, has a Long Life. On a week long wildcamping trip I want 60+ hours use. Minimum. And no I don't have access to that power socket you always seem to assume is so readily available]

So there was my dilemma preventing a long overdue upgrade. And as the months passed it seemed the number of alternatives were fast disappearing from the market.

Finally, last month, I had no alternative.

The E140 had by now developed an increasing tendency to react negatively to anything than less than Very Sensitive Handling, Its displeasure shown by a sudden volume change.

Sometimes a decrease. More usually an ear bashing leap to Full Power.

Ouch!

Enter the SanDisk Sansa Clip+ 8GB MP3 Player with Radio & MicroSD/SDHC Slot (again the budget model rather than the 16Gb model) for less than £50.

For this I received a MP3 Player about the size of a England Glory matchbox, a short USB cable, a set of headphones & a Get-Started booklet (the full instructions are online)

Still with the facility to handle SD cards (now the mini type, which I fortunately have) and still with an integral radio.

Only drawback - the battery is only rechargeable via a USB port. And despite a claim of 15hrs battery life (still untested) it won't be enough for my needs.

After a few weeks of use I have to say I'm really impressed. File transfer via the USB2 cable is very fast. And once switched on the player is much quicker to settle down ready to play music, compared to my E140.

Sound quality is good, especially after I'd customised the Equaliser. No idea what the supplied headphones are like - I learnt long ago to ditch those supplied and use my own choice.

I applied a couple of firmware updates - which went smoothly.

However one word of warning - I found one very naughty 'feature' included in the upgrades.

Having set the player to 'Europe' when I first configured it I found that the volume level had been auto disabled courtesy of some EU directive applied via a firmware update.

This crippled the unit. If it had been like this when I bought it, it would have been returned by the next post as unsuitable for use.

Showing 25% volume there was no audio. Even on full volume a slight wind would have made it unlistenable.

A few minutes on the excellent Sansa Forum fixed this.

Backing up the music files, just in case, I went into the player's options, selected Factory Reset, & chose 'World' as my choice.

Instant success & happily with no changes to the loaded music. I did need to reselect some of the customised options & rescan the FM Radio Stations for their Presets. The work of a couple of minutes.

Ah. The Radio.

Initial feeling is that its not as sensitive as the E140 in finding stations. The only true test will be out in the wilds - so the jury is still out on that one for the present.

Other negatives?

The colour screen is pretty, but why bother if a black & white one is more readable, especially in strong sunlight, and improves battery life? And it so easily picks up greasy fingerprints (as you can see from the photo)

A couple of the functions seem overkill - why have a WinAmp style visualization of the sound frequencies on a screen so small. And what is the use of it anyway?

But overall I'm very pleased.

I now have a MP3 Player weighing in at only 25g, half the weight of my old model, packed away in an incredibly small package.

But still there's the problem of battery replacement.

Back to the web research. Surely I can't be the only person with this sort of requirement?

Surprisingly it took a few hours before that Eureka moment. Finally I found exactly what I was looking. And at a low cost & lightweight as well.

On which I'll focus in Part 2 of this article.

Shock! Horror! Kit Review Pending

2010-06-10T12:38:00.006+01:00

Over the the last few weeks I've taken possession of a piece of replacement kit, resulting in further research to source another new shiny piece of gear to support it.

Yes I know - don't all yell at once!

I don't usually 'do' gear reviews but in this case there seems to be an increasing number of people picking up on an approach that I have tried & tested over a number of years.

The kit move had been forced on my as my old equipment had become well past its Use-By Date.

So in the interests of passing on my own approach for lighter weight backpacking (as well as its other uses for travellers) it looks like I'd better write it all up and clue you in.

More to come soon........ try not to hold your breath for too long
;-)

YHA - Whither the Future

2010-06-05T08:00:00.000+01:00

A piece in July's TGO reminded me to take a look at how the YHA is handling change these days. As a long time, if increasingly non-youthful supporter, I've expressed concerns in the past about the direction the movement is headed.

Investment plans to expand new hostels; Changes in the hosteling clientele; Shortcomings of the booking system; Even a well aimed kick at the groin in return for the refusal of a bed for the night and being left with the impression that my presence was Not Wanted Around Here;

During these pieces I hope my support for the YHA ethos has been supportive, whatever the individual criticism, with due recognition of the commercial necessities for a large business juggling solvency against a demanding & fluid customer base.

(If you want to see how the YHA judges its own efforts then their 2009 Annual Report can be found here)

But to business. Back in May YHA announced a further round of hostel closures including Capel Curig, Exeter, Grasmere Thorney Howe, Kendal & River Dart (They will continue to operate until at least Sept '10)

Grasmere I can understand, with 2 hostels in near proximity, even if the Grasmere Butharlyp Howe always seems to be bursting at the seams.

But some of these others?

I've stayed at both Capel Curig & Exeter. Both are in in great locations. Both have superb potential.

What went wrong such that they are deemed candidates for closure?

As a balance two new hostels will open next year, at Southease (Sussex) & Berwick on Tweed (Northumberland) plus investment schemes at two others (one being YHA Oxford Street in London)

The press release also mentions that the YHA’s Board of Trustees will look at opportunities for further funding this year at 'popular small country hostels'.

It's that last line I'm currently hanging my hopes on at present.

For it seems to me that the out of the way hostels, essential for walking trips 'off-piste', are slowly disappearing in order to fund (larger?) city based sites.

Off course there is a question of balance & running costs.

Use of the smaller 'traditional' style hostels can go extremely quiet out of season, if indeed they are even open.

But somewhere amongst this redistribution of the YHA property stock there must come a time when the hostels offered, & the core membership, come to a divergence of views on Hosteler demand & Hostel supply, leaving a new type of Hosteler in charge of YHA income.

And on present showing that could well be one that probably doesn’t give a damn about any long term continuation of the YHA's legacy, except as a budget B&B to use once in a while if the local Travel Lodge is full.

Use it or loose it folks.

Whilst you still have a choice.

New Forest National Park - Chief Executive #3

2010-06-01T08:00:00.000+01:00

Yet another appointee as Chief Executive of the New Forest National Park Authority takes up their post today.

That's nine months after the original announcement of the plan for replacement. But already five months after the start of 2010 target.

The NFNPA CE position is proving a difficult one to sustain. And with the frequency of changes at this senior level the real work of bedding down the NFNPA during its formative period has been diversionary for the organisation as a whole.

The jury is out.

Lets see what happens on this particular turn of the wheel.

New Forest Holiday - Watch the Birdy

2010-05-31T20:00:00.003+01:00

Finally an improvement in this Bank Holiday's weather. Not that it has been particularly unpleasant in my opinion.

But local traffic volumes this weekend, especially an increasing number of caravans & mobile homes fleeing local campsites during Sunday afternoon, suggest that anything other than Brilliant Sunshine is regarded by this year's tourist as A Bad Thing if it happens during a Bank Holiday break.

Mid morning I decided on a whim to visit one of my New Forest secret spots. A strange location with the traffic noise of the busy A35 the accompaniment to the start\end sections of this circular route.

But despite such an ominous introduction I can usually guarantee, whenever I visit, to spot plenty of New Forest wildlife. The sort of things that the scurrying holidaymaker comes to the area to enjoy, but so rarely finds outside sanctified Forestry Commission sites (Or the 'to be avoided tourist traps' as we locally know them to be)

Today I thought my luck was due to fail when in the distance I spotted a walker & dog crossing directly through one of the main areas where I'd usually expect browsing deer.

Happily this worked to my advantage instead.

Ten minutes later I came upwind onto the largest herd I've seen in this location to date. Possibly the earlier presence of that walker/dog combination had spooked some separate groups to herd together and move to a safe location. One on my immediate path.

I moved forward carefully until the inevitable happened. My doggy companion, trotting to-heel, has a powerful scent where deer are concerned. One that the herd's scouts, always alert to the unusual, had caught.

And off they went.

I watched them for a while, tracking their escape route for future reference. The herd 20-30 strong circling my position at a safe distance, until they felt secure enough to drop their heads and return to once again to their browsing in the sunshine. Blending, as they so easily do, into their background.

(New Forest Deer)

I ambled onwards. A solitary presence despite the Bank Holiday.

Further on a movement underfoot caught my attention alerting me of a forest ant trail.

I love watching the industry and single mindedness of these particular insects. As usual after a few seconds the eye\brain focuses into the detail turning the initial sight of several individual ants into a wide & endless trail of large black individuals busily intent on travel to & from their nest.

(New Forest Ant)

Nothing seems to deter these busy workers. Not even my size 7 feet menacingly moving in their direction. Wary of my potentially disruptive influence, and mindful of my Godlike ability to deliver mass destruction, however unintentional, I carefully side track around the flowing dark ribbon, to continue my wandering observation of Nature's daily routine.

Later, I came across a complimentary pattern, but this time a result of Bank Holiday tourists milling aimlessly around a local market. Unlike the ants their efforts seemed ill suited & haphazard.

All in the name of Bank Holiday leisure and relaxation.

It left me musing as to exactly who had the best lifestyle deal this holiday Monday?

Those with the 'choice' & 'self-awareness' to decide their own action and activity?

Or is it those creatures of Nature we believe have defined actions and reactions within a rigid hierarchical framework. All part of an interdependent & complex social order?

If the birds & bees lack that Free Will, which we Humans so celebrate, how is it my amateur observations today concluded the latter group to those so out of balance with their environment.

And so clearly dissatisfied as a result?

Lost in Translation?

2010-05-31T16:24:00.003+01:00

Well - it made me smile

English\Welsh road sign assistance

Despatches From the Front Line (II) - The Non TGO Challenge

2010-05-30T08:00:00.000+01:00

OK I’d better explain this one I guess.

There's a number of front line reports from Bloggers on this year's TGO Challenge - as they cross Scotland from West to East coasts.

Most of which, I am a little abashed to reveal, I've largely skipped over.

Not because the postings are uninteresting. Or irrelevant. Quite the opposite.

Perversely it’s exactly the quality of this year's diverse coverage that disinterests me. And for exactly the reasons that likely attract other followers.

Its all become so very personal and specific to individual experiences during the crossing.

Without reading the reports I just know they'll include:

The Start - Old friends re-met\1st Timer gets a friendly welcome
Route finding difficulties
Exclamations of wonder at the Scottish landscape
The great TGO social scene
The End of Event knees-up & sad farewells

And all of which I seem to have read or listened to many times before.

OK for those considering entering in future years, or perhaps unlucky this year. That's fine.

