Monday, December 31
Heart Felt New Year Wishes
No 'Happy New Year' yells belting out from here I'm afraid.
Personally the calendar flip to a new century's digit seems of such an arbitrary value. And as a survivor of far too many New Year's Eve celebrations, anticipating party to excess, but later looking back with a bemused bewilderment at pre-hope versus the actual event I'm left wondering at why a lot of us bother. I've tried it with and without the alcoholic accelerant and seem to end up a cynical observer most of the time.
Perhaps that's just me. But like Xmas the main winners are the retail/restaurant/pub service outlets. Each year these industries promote an image of joyous consumption. And each year this brainwashing starts earlier.
But post celebration reality seems to be one of of debt, drink fuelled argument/violence, relationship breakdown, and immense loneliness for those members of our society who for reasons of their circumstances often feel estranged from the communal society touted as the spirit of the seasonal jollity.
Now I wasn't going to mention suicide rates, but reading back over the above, and realising how black my mood appears, and that honestly wasn't my original intent starting this piece, let's have a bit of good news to balance the scales:
"Contrary to past reports, depression and suicide rates actually fall during the holidays" L.A.Times (17 Dec 07)
Meanwhile I side with Thomas Mann:
"Time has no divisions to mark its passage, there is never a thunder-storm or blare of trumpets to announce the beginning of a new month or year. Even when a new century begins it is only we mortals who ring bells and fire off pistols"
Ways to celebrate the New Year?
Being close with ones you really care about, and they with you. And if that's not an option at present why not take Li Po's suggestion:
"All the birds have flown up and gone;
A lonely cloud floats leisurely by.
We never tire of looking at each other -
Only the mountain and I"
May your plans for 2008 be ones that you achieve. Those that bring you enjoyment and personal satisfaction. Whatever that may be for you.
And as for resolutions - pah. Easily made, easily lost. But why wait for an arbitrary point. Start each day anew.
Now where's that bottle of rum gone?Labels: Mental Health
Ultimate Gear Test? 2007 Naked Munros Challenge
I found this whilst googling for something entirely different. But hats off to the guy concerned in his Munro attempt.
Ancient Brit has the lightweight ethos about as minimalist as it will ever go. Reading his site his outdoor experience includes two Pacific Crest Trails , a Round Britain walk, and the Munros. So not just a whim or publicity seeking.
A difficult challenge to find a "first" on the UK walking scene these days. But I don't think there will be too many contendors for the Winter attempt somehow.
Sunday, December 30
Blog - Diary of a YHA Trustee
I've written in the past of my guardedly optimistic recommendation of the YHA organisation, despite changes over the past few years. Its a sad fact of live that the YHA must reorganise and get much sharper at what it provides, and the way it does so, if it is to remain a viable organisation into the future.
And no doubt a few eggs will be inadvertently broken along the way.
A regular contributor to the uk.rec.youth-hostel newsgroup (mostly spam posts these days btw) reminded me of his appointment earlier in 2007.
Karl Shepherdson (29 - Oooo lapsing into proper journalism there lol) is blogging about his experiences as a YHA trustee and Vice-Chair of the Northern England Regional Council. His work is voluntary, with some financial support with travel costs. But bearing in mind Karl lives in Devon and there were twenty 2007 regional meetings at hostels spread around England & Wales you can see that it requires a solid commitment to deliver on his chosen role. And that's not including the preparation work pre meetings.
Hope Karl stands the pace - but its great to see someone prepared to get actively involved in one of the important institutions of the UK outdoor scene.Labels: YHA
Friday, December 28
Blog round up of 2007
Well its getting to that time of the year again. The End. Or is it The Start? Depends on your 2007 I guess.
Rereading the happenings reported on here has made me realise just how much has been going on during the year. And how few trips away I actually managed compared to 2006. But then this summer's weather, as many 2007 round-ups are about to observe, was Not Quite Right.
So diving right in.........
Jan
A quiet start to the year, and some bloke called Bearded Git starts his blog, and the seemingly endless voyage to seek out new website addresses during the year and meanwhile Judy Armstrong prepares for her Alpine Challenge
Feb
Alan Sloman start his Lejog wander whilst a member of the traditional media, Cameron McNeish, editor of TGO Magazine joins the blogging community, and Skiddaw House near Keswick reopens.
March
The 5,000 site visitor and a relaunch of the Outdoors Station following legal noises from the US (do they own everything yet?) And lo, there was a coming together of the wordy geeks under the banner of the UK Outdoors Blogger Convention 2007 ® and the set-up of the Outdoor Bloggers Forum, initially for the UK based outdoor blogger/podcaster, but proving, by the end of 2007 to have attracted a very active international outdoor membership. And then there was the obligatory NEC Outdoors Show 2007 roundup
April
A meet with a reader ....... and a bog trot with a blogger. Harvey Mountain Maps 1:40,000 series caught my attention with their Lake District offering and the Backpackers Club held their AGM at Bellingham, with a revised format which proved to be an extremely successful. Meanwhile in a quiet corner of John Hee Towers the idea of the Hip-pack Competition 2007 was born.
May
BASECAMP, a national supporter's group for Mountain Rescue Teams arrived just in time for the TGO Challenge. But not an area covered for one poor blogger with an untimely finish. He had a unwanted encounter with the Scottish branch of said service.
And visitor #10,000 pops by.
June
I escape to the lakes, and there meet with some of the UK Outdoor Bloggers, and to celebrate the TGO Website launches whilst Alan Sloman completes his LEJOG Challenge busting his charity fund target wide open, and starts to ponder his next move.
July
The Hip-pack Competition 2007 launches and to celebrate a flying trip to Scotland, quite literally. But sad news as Steve Perry’s 10x10 Challenge comes to an untimely finish but perversely there's a cornucopia of Outdoor related TV programmes to enjoy.
August
The 766g Terra Nova Laser Photon. puts in an appearance at last and this time I celebrate by a return to the chiropractor. Meanwhile the UK Outdoor Bloggers take this opportunity to meet again, this time in the Brecon Beacons where they're suitable entertained by the meteor showers, and the display augers well for the Online Fellwalking Club website make-over
Sept
A quick blogger meet up with a Wildcamp at the Dorset Seaside where luckily we don't come across the makers of the pagan/witchcraft site found later in the month
Oct
Results and winner(s) of the Hip-pack Competition 2007 are announced and the appearance of Love in a Tent - the first outdoor blogger to find a book deal. Whilst on things media, some thoughts on Joe Simpson's latest film and remarks from the man himself on reaching 40
Nov
More weird goings on in the New Forest some unique in one way, some in a completely different manner
Dec
A return to a recurrent topic - risks - Acceptable V Unnecessary with the Dorset climber rescue. But on a lighter note the 2007 Bloggers Panto starts its ego trip and fame (of a sort) comes to JH Towers.
And as the hands of the clock approach year end, and the site visit counter draws closer to the 20,000 mark, I'm delighted to see that nearly 50% of you that drop in feel inclined to come back for more.
For, as most of us that deliver this bloggy thing on an amateur basis come to understand, the statistics are just numbers.
What counts is that of the 370 odd posts delivered during the course of this year there is something that has kept you, the esteemed and welcome reader entertained, informed, amazed and perhaps even shocked (I deliberately left out disgusted - lol)
But mostly we're just happy to share our outdoor thoughts & observations together. Pleasant conversation as we wander along the track towards 2008, ideas for next year's trips, gear and far-off places already starting to form as a glint in our mind's eye.
Springs on its way folks - Hurrah!
Labels: blog media
Thursday, December 27
Windermere Railway, Outdoor Stripping & a claim to infamy
On a lighter note - just check out the quality of the CCTV camera footage from Windermere Railway Station. I trust that their coverage doesn't extend too widely along the platform outside. Otherwise somewhere there's a rather graphic record of my impromptu change from walking to travelling gear very early one weekday morning. At a time I thought there was no-one around.
'Nuff said. Ahem.
(I wonder if one can be arrested for flashing even if there's no physical body around to actually view it at the time)
That reminds me of some sordid tales (courtesy of ex-security staff & too many pints) involving Bournemouth sea front CCTV, very warm nights, and a lady seeking to make her mark on the more adult versions of 'You've Been Framed'.
But that's another tale entirely, and one I'm sure you wouldn't be interested i. Surely.
Labels: media
Scafell Pike - Ice Man Walker Mystery - Update
Courtesy of this thread on Outdoors Magic it looks like the identity of the walker has been resolved, it being related to an earlier disappearance reported in Ambleside in November. Labels: Lake District, Mountain Rescue Team(MRT)
Wednesday, December 26
Xmas Timewasting Fun
A little belatedly, some lighter entertainment for those of you enjoying an extended holiday break. Me. I'm back to the daily grind straight after Boxing Day. So play nicely whilst I'm busily grinding.
What. Too high brow? Surely not. Ok how about...Still here? A good way to watch time pass but still feel busy at the same time .....
And finally.......if you've ever received one of those African spam e-mail invitations to share the Dark Continent's wealth, this last site may provide a few laughs being devoted to email exchanges between “Gilbert Murray” (in a variety of guises) and various fraudsters (The Inventor is one of my favourites) Very inventive. Very funny.
A peak at the virtual 'my village' site set up to persuade Google Searches as to the validity of Murray's home village of Gypping In the Marsh sets the tone of humour expected. If you like the humour of I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue you may recognise the level of (questionable) taste.
And perhaps you might take a peek at the list of local businesses, but no Outdoor Shop. Yet.
A great parody of the 'my village' website genre.Labels: Miscellaneous
Ramblers Association - 'Use Your Paths' Podcast
Looks like the RA has joined the multimedia revolution:
"The Use Your Paths Challenge is the biggest-ever walking project in the UK, and as Footpaths Campaigns Officer Des Garrahan explains, it's a real case of 'use it or lose it' - so help us complete the challenge by joining in yourself"
Download here with link to RA site here and the Challenge's own site here with some excellent advice on footpath usage.Labels: blog media, podcasts
Scafell Pike - Ice Man Walker Mystery
I know its not a very seasonal piece.
But based on the HUGE numbers of walkers (with enormously differing ideas of suitable clothing) that I encountered today in the New Forest, probably worth a mention as a reminder that it doesn't always go as easily as it seems on the TV. Even with the best preparation and foresight.
"The body of a hiker still wearing his cloth cap and carrying a rucksack and a guide book of the area by Alfred Wainwright has been discovered entombed in two inches of ice near England's highest mountain" -
Newspaper report here with eye witness account from the farmer who found the body here.
Now back to finishing off the 2007 round-up I started before the holiday season.Labels: Lake District, Mountain Rescue Team(MRT)
Thursday, December 20
Ibsley Common - World War II and the New Forest
After further feedback (thanks Jon) and some initial research of my own there's more information slowly appearing about goings on in this area, and the remnants left behind.
Its quite an amazing turn of events really. The initial post thread started out casually questioning a small ruin standing alone on a New Forest ridge. And since has been regularly unearthing a rich seam of recent military and social history.
Firstly some more pictures and location detail of various military remains in the area, tying in with the military airfield RAF Ibsley.
Next a very detailed piece from 1995 (Norman Parker's 'Wartime Secrets of the Forest') indicating the sheer size of the military area and the high level of secrecy surrounding it.
And then there's even a film tie-in with original WWII bomb testing footage from the range appearing in the 1969 film "Mosquito Squadron" showing the original Highball bomb drop . With some pictures and schematic of the bomb here.
To quote Wartime Secrets (which the local library is now trying to source for me)
"As the war drew to its close, Grand Slams (bombs) rained down on the previously impenetrable reinforced targets of Europe, destroying them one by one."
And let's not get started on the bronze age barrows in the same area.
Phew. Lots to gaze over whilst the imagination soars as next time I wander across what once appeared as a simple New Forest heathland, open to the sky.
Is that the far off drone of long vanished bombers from high overhead?Labels: Ibsley Common, New Forest, walks
NEC Outdoors Show 2008 - Brian Blessed spotting
Hot news from the OS2008 website as the list of celebs cleared to put in an appearance starts to build.
And yes - the early leaks have proved correct.
Sir (surely soon?) Brian Blessed is to put in an appearance.
It will be interesting to see what mischief he's been up to and about to get involved in, this time around. Last heard the space race was trying to keep up with his avuncularity on his latest venture which involved real off world travel.
Hopefully not just a reprise of his regular panto role as Captain Hook.
All together now "Gordon's alive?!"Labels: NEC Outdoors Show
Monday, December 17
Outdoor Blogger Bite-back time?
The decisions to deliver an Outdoor Blog seems to somehow carry with it a carte blanche licence for some in the outdoor community to host their own attacks on the blogger's personality and interests.
Now I thought I was, in my amateurish way, attempting to communicate outdoor matters to those of shared interest. Or those who may just wish to learn more. Then again perhaps providing a different type of entertainment. All at my own personal cost of time, effort and technology mark you.
As a result my "public" face has appeared less on certain outdoor forums, lacking the interest to repetitively defend my own passions ad infinitum.
For after all its a simple defence on my part: I like doing it. If you don't enjoy the blog approach, then don't read it. There's plenty of other things in our lives instead, so let's agree to differ.
I'm always open to positive criticism. But some of the past attacks have verged on the plain silly at times.
So as the year draws to a close perhaps its time to kick back in my own idiosyncratic way (yep - I've found out what it means now) And what better opportunity than to play up to one of the more recent comments to demonstate the unbridled egotistical bent that all UK Outdoor Bloggers undoubtedly exhibit on an almost daily basis.
Read the new banner above yet?
"Giù la testa, coglione!"?Labels: blog media, UK Outdoors Blogger
Podzine 17/12/07 - The Lost Tapes or Meet The Fockers?
Its been a long time coming, but finally the infamous 'Lost Blogger Tapes' are starting to appear for public perusal. Kicks in around 26 minute mark with mine host at around 33 minutes. "One of the most prolific bloggers in the UK" (that will definitely get me ribbed remorselessly - thanks Andy -lol)
The
Podzine 17/12/07
Download MP3 File
The sight of a microphone does have a tendency of making the mind go blank with suspicious ease. And all of a sudden my language becomes very self censorious - I didn't say a*se once; Bugger that's blown that winning streak again.
Thanks Andy for the compliments. Now I get to pick out certain key phrases for the blog blurb, especially once I work out what idiosyncratic means. (Something to do with idiots and sin maybe? Very near the mark that one)
Hope the wait was worth it.
Form an orderly queue here for autographs. All proceeds to my favourite charity.
Hee hee.Labels: blog media, podcasts, UK Outdoors Blogger, uk walking blog
Sustrans National Lottery win - Pig in a Poke?
Lacking comment elsewhere within the UK outdoor blogging community (unless I've overlooked someone) here's my personal thoughts on the award last week of £50 million to Sustrans’ Connect2 project from the Big Lottery Fund to invest in walking and cycling UK-wide.
When the award was initially announced my reaction was - so what's that to me? I've been aware of Sustrans for some time now, but associated the group mostly with cycle routes. Not a huge interest of mine, but it sounded like a positive move - money to help with access to the great outdoors.
Now with anything related to the "National Lottery" my main reaction to that these days is by now pretty negative.
Why when I attempt to buy my Saturday paper/smokes do I somehow end up queueing behind a string of punters intent on buying multiple combinations of Lottery tickets and Lottery scratch cards - does anyone besides myself actually buy goods in a newsagents these days?
Furthermore I'm not against gambling per se. Indeed last week saw me spending sometime in the local casino during an evening's entertainment (And there's plenty I could write on the plain evidence of the dissociation of the ardent gambler from the surroundings and people around them. A very scary and extreme phenomena to observe for an occasional punter like myself)
But as for the national lottery being a "good" bet - hardly good odds to be honest, but back to the plot....
Sustrans successful bid was "to build a national network of cycle and walking routes". A laudable aim.
And then came news of certain alleged shenanigans with the voting. Oh right. What a surprise. Hasn't the recent rash of TV voting scams really already made the point on this. And frankly if I was involved with a charity seeking a donation of this magnitude I would make darned sure all my friends, relations, passers-by etc etc etc voted for my team using whatever means were provided by the donating organisation. But it seems that this has upset some folk as to the fairness of it all.
But despite the controversy let's stand back and look at all the candidates up for the cash - Eden Project: The Edge; Sherwood: The Living Legend; Black Country Urban Park; Sustrans: Connect2;
Three out of the four offering locally based projects.
And the winner - well that would be the only one with a nationally based project. Small wonder they received more votes really bearing in mind the increased number of people that their project could potentially influence.
So to the delivery plans of the winners to see just how this affects my outdoors access. After a little more digging into the detail behind Sustrans plans I must admit I'm still very unclear on quite what they intend to deliver. No great projects - just lots of joining up bits. And the more I look into the local initiatives, the more unsettling they become being aimed at semi-urban routes, possibly intending to influence some of the local population to walk/cycle to their destinations. But I'd guess more aimed at those lardy arses who think it fine in principle but won't bother to use the facilities anyway, save for an occasional trip with the kids at the height of summer.
I'm trying hard not to get too scathing here after looking at the local project nearest to me. For it proposes provision of a cycleway from a rural area with a very small population, but potentially many airport workers, into the built up areas of Bournemouth. But there's a few drawbacks here.
Firstly - the route already exists on the ground, mostly over existing country back roads, and a bridge across the River Stour. In fact I cycled the route over ten years ago. So its not about provision of anything new. Just upgraded somewhere I'd assume.
Secondly if the route is upgraded it has the potential to increased cycle traffic along paths currently trod mostly by the dog walking brigade, and at one pinch point a number of fishermen. No potential for an increase in conflicting usage here then - wandering dogs, men with expensive fishing gear lying the ground, and cyclists at an increased speed.
Thirdly, the main beneficiary should be the airport workers. But frankly I'd be surprised if many of those not already using the route would choose to do so after its been upgraded (whatever that entails)
And finally - this is not to cover the whole route indicated on the map - but just that piece marked in red i.e. the pinch point referred to earlier. I'd guess that means taking a sometimes narrow and muddy riverside walk, aka locally as a peaceful summertime stroll. And creating a cycle track instead. Great news.
I'd love to be more objective here. To base my view on fact and details. But the plans are really rather sketchy at best, and also carry a couple of interesting warnings as to "the far reaching nature of the scheme" and "not a promise where the route will go".
Huh? So what was the money budgeted for in the £50 million bid then?
In fairness I'll leave this for the present until more detail arises once this project starts on the ground.
But as a walker I fear perhaps the Sustrans bid doesn't really represent much of importance to me and may in fact deter me from using this particular area in the future.
More to come on this I'm sure. Labels: Fitness, Miscellaneous, walks
Sunday, December 16
Finally a little peace and quiet
Football Cup Final. England football World Cup games. Wimbledon finals weekend. Horse Racing Grand National day. Any events that capture national interest. The run up to Christmas.
Recognise any common thread here?
This afternoon's walk on the New Forest took me to a usually busy area, close to one of the major camp sites. A little like a human anthill in July/August. And never really that quiet even outside the tourist season.
But today. Not one car sighted on my journey there. No vehicle was to be found in the usually busy car park. And only a couple of other people spotted wandering in the distant. And those only after a half hour or so of my solitary wander with the dog.
The world around me, or so it appeared, my personal domain for one of those oh so rare occasions. The sort of thing that I would normally expect to walk off into the hills for 2 or 3 hours to achieve.
And the cause?
I expect most folk were either Xmas shopping, or more sensibly hunkering down deep into a bunker mentality that the pre Xmas run up almost demands these days, for anyone trying hard to recall the "true" spirit of Xmas.
Its not all booze, parties, spending and January depression as the credit card statement drops onto the door mat. Not for some of us.
A bit of peace and quiet. A time for personal reflection. A long walk in the cold air (3 deg C and a cold wind - brrr)
This is my enjoyment of the the "true" nature of the world around us all. So difficult to discover some days, and so easily overlooked at this time of the year.
Bliss.
The moral. When the masses go left, turn right and head for the open spaces. Works everytime as long as you can predict the movement of the masses, which is not that difficult if you learn what to look out for.
I know where I'll be on Xmas Eve. And possibly I might find you in a similar place all of your own as well?
Here's hoping.Labels: Mental Health, New Forest
Harry Potter's Last mystery?
An unusual topic for an outdoor blog? Well maybe but I know some of you adults out there have more than a passing interest in the children's tales concerning a certain Master Potter.
Wandering around the virtual world earlier today I found a follow up to the news during the week following the auction of a copy of J.K.Rowling's (very limited) release of "Tales of Beedle the Bard" for a smidgen under £2 million.
A slightly more expensive purchase than I would usually make, I must admit. Well compared to one of my regular sources of second hand books. And after all someone had been writing in the margins of this one and trying to pass it off as new. The cheek of it. I'll have to try that one next time I return a book to my local library suitably annotated with correction and contrasting opinion. Somehow I think increasing the value will not be one of the arguments that they will accept.
But back to the plot, in this instance the purchasing agent, whom if papers were to be believed was not incredibly ecstatic post sale (probably at the final price compared to the £50k estimate) seemed to be an anonymous collector. At least until this weekend when Amazon popped up with details of their new purchase, and now milking their purchase for its full worth
A little karmic perhaps considering how much they must have taken on the Potter series over the last few years? And its probably tax deductible as well, come to think of it.Labels: books
Monday, December 10
Bloggers Christmas Pantomine
This may well be a first for the UK Outdoor on-line community.
So please be generous with your applause (and boos) as we invite you to enjoy a walk with the 2007 UK Outdoor Bloggers Christmas Pantomine.
Or is it all enjoyment?
Choose your route to try to get to the bloggers party on time ....... or will all the refreshment have gone by the time you arrive?
Tie up your boots and step onto the path here Labels: BYOA - Bloggers Pantomine
Bloggers Pantomine - Scene Shifts ...
And is if sensing your decision as you start to ascend the steep scree ridden pass you feel the first drops of rain start to fall. As they become heavier you stop to don waterproof gear.
Continuing to climb the track now turning into a water courses you rapidly warm up.
On reaching the top of the pass your perspiration is swiftly blown away as you walk head on into a westerly gale.
Through gritted teeth you turn into the wind heading along the ridge onwards towards your destination. You pause as over the sound of the wind you hear a far off a jangle of bells which seems to come from far ahead, higher than your current altitude.
You stop to listen for a moment And are swiftly reminded why you are on this ridge in the first place.
Remembering the general lie of the land ahead you stop to consult your map to confirm that there is your route is correct, and that no peak lies ahead.
You spot then that your GPS lanyard is dangling emptily in the wind. Unshouldering your pack you check the bag for the missing equipment.
As you spot the glint of the grey Gecko 301's screen in a side pocket you again hear noises, this time of a human variety. Loud and jovial laughter in the distance.
You peer through the grey cloud, the source of the intermittent sound hidden for the moment
You have a choice to:
Ignore the noise or Investigate the noise
Confused? Then perhaps you've come in part way through this extravaganza Click here to go to the startLabels: BYOA - Bloggers Pantomine
Bloggers Pantomine - Scene Shifts To...
Feeling reassured after the advice in the first aid book you start to ascend the gentle pass feeling the sunshine on your arms and listen to the cry of skylarks speeding you up onto the ridge route above.
Today the atmosphere is clear and you can see for many miles around, a balmy breeze keeping the perspiration from your forehead.
Around midday you start to descend for a short time. In the dip you discover a bubbling stream, and stop for a while seeking shelter from the sunshine by a holly tree in the mouth of a cave.
You are serenaded by a robin as you collect fuel for your BushBuddy.
Too late you realise you have not brought your normal cooking equipment, but one recently donated to you by an aged uncle after his long years spent in the mysterious Orient.
As the water for your brew starts to heat you see an ominous cloud of steam is rising darkly from around the cooker and a shape of human form is appearing amongst the vapour.
You rub your eyes for a moment not believing the sight.
You awake having fallen asleep in the hot sunshine. You pack and with a reinvigorated step start your final short ascent of the day. As you near the peak you catch a few words on the wind .....and shaking your head you decide never to eat mushrooms at that cafe in future.
You now have to decide whether to:
Ignore the noise or Listen to the words
Confused? Then perhaps you've come in part way through this extravaganza Click here to go to the startLabels: BYOA - Bloggers Pantomine
Sunday, December 9
Dorset climber rescue - a waste of space
One worrying individual has caught local media attention for all the wrong reasons.
Late November (Tues 20th to be precise) a certain individual (lets call him 'Mr Whadafooch' to protect his identity) had to be rescued from a cliff close to Langton Matravers, here in Dorset.
The location "the bottom of Guillemot Climb near Dancing Ledge" - now try to remember that name - there may be a test later.
If memory serves it was a cold and wet day and Mr W "misjudged his timing and got stuck at the bottom of a cliff with ankle and head injuries as darkness approached" I recall hearing a local radio news report at the time and wondering about the lack of preparation in the conditions.
To quote the official incident report "The weather at the time was cyclonic force 5 or 6 becoming southwesterly and with squally showers" Mr W was "without a helmet or waterproof clothing"
Enter Portland Coastguard's helicopter which flew Mr W "who was suffering from exposure" to a local hospital.
The Coastguard's comment at the time: "A valuable lesson from this incident has been the clear need for any climber to take the appropriate equipment"
An quite right. Sound advice. The local cliffs aren't exceptionally high, but once the tide is in escape options become very limited, and windward ledges can get exceptionally exposed.
Roll forward to early December (Tues the 4th) - another coastguard call out in the same area. As the local newspaper The Daily Echo reports:
"TWO climbers who got into trouble during a stormy night ascent of Swanage sea cliffs have been brandished "disgraceful" by coastguards. One of the pair, a relatively experienced climber in his early twenties, was forced to call for rescue on Tuesday for the SECOND time in a fortnight. This time the man's climbing partner, also in his early 20s, was stuck 60ft down the bottom of Guillemot Ledge (recognise that name readers?), but two weeks ago the coastguard's rescue helicopter was scrambled after another of his companions became trapped on the same ledge"
I bet the coastguard were most impressed when they turned up to that particular incident.
The article mentions the coastguard comment "These guys were given a really good talking to. They are putting other people's lives at risk. They really should know better than to climb in these sorts of conditions"
There's plenty more of the same "....After getting into trouble once you would think this more experienced climber would have learned something, but clearly not. To attempt a second climb at night in these sorts of conditions is asking for trouble.." and ".....in these conditions in the middle of the night, it really borders on stupidity. They must have been on the cliff face for some time. I think they are lucky to be alive"
I somehow think that the coastguard's message might have been put across to Mr W a little more forcibly during this second incident.
Hopefully there will be no third time lucky.
I'll let you think up your own suitable comments here (although there's some ideas for you to start with here)
More from the Swanage Coastguard incident log as well including the famous line "some rather strong words of advice were given to him"
Oh I bet they were.
There is being unlucky. And then there's making your own luck.Labels: Mental Health, Miscellaneous, Mountain Rescue Team(MRT)
Christmas gift ideas: Outdoor book special mentions
Chris Townsend's latest post on his site reminds me that I really need to get Robert Macfarlane’s book "The Wild Places" on to my gift list for this year. Its been getting excellent reviews both on the outdoor forums/magazines and amongst mainstream reviewers.
The latest review pops up on this Saturday's Times newspaper round up of outdoor related books of note published this year
And a mention in the same article recommending Michelle Waitzman's "Sex in a Tent: A Wild Couple's Guide to Getting Naughty in Nature" An author better know to those of us involved with the Outdoor Blogger Forum as Maple Kiwi whose blog Love In A Tent, despite (or may be because of?) its teaser title is full of good advice especially for those looking to New Zealand for their tramping experiences. And coincidentally a book I finished off earlier this week during the long periods of inactivity spent courtesy of British Rail and yet another grinding trip to the northern shores of the Mersey. Oh dear - perhaps grinding wasn't quite the adverb to use on this occasion - lol
But back to MK - let's try to avoid pangs of jealousy as her latest post reminds us that as the days in GB become danker dreary and dark, NZ is moving into the sultry days of their summer season.Labels: blog media, books, Outdoors Blogger Forum
Tuesday, December 4
Walk GB 4 Climb -4,000 Mile Walkies
Colin Snook has always had the ambition to walk around Great Britain and has plotted a route which will cover in excess of four thousand miles over three hundred days in 2008. And whilst fulfilling one ambition he has another - to raise £50,000 for CLIMB (Children LIving with MetaBolic diseases)
Colin aims to use a combination of B & B, backpacking, rough camping (?), campsites and the YHA for accommodation over a period of ten months, averaging 15 miles walking per day.
Main page here
The first of the BIG walking challenges for 2008.
What else is in there waiting to appear from people's planning for 2008 I wonder? Labels: walks
Monday, December 3
More podcasts & some Christmas outdoor gear ideas
Apologies in advance for this post to all you out there feeling a little informationally overloaded. After all its not as if you really need any more internet interaction, or more content to consume. Especially with the surplus of silly TV/Radio adverts/inadvertent product being stuffed down the throat in this run up to the "festive" season (And what an irony that thought conjures up - any how let's not get started on that one tonight!)
BBC Radio is releasing even more of their radio show content via Podcast.
First up is the excellent Ramblings with Clare Balding this week featuring exTGO staffer Jonathan Manning, for some reason listed as editor of Country Walking Magazine (that was a quick retirement - lol)
And if you still can't get to sleep at night, how about BBC Radio 5 Live's Pods and Blogs which I think Podcast Bob has occasionally graced with his presence.
And to mitigate hogging your time - how about checking out Bob's Chrissie ideas to save all that foot slogging?
Labels: Gear, podcasts, UK Outdoors Blogger
Saturday, December 1
Outdoors Station- We have a winner!
A card dropped through the post box earlier this week led to me picking up a large parcel from the local Post Office this morning. Strange as I wasn't expecting anything that I could recall.
But as result of entering one of Podcast Bob's Podzine competition's my wall will now be adorned during 2008 with a large Colin Prior Scotland calendar.
Sweet - thanks Bob (and Colin) And if you fancy trying your luck I'd recommend listening to Bob's Podzines.
These are proving to be an excellent weekly pick-me-up during the long, dark (warm?) days of this winter.
Labels: blog media, podcasts, UK Outdoors Blogger
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
Personally the calendar flip to a new century's digit seems of such an arbitrary value. And as a survivor of far too many New Year's Eve celebrations, anticipating party to excess, but later looking back with a bemused bewilderment at pre-hope versus the actual event I'm left wondering at why a lot of us bother. I've tried it with and without the alcoholic accelerant and seem to end up a cynical observer most of the time.
Perhaps that's just me. But like Xmas the main winners are the retail/restaurant/pub service outlets. Each year these industries promote an image of joyous consumption. And each year this brainwashing starts earlier.
But post celebration reality seems to be one of of debt, drink fuelled argument/violence, relationship breakdown, and immense loneliness for those members of our society who for reasons of their circumstances often feel estranged from the communal society touted as the spirit of the seasonal jollity.
Now I wasn't going to mention suicide rates, but reading back over the above, and realising how black my mood appears, and that honestly wasn't my original intent starting this piece, let's have a bit of good news to balance the scales:
"Contrary to past reports, depression and suicide rates actually fall during the holidays" L.A.Times (17 Dec 07)
Meanwhile I side with Thomas Mann:
"Time has no divisions to mark its passage, there is never a thunder-storm or blare of trumpets to announce the beginning of a new month or year. Even when a new century begins it is only we mortals who ring bells and fire off pistols"
Ways to celebrate the New Year?
Being close with ones you really care about, and they with you. And if that's not an option at present why not take Li Po's suggestion:
"All the birds have flown up and gone;
A lonely cloud floats leisurely by.
We never tire of looking at each other -
Only the mountain and I"
May your plans for 2008 be ones that you achieve. Those that bring you enjoyment and personal satisfaction. Whatever that may be for you.
And as for resolutions - pah. Easily made, easily lost. But why wait for an arbitrary point. Start each day anew.
Now where's that bottle of rum gone?
Labels: Mental Health
Ultimate Gear Test? 2007 Naked Munros Challenge
I found this whilst googling for something entirely different. But hats off to the guy concerned in his Munro attempt.
Ancient Brit has the lightweight ethos about as minimalist as it will ever go. Reading his site his outdoor experience includes two Pacific Crest Trails , a Round Britain walk, and the Munros. So not just a whim or publicity seeking.
A difficult challenge to find a "first" on the UK walking scene these days. But I don't think there will be too many contendors for the Winter attempt somehow.
Sunday, December 30
Blog - Diary of a YHA Trustee
I've written in the past of my guardedly optimistic recommendation of the YHA organisation, despite changes over the past few years. Its a sad fact of live that the YHA must reorganise and get much sharper at what it provides, and the way it does so, if it is to remain a viable organisation into the future.
And no doubt a few eggs will be inadvertently broken along the way.
A regular contributor to the uk.rec.youth-hostel newsgroup (mostly spam posts these days btw) reminded me of his appointment earlier in 2007.
Karl Shepherdson (29 - Oooo lapsing into proper journalism there lol) is blogging about his experiences as a YHA trustee and Vice-Chair of the Northern England Regional Council. His work is voluntary, with some financial support with travel costs. But bearing in mind Karl lives in Devon and there were twenty 2007 regional meetings at hostels spread around England & Wales you can see that it requires a solid commitment to deliver on his chosen role. And that's not including the preparation work pre meetings.
Hope Karl stands the pace - but its great to see someone prepared to get actively involved in one of the important institutions of the UK outdoor scene.Labels: YHA
Friday, December 28
Blog round up of 2007
Well its getting to that time of the year again. The End. Or is it The Start? Depends on your 2007 I guess.
Rereading the happenings reported on here has made me realise just how much has been going on during the year. And how few trips away I actually managed compared to 2006. But then this summer's weather, as many 2007 round-ups are about to observe, was Not Quite Right.
So diving right in.........
Jan
A quiet start to the year, and some bloke called Bearded Git starts his blog, and the seemingly endless voyage to seek out new website addresses during the year and meanwhile Judy Armstrong prepares for her Alpine Challenge
Feb
Alan Sloman start his Lejog wander whilst a member of the traditional media, Cameron McNeish, editor of TGO Magazine joins the blogging community, and Skiddaw House near Keswick reopens.
March
The 5,000 site visitor and a relaunch of the Outdoors Station following legal noises from the US (do they own everything yet?) And lo, there was a coming together of the wordy geeks under the banner of the UK Outdoors Blogger Convention 2007 ® and the set-up of the Outdoor Bloggers Forum, initially for the UK based outdoor blogger/podcaster, but proving, by the end of 2007 to have attracted a very active international outdoor membership. And then there was the obligatory NEC Outdoors Show 2007 roundup
April
A meet with a reader ....... and a bog trot with a blogger. Harvey Mountain Maps 1:40,000 series caught my attention with their Lake District offering and the Backpackers Club held their AGM at Bellingham, with a revised format which proved to be an extremely successful. Meanwhile in a quiet corner of John Hee Towers the idea of the Hip-pack Competition 2007 was born.
May
BASECAMP, a national supporter's group for Mountain Rescue Teams arrived just in time for the TGO Challenge. But not an area covered for one poor blogger with an untimely finish. He had a unwanted encounter with the Scottish branch of said service.
And visitor #10,000 pops by.
June
I escape to the lakes, and there meet with some of the UK Outdoor Bloggers, and to celebrate the TGO Website launches whilst Alan Sloman completes his LEJOG Challenge busting his charity fund target wide open, and starts to ponder his next move.
July
The Hip-pack Competition 2007 launches and to celebrate a flying trip to Scotland, quite literally. But sad news as Steve Perry’s 10x10 Challenge comes to an untimely finish but perversely there's a cornucopia of Outdoor related TV programmes to enjoy.
August
The 766g Terra Nova Laser Photon. puts in an appearance at last and this time I celebrate by a return to the chiropractor. Meanwhile the UK Outdoor Bloggers take this opportunity to meet again, this time in the Brecon Beacons where they're suitable entertained by the meteor showers, and the display augers well for the Online Fellwalking Club website make-over
Sept
A quick blogger meet up with a Wildcamp at the Dorset Seaside where luckily we don't come across the makers of the pagan/witchcraft site found later in the month
Oct
Results and winner(s) of the Hip-pack Competition 2007 are announced and the appearance of Love in a Tent - the first outdoor blogger to find a book deal. Whilst on things media, some thoughts on Joe Simpson's latest film and remarks from the man himself on reaching 40
Nov
More weird goings on in the New Forest some unique in one way, some in a completely different manner
Dec
A return to a recurrent topic - risks - Acceptable V Unnecessary with the Dorset climber rescue. But on a lighter note the 2007 Bloggers Panto starts its ego trip and fame (of a sort) comes to JH Towers.
And as the hands of the clock approach year end, and the site visit counter draws closer to the 20,000 mark, I'm delighted to see that nearly 50% of you that drop in feel inclined to come back for more.
For, as most of us that deliver this bloggy thing on an amateur basis come to understand, the statistics are just numbers.
What counts is that of the 370 odd posts delivered during the course of this year there is something that has kept you, the esteemed and welcome reader entertained, informed, amazed and perhaps even shocked (I deliberately left out disgusted - lol)
But mostly we're just happy to share our outdoor thoughts & observations together. Pleasant conversation as we wander along the track towards 2008, ideas for next year's trips, gear and far-off places already starting to form as a glint in our mind's eye.
Springs on its way folks - Hurrah!
Labels: blog media
Thursday, December 27
Windermere Railway, Outdoor Stripping & a claim to infamy
On a lighter note - just check out the quality of the CCTV camera footage from Windermere Railway Station. I trust that their coverage doesn't extend too widely along the platform outside. Otherwise somewhere there's a rather graphic record of my impromptu change from walking to travelling gear very early one weekday morning. At a time I thought there was no-one around.
'Nuff said. Ahem.
(I wonder if one can be arrested for flashing even if there's no physical body around to actually view it at the time)
That reminds me of some sordid tales (courtesy of ex-security staff & too many pints) involving Bournemouth sea front CCTV, very warm nights, and a lady seeking to make her mark on the more adult versions of 'You've Been Framed'.
But that's another tale entirely, and one I'm sure you wouldn't be interested i. Surely.
Labels: media
Scafell Pike - Ice Man Walker Mystery - Update
Courtesy of this thread on Outdoors Magic it looks like the identity of the walker has been resolved, it being related to an earlier disappearance reported in Ambleside in November. Labels: Lake District, Mountain Rescue Team(MRT)
Wednesday, December 26
Xmas Timewasting Fun
A little belatedly, some lighter entertainment for those of you enjoying an extended holiday break. Me. I'm back to the daily grind straight after Boxing Day. So play nicely whilst I'm busily grinding.
What. Too high brow? Surely not. Ok how about...Still here? A good way to watch time pass but still feel busy at the same time .....
And finally.......if you've ever received one of those African spam e-mail invitations to share the Dark Continent's wealth, this last site may provide a few laughs being devoted to email exchanges between “Gilbert Murray” (in a variety of guises) and various fraudsters (The Inventor is one of my favourites) Very inventive. Very funny.
A peak at the virtual 'my village' site set up to persuade Google Searches as to the validity of Murray's home village of Gypping In the Marsh sets the tone of humour expected. If you like the humour of I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue you may recognise the level of (questionable) taste.
And perhaps you might take a peek at the list of local businesses, but no Outdoor Shop. Yet.
A great parody of the 'my village' website genre.Labels: Miscellaneous
Ramblers Association - 'Use Your Paths' Podcast
Looks like the RA has joined the multimedia revolution:
"The Use Your Paths Challenge is the biggest-ever walking project in the UK, and as Footpaths Campaigns Officer Des Garrahan explains, it's a real case of 'use it or lose it' - so help us complete the challenge by joining in yourself"
Download here with link to RA site here and the Challenge's own site here with some excellent advice on footpath usage.Labels: blog media, podcasts
Scafell Pike - Ice Man Walker Mystery
I know its not a very seasonal piece.
But based on the HUGE numbers of walkers (with enormously differing ideas of suitable clothing) that I encountered today in the New Forest, probably worth a mention as a reminder that it doesn't always go as easily as it seems on the TV. Even with the best preparation and foresight.
"The body of a hiker still wearing his cloth cap and carrying a rucksack and a guide book of the area by Alfred Wainwright has been discovered entombed in two inches of ice near England's highest mountain" -
Newspaper report here with eye witness account from the farmer who found the body here.
Now back to finishing off the 2007 round-up I started before the holiday season.Labels: Lake District, Mountain Rescue Team(MRT)
Thursday, December 20
Ibsley Common - World War II and the New Forest
After further feedback (thanks Jon) and some initial research of my own there's more information slowly appearing about goings on in this area, and the remnants left behind.
Its quite an amazing turn of events really. The initial post thread started out casually questioning a small ruin standing alone on a New Forest ridge. And since has been regularly unearthing a rich seam of recent military and social history.
Firstly some more pictures and location detail of various military remains in the area, tying in with the military airfield RAF Ibsley.
Next a very detailed piece from 1995 (Norman Parker's 'Wartime Secrets of the Forest') indicating the sheer size of the military area and the high level of secrecy surrounding it.
And then there's even a film tie-in with original WWII bomb testing footage from the range appearing in the 1969 film "Mosquito Squadron" showing the original Highball bomb drop . With some pictures and schematic of the bomb here.
To quote Wartime Secrets (which the local library is now trying to source for me)
"As the war drew to its close, Grand Slams (bombs) rained down on the previously impenetrable reinforced targets of Europe, destroying them one by one."
And let's not get started on the bronze age barrows in the same area.
Phew. Lots to gaze over whilst the imagination soars as next time I wander across what once appeared as a simple New Forest heathland, open to the sky.
Is that the far off drone of long vanished bombers from high overhead?Labels: Ibsley Common, New Forest, walks
NEC Outdoors Show 2008 - Brian Blessed spotting
Hot news from the OS2008 website as the list of celebs cleared to put in an appearance starts to build.
And yes - the early leaks have proved correct.
Sir (surely soon?) Brian Blessed is to put in an appearance.
It will be interesting to see what mischief he's been up to and about to get involved in, this time around. Last heard the space race was trying to keep up with his avuncularity on his latest venture which involved real off world travel.
Hopefully not just a reprise of his regular panto role as Captain Hook.
All together now "Gordon's alive?!"Labels: NEC Outdoors Show
Monday, December 17
Outdoor Blogger Bite-back time?
The decisions to deliver an Outdoor Blog seems to somehow carry with it a carte blanche licence for some in the outdoor community to host their own attacks on the blogger's personality and interests.
Now I thought I was, in my amateurish way, attempting to communicate outdoor matters to those of shared interest. Or those who may just wish to learn more. Then again perhaps providing a different type of entertainment. All at my own personal cost of time, effort and technology mark you.
As a result my "public" face has appeared less on certain outdoor forums, lacking the interest to repetitively defend my own passions ad infinitum.
For after all its a simple defence on my part: I like doing it. If you don't enjoy the blog approach, then don't read it. There's plenty of other things in our lives instead, so let's agree to differ.
I'm always open to positive criticism. But some of the past attacks have verged on the plain silly at times.
So as the year draws to a close perhaps its time to kick back in my own idiosyncratic way (yep - I've found out what it means now) And what better opportunity than to play up to one of the more recent comments to demonstate the unbridled egotistical bent that all UK Outdoor Bloggers undoubtedly exhibit on an almost daily basis.
Read the new banner above yet?
"Giù la testa, coglione!"?Labels: blog media, UK Outdoors Blogger
Podzine 17/12/07 - The Lost Tapes or Meet The Fockers?
Its been a long time coming, but finally the infamous 'Lost Blogger Tapes' are starting to appear for public perusal. Kicks in around 26 minute mark with mine host at around 33 minutes. "One of the most prolific bloggers in the UK" (that will definitely get me ribbed remorselessly - thanks Andy -lol)
The
Podzine 17/12/07
Download MP3 File
The sight of a microphone does have a tendency of making the mind go blank with suspicious ease. And all of a sudden my language becomes very self censorious - I didn't say a*se once; Bugger that's blown that winning streak again.
Thanks Andy for the compliments. Now I get to pick out certain key phrases for the blog blurb, especially once I work out what idiosyncratic means. (Something to do with idiots and sin maybe? Very near the mark that one)
Hope the wait was worth it.
Form an orderly queue here for autographs. All proceeds to my favourite charity.
Hee hee.Labels: blog media, podcasts, UK Outdoors Blogger, uk walking blog
Sustrans National Lottery win - Pig in a Poke?
Lacking comment elsewhere within the UK outdoor blogging community (unless I've overlooked someone) here's my personal thoughts on the award last week of £50 million to Sustrans’ Connect2 project from the Big Lottery Fund to invest in walking and cycling UK-wide.
When the award was initially announced my reaction was - so what's that to me? I've been aware of Sustrans for some time now, but associated the group mostly with cycle routes. Not a huge interest of mine, but it sounded like a positive move - money to help with access to the great outdoors.
Now with anything related to the "National Lottery" my main reaction to that these days is by now pretty negative.
Why when I attempt to buy my Saturday paper/smokes do I somehow end up queueing behind a string of punters intent on buying multiple combinations of Lottery tickets and Lottery scratch cards - does anyone besides myself actually buy goods in a newsagents these days?
Furthermore I'm not against gambling per se. Indeed last week saw me spending sometime in the local casino during an evening's entertainment (And there's plenty I could write on the plain evidence of the dissociation of the ardent gambler from the surroundings and people around them. A very scary and extreme phenomena to observe for an occasional punter like myself)
But as for the national lottery being a "good" bet - hardly good odds to be honest, but back to the plot....
Sustrans successful bid was "to build a national network of cycle and walking routes". A laudable aim.
And then came news of certain alleged shenanigans with the voting. Oh right. What a surprise. Hasn't the recent rash of TV voting scams really already made the point on this. And frankly if I was involved with a charity seeking a donation of this magnitude I would make darned sure all my friends, relations, passers-by etc etc etc voted for my team using whatever means were provided by the donating organisation. But it seems that this has upset some folk as to the fairness of it all.
But despite the controversy let's stand back and look at all the candidates up for the cash - Eden Project: The Edge; Sherwood: The Living Legend; Black Country Urban Park; Sustrans: Connect2;
Three out of the four offering locally based projects.
And the winner - well that would be the only one with a nationally based project. Small wonder they received more votes really bearing in mind the increased number of people that their project could potentially influence.
So to the delivery plans of the winners to see just how this affects my outdoors access. After a little more digging into the detail behind Sustrans plans I must admit I'm still very unclear on quite what they intend to deliver. No great projects - just lots of joining up bits. And the more I look into the local initiatives, the more unsettling they become being aimed at semi-urban routes, possibly intending to influence some of the local population to walk/cycle to their destinations. But I'd guess more aimed at those lardy arses who think it fine in principle but won't bother to use the facilities anyway, save for an occasional trip with the kids at the height of summer.
I'm trying hard not to get too scathing here after looking at the local project nearest to me. For it proposes provision of a cycleway from a rural area with a very small population, but potentially many airport workers, into the built up areas of Bournemouth. But there's a few drawbacks here.
Firstly - the route already exists on the ground, mostly over existing country back roads, and a bridge across the River Stour. In fact I cycled the route over ten years ago. So its not about provision of anything new. Just upgraded somewhere I'd assume.
Secondly if the route is upgraded it has the potential to increased cycle traffic along paths currently trod mostly by the dog walking brigade, and at one pinch point a number of fishermen. No potential for an increase in conflicting usage here then - wandering dogs, men with expensive fishing gear lying the ground, and cyclists at an increased speed.
Thirdly, the main beneficiary should be the airport workers. But frankly I'd be surprised if many of those not already using the route would choose to do so after its been upgraded (whatever that entails)
And finally - this is not to cover the whole route indicated on the map - but just that piece marked in red i.e. the pinch point referred to earlier. I'd guess that means taking a sometimes narrow and muddy riverside walk, aka locally as a peaceful summertime stroll. And creating a cycle track instead. Great news.
I'd love to be more objective here. To base my view on fact and details. But the plans are really rather sketchy at best, and also carry a couple of interesting warnings as to "the far reaching nature of the scheme" and "not a promise where the route will go".
Huh? So what was the money budgeted for in the £50 million bid then?
In fairness I'll leave this for the present until more detail arises once this project starts on the ground.
But as a walker I fear perhaps the Sustrans bid doesn't really represent much of importance to me and may in fact deter me from using this particular area in the future.
More to come on this I'm sure. Labels: Fitness, Miscellaneous, walks
Sunday, December 16
Finally a little peace and quiet
Football Cup Final. England football World Cup games. Wimbledon finals weekend. Horse Racing Grand National day. Any events that capture national interest. The run up to Christmas.
Recognise any common thread here?
This afternoon's walk on the New Forest took me to a usually busy area, close to one of the major camp sites. A little like a human anthill in July/August. And never really that quiet even outside the tourist season.
But today. Not one car sighted on my journey there. No vehicle was to be found in the usually busy car park. And only a couple of other people spotted wandering in the distant. And those only after a half hour or so of my solitary wander with the dog.
The world around me, or so it appeared, my personal domain for one of those oh so rare occasions. The sort of thing that I would normally expect to walk off into the hills for 2 or 3 hours to achieve.
And the cause?
I expect most folk were either Xmas shopping, or more sensibly hunkering down deep into a bunker mentality that the pre Xmas run up almost demands these days, for anyone trying hard to recall the "true" spirit of Xmas.
Its not all booze, parties, spending and January depression as the credit card statement drops onto the door mat. Not for some of us.
A bit of peace and quiet. A time for personal reflection. A long walk in the cold air (3 deg C and a cold wind - brrr)
This is my enjoyment of the the "true" nature of the world around us all. So difficult to discover some days, and so easily overlooked at this time of the year.
Bliss.
The moral. When the masses go left, turn right and head for the open spaces. Works everytime as long as you can predict the movement of the masses, which is not that difficult if you learn what to look out for.
I know where I'll be on Xmas Eve. And possibly I might find you in a similar place all of your own as well?
Here's hoping.Labels: Mental Health, New Forest
Harry Potter's Last mystery?
An unusual topic for an outdoor blog? Well maybe but I know some of you adults out there have more than a passing interest in the children's tales concerning a certain Master Potter.
Wandering around the virtual world earlier today I found a follow up to the news during the week following the auction of a copy of J.K.Rowling's (very limited) release of "Tales of Beedle the Bard" for a smidgen under £2 million.
A slightly more expensive purchase than I would usually make, I must admit. Well compared to one of my regular sources of second hand books. And after all someone had been writing in the margins of this one and trying to pass it off as new. The cheek of it. I'll have to try that one next time I return a book to my local library suitably annotated with correction and contrasting opinion. Somehow I think increasing the value will not be one of the arguments that they will accept.
But back to the plot, in this instance the purchasing agent, whom if papers were to be believed was not incredibly ecstatic post sale (probably at the final price compared to the £50k estimate) seemed to be an anonymous collector. At least until this weekend when Amazon popped up with details of their new purchase, and now milking their purchase for its full worth
A little karmic perhaps considering how much they must have taken on the Potter series over the last few years? And its probably tax deductible as well, come to think of it.Labels: books
Monday, December 10
Bloggers Christmas Pantomine
This may well be a first for the UK Outdoor on-line community.
So please be generous with your applause (and boos) as we invite you to enjoy a walk with the 2007 UK Outdoor Bloggers Christmas Pantomine.
Or is it all enjoyment?
Choose your route to try to get to the bloggers party on time ....... or will all the refreshment have gone by the time you arrive?
Tie up your boots and step onto the path here Labels: BYOA - Bloggers Pantomine
Bloggers Pantomine - Scene Shifts ...
And is if sensing your decision as you start to ascend the steep scree ridden pass you feel the first drops of rain start to fall. As they become heavier you stop to don waterproof gear.
Continuing to climb the track now turning into a water courses you rapidly warm up.
On reaching the top of the pass your perspiration is swiftly blown away as you walk head on into a westerly gale.
Through gritted teeth you turn into the wind heading along the ridge onwards towards your destination. You pause as over the sound of the wind you hear a far off a jangle of bells which seems to come from far ahead, higher than your current altitude.
You stop to listen for a moment And are swiftly reminded why you are on this ridge in the first place.
Remembering the general lie of the land ahead you stop to consult your map to confirm that there is your route is correct, and that no peak lies ahead.
You spot then that your GPS lanyard is dangling emptily in the wind. Unshouldering your pack you check the bag for the missing equipment.
As you spot the glint of the grey Gecko 301's screen in a side pocket you again hear noises, this time of a human variety. Loud and jovial laughter in the distance.
You peer through the grey cloud, the source of the intermittent sound hidden for the moment
You have a choice to:
Ignore the noise or Investigate the noise
Confused? Then perhaps you've come in part way through this extravaganza Click here to go to the startLabels: BYOA - Bloggers Pantomine
Bloggers Pantomine - Scene Shifts To...
Feeling reassured after the advice in the first aid book you start to ascend the gentle pass feeling the sunshine on your arms and listen to the cry of skylarks speeding you up onto the ridge route above.
Today the atmosphere is clear and you can see for many miles around, a balmy breeze keeping the perspiration from your forehead.
Around midday you start to descend for a short time. In the dip you discover a bubbling stream, and stop for a while seeking shelter from the sunshine by a holly tree in the mouth of a cave.
You are serenaded by a robin as you collect fuel for your BushBuddy.
Too late you realise you have not brought your normal cooking equipment, but one recently donated to you by an aged uncle after his long years spent in the mysterious Orient.
As the water for your brew starts to heat you see an ominous cloud of steam is rising darkly from around the cooker and a shape of human form is appearing amongst the vapour.
You rub your eyes for a moment not believing the sight.
You awake having fallen asleep in the hot sunshine. You pack and with a reinvigorated step start your final short ascent of the day. As you near the peak you catch a few words on the wind .....and shaking your head you decide never to eat mushrooms at that cafe in future.
You now have to decide whether to:
Ignore the noise or Listen to the words
Confused? Then perhaps you've come in part way through this extravaganza Click here to go to the startLabels: BYOA - Bloggers Pantomine
Sunday, December 9
Dorset climber rescue - a waste of space
One worrying individual has caught local media attention for all the wrong reasons.
Late November (Tues 20th to be precise) a certain individual (lets call him 'Mr Whadafooch' to protect his identity) had to be rescued from a cliff close to Langton Matravers, here in Dorset.
The location "the bottom of Guillemot Climb near Dancing Ledge" - now try to remember that name - there may be a test later.
If memory serves it was a cold and wet day and Mr W "misjudged his timing and got stuck at the bottom of a cliff with ankle and head injuries as darkness approached" I recall hearing a local radio news report at the time and wondering about the lack of preparation in the conditions.
To quote the official incident report "The weather at the time was cyclonic force 5 or 6 becoming southwesterly and with squally showers" Mr W was "without a helmet or waterproof clothing"
Enter Portland Coastguard's helicopter which flew Mr W "who was suffering from exposure" to a local hospital.
The Coastguard's comment at the time: "A valuable lesson from this incident has been the clear need for any climber to take the appropriate equipment"
An quite right. Sound advice. The local cliffs aren't exceptionally high, but once the tide is in escape options become very limited, and windward ledges can get exceptionally exposed.
Roll forward to early December (Tues the 4th) - another coastguard call out in the same area. As the local newspaper The Daily Echo reports:
"TWO climbers who got into trouble during a stormy night ascent of Swanage sea cliffs have been brandished "disgraceful" by coastguards. One of the pair, a relatively experienced climber in his early twenties, was forced to call for rescue on Tuesday for the SECOND time in a fortnight. This time the man's climbing partner, also in his early 20s, was stuck 60ft down the bottom of Guillemot Ledge (recognise that name readers?), but two weeks ago the coastguard's rescue helicopter was scrambled after another of his companions became trapped on the same ledge"
I bet the coastguard were most impressed when they turned up to that particular incident.
The article mentions the coastguard comment "These guys were given a really good talking to. They are putting other people's lives at risk. They really should know better than to climb in these sorts of conditions"
There's plenty more of the same "....After getting into trouble once you would think this more experienced climber would have learned something, but clearly not. To attempt a second climb at night in these sorts of conditions is asking for trouble.." and ".....in these conditions in the middle of the night, it really borders on stupidity. They must have been on the cliff face for some time. I think they are lucky to be alive"
I somehow think that the coastguard's message might have been put across to Mr W a little more forcibly during this second incident.
Hopefully there will be no third time lucky.
I'll let you think up your own suitable comments here (although there's some ideas for you to start with here)
More from the Swanage Coastguard incident log as well including the famous line "some rather strong words of advice were given to him"
Oh I bet they were.
There is being unlucky. And then there's making your own luck.Labels: Mental Health, Miscellaneous, Mountain Rescue Team(MRT)
Christmas gift ideas: Outdoor book special mentions
Chris Townsend's latest post on his site reminds me that I really need to get Robert Macfarlane’s book "The Wild Places" on to my gift list for this year. Its been getting excellent reviews both on the outdoor forums/magazines and amongst mainstream reviewers.
The latest review pops up on this Saturday's Times newspaper round up of outdoor related books of note published this year
And a mention in the same article recommending Michelle Waitzman's "Sex in a Tent: A Wild Couple's Guide to Getting Naughty in Nature" An author better know to those of us involved with the Outdoor Blogger Forum as Maple Kiwi whose blog Love In A Tent, despite (or may be because of?) its teaser title is full of good advice especially for those looking to New Zealand for their tramping experiences. And coincidentally a book I finished off earlier this week during the long periods of inactivity spent courtesy of British Rail and yet another grinding trip to the northern shores of the Mersey. Oh dear - perhaps grinding wasn't quite the adverb to use on this occasion - lol
But back to MK - let's try to avoid pangs of jealousy as her latest post reminds us that as the days in GB become danker dreary and dark, NZ is moving into the sultry days of their summer season.Labels: blog media, books, Outdoors Blogger Forum
Tuesday, December 4
Walk GB 4 Climb -4,000 Mile Walkies
Colin Snook has always had the ambition to walk around Great Britain and has plotted a route which will cover in excess of four thousand miles over three hundred days in 2008. And whilst fulfilling one ambition he has another - to raise £50,000 for CLIMB (Children LIving with MetaBolic diseases)
Colin aims to use a combination of B & B, backpacking, rough camping (?), campsites and the YHA for accommodation over a period of ten months, averaging 15 miles walking per day.
Main page here
The first of the BIG walking challenges for 2008.
What else is in there waiting to appear from people's planning for 2008 I wonder? Labels: walks
Monday, December 3
More podcasts & some Christmas outdoor gear ideas
Apologies in advance for this post to all you out there feeling a little informationally overloaded. After all its not as if you really need any more internet interaction, or more content to consume. Especially with the surplus of silly TV/Radio adverts/inadvertent product being stuffed down the throat in this run up to the "festive" season (And what an irony that thought conjures up - any how let's not get started on that one tonight!)
BBC Radio is releasing even more of their radio show content via Podcast.
First up is the excellent Ramblings with Clare Balding this week featuring exTGO staffer Jonathan Manning, for some reason listed as editor of Country Walking Magazine (that was a quick retirement - lol)
And if you still can't get to sleep at night, how about BBC Radio 5 Live's Pods and Blogs which I think Podcast Bob has occasionally graced with his presence.
And to mitigate hogging your time - how about checking out Bob's Chrissie ideas to save all that foot slogging?
Labels: Gear, podcasts, UK Outdoors Blogger
Saturday, December 1
Outdoors Station- We have a winner!
A card dropped through the post box earlier this week led to me picking up a large parcel from the local Post Office this morning. Strange as I wasn't expecting anything that I could recall.
But as result of entering one of Podcast Bob's Podzine competition's my wall will now be adorned during 2008 with a large Colin Prior Scotland calendar.
Sweet - thanks Bob (and Colin) And if you fancy trying your luck I'd recommend listening to Bob's Podzines.
These are proving to be an excellent weekly pick-me-up during the long, dark (warm?) days of this winter.
Labels: blog media, podcasts, UK Outdoors Blogger
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
Ancient Brit has the lightweight ethos about as minimalist as it will ever go. Reading his site his outdoor experience includes two Pacific Crest Trails , a Round Britain walk, and the Munros. So not just a whim or publicity seeking.
A difficult challenge to find a "first" on the UK walking scene these days. But I don't think there will be too many contendors for the Winter attempt somehow.
Blog - Diary of a YHA Trustee
I've written in the past of my guardedly optimistic recommendation of the YHA organisation, despite changes over the past few years. Its a sad fact of live that the YHA must reorganise and get much sharper at what it provides, and the way it does so, if it is to remain a viable organisation into the future.
And no doubt a few eggs will be inadvertently broken along the way.
A regular contributor to the uk.rec.youth-hostel newsgroup (mostly spam posts these days btw) reminded me of his appointment earlier in 2007.
Karl Shepherdson (29 - Oooo lapsing into proper journalism there lol) is blogging about his experiences as a YHA trustee and Vice-Chair of the Northern England Regional Council. His work is voluntary, with some financial support with travel costs. But bearing in mind Karl lives in Devon and there were twenty 2007 regional meetings at hostels spread around England & Wales you can see that it requires a solid commitment to deliver on his chosen role. And that's not including the preparation work pre meetings.
Hope Karl stands the pace - but its great to see someone prepared to get actively involved in one of the important institutions of the UK outdoor scene.Labels: YHA
Friday, December 28
Blog round up of 2007
Well its getting to that time of the year again. The End. Or is it The Start? Depends on your 2007 I guess.
Rereading the happenings reported on here has made me realise just how much has been going on during the year. And how few trips away I actually managed compared to 2006. But then this summer's weather, as many 2007 round-ups are about to observe, was Not Quite Right.
So diving right in.........
Jan
A quiet start to the year, and some bloke called Bearded Git starts his blog, and the seemingly endless voyage to seek out new website addresses during the year and meanwhile Judy Armstrong prepares for her Alpine Challenge
Feb
Alan Sloman start his Lejog wander whilst a member of the traditional media, Cameron McNeish, editor of TGO Magazine joins the blogging community, and Skiddaw House near Keswick reopens.
March
The 5,000 site visitor and a relaunch of the Outdoors Station following legal noises from the US (do they own everything yet?) And lo, there was a coming together of the wordy geeks under the banner of the UK Outdoors Blogger Convention 2007 ® and the set-up of the Outdoor Bloggers Forum, initially for the UK based outdoor blogger/podcaster, but proving, by the end of 2007 to have attracted a very active international outdoor membership. And then there was the obligatory NEC Outdoors Show 2007 roundup
April
A meet with a reader ....... and a bog trot with a blogger. Harvey Mountain Maps 1:40,000 series caught my attention with their Lake District offering and the Backpackers Club held their AGM at Bellingham, with a revised format which proved to be an extremely successful. Meanwhile in a quiet corner of John Hee Towers the idea of the Hip-pack Competition 2007 was born.
May
BASECAMP, a national supporter's group for Mountain Rescue Teams arrived just in time for the TGO Challenge. But not an area covered for one poor blogger with an untimely finish. He had a unwanted encounter with the Scottish branch of said service.
And visitor #10,000 pops by.
June
I escape to the lakes, and there meet with some of the UK Outdoor Bloggers, and to celebrate the TGO Website launches whilst Alan Sloman completes his LEJOG Challenge busting his charity fund target wide open, and starts to ponder his next move.
July
The Hip-pack Competition 2007 launches and to celebrate a flying trip to Scotland, quite literally. But sad news as Steve Perry’s 10x10 Challenge comes to an untimely finish but perversely there's a cornucopia of Outdoor related TV programmes to enjoy.
August
The 766g Terra Nova Laser Photon. puts in an appearance at last and this time I celebrate by a return to the chiropractor. Meanwhile the UK Outdoor Bloggers take this opportunity to meet again, this time in the Brecon Beacons where they're suitable entertained by the meteor showers, and the display augers well for the Online Fellwalking Club website make-over
Sept
A quick blogger meet up with a Wildcamp at the Dorset Seaside where luckily we don't come across the makers of the pagan/witchcraft site found later in the month
Oct
Results and winner(s) of the Hip-pack Competition 2007 are announced and the appearance of Love in a Tent - the first outdoor blogger to find a book deal. Whilst on things media, some thoughts on Joe Simpson's latest film and remarks from the man himself on reaching 40
Nov
More weird goings on in the New Forest some unique in one way, some in a completely different manner
Dec
A return to a recurrent topic - risks - Acceptable V Unnecessary with the Dorset climber rescue. But on a lighter note the 2007 Bloggers Panto starts its ego trip and fame (of a sort) comes to JH Towers.
And as the hands of the clock approach year end, and the site visit counter draws closer to the 20,000 mark, I'm delighted to see that nearly 50% of you that drop in feel inclined to come back for more.
For, as most of us that deliver this bloggy thing on an amateur basis come to understand, the statistics are just numbers.
What counts is that of the 370 odd posts delivered during the course of this year there is something that has kept you, the esteemed and welcome reader entertained, informed, amazed and perhaps even shocked (I deliberately left out disgusted - lol)
But mostly we're just happy to share our outdoor thoughts & observations together. Pleasant conversation as we wander along the track towards 2008, ideas for next year's trips, gear and far-off places already starting to form as a glint in our mind's eye.
Springs on its way folks - Hurrah!
Labels: blog media
Thursday, December 27
Windermere Railway, Outdoor Stripping & a claim to infamy
On a lighter note - just check out the quality of the CCTV camera footage from Windermere Railway Station. I trust that their coverage doesn't extend too widely along the platform outside. Otherwise somewhere there's a rather graphic record of my impromptu change from walking to travelling gear very early one weekday morning. At a time I thought there was no-one around.
'Nuff said. Ahem.
(I wonder if one can be arrested for flashing even if there's no physical body around to actually view it at the time)
That reminds me of some sordid tales (courtesy of ex-security staff & too many pints) involving Bournemouth sea front CCTV, very warm nights, and a lady seeking to make her mark on the more adult versions of 'You've Been Framed'.
But that's another tale entirely, and one I'm sure you wouldn't be interested i. Surely.
Labels: media
Scafell Pike - Ice Man Walker Mystery - Update
Courtesy of this thread on Outdoors Magic it looks like the identity of the walker has been resolved, it being related to an earlier disappearance reported in Ambleside in November. Labels: Lake District, Mountain Rescue Team(MRT)
Wednesday, December 26
Xmas Timewasting Fun
A little belatedly, some lighter entertainment for those of you enjoying an extended holiday break. Me. I'm back to the daily grind straight after Boxing Day. So play nicely whilst I'm busily grinding.
What. Too high brow? Surely not. Ok how about...Still here? A good way to watch time pass but still feel busy at the same time .....
And finally.......if you've ever received one of those African spam e-mail invitations to share the Dark Continent's wealth, this last site may provide a few laughs being devoted to email exchanges between “Gilbert Murray” (in a variety of guises) and various fraudsters (The Inventor is one of my favourites) Very inventive. Very funny.
A peak at the virtual 'my village' site set up to persuade Google Searches as to the validity of Murray's home village of Gypping In the Marsh sets the tone of humour expected. If you like the humour of I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue you may recognise the level of (questionable) taste.
And perhaps you might take a peek at the list of local businesses, but no Outdoor Shop. Yet.
A great parody of the 'my village' website genre.Labels: Miscellaneous
Ramblers Association - 'Use Your Paths' Podcast
Looks like the RA has joined the multimedia revolution:
"The Use Your Paths Challenge is the biggest-ever walking project in the UK, and as Footpaths Campaigns Officer Des Garrahan explains, it's a real case of 'use it or lose it' - so help us complete the challenge by joining in yourself"
Download here with link to RA site here and the Challenge's own site here with some excellent advice on footpath usage.Labels: blog media, podcasts
Scafell Pike - Ice Man Walker Mystery
I know its not a very seasonal piece.
But based on the HUGE numbers of walkers (with enormously differing ideas of suitable clothing) that I encountered today in the New Forest, probably worth a mention as a reminder that it doesn't always go as easily as it seems on the TV. Even with the best preparation and foresight.
"The body of a hiker still wearing his cloth cap and carrying a rucksack and a guide book of the area by Alfred Wainwright has been discovered entombed in two inches of ice near England's highest mountain" -
Newspaper report here with eye witness account from the farmer who found the body here.
Now back to finishing off the 2007 round-up I started before the holiday season.Labels: Lake District, Mountain Rescue Team(MRT)
Thursday, December 20
Ibsley Common - World War II and the New Forest
After further feedback (thanks Jon) and some initial research of my own there's more information slowly appearing about goings on in this area, and the remnants left behind.
Its quite an amazing turn of events really. The initial post thread started out casually questioning a small ruin standing alone on a New Forest ridge. And since has been regularly unearthing a rich seam of recent military and social history.
Firstly some more pictures and location detail of various military remains in the area, tying in with the military airfield RAF Ibsley.
Next a very detailed piece from 1995 (Norman Parker's 'Wartime Secrets of the Forest') indicating the sheer size of the military area and the high level of secrecy surrounding it.
And then there's even a film tie-in with original WWII bomb testing footage from the range appearing in the 1969 film "Mosquito Squadron" showing the original Highball bomb drop . With some pictures and schematic of the bomb here.
To quote Wartime Secrets (which the local library is now trying to source for me)
"As the war drew to its close, Grand Slams (bombs) rained down on the previously impenetrable reinforced targets of Europe, destroying them one by one."
And let's not get started on the bronze age barrows in the same area.
Phew. Lots to gaze over whilst the imagination soars as next time I wander across what once appeared as a simple New Forest heathland, open to the sky.
Is that the far off drone of long vanished bombers from high overhead?Labels: Ibsley Common, New Forest, walks
NEC Outdoors Show 2008 - Brian Blessed spotting
Hot news from the OS2008 website as the list of celebs cleared to put in an appearance starts to build.
And yes - the early leaks have proved correct.
Sir (surely soon?) Brian Blessed is to put in an appearance.
It will be interesting to see what mischief he's been up to and about to get involved in, this time around. Last heard the space race was trying to keep up with his avuncularity on his latest venture which involved real off world travel.
Hopefully not just a reprise of his regular panto role as Captain Hook.