But for me (and after all this is a personal piece offered for your consumption here) I've found myself moving away from the TGO, as esteemed and successful an event on the Outdoor Calendar that it has become over many years.

Reasons?

It's an organised event.
The number of people, low as that may be, all out on the trail at the same time, & bumping into each as they go.
An increasing 'Badge of status' in Outdoor circles - the "I Did The TGO crossing" T Shirt achievement.

Before I leave myself open to possible accusation of sour grapes let me be clear. I truly respect the TGO Challenge, its inherent nature, and the personal endeavours of all those taking part.

After all it works for them. Why else would so many repeat the experience each year?

But over the last few years I've been feeling more strongly that its not for me.

Why?

Part of what I do as one part of my Wildcamping trips includes an individual and personal challenge that I set myself.

Where to go? Which routes? What sort of timescale? And then there are the highs and lows of solitary travel. This floats my particular boat - and of course it is not necessarily the same for many others.

In fact when I try to explain my own approach to wildcamp trips I find the usual response from those unused to extended outdoor trips, or camping in general, is real concern as to how dangerous it must be, and what on earth I get out of it all.

If they could only find out for themselves.

Which is probably why me and the TGO are slowly diverging.

Its all just seems so organised & popular these days.

So how about a Non TGO Challenge for 2011?

Entrants travel in the opposite direction to the TGO Event; At diverse times throughout the year; Entry limited to those who only wildcamp solo; And no end of event do.

Ok, its probably just one of my obtuser ideas. Something I suspect that I would come to avoid after a few years.

Guess I'd better stick to my own personal approach and leave the TGO to those who undoubtedly enjoy its position & the acclaimed sociability.

But for those disappointed to have missed the TGO, or unable to fit their free time around the event.

Remember its only an example of what you as an individual are capable of after all.

Now isn't it?

Despatches From the Front Line (I)

2010-05-29T20:02:00.000+01:00

Anyone still out there?

Well it has been a while since we last got together. An oversight I only noticed earlier today having temporarily stepped off the Helter-Skelter that is my current work\life style.

So anything to report you may well ask? Indeed a question I tend to ask myself from time to time these days. Usually with no real answer. Mostly.

But to avoid sounding like existence is even sadder than it sounds (and its not really BTW) some snippets from the last two weeks. In no particular order …………..

Watching a Chinese Lantern soar high into the night sky, a curious sight quickly surpassed as a passing Stag beetle, in full flight, made me duck. Easily the size of a tennis ball. Honest.
Cup Final Day - an excellent time to hit the local B Roads on my motorcycle for Maximum Fun 'n Games. And no PC Ray Gun to mar the party.
So, 21 grammes is the weight of a Human Soul as scientifically measured then?
A chance meeting in middle England with a local fellrunning enthusiast, minutes before he stepped aboard the local bus to travel 200+ miles up to the Lake District. All via by public transport. His aim this Bank Holiday weekend being a personal attempt at the Bob Graham Round with a target of 42 peaks in 24 hours (best of luck Chris - let me know how it went?)
Travelling around the UK roads. Still. Again. Still. Where did all the vegetation come from so suddenly?
Amused astonishment on finding that the small arrow (next to the Petrol Pump logo) on my car speedo actually points to which side of the car has the petrol fill cap. First I knew about it. Despite gazing at said dial for countless years

And finally ........... let us not forget the Saturday May Bank Holiday Rush.

The Rainy Day, Tourists Stay Away Break it seems. Again.

Just the way I like it.

Selfish sod ain't I?

Cumbria Floods - Journo charged

2010-05-13T21:12:00.004+01:00

Back in January I mentioned one of the less salubrious elements of Press reporting of an already overstretched MRT deep, quite literally, in the Cumbria flooding emergency of Winter 2009.

"The only downside ….. a spurious call from a journalist who said she'd heard a report of someone injured on Skiddaw. The Keswick (MRT) team were suspicious from the start but that didn’t stop them deploying thirty people to the hill before the woman admitted she was just testing the system to see if mountain rescue could still respond to the mountains despite their commitment to the floods. I understand she has now been charged with wasting the time of an emergency service, something which carries a tougher penalty than wasting police time"
(Andy Simpson/Mountain Rescue Magazine Jan 2010)

From Grough news comes a report that formal charges have now been made.

A little more background at the foot of the Caledonian Mercury newspaper article

If my quick Google of said individual proves correct then someone's career may not have been going quite as hoped recently.

Shame.

Politics, Coalition & The Outdoors

2010-05-12T22:02:00.003+01:00

I've just returned home having spent much of the last few motoring driving across substantial chunks of SW England.

On the one hand - the extreme tedium of long motorway hauls. As a balance - sunshine blessed meandering along sunken single trackway on the edges of Dartmoor.

The one inescapable fact that stuck me, from all this, is the sheer amount of green and open countryside in this part of the UK. Outside the grasp of the conurbation, Britain's rural scenery quickly re-asserts itself blending countryside and hamlets happily together.

All of which comes as a pleasant relief from that easy conclusion, on seeing the same old city landscape during the daily work routine, that the whole of the UK feels like one huge built-up area.

So it will be interesting to see what will come from this item in the Con-LibDem agreement:
"Measures to promote green spaces and wildlife corridors in order to halt the loss of habitats and restore biodiversity"

Heathrow Airport runway plans have already been scrapped after years of proposal & counter proposal.

Keep watching folks.

Dear Diary (It could have gone worse)

2010-05-06T21:51:00.005+01:00

Diary: Thu 6th May

07.30 Rise from The Pit of Luxury. Partake of light breakfast. Read a couple of book chapters.

08.30. Leave book hero in a perilous position - he'll have to wait in Limbo for a while.

09.00 Avoid much of the rush hour traffic. Arrive at Dentist on time.

09.15 Tooth concern explained. Turns out to be cracked cap: Oh no - sounds expensive.

09.16 Opinion revised. Make that a cracked root underneath: Oh no - sounds worrying.

09.17
Dentist "We'll have to have that one out I'm afraid".
Me "Errrr........now?".
Dentist "Might as well"
Me "Errrr........"

09.20
Dentist TUG. TUG. WOBBLE. C-R-A-C-K. TUG.
Me TUG (its mine)
TUG (I'm somewhat attached to this you know)
TUG (Leave it alone)
TUG (Leave me alone)
WOBBLE (Last chance mate.....)
TUG
POP
(Bugger)

09.30 Dentist "Bite down on this for 15-20 minutes". Me "Mumble mumble mumble"

09.40 Receptionist "There's a couple of other things to do. You'll need another appointment".
Me "Mumble mumble mumble".

09.41 Receptionist Tap. Tap. Tap. Calculate. Tap. Tap. Total

09.42 Me "Mumble mumble. How Much! Gulp. Ouch. Mumble mumble"

10.00 Drive to work. Still biting down hard, for a number of reasons

10.30 Start work for the day.

And you think you had a crappy day.

(BTW Mr Dentist is a lovely chap. Its just me who hates the visits (Rare as they are these days) Better the teeth are sorted now rather than painful times this summer. Probably somewhere remote & ruinous of a wildcamp trip)

Alpkit - New Gear (Scoop?)

2010-05-01T21:00:00.001+01:00

Regrettably I didn't get time to do more than cast glances towards Alpkit's stand at last weekend's Backpacker Club Event. And that was only because the stall was barely 3m from where I spent most of that day with Podcast Bob and his team.

On the few occasions I did get time to look it seemed to me that the Aplkit staff was similarly working hard to handle the steady stream of eager BPC members keen to get their hands on the gear on offer.

As the crowds thinned out pre the AGM time, I finally managed to get over to the stand, by now mostly stripped down with van repacking well advanced.

Happily Alpkit's prototype tent was still pitched, giving me the chance for a quick looksee & brief chat about the design & some of the possible modifications that may be made if the tent is to reach the Outdoor market.

As a one man lightweight double skin design it includes a reasonably large vestibule under the flysheet for foul weather cooking. But for me the real difference apart from the majority of lightweight one man designs was the provision for a separate tent entry on either side. So in hot weather the fly sheet can be quickly unzipped and tied back on both sides offering that all important panoramic view, whilst encouraging any passing breeze to sort our any ventilation & condensation issues.

Whilst checking out the Alpkit site early today for further information about the tent I came instead across a couple of other radical innovations from this company.

These are items that I've not seen mentioned elsewhere on the Outdoor reports or in the media.

So gather near dear reader. Let us talk in hush tones together, as I can reveal all..........

No doubt you'll have heard much of the 'Thermarest\NeoAir sleeping mat - which is better' debate.

Well a new Contender is on the scene. Alpkit may well take this market by storm with the Alpkit MegaMat D-Luxion sleeping mat. Radical in approach it offers:

"the reassurance of simple home comforts away from home whether you are camping in France, trekking to Everest or hanging in a portaledge on El Cap.........just like sleeping in your own bed only better"

And as for the price!

Well you'd better check it out for yourself, especially with Alpkit's 3 hour shipping offer (now that's customer service for you busy people)

For the climbers amongst you - how about the Sflash - fluid groundfall protection system.

"A highly advanced fall protection system, designed to cope with the demands of 'new school' highball problems. Conventional foam sandwich type pads are inadequate when the climbing enters the the terrifying 2m up ‘no fall’ zone. The Sflash replaces this outdated system with a flexible, open, fluid retention pod. We have all seen climbers happily cranking it 25m up when deepwater soloing, and the Sflash pad allows you to replicate the freedom and safety of DWS at your local crag. Simply unroll the lightweight Siliconised nylon pod, fill with liquid (not included) and get sending!"

A radical approach indeed. Once again offered at a startling price.

Remember folks - you read it here first.

Oh and one thing ............

......you did spot it was a Beta test site for the new shop didn't you now?

TeeHee.

A Vote For Podcast Bob Isn't a Vote Wasted

2010-04-25T08:30:00.001+01:00

I'm reminded, having now seen Podcast Bob's business activity from both sides of the counter, that he has also done one or two Podcasts along the way.

So a reminder for those interested - the European Podcast Award voting is open for this year (An award that Bob won last year for his Outdoor Podcasts)

As you no doubt know Bob continues to provide his Podcasts free of charge. So if you enjoy them why not pop over make your vote count for him?

A nice way to say ThankYou?

At least with this sort of vote you get to enjoy what you vote for.

Unlike the Other Event currently underway across the UK, littering the fields and roadsides with (highly illegal?) & most unsightly fly posting.

I should know having just seen copious amount of roadside crap on my return journey earlier.