All together now "Gordon's alive?!"Labels: NEC Outdoors Show
Monday, December 17
Outdoor Blogger Bite-back time?
The decisions to deliver an Outdoor Blog seems to somehow carry with it a carte blanche licence for some in the outdoor community to host their own attacks on the blogger's personality and interests.
Now I thought I was, in my amateurish way, attempting to communicate outdoor matters to those of shared interest. Or those who may just wish to learn more. Then again perhaps providing a different type of entertainment. All at my own personal cost of time, effort and technology mark you.
As a result my "public" face has appeared less on certain outdoor forums, lacking the interest to repetitively defend my own passions ad infinitum.
For after all its a simple defence on my part: I like doing it. If you don't enjoy the blog approach, then don't read it. There's plenty of other things in our lives instead, so let's agree to differ.
I'm always open to positive criticism. But some of the past attacks have verged on the plain silly at times.
So as the year draws to a close perhaps its time to kick back in my own idiosyncratic way (yep - I've found out what it means now) And what better opportunity than to play up to one of the more recent comments to demonstate the unbridled egotistical bent that all UK Outdoor Bloggers undoubtedly exhibit on an almost daily basis.
Read the new banner above yet?
"Giù la testa, coglione!"?Labels: blog media, UK Outdoors Blogger
Podzine 17/12/07 - The Lost Tapes or Meet The Fockers?
Its been a long time coming, but finally the infamous 'Lost Blogger Tapes' are starting to appear for public perusal. Kicks in around 26 minute mark with mine host at around 33 minutes. "One of the most prolific bloggers in the UK" (that will definitely get me ribbed remorselessly - thanks Andy -lol)
The
Podzine 17/12/07
Download MP3 File
The sight of a microphone does have a tendency of making the mind go blank with suspicious ease. And all of a sudden my language becomes very self censorious - I didn't say a*se once; Bugger that's blown that winning streak again.
Thanks Andy for the compliments. Now I get to pick out certain key phrases for the blog blurb, especially once I work out what idiosyncratic means. (Something to do with idiots and sin maybe? Very near the mark that one)
Hope the wait was worth it.
Form an orderly queue here for autographs. All proceeds to my favourite charity.
Hee hee.Labels: blog media, podcasts, UK Outdoors Blogger, uk walking blog
Sustrans National Lottery win - Pig in a Poke?
Lacking comment elsewhere within the UK outdoor blogging community (unless I've overlooked someone) here's my personal thoughts on the award last week of £50 million to Sustrans’ Connect2 project from the Big Lottery Fund to invest in walking and cycling UK-wide.
When the award was initially announced my reaction was - so what's that to me? I've been aware of Sustrans for some time now, but associated the group mostly with cycle routes. Not a huge interest of mine, but it sounded like a positive move - money to help with access to the great outdoors.
Now with anything related to the "National Lottery" my main reaction to that these days is by now pretty negative.
Why when I attempt to buy my Saturday paper/smokes do I somehow end up queueing behind a string of punters intent on buying multiple combinations of Lottery tickets and Lottery scratch cards - does anyone besides myself actually buy goods in a newsagents these days?
Furthermore I'm not against gambling per se. Indeed last week saw me spending sometime in the local casino during an evening's entertainment (And there's plenty I could write on the plain evidence of the dissociation of the ardent gambler from the surroundings and people around them. A very scary and extreme phenomena to observe for an occasional punter like myself)
But as for the national lottery being a "good" bet - hardly good odds to be honest, but back to the plot....
Sustrans successful bid was "to build a national network of cycle and walking routes". A laudable aim.
And then came news of certain alleged shenanigans with the voting. Oh right. What a surprise. Hasn't the recent rash of TV voting scams really already made the point on this. And frankly if I was involved with a charity seeking a donation of this magnitude I would make darned sure all my friends, relations, passers-by etc etc etc voted for my team using whatever means were provided by the donating organisation. But it seems that this has upset some folk as to the fairness of it all.
But despite the controversy let's stand back and look at all the candidates up for the cash - Eden Project: The Edge; Sherwood: The Living Legend; Black Country Urban Park; Sustrans: Connect2;
Three out of the four offering locally based projects.
And the winner - well that would be the only one with a nationally based project. Small wonder they received more votes really bearing in mind the increased number of people that their project could potentially influence.
So to the delivery plans of the winners to see just how this affects my outdoors access. After a little more digging into the detail behind Sustrans plans I must admit I'm still very unclear on quite what they intend to deliver. No great projects - just lots of joining up bits. And the more I look into the local initiatives, the more unsettling they become being aimed at semi-urban routes, possibly intending to influence some of the local population to walk/cycle to their destinations. But I'd guess more aimed at those lardy arses who think it fine in principle but won't bother to use the facilities anyway, save for an occasional trip with the kids at the height of summer.
I'm trying hard not to get too scathing here after looking at the local project nearest to me. For it proposes provision of a cycleway from a rural area with a very small population, but potentially many airport workers, into the built up areas of Bournemouth. But there's a few drawbacks here.
Firstly - the route already exists on the ground, mostly over existing country back roads, and a bridge across the River Stour. In fact I cycled the route over ten years ago. So its not about provision of anything new. Just upgraded somewhere I'd assume.
Secondly if the route is upgraded it has the potential to increased cycle traffic along paths currently trod mostly by the dog walking brigade, and at one pinch point a number of fishermen. No potential for an increase in conflicting usage here then - wandering dogs, men with expensive fishing gear lying the ground, and cyclists at an increased speed.
Thirdly, the main beneficiary should be the airport workers. But frankly I'd be surprised if many of those not already using the route would choose to do so after its been upgraded (whatever that entails)
And finally - this is not to cover the whole route indicated on the map - but just that piece marked in red i.e. the pinch point referred to earlier. I'd guess that means taking a sometimes narrow and muddy riverside walk, aka locally as a peaceful summertime stroll. And creating a cycle track instead. Great news.
I'd love to be more objective here. To base my view on fact and details. But the plans are really rather sketchy at best, and also carry a couple of interesting warnings as to "the far reaching nature of the scheme" and "not a promise where the route will go".
Huh? So what was the money budgeted for in the £50 million bid then?
In fairness I'll leave this for the present until more detail arises once this project starts on the ground.
But as a walker I fear perhaps the Sustrans bid doesn't really represent much of importance to me and may in fact deter me from using this particular area in the future.
More to come on this I'm sure. Labels: Fitness, Miscellaneous, walks
Sunday, December 16
Finally a little peace and quiet
Football Cup Final. England football World Cup games. Wimbledon finals weekend. Horse Racing Grand National day. Any events that capture national interest. The run up to Christmas.
Recognise any common thread here?
This afternoon's walk on the New Forest took me to a usually busy area, close to one of the major camp sites. A little like a human anthill in July/August. And never really that quiet even outside the tourist season.
But today. Not one car sighted on my journey there. No vehicle was to be found in the usually busy car park. And only a couple of other people spotted wandering in the distant. And those only after a half hour or so of my solitary wander with the dog.
The world around me, or so it appeared, my personal domain for one of those oh so rare occasions. The sort of thing that I would normally expect to walk off into the hills for 2 or 3 hours to achieve.
And the cause?
I expect most folk were either Xmas shopping, or more sensibly hunkering down deep into a bunker mentality that the pre Xmas run up almost demands these days, for anyone trying hard to recall the "true" spirit of Xmas.
Its not all booze, parties, spending and January depression as the credit card statement drops onto the door mat. Not for some of us.
A bit of peace and quiet. A time for personal reflection. A long walk in the cold air (3 deg C and a cold wind - brrr)
This is my enjoyment of the the "true" nature of the world around us all. So difficult to discover some days, and so easily overlooked at this time of the year.
Bliss.
The moral. When the masses go left, turn right and head for the open spaces. Works everytime as long as you can predict the movement of the masses, which is not that difficult if you learn what to look out for.
I know where I'll be on Xmas Eve. And possibly I might find you in a similar place all of your own as well?
Here's hoping.Labels: Mental Health, New Forest
Harry Potter's Last mystery?
An unusual topic for an outdoor blog? Well maybe but I know some of you adults out there have more than a passing interest in the children's tales concerning a certain Master Potter.
Wandering around the virtual world earlier today I found a follow up to the news during the week following the auction of a copy of J.K.Rowling's (very limited) release of "Tales of Beedle the Bard" for a smidgen under £2 million.
A slightly more expensive purchase than I would usually make, I must admit. Well compared to one of my regular sources of second hand books. And after all someone had been writing in the margins of this one and trying to pass it off as new. The cheek of it. I'll have to try that one next time I return a book to my local library suitably annotated with correction and contrasting opinion. Somehow I think increasing the value will not be one of the arguments that they will accept.
But back to the plot, in this instance the purchasing agent, whom if papers were to be believed was not incredibly ecstatic post sale (probably at the final price compared to the £50k estimate) seemed to be an anonymous collector. At least until this weekend when Amazon popped up with details of their new purchase, and now milking their purchase for its full worth
A little karmic perhaps considering how much they must have taken on the Potter series over the last few years? And its probably tax deductible as well, come to think of it.Labels: books
Monday, December 10
Bloggers Christmas Pantomine
This may well be a first for the UK Outdoor on-line community.
So please be generous with your applause (and boos) as we invite you to enjoy a walk with the 2007 UK Outdoor Bloggers Christmas Pantomine.
Or is it all enjoyment?
Choose your route to try to get to the bloggers party on time ....... or will all the refreshment have gone by the time you arrive?
Tie up your boots and step onto the path here Labels: BYOA - Bloggers Pantomine
Bloggers Pantomine - Scene Shifts ...
And is if sensing your decision as you start to ascend the steep scree ridden pass you feel the first drops of rain start to fall. As they become heavier you stop to don waterproof gear.
Continuing to climb the track now turning into a water courses you rapidly warm up.
On reaching the top of the pass your perspiration is swiftly blown away as you walk head on into a westerly gale.
Through gritted teeth you turn into the wind heading along the ridge onwards towards your destination. You pause as over the sound of the wind you hear a far off a jangle of bells which seems to come from far ahead, higher than your current altitude.
You stop to listen for a moment And are swiftly reminded why you are on this ridge in the first place.
Remembering the general lie of the land ahead you stop to consult your map to confirm that there is your route is correct, and that no peak lies ahead.
You spot then that your GPS lanyard is dangling emptily in the wind. Unshouldering your pack you check the bag for the missing equipment.
As you spot the glint of the grey Gecko 301's screen in a side pocket you again hear noises, this time of a human variety. Loud and jovial laughter in the distance.
You peer through the grey cloud, the source of the intermittent sound hidden for the moment
You have a choice to:
Ignore the noise or Investigate the noise
Confused? Then perhaps you've come in part way through this extravaganza Click here to go to the startLabels: BYOA - Bloggers Pantomine
Bloggers Pantomine - Scene Shifts To...
Feeling reassured after the advice in the first aid book you start to ascend the gentle pass feeling the sunshine on your arms and listen to the cry of skylarks speeding you up onto the ridge route above.
Today the atmosphere is clear and you can see for many miles around, a balmy breeze keeping the perspiration from your forehead.
Around midday you start to descend for a short time. In the dip you discover a bubbling stream, and stop for a while seeking shelter from the sunshine by a holly tree in the mouth of a cave.
You are serenaded by a robin as you collect fuel for your BushBuddy.
Too late you realise you have not brought your normal cooking equipment, but one recently donated to you by an aged uncle after his long years spent in the mysterious Orient.
As the water for your brew starts to heat you see an ominous cloud of steam is rising darkly from around the cooker and a shape of human form is appearing amongst the vapour.
You rub your eyes for a moment not believing the sight.
You awake having fallen asleep in the hot sunshine. You pack and with a reinvigorated step start your final short ascent of the day. As you near the peak you catch a few words on the wind .....and shaking your head you decide never to eat mushrooms at that cafe in future.
You now have to decide whether to:
Ignore the noise or Listen to the words
Confused? Then perhaps you've come in part way through this extravaganza Click here to go to the startLabels: BYOA - Bloggers Pantomine
Sunday, December 9
Dorset climber rescue - a waste of space
One worrying individual has caught local media attention for all the wrong reasons.
Late November (Tues 20th to be precise) a certain individual (lets call him 'Mr Whadafooch' to protect his identity) had to be rescued from a cliff close to Langton Matravers, here in Dorset.
The location "the bottom of Guillemot Climb near Dancing Ledge" - now try to remember that name - there may be a test later.
If memory serves it was a cold and wet day and Mr W "misjudged his timing and got stuck at the bottom of a cliff with ankle and head injuries as darkness approached" I recall hearing a local radio news report at the time and wondering about the lack of preparation in the conditions.
To quote the official incident report "The weather at the time was cyclonic force 5 or 6 becoming southwesterly and with squally showers" Mr W was "without a helmet or waterproof clothing"
Enter Portland Coastguard's helicopter which flew Mr W "who was suffering from exposure" to a local hospital.
The Coastguard's comment at the time: "A valuable lesson from this incident has been the clear need for any climber to take the appropriate equipment"
An quite right. Sound advice. The local cliffs aren't exceptionally high, but once the tide is in escape options become very limited, and windward ledges can get exceptionally exposed.
Roll forward to early December (Tues the 4th) - another coastguard call out in the same area. As the local newspaper The Daily Echo reports:
"TWO climbers who got into trouble during a stormy night ascent of Swanage sea cliffs have been brandished "disgraceful" by coastguards. One of the pair, a relatively experienced climber in his early twenties, was forced to call for rescue on Tuesday for the SECOND time in a fortnight. This time the man's climbing partner, also in his early 20s, was stuck 60ft down the bottom of Guillemot Ledge (recognise that name readers?), but two weeks ago the coastguard's rescue helicopter was scrambled after another of his companions became trapped on the same ledge"
I bet the coastguard were most impressed when they turned up to that particular incident.
The article mentions the coastguard comment "These guys were given a really good talking to. They are putting other people's lives at risk. They really should know better than to climb in these sorts of conditions"
There's plenty more of the same "....After getting into trouble once you would think this more experienced climber would have learned something, but clearly not. To attempt a second climb at night in these sorts of conditions is asking for trouble.." and ".....in these conditions in the middle of the night, it really borders on stupidity. They must have been on the cliff face for some time. I think they are lucky to be alive"
I somehow think that the coastguard's message might have been put across to Mr W a little more forcibly during this second incident.
Hopefully there will be no third time lucky.
I'll let you think up your own suitable comments here (although there's some ideas for you to start with here)
More from the Swanage Coastguard incident log as well including the famous line "some rather strong words of advice were given to him"
Oh I bet they were.
There is being unlucky. And then there's making your own luck.Labels: Mental Health, Miscellaneous, Mountain Rescue Team(MRT)
Christmas gift ideas: Outdoor book special mentions
Chris Townsend's latest post on his site reminds me that I really need to get Robert Macfarlane’s book "The Wild Places" on to my gift list for this year. Its been getting excellent reviews both on the outdoor forums/magazines and amongst mainstream reviewers.
The latest review pops up on this Saturday's Times newspaper round up of outdoor related books of note published this year
And a mention in the same article recommending Michelle Waitzman's "Sex in a Tent: A Wild Couple's Guide to Getting Naughty in Nature" An author better know to those of us involved with the Outdoor Blogger Forum as Maple Kiwi whose blog Love In A Tent, despite (or may be because of?) its teaser title is full of good advice especially for those looking to New Zealand for their tramping experiences. And coincidentally a book I finished off earlier this week during the long periods of inactivity spent courtesy of British Rail and yet another grinding trip to the northern shores of the Mersey. Oh dear - perhaps grinding wasn't quite the adverb to use on this occasion - lol
But back to MK - let's try to avoid pangs of jealousy as her latest post reminds us that as the days in GB become danker dreary and dark, NZ is moving into the sultry days of their summer season.Labels: blog media, books, Outdoors Blogger Forum
Tuesday, December 4
Walk GB 4 Climb -4,000 Mile Walkies
Colin Snook has always had the ambition to walk around Great Britain and has plotted a route which will cover in excess of four thousand miles over three hundred days in 2008. And whilst fulfilling one ambition he has another - to raise £50,000 for CLIMB (Children LIving with MetaBolic diseases)
Colin aims to use a combination of B & B, backpacking, rough camping (?), campsites and the YHA for accommodation over a period of ten months, averaging 15 miles walking per day.
Main page here
The first of the BIG walking challenges for 2008.
What else is in there waiting to appear from people's planning for 2008 I wonder? Labels: walks
Monday, December 3
More podcasts & some Christmas outdoor gear ideas
Apologies in advance for this post to all you out there feeling a little informationally overloaded. After all its not as if you really need any more internet interaction, or more content to consume. Especially with the surplus of silly TV/Radio adverts/inadvertent product being stuffed down the throat in this run up to the "festive" season (And what an irony that thought conjures up - any how let's not get started on that one tonight!)
BBC Radio is releasing even more of their radio show content via Podcast.
First up is the excellent Ramblings with Clare Balding this week featuring exTGO staffer Jonathan Manning, for some reason listed as editor of Country Walking Magazine (that was a quick retirement - lol)
And if you still can't get to sleep at night, how about BBC Radio 5 Live's Pods and Blogs which I think Podcast Bob has occasionally graced with his presence.
And to mitigate hogging your time - how about checking out Bob's Chrissie ideas to save all that foot slogging?
Labels: Gear, podcasts, UK Outdoors Blogger
Saturday, December 1
Outdoors Station- We have a winner!
A card dropped through the post box earlier this week led to me picking up a large parcel from the local Post Office this morning. Strange as I wasn't expecting anything that I could recall.
But as result of entering one of Podcast Bob's Podzine competition's my wall will now be adorned during 2008 with a large Colin Prior Scotland calendar.
Sweet - thanks Bob (and Colin) And if you fancy trying your luck I'd recommend listening to Bob's Podzines.
These are proving to be an excellent weekly pick-me-up during the long, dark (warm?) days of this winter.
Labels: blog media, podcasts, UK Outdoors Blogger
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
And no doubt a few eggs will be inadvertently broken along the way.
A regular contributor to the uk.rec.youth-hostel newsgroup (mostly spam posts these days btw) reminded me of his appointment earlier in 2007.
Karl Shepherdson (29 - Oooo lapsing into proper journalism there lol) is blogging about his experiences as a YHA trustee and Vice-Chair of the Northern England Regional Council. His work is voluntary, with some financial support with travel costs. But bearing in mind Karl lives in Devon and there were twenty 2007 regional meetings at hostels spread around England & Wales you can see that it requires a solid commitment to deliver on his chosen role. And that's not including the preparation work pre meetings.
Hope Karl stands the pace - but its great to see someone prepared to get actively involved in one of the important institutions of the UK outdoor scene.
Labels: YHA
Blog round up of 2007
Well its getting to that time of the year again. The End. Or is it The Start? Depends on your 2007 I guess.
Rereading the happenings reported on here has made me realise just how much has been going on during the year. And how few trips away I actually managed compared to 2006. But then this summer's weather, as many 2007 round-ups are about to observe, was Not Quite Right.
So diving right in.........
Jan
A quiet start to the year, and some bloke called Bearded Git starts his blog, and the seemingly endless voyage to seek out new website addresses during the year and meanwhile Judy Armstrong prepares for her Alpine Challenge
Feb
Alan Sloman start his Lejog wander whilst a member of the traditional media, Cameron McNeish, editor of TGO Magazine joins the blogging community, and Skiddaw House near Keswick reopens.
March
The 5,000 site visitor and a relaunch of the Outdoors Station following legal noises from the US (do they own everything yet?) And lo, there was a coming together of the wordy geeks under the banner of the UK Outdoors Blogger Convention 2007 ® and the set-up of the Outdoor Bloggers Forum, initially for the UK based outdoor blogger/podcaster, but proving, by the end of 2007 to have attracted a very active international outdoor membership. And then there was the obligatory NEC Outdoors Show 2007 roundup
April
A meet with a reader ....... and a bog trot with a blogger. Harvey Mountain Maps 1:40,000 series caught my attention with their Lake District offering and the Backpackers Club held their AGM at Bellingham, with a revised format which proved to be an extremely successful. Meanwhile in a quiet corner of John Hee Towers the idea of the Hip-pack Competition 2007 was born.
May
BASECAMP, a national supporter's group for Mountain Rescue Teams arrived just in time for the TGO Challenge. But not an area covered for one poor blogger with an untimely finish. He had a unwanted encounter with the Scottish branch of said service.
And visitor #10,000 pops by.
June
I escape to the lakes, and there meet with some of the UK Outdoor Bloggers, and to celebrate the TGO Website launches whilst Alan Sloman completes his LEJOG Challenge busting his charity fund target wide open, and starts to ponder his next move.
July
The Hip-pack Competition 2007 launches and to celebrate a flying trip to Scotland, quite literally. But sad news as Steve Perry’s 10x10 Challenge comes to an untimely finish but perversely there's a cornucopia of Outdoor related TV programmes to enjoy.
August
The 766g Terra Nova Laser Photon. puts in an appearance at last and this time I celebrate by a return to the chiropractor. Meanwhile the UK Outdoor Bloggers take this opportunity to meet again, this time in the Brecon Beacons where they're suitable entertained by the meteor showers, and the display augers well for the Online Fellwalking Club website make-over
Sept
A quick blogger meet up with a Wildcamp at the Dorset Seaside where luckily we don't come across the makers of the pagan/witchcraft site found later in the month
Oct
Results and winner(s) of the Hip-pack Competition 2007 are announced and the appearance of Love in a Tent - the first outdoor blogger to find a book deal. Whilst on things media, some thoughts on Joe Simpson's latest film and remarks from the man himself on reaching 40
Nov
More weird goings on in the New Forest some unique in one way, some in a completely different manner
Dec
A return to a recurrent topic - risks - Acceptable V Unnecessary with the Dorset climber rescue. But on a lighter note the 2007 Bloggers Panto starts its ego trip and fame (of a sort) comes to JH Towers.
And as the hands of the clock approach year end, and the site visit counter draws closer to the 20,000 mark, I'm delighted to see that nearly 50% of you that drop in feel inclined to come back for more.
For, as most of us that deliver this bloggy thing on an amateur basis come to understand, the statistics are just numbers.
What counts is that of the 370 odd posts delivered during the course of this year there is something that has kept you, the esteemed and welcome reader entertained, informed, amazed and perhaps even shocked (I deliberately left out disgusted - lol)
But mostly we're just happy to share our outdoor thoughts & observations together. Pleasant conversation as we wander along the track towards 2008, ideas for next year's trips, gear and far-off places already starting to form as a glint in our mind's eye.
Springs on its way folks - Hurrah!
Labels: blog media
Thursday, December 27
Windermere Railway, Outdoor Stripping & a claim to infamy
On a lighter note - just check out the quality of the CCTV camera footage from Windermere Railway Station. I trust that their coverage doesn't extend too widely along the platform outside. Otherwise somewhere there's a rather graphic record of my impromptu change from walking to travelling gear very early one weekday morning. At a time I thought there was no-one around.
'Nuff said. Ahem.
(I wonder if one can be arrested for flashing even if there's no physical body around to actually view it at the time)
That reminds me of some sordid tales (courtesy of ex-security staff & too many pints) involving Bournemouth sea front CCTV, very warm nights, and a lady seeking to make her mark on the more adult versions of 'You've Been Framed'.
But that's another tale entirely, and one I'm sure you wouldn't be interested i. Surely.
Labels: media
Scafell Pike - Ice Man Walker Mystery - Update
Courtesy of this thread on Outdoors Magic it looks like the identity of the walker has been resolved, it being related to an earlier disappearance reported in Ambleside in November. Labels: Lake District, Mountain Rescue Team(MRT)
Wednesday, December 26
Xmas Timewasting Fun
A little belatedly, some lighter entertainment for those of you enjoying an extended holiday break. Me. I'm back to the daily grind straight after Boxing Day. So play nicely whilst I'm busily grinding.
What. Too high brow? Surely not. Ok how about...Still here? A good way to watch time pass but still feel busy at the same time .....
And finally.......if you've ever received one of those African spam e-mail invitations to share the Dark Continent's wealth, this last site may provide a few laughs being devoted to email exchanges between “Gilbert Murray” (in a variety of guises) and various fraudsters (The Inventor is one of my favourites) Very inventive. Very funny.
A peak at the virtual 'my village' site set up to persuade Google Searches as to the validity of Murray's home village of Gypping In the Marsh sets the tone of humour expected. If you like the humour of I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue you may recognise the level of (questionable) taste.
And perhaps you might take a peek at the list of local businesses, but no Outdoor Shop. Yet.
A great parody of the 'my village' website genre.Labels: Miscellaneous
Ramblers Association - 'Use Your Paths' Podcast
Looks like the RA has joined the multimedia revolution:
"The Use Your Paths Challenge is the biggest-ever walking project in the UK, and as Footpaths Campaigns Officer Des Garrahan explains, it's a real case of 'use it or lose it' - so help us complete the challenge by joining in yourself"
Download here with link to RA site here and the Challenge's own site here with some excellent advice on footpath usage.Labels: blog media, podcasts
Scafell Pike - Ice Man Walker Mystery
I know its not a very seasonal piece.
But based on the HUGE numbers of walkers (with enormously differing ideas of suitable clothing) that I encountered today in the New Forest, probably worth a mention as a reminder that it doesn't always go as easily as it seems on the TV. Even with the best preparation and foresight.
"The body of a hiker still wearing his cloth cap and carrying a rucksack and a guide book of the area by Alfred Wainwright has been discovered entombed in two inches of ice near England's highest mountain" -
Newspaper report here with eye witness account from the farmer who found the body here.
Now back to finishing off the 2007 round-up I started before the holiday season.Labels: Lake District, Mountain Rescue Team(MRT)
Thursday, December 20
Ibsley Common - World War II and the New Forest
After further feedback (thanks Jon) and some initial research of my own there's more information slowly appearing about goings on in this area, and the remnants left behind.
Its quite an amazing turn of events really. The initial post thread started out casually questioning a small ruin standing alone on a New Forest ridge. And since has been regularly unearthing a rich seam of recent military and social history.
Firstly some more pictures and location detail of various military remains in the area, tying in with the military airfield RAF Ibsley.
Next a very detailed piece from 1995 (Norman Parker's 'Wartime Secrets of the Forest') indicating the sheer size of the military area and the high level of secrecy surrounding it.
And then there's even a film tie-in with original WWII bomb testing footage from the range appearing in the 1969 film "Mosquito Squadron" showing the original Highball bomb drop . With some pictures and schematic of the bomb here.
To quote Wartime Secrets (which the local library is now trying to source for me)
"As the war drew to its close, Grand Slams (bombs) rained down on the previously impenetrable reinforced targets of Europe, destroying them one by one."
And let's not get started on the bronze age barrows in the same area.
Phew. Lots to gaze over whilst the imagination soars as next time I wander across what once appeared as a simple New Forest heathland, open to the sky.
Is that the far off drone of long vanished bombers from high overhead?Labels: Ibsley Common, New Forest, walks
NEC Outdoors Show 2008 - Brian Blessed spotting
Hot news from the OS2008 website as the list of celebs cleared to put in an appearance starts to build.
And yes - the early leaks have proved correct.
Sir (surely soon?) Brian Blessed is to put in an appearance.
It will be interesting to see what mischief he's been up to and about to get involved in, this time around. Last heard the space race was trying to keep up with his avuncularity on his latest venture which involved real off world travel.
Hopefully not just a reprise of his regular panto role as Captain Hook.
All together now "Gordon's alive?!"Labels: NEC Outdoors Show
Monday, December 17
Outdoor Blogger Bite-back time?
The decisions to deliver an Outdoor Blog seems to somehow carry with it a carte blanche licence for some in the outdoor community to host their own attacks on the blogger's personality and interests.
Now I thought I was, in my amateurish way, attempting to communicate outdoor matters to those of shared interest. Or those who may just wish to learn more. Then again perhaps providing a different type of entertainment. All at my own personal cost of time, effort and technology mark you.
As a result my "public" face has appeared less on certain outdoor forums, lacking the interest to repetitively defend my own passions ad infinitum.
For after all its a simple defence on my part: I like doing it. If you don't enjoy the blog approach, then don't read it. There's plenty of other things in our lives instead, so let's agree to differ.
I'm always open to positive criticism. But some of the past attacks have verged on the plain silly at times.
So as the year draws to a close perhaps its time to kick back in my own idiosyncratic way (yep - I've found out what it means now) And what better opportunity than to play up to one of the more recent comments to demonstate the unbridled egotistical bent that all UK Outdoor Bloggers undoubtedly exhibit on an almost daily basis.
Read the new banner above yet?
"Giù la testa, coglione!"?Labels: blog media, UK Outdoors Blogger
Podzine 17/12/07 - The Lost Tapes or Meet The Fockers?
Its been a long time coming, but finally the infamous 'Lost Blogger Tapes' are starting to appear for public perusal. Kicks in around 26 minute mark with mine host at around 33 minutes. "One of the most prolific bloggers in the UK" (that will definitely get me ribbed remorselessly - thanks Andy -lol)
The
Podzine 17/12/07
Download MP3 File
The sight of a microphone does have a tendency of making the mind go blank with suspicious ease. And all of a sudden my language becomes very self censorious - I didn't say a*se once; Bugger that's blown that winning streak again.
Thanks Andy for the compliments. Now I get to pick out certain key phrases for the blog blurb, especially once I work out what idiosyncratic means. (Something to do with idiots and sin maybe? Very near the mark that one)
Hope the wait was worth it.
Form an orderly queue here for autographs. All proceeds to my favourite charity.
Hee hee.Labels: blog media, podcasts, UK Outdoors Blogger, uk walking blog
Sustrans National Lottery win - Pig in a Poke?
Lacking comment elsewhere within the UK outdoor blogging community (unless I've overlooked someone) here's my personal thoughts on the award last week of £50 million to Sustrans’ Connect2 project from the Big Lottery Fund to invest in walking and cycling UK-wide.
When the award was initially announced my reaction was - so what's that to me? I've been aware of Sustrans for some time now, but associated the group mostly with cycle routes. Not a huge interest of mine, but it sounded like a positive move - money to help with access to the great outdoors.
Now with anything related to the "National Lottery" my main reaction to that these days is by now pretty negative.
Why when I attempt to buy my Saturday paper/smokes do I somehow end up queueing behind a string of punters intent on buying multiple combinations of Lottery tickets and Lottery scratch cards - does anyone besides myself actually buy goods in a newsagents these days?
Furthermore I'm not against gambling per se. Indeed last week saw me spending sometime in the local casino during an evening's entertainment (And there's plenty I could write on the plain evidence of the dissociation of the ardent gambler from the surroundings and people around them. A very scary and extreme phenomena to observe for an occasional punter like myself)
But as for the national lottery being a "good" bet - hardly good odds to be honest, but back to the plot....
Sustrans successful bid was "to build a national network of cycle and walking routes". A laudable aim.
And then came news of certain alleged shenanigans with the voting. Oh right. What a surprise. Hasn't the recent rash of TV voting scams really already made the point on this. And frankly if I was involved with a charity seeking a donation of this magnitude I would make darned sure all my friends, relations, passers-by etc etc etc voted for my team using whatever means were provided by the donating organisation. But it seems that this has upset some folk as to the fairness of it all.
But despite the controversy let's stand back and look at all the candidates up for the cash - Eden Project: The Edge; Sherwood: The Living Legend; Black Country Urban Park; Sustrans: Connect2;
Three out of the four offering locally based projects.
And the winner - well that would be the only one with a nationally based project. Small wonder they received more votes really bearing in mind the increased number of people that their project could potentially influence.
So to the delivery plans of the winners to see just how this affects my outdoors access. After a little more digging into the detail behind Sustrans plans I must admit I'm still very unclear on quite what they intend to deliver. No great projects - just lots of joining up bits. And the more I look into the local initiatives, the more unsettling they become being aimed at semi-urban routes, possibly intending to influence some of the local population to walk/cycle to their destinations. But I'd guess more aimed at those lardy arses who think it fine in principle but won't bother to use the facilities anyway, save for an occasional trip with the kids at the height of summer.
I'm trying hard not to get too scathing here after looking at the local project nearest to me. For it proposes provision of a cycleway from a rural area with a very small population, but potentially many airport workers, into the built up areas of Bournemouth. But there's a few drawbacks here.
Firstly - the route already exists on the ground, mostly over existing country back roads, and a bridge across the River Stour. In fact I cycled the route over ten years ago. So its not about provision of anything new. Just upgraded somewhere I'd assume.
Secondly if the route is upgraded it has the potential to increased cycle traffic along paths currently trod mostly by the dog walking brigade, and at one pinch point a number of fishermen. No potential for an increase in conflicting usage here then - wandering dogs, men with expensive fishing gear lying the ground, and cyclists at an increased speed.
Thirdly, the main beneficiary should be the airport workers. But frankly I'd be surprised if many of those not already using the route would choose to do so after its been upgraded (whatever that entails)
And finally - this is not to cover the whole route indicated on the map - but just that piece marked in red i.e. the pinch point referred to earlier. I'd guess that means taking a sometimes narrow and muddy riverside walk, aka locally as a peaceful summertime stroll. And creating a cycle track instead. Great news.
I'd love to be more objective here. To base my view on fact and details. But the plans are really rather sketchy at best, and also carry a couple of interesting warnings as to "the far reaching nature of the scheme" and "not a promise where the route will go".
Huh? So what was the money budgeted for in the £50 million bid then?
In fairness I'll leave this for the present until more detail arises once this project starts on the ground.
But as a walker I fear perhaps the Sustrans bid doesn't really represent much of importance to me and may in fact deter me from using this particular area in the future.
More to come on this I'm sure. Labels: Fitness, Miscellaneous, walks
Sunday, December 16
Finally a little peace and quiet
Football Cup Final. England football World Cup games. Wimbledon finals weekend. Horse Racing Grand National day. Any events that capture national interest. The run up to Christmas.
Recognise any common thread here?
This afternoon's walk on the New Forest took me to a usually busy area, close to one of the major camp sites. A little like a human anthill in July/August. And never really that quiet even outside the tourist season.
But today. Not one car sighted on my journey there. No vehicle was to be found in the usually busy car park. And only a couple of other people spotted wandering in the distant. And those only after a half hour or so of my solitary wander with the dog.
The world around me, or so it appeared, my personal domain for one of those oh so rare occasions. The sort of thing that I would normally expect to walk off into the hills for 2 or 3 hours to achieve.
And the cause?
I expect most folk were either Xmas shopping, or more sensibly hunkering down deep into a bunker mentality that the pre Xmas run up almost demands these days, for anyone trying hard to recall the "true" spirit of Xmas.
Its not all booze, parties, spending and January depression as the credit card statement drops onto the door mat. Not for some of us.
A bit of peace and quiet. A time for personal reflection. A long walk in the cold air (3 deg C and a cold wind - brrr)
This is my enjoyment of the the "true" nature of the world around us all. So difficult to discover some days, and so easily overlooked at this time of the year.
Bliss.
The moral. When the masses go left, turn right and head for the open spaces. Works everytime as long as you can predict the movement of the masses, which is not that difficult if you learn what to look out for.
I know where I'll be on Xmas Eve. And possibly I might find you in a similar place all of your own as well?
Here's hoping.Labels: Mental Health, New Forest
Harry Potter's Last mystery?
An unusual topic for an outdoor blog? Well maybe but I know some of you adults out there have more than a passing interest in the children's tales concerning a certain Master Potter.
Wandering around the virtual world earlier today I found a follow up to the news during the week following the auction of a copy of J.K.Rowling's (very limited) release of "Tales of Beedle the Bard" for a smidgen under £2 million.
A slightly more expensive purchase than I would usually make, I must admit. Well compared to one of my regular sources of second hand books. And after all someone had been writing in the margins of this one and trying to pass it off as new. The cheek of it. I'll have to try that one next time I return a book to my local library suitably annotated with correction and contrasting opinion. Somehow I think increasing the value will not be one of the arguments that they will accept.
But back to the plot, in this instance the purchasing agent, whom if papers were to be believed was not incredibly ecstatic post sale (probably at the final price compared to the £50k estimate) seemed to be an anonymous collector. At least until this weekend when Amazon popped up with details of their new purchase, and now milking their purchase for its full worth
A little karmic perhaps considering how much they must have taken on the Potter series over the last few years? And its probably tax deductible as well, come to think of it.Labels: books
Monday, December 10
Bloggers Christmas Pantomine
This may well be a first for the UK Outdoor on-line community.
So please be generous with your applause (and boos) as we invite you to enjoy a walk with the 2007 UK Outdoor Bloggers Christmas Pantomine.
Or is it all enjoyment?
Choose your route to try to get to the bloggers party on time ....... or will all the refreshment have gone by the time you arrive?
Tie up your boots and step onto the path here Labels: BYOA - Bloggers Pantomine
Bloggers Pantomine - Scene Shifts ...
And is if sensing your decision as you start to ascend the steep scree ridden pass you feel the first drops of rain start to fall. As they become heavier you stop to don waterproof gear.
Continuing to climb the track now turning into a water courses you rapidly warm up.
On reaching the top of the pass your perspiration is swiftly blown away as you walk head on into a westerly gale.
Through gritted teeth you turn into the wind heading along the ridge onwards towards your destination. You pause as over the sound of the wind you hear a far off a jangle of bells which seems to come from far ahead, higher than your current altitude.
You stop to listen for a moment And are swiftly reminded why you are on this ridge in the first place.
Remembering the general lie of the land ahead you stop to consult your map to confirm that there is your route is correct, and that no peak lies ahead.
You spot then that your GPS lanyard is dangling emptily in the wind. Unshouldering your pack you check the bag for the missing equipment.
As you spot the glint of the grey Gecko 301's screen in a side pocket you again hear noises, this time of a human variety. Loud and jovial laughter in the distance.
You peer through the grey cloud, the source of the intermittent sound hidden for the moment
You have a choice to:
Ignore the noise or Investigate the noise
Confused? Then perhaps you've come in part way through this extravaganza Click here to go to the startLabels: BYOA - Bloggers Pantomine
Bloggers Pantomine - Scene Shifts To...
Feeling reassured after the advice in the first aid book you start to ascend the gentle pass feeling the sunshine on your arms and listen to the cry of skylarks speeding you up onto the ridge route above.
Today the atmosphere is clear and you can see for many miles around, a balmy breeze keeping the perspiration from your forehead.
Around midday you start to descend for a short time. In the dip you discover a bubbling stream, and stop for a while seeking shelter from the sunshine by a holly tree in the mouth of a cave.
You are serenaded by a robin as you collect fuel for your BushBuddy.
Too late you realise you have not brought your normal cooking equipment, but one recently donated to you by an aged uncle after his long years spent in the mysterious Orient.
As the water for your brew starts to heat you see an ominous cloud of steam is rising darkly from around the cooker and a shape of human form is appearing amongst the vapour.
You rub your eyes for a moment not believing the sight.
You awake having fallen asleep in the hot sunshine. You pack and with a reinvigorated step start your final short ascent of the day. As you near the peak you catch a few words on the wind .....and shaking your head you decide never to eat mushrooms at that cafe in future.
You now have to decide whether to:
Ignore the noise or Listen to the words
Confused? Then perhaps you've come in part way through this extravaganza Click here to go to the startLabels: BYOA - Bloggers Pantomine
Sunday, December 9
Dorset climber rescue - a waste of space
One worrying individual has caught local media attention for all the wrong reasons.
Late November (Tues 20th to be precise) a certain individual (lets call him 'Mr Whadafooch' to protect his identity) had to be rescued from a cliff close to Langton Matravers, here in Dorset.
The location "the bottom of Guillemot Climb near Dancing Ledge" - now try to remember that name - there may be a test later.
If memory serves it was a cold and wet day and Mr W "misjudged his timing and got stuck at the bottom of a cliff with ankle and head injuries as darkness approached" I recall hearing a local radio news report at the time and wondering about the lack of preparation in the conditions.
To quote the official incident report "The weather at the time was cyclonic force 5 or 6 becoming southwesterly and with squally showers" Mr W was "without a helmet or waterproof clothing"
Enter Portland Coastguard's helicopter which flew Mr W "who was suffering from exposure" to a local hospital.
The Coastguard's comment at the time: "A valuable lesson from this incident has been the clear need for any climber to take the appropriate equipment"
An quite right. Sound advice. The local cliffs aren't exceptionally high, but once the tide is in escape options become very limited, and windward ledges can get exceptionally exposed.
Roll forward to early December (Tues the 4th) - another coastguard call out in the same area. As the local newspaper The Daily Echo reports:
"TWO climbers who got into trouble during a stormy night ascent of Swanage sea cliffs have been brandished "disgraceful" by coastguards. One of the pair, a relatively experienced climber in his early twenties, was forced to call for rescue on Tuesday for the SECOND time in a fortnight. This time the man's climbing partner, also in his early 20s, was stuck 60ft down the bottom of Guillemot Ledge (recognise that name readers?), but two weeks ago the coastguard's rescue helicopter was scrambled after another of his companions became trapped on the same ledge"
I bet the coastguard were most impressed when they turned up to that particular incident.
The article mentions the coastguard comment "These guys were given a really good talking to. They are putting other people's lives at risk. They really should know better than to climb in these sorts of conditions"
There's plenty more of the same "....After getting into trouble once you would think this more experienced climber would have learned something, but clearly not. To attempt a second climb at night in these sorts of conditions is asking for trouble.." and ".....in these conditions in the middle of the night, it really borders on stupidity. They must have been on the cliff face for some time. I think they are lucky to be alive"
I somehow think that the coastguard's message might have been put across to Mr W a little more forcibly during this second incident.
Hopefully there will be no third time lucky.
I'll let you think up your own suitable comments here (although there's some ideas for you to start with here)
More from the Swanage Coastguard incident log as well including the famous line "some rather strong words of advice were given to him"
Oh I bet they were.
There is being unlucky. And then there's making your own luck.Labels: Mental Health, Miscellaneous, Mountain Rescue Team(MRT)
Christmas gift ideas: Outdoor book special mentions
Chris Townsend's latest post on his site reminds me that I really need to get Robert Macfarlane’s book "The Wild Places" on to my gift list for this year. Its been getting excellent reviews both on the outdoor forums/magazines and amongst mainstream reviewers.
The latest review pops up on this Saturday's Times newspaper round up of outdoor related books of note published this year
And a mention in the same article recommending Michelle Waitzman's "Sex in a Tent: A Wild Couple's Guide to Getting Naughty in Nature" An author better know to those of us involved with the Outdoor Blogger Forum as Maple Kiwi whose blog Love In A Tent, despite (or may be because of?) its teaser title is full of good advice especially for those looking to New Zealand for their tramping experiences. And coincidentally a book I finished off earlier this week during the long periods of inactivity spent courtesy of British Rail and yet another grinding trip to the northern shores of the Mersey. Oh dear - perhaps grinding wasn't quite the adverb to use on this occasion - lol
But back to MK - let's try to avoid pangs of jealousy as her latest post reminds us that as the days in GB become danker dreary and dark, NZ is moving into the sultry days of their summer season.Labels: blog media, books, Outdoors Blogger Forum
Tuesday, December 4
Walk GB 4 Climb -4,000 Mile Walkies
Colin Snook has always had the ambition to walk around Great Britain and has plotted a route which will cover in excess of four thousand miles over three hundred days in 2008. And whilst fulfilling one ambition he has another - to raise £50,000 for CLIMB (Children LIving with MetaBolic diseases)
Colin aims to use a combination of B & B, backpacking, rough camping (?), campsites and the YHA for accommodation over a period of ten months, averaging 15 miles walking per day.
Main page here
The first of the BIG walking challenges for 2008.
What else is in there waiting to appear from people's planning for 2008 I wonder? Labels: walks
Monday, December 3
More podcasts & some Christmas outdoor gear ideas
Apologies in advance for this post to all you out there feeling a little informationally overloaded. After all its not as if you really need any more internet interaction, or more content to consume. Especially with the surplus of silly TV/Radio adverts/inadvertent product being stuffed down the throat in this run up to the "festive" season (And what an irony that thought conjures up - any how let's not get started on that one tonight!)
BBC Radio is releasing even more of their radio show content via Podcast.
First up is the excellent Ramblings with Clare Balding this week featuring exTGO staffer Jonathan Manning, for some reason listed as editor of Country Walking Magazine (that was a quick retirement - lol)
And if you still can't get to sleep at night, how about BBC Radio 5 Live's Pods and Blogs which I think Podcast Bob has occasionally graced with his presence.
And to mitigate hogging your time - how about checking out Bob's Chrissie ideas to save all that foot slogging?
Labels: Gear, podcasts, UK Outdoors Blogger
Saturday, December 1
Outdoors Station- We have a winner!
A card dropped through the post box earlier this week led to me picking up a large parcel from the local Post Office this morning. Strange as I wasn't expecting anything that I could recall.
But as result of entering one of Podcast Bob's Podzine competition's my wall will now be adorned during 2008 with a large Colin Prior Scotland calendar.
Sweet - thanks Bob (and Colin) And if you fancy trying your luck I'd recommend listening to Bob's Podzines.
These are proving to be an excellent weekly pick-me-up during the long, dark (warm?) days of this winter.
Labels: blog media, podcasts, UK Outdoors Blogger
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
Well its getting to that time of the year again. The End. Or is it The Start? Depends on your 2007 I guess.
Rereading the happenings reported on here has made me realise just how much has been going on during the year. And how few trips away I actually managed compared to 2006. But then this summer's weather, as many 2007 round-ups are about to observe, was Not Quite Right.
So diving right in.........
JanA quiet start to the year, and some bloke called Bearded Git starts his blog, and the seemingly endless voyage to seek out new website addresses during the year and meanwhile Judy Armstrong prepares for her Alpine Challenge
Feb
Alan Sloman start his Lejog wander whilst a member of the traditional media, Cameron McNeish, editor of TGO Magazine joins the blogging community, and Skiddaw House near Keswick reopens.
March
The 5,000 site visitor and a relaunch of the Outdoors Station following legal noises from the US (do they own everything yet?) And lo, there was a coming together of the wordy geeks under the banner of the UK Outdoors Blogger Convention 2007 ® and the set-up of the Outdoor Bloggers Forum, initially for the UK based outdoor blogger/podcaster, but proving, by the end of 2007 to have attracted a very active international outdoor membership. And then there was the obligatory NEC Outdoors Show 2007 roundup
April
A meet with a reader ....... and a bog trot with a blogger. Harvey Mountain Maps 1:40,000 series caught my attention with their Lake District offering and the Backpackers Club held their AGM at Bellingham, with a revised format which proved to be an extremely successful. Meanwhile in a quiet corner of John Hee Towers the idea of the Hip-pack Competition 2007 was born.
May
BASECAMP, a national supporter's group for Mountain Rescue Teams arrived just in time for the TGO Challenge. But not an area covered for one poor blogger with an untimely finish. He had a unwanted encounter with the Scottish branch of said service.
And visitor #10,000 pops by.
June
I escape to the lakes, and there meet with some of the UK Outdoor Bloggers, and to celebrate the TGO Website launches whilst Alan Sloman completes his LEJOG Challenge busting his charity fund target wide open, and starts to ponder his next move.
July
The Hip-pack Competition 2007 launches and to celebrate a flying trip to Scotland, quite literally. But sad news as Steve Perry’s 10x10 Challenge comes to an untimely finish but perversely there's a cornucopia of Outdoor related TV programmes to enjoy.
August
The 766g Terra Nova Laser Photon. puts in an appearance at last and this time I celebrate by a return to the chiropractor. Meanwhile the UK Outdoor Bloggers take this opportunity to meet again, this time in the Brecon Beacons where they're suitable entertained by the meteor showers, and the display augers well for the Online Fellwalking Club website make-over
Sept
A quick blogger meet up with a Wildcamp at the Dorset Seaside where luckily we don't come across the makers of the pagan/witchcraft site found later in the month
Oct
Results and winner(s) of the Hip-pack Competition 2007 are announced and the appearance of Love in a Tent - the first outdoor blogger to find a book deal. Whilst on things media, some thoughts on Joe Simpson's latest film and remarks from the man himself on reaching 40
Nov
More weird goings on in the New Forest some unique in one way, some in a completely different manner
Dec
A return to a recurrent topic - risks - Acceptable V Unnecessary with the Dorset climber rescue. But on a lighter note the 2007 Bloggers Panto starts its ego trip and fame (of a sort) comes to JH Towers.
And as the hands of the clock approach year end, and the site visit counter draws closer to the 20,000 mark, I'm delighted to see that nearly 50% of you that drop in feel inclined to come back for more.
For, as most of us that deliver this bloggy thing on an amateur basis come to understand, the statistics are just numbers.
What counts is that of the 370 odd posts delivered during the course of this year there is something that has kept you, the esteemed and welcome reader entertained, informed, amazed and perhaps even shocked (I deliberately left out disgusted - lol)
But mostly we're just happy to share our outdoor thoughts & observations together. Pleasant conversation as we wander along the track towards 2008, ideas for next year's trips, gear and far-off places already starting to form as a glint in our mind's eye.
Springs on its way folks - Hurrah!
Labels: blog media
Windermere Railway, Outdoor Stripping & a claim to infamy
On a lighter note - just check out the quality of the CCTV camera footage from Windermere Railway Station. I trust that their coverage doesn't extend too widely along the platform outside. Otherwise somewhere there's a rather graphic record of my impromptu change from walking to travelling gear very early one weekday morning. At a time I thought there was no-one around.
'Nuff said. Ahem.
(I wonder if one can be arrested for flashing even if there's no physical body around to actually view it at the time)
That reminds me of some sordid tales (courtesy of ex-security staff & too many pints) involving Bournemouth sea front CCTV, very warm nights, and a lady seeking to make her mark on the more adult versions of 'You've Been Framed'.
But that's another tale entirely, and one I'm sure you wouldn't be interested i. Surely.
Labels: media
Scafell Pike - Ice Man Walker Mystery - Update
Courtesy of this thread on Outdoors Magic it looks like the identity of the walker has been resolved, it being related to an earlier disappearance reported in Ambleside in November. Labels: Lake District, Mountain Rescue Team(MRT)
Wednesday, December 26
Xmas Timewasting Fun
A little belatedly, some lighter entertainment for those of you enjoying an extended holiday break. Me. I'm back to the daily grind straight after Boxing Day. So play nicely whilst I'm busily grinding.
What. Too high brow? Surely not. Ok how about...Still here? A good way to watch time pass but still feel busy at the same time .....
And finally.......if you've ever received one of those African spam e-mail invitations to share the Dark Continent's wealth, this last site may provide a few laughs being devoted to email exchanges between “Gilbert Murray” (in a variety of guises) and various fraudsters (The Inventor is one of my favourites) Very inventive. Very funny.
A peak at the virtual 'my village' site set up to persuade Google Searches as to the validity of Murray's home village of Gypping In the Marsh sets the tone of humour expected. If you like the humour of I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue you may recognise the level of (questionable) taste.
And perhaps you might take a peek at the list of local businesses, but no Outdoor Shop. Yet.
A great parody of the 'my village' website genre.Labels: Miscellaneous
Ramblers Association - 'Use Your Paths' Podcast
Looks like the RA has joined the multimedia revolution:
"The Use Your Paths Challenge is the biggest-ever walking project in the UK, and as Footpaths Campaigns Officer Des Garrahan explains, it's a real case of 'use it or lose it' - so help us complete the challenge by joining in yourself"
Download here with link to RA site here and the Challenge's own site here with some excellent advice on footpath usage.Labels: blog media, podcasts
Scafell Pike - Ice Man Walker Mystery
I know its not a very seasonal piece.
But based on the HUGE numbers of walkers (with enormously differing ideas of suitable clothing) that I encountered today in the New Forest, probably worth a mention as a reminder that it doesn't always go as easily as it seems on the TV. Even with the best preparation and foresight.
"The body of a hiker still wearing his cloth cap and carrying a rucksack and a guide book of the area by Alfred Wainwright has been discovered entombed in two inches of ice near England's highest mountain" -
Newspaper report here with eye witness account from the farmer who found the body here.
Now back to finishing off the 2007 round-up I started before the holiday season.Labels: Lake District, Mountain Rescue Team(MRT)
Thursday, December 20
Ibsley Common - World War II and the New Forest
After further feedback (thanks Jon) and some initial research of my own there's more information slowly appearing about goings on in this area, and the remnants left behind.
Its quite an amazing turn of events really. The initial post thread started out casually questioning a small ruin standing alone on a New Forest ridge. And since has been regularly unearthing a rich seam of recent military and social history.
Firstly some more pictures and location detail of various military remains in the area, tying in with the military airfield RAF Ibsley.
Next a very detailed piece from 1995 (Norman Parker's 'Wartime Secrets of the Forest') indicating the sheer size of the military area and the high level of secrecy surrounding it.
And then there's even a film tie-in with original WWII bomb testing footage from the range appearing in the 1969 film "Mosquito Squadron" showing the original Highball bomb drop . With some pictures and schematic of the bomb here.
To quote Wartime Secrets (which the local library is now trying to source for me)
"As the war drew to its close, Grand Slams (bombs) rained down on the previously impenetrable reinforced targets of Europe, destroying them one by one."
And let's not get started on the bronze age barrows in the same area.
Phew. Lots to gaze over whilst the imagination soars as next time I wander across what once appeared as a simple New Forest heathland, open to the sky.
Is that the far off drone of long vanished bombers from high overhead?Labels: Ibsley Common, New Forest, walks
NEC Outdoors Show 2008 - Brian Blessed spotting
Hot news from the OS2008 website as the list of celebs cleared to put in an appearance starts to build.
And yes - the early leaks have proved correct.
Sir (surely soon?) Brian Blessed is to put in an appearance.
It will be interesting to see what mischief he's been up to and about to get involved in, this time around. Last heard the space race was trying to keep up with his avuncularity on his latest venture which involved real off world travel.
Hopefully not just a reprise of his regular panto role as Captain Hook.
All together now "Gordon's alive?!"Labels: NEC Outdoors Show
Monday, December 17
Outdoor Blogger Bite-back time?
The decisions to deliver an Outdoor Blog seems to somehow carry with it a carte blanche licence for some in the outdoor community to host their own attacks on the blogger's personality and interests.
Now I thought I was, in my amateurish way, attempting to communicate outdoor matters to those of shared interest. Or those who may just wish to learn more. Then again perhaps providing a different type of entertainment. All at my own personal cost of time, effort and technology mark you.
As a result my "public" face has appeared less on certain outdoor forums, lacking the interest to repetitively defend my own passions ad infinitum.
For after all its a simple defence on my part: I like doing it. If you don't enjoy the blog approach, then don't read it. There's plenty of other things in our lives instead, so let's agree to differ.
I'm always open to positive criticism. But some of the past attacks have verged on the plain silly at times.
So as the year draws to a close perhaps its time to kick back in my own idiosyncratic way (yep - I've found out what it means now) And what better opportunity than to play up to one of the more recent comments to demonstate the unbridled egotistical bent that all UK Outdoor Bloggers undoubtedly exhibit on an almost daily basis.
Read the new banner above yet?
"Giù la testa, coglione!"?Labels: blog media, UK Outdoors Blogger
Podzine 17/12/07 - The Lost Tapes or Meet The Fockers?
Its been a long time coming, but finally the infamous 'Lost Blogger Tapes' are starting to appear for public perusal. Kicks in around 26 minute mark with mine host at around 33 minutes. "One of the most prolific bloggers in the UK" (that will definitely get me ribbed remorselessly - thanks Andy -lol)
The
Podzine 17/12/07
Download MP3 File
The sight of a microphone does have a tendency of making the mind go blank with suspicious ease. And all of a sudden my language becomes very self censorious - I didn't say a*se once; Bugger that's blown that winning streak again.
Thanks Andy for the compliments. Now I get to pick out certain key phrases for the blog blurb, especially once I work out what idiosyncratic means. (Something to do with idiots and sin maybe? Very near the mark that one)
Hope the wait was worth it.
Form an orderly queue here for autographs. All proceeds to my favourite charity.
Hee hee.Labels: blog media, podcasts, UK Outdoors Blogger, uk walking blog
Sustrans National Lottery win - Pig in a Poke?
Lacking comment elsewhere within the UK outdoor blogging community (unless I've overlooked someone) here's my personal thoughts on the award last week of £50 million to Sustrans’ Connect2 project from the Big Lottery Fund to invest in walking and cycling UK-wide.
When the award was initially announced my reaction was - so what's that to me? I've been aware of Sustrans for some time now, but associated the group mostly with cycle routes. Not a huge interest of mine, but it sounded like a positive move - money to help with access to the great outdoors.
Now with anything related to the "National Lottery" my main reaction to that these days is by now pretty negative.
Why when I attempt to buy my Saturday paper/smokes do I somehow end up queueing behind a string of punters intent on buying multiple combinations of Lottery tickets and Lottery scratch cards - does anyone besides myself actually buy goods in a newsagents these days?
Furthermore I'm not against gambling per se. Indeed last week saw me spending sometime in the local casino during an evening's entertainment (And there's plenty I could write on the plain evidence of the dissociation of the ardent gambler from the surroundings and people around them. A very scary and extreme phenomena to observe for an occasional punter like myself)
But as for the national lottery being a "good" bet - hardly good odds to be honest, but back to the plot....
Sustrans successful bid was "to build a national network of cycle and walking routes". A laudable aim.
And then came news of certain alleged shenanigans with the voting. Oh right. What a surprise. Hasn't the recent rash of TV voting scams really already made the point on this. And frankly if I was involved with a charity seeking a donation of this magnitude I would make darned sure all my friends, relations, passers-by etc etc etc voted for my team using whatever means were provided by the donating organisation. But it seems that this has upset some folk as to the fairness of it all.
But despite the controversy let's stand back and look at all the candidates up for the cash - Eden Project: The Edge; Sherwood: The Living Legend; Black Country Urban Park; Sustrans: Connect2;
Three out of the four offering locally based projects.
And the winner - well that would be the only one with a nationally based project. Small wonder they received more votes really bearing in mind the increased number of people that their project could potentially influence.
So to the delivery plans of the winners to see just how this affects my outdoors access. After a little more digging into the detail behind Sustrans plans I must admit I'm still very unclear on quite what they intend to deliver. No great projects - just lots of joining up bits. And the more I look into the local initiatives, the more unsettling they become being aimed at semi-urban routes, possibly intending to influence some of the local population to walk/cycle to their destinations. But I'd guess more aimed at those lardy arses who think it fine in principle but won't bother to use the facilities anyway, save for an occasional trip with the kids at the height of summer.
I'm trying hard not to get too scathing here after looking at the local project nearest to me. For it proposes provision of a cycleway from a rural area with a very small population, but potentially many airport workers, into the built up areas of Bournemouth. But there's a few drawbacks here.
Firstly - the route already exists on the ground, mostly over existing country back roads, and a bridge across the River Stour. In fact I cycled the route over ten years ago. So its not about provision of anything new. Just upgraded somewhere I'd assume.
Secondly if the route is upgraded it has the potential to increased cycle traffic along paths currently trod mostly by the dog walking brigade, and at one pinch point a number of fishermen. No potential for an increase in conflicting usage here then - wandering dogs, men with expensive fishing gear lying the ground, and cyclists at an increased speed.
Thirdly, the main beneficiary should be the airport workers. But frankly I'd be surprised if many of those not already using the route would choose to do so after its been upgraded (whatever that entails)
And finally - this is not to cover the whole route indicated on the map - but just that piece marked in red i.e. the pinch point referred to earlier. I'd guess that means taking a sometimes narrow and muddy riverside walk, aka locally as a peaceful summertime stroll. And creating a cycle track instead. Great news.
I'd love to be more objective here. To base my view on fact and details. But the plans are really rather sketchy at best, and also carry a couple of interesting warnings as to "the far reaching nature of the scheme" and "not a promise where the route will go".
Huh? So what was the money budgeted for in the £50 million bid then?
In fairness I'll leave this for the present until more detail arises once this project starts on the ground.
But as a walker I fear perhaps the Sustrans bid doesn't really represent much of importance to me and may in fact deter me from using this particular area in the future.
More to come on this I'm sure. Labels: Fitness, Miscellaneous, walks
Sunday, December 16
Finally a little peace and quiet
Football Cup Final. England football World Cup games. Wimbledon finals weekend. Horse Racing Grand National day. Any events that capture national interest. The run up to Christmas.
Recognise any common thread here?
This afternoon's walk on the New Forest took me to a usually busy area, close to one of the major camp sites. A little like a human anthill in July/August. And never really that quiet even outside the tourist season.
But today. Not one car sighted on my journey there. No vehicle was to be found in the usually busy car park. And only a couple of other people spotted wandering in the distant. And those only after a half hour or so of my solitary wander with the dog.
The world around me, or so it appeared, my personal domain for one of those oh so rare occasions. The sort of thing that I would normally expect to walk off into the hills for 2 or 3 hours to achieve.
And the cause?
I expect most folk were either Xmas shopping, or more sensibly hunkering down deep into a bunker mentality that the pre Xmas run up almost demands these days, for anyone trying hard to recall the "true" spirit of Xmas.
Its not all booze, parties, spending and January depression as the credit card statement drops onto the door mat. Not for some of us.
A bit of peace and quiet. A time for personal reflection. A long walk in the cold air (3 deg C and a cold wind - brrr)
This is my enjoyment of the the "true" nature of the world around us all. So difficult to discover some days, and so easily overlooked at this time of the year.
Bliss.
The moral. When the masses go left, turn right and head for the open spaces. Works everytime as long as you can predict the movement of the masses, which is not that difficult if you learn what to look out for.
I know where I'll be on Xmas Eve. And possibly I might find you in a similar place all of your own as well?
Here's hoping.Labels: Mental Health, New Forest
Harry Potter's Last mystery?
An unusual topic for an outdoor blog? Well maybe but I know some of you adults out there have more than a passing interest in the children's tales concerning a certain Master Potter.
Wandering around the virtual world earlier today I found a follow up to the news during the week following the auction of a copy of J.K.Rowling's (very limited) release of "Tales of Beedle the Bard" for a smidgen under £2 million.
A slightly more expensive purchase than I would usually make, I must admit. Well compared to one of my regular sources of second hand books. And after all someone had been writing in the margins of this one and trying to pass it off as new. The cheek of it. I'll have to try that one next time I return a book to my local library suitably annotated with correction and contrasting opinion. Somehow I think increasing the value will not be one of the arguments that they will accept.
But back to the plot, in this instance the purchasing agent, whom if papers were to be believed was not incredibly ecstatic post sale (probably at the final price compared to the £50k estimate) seemed to be an anonymous collector. At least until this weekend when Amazon popped up with details of their new purchase, and now milking their purchase for its full worth
A little karmic perhaps considering how much they must have taken on the Potter series over the last few years? And its probably tax deductible as well, come to think of it.Labels: books
Monday, December 10
Bloggers Christmas Pantomine
This may well be a first for the UK Outdoor on-line community.
So please be generous with your applause (and boos) as we invite you to enjoy a walk with the 2007 UK Outdoor Bloggers Christmas Pantomine.
Or is it all enjoyment?
Choose your route to try to get to the bloggers party on time ....... or will all the refreshment have gone by the time you arrive?
Tie up your boots and step onto the path here Labels: BYOA - Bloggers Pantomine
Bloggers Pantomine - Scene Shifts ...
And is if sensing your decision as you start to ascend the steep scree ridden pass you feel the first drops of rain start to fall. As they become heavier you stop to don waterproof gear.
Continuing to climb the track now turning into a water courses you rapidly warm up.
On reaching the top of the pass your perspiration is swiftly blown away as you walk head on into a westerly gale.
Through gritted teeth you turn into the wind heading along the ridge onwards towards your destination. You pause as over the sound of the wind you hear a far off a jangle of bells which seems to come from far ahead, higher than your current altitude.
You stop to listen for a moment And are swiftly reminded why you are on this ridge in the first place.
Remembering the general lie of the land ahead you stop to consult your map to confirm that there is your route is correct, and that no peak lies ahead.
You spot then that your GPS lanyard is dangling emptily in the wind. Unshouldering your pack you check the bag for the missing equipment.
As you spot the glint of the grey Gecko 301's screen in a side pocket you again hear noises, this time of a human variety. Loud and jovial laughter in the distance.
You peer through the grey cloud, the source of the intermittent sound hidden for the moment
You have a choice to:
Ignore the noise or Investigate the noise
Confused? Then perhaps you've come in part way through this extravaganza Click here to go to the startLabels: BYOA - Bloggers Pantomine
Bloggers Pantomine - Scene Shifts To...
Feeling reassured after the advice in the first aid book you start to ascend the gentle pass feeling the sunshine on your arms and listen to the cry of skylarks speeding you up onto the ridge route above.
Today the atmosphere is clear and you can see for many miles around, a balmy breeze keeping the perspiration from your forehead.
Around midday you start to descend for a short time. In the dip you discover a bubbling stream, and stop for a while seeking shelter from the sunshine by a holly tree in the mouth of a cave.
You are serenaded by a robin as you collect fuel for your BushBuddy.
Too late you realise you have not brought your normal cooking equipment, but one recently donated to you by an aged uncle after his long years spent in the mysterious Orient.
As the water for your brew starts to heat you see an ominous cloud of steam is rising darkly from around the cooker and a shape of human form is appearing amongst the vapour.
You rub your eyes for a moment not believing the sight.
You awake having fallen asleep in the hot sunshine. You pack and with a reinvigorated step start your final short ascent of the day. As you near the peak you catch a few words on the wind .....and shaking your head you decide never to eat mushrooms at that cafe in future.
You now have to decide whether to:
Ignore the noise or Listen to the words
Confused? Then perhaps you've come in part way through this extravaganza Click here to go to the startLabels: BYOA - Bloggers Pantomine
Sunday, December 9
Dorset climber rescue - a waste of space
One worrying individual has caught local media attention for all the wrong reasons.
Late November (Tues 20th to be precise) a certain individual (lets call him 'Mr Whadafooch' to protect his identity) had to be rescued from a cliff close to Langton Matravers, here in Dorset.
The location "the bottom of Guillemot Climb near Dancing Ledge" - now try to remember that name - there may be a test later.
If memory serves it was a cold and wet day and Mr W "misjudged his timing and got stuck at the bottom of a cliff with ankle and head injuries as darkness approached" I recall hearing a local radio news report at the time and wondering about the lack of preparation in the conditions.
To quote the official incident report "The weather at the time was cyclonic force 5 or 6 becoming southwesterly and with squally showers" Mr W was "without a helmet or waterproof clothing"
Enter Portland Coastguard's helicopter which flew Mr W "who was suffering from exposure" to a local hospital.
The Coastguard's comment at the time: "A valuable lesson from this incident has been the clear need for any climber to take the appropriate equipment"
An quite right. Sound advice. The local cliffs aren't exceptionally high, but once the tide is in escape options become very limited, and windward ledges can get exceptionally exposed.
Roll forward to early December (Tues the 4th) - another coastguard call out in the same area. As the local newspaper The Daily Echo reports:
"TWO climbers who got into trouble during a stormy night ascent of Swanage sea cliffs have been brandished "disgraceful" by coastguards. One of the pair, a relatively experienced climber in his early twenties, was forced to call for rescue on Tuesday for the SECOND time in a fortnight. This time the man's climbing partner, also in his early 20s, was stuck 60ft down the bottom of Guillemot Ledge (recognise that name readers?), but two weeks ago the coastguard's rescue helicopter was scrambled after another of his companions became trapped on the same ledge"
I bet the coastguard were most impressed when they turned up to that particular incident.
The article mentions the coastguard comment "These guys were given a really good talking to. They are putting other people's lives at risk. They really should know better than to climb in these sorts of conditions"
There's plenty more of the same "....After getting into trouble once you would think this more experienced climber would have learned something, but clearly not. To attempt a second climb at night in these sorts of conditions is asking for trouble.." and ".....in these conditions in the middle of the night, it really borders on stupidity. They must have been on the cliff face for some time. I think they are lucky to be alive"
I somehow think that the coastguard's message might have been put across to Mr W a little more forcibly during this second incident.
Hopefully there will be no third time lucky.
I'll let you think up your own suitable comments here (although there's some ideas for you to start with here)
More from the Swanage Coastguard incident log as well including the famous line "some rather strong words of advice were given to him"
Oh I bet they were.
There is being unlucky. And then there's making your own luck.Labels: Mental Health, Miscellaneous, Mountain Rescue Team(MRT)
Christmas gift ideas: Outdoor book special mentions
Chris Townsend's latest post on his site reminds me that I really need to get Robert Macfarlane’s book "The Wild Places" on to my gift list for this year. Its been getting excellent reviews both on the outdoor forums/magazines and amongst mainstream reviewers.
The latest review pops up on this Saturday's Times newspaper round up of outdoor related books of note published this year
And a mention in the same article recommending Michelle Waitzman's "Sex in a Tent: A Wild Couple's Guide to Getting Naughty in Nature" An author better know to those of us involved with the Outdoor Blogger Forum as Maple Kiwi whose blog Love In A Tent, despite (or may be because of?) its teaser title is full of good advice especially for those looking to New Zealand for their tramping experiences. And coincidentally a book I finished off earlier this week during the long periods of inactivity spent courtesy of British Rail and yet another grinding trip to the northern shores of the Mersey. Oh dear - perhaps grinding wasn't quite the adverb to use on this occasion - lol
But back to MK - let's try to avoid pangs of jealousy as her latest post reminds us that as the days in GB become danker dreary and dark, NZ is moving into the sultry days of their summer season.Labels: blog media, books, Outdoors Blogger Forum
Tuesday, December 4
Walk GB 4 Climb -4,000 Mile Walkies
Colin Snook has always had the ambition to walk around Great Britain and has plotted a route which will cover in excess of four thousand miles over three hundred days in 2008. And whilst fulfilling one ambition he has another - to raise £50,000 for CLIMB (Children LIving with MetaBolic diseases)
Colin aims to use a combination of B & B, backpacking, rough camping (?), campsites and the YHA for accommodation over a period of ten months, averaging 15 miles walking per day.