I reckon the Government should do something about whoever is behind all this eye-sore!

backpackers club agm - finale

2010-04-24T22:27:00.004+01:00

This BPC meet was a pleasant experience, making up for some negative feelings that still
lingered after my last attendance in April 2008.

Now I don't know whether that was the Bath Racecourse venue with plenty of pitch space & (very) posh facilities (Running Hot Water & Toilet Paper that didn't disappear by Friday evening!) Perhaps my expectation and attitude has changed.

Then again it may have been down to the members who attended this year. Nobody seemed to crowd anybody else's enjoyment. And everyone I encountered was kind enough to say hello, and felt free enough to while away the time chatting about kit, walking and backpacking in general. Such an easy going atmosphere, especially for the new members who took the plunge.

Even criticisms raised during the AGM were discussed in a mature and positive way with the committee clearly wishing to get greater involvement from the members themselves. But for those who've been involved with clubs and their organisation I'm afraid this is the norm.

Post AGM I managed to grab a quick preview of the new BPC website, officially still a work in progress, but looking to me to be ready to roll out sometime very soon. Feedback on such items as the BPC Forum have been listened to and acted upon.

It has been a long week. Having renewed acquaintances old and new it was time to head for home. To tart up the Blog pieces & pictures sent from on-site (Blogging by phone - Pah!)

A good few days. And if this is a portent of a southern BPC AGM - then lets have more down this way soon please.

backpackers club agm - day 2 (report)

2010-04-24T17:05:00.005+01:00

(Venue for the AGM - only the best for the BPC)
The BPC is in a positive frame of mind if the weekend's turn out of 160+ members (from nearly 900 in total) reflects the club's level of interest.

The sun continued to shine down onto a positive get together with the usual meet and greet typical of an annual event.

As normal there were a few committee vacancies to fill for it's a thankless task to keep a UK wide organisation of this calibre running quietly from behind the scenes with limited recognition.

With imminent plans to re brand the BPC website & functionality there are signs that repeated suggestions from the net savy contingent of the membership have finally been taken on board there bye moving the BPC forwards. An important consideration when considering other such outdoor alternatives as viewed by Joe Public.

All considered a good weekend, a positive atmosphere and a productive one for the gear junkies looking at the busy trade stands on the Saturday.

And that's based on personal experience as I stepped in to help cope with the lengthy rush at the Backpackinglight stand. So to all those left wondering who the gormless helper was on Saturday - well the truth can been revealed.

2011's AGM is likely to be May 6-8 at Stanhope (in the Yorkshire Dales if I heard the location correctly. There was some disagreement over the pronunciation from a Yorkshire lad)
Something for your 2011 diary when it gets there.

(Edit: I'm reliably informed that Stanhope is a County Durham parish)

backpackers club agm - day 2

2010-04-24T16:44:00.001+01:00

It may not look busy - but the size of the field hides the number of tents on site Saturday morning.
(Apologies for the dark picture - just couldn't get away from the sunlight no matter how hard I tried. ah the trials of the Blogger On Tour)

They came by foot. They came by bicycle. Many came by car and even a few motorcycles this year.

But despite watching the balloon basket carefully I have no evidence that this mode of transport was pressed into use.

Well - I didn't see it land. So just maybe..............

backpackers club agm (suffering in the sun) #2

2010-04-23T16:47:00.000+01:00

backpackers club agm (suffering in the sun)

2010-04-23T16:42:00.000+01:00

backpackers club agm - day 1

2010-04-23T15:54:00.004+01:00

Having last seen my home pre dawn last Wednesday its been a meandering sort of journey to this year's BPC AGM, but I'm sat here at last.

The sun is beating down onto what must be the most luxurious 'wildcamp' pitch I've yet encountered.

The walk-in route (all of 2 metres from the car) went without any serious route finding mishaps.

Water supply, courtesy of a nearby tap, appears not to require any filtering; And the pitch is, amazingly for once, flat and verdant green grass.
How will I survive the night's rigour at this rate?

More to follow, hot from the scene as it happens......

backpackers club agm - day 1

2010-04-23T15:54:00.003+01:00

Having last seen my home pre dawn last Wednesday its been a meandering sort of journey to this year's BPC AGM, but I'm sat here at last.

The sun is beating down onto what must be the most luxurious 'wildamp' pitch I've yet encountered.

The walk-in route (all of 2 metres from the car) went without any serious route finding mishaps.

Water supply, courtesy of a nearby tap, appears not to require any filtering; And the pitch is, amazingly for once, flat and verdant green grass.How will I survive the night's rigour at this rate?
0ore to follow, hot from the scene as it happens......

Back Packers Club AGM

2010-04-18T20:15:00.000+01:00

Well this week could have gone much worse. I managed to catch the last but one flight out of Ireland so I've been watching with a certain bemused air the grounding of air flights across Europe.

I was gazing over the snow remnants high on the slopes of Wicklow Mountains as I flew out of the airport. Mentally checking ridge routes for a potential walking trip later this year.

Now if I'd only I'd arrived a day later I can guess where I would have 'unavoidably' been forced to spend my time this weekend.

Instead I'm sat in front of this pesky computer keyboard yet again.

Ho hum.

But at least that has given me the chance to catch up with the latest Outdoor Podcasts - especially Podcast Bob's final piece on the NEC Outdoors Show. An interesting interview with the Show's organiser, especially concerning the decision to move the 2011 event to a new venue (London) & and new date (January)
(Why not listen to it yourself and make up your own mind?)

Personally - I think the bells are tolling the death knell for the event as the UK's primary Outdoor Walking Show open to the general public.

Which in itself may not be a bad thing if the show held at the Backpackers Club AGM (Bath 24 April) draws the interest it has in the past.

I'll let you know how that one comes out after my AGM visit this coming weekend.

Nat's Big Walk- Nomad's Land

2010-04-05T07:37:00.001+01:00

Whilst you consider your 2010 walking ideas there's one individual who started his own research some time ago.

"My name is Nathaniel Severs, I am 24 years old and in 2010, I am walking the entire coastline of mainland Britain (7,000 miles) for three great charities"

Leaving his Portsmouth home in early January the schedule means he'll next have the comfort of his own bed a few days before Xmas (Hope he remembered to cancel the milk & newspapers)

You can follow his the route map progress & read his trip reports on his Blog Nomad's Land. For those following the current vogue of Keeping Up To The Moment there is even a Twitter feed.

Another local lad, Seb Green, completed his Coastal Walk Challenge back in 2008 which I covered at the time.

My site stats still show regular traffic coming to this Blog via a "Seb Green" keyword search. So its possible that there are a number of people out there considering a similar idea.

Seb's route was 3,500 mile. Nat's estimate is 7,000 miles. Not too sure where the extra distance comes from, but as Seb's journey took Feb-Dec 2008 including a one month break then Nat's walk is going to be a long one indeed.

Is the Coastal Walk starting to taking over from the Lands End\John O' Groats route as The UK Walking Challenge?

Walker's Aid: Hill Lists & Database Resources

2010-04-04T20:07:00.002+01:00

Thankfully its come around to that time of year once again.

Longer daylight hours, warmer temperatures, & (whisper it quietly) even a glimpse of sunshine.

Time then to scratch that Getting Serious Outdoors itch steadily building up over the dark Winter days.

Only problem - what to do & where to go for this year's walking challenges?

For me that means not just digging out the maps, but also turning to the myriad of on-line resources to feed a questioning mind with specific locale information and assist with ideas for route planning.

I thought I'd share some of my own sources with you adding a new set of Site Links under the heading of HILL LISTS & DATABASES (see right hand side of this page)

Here you'll find hill & summit lists covering both the UK & worldwide providing a variety of free hill data downloads for your own use & adaption (build your own Tick List?)

Hope they help you as much as they have me over the years.

Train of thought - OS data goes Public

2010-04-03T06:30:00.000+01:00

Mindful of the copyright vagaries surrounding on-line mapping projects positive news this week from the Ordinance Survey.

Well sort of.

I've checked the OS site for a clearer picture of what has changed, but it looks like many of the links go nowhere relevant. However there is a licence agreement to download that seems quite positive (and mercifully short)

Quite what this means for those of us hopeful of using OS mapping data on our sites, besides the opportunity to get involved in some self funded techie development - well I can't quite work that out.

Can anyone translate in simple terms what this means for a simple minded Blogger, on Outdoor Matters, thinking about posting a detailed route map sometime in the near future?

UK Waterfalls - Database of locations

2010-04-02T19:23:00.002+01:00

My last mutterings gave me a long overdue nudge to mention a new on-line resource dedicated to mapping UK waterfalls - Waterfalls.me

"This website is dedicated to all the wonderful waterfalls throughout the United Kingdom.

I'm hoping to compile a database of all the major and many minor waterfalls, with a map of their location and hopefully photographs of each of the falls. There are a few other websites listing the falls throughout the UK .......... but I have yet to find a site where you can view a map and find any local falls to the area you are in.
I hope this will be of use to somebody out there, whether on your holidays or making special trips to see the falls"

I chatted via one of the UK Outdoor News Groups (yes they do still exist) with the site author following his appeal for additional waterfall information.

So if there's one you know of that you think should be added - why not drop him an e-mail?

Burbush Waterfall - New Forest

2010-04-02T17:45:00.009+01:00

I love the extremes that Mother Nature can throw our way from time to time.

Conditions of heavy snowfall, strong wind or exceptional rainfall - these tend to bring me a primal enjoyment rising from somewhere deep down in my psyche.

Locally this morning's downpour was of such ferocity that it left flooded country lanes. The kerbside irrigation ditches abandoning their task with the futility of trying to handle such a prolonged and heavy deluge.

Gazing through the window, heels kicking at Bank Holiday ennui, I decided to lace up my walking boots and head off into the New Forest.

I've written about Burbush waterfall many times in the past. So today I decided to offer a close-up view of this temporary natural phenomena, especially its source.

By chance, earlier weather conditions in mind, today's visit revealed it in the best condition I've seen to date.

Happily the rain had stopped giving way instead to blue sky & sunshine. However, as you will hear if you watch the clip) the wind was still being rather too familiar.

Burbush Waterfall

Despite wandering along familiar paths today's outing felt like a visit to a different landscape as the terrain handled its shedding of the rain's aftermath.

Normally dry ditches were now small streams. And the streams gushing torrents of seething dark liquid. Their levels three feet higher than usual. In places breaking their banks to flood the surrounding land for some distance.