Main page here
The first of the BIG walking challenges for 2008.
What else is in there waiting to appear from people's planning for 2008 I wonder? Labels: walks
Monday, December 3
More podcasts & some Christmas outdoor gear ideas
Apologies in advance for this post to all you out there feeling a little informationally overloaded. After all its not as if you really need any more internet interaction, or more content to consume. Especially with the surplus of silly TV/Radio adverts/inadvertent product being stuffed down the throat in this run up to the "festive" season (And what an irony that thought conjures up - any how let's not get started on that one tonight!)
BBC Radio is releasing even more of their radio show content via Podcast.
First up is the excellent Ramblings with Clare Balding this week featuring exTGO staffer Jonathan Manning, for some reason listed as editor of Country Walking Magazine (that was a quick retirement - lol)
And if you still can't get to sleep at night, how about BBC Radio 5 Live's Pods and Blogs which I think Podcast Bob has occasionally graced with his presence.
And to mitigate hogging your time - how about checking out Bob's Chrissie ideas to save all that foot slogging?
Labels: Gear, podcasts, UK Outdoors Blogger
Saturday, December 1
Outdoors Station- We have a winner!
A card dropped through the post box earlier this week led to me picking up a large parcel from the local Post Office this morning. Strange as I wasn't expecting anything that I could recall.
But as result of entering one of Podcast Bob's Podzine competition's my wall will now be adorned during 2008 with a large Colin Prior Scotland calendar.
Sweet - thanks Bob (and Colin) And if you fancy trying your luck I'd recommend listening to Bob's Podzines.
These are proving to be an excellent weekly pick-me-up during the long, dark (warm?) days of this winter.
Labels: blog media, podcasts, UK Outdoors Blogger
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
On a lighter note - just check out the quality of the CCTV camera footage from Windermere Railway Station. I trust that their coverage doesn't extend too widely along the platform outside. Otherwise somewhere there's a rather graphic record of my impromptu change from walking to travelling gear very early one weekday morning. At a time I thought there was no-one around.
'Nuff said. Ahem.
(I wonder if one can be arrested for flashing even if there's no physical body around to actually view it at the time)
That reminds me of some sordid tales (courtesy of ex-security staff & too many pints) involving Bournemouth sea front CCTV, very warm nights, and a lady seeking to make her mark on the more adult versions of 'You've Been Framed'.
But that's another tale entirely, and one I'm sure you wouldn't be interested i. Surely.
Labels: media
Scafell Pike - Ice Man Walker Mystery - Update
Courtesy of this thread on Outdoors Magic it looks like the identity of the walker has been resolved, it being related to an earlier disappearance reported in Ambleside in November. Labels: Lake District, Mountain Rescue Team(MRT)
Wednesday, December 26
Xmas Timewasting Fun
A little belatedly, some lighter entertainment for those of you enjoying an extended holiday break. Me. I'm back to the daily grind straight after Boxing Day. So play nicely whilst I'm busily grinding.
What. Too high brow? Surely not. Ok how about...Still here? A good way to watch time pass but still feel busy at the same time .....
And finally.......if you've ever received one of those African spam e-mail invitations to share the Dark Continent's wealth, this last site may provide a few laughs being devoted to email exchanges between “Gilbert Murray” (in a variety of guises) and various fraudsters (The Inventor is one of my favourites) Very inventive. Very funny.
A peak at the virtual 'my village' site set up to persuade Google Searches as to the validity of Murray's home village of Gypping In the Marsh sets the tone of humour expected. If you like the humour of I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue you may recognise the level of (questionable) taste.
And perhaps you might take a peek at the list of local businesses, but no Outdoor Shop. Yet.
A great parody of the 'my village' website genre.Labels: Miscellaneous
Ramblers Association - 'Use Your Paths' Podcast
Looks like the RA has joined the multimedia revolution:
"The Use Your Paths Challenge is the biggest-ever walking project in the UK, and as Footpaths Campaigns Officer Des Garrahan explains, it's a real case of 'use it or lose it' - so help us complete the challenge by joining in yourself"
Download here with link to RA site here and the Challenge's own site here with some excellent advice on footpath usage.Labels: blog media, podcasts
Scafell Pike - Ice Man Walker Mystery
I know its not a very seasonal piece.
But based on the HUGE numbers of walkers (with enormously differing ideas of suitable clothing) that I encountered today in the New Forest, probably worth a mention as a reminder that it doesn't always go as easily as it seems on the TV. Even with the best preparation and foresight.
"The body of a hiker still wearing his cloth cap and carrying a rucksack and a guide book of the area by Alfred Wainwright has been discovered entombed in two inches of ice near England's highest mountain" -
Newspaper report here with eye witness account from the farmer who found the body here.
Now back to finishing off the 2007 round-up I started before the holiday season.Labels: Lake District, Mountain Rescue Team(MRT)
Thursday, December 20
Ibsley Common - World War II and the New Forest
After further feedback (thanks Jon) and some initial research of my own there's more information slowly appearing about goings on in this area, and the remnants left behind.
Its quite an amazing turn of events really. The initial post thread started out casually questioning a small ruin standing alone on a New Forest ridge. And since has been regularly unearthing a rich seam of recent military and social history.
Firstly some more pictures and location detail of various military remains in the area, tying in with the military airfield RAF Ibsley.
Next a very detailed piece from 1995 (Norman Parker's 'Wartime Secrets of the Forest') indicating the sheer size of the military area and the high level of secrecy surrounding it.
And then there's even a film tie-in with original WWII bomb testing footage from the range appearing in the 1969 film "Mosquito Squadron" showing the original Highball bomb drop . With some pictures and schematic of the bomb here.
To quote Wartime Secrets (which the local library is now trying to source for me)
"As the war drew to its close, Grand Slams (bombs) rained down on the previously impenetrable reinforced targets of Europe, destroying them one by one."
And let's not get started on the bronze age barrows in the same area.
Phew. Lots to gaze over whilst the imagination soars as next time I wander across what once appeared as a simple New Forest heathland, open to the sky.
Is that the far off drone of long vanished bombers from high overhead?Labels: Ibsley Common, New Forest, walks
NEC Outdoors Show 2008 - Brian Blessed spotting
Hot news from the OS2008 website as the list of celebs cleared to put in an appearance starts to build.
And yes - the early leaks have proved correct.
Sir (surely soon?) Brian Blessed is to put in an appearance.
It will be interesting to see what mischief he's been up to and about to get involved in, this time around. Last heard the space race was trying to keep up with his avuncularity on his latest venture which involved real off world travel.
Hopefully not just a reprise of his regular panto role as Captain Hook.
All together now "Gordon's alive?!"Labels: NEC Outdoors Show
Monday, December 17
Outdoor Blogger Bite-back time?
The decisions to deliver an Outdoor Blog seems to somehow carry with it a carte blanche licence for some in the outdoor community to host their own attacks on the blogger's personality and interests.
Now I thought I was, in my amateurish way, attempting to communicate outdoor matters to those of shared interest. Or those who may just wish to learn more. Then again perhaps providing a different type of entertainment. All at my own personal cost of time, effort and technology mark you.
As a result my "public" face has appeared less on certain outdoor forums, lacking the interest to repetitively defend my own passions ad infinitum.
For after all its a simple defence on my part: I like doing it. If you don't enjoy the blog approach, then don't read it. There's plenty of other things in our lives instead, so let's agree to differ.
I'm always open to positive criticism. But some of the past attacks have verged on the plain silly at times.
So as the year draws to a close perhaps its time to kick back in my own idiosyncratic way (yep - I've found out what it means now) And what better opportunity than to play up to one of the more recent comments to demonstate the unbridled egotistical bent that all UK Outdoor Bloggers undoubtedly exhibit on an almost daily basis.
Read the new banner above yet?
"Giù la testa, coglione!"?Labels: blog media, UK Outdoors Blogger
Podzine 17/12/07 - The Lost Tapes or Meet The Fockers?
Its been a long time coming, but finally the infamous 'Lost Blogger Tapes' are starting to appear for public perusal. Kicks in around 26 minute mark with mine host at around 33 minutes. "One of the most prolific bloggers in the UK" (that will definitely get me ribbed remorselessly - thanks Andy -lol)
The
Podzine 17/12/07
Download MP3 File
The sight of a microphone does have a tendency of making the mind go blank with suspicious ease. And all of a sudden my language becomes very self censorious - I didn't say a*se once; Bugger that's blown that winning streak again.
Thanks Andy for the compliments. Now I get to pick out certain key phrases for the blog blurb, especially once I work out what idiosyncratic means. (Something to do with idiots and sin maybe? Very near the mark that one)
Hope the wait was worth it.
Form an orderly queue here for autographs. All proceeds to my favourite charity.
Hee hee.Labels: blog media, podcasts, UK Outdoors Blogger, uk walking blog
Sustrans National Lottery win - Pig in a Poke?
Lacking comment elsewhere within the UK outdoor blogging community (unless I've overlooked someone) here's my personal thoughts on the award last week of £50 million to Sustrans’ Connect2 project from the Big Lottery Fund to invest in walking and cycling UK-wide.
When the award was initially announced my reaction was - so what's that to me? I've been aware of Sustrans for some time now, but associated the group mostly with cycle routes. Not a huge interest of mine, but it sounded like a positive move - money to help with access to the great outdoors.
Now with anything related to the "National Lottery" my main reaction to that these days is by now pretty negative.
Why when I attempt to buy my Saturday paper/smokes do I somehow end up queueing behind a string of punters intent on buying multiple combinations of Lottery tickets and Lottery scratch cards - does anyone besides myself actually buy goods in a newsagents these days?
Furthermore I'm not against gambling per se. Indeed last week saw me spending sometime in the local casino during an evening's entertainment (And there's plenty I could write on the plain evidence of the dissociation of the ardent gambler from the surroundings and people around them. A very scary and extreme phenomena to observe for an occasional punter like myself)
But as for the national lottery being a "good" bet - hardly good odds to be honest, but back to the plot....
Sustrans successful bid was "to build a national network of cycle and walking routes". A laudable aim.
And then came news of certain alleged shenanigans with the voting. Oh right. What a surprise. Hasn't the recent rash of TV voting scams really already made the point on this. And frankly if I was involved with a charity seeking a donation of this magnitude I would make darned sure all my friends, relations, passers-by etc etc etc voted for my team using whatever means were provided by the donating organisation. But it seems that this has upset some folk as to the fairness of it all.
But despite the controversy let's stand back and look at all the candidates up for the cash - Eden Project: The Edge; Sherwood: The Living Legend; Black Country Urban Park; Sustrans: Connect2;
Three out of the four offering locally based projects.
And the winner - well that would be the only one with a nationally based project. Small wonder they received more votes really bearing in mind the increased number of people that their project could potentially influence.
So to the delivery plans of the winners to see just how this affects my outdoors access. After a little more digging into the detail behind Sustrans plans I must admit I'm still very unclear on quite what they intend to deliver. No great projects - just lots of joining up bits. And the more I look into the local initiatives, the more unsettling they become being aimed at semi-urban routes, possibly intending to influence some of the local population to walk/cycle to their destinations. But I'd guess more aimed at those lardy arses who think it fine in principle but won't bother to use the facilities anyway, save for an occasional trip with the kids at the height of summer.
I'm trying hard not to get too scathing here after looking at the local project nearest to me. For it proposes provision of a cycleway from a rural area with a very small population, but potentially many airport workers, into the built up areas of Bournemouth. But there's a few drawbacks here.
Firstly - the route already exists on the ground, mostly over existing country back roads, and a bridge across the River Stour. In fact I cycled the route over ten years ago. So its not about provision of anything new. Just upgraded somewhere I'd assume.
Secondly if the route is upgraded it has the potential to increased cycle traffic along paths currently trod mostly by the dog walking brigade, and at one pinch point a number of fishermen. No potential for an increase in conflicting usage here then - wandering dogs, men with expensive fishing gear lying the ground, and cyclists at an increased speed.
Thirdly, the main beneficiary should be the airport workers. But frankly I'd be surprised if many of those not already using the route would choose to do so after its been upgraded (whatever that entails)
And finally - this is not to cover the whole route indicated on the map - but just that piece marked in red i.e. the pinch point referred to earlier. I'd guess that means taking a sometimes narrow and muddy riverside walk, aka locally as a peaceful summertime stroll. And creating a cycle track instead. Great news.
I'd love to be more objective here. To base my view on fact and details. But the plans are really rather sketchy at best, and also carry a couple of interesting warnings as to "the far reaching nature of the scheme" and "not a promise where the route will go".
Huh? So what was the money budgeted for in the £50 million bid then?
In fairness I'll leave this for the present until more detail arises once this project starts on the ground.
But as a walker I fear perhaps the Sustrans bid doesn't really represent much of importance to me and may in fact deter me from using this particular area in the future.
More to come on this I'm sure. Labels: Fitness, Miscellaneous, walks
Sunday, December 16
Finally a little peace and quiet
Football Cup Final. England football World Cup games. Wimbledon finals weekend. Horse Racing Grand National day. Any events that capture national interest. The run up to Christmas.
Recognise any common thread here?
This afternoon's walk on the New Forest took me to a usually busy area, close to one of the major camp sites. A little like a human anthill in July/August. And never really that quiet even outside the tourist season.
But today. Not one car sighted on my journey there. No vehicle was to be found in the usually busy car park. And only a couple of other people spotted wandering in the distant. And those only after a half hour or so of my solitary wander with the dog.
The world around me, or so it appeared, my personal domain for one of those oh so rare occasions. The sort of thing that I would normally expect to walk off into the hills for 2 or 3 hours to achieve.
And the cause?
I expect most folk were either Xmas shopping, or more sensibly hunkering down deep into a bunker mentality that the pre Xmas run up almost demands these days, for anyone trying hard to recall the "true" spirit of Xmas.
Its not all booze, parties, spending and January depression as the credit card statement drops onto the door mat. Not for some of us.
A bit of peace and quiet. A time for personal reflection. A long walk in the cold air (3 deg C and a cold wind - brrr)
This is my enjoyment of the the "true" nature of the world around us all. So difficult to discover some days, and so easily overlooked at this time of the year.
Bliss.
The moral. When the masses go left, turn right and head for the open spaces. Works everytime as long as you can predict the movement of the masses, which is not that difficult if you learn what to look out for.
I know where I'll be on Xmas Eve. And possibly I might find you in a similar place all of your own as well?
Here's hoping.Labels: Mental Health, New Forest
Harry Potter's Last mystery?
An unusual topic for an outdoor blog? Well maybe but I know some of you adults out there have more than a passing interest in the children's tales concerning a certain Master Potter.
Wandering around the virtual world earlier today I found a follow up to the news during the week following the auction of a copy of J.K.Rowling's (very limited) release of "Tales of Beedle the Bard" for a smidgen under £2 million.
A slightly more expensive purchase than I would usually make, I must admit. Well compared to one of my regular sources of second hand books. And after all someone had been writing in the margins of this one and trying to pass it off as new. The cheek of it. I'll have to try that one next time I return a book to my local library suitably annotated with correction and contrasting opinion. Somehow I think increasing the value will not be one of the arguments that they will accept.
But back to the plot, in this instance the purchasing agent, whom if papers were to be believed was not incredibly ecstatic post sale (probably at the final price compared to the £50k estimate) seemed to be an anonymous collector. At least until this weekend when Amazon popped up with details of their new purchase, and now milking their purchase for its full worth
A little karmic perhaps considering how much they must have taken on the Potter series over the last few years? And its probably tax deductible as well, come to think of it.Labels: books
Monday, December 10
Bloggers Christmas Pantomine
This may well be a first for the UK Outdoor on-line community.
So please be generous with your applause (and boos) as we invite you to enjoy a walk with the 2007 UK Outdoor Bloggers Christmas Pantomine.
Or is it all enjoyment?
Choose your route to try to get to the bloggers party on time ....... or will all the refreshment have gone by the time you arrive?
Tie up your boots and step onto the path here Labels: BYOA - Bloggers Pantomine
Bloggers Pantomine - Scene Shifts ...
And is if sensing your decision as you start to ascend the steep scree ridden pass you feel the first drops of rain start to fall. As they become heavier you stop to don waterproof gear.
Continuing to climb the track now turning into a water courses you rapidly warm up.
On reaching the top of the pass your perspiration is swiftly blown away as you walk head on into a westerly gale.
Through gritted teeth you turn into the wind heading along the ridge onwards towards your destination. You pause as over the sound of the wind you hear a far off a jangle of bells which seems to come from far ahead, higher than your current altitude.
You stop to listen for a moment And are swiftly reminded why you are on this ridge in the first place.
Remembering the general lie of the land ahead you stop to consult your map to confirm that there is your route is correct, and that no peak lies ahead.
You spot then that your GPS lanyard is dangling emptily in the wind. Unshouldering your pack you check the bag for the missing equipment.
As you spot the glint of the grey Gecko 301's screen in a side pocket you again hear noises, this time of a human variety. Loud and jovial laughter in the distance.
You peer through the grey cloud, the source of the intermittent sound hidden for the moment
You have a choice to:
Ignore the noise or Investigate the noise
Confused? Then perhaps you've come in part way through this extravaganza Click here to go to the startLabels: BYOA - Bloggers Pantomine
Bloggers Pantomine - Scene Shifts To...
Feeling reassured after the advice in the first aid book you start to ascend the gentle pass feeling the sunshine on your arms and listen to the cry of skylarks speeding you up onto the ridge route above.
Today the atmosphere is clear and you can see for many miles around, a balmy breeze keeping the perspiration from your forehead.
Around midday you start to descend for a short time. In the dip you discover a bubbling stream, and stop for a while seeking shelter from the sunshine by a holly tree in the mouth of a cave.
You are serenaded by a robin as you collect fuel for your BushBuddy.
Too late you realise you have not brought your normal cooking equipment, but one recently donated to you by an aged uncle after his long years spent in the mysterious Orient.
As the water for your brew starts to heat you see an ominous cloud of steam is rising darkly from around the cooker and a shape of human form is appearing amongst the vapour.
You rub your eyes for a moment not believing the sight.
You awake having fallen asleep in the hot sunshine. You pack and with a reinvigorated step start your final short ascent of the day. As you near the peak you catch a few words on the wind .....and shaking your head you decide never to eat mushrooms at that cafe in future.
You now have to decide whether to:
Ignore the noise or Listen to the words
Confused? Then perhaps you've come in part way through this extravaganza Click here to go to the startLabels: BYOA - Bloggers Pantomine
Sunday, December 9
Dorset climber rescue - a waste of space
One worrying individual has caught local media attention for all the wrong reasons.
Late November (Tues 20th to be precise) a certain individual (lets call him 'Mr Whadafooch' to protect his identity) had to be rescued from a cliff close to Langton Matravers, here in Dorset.
The location "the bottom of Guillemot Climb near Dancing Ledge" - now try to remember that name - there may be a test later.
If memory serves it was a cold and wet day and Mr W "misjudged his timing and got stuck at the bottom of a cliff with ankle and head injuries as darkness approached" I recall hearing a local radio news report at the time and wondering about the lack of preparation in the conditions.
To quote the official incident report "The weather at the time was cyclonic force 5 or 6 becoming southwesterly and with squally showers" Mr W was "without a helmet or waterproof clothing"
Enter Portland Coastguard's helicopter which flew Mr W "who was suffering from exposure" to a local hospital.
The Coastguard's comment at the time: "A valuable lesson from this incident has been the clear need for any climber to take the appropriate equipment"
An quite right. Sound advice. The local cliffs aren't exceptionally high, but once the tide is in escape options become very limited, and windward ledges can get exceptionally exposed.
Roll forward to early December (Tues the 4th) - another coastguard call out in the same area. As the local newspaper The Daily Echo reports:
"TWO climbers who got into trouble during a stormy night ascent of Swanage sea cliffs have been brandished "disgraceful" by coastguards. One of the pair, a relatively experienced climber in his early twenties, was forced to call for rescue on Tuesday for the SECOND time in a fortnight. This time the man's climbing partner, also in his early 20s, was stuck 60ft down the bottom of Guillemot Ledge (recognise that name readers?), but two weeks ago the coastguard's rescue helicopter was scrambled after another of his companions became trapped on the same ledge"
I bet the coastguard were most impressed when they turned up to that particular incident.
The article mentions the coastguard comment "These guys were given a really good talking to. They are putting other people's lives at risk. They really should know better than to climb in these sorts of conditions"
There's plenty more of the same "....After getting into trouble once you would think this more experienced climber would have learned something, but clearly not. To attempt a second climb at night in these sorts of conditions is asking for trouble.." and ".....in these conditions in the middle of the night, it really borders on stupidity. They must have been on the cliff face for some time. I think they are lucky to be alive"
I somehow think that the coastguard's message might have been put across to Mr W a little more forcibly during this second incident.
Hopefully there will be no third time lucky.
I'll let you think up your own suitable comments here (although there's some ideas for you to start with here)
More from the Swanage Coastguard incident log as well including the famous line "some rather strong words of advice were given to him"
Oh I bet they were.
There is being unlucky. And then there's making your own luck.Labels: Mental Health, Miscellaneous, Mountain Rescue Team(MRT)
Christmas gift ideas: Outdoor book special mentions
Chris Townsend's latest post on his site reminds me that I really need to get Robert Macfarlane’s book "The Wild Places" on to my gift list for this year. Its been getting excellent reviews both on the outdoor forums/magazines and amongst mainstream reviewers.
The latest review pops up on this Saturday's Times newspaper round up of outdoor related books of note published this year
And a mention in the same article recommending Michelle Waitzman's "Sex in a Tent: A Wild Couple's Guide to Getting Naughty in Nature" An author better know to those of us involved with the Outdoor Blogger Forum as Maple Kiwi whose blog Love In A Tent, despite (or may be because of?) its teaser title is full of good advice especially for those looking to New Zealand for their tramping experiences. And coincidentally a book I finished off earlier this week during the long periods of inactivity spent courtesy of British Rail and yet another grinding trip to the northern shores of the Mersey. Oh dear - perhaps grinding wasn't quite the adverb to use on this occasion - lol
But back to MK - let's try to avoid pangs of jealousy as her latest post reminds us that as the days in GB become danker dreary and dark, NZ is moving into the sultry days of their summer season.Labels: blog media, books, Outdoors Blogger Forum
Tuesday, December 4
Walk GB 4 Climb -4,000 Mile Walkies
Colin Snook has always had the ambition to walk around Great Britain and has plotted a route which will cover in excess of four thousand miles over three hundred days in 2008. And whilst fulfilling one ambition he has another - to raise £50,000 for CLIMB (Children LIving with MetaBolic diseases)
Colin aims to use a combination of B & B, backpacking, rough camping (?), campsites and the YHA for accommodation over a period of ten months, averaging 15 miles walking per day.
Main page here
The first of the BIG walking challenges for 2008.
What else is in there waiting to appear from people's planning for 2008 I wonder? Labels: walks
Monday, December 3
More podcasts & some Christmas outdoor gear ideas
Apologies in advance for this post to all you out there feeling a little informationally overloaded. After all its not as if you really need any more internet interaction, or more content to consume. Especially with the surplus of silly TV/Radio adverts/inadvertent product being stuffed down the throat in this run up to the "festive" season (And what an irony that thought conjures up - any how let's not get started on that one tonight!)
BBC Radio is releasing even more of their radio show content via Podcast.
First up is the excellent Ramblings with Clare Balding this week featuring exTGO staffer Jonathan Manning, for some reason listed as editor of Country Walking Magazine (that was a quick retirement - lol)
And if you still can't get to sleep at night, how about BBC Radio 5 Live's Pods and Blogs which I think Podcast Bob has occasionally graced with his presence.
And to mitigate hogging your time - how about checking out Bob's Chrissie ideas to save all that foot slogging?
Labels: Gear, podcasts, UK Outdoors Blogger
Saturday, December 1
Outdoors Station- We have a winner!
A card dropped through the post box earlier this week led to me picking up a large parcel from the local Post Office this morning. Strange as I wasn't expecting anything that I could recall.
But as result of entering one of Podcast Bob's Podzine competition's my wall will now be adorned during 2008 with a large Colin Prior Scotland calendar.
Sweet - thanks Bob (and Colin) And if you fancy trying your luck I'd recommend listening to Bob's Podzines.
These are proving to be an excellent weekly pick-me-up during the long, dark (warm?) days of this winter.
Labels: blog media, podcasts, UK Outdoors Blogger
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
Labels: Lake District, Mountain Rescue Team(MRT)
Xmas Timewasting Fun
A little belatedly, some lighter entertainment for those of you enjoying an extended holiday break. Me. I'm back to the daily grind straight after Boxing Day. So play nicely whilst I'm busily grinding.
What. Too high brow? Surely not. Ok how about...Still here? A good way to watch time pass but still feel busy at the same time .....
And finally.......if you've ever received one of those African spam e-mail invitations to share the Dark Continent's wealth, this last site may provide a few laughs being devoted to email exchanges between “Gilbert Murray” (in a variety of guises) and various fraudsters (The Inventor is one of my favourites) Very inventive. Very funny.
A peak at the virtual 'my village' site set up to persuade Google Searches as to the validity of Murray's home village of Gypping In the Marsh sets the tone of humour expected. If you like the humour of I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue you may recognise the level of (questionable) taste.
And perhaps you might take a peek at the list of local businesses, but no Outdoor Shop. Yet.
A great parody of the 'my village' website genre.Labels: Miscellaneous
Ramblers Association - 'Use Your Paths' Podcast
Looks like the RA has joined the multimedia revolution:
"The Use Your Paths Challenge is the biggest-ever walking project in the UK, and as Footpaths Campaigns Officer Des Garrahan explains, it's a real case of 'use it or lose it' - so help us complete the challenge by joining in yourself"
Download here with link to RA site here and the Challenge's own site here with some excellent advice on footpath usage.Labels: blog media, podcasts
Scafell Pike - Ice Man Walker Mystery
I know its not a very seasonal piece.
But based on the HUGE numbers of walkers (with enormously differing ideas of suitable clothing) that I encountered today in the New Forest, probably worth a mention as a reminder that it doesn't always go as easily as it seems on the TV. Even with the best preparation and foresight.
"The body of a hiker still wearing his cloth cap and carrying a rucksack and a guide book of the area by Alfred Wainwright has been discovered entombed in two inches of ice near England's highest mountain" -
Newspaper report here with eye witness account from the farmer who found the body here.
Now back to finishing off the 2007 round-up I started before the holiday season.Labels: Lake District, Mountain Rescue Team(MRT)
Thursday, December 20
Ibsley Common - World War II and the New Forest
After further feedback (thanks Jon) and some initial research of my own there's more information slowly appearing about goings on in this area, and the remnants left behind.
Its quite an amazing turn of events really. The initial post thread started out casually questioning a small ruin standing alone on a New Forest ridge. And since has been regularly unearthing a rich seam of recent military and social history.
Firstly some more pictures and location detail of various military remains in the area, tying in with the military airfield RAF Ibsley.
Next a very detailed piece from 1995 (Norman Parker's 'Wartime Secrets of the Forest') indicating the sheer size of the military area and the high level of secrecy surrounding it.
And then there's even a film tie-in with original WWII bomb testing footage from the range appearing in the 1969 film "Mosquito Squadron" showing the original Highball bomb drop . With some pictures and schematic of the bomb here.
To quote Wartime Secrets (which the local library is now trying to source for me)
"As the war drew to its close, Grand Slams (bombs) rained down on the previously impenetrable reinforced targets of Europe, destroying them one by one."
And let's not get started on the bronze age barrows in the same area.
Phew. Lots to gaze over whilst the imagination soars as next time I wander across what once appeared as a simple New Forest heathland, open to the sky.
Is that the far off drone of long vanished bombers from high overhead?Labels: Ibsley Common, New Forest, walks
NEC Outdoors Show 2008 - Brian Blessed spotting
Hot news from the OS2008 website as the list of celebs cleared to put in an appearance starts to build.
And yes - the early leaks have proved correct.
Sir (surely soon?) Brian Blessed is to put in an appearance.
It will be interesting to see what mischief he's been up to and about to get involved in, this time around. Last heard the space race was trying to keep up with his avuncularity on his latest venture which involved real off world travel.
Hopefully not just a reprise of his regular panto role as Captain Hook.
All together now "Gordon's alive?!"Labels: NEC Outdoors Show
Monday, December 17
Outdoor Blogger Bite-back time?
The decisions to deliver an Outdoor Blog seems to somehow carry with it a carte blanche licence for some in the outdoor community to host their own attacks on the blogger's personality and interests.
Now I thought I was, in my amateurish way, attempting to communicate outdoor matters to those of shared interest. Or those who may just wish to learn more. Then again perhaps providing a different type of entertainment. All at my own personal cost of time, effort and technology mark you.
As a result my "public" face has appeared less on certain outdoor forums, lacking the interest to repetitively defend my own passions ad infinitum.
For after all its a simple defence on my part: I like doing it. If you don't enjoy the blog approach, then don't read it. There's plenty of other things in our lives instead, so let's agree to differ.
I'm always open to positive criticism. But some of the past attacks have verged on the plain silly at times.
So as the year draws to a close perhaps its time to kick back in my own idiosyncratic way (yep - I've found out what it means now) And what better opportunity than to play up to one of the more recent comments to demonstate the unbridled egotistical bent that all UK Outdoor Bloggers undoubtedly exhibit on an almost daily basis.
Read the new banner above yet?
"Giù la testa, coglione!"?Labels: blog media, UK Outdoors Blogger
Podzine 17/12/07 - The Lost Tapes or Meet The Fockers?
Its been a long time coming, but finally the infamous 'Lost Blogger Tapes' are starting to appear for public perusal. Kicks in around 26 minute mark with mine host at around 33 minutes. "One of the most prolific bloggers in the UK" (that will definitely get me ribbed remorselessly - thanks Andy -lol)
The
Podzine 17/12/07
Download MP3 File
The sight of a microphone does have a tendency of making the mind go blank with suspicious ease. And all of a sudden my language becomes very self censorious - I didn't say a*se once; Bugger that's blown that winning streak again.
Thanks Andy for the compliments. Now I get to pick out certain key phrases for the blog blurb, especially once I work out what idiosyncratic means. (Something to do with idiots and sin maybe? Very near the mark that one)
Hope the wait was worth it.
Form an orderly queue here for autographs. All proceeds to my favourite charity.
Hee hee.Labels: blog media, podcasts, UK Outdoors Blogger, uk walking blog
Sustrans National Lottery win - Pig in a Poke?
Lacking comment elsewhere within the UK outdoor blogging community (unless I've overlooked someone) here's my personal thoughts on the award last week of £50 million to Sustrans’ Connect2 project from the Big Lottery Fund to invest in walking and cycling UK-wide.
When the award was initially announced my reaction was - so what's that to me? I've been aware of Sustrans for some time now, but associated the group mostly with cycle routes. Not a huge interest of mine, but it sounded like a positive move - money to help with access to the great outdoors.
Now with anything related to the "National Lottery" my main reaction to that these days is by now pretty negative.
Why when I attempt to buy my Saturday paper/smokes do I somehow end up queueing behind a string of punters intent on buying multiple combinations of Lottery tickets and Lottery scratch cards - does anyone besides myself actually buy goods in a newsagents these days?
Furthermore I'm not against gambling per se. Indeed last week saw me spending sometime in the local casino during an evening's entertainment (And there's plenty I could write on the plain evidence of the dissociation of the ardent gambler from the surroundings and people around them. A very scary and extreme phenomena to observe for an occasional punter like myself)
But as for the national lottery being a "good" bet - hardly good odds to be honest, but back to the plot....
Sustrans successful bid was "to build a national network of cycle and walking routes". A laudable aim.
And then came news of certain alleged shenanigans with the voting. Oh right. What a surprise. Hasn't the recent rash of TV voting scams really already made the point on this. And frankly if I was involved with a charity seeking a donation of this magnitude I would make darned sure all my friends, relations, passers-by etc etc etc voted for my team using whatever means were provided by the donating organisation. But it seems that this has upset some folk as to the fairness of it all.
But despite the controversy let's stand back and look at all the candidates up for the cash - Eden Project: The Edge; Sherwood: The Living Legend; Black Country Urban Park; Sustrans: Connect2;
Three out of the four offering locally based projects.
And the winner - well that would be the only one with a nationally based project. Small wonder they received more votes really bearing in mind the increased number of people that their project could potentially influence.
So to the delivery plans of the winners to see just how this affects my outdoors access. After a little more digging into the detail behind Sustrans plans I must admit I'm still very unclear on quite what they intend to deliver. No great projects - just lots of joining up bits. And the more I look into the local initiatives, the more unsettling they become being aimed at semi-urban routes, possibly intending to influence some of the local population to walk/cycle to their destinations. But I'd guess more aimed at those lardy arses who think it fine in principle but won't bother to use the facilities anyway, save for an occasional trip with the kids at the height of summer.
I'm trying hard not to get too scathing here after looking at the local project nearest to me. For it proposes provision of a cycleway from a rural area with a very small population, but potentially many airport workers, into the built up areas of Bournemouth. But there's a few drawbacks here.
Firstly - the route already exists on the ground, mostly over existing country back roads, and a bridge across the River Stour. In fact I cycled the route over ten years ago. So its not about provision of anything new. Just upgraded somewhere I'd assume.
Secondly if the route is upgraded it has the potential to increased cycle traffic along paths currently trod mostly by the dog walking brigade, and at one pinch point a number of fishermen. No potential for an increase in conflicting usage here then - wandering dogs, men with expensive fishing gear lying the ground, and cyclists at an increased speed.
Thirdly, the main beneficiary should be the airport workers. But frankly I'd be surprised if many of those not already using the route would choose to do so after its been upgraded (whatever that entails)
And finally - this is not to cover the whole route indicated on the map - but just that piece marked in red i.e. the pinch point referred to earlier. I'd guess that means taking a sometimes narrow and muddy riverside walk, aka locally as a peaceful summertime stroll. And creating a cycle track instead. Great news.
I'd love to be more objective here. To base my view on fact and details. But the plans are really rather sketchy at best, and also carry a couple of interesting warnings as to "the far reaching nature of the scheme" and "not a promise where the route will go".
Huh? So what was the money budgeted for in the £50 million bid then?
In fairness I'll leave this for the present until more detail arises once this project starts on the ground.
But as a walker I fear perhaps the Sustrans bid doesn't really represent much of importance to me and may in fact deter me from using this particular area in the future.
More to come on this I'm sure. Labels: Fitness, Miscellaneous, walks
Sunday, December 16
Finally a little peace and quiet
Football Cup Final. England football World Cup games. Wimbledon finals weekend. Horse Racing Grand National day. Any events that capture national interest. The run up to Christmas.
Recognise any common thread here?
This afternoon's walk on the New Forest took me to a usually busy area, close to one of the major camp sites. A little like a human anthill in July/August. And never really that quiet even outside the tourist season.
But today. Not one car sighted on my journey there. No vehicle was to be found in the usually busy car park. And only a couple of other people spotted wandering in the distant. And those only after a half hour or so of my solitary wander with the dog.
The world around me, or so it appeared, my personal domain for one of those oh so rare occasions. The sort of thing that I would normally expect to walk off into the hills for 2 or 3 hours to achieve.
And the cause?
I expect most folk were either Xmas shopping, or more sensibly hunkering down deep into a bunker mentality that the pre Xmas run up almost demands these days, for anyone trying hard to recall the "true" spirit of Xmas.
Its not all booze, parties, spending and January depression as the credit card statement drops onto the door mat. Not for some of us.
A bit of peace and quiet. A time for personal reflection. A long walk in the cold air (3 deg C and a cold wind - brrr)
This is my enjoyment of the the "true" nature of the world around us all. So difficult to discover some days, and so easily overlooked at this time of the year.
Bliss.
The moral. When the masses go left, turn right and head for the open spaces. Works everytime as long as you can predict the movement of the masses, which is not that difficult if you learn what to look out for.
I know where I'll be on Xmas Eve. And possibly I might find you in a similar place all of your own as well?
Here's hoping.Labels: Mental Health, New Forest
Harry Potter's Last mystery?
An unusual topic for an outdoor blog? Well maybe but I know some of you adults out there have more than a passing interest in the children's tales concerning a certain Master Potter.
Wandering around the virtual world earlier today I found a follow up to the news during the week following the auction of a copy of J.K.Rowling's (very limited) release of "Tales of Beedle the Bard" for a smidgen under £2 million.
A slightly more expensive purchase than I would usually make, I must admit. Well compared to one of my regular sources of second hand books. And after all someone had been writing in the margins of this one and trying to pass it off as new. The cheek of it. I'll have to try that one next time I return a book to my local library suitably annotated with correction and contrasting opinion. Somehow I think increasing the value will not be one of the arguments that they will accept.
But back to the plot, in this instance the purchasing agent, whom if papers were to be believed was not incredibly ecstatic post sale (probably at the final price compared to the £50k estimate) seemed to be an anonymous collector. At least until this weekend when Amazon popped up with details of their new purchase, and now milking their purchase for its full worth
A little karmic perhaps considering how much they must have taken on the Potter series over the last few years? And its probably tax deductible as well, come to think of it.Labels: books
Monday, December 10
Bloggers Christmas Pantomine
This may well be a first for the UK Outdoor on-line community.
So please be generous with your applause (and boos) as we invite you to enjoy a walk with the 2007 UK Outdoor Bloggers Christmas Pantomine.
Or is it all enjoyment?
Choose your route to try to get to the bloggers party on time ....... or will all the refreshment have gone by the time you arrive?
Tie up your boots and step onto the path here Labels: BYOA - Bloggers Pantomine
Bloggers Pantomine - Scene Shifts ...
And is if sensing your decision as you start to ascend the steep scree ridden pass you feel the first drops of rain start to fall. As they become heavier you stop to don waterproof gear.
Continuing to climb the track now turning into a water courses you rapidly warm up.
On reaching the top of the pass your perspiration is swiftly blown away as you walk head on into a westerly gale.
Through gritted teeth you turn into the wind heading along the ridge onwards towards your destination. You pause as over the sound of the wind you hear a far off a jangle of bells which seems to come from far ahead, higher than your current altitude.
You stop to listen for a moment And are swiftly reminded why you are on this ridge in the first place.
Remembering the general lie of the land ahead you stop to consult your map to confirm that there is your route is correct, and that no peak lies ahead.
You spot then that your GPS lanyard is dangling emptily in the wind. Unshouldering your pack you check the bag for the missing equipment.
As you spot the glint of the grey Gecko 301's screen in a side pocket you again hear noises, this time of a human variety. Loud and jovial laughter in the distance.
You peer through the grey cloud, the source of the intermittent sound hidden for the moment
You have a choice to:
Ignore the noise or Investigate the noise
Confused? Then perhaps you've come in part way through this extravaganza Click here to go to the startLabels: BYOA - Bloggers Pantomine
Bloggers Pantomine - Scene Shifts To...
Feeling reassured after the advice in the first aid book you start to ascend the gentle pass feeling the sunshine on your arms and listen to the cry of skylarks speeding you up onto the ridge route above.
Today the atmosphere is clear and you can see for many miles around, a balmy breeze keeping the perspiration from your forehead.
Around midday you start to descend for a short time. In the dip you discover a bubbling stream, and stop for a while seeking shelter from the sunshine by a holly tree in the mouth of a cave.
You are serenaded by a robin as you collect fuel for your BushBuddy.
Too late you realise you have not brought your normal cooking equipment, but one recently donated to you by an aged uncle after his long years spent in the mysterious Orient.
As the water for your brew starts to heat you see an ominous cloud of steam is rising darkly from around the cooker and a shape of human form is appearing amongst the vapour.
You rub your eyes for a moment not believing the sight.
You awake having fallen asleep in the hot sunshine. You pack and with a reinvigorated step start your final short ascent of the day. As you near the peak you catch a few words on the wind .....and shaking your head you decide never to eat mushrooms at that cafe in future.
You now have to decide whether to:
Ignore the noise or Listen to the words
Confused? Then perhaps you've come in part way through this extravaganza Click here to go to the startLabels: BYOA - Bloggers Pantomine
Sunday, December 9
Dorset climber rescue - a waste of space
One worrying individual has caught local media attention for all the wrong reasons.
Late November (Tues 20th to be precise) a certain individual (lets call him 'Mr Whadafooch' to protect his identity) had to be rescued from a cliff close to Langton Matravers, here in Dorset.
The location "the bottom of Guillemot Climb near Dancing Ledge" - now try to remember that name - there may be a test later.
If memory serves it was a cold and wet day and Mr W "misjudged his timing and got stuck at the bottom of a cliff with ankle and head injuries as darkness approached" I recall hearing a local radio news report at the time and wondering about the lack of preparation in the conditions.
To quote the official incident report "The weather at the time was cyclonic force 5 or 6 becoming southwesterly and with squally showers" Mr W was "without a helmet or waterproof clothing"
Enter Portland Coastguard's helicopter which flew Mr W "who was suffering from exposure" to a local hospital.
The Coastguard's comment at the time: "A valuable lesson from this incident has been the clear need for any climber to take the appropriate equipment"
An quite right. Sound advice. The local cliffs aren't exceptionally high, but once the tide is in escape options become very limited, and windward ledges can get exceptionally exposed.
Roll forward to early December (Tues the 4th) - another coastguard call out in the same area. As the local newspaper The Daily Echo reports:
"TWO climbers who got into trouble during a stormy night ascent of Swanage sea cliffs have been brandished "disgraceful" by coastguards. One of the pair, a relatively experienced climber in his early twenties, was forced to call for rescue on Tuesday for the SECOND time in a fortnight. This time the man's climbing partner, also in his early 20s, was stuck 60ft down the bottom of Guillemot Ledge (recognise that name readers?), but two weeks ago the coastguard's rescue helicopter was scrambled after another of his companions became trapped on the same ledge"
I bet the coastguard were most impressed when they turned up to that particular incident.
The article mentions the coastguard comment "These guys were given a really good talking to. They are putting other people's lives at risk. They really should know better than to climb in these sorts of conditions"
There's plenty more of the same "....After getting into trouble once you would think this more experienced climber would have learned something, but clearly not. To attempt a second climb at night in these sorts of conditions is asking for trouble.." and ".....in these conditions in the middle of the night, it really borders on stupidity. They must have been on the cliff face for some time. I think they are lucky to be alive"
I somehow think that the coastguard's message might have been put across to Mr W a little more forcibly during this second incident.
Hopefully there will be no third time lucky.
I'll let you think up your own suitable comments here (although there's some ideas for you to start with here)
More from the Swanage Coastguard incident log as well including the famous line "some rather strong words of advice were given to him"
Oh I bet they were.
There is being unlucky. And then there's making your own luck.Labels: Mental Health, Miscellaneous, Mountain Rescue Team(MRT)
Christmas gift ideas: Outdoor book special mentions
Chris Townsend's latest post on his site reminds me that I really need to get Robert Macfarlane’s book "The Wild Places" on to my gift list for this year. Its been getting excellent reviews both on the outdoor forums/magazines and amongst mainstream reviewers.
The latest review pops up on this Saturday's Times newspaper round up of outdoor related books of note published this year
And a mention in the same article recommending Michelle Waitzman's "Sex in a Tent: A Wild Couple's Guide to Getting Naughty in Nature" An author better know to those of us involved with the Outdoor Blogger Forum as Maple Kiwi whose blog Love In A Tent, despite (or may be because of?) its teaser title is full of good advice especially for those looking to New Zealand for their tramping experiences. And coincidentally a book I finished off earlier this week during the long periods of inactivity spent courtesy of British Rail and yet another grinding trip to the northern shores of the Mersey. Oh dear - perhaps grinding wasn't quite the adverb to use on this occasion - lol
But back to MK - let's try to avoid pangs of jealousy as her latest post reminds us that as the days in GB become danker dreary and dark, NZ is moving into the sultry days of their summer season.Labels: blog media, books, Outdoors Blogger Forum
Tuesday, December 4
Walk GB 4 Climb -4,000 Mile Walkies
Colin Snook has always had the ambition to walk around Great Britain and has plotted a route which will cover in excess of four thousand miles over three hundred days in 2008. And whilst fulfilling one ambition he has another - to raise £50,000 for CLIMB (Children LIving with MetaBolic diseases)
Colin aims to use a combination of B & B, backpacking, rough camping (?), campsites and the YHA for accommodation over a period of ten months, averaging 15 miles walking per day.
Main page here
The first of the BIG walking challenges for 2008.
What else is in there waiting to appear from people's planning for 2008 I wonder? Labels: walks
Monday, December 3
More podcasts & some Christmas outdoor gear ideas
Apologies in advance for this post to all you out there feeling a little informationally overloaded. After all its not as if you really need any more internet interaction, or more content to consume. Especially with the surplus of silly TV/Radio adverts/inadvertent product being stuffed down the throat in this run up to the "festive" season (And what an irony that thought conjures up - any how let's not get started on that one tonight!)
BBC Radio is releasing even more of their radio show content via Podcast.
First up is the excellent Ramblings with Clare Balding this week featuring exTGO staffer Jonathan Manning, for some reason listed as editor of Country Walking Magazine (that was a quick retirement - lol)
And if you still can't get to sleep at night, how about BBC Radio 5 Live's Pods and Blogs which I think Podcast Bob has occasionally graced with his presence.
And to mitigate hogging your time - how about checking out Bob's Chrissie ideas to save all that foot slogging?
Labels: Gear, podcasts, UK Outdoors Blogger
Saturday, December 1
Outdoors Station- We have a winner!
A card dropped through the post box earlier this week led to me picking up a large parcel from the local Post Office this morning. Strange as I wasn't expecting anything that I could recall.
But as result of entering one of Podcast Bob's Podzine competition's my wall will now be adorned during 2008 with a large Colin Prior Scotland calendar.
Sweet - thanks Bob (and Colin) And if you fancy trying your luck I'd recommend listening to Bob's Podzines.
These are proving to be an excellent weekly pick-me-up during the long, dark (warm?) days of this winter.
Labels: blog media, podcasts, UK Outdoors Blogger
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
What. Too high brow? Surely not. Ok how about...
Still here? A good way to watch time pass but still feel busy at the same time .....
And finally.......if you've ever received one of those African spam e-mail invitations to share the Dark Continent's wealth, this last site may provide a few laughs being devoted to email exchanges between “Gilbert Murray” (in a variety of guises) and various fraudsters (The Inventor is one of my favourites) Very inventive. Very funny.A peak at the virtual 'my village' site set up to persuade Google Searches as to the validity of Murray's home village of Gypping In the Marsh sets the tone of humour expected. If you like the humour of I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue you may recognise the level of (questionable) taste.
And perhaps you might take a peek at the list of local businesses, but no Outdoor Shop. Yet.
A great parody of the 'my village' website genre.
Labels: Miscellaneous
Ramblers Association - 'Use Your Paths' Podcast
Looks like the RA has joined the multimedia revolution:
"The Use Your Paths Challenge is the biggest-ever walking project in the UK, and as Footpaths Campaigns Officer Des Garrahan explains, it's a real case of 'use it or lose it' - so help us complete the challenge by joining in yourself"
Download here with link to RA site here and the Challenge's own site here with some excellent advice on footpath usage.Labels: blog media, podcasts
Scafell Pike - Ice Man Walker Mystery
I know its not a very seasonal piece.
But based on the HUGE numbers of walkers (with enormously differing ideas of suitable clothing) that I encountered today in the New Forest, probably worth a mention as a reminder that it doesn't always go as easily as it seems on the TV. Even with the best preparation and foresight.
"The body of a hiker still wearing his cloth cap and carrying a rucksack and a guide book of the area by Alfred Wainwright has been discovered entombed in two inches of ice near England's highest mountain" -
Newspaper report here with eye witness account from the farmer who found the body here.
Now back to finishing off the 2007 round-up I started before the holiday season.Labels: Lake District, Mountain Rescue Team(MRT)
Thursday, December 20
Ibsley Common - World War II and the New Forest
After further feedback (thanks Jon) and some initial research of my own there's more information slowly appearing about goings on in this area, and the remnants left behind.
Its quite an amazing turn of events really. The initial post thread started out casually questioning a small ruin standing alone on a New Forest ridge. And since has been regularly unearthing a rich seam of recent military and social history.
Firstly some more pictures and location detail of various military remains in the area, tying in with the military airfield RAF Ibsley.
Next a very detailed piece from 1995 (Norman Parker's 'Wartime Secrets of the Forest') indicating the sheer size of the military area and the high level of secrecy surrounding it.
And then there's even a film tie-in with original WWII bomb testing footage from the range appearing in the 1969 film "Mosquito Squadron" showing the original Highball bomb drop . With some pictures and schematic of the bomb here.
To quote Wartime Secrets (which the local library is now trying to source for me)
"As the war drew to its close, Grand Slams (bombs) rained down on the previously impenetrable reinforced targets of Europe, destroying them one by one."
And let's not get started on the bronze age barrows in the same area.
Phew. Lots to gaze over whilst the imagination soars as next time I wander across what once appeared as a simple New Forest heathland, open to the sky.
Is that the far off drone of long vanished bombers from high overhead?Labels: Ibsley Common, New Forest, walks
NEC Outdoors Show 2008 - Brian Blessed spotting
Hot news from the OS2008 website as the list of celebs cleared to put in an appearance starts to build.
And yes - the early leaks have proved correct.
Sir (surely soon?) Brian Blessed is to put in an appearance.
It will be interesting to see what mischief he's been up to and about to get involved in, this time around. Last heard the space race was trying to keep up with his avuncularity on his latest venture which involved real off world travel.
Hopefully not just a reprise of his regular panto role as Captain Hook.
All together now "Gordon's alive?!"Labels: NEC Outdoors Show
Monday, December 17
Outdoor Blogger Bite-back time?
The decisions to deliver an Outdoor Blog seems to somehow carry with it a carte blanche licence for some in the outdoor community to host their own attacks on the blogger's personality and interests.
Now I thought I was, in my amateurish way, attempting to communicate outdoor matters to those of shared interest. Or those who may just wish to learn more. Then again perhaps providing a different type of entertainment. All at my own personal cost of time, effort and technology mark you.
As a result my "public" face has appeared less on certain outdoor forums, lacking the interest to repetitively defend my own passions ad infinitum.
For after all its a simple defence on my part: I like doing it. If you don't enjoy the blog approach, then don't read it. There's plenty of other things in our lives instead, so let's agree to differ.
I'm always open to positive criticism. But some of the past attacks have verged on the plain silly at times.
So as the year draws to a close perhaps its time to kick back in my own idiosyncratic way (yep - I've found out what it means now) And what better opportunity than to play up to one of the more recent comments to demonstate the unbridled egotistical bent that all UK Outdoor Bloggers undoubtedly exhibit on an almost daily basis.
Read the new banner above yet?
"Giù la testa, coglione!"?Labels: blog media, UK Outdoors Blogger
Podzine 17/12/07 - The Lost Tapes or Meet The Fockers?
Its been a long time coming, but finally the infamous 'Lost Blogger Tapes' are starting to appear for public perusal. Kicks in around 26 minute mark with mine host at around 33 minutes. "One of the most prolific bloggers in the UK" (that will definitely get me ribbed remorselessly - thanks Andy -lol)
The
Podzine 17/12/07
Download MP3 File
The sight of a microphone does have a tendency of making the mind go blank with suspicious ease. And all of a sudden my language becomes very self censorious - I didn't say a*se once; Bugger that's blown that winning streak again.
Thanks Andy for the compliments. Now I get to pick out certain key phrases for the blog blurb, especially once I work out what idiosyncratic means. (Something to do with idiots and sin maybe? Very near the mark that one)
Hope the wait was worth it.
Form an orderly queue here for autographs. All proceeds to my favourite charity.
Hee hee.Labels: blog media, podcasts, UK Outdoors Blogger, uk walking blog
Sustrans National Lottery win - Pig in a Poke?
Lacking comment elsewhere within the UK outdoor blogging community (unless I've overlooked someone) here's my personal thoughts on the award last week of £50 million to Sustrans’ Connect2 project from the Big Lottery Fund to invest in walking and cycling UK-wide.
When the award was initially announced my reaction was - so what's that to me? I've been aware of Sustrans for some time now, but associated the group mostly with cycle routes. Not a huge interest of mine, but it sounded like a positive move - money to help with access to the great outdoors.
Now with anything related to the "National Lottery" my main reaction to that these days is by now pretty negative.
Why when I attempt to buy my Saturday paper/smokes do I somehow end up queueing behind a string of punters intent on buying multiple combinations of Lottery tickets and Lottery scratch cards - does anyone besides myself actually buy goods in a newsagents these days?
Furthermore I'm not against gambling per se. Indeed last week saw me spending sometime in the local casino during an evening's entertainment (And there's plenty I could write on the plain evidence of the dissociation of the ardent gambler from the surroundings and people around them. A very scary and extreme phenomena to observe for an occasional punter like myself)
But as for the national lottery being a "good" bet - hardly good odds to be honest, but back to the plot....
Sustrans successful bid was "to build a national network of cycle and walking routes". A laudable aim.
And then came news of certain alleged shenanigans with the voting. Oh right. What a surprise. Hasn't the recent rash of TV voting scams really already made the point on this. And frankly if I was involved with a charity seeking a donation of this magnitude I would make darned sure all my friends, relations, passers-by etc etc etc voted for my team using whatever means were provided by the donating organisation. But it seems that this has upset some folk as to the fairness of it all.
But despite the controversy let's stand back and look at all the candidates up for the cash - Eden Project: The Edge; Sherwood: The Living Legend; Black Country Urban Park; Sustrans: Connect2;
Three out of the four offering locally based projects.
And the winner - well that would be the only one with a nationally based project. Small wonder they received more votes really bearing in mind the increased number of people that their project could potentially influence.
So to the delivery plans of the winners to see just how this affects my outdoors access. After a little more digging into the detail behind Sustrans plans I must admit I'm still very unclear on quite what they intend to deliver. No great projects - just lots of joining up bits. And the more I look into the local initiatives, the more unsettling they become being aimed at semi-urban routes, possibly intending to influence some of the local population to walk/cycle to their destinations. But I'd guess more aimed at those lardy arses who think it fine in principle but won't bother to use the facilities anyway, save for an occasional trip with the kids at the height of summer.
I'm trying hard not to get too scathing here after looking at the local project nearest to me. For it proposes provision of a cycleway from a rural area with a very small population, but potentially many airport workers, into the built up areas of Bournemouth. But there's a few drawbacks here.
Firstly - the route already exists on the ground, mostly over existing country back roads, and a bridge across the River Stour. In fact I cycled the route over ten years ago. So its not about provision of anything new. Just upgraded somewhere I'd assume.
Secondly if the route is upgraded it has the potential to increased cycle traffic along paths currently trod mostly by the dog walking brigade, and at one pinch point a number of fishermen. No potential for an increase in conflicting usage here then - wandering dogs, men with expensive fishing gear lying the ground, and cyclists at an increased speed.
Thirdly, the main beneficiary should be the airport workers. But frankly I'd be surprised if many of those not already using the route would choose to do so after its been upgraded (whatever that entails)
And finally - this is not to cover the whole route indicated on the map - but just that piece marked in red i.e. the pinch point referred to earlier. I'd guess that means taking a sometimes narrow and muddy riverside walk, aka locally as a peaceful summertime stroll. And creating a cycle track instead. Great news.
I'd love to be more objective here. To base my view on fact and details. But the plans are really rather sketchy at best, and also carry a couple of interesting warnings as to "the far reaching nature of the scheme" and "not a promise where the route will go".
Huh? So what was the money budgeted for in the £50 million bid then?
In fairness I'll leave this for the present until more detail arises once this project starts on the ground.
But as a walker I fear perhaps the Sustrans bid doesn't really represent much of importance to me and may in fact deter me from using this particular area in the future.
More to come on this I'm sure. Labels: Fitness, Miscellaneous, walks
Sunday, December 16
Finally a little peace and quiet
Football Cup Final. England football World Cup games. Wimbledon finals weekend. Horse Racing Grand National day. Any events that capture national interest. The run up to Christmas.
Recognise any common thread here?
This afternoon's walk on the New Forest took me to a usually busy area, close to one of the major camp sites. A little like a human anthill in July/August. And never really that quiet even outside the tourist season.
But today. Not one car sighted on my journey there. No vehicle was to be found in the usually busy car park. And only a couple of other people spotted wandering in the distant. And those only after a half hour or so of my solitary wander with the dog.
The world around me, or so it appeared, my personal domain for one of those oh so rare occasions. The sort of thing that I would normally expect to walk off into the hills for 2 or 3 hours to achieve.
And the cause?
I expect most folk were either Xmas shopping, or more sensibly hunkering down deep into a bunker mentality that the pre Xmas run up almost demands these days, for anyone trying hard to recall the "true" spirit of Xmas.
Its not all booze, parties, spending and January depression as the credit card statement drops onto the door mat. Not for some of us.
A bit of peace and quiet. A time for personal reflection. A long walk in the cold air (3 deg C and a cold wind - brrr)
This is my enjoyment of the the "true" nature of the world around us all. So difficult to discover some days, and so easily overlooked at this time of the year.
Bliss.
The moral. When the masses go left, turn right and head for the open spaces. Works everytime as long as you can predict the movement of the masses, which is not that difficult if you learn what to look out for.
I know where I'll be on Xmas Eve. And possibly I might find you in a similar place all of your own as well?
Here's hoping.Labels: Mental Health, New Forest
Harry Potter's Last mystery?
An unusual topic for an outdoor blog? Well maybe but I know some of you adults out there have more than a passing interest in the children's tales concerning a certain Master Potter.
Wandering around the virtual world earlier today I found a follow up to the news during the week following the auction of a copy of J.K.Rowling's (very limited) release of "Tales of Beedle the Bard" for a smidgen under £2 million.
A slightly more expensive purchase than I would usually make, I must admit. Well compared to one of my regular sources of second hand books. And after all someone had been writing in the margins of this one and trying to pass it off as new. The cheek of it. I'll have to try that one next time I return a book to my local library suitably annotated with correction and contrasting opinion. Somehow I think increasing the value will not be one of the arguments that they will accept.
But back to the plot, in this instance the purchasing agent, whom if papers were to be believed was not incredibly ecstatic post sale (probably at the final price compared to the £50k estimate) seemed to be an anonymous collector. At least until this weekend when Amazon popped up with details of their new purchase, and now milking their purchase for its full worth
A little karmic perhaps considering how much they must have taken on the Potter series over the last few years? And its probably tax deductible as well, come to think of it.Labels: books
Monday, December 10
Bloggers Christmas Pantomine
This may well be a first for the UK Outdoor on-line community.
So please be generous with your applause (and boos) as we invite you to enjoy a walk with the 2007 UK Outdoor Bloggers Christmas Pantomine.
Or is it all enjoyment?
Choose your route to try to get to the bloggers party on time ....... or will all the refreshment have gone by the time you arrive?
Tie up your boots and step onto the path here Labels: BYOA - Bloggers Pantomine
Bloggers Pantomine - Scene Shifts ...
And is if sensing your decision as you start to ascend the steep scree ridden pass you feel the first drops of rain start to fall. As they become heavier you stop to don waterproof gear.
Continuing to climb the track now turning into a water courses you rapidly warm up.
On reaching the top of the pass your perspiration is swiftly blown away as you walk head on into a westerly gale.
Through gritted teeth you turn into the wind heading along the ridge onwards towards your destination. You pause as over the sound of the wind you hear a far off a jangle of bells which seems to come from far ahead, higher than your current altitude.
You stop to listen for a moment And are swiftly reminded why you are on this ridge in the first place.
Remembering the general lie of the land ahead you stop to consult your map to confirm that there is your route is correct, and that no peak lies ahead.
You spot then that your GPS lanyard is dangling emptily in the wind. Unshouldering your pack you check the bag for the missing equipment.
As you spot the glint of the grey Gecko 301's screen in a side pocket you again hear noises, this time of a human variety. Loud and jovial laughter in the distance.
You peer through the grey cloud, the source of the intermittent sound hidden for the moment
You have a choice to:
Ignore the noise or Investigate the noise
Confused? Then perhaps you've come in part way through this extravaganza Click here to go to the startLabels: BYOA - Bloggers Pantomine
Bloggers Pantomine - Scene Shifts To...
Feeling reassured after the advice in the first aid book you start to ascend the gentle pass feeling the sunshine on your arms and listen to the cry of skylarks speeding you up onto the ridge route above.
Today the atmosphere is clear and you can see for many miles around, a balmy breeze keeping the perspiration from your forehead.
Around midday you start to descend for a short time. In the dip you discover a bubbling stream, and stop for a while seeking shelter from the sunshine by a holly tree in the mouth of a cave.
You are serenaded by a robin as you collect fuel for your BushBuddy.
Too late you realise you have not brought your normal cooking equipment, but one recently donated to you by an aged uncle after his long years spent in the mysterious Orient.
As the water for your brew starts to heat you see an ominous cloud of steam is rising darkly from around the cooker and a shape of human form is appearing amongst the vapour.
You rub your eyes for a moment not believing the sight.
You awake having fallen asleep in the hot sunshine. You pack and with a reinvigorated step start your final short ascent of the day. As you near the peak you catch a few words on the wind .....and shaking your head you decide never to eat mushrooms at that cafe in future.
You now have to decide whether to:
Ignore the noise or Listen to the words
Confused? Then perhaps you've come in part way through this extravaganza Click here to go to the startLabels: BYOA - Bloggers Pantomine
Sunday, December 9
Dorset climber rescue - a waste of space
One worrying individual has caught local media attention for all the wrong reasons.
Late November (Tues 20th to be precise) a certain individual (lets call him 'Mr Whadafooch' to protect his identity) had to be rescued from a cliff close to Langton Matravers, here in Dorset.
The location "the bottom of Guillemot Climb near Dancing Ledge" - now try to remember that name - there may be a test later.
If memory serves it was a cold and wet day and Mr W "misjudged his timing and got stuck at the bottom of a cliff with ankle and head injuries as darkness approached" I recall hearing a local radio news report at the time and wondering about the lack of preparation in the conditions.
To quote the official incident report "The weather at the time was cyclonic force 5 or 6 becoming southwesterly and with squally showers" Mr W was "without a helmet or waterproof clothing"
Enter Portland Coastguard's helicopter which flew Mr W "who was suffering from exposure" to a local hospital.
The Coastguard's comment at the time: "A valuable lesson from this incident has been the clear need for any climber to take the appropriate equipment"
An quite right. Sound advice. The local cliffs aren't exceptionally high, but once the tide is in escape options become very limited, and windward ledges can get exceptionally exposed.
Roll forward to early December (Tues the 4th) - another coastguard call out in the same area. As the local newspaper The Daily Echo reports:
"TWO climbers who got into trouble during a stormy night ascent of Swanage sea cliffs have been brandished "disgraceful" by coastguards. One of the pair, a relatively experienced climber in his early twenties, was forced to call for rescue on Tuesday for the SECOND time in a fortnight. This time the man's climbing partner, also in his early 20s, was stuck 60ft down the bottom of Guillemot Ledge (recognise that name readers?), but two weeks ago the coastguard's rescue helicopter was scrambled after another of his companions became trapped on the same ledge"
I bet the coastguard were most impressed when they turned up to that particular incident.
The article mentions the coastguard comment "These guys were given a really good talking to. They are putting other people's lives at risk. They really should know better than to climb in these sorts of conditions"
There's plenty more of the same "....After getting into trouble once you would think this more experienced climber would have learned something, but clearly not. To attempt a second climb at night in these sorts of conditions is asking for trouble.." and ".....in these conditions in the middle of the night, it really borders on stupidity. They must have been on the cliff face for some time. I think they are lucky to be alive"
I somehow think that the coastguard's message might have been put across to Mr W a little more forcibly during this second incident.
Hopefully there will be no third time lucky.
I'll let you think up your own suitable comments here (although there's some ideas for you to start with here)
More from the Swanage Coastguard incident log as well including the famous line "some rather strong words of advice were given to him"
Oh I bet they were.
There is being unlucky. And then there's making your own luck.Labels: Mental Health, Miscellaneous, Mountain Rescue Team(MRT)
Christmas gift ideas: Outdoor book special mentions
Chris Townsend's latest post on his site reminds me that I really need to get Robert Macfarlane’s book "The Wild Places" on to my gift list for this year. Its been getting excellent reviews both on the outdoor forums/magazines and amongst mainstream reviewers.
The latest review pops up on this Saturday's Times newspaper round up of outdoor related books of note published this year
And a mention in the same article recommending Michelle Waitzman's "Sex in a Tent: A Wild Couple's Guide to Getting Naughty in Nature" An author better know to those of us involved with the Outdoor Blogger Forum as Maple Kiwi whose blog Love In A Tent, despite (or may be because of?) its teaser title is full of good advice especially for those looking to New Zealand for their tramping experiences. And coincidentally a book I finished off earlier this week during the long periods of inactivity spent courtesy of British Rail and yet another grinding trip to the northern shores of the Mersey. Oh dear - perhaps grinding wasn't quite the adverb to use on this occasion - lol
But back to MK - let's try to avoid pangs of jealousy as her latest post reminds us that as the days in GB become danker dreary and dark, NZ is moving into the sultry days of their summer season.Labels: blog media, books, Outdoors Blogger Forum
Tuesday, December 4
Walk GB 4 Climb -4,000 Mile Walkies
Colin Snook has always had the ambition to walk around Great Britain and has plotted a route which will cover in excess of four thousand miles over three hundred days in 2008. And whilst fulfilling one ambition he has another - to raise £50,000 for CLIMB (Children LIving with MetaBolic diseases)
Colin aims to use a combination of B & B, backpacking, rough camping (?), campsites and the YHA for accommodation over a period of ten months, averaging 15 miles walking per day.
Main page here
The first of the BIG walking challenges for 2008.
What else is in there waiting to appear from people's planning for 2008 I wonder? Labels: walks
Monday, December 3
More podcasts & some Christmas outdoor gear ideas
Apologies in advance for this post to all you out there feeling a little informationally overloaded. After all its not as if you really need any more internet interaction, or more content to consume. Especially with the surplus of silly TV/Radio adverts/inadvertent product being stuffed down the throat in this run up to the "festive" season (And what an irony that thought conjures up - any how let's not get started on that one tonight!)
BBC Radio is releasing even more of their radio show content via Podcast.
First up is the excellent Ramblings with Clare Balding this week featuring exTGO staffer Jonathan Manning, for some reason listed as editor of Country Walking Magazine (that was a quick retirement - lol)
And if you still can't get to sleep at night, how about BBC Radio 5 Live's Pods and Blogs which I think Podcast Bob has occasionally graced with his presence.
And to mitigate hogging your time - how about checking out Bob's Chrissie ideas to save all that foot slogging?
Labels: Gear, podcasts, UK Outdoors Blogger
Saturday, December 1
Outdoors Station- We have a winner!
A card dropped through the post box earlier this week led to me picking up a large parcel from the local Post Office this morning. Strange as I wasn't expecting anything that I could recall.
But as result of entering one of Podcast Bob's Podzine competition's my wall will now be adorned during 2008 with a large Colin Prior Scotland calendar.
Sweet - thanks Bob (and Colin) And if you fancy trying your luck I'd recommend listening to Bob's Podzines.
These are proving to be an excellent weekly pick-me-up during the long, dark (warm?) days of this winter.
Labels: blog media, podcasts, UK Outdoors Blogger
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
"The Use Your Paths Challenge is the biggest-ever walking project in the UK, and as Footpaths Campaigns Officer Des Garrahan explains, it's a real case of 'use it or lose it' - so help us complete the challenge by joining in yourself"
Download here with link to RA site here and the Challenge's own site here with some excellent advice on footpath usage.
Labels: blog media, podcasts
Scafell Pike - Ice Man Walker Mystery
I know its not a very seasonal piece.
But based on the HUGE numbers of walkers (with enormously differing ideas of suitable clothing) that I encountered today in the New Forest, probably worth a mention as a reminder that it doesn't always go as easily as it seems on the TV. Even with the best preparation and foresight.
"The body of a hiker still wearing his cloth cap and carrying a rucksack and a guide book of the area by Alfred Wainwright has been discovered entombed in two inches of ice near England's highest mountain" -
Newspaper report here with eye witness account from the farmer who found the body here.
Now back to finishing off the 2007 round-up I started before the holiday season.Labels: Lake District, Mountain Rescue Team(MRT)
Thursday, December 20
Ibsley Common - World War II and the New Forest
After further feedback (thanks Jon) and some initial research of my own there's more information slowly appearing about goings on in this area, and the remnants left behind.
Its quite an amazing turn of events really. The initial post thread started out casually questioning a small ruin standing alone on a New Forest ridge. And since has been regularly unearthing a rich seam of recent military and social history.
Firstly some more pictures and location detail of various military remains in the area, tying in with the military airfield RAF Ibsley.
Next a very detailed piece from 1995 (Norman Parker's 'Wartime Secrets of the Forest') indicating the sheer size of the military area and the high level of secrecy surrounding it.
And then there's even a film tie-in with original WWII bomb testing footage from the range appearing in the 1969 film "Mosquito Squadron" showing the original Highball bomb drop . With some pictures and schematic of the bomb here.
To quote Wartime Secrets (which the local library is now trying to source for me)
"As the war drew to its close, Grand Slams (bombs) rained down on the previously impenetrable reinforced targets of Europe, destroying them one by one."
And let's not get started on the bronze age barrows in the same area.
Phew. Lots to gaze over whilst the imagination soars as next time I wander across what once appeared as a simple New Forest heathland, open to the sky.
Is that the far off drone of long vanished bombers from high overhead?Labels: Ibsley Common, New Forest, walks
NEC Outdoors Show 2008 - Brian Blessed spotting
Hot news from the OS2008 website as the list of celebs cleared to put in an appearance starts to build.
And yes - the early leaks have proved correct.
Sir (surely soon?) Brian Blessed is to put in an appearance.