Despite today's declared holiday, and the traditional start of the tourist season hereabouts, the car park was largely empty. Most brave souls I encountered as I wandered were welly clad - or in a couple of cases ill advisedly trying to cope with trainers in a futile defence of dry feet.
(Small wonder I tend to stick to walking boots year round raised amongst these conditions)

But for all of those willing to seek out time with nature today the reward was a wonderland of altered perspectives for a short while.

Hope there was something decent on the TV for those lurking indoors cursing the Bank Holiday weather. A pity you missed the best show on offer.

Outdoor Show 2011

2010-03-31T08:08:00.000+01:00

The bunting is hardly packed back in the attic and the Outdoor Show organisers are already plugging the 2011 Show at its new venue - ExCel in London

Having had a quick look at the location I really can't think of worse place for a venue for those arriving from outside the metropolis.

Have to admire some people's optimism at times.

Ho hum.

Garmin Geko 201 Problems - Update

2010-03-30T22:02:00.008+01:00

Thanks to Matt C over on Outdoors Magic it appears the anticipated software update for the 201 is now available.

A few things to consider before you rush off to sort the Y2K issue:

1. To get the update you need to connect the GPS to a PC via the Garmin PC interface cable (assuming you ever bothered to get one in the first place)

[That's £17.86 + P&P spent]

Luckily I had one already. Which brings me to ............

2. It has a 9 pin serial connector which many pcs, especially laptops, no longer have fitted.

I do. But if you haven't then ............

3. You'll need Garmin's USB to RS232 converter cable as well.
[Another £39.99 spent]

4. Go to the Garmin site, download their Webupdater software, and install it on your pc.

5. Finally - connect the GPS to the PC, run Webupdater and let it work out which software updates should be applied.

6. But before you do the update carefully read the advice about likely data loss on the GPS, especially any stored Tracklogs.

All of which seems a right faff for a unit listed on Amazon at £90, but potentially requiring £60 worth of cables for an update that should never have been required in the first place.
(Edit: Once again thanks to Matt C spotting this link for cheaper cables)

I suspect there will be an increasing number of Gecko 201's appearing on E-Bay in coming months!

NEC Outdoor Show 2010 - Post Show

2010-03-28T20:32:00.004+01:00

Still barely a dribble of feedback from show attendees this year, when compared to previous events.

Amongst what little there is check out Andy Howell and Podcast Bob. Both are well acquainted with this exhibition during recent times so their take on the show is worth listening to.

Andy over on Walk this Way has a short breakdown of his noteworthy items. And that's not really a lot

Meanwhile Bob's free podcast available on The Outdoors Station gives a punter's feel as to the size and general content in 2010 (1 hall only this year!)

More to follow in further podcasts - meanwhile you can find Part 1 here to listen on-line , or download for later consumption by clicking SaveAs on the link for the MP3.

I'm particularly intrigued by his promise to explore the organisational & commercial aspects behind the scenes with the organising body.

With the confirmation that the 2011 show will be based at the Excel Centre in London, potentially losing some of its identity in amongst a larger parent event, there's an obvious question.

Does the Outdoor Show really have a viable future in representing the UK Outdoor industry to the UK public?

Or has it lost its way for good?

NEC Outdoor Show 2010

2010-03-26T21:40:00.002Z

Are you going this weekend? Or perhaps you've already made your visit?

Whether attending or otherwise, the usual preShow mumbles on the web has been distinctly quiet this year.

In fact many Bloggers, including myself, who have attended in recent years have opted for a NoShow on this occasion (NoPunIntended)

Nothing deliberate on my part.

For a few weeks ago I even started putting a few notes together towards a Blog post looking at the appearance of The Joe Simpson alongside the decision to charge admission to the Celeb Events. That's on top of already charging an entrance fee to the show. And of course the Infamous NEC Car Park cost.

But somehow I just couldn't get the interest up to take my notes any further or even hi light the fact that it was this weekend.

And judging from some of the feedback I've heard my disinterest is not an isolated case.

So has the Outdoors Show finally lost its Mojo for good?

Or will the rumoured move to a London venue breathe new life into the wearied format?

So if you did stump up that small personal fortune to cross the threshold this year - how did you get on?

New Forest Waterfall

2010-03-21T10:51:00.003Z

Another period of rainfall during the last 24 hours.

Burbush waterfall is back in residency once more & all just a few steps away from a usually busy car parking area.

Hope the New Forest Authority don't cotton onto this as a potential tourist attraction!

Lighting Hadrian's Wall

2010-03-14T10:57:00.008Z

I don't mean to be a party pooper, but am I the only one who's missed the point of last night's Event?

After watching the official video it seems to have been a display of poorly disjointed lights, or a cavalcade of bangs and whizzes. All dependant on the proximity of population centres.

No real sense of the Wall's route or antiquity.

I just hope there was no poor wildcamper out there trying to have a quiet & solitary wander along Roman ways.

But of course, with the disapproving attitude of the likes of Hadrians Wall Heritage Ltd & Hadrians Wall Path National Trail towards wildcamping in general, as previously noted, thats not likely to have been an issue.

"Are there enough campsites?
At the moment it is difficult to rely upon campsites only, so many walkers use the camping barns and youth hostels for the occasional night. We do ask you, however, not to wild camp, it causes problems for both Trail staff and farmers"

Or then again ...........

If you were out there last night - why not leave a comment to help the rest of us make some sense of it all?

Garmin Geko 201 Problems

2010-03-11T21:32:00.002Z

As I've not yet spotted anything on the outdoor forums ... some Geko owners (me for example) may want to follow this up

"Garmin's Geko 201 GPS kit can't decide what year it is, flipping between decades every time it's switched on...........The shift isn't by an exact number of days and seems to change every time the device is switched on....causing problems with software designed to import GPS tracks for analysis"

More here - courtesy of The Register

No smoke without fire

2010-03-08T15:00:00.005Z

An all too rare break today, accompanied by an all too rarer day of blue sky & sunshine. So a time for some R&R to play in the forest.

Nothing exceptional to note, save on my return trip I came across the scene off further Controlled Burning.

And with it a host of control vehicles, fire trucks and brush beaters

Dinner Companion

2010-03-08T14:57:00.003Z

A friend flew in for lunch earlier today ............

Just some bird I'd been introduced to over a meal.

Didn't catch the name - had to fly off.

Hengistbury Head & Fi(a)tness Trends

2010-03-07T21:24:00.010Z

As promised earlier (and following some mild reflection \ toning down) where did all the Nordic Walkers come from so suddenly? And more to the point, what do some of them hope to achieve? (The clue was in the photo - walking poles and cafe seat BTW)

Saturday's duties took me into the Christchurch area. So for a change I took a walk out over Hengistbury Head, along Mudeford Sandspit, before tracing a route along the shore of Christchurch Harbour and back to the car.

Its not a long trip, less than 5 miles even taking the longer alternatives. However it manages to include a short but steep ascent & some superb coastal views.

To the east is The Needles Lighthouse drawing the eye beyond to the Isle of Wight.

And turning westwards a sweep across Bournemouth Bay. Swanage in the far distance, with the dowdy sprawl of the Poole/Bournemouth conurbation as one's gaze tracks the beach back towards your position.

Quickly turning to the north what remains of the Dorset heathland these days, along with the New Forest in the distance, is laid out before your feet. Twinkling distant in today's sunlight are the Rivers Stour & Avon, their floodplain meanderings finally joining up as they reach Christchurch, its Priory clearly silhouetted against the town.

Sounds idyllic doesn't it? A pity then the local council charge prohibitive amounts to use the car park. But despite that the area this Saturday morning was teeming with people, dogs, kids etc etc.

Well I should have known really. Its not a place to come for a quiet walk, not unless there's a gale lashing rain inland from the English Channel. Which for some reason tends to deter some people.

Not so your humble scribe. Although it has the dubious pleasure of being one of the few places where I had a (well fitted) cap ripped from my head and discarded some 50m away. Mind you it was a bit gusty that day - and I did seem to be the only one on the headland tasting salty raindrops. The rain actually wind sped spray spat up from the sea some 300m distant at the foot of the cliff 30+m below.

But that's another tale.

As usual I parked in one of the side streets to avoid the parking charge & avoid the predatory Traffic Wardens that roam the area. As I walked towards the headland track contouring the coastline the unexpected drone of bagpipes was wafted on the stiff breeze.

Well I say wafted.

Common to most bagpipe enthusiasts, interested in remaining on good terms with their neighbours, the only practice sites seem to be far out in the wilds as the skirl(?) of the pipes does have a tendency to carry some considerable distance.

Especially true today. Turning a corner the hedgerow on my right dropped away to reveal two of the buggers playing a spirited duet (whilst trying not to look as if they were up to no good in the bushes)

They needn't have worried - their playing was accomplished. Although quite what a brace of pipers were doing here on the south coast was another question entirely. Particularly when dressed in full Highland Regalia.

Nearing the Head the amount people increased - and with it an increasing number of those carrying/using walking poles. At first I thought nothing of it. That is until I noticed the strange outdoor regalia being worn. Trainers, jeans, tracksuits. It felt like a poorly funded fashion show. But the poles were clearly in pristine condition sporting brand names I'd not previously come across before.

And so it continued as I strode purposefully up to the OS trig point on the Head itself.

Onwards across the headland, wind blowing hard as usual, to eventually descend the far side, a spur of the moment decision made to head for the cafe on Mudeford Spit.

Note I've carefully not mentioned the cafe's name, or provided a link. If you're in this area use the Hungry Hiker next to the car park, which has a good reputation. Avoid the Spit's cafe unless you happen to like slow service, costly but poor quality food & the dubious distinction of queuing for a table whilst staring out over all the empty spaces!

This was the first (and last) time my business will be remitted at said establishment. A pity as its sister premises on Christchurch Quay is a long time & favourite haunt of mine, although recent visits suggest a subtle drop in ambiance & service.

Sitting in the cafe and awaiting my order, my attention was again drawn to the frequency of fellow diners with nice shiny walking poles leaning haphazardly by their tables.

It seems that Nordic Walking as a fitness regime has hit this area big time. Quite how or why this has happened remains a mystery to me.

Now please don't take my skepticism as a negative feeling. I'm all for anything that gets people outdoors and enjoying the landscape. But judging by the amount of food being consumed today's exercise benefit was for fast being negated by a mass intake of carbs, fats & sugary substances.

As I pushed away my half eaten meal (a salad - naturally) I made for the exit and a more solitary route back to avoid the excess of humanity working hard at working hard. But I couldn't help but wonder as I passed the "Noddy Train" stop, its lengthening queue of people awaiting the 5 minute ride back to the car park, just how many of the Stick Brigade would take that option for their return journey. Full bellies complaining at the thought of the reasonably short walk back.

Maybe I was right.

My route back followed the edge of the harbour. A quiet & solitary amble with not a soul met along the way until I neared the tarmac track to exit the headland. And with it the inevitable bottleneck of people, sticks & wandering dogs.

Now I remember why I avoid this area like a plague during the summer months; And most of the Winter ones as well.

A good walking route, like a good wine, is to be enjoyed & savoured for inner contentment. And regrettably the well intentioned aims to make this area into a 'Visitor Attraction' has instead created a strange sort of venue.

My tip - it can be an enjoyable walk with superb veiws. But go when the weather is foul & the Stick People are more likely to stay away.

Smoke on The Water: New Forest Style

2010-03-07T16:35:00.002Z

Looks like Spring is a-sprung as locals welcome the new tourist season with their Old Tradition of Setting Fire to the First Caravan of the New Season.

Apparently not. More like the semi-regular gorse burning to take advantage of the wet ground underfoot, before it starts to dry & harden.

At last. Its been a long Winter this year.

New Year Resolution or New Fitness Trend

2010-03-06T17:53:00.003Z

Spotted earlier today.

Well not so much spotted, more inundated with individuals flying past armed with the latest(?) training\fashion accessory.

More to follow.............

Mountain Rescue - Spare Change? (Follow-up)

2010-02-23T21:28:00.002Z

A timely follow up to my previous post on MRT costs to replace that equipment lost during their recent critical flood rescue call-out.........

"Mountain rescuers in the Lake District have been given a grant by Cumbria’s police authority to help replace equipment lost and damaged during last year’s floods. The authority’s chair Ray Cole handed over £15,000 to representatives of the Lake District Search and Mountain Rescue Association"

Once again - thanks to Grough Outdoor Magazine for publicising the news, and underlining that close relationship between the voluntary & professional rescue organisations.

Good news indeed

Press Sense-or-ship?

2010-02-10T18:51:00.007Z

The episodic Darren Effect once more comes into play

Anybody who follows the link to the BBC Scotland page on my post yesterday will find it has been mysteriously removed.

Is that a letter to my MP I feel coming on? (lol)

More seriously there's a pragmatic exchange of views bursting across the BloggoSphere today with updates from PTC & Darren along with thoughts from Chris 'Beardy Man' Townsend.

General consensus is Loch Lomand has a problem that needs to be resolved, and their approach is being handled with a degree of sensitivity & polite consideration.

Which bearing in mind the experiences of my local National Park has to be a positive move all of its own sweet self.

This is getting to be all very grown-up.

Happily - for once.

Thanks to Chris T for identifying the cause of the BBC link failure - which has been corrected. Bugger's up my Conspiracy Theory though as it was my error in the end.
(But let's not allow that teeny fact get in the way of a good story!)

Scottish Wildcamping & the Pressgang(ed)

2010-02-08T19:00:00.002Z

Today's mutterings come to you courtesy of the letters L, P & W.

L - as in Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park current garnishing opinion as to their proposal to put in place byelaws that would ban informal camping contrary to Scotland's Right To Roam enshrined under their own recent statute.

P - as in Petesy (aka PTC) the first Blog article across which I stumbled across earlier this evening.

Happily - I know not how- someone else has recognised Petesy's credentials and invited him to contribute to Tuesday's BBC Good Morning Scotland program.

Well ok, it may only be radio, but on top of his past pieces for Trail Magazine (back when they paid contributors), surely that means a move onto the Celebs F list?

That's still a couple of legs higher than Katie Price IMHO.

Eeerr ...that didn't come out quite as I intended it to.

Oh well.......and finally ..............

W - as in ~~Weird Darren~~ - Oops make that Whitespider1066.

Stalwart of the Legalise Wildcamping Campaign Darren wandered into the 2009 Backpacker's Club AGM. May be his attention was still a-wandering. For by the time he left the meeting he'd become the BPC's latest Club Secretary.

(Now there's a sneaky move - looking for committee nominations at the end of a long meeting when the audience's defences are down)

Since then Darren's been doing a steady job representing the BPC.

Which is why his is the second Blog article concerning Loch Lomand plans that I bring to your attention this evening.

And nothing to do with the fact that the BBC (THE BBC for Chrisssakes!) quote him by name.

And even provide a hot link through to his Blog. (Now which Celeb list does that qualify him for I wonder?)

Nice one gents - you even scooped my usual Outdoor News Ticker Tape.

Mountain Rescue - Spare Change?

2010-01-31T20:30:00.001Z

Regular readers will be aware of my regular promotion of the UK's Mountain Rescue services. In particular I joined the MRT national support group Basecamp at the Outdoor Show last year. One of the fringe benefits, besides financial support for MRT, is that I receive Mountain Rescue Magazine each month.

I'll be frank - with it's targeted audience of MRT members much of the content goes straight over my head. However I can usually find something to saviour beyond the hard core technical items & intra team news.

This month there's in depth (no pun intended!) coverage from some of those involved in the Cockermouth flood rescues last November.

Local MRT teams were very actively involved over a ten day period - and all of it voluntary. Despite the teams forming an integral part of the offical joint emergency services response, many had to take took leave of absence from their day jobs and businesses to provide their time & expertise. And lets not forget prolonged absences from their families, with their own worries about the dangers involved.

Mountain rescue is one thing. Flood rescue whilst chest deep in rising water, urban & country debris included, is something else entirely.

I've picked out two items which never made the national news, but illustrate the contrasting challenges which MRT have to deal with, both during the emergency & afterwards.

"The only downside ….. a spurious call from a journalist who said she'd heard a report of someone injured on Skiddaw. The Keswick (MRT) team were suspicious from the start but that didn’t stop them deploying thirty people to the hill before the woman admitted she was just testing the system to see if mountain rescue could still respond to the mountains despite their commitment to the floods. I understand she has now been charged with wasting the time of an emergency service, something which carries a tougher penalty than wasting police time"
(Andy Simpson/Mountain Rescue Magazine Jan 2010)

"…the teams are now calculating the cost in terms of damaged or lost equipment…...at least two recently purchased Land Rovers suffered significant flood damage whilst carrying out rescue work in the Cockermouth & Ambleside floods"

'Nuff said I think.

If you want to contribute towards MRT you can do so by GIVING via their web site or via Basecamp Facebook.

And if you want to keep up to date there's always MRT Basecamp's page on Facebook.

A Once in a Lifetime Event

2010-01-30T21:00:00.005Z

The seed had fallen to the ground some twenty years before, one small hope amongst several thousand siblings. They succumbed to drought, starvation or local predators.

But not this one.

Feet dug ever deeper into the soil beneath. Grey trunk body thickened year by year whilst branching arms stretched newly bursting bud tips ever higher towards the sky with the start of each Spring.

Oh yes it was hard work.

Older & stronger trees had claimed this ground scores of years before when the seedling's parent was little more than the same hopeful shoot hidden deep in the undergrowth.

But the niche the seedling had carved out for itself was a careful one. Balancing nutrient from the earth around about, while threading its head upwards in a continual challenge to touch the sun despite the growing shade crown of mightier neighbours.

And even whilst competing for that light our tree & its neighbours talked together, as trees so often do. If only one stops to listen.

On calm sunny days little was said. The sun's life force beaming down made all else secondary.

But bare branched, during winter gales, the trees swayed and rocked as one. Chattering to each other as they told tales of mighty storms now long past. The movement of their branches exciting a temporary camaraderie.

Today that feeling was a distant memory. Maybe something that would not occur again.

For something was not right.

An orange spot, a splash of paint, had appeared on the tree's trunk. One chosen alongside others across the area. The mark of Cain? Or a sign of promising things ahead?

No matter - what will be will be. The tree waited. For it lived patience.

A lone walker, black and white dog at heel, appeared at the crest of the rise moving steadily down the track alongside the tree's domain.

And then it happened.

It arrived with that wisdom of inevitability. A product of hindsight's clear path to the moment when a world changes.

The tree felt its solid grasp on the earth's surface slip. Slowly it started to topple. Its airy head moving towards the ground far below.

The walker looked up at the sudden noise of something heavy tearing through woodland. Looking groundwards he expect to see a regular movement of deer. Or perhaps a few bulky New Forest cattle crashing through the dead bracken.

Instead a blur of green swaying leaves moving above his eye line grabbed at his attention.

He concentrated on the sight until the fall was complete.

The tree, after one storm too many & the increasing weight of rampant ivy around its trunk, had accepted the inevitability of physical laws and toppled to the ground.

Not with a crash. More a gentle murmur of rustling foliage, before a final dullen flat thud. The shared noise that comes with any large & very heavy object returning to earth.

For a few moments the walker continue to stare, taken aback by the event's suddenness.

And then, leaving the path, he walked over to the tree. Leaves once again still after a final airy flight. Roots snapped clean. The ground from whence they had been torn already resettling. This disturbance, obvious now, to quickly disappear with a few weeks of rain & frost.

One uniquely precise & fleeting moment. An infinitesimal hap chance amongst endless trillions of complex life force interactions across the Earth. And of all space and time.

I went for a walk in the New Forest today.

By chance I saw a tree fall to the ground.

No-one else was around.

And yes, it made a sound......or rather two.

One while it fell.

And a second that still rings deep inside me at the incredible odds of seeing it happen.

Taking the air & looking ahead

2010-01-17T18:45:00.002Z

It was the persistent drip hanging from the end of my nose that settled the argument.

Or rather it's lack.

During last Saturday's walk amongst snow littered surroundings on ice hardened ground the bitterly cold air drawn into my body resulted in a slightly runny nose. And, it seemed, my own personal icicle.

This Saturday, with rising temperature but a steady & persistent rain - again that unseemly drip. This time the cause being of a more external nature as a rain spattered face and the laws of gravity meant each downward glance was rewarded with a trickle of rainwater cascading off my nasal prominence.

At least it was warmer this time!

But today - nothing.

Glorious sunshine. Temperature surely into double figures. The New Forest ground less muddier than expected, save for those places where horse riders, off their usual routes these last few weeks, had typically chewed up the surface into boggy mush.

A few months ago today's temperature would have had me layered up & chin hunkered down deep into my neck scarf to avoid the chill. But after the last few weeks of sub zero offerings this weather is positively balmy.

Which all goes to show the adaptability of the human body. Or perhaps the influence of the human brain as it comes to terms with the physical surroundings, and decides a positive spin is in order.