It will be interesting to see what mischief he's been up to and about to get involved in, this time around. Last heard the space race was trying to keep up with his avuncularity on his latest venture which involved real off world travel.
Hopefully not just a reprise of his regular panto role as Captain Hook.
All together now "Gordon's alive?!"Labels: NEC Outdoors Show
Monday, December 17
Outdoor Blogger Bite-back time?
The decisions to deliver an Outdoor Blog seems to somehow carry with it a carte blanche licence for some in the outdoor community to host their own attacks on the blogger's personality and interests.
Now I thought I was, in my amateurish way, attempting to communicate outdoor matters to those of shared interest. Or those who may just wish to learn more. Then again perhaps providing a different type of entertainment. All at my own personal cost of time, effort and technology mark you.
As a result my "public" face has appeared less on certain outdoor forums, lacking the interest to repetitively defend my own passions ad infinitum.
For after all its a simple defence on my part: I like doing it. If you don't enjoy the blog approach, then don't read it. There's plenty of other things in our lives instead, so let's agree to differ.
I'm always open to positive criticism. But some of the past attacks have verged on the plain silly at times.
So as the year draws to a close perhaps its time to kick back in my own idiosyncratic way (yep - I've found out what it means now) And what better opportunity than to play up to one of the more recent comments to demonstate the unbridled egotistical bent that all UK Outdoor Bloggers undoubtedly exhibit on an almost daily basis.
Read the new banner above yet?
"Giù la testa, coglione!"?Labels: blog media, UK Outdoors Blogger
Podzine 17/12/07 - The Lost Tapes or Meet The Fockers?
Its been a long time coming, but finally the infamous 'Lost Blogger Tapes' are starting to appear for public perusal. Kicks in around 26 minute mark with mine host at around 33 minutes. "One of the most prolific bloggers in the UK" (that will definitely get me ribbed remorselessly - thanks Andy -lol)
The
Podzine 17/12/07
Download MP3 File
The sight of a microphone does have a tendency of making the mind go blank with suspicious ease. And all of a sudden my language becomes very self censorious - I didn't say a*se once; Bugger that's blown that winning streak again.
Thanks Andy for the compliments. Now I get to pick out certain key phrases for the blog blurb, especially once I work out what idiosyncratic means. (Something to do with idiots and sin maybe? Very near the mark that one)
Hope the wait was worth it.
Form an orderly queue here for autographs. All proceeds to my favourite charity.
Hee hee.Labels: blog media, podcasts, UK Outdoors Blogger, uk walking blog
Sustrans National Lottery win - Pig in a Poke?
Lacking comment elsewhere within the UK outdoor blogging community (unless I've overlooked someone) here's my personal thoughts on the award last week of £50 million to Sustrans’ Connect2 project from the Big Lottery Fund to invest in walking and cycling UK-wide.
When the award was initially announced my reaction was - so what's that to me? I've been aware of Sustrans for some time now, but associated the group mostly with cycle routes. Not a huge interest of mine, but it sounded like a positive move - money to help with access to the great outdoors.
Now with anything related to the "National Lottery" my main reaction to that these days is by now pretty negative.
Why when I attempt to buy my Saturday paper/smokes do I somehow end up queueing behind a string of punters intent on buying multiple combinations of Lottery tickets and Lottery scratch cards - does anyone besides myself actually buy goods in a newsagents these days?
Furthermore I'm not against gambling per se. Indeed last week saw me spending sometime in the local casino during an evening's entertainment (And there's plenty I could write on the plain evidence of the dissociation of the ardent gambler from the surroundings and people around them. A very scary and extreme phenomena to observe for an occasional punter like myself)
But as for the national lottery being a "good" bet - hardly good odds to be honest, but back to the plot....
Sustrans successful bid was "to build a national network of cycle and walking routes". A laudable aim.
And then came news of certain alleged shenanigans with the voting. Oh right. What a surprise. Hasn't the recent rash of TV voting scams really already made the point on this. And frankly if I was involved with a charity seeking a donation of this magnitude I would make darned sure all my friends, relations, passers-by etc etc etc voted for my team using whatever means were provided by the donating organisation. But it seems that this has upset some folk as to the fairness of it all.
But despite the controversy let's stand back and look at all the candidates up for the cash - Eden Project: The Edge; Sherwood: The Living Legend; Black Country Urban Park; Sustrans: Connect2;
Three out of the four offering locally based projects.
And the winner - well that would be the only one with a nationally based project. Small wonder they received more votes really bearing in mind the increased number of people that their project could potentially influence.
So to the delivery plans of the winners to see just how this affects my outdoors access. After a little more digging into the detail behind Sustrans plans I must admit I'm still very unclear on quite what they intend to deliver. No great projects - just lots of joining up bits. And the more I look into the local initiatives, the more unsettling they become being aimed at semi-urban routes, possibly intending to influence some of the local population to walk/cycle to their destinations. But I'd guess more aimed at those lardy arses who think it fine in principle but won't bother to use the facilities anyway, save for an occasional trip with the kids at the height of summer.
I'm trying hard not to get too scathing here after looking at the local project nearest to me. For it proposes provision of a cycleway from a rural area with a very small population, but potentially many airport workers, into the built up areas of Bournemouth. But there's a few drawbacks here.
Firstly - the route already exists on the ground, mostly over existing country back roads, and a bridge across the River Stour. In fact I cycled the route over ten years ago. So its not about provision of anything new. Just upgraded somewhere I'd assume.
Secondly if the route is upgraded it has the potential to increased cycle traffic along paths currently trod mostly by the dog walking brigade, and at one pinch point a number of fishermen. No potential for an increase in conflicting usage here then - wandering dogs, men with expensive fishing gear lying the ground, and cyclists at an increased speed.
Thirdly, the main beneficiary should be the airport workers. But frankly I'd be surprised if many of those not already using the route would choose to do so after its been upgraded (whatever that entails)
And finally - this is not to cover the whole route indicated on the map - but just that piece marked in red i.e. the pinch point referred to earlier. I'd guess that means taking a sometimes narrow and muddy riverside walk, aka locally as a peaceful summertime stroll. And creating a cycle track instead. Great news.
I'd love to be more objective here. To base my view on fact and details. But the plans are really rather sketchy at best, and also carry a couple of interesting warnings as to "the far reaching nature of the scheme" and "not a promise where the route will go".
Huh? So what was the money budgeted for in the £50 million bid then?
In fairness I'll leave this for the present until more detail arises once this project starts on the ground.
But as a walker I fear perhaps the Sustrans bid doesn't really represent much of importance to me and may in fact deter me from using this particular area in the future.
More to come on this I'm sure. Labels: Fitness, Miscellaneous, walks
Sunday, December 16
Finally a little peace and quiet
Football Cup Final. England football World Cup games. Wimbledon finals weekend. Horse Racing Grand National day. Any events that capture national interest. The run up to Christmas.
Recognise any common thread here?
This afternoon's walk on the New Forest took me to a usually busy area, close to one of the major camp sites. A little like a human anthill in July/August. And never really that quiet even outside the tourist season.
But today. Not one car sighted on my journey there. No vehicle was to be found in the usually busy car park. And only a couple of other people spotted wandering in the distant. And those only after a half hour or so of my solitary wander with the dog.
The world around me, or so it appeared, my personal domain for one of those oh so rare occasions. The sort of thing that I would normally expect to walk off into the hills for 2 or 3 hours to achieve.
And the cause?
I expect most folk were either Xmas shopping, or more sensibly hunkering down deep into a bunker mentality that the pre Xmas run up almost demands these days, for anyone trying hard to recall the "true" spirit of Xmas.
Its not all booze, parties, spending and January depression as the credit card statement drops onto the door mat. Not for some of us.
A bit of peace and quiet. A time for personal reflection. A long walk in the cold air (3 deg C and a cold wind - brrr)
This is my enjoyment of the the "true" nature of the world around us all. So difficult to discover some days, and so easily overlooked at this time of the year.
Bliss.
The moral. When the masses go left, turn right and head for the open spaces. Works everytime as long as you can predict the movement of the masses, which is not that difficult if you learn what to look out for.
I know where I'll be on Xmas Eve. And possibly I might find you in a similar place all of your own as well?
Here's hoping.Labels: Mental Health, New Forest
Harry Potter's Last mystery?
An unusual topic for an outdoor blog? Well maybe but I know some of you adults out there have more than a passing interest in the children's tales concerning a certain Master Potter.
Wandering around the virtual world earlier today I found a follow up to the news during the week following the auction of a copy of J.K.Rowling's (very limited) release of "Tales of Beedle the Bard" for a smidgen under £2 million.
A slightly more expensive purchase than I would usually make, I must admit. Well compared to one of my regular sources of second hand books. And after all someone had been writing in the margins of this one and trying to pass it off as new. The cheek of it. I'll have to try that one next time I return a book to my local library suitably annotated with correction and contrasting opinion. Somehow I think increasing the value will not be one of the arguments that they will accept.
But back to the plot, in this instance the purchasing agent, whom if papers were to be believed was not incredibly ecstatic post sale (probably at the final price compared to the £50k estimate) seemed to be an anonymous collector. At least until this weekend when Amazon popped up with details of their new purchase, and now milking their purchase for its full worth
A little karmic perhaps considering how much they must have taken on the Potter series over the last few years? And its probably tax deductible as well, come to think of it.Labels: books
Monday, December 10
Bloggers Christmas Pantomine
This may well be a first for the UK Outdoor on-line community.
So please be generous with your applause (and boos) as we invite you to enjoy a walk with the 2007 UK Outdoor Bloggers Christmas Pantomine.
Or is it all enjoyment?
Choose your route to try to get to the bloggers party on time ....... or will all the refreshment have gone by the time you arrive?
Tie up your boots and step onto the path here Labels: BYOA - Bloggers Pantomine
Bloggers Pantomine - Scene Shifts ...
And is if sensing your decision as you start to ascend the steep scree ridden pass you feel the first drops of rain start to fall. As they become heavier you stop to don waterproof gear.
Continuing to climb the track now turning into a water courses you rapidly warm up.
On reaching the top of the pass your perspiration is swiftly blown away as you walk head on into a westerly gale.
Through gritted teeth you turn into the wind heading along the ridge onwards towards your destination. You pause as over the sound of the wind you hear a far off a jangle of bells which seems to come from far ahead, higher than your current altitude.
You stop to listen for a moment And are swiftly reminded why you are on this ridge in the first place.
Remembering the general lie of the land ahead you stop to consult your map to confirm that there is your route is correct, and that no peak lies ahead.
You spot then that your GPS lanyard is dangling emptily in the wind. Unshouldering your pack you check the bag for the missing equipment.
As you spot the glint of the grey Gecko 301's screen in a side pocket you again hear noises, this time of a human variety. Loud and jovial laughter in the distance.
You peer through the grey cloud, the source of the intermittent sound hidden for the moment
You have a choice to:
Ignore the noise or Investigate the noise
Confused? Then perhaps you've come in part way through this extravaganza Click here to go to the startLabels: BYOA - Bloggers Pantomine
Bloggers Pantomine - Scene Shifts To...
Feeling reassured after the advice in the first aid book you start to ascend the gentle pass feeling the sunshine on your arms and listen to the cry of skylarks speeding you up onto the ridge route above.
Today the atmosphere is clear and you can see for many miles around, a balmy breeze keeping the perspiration from your forehead.
Around midday you start to descend for a short time. In the dip you discover a bubbling stream, and stop for a while seeking shelter from the sunshine by a holly tree in the mouth of a cave.
You are serenaded by a robin as you collect fuel for your BushBuddy.
Too late you realise you have not brought your normal cooking equipment, but one recently donated to you by an aged uncle after his long years spent in the mysterious Orient.
As the water for your brew starts to heat you see an ominous cloud of steam is rising darkly from around the cooker and a shape of human form is appearing amongst the vapour.
You rub your eyes for a moment not believing the sight.
You awake having fallen asleep in the hot sunshine. You pack and with a reinvigorated step start your final short ascent of the day. As you near the peak you catch a few words on the wind .....and shaking your head you decide never to eat mushrooms at that cafe in future.
You now have to decide whether to:
Ignore the noise or Listen to the words
Confused? Then perhaps you've come in part way through this extravaganza Click here to go to the startLabels: BYOA - Bloggers Pantomine
Sunday, December 9
Dorset climber rescue - a waste of space
One worrying individual has caught local media attention for all the wrong reasons.
Late November (Tues 20th to be precise) a certain individual (lets call him 'Mr Whadafooch' to protect his identity) had to be rescued from a cliff close to Langton Matravers, here in Dorset.
The location "the bottom of Guillemot Climb near Dancing Ledge" - now try to remember that name - there may be a test later.
If memory serves it was a cold and wet day and Mr W "misjudged his timing and got stuck at the bottom of a cliff with ankle and head injuries as darkness approached" I recall hearing a local radio news report at the time and wondering about the lack of preparation in the conditions.
To quote the official incident report "The weather at the time was cyclonic force 5 or 6 becoming southwesterly and with squally showers" Mr W was "without a helmet or waterproof clothing"
Enter Portland Coastguard's helicopter which flew Mr W "who was suffering from exposure" to a local hospital.
The Coastguard's comment at the time: "A valuable lesson from this incident has been the clear need for any climber to take the appropriate equipment"
An quite right. Sound advice. The local cliffs aren't exceptionally high, but once the tide is in escape options become very limited, and windward ledges can get exceptionally exposed.
Roll forward to early December (Tues the 4th) - another coastguard call out in the same area. As the local newspaper The Daily Echo reports:
"TWO climbers who got into trouble during a stormy night ascent of Swanage sea cliffs have been brandished "disgraceful" by coastguards. One of the pair, a relatively experienced climber in his early twenties, was forced to call for rescue on Tuesday for the SECOND time in a fortnight. This time the man's climbing partner, also in his early 20s, was stuck 60ft down the bottom of Guillemot Ledge (recognise that name readers?), but two weeks ago the coastguard's rescue helicopter was scrambled after another of his companions became trapped on the same ledge"
I bet the coastguard were most impressed when they turned up to that particular incident.
The article mentions the coastguard comment "These guys were given a really good talking to. They are putting other people's lives at risk. They really should know better than to climb in these sorts of conditions"
There's plenty more of the same "....After getting into trouble once you would think this more experienced climber would have learned something, but clearly not. To attempt a second climb at night in these sorts of conditions is asking for trouble.." and ".....in these conditions in the middle of the night, it really borders on stupidity. They must have been on the cliff face for some time. I think they are lucky to be alive"
I somehow think that the coastguard's message might have been put across to Mr W a little more forcibly during this second incident.
Hopefully there will be no third time lucky.
I'll let you think up your own suitable comments here (although there's some ideas for you to start with here)
More from the Swanage Coastguard incident log as well including the famous line "some rather strong words of advice were given to him"
Oh I bet they were.
There is being unlucky. And then there's making your own luck.Labels: Mental Health, Miscellaneous, Mountain Rescue Team(MRT)
Christmas gift ideas: Outdoor book special mentions
Chris Townsend's latest post on his site reminds me that I really need to get Robert Macfarlane’s book "The Wild Places" on to my gift list for this year. Its been getting excellent reviews both on the outdoor forums/magazines and amongst mainstream reviewers.
The latest review pops up on this Saturday's Times newspaper round up of outdoor related books of note published this year
And a mention in the same article recommending Michelle Waitzman's "Sex in a Tent: A Wild Couple's Guide to Getting Naughty in Nature" An author better know to those of us involved with the Outdoor Blogger Forum as Maple Kiwi whose blog Love In A Tent, despite (or may be because of?) its teaser title is full of good advice especially for those looking to New Zealand for their tramping experiences. And coincidentally a book I finished off earlier this week during the long periods of inactivity spent courtesy of British Rail and yet another grinding trip to the northern shores of the Mersey. Oh dear - perhaps grinding wasn't quite the adverb to use on this occasion - lol
But back to MK - let's try to avoid pangs of jealousy as her latest post reminds us that as the days in GB become danker dreary and dark, NZ is moving into the sultry days of their summer season.Labels: blog media, books, Outdoors Blogger Forum
Tuesday, December 4
Walk GB 4 Climb -4,000 Mile Walkies
Colin Snook has always had the ambition to walk around Great Britain and has plotted a route which will cover in excess of four thousand miles over three hundred days in 2008. And whilst fulfilling one ambition he has another - to raise £50,000 for CLIMB (Children LIving with MetaBolic diseases)
Colin aims to use a combination of B & B, backpacking, rough camping (?), campsites and the YHA for accommodation over a period of ten months, averaging 15 miles walking per day.
Main page here
The first of the BIG walking challenges for 2008.
What else is in there waiting to appear from people's planning for 2008 I wonder? Labels: walks
Monday, December 3
More podcasts & some Christmas outdoor gear ideas
Apologies in advance for this post to all you out there feeling a little informationally overloaded. After all its not as if you really need any more internet interaction, or more content to consume. Especially with the surplus of silly TV/Radio adverts/inadvertent product being stuffed down the throat in this run up to the "festive" season (And what an irony that thought conjures up - any how let's not get started on that one tonight!)
BBC Radio is releasing even more of their radio show content via Podcast.
First up is the excellent Ramblings with Clare Balding this week featuring exTGO staffer Jonathan Manning, for some reason listed as editor of Country Walking Magazine (that was a quick retirement - lol)
And if you still can't get to sleep at night, how about BBC Radio 5 Live's Pods and Blogs which I think Podcast Bob has occasionally graced with his presence.
And to mitigate hogging your time - how about checking out Bob's Chrissie ideas to save all that foot slogging?
Labels: Gear, podcasts, UK Outdoors Blogger
Saturday, December 1
Outdoors Station- We have a winner!
A card dropped through the post box earlier this week led to me picking up a large parcel from the local Post Office this morning. Strange as I wasn't expecting anything that I could recall.
But as result of entering one of Podcast Bob's Podzine competition's my wall will now be adorned during 2008 with a large Colin Prior Scotland calendar.
Sweet - thanks Bob (and Colin) And if you fancy trying your luck I'd recommend listening to Bob's Podzines.
These are proving to be an excellent weekly pick-me-up during the long, dark (warm?) days of this winter.
Labels: blog media, podcasts, UK Outdoors Blogger
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
But based on the HUGE numbers of walkers (with enormously differing ideas of suitable clothing) that I encountered today in the New Forest, probably worth a mention as a reminder that it doesn't always go as easily as it seems on the TV. Even with the best preparation and foresight.
"The body of a hiker still wearing his cloth cap and carrying a rucksack and a guide book of the area by Alfred Wainwright has been discovered entombed in two inches of ice near England's highest mountain" -
Newspaper report here with eye witness account from the farmer who found the body here.
Now back to finishing off the 2007 round-up I started before the holiday season.
Labels: Lake District, Mountain Rescue Team(MRT)
Ibsley Common - World War II and the New Forest
After further feedback (thanks Jon) and some initial research of my own there's more information slowly appearing about goings on in this area, and the remnants left behind.
Its quite an amazing turn of events really. The initial post thread started out casually questioning a small ruin standing alone on a New Forest ridge. And since has been regularly unearthing a rich seam of recent military and social history.
Firstly some more pictures and location detail of various military remains in the area, tying in with the military airfield RAF Ibsley.
Next a very detailed piece from 1995 (Norman Parker's 'Wartime Secrets of the Forest') indicating the sheer size of the military area and the high level of secrecy surrounding it.
And then there's even a film tie-in with original WWII bomb testing footage from the range appearing in the 1969 film "Mosquito Squadron" showing the original Highball bomb drop . With some pictures and schematic of the bomb here.
To quote Wartime Secrets (which the local library is now trying to source for me)
"As the war drew to its close, Grand Slams (bombs) rained down on the previously impenetrable reinforced targets of Europe, destroying them one by one."
And let's not get started on the bronze age barrows in the same area.
Phew. Lots to gaze over whilst the imagination soars as next time I wander across what once appeared as a simple New Forest heathland, open to the sky.
Is that the far off drone of long vanished bombers from high overhead?Labels: Ibsley Common, New Forest, walks
NEC Outdoors Show 2008 - Brian Blessed spotting
Hot news from the OS2008 website as the list of celebs cleared to put in an appearance starts to build.
And yes - the early leaks have proved correct.
Sir (surely soon?) Brian Blessed is to put in an appearance.
It will be interesting to see what mischief he's been up to and about to get involved in, this time around. Last heard the space race was trying to keep up with his avuncularity on his latest venture which involved real off world travel.
Hopefully not just a reprise of his regular panto role as Captain Hook.
All together now "Gordon's alive?!"Labels: NEC Outdoors Show
Monday, December 17
Outdoor Blogger Bite-back time?
The decisions to deliver an Outdoor Blog seems to somehow carry with it a carte blanche licence for some in the outdoor community to host their own attacks on the blogger's personality and interests.
Now I thought I was, in my amateurish way, attempting to communicate outdoor matters to those of shared interest. Or those who may just wish to learn more. Then again perhaps providing a different type of entertainment. All at my own personal cost of time, effort and technology mark you.
As a result my "public" face has appeared less on certain outdoor forums, lacking the interest to repetitively defend my own passions ad infinitum.
For after all its a simple defence on my part: I like doing it. If you don't enjoy the blog approach, then don't read it. There's plenty of other things in our lives instead, so let's agree to differ.
I'm always open to positive criticism. But some of the past attacks have verged on the plain silly at times.
So as the year draws to a close perhaps its time to kick back in my own idiosyncratic way (yep - I've found out what it means now) And what better opportunity than to play up to one of the more recent comments to demonstate the unbridled egotistical bent that all UK Outdoor Bloggers undoubtedly exhibit on an almost daily basis.
Read the new banner above yet?
"Giù la testa, coglione!"?Labels: blog media, UK Outdoors Blogger
Podzine 17/12/07 - The Lost Tapes or Meet The Fockers?
Its been a long time coming, but finally the infamous 'Lost Blogger Tapes' are starting to appear for public perusal. Kicks in around 26 minute mark with mine host at around 33 minutes. "One of the most prolific bloggers in the UK" (that will definitely get me ribbed remorselessly - thanks Andy -lol)
The
Podzine 17/12/07
Download MP3 File
The sight of a microphone does have a tendency of making the mind go blank with suspicious ease. And all of a sudden my language becomes very self censorious - I didn't say a*se once; Bugger that's blown that winning streak again.
Thanks Andy for the compliments. Now I get to pick out certain key phrases for the blog blurb, especially once I work out what idiosyncratic means. (Something to do with idiots and sin maybe? Very near the mark that one)
Hope the wait was worth it.
Form an orderly queue here for autographs. All proceeds to my favourite charity.
Hee hee.Labels: blog media, podcasts, UK Outdoors Blogger, uk walking blog
Sustrans National Lottery win - Pig in a Poke?
Lacking comment elsewhere within the UK outdoor blogging community (unless I've overlooked someone) here's my personal thoughts on the award last week of £50 million to Sustrans’ Connect2 project from the Big Lottery Fund to invest in walking and cycling UK-wide.
When the award was initially announced my reaction was - so what's that to me? I've been aware of Sustrans for some time now, but associated the group mostly with cycle routes. Not a huge interest of mine, but it sounded like a positive move - money to help with access to the great outdoors.
Now with anything related to the "National Lottery" my main reaction to that these days is by now pretty negative.
Why when I attempt to buy my Saturday paper/smokes do I somehow end up queueing behind a string of punters intent on buying multiple combinations of Lottery tickets and Lottery scratch cards - does anyone besides myself actually buy goods in a newsagents these days?
Furthermore I'm not against gambling per se. Indeed last week saw me spending sometime in the local casino during an evening's entertainment (And there's plenty I could write on the plain evidence of the dissociation of the ardent gambler from the surroundings and people around them. A very scary and extreme phenomena to observe for an occasional punter like myself)
But as for the national lottery being a "good" bet - hardly good odds to be honest, but back to the plot....
Sustrans successful bid was "to build a national network of cycle and walking routes". A laudable aim.
And then came news of certain alleged shenanigans with the voting. Oh right. What a surprise. Hasn't the recent rash of TV voting scams really already made the point on this. And frankly if I was involved with a charity seeking a donation of this magnitude I would make darned sure all my friends, relations, passers-by etc etc etc voted for my team using whatever means were provided by the donating organisation. But it seems that this has upset some folk as to the fairness of it all.
But despite the controversy let's stand back and look at all the candidates up for the cash - Eden Project: The Edge; Sherwood: The Living Legend; Black Country Urban Park; Sustrans: Connect2;
Three out of the four offering locally based projects.
And the winner - well that would be the only one with a nationally based project. Small wonder they received more votes really bearing in mind the increased number of people that their project could potentially influence.
So to the delivery plans of the winners to see just how this affects my outdoors access. After a little more digging into the detail behind Sustrans plans I must admit I'm still very unclear on quite what they intend to deliver. No great projects - just lots of joining up bits. And the more I look into the local initiatives, the more unsettling they become being aimed at semi-urban routes, possibly intending to influence some of the local population to walk/cycle to their destinations. But I'd guess more aimed at those lardy arses who think it fine in principle but won't bother to use the facilities anyway, save for an occasional trip with the kids at the height of summer.
I'm trying hard not to get too scathing here after looking at the local project nearest to me. For it proposes provision of a cycleway from a rural area with a very small population, but potentially many airport workers, into the built up areas of Bournemouth. But there's a few drawbacks here.
Firstly - the route already exists on the ground, mostly over existing country back roads, and a bridge across the River Stour. In fact I cycled the route over ten years ago. So its not about provision of anything new. Just upgraded somewhere I'd assume.
Secondly if the route is upgraded it has the potential to increased cycle traffic along paths currently trod mostly by the dog walking brigade, and at one pinch point a number of fishermen. No potential for an increase in conflicting usage here then - wandering dogs, men with expensive fishing gear lying the ground, and cyclists at an increased speed.
Thirdly, the main beneficiary should be the airport workers. But frankly I'd be surprised if many of those not already using the route would choose to do so after its been upgraded (whatever that entails)
And finally - this is not to cover the whole route indicated on the map - but just that piece marked in red i.e. the pinch point referred to earlier. I'd guess that means taking a sometimes narrow and muddy riverside walk, aka locally as a peaceful summertime stroll. And creating a cycle track instead. Great news.
I'd love to be more objective here. To base my view on fact and details. But the plans are really rather sketchy at best, and also carry a couple of interesting warnings as to "the far reaching nature of the scheme" and "not a promise where the route will go".
Huh? So what was the money budgeted for in the £50 million bid then?
In fairness I'll leave this for the present until more detail arises once this project starts on the ground.
But as a walker I fear perhaps the Sustrans bid doesn't really represent much of importance to me and may in fact deter me from using this particular area in the future.
More to come on this I'm sure. Labels: Fitness, Miscellaneous, walks
Sunday, December 16
Finally a little peace and quiet
Football Cup Final. England football World Cup games. Wimbledon finals weekend. Horse Racing Grand National day. Any events that capture national interest. The run up to Christmas.
Recognise any common thread here?
This afternoon's walk on the New Forest took me to a usually busy area, close to one of the major camp sites. A little like a human anthill in July/August. And never really that quiet even outside the tourist season.
But today. Not one car sighted on my journey there. No vehicle was to be found in the usually busy car park. And only a couple of other people spotted wandering in the distant. And those only after a half hour or so of my solitary wander with the dog.
The world around me, or so it appeared, my personal domain for one of those oh so rare occasions. The sort of thing that I would normally expect to walk off into the hills for 2 or 3 hours to achieve.
And the cause?
I expect most folk were either Xmas shopping, or more sensibly hunkering down deep into a bunker mentality that the pre Xmas run up almost demands these days, for anyone trying hard to recall the "true" spirit of Xmas.
Its not all booze, parties, spending and January depression as the credit card statement drops onto the door mat. Not for some of us.
A bit of peace and quiet. A time for personal reflection. A long walk in the cold air (3 deg C and a cold wind - brrr)
This is my enjoyment of the the "true" nature of the world around us all. So difficult to discover some days, and so easily overlooked at this time of the year.
Bliss.
The moral. When the masses go left, turn right and head for the open spaces. Works everytime as long as you can predict the movement of the masses, which is not that difficult if you learn what to look out for.
I know where I'll be on Xmas Eve. And possibly I might find you in a similar place all of your own as well?
Here's hoping.Labels: Mental Health, New Forest
Harry Potter's Last mystery?
An unusual topic for an outdoor blog? Well maybe but I know some of you adults out there have more than a passing interest in the children's tales concerning a certain Master Potter.
Wandering around the virtual world earlier today I found a follow up to the news during the week following the auction of a copy of J.K.Rowling's (very limited) release of "Tales of Beedle the Bard" for a smidgen under £2 million.
A slightly more expensive purchase than I would usually make, I must admit. Well compared to one of my regular sources of second hand books. And after all someone had been writing in the margins of this one and trying to pass it off as new. The cheek of it. I'll have to try that one next time I return a book to my local library suitably annotated with correction and contrasting opinion. Somehow I think increasing the value will not be one of the arguments that they will accept.
But back to the plot, in this instance the purchasing agent, whom if papers were to be believed was not incredibly ecstatic post sale (probably at the final price compared to the £50k estimate) seemed to be an anonymous collector. At least until this weekend when Amazon popped up with details of their new purchase, and now milking their purchase for its full worth
A little karmic perhaps considering how much they must have taken on the Potter series over the last few years? And its probably tax deductible as well, come to think of it.Labels: books
Monday, December 10
Bloggers Christmas Pantomine
This may well be a first for the UK Outdoor on-line community.
So please be generous with your applause (and boos) as we invite you to enjoy a walk with the 2007 UK Outdoor Bloggers Christmas Pantomine.
Or is it all enjoyment?
Choose your route to try to get to the bloggers party on time ....... or will all the refreshment have gone by the time you arrive?
Tie up your boots and step onto the path here Labels: BYOA - Bloggers Pantomine
Bloggers Pantomine - Scene Shifts ...
And is if sensing your decision as you start to ascend the steep scree ridden pass you feel the first drops of rain start to fall. As they become heavier you stop to don waterproof gear.
Continuing to climb the track now turning into a water courses you rapidly warm up.
On reaching the top of the pass your perspiration is swiftly blown away as you walk head on into a westerly gale.
Through gritted teeth you turn into the wind heading along the ridge onwards towards your destination. You pause as over the sound of the wind you hear a far off a jangle of bells which seems to come from far ahead, higher than your current altitude.
You stop to listen for a moment And are swiftly reminded why you are on this ridge in the first place.
Remembering the general lie of the land ahead you stop to consult your map to confirm that there is your route is correct, and that no peak lies ahead.
You spot then that your GPS lanyard is dangling emptily in the wind. Unshouldering your pack you check the bag for the missing equipment.
As you spot the glint of the grey Gecko 301's screen in a side pocket you again hear noises, this time of a human variety. Loud and jovial laughter in the distance.
You peer through the grey cloud, the source of the intermittent sound hidden for the moment
You have a choice to:
Ignore the noise or Investigate the noise
Confused? Then perhaps you've come in part way through this extravaganza Click here to go to the startLabels: BYOA - Bloggers Pantomine
Bloggers Pantomine - Scene Shifts To...
Feeling reassured after the advice in the first aid book you start to ascend the gentle pass feeling the sunshine on your arms and listen to the cry of skylarks speeding you up onto the ridge route above.
Today the atmosphere is clear and you can see for many miles around, a balmy breeze keeping the perspiration from your forehead.
Around midday you start to descend for a short time. In the dip you discover a bubbling stream, and stop for a while seeking shelter from the sunshine by a holly tree in the mouth of a cave.
You are serenaded by a robin as you collect fuel for your BushBuddy.
Too late you realise you have not brought your normal cooking equipment, but one recently donated to you by an aged uncle after his long years spent in the mysterious Orient.
As the water for your brew starts to heat you see an ominous cloud of steam is rising darkly from around the cooker and a shape of human form is appearing amongst the vapour.
You rub your eyes for a moment not believing the sight.
You awake having fallen asleep in the hot sunshine. You pack and with a reinvigorated step start your final short ascent of the day. As you near the peak you catch a few words on the wind .....and shaking your head you decide never to eat mushrooms at that cafe in future.
You now have to decide whether to:
Ignore the noise or Listen to the words
Confused? Then perhaps you've come in part way through this extravaganza Click here to go to the startLabels: BYOA - Bloggers Pantomine
Sunday, December 9
Dorset climber rescue - a waste of space
One worrying individual has caught local media attention for all the wrong reasons.
Late November (Tues 20th to be precise) a certain individual (lets call him 'Mr Whadafooch' to protect his identity) had to be rescued from a cliff close to Langton Matravers, here in Dorset.
The location "the bottom of Guillemot Climb near Dancing Ledge" - now try to remember that name - there may be a test later.
If memory serves it was a cold and wet day and Mr W "misjudged his timing and got stuck at the bottom of a cliff with ankle and head injuries as darkness approached" I recall hearing a local radio news report at the time and wondering about the lack of preparation in the conditions.
To quote the official incident report "The weather at the time was cyclonic force 5 or 6 becoming southwesterly and with squally showers" Mr W was "without a helmet or waterproof clothing"
Enter Portland Coastguard's helicopter which flew Mr W "who was suffering from exposure" to a local hospital.
The Coastguard's comment at the time: "A valuable lesson from this incident has been the clear need for any climber to take the appropriate equipment"
An quite right. Sound advice. The local cliffs aren't exceptionally high, but once the tide is in escape options become very limited, and windward ledges can get exceptionally exposed.
Roll forward to early December (Tues the 4th) - another coastguard call out in the same area. As the local newspaper The Daily Echo reports:
"TWO climbers who got into trouble during a stormy night ascent of Swanage sea cliffs have been brandished "disgraceful" by coastguards. One of the pair, a relatively experienced climber in his early twenties, was forced to call for rescue on Tuesday for the SECOND time in a fortnight. This time the man's climbing partner, also in his early 20s, was stuck 60ft down the bottom of Guillemot Ledge (recognise that name readers?), but two weeks ago the coastguard's rescue helicopter was scrambled after another of his companions became trapped on the same ledge"
I bet the coastguard were most impressed when they turned up to that particular incident.
The article mentions the coastguard comment "These guys were given a really good talking to. They are putting other people's lives at risk. They really should know better than to climb in these sorts of conditions"
There's plenty more of the same "....After getting into trouble once you would think this more experienced climber would have learned something, but clearly not. To attempt a second climb at night in these sorts of conditions is asking for trouble.." and ".....in these conditions in the middle of the night, it really borders on stupidity. They must have been on the cliff face for some time. I think they are lucky to be alive"
I somehow think that the coastguard's message might have been put across to Mr W a little more forcibly during this second incident.
Hopefully there will be no third time lucky.
I'll let you think up your own suitable comments here (although there's some ideas for you to start with here)
More from the Swanage Coastguard incident log as well including the famous line "some rather strong words of advice were given to him"
Oh I bet they were.
There is being unlucky. And then there's making your own luck.Labels: Mental Health, Miscellaneous, Mountain Rescue Team(MRT)
Christmas gift ideas: Outdoor book special mentions
Chris Townsend's latest post on his site reminds me that I really need to get Robert Macfarlane’s book "The Wild Places" on to my gift list for this year. Its been getting excellent reviews both on the outdoor forums/magazines and amongst mainstream reviewers.