Spring is on the way. Always a dangerous announcement to make with the delinquent offspring of February & March yet to strike, But with each day's period of light becoming steadily longer, Nature is already gearing up for its annual renewal.

New Forest ponies are dropping the occasional early foal. The garden Robin has become increasingly territorial in preparation for courtship & nest construction.

And for myself?

I'm already considering my first backpacking week somewhere suitably remote & wild. A trip that is long overdue, and well deserved. A promise to rebalance the treadmill that I call My Life. But which at times feels more like the antics of a anarchic puppet, with others tugging on each string.

Roll on the better weather.

Whitten Pond - Ice Bound

2010-01-10T16:55:00.009Z

A few snaps from this afternoon's wander near Burley in the New Forest.

The camera flash creating a strangely moody image at my regular crossing point on this pond outlet stream. A place where I've occasionally spotted a swimming snake - but certainly not today.

The beam traverse may be short but it requires a steady nerve & careful balance to avoid the potential early dip. Not that that has happened to me. Yet.

But today it is an easier passage with careful short sliding steps across the surface of thick ice.

A few steps further on lies Whitten Pond, a large pool of water easily visible from the Burley/Bransgore road.

I remain wary of the variable nature of the icy conditions underfoot. So those who decided a trip out onto the ice, and so far from shore, were foolhardy to say the least.

In places the steeping ground requires careful attention to avoid a loss of footing. Necessary caution.

Occasionally the path route leads across a flat areas of snowy ground. Too flat to be solid ground I belatedly realise with ominous sounds of cracking ice underfoot. A reminder of the vast quantity of stored water potential awaiting the inevitable thaw before returning the New Forest tracks back to muddy quagmire for the winter months ahead.

Dark was falling as I finally returned to the car park, today's walking pace reduced by the need for wariness.

As I carefully maneuvered the car towards the icy incline at the car park exit other vehicles were still arriving to start their own excursions out into the dark and mildly treacherous conditions.

Well at least the cold will keep any victim suitably embalmed for easy body ID.

Seize the day - looking with different sight

2010-01-08T22:02:00.010Z

Don't know if you spotted it, but we've had a bit of snow recently.

Hereabouts its nothing like the heaps of stuff that the rest of the country continue to suffer. But in East Dorset, and near to the coast, the local micro climate isn't conducive to the white stuff appearing. And when it does it tends not to hang around for very long.

Even rarer is this continual period of low temperature. Something that has been with us for so long that popping outdoors in -2C feels positively balmy at present.

Today's free day (hurrah-finally a day's holiday) is to be spent exploring a local spot near Ringwood, just off side from the the Avon Valley Footpath. An area of open common land, forest, and water pools.

Its not a very long circular wander. However it does have the benefit of being rarely visited both due to the location & the fact that its a path that doesn't actually go anywhere, except back to its starting point.

But a deliberate choice on my part. Large areas of snow covered ground, and no car tracks or human footprints to disturb the flat white surface. A rare opportunity to investigate the various and bountiful animal tracks that today are hard frozen into the snow, recording tales of recent animal activity.

I'd never realised that rabbits keep to such regular routes, even when crossing open land. But the little pounded pathways formed by their many distinctive prints tell their own tale.

I see a few deer tracks in an area where I've never spotted them before. Something to look out for more carefully now I know they are present.

Near the frozen lake a slow brown buzzard barely bothers to move off beyond my eye line. Keeping to the low branches to search avidly today for something, anything, to make a meal.

However the little egret, stark white against the backdrop of long dead reeds, remains wary. The short area of open water, but a minuscule portion of the thickly iced lake, makes for a lacklustre fishing ground.

Another predator likely to find failure as the aquatic world remains in safe hibernation. A natural reaction to the plunging temperature.

A walk with a rare difference.

An unique opportunity to catch a glimpse into the local routines of Nature.

New Year. New Forest. Old Haunts.

2010-01-02T20:15:00.000Z

The local cold snap continues unabated. With local low lying areas exhibiting their seasonal floods the persistence of hard & frozen ground is at present an useful advantage. Boggy and potentially treacherous areas have for a brief time become firm routes of iron surfaced mud and thick ice.

Well mostly. As I found out today - the sun may be far away, and brief in daytime appearance - but it still has the power to weaken icy surfaces. So crossing some of the flooded paths turned at times into an adventure of ice skating & river crossing, all within a few footsteps.

Strange to think I had sat on this bridge a few months earlier, munching sandwiches and watching a small New Forest stream trickle down below, firmly in its watercourse.

Signs also of the recent gales. Not yet up to the full strength of the Feb/March winds that will blow hard and long straight across from the nearby coast. But already impressive enough to knock about some less secure victims.

I like this hidden spot.

In fact I once bivvied the night here. Intending to sojourn with nature & pass a night with the deer herd that I can guarantee to find whatever the time of year & wandering tourists. Instead I discovered what horses can get up to during the dark hours
(The curious amongst you should follow the link)

But that's the joy of the British seasonal variation.

Familiar land & bye ways transform as vegetation growth rises & then falls, whilst the ground underfoot changes in response to the influence of sun, water & wind.

The deer didn't disappoint. Three heads bobbing up at a distance. Eyesight poor, but noses as keen as ever. The cold weather and low vegetation at this time of year making them less reluctant to flee with their usual alacrity.
(Spotted them yet?)

A pleasant way to pass a couple of hours on a sunny day. Five miles of crunching underfoot, with only the occasional crack/splash along the way as my usually accurate footfall adjustments were mislead by nature's cheeky jests.

My audio accompaniment today - a documentary about Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. World famous for his literary colossus Sherlock Holmes. But slightly less familiar as the man who introduced skiing to Switzerland, Portsmouth FC player (pre pro days), regular MCC team turnout & the catalyst behind the creation of the Court of Criminal Appeal.

Wonder if he had managed all this if he'd had TV in his day?

New Year/Old Year; And the difference is?

2010-01-02T19:00:00.000Z

Its a usual traditional at this reflective time of year to cast an eye backwards over the previous twelve months and review past events. But sat here in the first days of a new year (and, I note casually, my sixth decade) I feel so disinclined to look back.

For a year that started so positively with two early wildcamping trips, it swiftly degenerated into a quagmire of home/work matters that meant making some hard personal choices. And whilst the urge to get out onto the hills has been steadily building deep inside, those around me required a higher placing on my list of life's priorities.

Ho hum. That's the way it goes sometimes.

The personal selfishness that urges me to go alone, and for days at a time, into wild and lonely places, is a hungry animal.

But one to be carefully nourished.

Too much gratification and my pleasure can dwindle. Too starved and the beast inside rears up to snap at passing strangers. Or sometimes pines in a self destructive manner.

So farewell 2009.

2010.

Here we go - time for another try. Once again.

Boxing Day Snaps

2009-12-26T20:11:00.000Z

It's quiet.

Its rain sodden & very muddy

But at least its finally warmed up

But judging by the thick clumps of red berries high on the holly tree - the real winter cold has yet to arrive.

And the catkins seem to agree, already a couple of weeks behind their usual growth.

Hiccy Happy Hiccy Hicmas

2009-12-25T00:01:00.000Z

Wonder if I managed to be the first to wish you well

Eat lots.

Drink enough.

Make Merry.

And then get outside and walk it off .............whatever the weather

Christmas WanderLand

2009-12-20T19:56:00.006Z

I love this time of year in the run up to Christmas.

No, not the stupidity of office parties, excessive drinking, & stop-until-you-drop-shopping.

For me it's the peace and quiet that can be found for these few special days when walking local paths.

For the moment the semi occasional visitors now have other places to be. Which is fine by me as it means my weekend wanderings in the New Forest are of a solitary nature, save for an occasional habitual dog walker, similarly benefiting from a lack of human activity.

Despite the car thermometer showing 3 degrees, in the forest puddles are frozen with thick ice, and the ground underfoot is hard & still frozen. Boggy areas, usually a hop skip & splash traverse, today are easily crossed, ice crunching underfoot as I take the straight line ahead.

Sun shine, although weak, is appreciated for the extra warmth offered as I move out from under the shade of the trees. On impulse I decide to extend my route onto Holmsley Tearooms. Usually a hive of activity, especially with the day tripping fraternity, today it is peaceful.

Dog and myself have the garden area to ourselves as we await our lunchtime repast.

We return along the old railway track, preparing to dive back down into deep woodland. Unexpectedly the mix of solitude, sun, and a clear path leading off into the distance unexpectedly brings one of those rare moments of Bliss.
That feeling of oneness with my surroundings; Open to the forces of nature all around me.

Its something I find quite regularly in the hills, especially after a couple of days wildcamping.
But to stumble across it today, on a short and familiar route, is a welcome surprise. And a reminder why I continue to seek the outdoor world, and saviour its offerings.

Christmas - well I can take or leave it personally.

But the rare joy that comes from visiting familiar areas, but finding unexpected joy, is my own gift to myself this Xmas time.

And to share with you, if you only care to go out there and look for yourself.

Oh - and as you can see the new mobile telephone has a much better camera with which to try & capture moments along the way.

Hot & Bothered about Global Warming?

2009-12-06T08:00:00.001Z

[WARNING: RANT MODE ON]

Demonstrations on London streets. Nepalese Cabinet meeting on Everest. Global leaders get together for Copenhagen Summit

Spotted the common link yet?

Yep - Global Warming is back on The Agenda.

Again.

Not that it really went away for some. But in the run up to the little get together of powerful people (on expenses) in Copenhagen, a wide variety of PR machines are ramping up to full power to Get Their Voice Heard.

And what voices.

" Together we DEMAND practical action by the UK to prevent global warming rising beyond the 2 degrees C danger threshold"
Stop Climate Chaos Coalition

"..we'll converge with thousands of others from around the world in Copenhagen to RECLAIM power and build a movement for climate JUSTICE"
Camp For Climate Action

My what a truly tolerant bunch. And making use of hard won democratic freedoms to make such autocratic demands.

Now I probably know as much (as little?) as the next person on this particular subject. Or as much as I want to be spoon fed. But it still doesn’t stop the various media outlets force feeding me a continual deluge of conflicting opinions, and occasional fact, in a determined effort to Keep Me Informed
(Whatever happened to News - ah carefree days before Opinion turned up)

So why do I feel that I know less today than ever before? And more frankly - care even less than in the past. Especially as my personal lifestyle interactions (so experts lecture at me) will affect Global Meltdown Really Quite Soon?

Some basic facts:
1. Whatever the climate change I won’t be around to see the result. Most likely neither will my kids. Beyond that time frame, I don't really lie awake worrying to be honest.

Selfish? Nope. Just less relevant than the more immediate pressures of day to day living & making sure the kids grow to adulthood as Good People rather than Bad People.

2. Will the seas boil? Or will the rivers freeze?

No-one seems to agree, apart from a media consensus that Its All Really Quite Terrible. And occasionally someone points out that the Earth's climate has always warmed-up & cooled-down over the millennia. So exactly why is the current situation so different, aside from the guesses at timing?

How do we really know that this wasn't the case in the past? (and just how was temperature & timeline recorded so accurately 20,000 years ago anyway?)

3. Its all my fault

I try to live in a general and considerate harmony with my surroundings (most outdoor enthusiasts tend to) But as one person amongst millions living across many First World Industrialised Nations, where Wealth & Power rules alongside Industrial Processes, well what difference do I really make?

OK. I've heard the argument that it all has to start somewhere; First step of a long journey ….etc.

But frankly…..can I really be arsed whilst I watch the majority of those around me, especially in the pre Xmas consumer insanity, happily drive their personal (eco friendly?) car betwixt a variety of retail outlets. Their insatiable urge to acquire goods that aren't really required, in a never ending and pointless paradox of expanding capitalism.

Consume or Die indeed.

And come the evening. It's time to settle down in the centrally heated hothouse called Home, before the 42" Plasma HD TV, to watch a parade of meaningless drivel (Celebrity Come Dancing Reality X Stars) and maybe order a home delivery of rubber tasting fast food, using one of the several mobile phones owned (and soon to be discarded) over the last couple of years. All without moving from the chair, so saving energy. And all at no socio-economic cost of course.

Do such people care about Global Warming?

Whilst many may earnestly declare they do, it seems to me that very few actually really give a damn when it comes down to downgrading their lifestyle. Drastically. And that is what is required.

Meanwhile any democratic elected Government that attempts to enforce such change would last only a short while before the Simpering Opposition Alternative promises to restore loss of privileges. Plus a bit more.

Ce la vie.

So how many of the "thousands of others from around the world" will be walking or cycling to Copenhagen?

And how many will fly or drive?

Point made?

I've a simpler solution to the perils of Global Warming:
1. Reduce the world's population by at least 40%.

2. Enforce a steep drop in daily living standards firstly amongst the industrialised populations, then the wannabes

3. Ban travel by any means other than self propulsion.

But whatever you happen to decide - just please stop bothering me!

I know why I live the lifestyle in the way that I do. And I believe I'm not so hypocritical as to Demand, Force, or Reclaim anything from anyone, especially where such Demands are so bloody unrealistic as to be pointless. Except for the TV cameras and club-joiners.

So please - sod off and leave me alone Eco-Warrior & Catastrophe Expert.

At least until Copenhagen is over & the media dust once again settles gently back onto tarmac covered ground. And the majority of humankind goes back to its basic nature of Sod tomorrow - what about today?

[WARNING: RANT MODE OFF]

[Apologies to any Hippies that may have tripped across this brief jotting.

Yes I know that you really care; And yes I know that I'm an ignorant, selfish & uncaring bastard with no regard for generations as yet unborn.

But I'm not just one voice. Merely an extremely small cog in a huge and bloody movement called human history. With a tale to tell - The Masses always win, even if some do happen to die along the way]

BBC Glossary: What's it all about?

TGO Website - New. Improved. 20% Free.

2009-12-05T18:05:00.003Z

Don't know if anyone followed the TGO Magazine link on that last posting - but it looks like they've had the decorators in.

A revamped layout and even a RSS feed for lazy sods like me that have largely given up on scurrying around each individual website in which I have an interest.

Then again - perhaps it was just me missing the Makeover Announcement?

Very pretty Cameron.

And a step in the right direction.

Unlike the last Trail Magazine revamp which still feels like it was done by the local school as a community project.

Shudder.

(Edit: the TGO site is marked Beta. Some of the links remain to be sorted & the forum is unavailable - but it seems to have gone live late on Friday; Interesting selection of videos there already!)

Lake District Weatherline - New telephone number

2009-12-05T17:21:00.006Z

I've one telephone number stored away on my mobile phone that whilst infrequently used, will never be deleted. When wildcamping high on Lakeland fells part of my evening routine is to call, phone signal permitting, The Lake District Weatherline service.

Over the years I've found the forecasts to be accurate, detailed & (for a solo hillwalker), key when pondering the next day's route.

To go high…..or low?

An important question for a walker travelling with no schedule to keep, other than to see what's beyond the next range of felltops.

But no matter what my intent, realism dictates that I should bend with the weather's vagaries, especially where extreme conditions are forecast.
(Wildcamping - ah so pretty)
Even in less inclement weather the choice between a high ridge walk in dense rain cloud, or a valley meander accompanied by patchy showers, can be the difference between a hard day with little enjoyment or an pleasant day of exploration.
(Wildcamping - ugh not so pretty)
That's even more relevant when high wind speeds are the alternative between safe passage low down or the increased risk of being knocked off my feet when ridging along exposed tops.

So thanks to the latest TGO Magazine for alerting me to the fact that the telephone no. for The Lake District Weatherline has recently changed to 0844 846 2444.

(Being curious, I tried the old number earlier today, only to be met with a recorded message giving a company's name and address details. But not a lot of guidance as to whether it will rain in Keswick tomorrow)

And whilst on the subject of Lakeland weather - fancy a job as a Fell Top Assessor?

"….report on the fell conditions from the summit area of Helvellyn from December through to April. Working seven days on and seven days off, including weekends and bank holidays, you will need to be able to climb from Glenridding to the summit of Helvellyn and back in four hours"

Well that’s probably me out of the running.

Then again the daily commute from the south coast might just get me down in the end.

Wonder whether any of the Assessors have ever thought about just wildcamping for their week in a nearby sheltered spot?

Now there's an idea.

And to get paid for it as well.

Hmmmm

Pen-y-Pass Cafe closure

2009-11-26T21:23:00.003Z

Planning to drop into the Peny Y Pass cafe as part of a forthcoming trip to Snowdonia?

Well don't. It has been shut for refurb & a new tenant.

Coming hot on the heels of that monstrosity on top of Yr Wyddfa closing its doors for the winter that hopefully will result in more route planning to include Pete's Eats in Llanberis.

That's assuming recent reports of financial trouble haven't hit that well liked establishment as well.

Sarnies anyone?

Flooding - bring it home

2009-11-22T20:11:00.005Z

Like you I've heard & seen the news reports about the Cockermouth floods. Whilst there is considerable disruption & damage, there is a niggling temptation to wonder if the press reports have concentrated on the more extreme, TV friendly, areas.

Over on the Mad About Mountains are a range of snaps covering Keswick town centre. And for those that have spent long hours waiting outside Booth's Supermarket for a bus/coach link, or stayed at the YHA - the pictures tell the story with far more personal impact.

A range of scenes from today around Keswick, and yesterday from Latrigg.

Bad. But bearing in mind how things looked like when it was really raining, the situation could have turned out much worse.

A big well done to all the rescue services concerned.

But lets not forget efforts of the MRT whose Basecamp supporter's site updates on Facebook illustrate the long and arduous activity the teams of volunteers, pulled in from many areas, have been involved with over the last few days.

Time for a donation. Or better still join Basecamp?

UK Walking - Take a new look at youself?

2009-11-22T08:30:00.001Z

So. Back in front of this fag ash littered keyboard. Once more banging down on random keys with a vague hope that something literate, informative, perhaps even entertaining, pops up on your screen to brighten up your day.

Well somebody out there may benefit from my increasingly occasional wittering.

There's not a lot to report from the Great Outdoors at present. Well not as far as this Blogger is concerned.

A recent job role change means I now see far more of the UK during the hours of daylight. Which for one such as myself who hates Autumn's shortening days - well it must be a bonus.

On the down side, any sights I do see are part of a rush from one area of the UK to another. 60-70 hours weeks. Long & frequent hands-free telephone conversations whilst driving. A continual juggling of people, places, and e-mail catch-up 7 days a week. The result? An inevitable disinclination to spend any of my brief free time sat in front of a computer.

I'd hoped the thinking time during long drives would prove productive with article ideas & reflections.

In fact my day to day existence has become such a pressure pot that the 'me' space, source of my creative side, has quietly slipped into dormancy. A reaction to a semi-exhausted body, and a mind full of business matters and related chaff.

A certain lifestyle madness has now slipped into the driving seat. Temporarily.

But I can see the little bugger smirking back at me. And I do know its game, from past encounters.

I have ways to overcome & defeat it, given time.

But for the present I let it steer, awaiting that moment when my internal energies get to grips with the situation and come out kicking and spitting. To strike the interloper in the goolies, and send it packing, bent double and moaning loudly in defeat.

Its not all doom & gloom.

Over the years I've learnt to take the knocks of hard times by keeping an eye out for small benefits along the way.

A short chat about the Wicklow Mountains area with someone who lives on the edge of the National Park, provides personal insight about the Wicklow Way. Later a few minutes of flight wait time at Dublin Airport is used to confirm a direct coach connection from the airport - a trip of around an hour.

With potential for free air travel to Ireland, Powerscourt Waterfall looks a tempting visit.

At another location, the tedium of a long and complex business meeting is lightened by the view of sunset crossing the Cleeve Hill range, an area previously unknown to me. That evening a few minutes on the Internet reveal possibilities for evening sorties in the new year, once the days draw out once again. Once more, any travel costs courtesy of my gadabout wanderings.

Local knowledge, easily provided, is always a useful guide. Even if the people supplying it seem to take their area for granted.

And don’t we all?

With the sea a couple of miles away, a choice of river systems, and the New Forest ten minutes drive, I've been guilty of taking the same approach at times.

I know why that state has come about. But perhaps the saying "Travel broadens the mind" has some unusual spin-offs on this occasion?

True my seemingly constant journeying is reinforcing my long held belief that there is so very much to do outdoors in the UK. Mostly with easy access.

So maybe its time I took a new look at my own back yard once more?

But enough for now. This pesky note, originally a short courtesy jotting on my recent lack of Blogging activity, seems to have once again spawned a life of its own in trying to run off to play with thoughts and words, as the story unrolls.

Time to switch off the monitor; Power down the pc; And pick up a good book to escape into far from electronic temptation, and tired cliché ridden entertainment.

Freaky Friday

2009-11-20T07:30:00.000Z

Nothing to do with walking, but lots to do with how we perceive the world around us.

Watch this clip, concentrating on the GREEN dot in the middle

Motion Induced Blindness - More amazing videos are a click away

Now replay it watching the YELLOW dots.

Weird!

Explanation here and thanks to the Derren Brown Blog for spotting (ahem) it
Explanation here

Blow you Bugger Blow

2009-11-14T20:00:00.002Z

Early breakfast at Avon Beach, Mudeford.

The short walk from the clifftop parking spot down to the café is accompanied by a steadily hazing of vision as my spectacles slowly coat with a mixture of sea spray, salt and sand. All whipping onto the land as the wind leaves off pushing surf up onto the shoreline, and turns to other games to play instead.

A group of Oyster catchers, seemingly oblivious to the elemental force, busily bob along the tidal sand, looking for their breakfast. At times one takes to the air, making only a short distance, before quickly returning to earth. The desire for flight lessened today by the effort required to maintain it.

Warm inside the café we watch as the birds continue their hunt for tide borne bonanza. The fry up arrives.

Dog and myself for once alone at this usually busy spot. We wander along the ridge that of St Catherine's Hill, Christchurch.

As we pass by the twin mobile telephone masts the steady thrum of a plane is heard as it passes overhead. I pause to watch the sway of the thinner tower, rock embedded at the foot, but the upper section flexing as it bends so easily to wind whim.

The plane continues to fly overhead. What still?

I realise it’s the sound of the wind resonating the mast struts of the towers, with an irregular drumming as gusts bounce off some of the bulbous equipment bolted high above.

A personal orchestral offering - courtesy of Mother Nature and BT.

I love the change of perspective that the natural world can bring out in the everyday world.

Mountain Rescue Services - Call-outs on the rise in 2009?

2009-11-09T20:07:00.001Z

October's Mountain Rescue magazine dropped onto the doormat a few weeks ago, but it was only the past few days that I found time to sit down and peruse it at leisure.

As a member of Basecamp, the MRT Support Club for England & Wales, this comes as part of the membership package and is always an interesting read. Content is geared (naturally) towards MRT personnel, but there is usually a couple of items that catch my interest as a non-MRT reader (See July's piece concerning mobile telephone access to emergency services)

The latest issue was no exception with a report that Keswick MRT calls hit 100 in late August, an increase of 77% compared to 2008, and a 66% increase in alerts. North Wales also experienced a 20% rise over 2008 figures.

Whilst exceptional, this is not necessarily the pattern across all MR Teams.

But given a 14% increase in the number of individual team involvement call-outs across the Lake District area as a whole, prior to the August Bank Holiday, its clear that the demand on some MRTs is in danger of becoming untenable. Particularly for the many volunteers who freely give of their time, and live with the disruption to their personal & work life.

Basecamp proffers one solution, suggesting increasing awareness amongst groups on mountain activities.

I've a few more radical ideas concerning individual responsibility, self-assist, common sense, and unnatural hiding places for improperly used mobile phones.

But perhaps its better I resist the temptation to go into detail.

Well for the present, at least.

TGO 2010 - The Big Day?

2009-11-03T22:26:00.004Z

Blimey - I've been away from an Internet connection for only a couple of days & then I come back to a deluge from the outdoor sites buzzing with details of those who made the draw for next year's TGO Challenge.

And those that didn't.

Regular readers may perhaps have spotted that in general I'm not particularly renown for moving with the crowd.

But rather than be left out perhaps I'd better say, just for the record ..... I also did not make the cut for TGO 2010.

Think my chances would have improved if I'd filled out and posted the entry form?

Come on folks - where's the can-do independent spirit of the wildcamper gone these days?

Sort yourselves out now
;-)

Wet Weather Wonder

2009-11-01T16:06:00.007Z

For once last night's weather forecast was correct. Hardly difficult when it looked like the whole of the UK would be covered by one rather large raincloud.

So naturally time to head for one of my local secret spots - a New Forest waterfall near Burbush car park.

As this only appears for a very short time with heavy rainfall its not a spot likely to become over populated with hordes of tourists, especially during the summer holiday months.

Hence the reason I can let you in on this particular secret.

The pool, usually a dry shale track, once more acting unwittingly as an outflow water course, before heading off westwards down along the old railway track.

On this occasion I clambered up to the top of the waterfall, to confirm the source of the water.

Heavy rainfall on the heathland above used to drain away naturally. But a heathland fire a couple of years ago somehow compacted the ground with the result that the small tracks are now channels for the excess water, leading to form deep pools at the edge of the heath. Which inevitably tips over the heathland edge and down onto the track below.

Once again I realise that I should get a a better camera phone for these sort of on the spot snaps.

Outdoor Shopping - Trade Up or Down?

2009-10-27T17:00:00.000Z

Up according the manager of this Oswald Bailey's shop - "We couldn't get enough tents in over the summer"

Perhaps not so great, if you followed the reports of Black's branch reduction last month - "The Group has experienced a difficult year in a particularly challenging trading environment.........the financial year saw our core Outdoor division maintain a sound performance in a tough retail market, reporting a small reduction in operating profit compared to the previous year"
(Although that was taken from a statement back in May before the main 2009 trading season got underway)

Anecdotal feedback from those I've spoken to in the trade seem happy, but there is often a tendency to talk-up trading conditions, rather than unsettle potential customers.

Well the trading report season is drawing near - let's see what the real position has been for Outdoor Retailing in Summer 2009.

Something Old, Something New; Outdoor Gear ideas

2009-10-26T08:00:00.001Z

It seems there is always some new gear trend or other doing the rounds of the Outdoor community.

During the last couple of years one concept with increased publicity has been around the idea of a portable alcohol/meth burner.

Ever wondered just how long has this idea been around - a couple of years? Or perhaps an improvement on something from the 1990s?

Then take a look at this patent drawing from 1859.

Seem familiar?

So lets come up to date with this 2007 idea

For those of you who want to dig around in this area the list of historic burner patents should keep you quiet for a few hours (or days if Whitespider's Darren is reading this!)

But maybe burners aren't your thing - how about backpacks instead?

Even limiting a search to the last five years still turns up 51 offerings including a certain Mr Gregory's patent for "Backpack having distributed-load shoulder strap system" & North Face's "Backpack suspension system".

My point, aside from providing an interesting diversion for a few hours, is the wealth of new ideas or adaption of old principles, that are now readily available to consider for yourself.

We may not all have the drive of Colin Ibbotson when it comes to innovation in customising kit. But as a spur to understand the thoughts and ideas of others, and maybe spark some ideas of your own, the Free Patents Online site looks to have some interesting potential.

Hmm. I wonder if anyone has taken out a Patent on it yet?

Mapping Software

2009-10-25T19:12:00.003Z

Has anyone tried out the new GroughRoute Mapping software yet?

I've tried Anquet & the like but been deterred by the cost, amongst other things.

Options vary from Free (limited use - no map print) through to unlimited use for £57 pa, with maps at 1:25,000 & 1:50,000 scale.

I'd be interested in any feedback from you if you're trying it out.

OMM 2009 - All done

2009-10-25T18:17:00.003Z

Well done to (Podcast) Bob & Rose finishing a commendable 161st in the OMM 2009 Shortscore Event. (No idea how high up they finished in the Veteran category - results have not yet been published)

There's even four Podcasts to listen to (Perhaps Bob is on someone else's Podcast - whatever next!)

This year the satellite comms has stunned the organisers with their ability to contact & e-mail very remote locations. And the event webcam was near TV quality, as shown by the 42" TV used at the entrants area to show what was going on.

Oh.
And nothing untoward happened.

Except the event being enjoyed by those involved.

A Room With A View

2009-10-25T08:36:00.009Z

Ever fancied a small piece of remote land, all your very own?

That special piece of green space, somewhere off the beaten track.

So how about a disused reservoir (wonder if its subject to flooding?)

Bradleys and Webbers will shortly be auctioning off a number of "highly interesting and attractive lots" in Devon & Cornwall, currently owned by South West Water.

The auction is on the 18th and 23rd November and besides the normal Cottage/disused buildings in out of the way locations there are some interesting possibilities

How about Lot 15, Northmoor Reservoir?

"613 sqm approx. Northmoor Reservoir is situated on the outskirts of Moretonhampstead and within the boundaries of the Dartmoor National Park. The site is accessed via a public footpath and .......accommodates a four walled stone built structure which currently is somewhat overgrown" Guide £5-10k

Or perhaps Lot 18, Loddiswell Service Reservoir?

"Small redundant reservoir .... on the outskirts of the village.........there are fields behind and the site afford countryside views" Guide £10k

Then, for the more aspirational there Lot 21, King George Fifth Reservoir (a postal address with real one-upmanship potential)

"0.77 acres approx. A redundant water storage reservoir within a large site with delightful views over Totnes and countryside........the site can only be accessed by foot or 4x4 vehicle over a public maintained trackway" Guide £20k

With auction guide prices starting at £5,000 it sounds a realistic way to acquire a piece of wildcamping/chill-out land.

So, a little something perhaps to brighten up your Sunday. And perhaps for one of you reading this a chance to turn a dream into reality (for which my finder's fee is an invitation to visit and stay a night)

Go on. Dream a little harder today.

Full details of all lots

Brochure with site location & further details is available here

(All lot descriptions & pictures copyright Bradleys Autions)

OMM 2009 - Brollies at the ready

2009-10-23T23:02:00.004+01:00

Try to cast your mind back one year

Yes really. That far back.

Do you remember the media frenzy surrounding the 2008 Original Mountain Marathon cancellation?

Well the OMM 2009 event kicks off tomorrow.

The on-line forecast for Builth Wells looks reasonable (well for the Welsh hills at least)

So why did this evening's TV Weather forecast suggest nothing but wall to wall rain cloud covering the UK from early Saturday morning?

Run away & hide!

Worm on tongue; Breath suitably baited;

The cynical await this year's press coverage.

New Forest National Park - Revised plan (update)

2009-10-22T22:30:00.003+01:00

A quick follow up to yesterday's NFNPA piece.

Here's the first responses from the Forest Uprising Group (Thread:New Forest National Park Management Plan - New Draft) & One Voice.

New Forest National Park - Revised plan

2009-10-21T18:45:00.001+01:00

For those who have been following this site's observations with the birth pangs of the NFNP Authority there comes hot news - the NFNPA draft Management Plan will be available for public review from Thursday 22nd Oct.

Public responses has a bare three weeks to provide feedback on the revised document (i.e. comments back by 12 November)

Let's see what is on offering this time around.

(Edit: Wed 18:50 - the document appears to be available already - find it here)