The latest review pops up on this Saturday's Times newspaper round up of outdoor related books of note published this year
And a mention in the same article recommending Michelle Waitzman's "Sex in a Tent: A Wild Couple's Guide to Getting Naughty in Nature" An author better know to those of us involved with the Outdoor Blogger Forum as Maple Kiwi whose blog Love In A Tent, despite (or may be because of?) its teaser title is full of good advice especially for those looking to New Zealand for their tramping experiences. And coincidentally a book I finished off earlier this week during the long periods of inactivity spent courtesy of British Rail and yet another grinding trip to the northern shores of the Mersey. Oh dear - perhaps grinding wasn't quite the adverb to use on this occasion - lol
But back to MK - let's try to avoid pangs of jealousy as her latest post reminds us that as the days in GB become danker dreary and dark, NZ is moving into the sultry days of their summer season.Labels: blog media, books, Outdoors Blogger Forum
Tuesday, December 4
Walk GB 4 Climb -4,000 Mile Walkies
Colin Snook has always had the ambition to walk around Great Britain and has plotted a route which will cover in excess of four thousand miles over three hundred days in 2008. And whilst fulfilling one ambition he has another - to raise £50,000 for CLIMB (Children LIving with MetaBolic diseases)
Colin aims to use a combination of B & B, backpacking, rough camping (?), campsites and the YHA for accommodation over a period of ten months, averaging 15 miles walking per day.
Main page here
The first of the BIG walking challenges for 2008.
What else is in there waiting to appear from people's planning for 2008 I wonder? Labels: walks
Monday, December 3
More podcasts & some Christmas outdoor gear ideas
Apologies in advance for this post to all you out there feeling a little informationally overloaded. After all its not as if you really need any more internet interaction, or more content to consume. Especially with the surplus of silly TV/Radio adverts/inadvertent product being stuffed down the throat in this run up to the "festive" season (And what an irony that thought conjures up - any how let's not get started on that one tonight!)
BBC Radio is releasing even more of their radio show content via Podcast.
First up is the excellent Ramblings with Clare Balding this week featuring exTGO staffer Jonathan Manning, for some reason listed as editor of Country Walking Magazine (that was a quick retirement - lol)
And if you still can't get to sleep at night, how about BBC Radio 5 Live's Pods and Blogs which I think Podcast Bob has occasionally graced with his presence.
And to mitigate hogging your time - how about checking out Bob's Chrissie ideas to save all that foot slogging?
Labels: Gear, podcasts, UK Outdoors Blogger
Saturday, December 1
Outdoors Station- We have a winner!
A card dropped through the post box earlier this week led to me picking up a large parcel from the local Post Office this morning. Strange as I wasn't expecting anything that I could recall.
But as result of entering one of Podcast Bob's Podzine competition's my wall will now be adorned during 2008 with a large Colin Prior Scotland calendar.
Sweet - thanks Bob (and Colin) And if you fancy trying your luck I'd recommend listening to Bob's Podzines.
These are proving to be an excellent weekly pick-me-up during the long, dark (warm?) days of this winter.
Labels: blog media, podcasts, UK Outdoors Blogger
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
Its quite an amazing turn of events really. The initial post thread started out casually questioning a small ruin standing alone on a New Forest ridge. And since has been regularly unearthing a rich seam of recent military and social history.
Firstly some more pictures and location detail of various military remains in the area, tying in with the military airfield RAF Ibsley.
Next a very detailed piece from 1995 (Norman Parker's 'Wartime Secrets of the Forest') indicating the sheer size of the military area and the high level of secrecy surrounding it.
And then there's even a film tie-in with original WWII bomb testing footage from the range appearing in the 1969 film "Mosquito Squadron" showing the original Highball bomb drop . With some pictures and schematic of the bomb here.
To quote Wartime Secrets (which the local library is now trying to source for me)
"As the war drew to its close, Grand Slams (bombs) rained down on the previously impenetrable reinforced targets of Europe, destroying them one by one."
And let's not get started on the bronze age barrows in the same area.
Phew. Lots to gaze over whilst the imagination soars as next time I wander across what once appeared as a simple New Forest heathland, open to the sky.
Is that the far off drone of long vanished bombers from high overhead?
Labels: Ibsley Common, New Forest, walks
NEC Outdoors Show 2008 - Brian Blessed spotting
Hot news from the OS2008 website as the list of celebs cleared to put in an appearance starts to build.
And yes - the early leaks have proved correct.
Sir (surely soon?) Brian Blessed is to put in an appearance.
It will be interesting to see what mischief he's been up to and about to get involved in, this time around. Last heard the space race was trying to keep up with his avuncularity on his latest venture which involved real off world travel.
Hopefully not just a reprise of his regular panto role as Captain Hook.
All together now "Gordon's alive?!"Labels: NEC Outdoors Show
Monday, December 17
Outdoor Blogger Bite-back time?
The decisions to deliver an Outdoor Blog seems to somehow carry with it a carte blanche licence for some in the outdoor community to host their own attacks on the blogger's personality and interests.
Now I thought I was, in my amateurish way, attempting to communicate outdoor matters to those of shared interest. Or those who may just wish to learn more. Then again perhaps providing a different type of entertainment. All at my own personal cost of time, effort and technology mark you.
As a result my "public" face has appeared less on certain outdoor forums, lacking the interest to repetitively defend my own passions ad infinitum.
For after all its a simple defence on my part: I like doing it. If you don't enjoy the blog approach, then don't read it. There's plenty of other things in our lives instead, so let's agree to differ.
I'm always open to positive criticism. But some of the past attacks have verged on the plain silly at times.
So as the year draws to a close perhaps its time to kick back in my own idiosyncratic way (yep - I've found out what it means now) And what better opportunity than to play up to one of the more recent comments to demonstate the unbridled egotistical bent that all UK Outdoor Bloggers undoubtedly exhibit on an almost daily basis.
Read the new banner above yet?
"Giù la testa, coglione!"?Labels: blog media, UK Outdoors Blogger
Podzine 17/12/07 - The Lost Tapes or Meet The Fockers?
Its been a long time coming, but finally the infamous 'Lost Blogger Tapes' are starting to appear for public perusal. Kicks in around 26 minute mark with mine host at around 33 minutes. "One of the most prolific bloggers in the UK" (that will definitely get me ribbed remorselessly - thanks Andy -lol)
The
Podzine 17/12/07
Download MP3 File
The sight of a microphone does have a tendency of making the mind go blank with suspicious ease. And all of a sudden my language becomes very self censorious - I didn't say a*se once; Bugger that's blown that winning streak again.
Thanks Andy for the compliments. Now I get to pick out certain key phrases for the blog blurb, especially once I work out what idiosyncratic means. (Something to do with idiots and sin maybe? Very near the mark that one)
Hope the wait was worth it.
Form an orderly queue here for autographs. All proceeds to my favourite charity.
Hee hee.Labels: blog media, podcasts, UK Outdoors Blogger, uk walking blog
Sustrans National Lottery win - Pig in a Poke?
Lacking comment elsewhere within the UK outdoor blogging community (unless I've overlooked someone) here's my personal thoughts on the award last week of £50 million to Sustrans’ Connect2 project from the Big Lottery Fund to invest in walking and cycling UK-wide.
When the award was initially announced my reaction was - so what's that to me? I've been aware of Sustrans for some time now, but associated the group mostly with cycle routes. Not a huge interest of mine, but it sounded like a positive move - money to help with access to the great outdoors.
Now with anything related to the "National Lottery" my main reaction to that these days is by now pretty negative.
Why when I attempt to buy my Saturday paper/smokes do I somehow end up queueing behind a string of punters intent on buying multiple combinations of Lottery tickets and Lottery scratch cards - does anyone besides myself actually buy goods in a newsagents these days?
Furthermore I'm not against gambling per se. Indeed last week saw me spending sometime in the local casino during an evening's entertainment (And there's plenty I could write on the plain evidence of the dissociation of the ardent gambler from the surroundings and people around them. A very scary and extreme phenomena to observe for an occasional punter like myself)
But as for the national lottery being a "good" bet - hardly good odds to be honest, but back to the plot....
Sustrans successful bid was "to build a national network of cycle and walking routes". A laudable aim.
And then came news of certain alleged shenanigans with the voting. Oh right. What a surprise. Hasn't the recent rash of TV voting scams really already made the point on this. And frankly if I was involved with a charity seeking a donation of this magnitude I would make darned sure all my friends, relations, passers-by etc etc etc voted for my team using whatever means were provided by the donating organisation. But it seems that this has upset some folk as to the fairness of it all.
But despite the controversy let's stand back and look at all the candidates up for the cash - Eden Project: The Edge; Sherwood: The Living Legend; Black Country Urban Park; Sustrans: Connect2;
Three out of the four offering locally based projects.
And the winner - well that would be the only one with a nationally based project. Small wonder they received more votes really bearing in mind the increased number of people that their project could potentially influence.
So to the delivery plans of the winners to see just how this affects my outdoors access. After a little more digging into the detail behind Sustrans plans I must admit I'm still very unclear on quite what they intend to deliver. No great projects - just lots of joining up bits. And the more I look into the local initiatives, the more unsettling they become being aimed at semi-urban routes, possibly intending to influence some of the local population to walk/cycle to their destinations. But I'd guess more aimed at those lardy arses who think it fine in principle but won't bother to use the facilities anyway, save for an occasional trip with the kids at the height of summer.
I'm trying hard not to get too scathing here after looking at the local project nearest to me. For it proposes provision of a cycleway from a rural area with a very small population, but potentially many airport workers, into the built up areas of Bournemouth. But there's a few drawbacks here.
Firstly - the route already exists on the ground, mostly over existing country back roads, and a bridge across the River Stour. In fact I cycled the route over ten years ago. So its not about provision of anything new. Just upgraded somewhere I'd assume.
Secondly if the route is upgraded it has the potential to increased cycle traffic along paths currently trod mostly by the dog walking brigade, and at one pinch point a number of fishermen. No potential for an increase in conflicting usage here then - wandering dogs, men with expensive fishing gear lying the ground, and cyclists at an increased speed.
Thirdly, the main beneficiary should be the airport workers. But frankly I'd be surprised if many of those not already using the route would choose to do so after its been upgraded (whatever that entails)
And finally - this is not to cover the whole route indicated on the map - but just that piece marked in red i.e. the pinch point referred to earlier. I'd guess that means taking a sometimes narrow and muddy riverside walk, aka locally as a peaceful summertime stroll. And creating a cycle track instead. Great news.
I'd love to be more objective here. To base my view on fact and details. But the plans are really rather sketchy at best, and also carry a couple of interesting warnings as to "the far reaching nature of the scheme" and "not a promise where the route will go".
Huh? So what was the money budgeted for in the £50 million bid then?
In fairness I'll leave this for the present until more detail arises once this project starts on the ground.
But as a walker I fear perhaps the Sustrans bid doesn't really represent much of importance to me and may in fact deter me from using this particular area in the future.
More to come on this I'm sure. Labels: Fitness, Miscellaneous, walks
Sunday, December 16
Finally a little peace and quiet
Football Cup Final. England football World Cup games. Wimbledon finals weekend. Horse Racing Grand National day. Any events that capture national interest. The run up to Christmas.
Recognise any common thread here?
This afternoon's walk on the New Forest took me to a usually busy area, close to one of the major camp sites. A little like a human anthill in July/August. And never really that quiet even outside the tourist season.
But today. Not one car sighted on my journey there. No vehicle was to be found in the usually busy car park. And only a couple of other people spotted wandering in the distant. And those only after a half hour or so of my solitary wander with the dog.
The world around me, or so it appeared, my personal domain for one of those oh so rare occasions. The sort of thing that I would normally expect to walk off into the hills for 2 or 3 hours to achieve.
And the cause?
I expect most folk were either Xmas shopping, or more sensibly hunkering down deep into a bunker mentality that the pre Xmas run up almost demands these days, for anyone trying hard to recall the "true" spirit of Xmas.
Its not all booze, parties, spending and January depression as the credit card statement drops onto the door mat. Not for some of us.
A bit of peace and quiet. A time for personal reflection. A long walk in the cold air (3 deg C and a cold wind - brrr)
This is my enjoyment of the the "true" nature of the world around us all. So difficult to discover some days, and so easily overlooked at this time of the year.
Bliss.
The moral. When the masses go left, turn right and head for the open spaces. Works everytime as long as you can predict the movement of the masses, which is not that difficult if you learn what to look out for.
I know where I'll be on Xmas Eve. And possibly I might find you in a similar place all of your own as well?
Here's hoping.Labels: Mental Health, New Forest
Harry Potter's Last mystery?
An unusual topic for an outdoor blog? Well maybe but I know some of you adults out there have more than a passing interest in the children's tales concerning a certain Master Potter.
Wandering around the virtual world earlier today I found a follow up to the news during the week following the auction of a copy of J.K.Rowling's (very limited) release of "Tales of Beedle the Bard" for a smidgen under £2 million.
A slightly more expensive purchase than I would usually make, I must admit. Well compared to one of my regular sources of second hand books. And after all someone had been writing in the margins of this one and trying to pass it off as new. The cheek of it. I'll have to try that one next time I return a book to my local library suitably annotated with correction and contrasting opinion. Somehow I think increasing the value will not be one of the arguments that they will accept.
But back to the plot, in this instance the purchasing agent, whom if papers were to be believed was not incredibly ecstatic post sale (probably at the final price compared to the £50k estimate) seemed to be an anonymous collector. At least until this weekend when Amazon popped up with details of their new purchase, and now milking their purchase for its full worth
A little karmic perhaps considering how much they must have taken on the Potter series over the last few years? And its probably tax deductible as well, come to think of it.Labels: books
Monday, December 10
Bloggers Christmas Pantomine
This may well be a first for the UK Outdoor on-line community.
So please be generous with your applause (and boos) as we invite you to enjoy a walk with the 2007 UK Outdoor Bloggers Christmas Pantomine.
Or is it all enjoyment?
Choose your route to try to get to the bloggers party on time ....... or will all the refreshment have gone by the time you arrive?
Tie up your boots and step onto the path here Labels: BYOA - Bloggers Pantomine
Bloggers Pantomine - Scene Shifts ...
And is if sensing your decision as you start to ascend the steep scree ridden pass you feel the first drops of rain start to fall. As they become heavier you stop to don waterproof gear.
Continuing to climb the track now turning into a water courses you rapidly warm up.
On reaching the top of the pass your perspiration is swiftly blown away as you walk head on into a westerly gale.
Through gritted teeth you turn into the wind heading along the ridge onwards towards your destination. You pause as over the sound of the wind you hear a far off a jangle of bells which seems to come from far ahead, higher than your current altitude.
You stop to listen for a moment And are swiftly reminded why you are on this ridge in the first place.
Remembering the general lie of the land ahead you stop to consult your map to confirm that there is your route is correct, and that no peak lies ahead.
You spot then that your GPS lanyard is dangling emptily in the wind. Unshouldering your pack you check the bag for the missing equipment.
As you spot the glint of the grey Gecko 301's screen in a side pocket you again hear noises, this time of a human variety. Loud and jovial laughter in the distance.
You peer through the grey cloud, the source of the intermittent sound hidden for the moment
You have a choice to:
Ignore the noise or Investigate the noise
Confused? Then perhaps you've come in part way through this extravaganza Click here to go to the startLabels: BYOA - Bloggers Pantomine
Bloggers Pantomine - Scene Shifts To...
Feeling reassured after the advice in the first aid book you start to ascend the gentle pass feeling the sunshine on your arms and listen to the cry of skylarks speeding you up onto the ridge route above.
Today the atmosphere is clear and you can see for many miles around, a balmy breeze keeping the perspiration from your forehead.
Around midday you start to descend for a short time. In the dip you discover a bubbling stream, and stop for a while seeking shelter from the sunshine by a holly tree in the mouth of a cave.
You are serenaded by a robin as you collect fuel for your BushBuddy.
Too late you realise you have not brought your normal cooking equipment, but one recently donated to you by an aged uncle after his long years spent in the mysterious Orient.
As the water for your brew starts to heat you see an ominous cloud of steam is rising darkly from around the cooker and a shape of human form is appearing amongst the vapour.
You rub your eyes for a moment not believing the sight.
You awake having fallen asleep in the hot sunshine. You pack and with a reinvigorated step start your final short ascent of the day. As you near the peak you catch a few words on the wind .....and shaking your head you decide never to eat mushrooms at that cafe in future.
You now have to decide whether to:
Ignore the noise or Listen to the words
Confused? Then perhaps you've come in part way through this extravaganza Click here to go to the startLabels: BYOA - Bloggers Pantomine
Sunday, December 9
Dorset climber rescue - a waste of space
One worrying individual has caught local media attention for all the wrong reasons.
Late November (Tues 20th to be precise) a certain individual (lets call him 'Mr Whadafooch' to protect his identity) had to be rescued from a cliff close to Langton Matravers, here in Dorset.
The location "the bottom of Guillemot Climb near Dancing Ledge" - now try to remember that name - there may be a test later.
If memory serves it was a cold and wet day and Mr W "misjudged his timing and got stuck at the bottom of a cliff with ankle and head injuries as darkness approached" I recall hearing a local radio news report at the time and wondering about the lack of preparation in the conditions.
To quote the official incident report "The weather at the time was cyclonic force 5 or 6 becoming southwesterly and with squally showers" Mr W was "without a helmet or waterproof clothing"
Enter Portland Coastguard's helicopter which flew Mr W "who was suffering from exposure" to a local hospital.
The Coastguard's comment at the time: "A valuable lesson from this incident has been the clear need for any climber to take the appropriate equipment"
An quite right. Sound advice. The local cliffs aren't exceptionally high, but once the tide is in escape options become very limited, and windward ledges can get exceptionally exposed.
Roll forward to early December (Tues the 4th) - another coastguard call out in the same area. As the local newspaper The Daily Echo reports:
"TWO climbers who got into trouble during a stormy night ascent of Swanage sea cliffs have been brandished "disgraceful" by coastguards. One of the pair, a relatively experienced climber in his early twenties, was forced to call for rescue on Tuesday for the SECOND time in a fortnight. This time the man's climbing partner, also in his early 20s, was stuck 60ft down the bottom of Guillemot Ledge (recognise that name readers?), but two weeks ago the coastguard's rescue helicopter was scrambled after another of his companions became trapped on the same ledge"
I bet the coastguard were most impressed when they turned up to that particular incident.
The article mentions the coastguard comment "These guys were given a really good talking to. They are putting other people's lives at risk. They really should know better than to climb in these sorts of conditions"
There's plenty more of the same "....After getting into trouble once you would think this more experienced climber would have learned something, but clearly not. To attempt a second climb at night in these sorts of conditions is asking for trouble.." and ".....in these conditions in the middle of the night, it really borders on stupidity. They must have been on the cliff face for some time. I think they are lucky to be alive"
I somehow think that the coastguard's message might have been put across to Mr W a little more forcibly during this second incident.
Hopefully there will be no third time lucky.
I'll let you think up your own suitable comments here (although there's some ideas for you to start with here)
More from the Swanage Coastguard incident log as well including the famous line "some rather strong words of advice were given to him"
Oh I bet they were.
There is being unlucky. And then there's making your own luck.Labels: Mental Health, Miscellaneous, Mountain Rescue Team(MRT)
Christmas gift ideas: Outdoor book special mentions
Chris Townsend's latest post on his site reminds me that I really need to get Robert Macfarlane’s book "The Wild Places" on to my gift list for this year. Its been getting excellent reviews both on the outdoor forums/magazines and amongst mainstream reviewers.
The latest review pops up on this Saturday's Times newspaper round up of outdoor related books of note published this year
And a mention in the same article recommending Michelle Waitzman's "Sex in a Tent: A Wild Couple's Guide to Getting Naughty in Nature" An author better know to those of us involved with the Outdoor Blogger Forum as Maple Kiwi whose blog Love In A Tent, despite (or may be because of?) its teaser title is full of good advice especially for those looking to New Zealand for their tramping experiences. And coincidentally a book I finished off earlier this week during the long periods of inactivity spent courtesy of British Rail and yet another grinding trip to the northern shores of the Mersey. Oh dear - perhaps grinding wasn't quite the adverb to use on this occasion - lol
But back to MK - let's try to avoid pangs of jealousy as her latest post reminds us that as the days in GB become danker dreary and dark, NZ is moving into the sultry days of their summer season.Labels: blog media, books, Outdoors Blogger Forum
Tuesday, December 4
Walk GB 4 Climb -4,000 Mile Walkies
Colin Snook has always had the ambition to walk around Great Britain and has plotted a route which will cover in excess of four thousand miles over three hundred days in 2008. And whilst fulfilling one ambition he has another - to raise £50,000 for CLIMB (Children LIving with MetaBolic diseases)
Colin aims to use a combination of B & B, backpacking, rough camping (?), campsites and the YHA for accommodation over a period of ten months, averaging 15 miles walking per day.
Main page here
The first of the BIG walking challenges for 2008.
What else is in there waiting to appear from people's planning for 2008 I wonder? Labels: walks
Monday, December 3
More podcasts & some Christmas outdoor gear ideas
Apologies in advance for this post to all you out there feeling a little informationally overloaded. After all its not as if you really need any more internet interaction, or more content to consume. Especially with the surplus of silly TV/Radio adverts/inadvertent product being stuffed down the throat in this run up to the "festive" season (And what an irony that thought conjures up - any how let's not get started on that one tonight!)
BBC Radio is releasing even more of their radio show content via Podcast.
First up is the excellent Ramblings with Clare Balding this week featuring exTGO staffer Jonathan Manning, for some reason listed as editor of Country Walking Magazine (that was a quick retirement - lol)
And if you still can't get to sleep at night, how about BBC Radio 5 Live's Pods and Blogs which I think Podcast Bob has occasionally graced with his presence.
And to mitigate hogging your time - how about checking out Bob's Chrissie ideas to save all that foot slogging?
Labels: Gear, podcasts, UK Outdoors Blogger
Saturday, December 1
Outdoors Station- We have a winner!
A card dropped through the post box earlier this week led to me picking up a large parcel from the local Post Office this morning. Strange as I wasn't expecting anything that I could recall.
But as result of entering one of Podcast Bob's Podzine competition's my wall will now be adorned during 2008 with a large Colin Prior Scotland calendar.
Sweet - thanks Bob (and Colin) And if you fancy trying your luck I'd recommend listening to Bob's Podzines.
These are proving to be an excellent weekly pick-me-up during the long, dark (warm?) days of this winter.
Labels: blog media, podcasts, UK Outdoors Blogger
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
And yes - the early leaks have proved correct.
Sir (surely soon?) Brian Blessed is to put in an appearance.
It will be interesting to see what mischief he's been up to and about to get involved in, this time around. Last heard the space race was trying to keep up with his avuncularity on his latest venture which involved real off world travel.
Hopefully not just a reprise of his regular panto role as Captain Hook.
All together now "Gordon's alive?!"
Labels: NEC Outdoors Show
Outdoor Blogger Bite-back time?
The decisions to deliver an Outdoor Blog seems to somehow carry with it a carte blanche licence for some in the outdoor community to host their own attacks on the blogger's personality and interests.
Now I thought I was, in my amateurish way, attempting to communicate outdoor matters to those of shared interest. Or those who may just wish to learn more. Then again perhaps providing a different type of entertainment. All at my own personal cost of time, effort and technology mark you.
As a result my "public" face has appeared less on certain outdoor forums, lacking the interest to repetitively defend my own passions ad infinitum.
For after all its a simple defence on my part: I like doing it. If you don't enjoy the blog approach, then don't read it. There's plenty of other things in our lives instead, so let's agree to differ.
I'm always open to positive criticism. But some of the past attacks have verged on the plain silly at times.
So as the year draws to a close perhaps its time to kick back in my own idiosyncratic way (yep - I've found out what it means now) And what better opportunity than to play up to one of the more recent comments to demonstate the unbridled egotistical bent that all UK Outdoor Bloggers undoubtedly exhibit on an almost daily basis.
Read the new banner above yet?
"Giù la testa, coglione!"?Labels: blog media, UK Outdoors Blogger
Podzine 17/12/07 - The Lost Tapes or Meet The Fockers?
Its been a long time coming, but finally the infamous 'Lost Blogger Tapes' are starting to appear for public perusal. Kicks in around 26 minute mark with mine host at around 33 minutes. "One of the most prolific bloggers in the UK" (that will definitely get me ribbed remorselessly - thanks Andy -lol)
The
Podzine 17/12/07
Download MP3 File
The sight of a microphone does have a tendency of making the mind go blank with suspicious ease. And all of a sudden my language becomes very self censorious - I didn't say a*se once; Bugger that's blown that winning streak again.
Thanks Andy for the compliments. Now I get to pick out certain key phrases for the blog blurb, especially once I work out what idiosyncratic means. (Something to do with idiots and sin maybe? Very near the mark that one)
Hope the wait was worth it.
Form an orderly queue here for autographs. All proceeds to my favourite charity.
Hee hee.Labels: blog media, podcasts, UK Outdoors Blogger, uk walking blog
Sustrans National Lottery win - Pig in a Poke?
Lacking comment elsewhere within the UK outdoor blogging community (unless I've overlooked someone) here's my personal thoughts on the award last week of £50 million to Sustrans’ Connect2 project from the Big Lottery Fund to invest in walking and cycling UK-wide.
When the award was initially announced my reaction was - so what's that to me? I've been aware of Sustrans for some time now, but associated the group mostly with cycle routes. Not a huge interest of mine, but it sounded like a positive move - money to help with access to the great outdoors.
Now with anything related to the "National Lottery" my main reaction to that these days is by now pretty negative.
Why when I attempt to buy my Saturday paper/smokes do I somehow end up queueing behind a string of punters intent on buying multiple combinations of Lottery tickets and Lottery scratch cards - does anyone besides myself actually buy goods in a newsagents these days?
Furthermore I'm not against gambling per se. Indeed last week saw me spending sometime in the local casino during an evening's entertainment (And there's plenty I could write on the plain evidence of the dissociation of the ardent gambler from the surroundings and people around them. A very scary and extreme phenomena to observe for an occasional punter like myself)
But as for the national lottery being a "good" bet - hardly good odds to be honest, but back to the plot....
Sustrans successful bid was "to build a national network of cycle and walking routes". A laudable aim.
And then came news of certain alleged shenanigans with the voting. Oh right. What a surprise. Hasn't the recent rash of TV voting scams really already made the point on this. And frankly if I was involved with a charity seeking a donation of this magnitude I would make darned sure all my friends, relations, passers-by etc etc etc voted for my team using whatever means were provided by the donating organisation. But it seems that this has upset some folk as to the fairness of it all.
But despite the controversy let's stand back and look at all the candidates up for the cash - Eden Project: The Edge; Sherwood: The Living Legend; Black Country Urban Park; Sustrans: Connect2;
Three out of the four offering locally based projects.
And the winner - well that would be the only one with a nationally based project. Small wonder they received more votes really bearing in mind the increased number of people that their project could potentially influence.
So to the delivery plans of the winners to see just how this affects my outdoors access. After a little more digging into the detail behind Sustrans plans I must admit I'm still very unclear on quite what they intend to deliver. No great projects - just lots of joining up bits. And the more I look into the local initiatives, the more unsettling they become being aimed at semi-urban routes, possibly intending to influence some of the local population to walk/cycle to their destinations. But I'd guess more aimed at those lardy arses who think it fine in principle but won't bother to use the facilities anyway, save for an occasional trip with the kids at the height of summer.
I'm trying hard not to get too scathing here after looking at the local project nearest to me. For it proposes provision of a cycleway from a rural area with a very small population, but potentially many airport workers, into the built up areas of Bournemouth. But there's a few drawbacks here.
Firstly - the route already exists on the ground, mostly over existing country back roads, and a bridge across the River Stour. In fact I cycled the route over ten years ago. So its not about provision of anything new. Just upgraded somewhere I'd assume.
Secondly if the route is upgraded it has the potential to increased cycle traffic along paths currently trod mostly by the dog walking brigade, and at one pinch point a number of fishermen. No potential for an increase in conflicting usage here then - wandering dogs, men with expensive fishing gear lying the ground, and cyclists at an increased speed.
Thirdly, the main beneficiary should be the airport workers. But frankly I'd be surprised if many of those not already using the route would choose to do so after its been upgraded (whatever that entails)
And finally - this is not to cover the whole route indicated on the map - but just that piece marked in red i.e. the pinch point referred to earlier. I'd guess that means taking a sometimes narrow and muddy riverside walk, aka locally as a peaceful summertime stroll. And creating a cycle track instead. Great news.
I'd love to be more objective here. To base my view on fact and details. But the plans are really rather sketchy at best, and also carry a couple of interesting warnings as to "the far reaching nature of the scheme" and "not a promise where the route will go".
Huh? So what was the money budgeted for in the £50 million bid then?
In fairness I'll leave this for the present until more detail arises once this project starts on the ground.
But as a walker I fear perhaps the Sustrans bid doesn't really represent much of importance to me and may in fact deter me from using this particular area in the future.
More to come on this I'm sure. Labels: Fitness, Miscellaneous, walks
Sunday, December 16
Finally a little peace and quiet
Football Cup Final. England football World Cup games. Wimbledon finals weekend. Horse Racing Grand National day. Any events that capture national interest. The run up to Christmas.
Recognise any common thread here?
This afternoon's walk on the New Forest took me to a usually busy area, close to one of the major camp sites. A little like a human anthill in July/August. And never really that quiet even outside the tourist season.
But today. Not one car sighted on my journey there. No vehicle was to be found in the usually busy car park. And only a couple of other people spotted wandering in the distant. And those only after a half hour or so of my solitary wander with the dog.
The world around me, or so it appeared, my personal domain for one of those oh so rare occasions. The sort of thing that I would normally expect to walk off into the hills for 2 or 3 hours to achieve.
And the cause?
I expect most folk were either Xmas shopping, or more sensibly hunkering down deep into a bunker mentality that the pre Xmas run up almost demands these days, for anyone trying hard to recall the "true" spirit of Xmas.
Its not all booze, parties, spending and January depression as the credit card statement drops onto the door mat. Not for some of us.
A bit of peace and quiet. A time for personal reflection. A long walk in the cold air (3 deg C and a cold wind - brrr)
This is my enjoyment of the the "true" nature of the world around us all. So difficult to discover some days, and so easily overlooked at this time of the year.
Bliss.
The moral. When the masses go left, turn right and head for the open spaces. Works everytime as long as you can predict the movement of the masses, which is not that difficult if you learn what to look out for.
I know where I'll be on Xmas Eve. And possibly I might find you in a similar place all of your own as well?
Here's hoping.Labels: Mental Health, New Forest
Harry Potter's Last mystery?
An unusual topic for an outdoor blog? Well maybe but I know some of you adults out there have more than a passing interest in the children's tales concerning a certain Master Potter.
Wandering around the virtual world earlier today I found a follow up to the news during the week following the auction of a copy of J.K.Rowling's (very limited) release of "Tales of Beedle the Bard" for a smidgen under £2 million.
A slightly more expensive purchase than I would usually make, I must admit. Well compared to one of my regular sources of second hand books. And after all someone had been writing in the margins of this one and trying to pass it off as new. The cheek of it. I'll have to try that one next time I return a book to my local library suitably annotated with correction and contrasting opinion. Somehow I think increasing the value will not be one of the arguments that they will accept.
But back to the plot, in this instance the purchasing agent, whom if papers were to be believed was not incredibly ecstatic post sale (probably at the final price compared to the £50k estimate) seemed to be an anonymous collector. At least until this weekend when Amazon popped up with details of their new purchase, and now milking their purchase for its full worth
A little karmic perhaps considering how much they must have taken on the Potter series over the last few years? And its probably tax deductible as well, come to think of it.Labels: books
Monday, December 10
Bloggers Christmas Pantomine
This may well be a first for the UK Outdoor on-line community.
So please be generous with your applause (and boos) as we invite you to enjoy a walk with the 2007 UK Outdoor Bloggers Christmas Pantomine.
Or is it all enjoyment?
Choose your route to try to get to the bloggers party on time ....... or will all the refreshment have gone by the time you arrive?
Tie up your boots and step onto the path here Labels: BYOA - Bloggers Pantomine
Bloggers Pantomine - Scene Shifts ...
And is if sensing your decision as you start to ascend the steep scree ridden pass you feel the first drops of rain start to fall. As they become heavier you stop to don waterproof gear.
Continuing to climb the track now turning into a water courses you rapidly warm up.
On reaching the top of the pass your perspiration is swiftly blown away as you walk head on into a westerly gale.
Through gritted teeth you turn into the wind heading along the ridge onwards towards your destination. You pause as over the sound of the wind you hear a far off a jangle of bells which seems to come from far ahead, higher than your current altitude.
You stop to listen for a moment And are swiftly reminded why you are on this ridge in the first place.
Remembering the general lie of the land ahead you stop to consult your map to confirm that there is your route is correct, and that no peak lies ahead.
You spot then that your GPS lanyard is dangling emptily in the wind. Unshouldering your pack you check the bag for the missing equipment.
As you spot the glint of the grey Gecko 301's screen in a side pocket you again hear noises, this time of a human variety. Loud and jovial laughter in the distance.
You peer through the grey cloud, the source of the intermittent sound hidden for the moment
You have a choice to:
Ignore the noise or Investigate the noise
Confused? Then perhaps you've come in part way through this extravaganza Click here to go to the startLabels: BYOA - Bloggers Pantomine
Bloggers Pantomine - Scene Shifts To...
Feeling reassured after the advice in the first aid book you start to ascend the gentle pass feeling the sunshine on your arms and listen to the cry of skylarks speeding you up onto the ridge route above.
Today the atmosphere is clear and you can see for many miles around, a balmy breeze keeping the perspiration from your forehead.
Around midday you start to descend for a short time. In the dip you discover a bubbling stream, and stop for a while seeking shelter from the sunshine by a holly tree in the mouth of a cave.
You are serenaded by a robin as you collect fuel for your BushBuddy.
Too late you realise you have not brought your normal cooking equipment, but one recently donated to you by an aged uncle after his long years spent in the mysterious Orient.
As the water for your brew starts to heat you see an ominous cloud of steam is rising darkly from around the cooker and a shape of human form is appearing amongst the vapour.
You rub your eyes for a moment not believing the sight.
You awake having fallen asleep in the hot sunshine. You pack and with a reinvigorated step start your final short ascent of the day. As you near the peak you catch a few words on the wind .....and shaking your head you decide never to eat mushrooms at that cafe in future.
You now have to decide whether to:
Ignore the noise or Listen to the words
Confused? Then perhaps you've come in part way through this extravaganza Click here to go to the startLabels: BYOA - Bloggers Pantomine
Sunday, December 9
Dorset climber rescue - a waste of space
One worrying individual has caught local media attention for all the wrong reasons.
Late November (Tues 20th to be precise) a certain individual (lets call him 'Mr Whadafooch' to protect his identity) had to be rescued from a cliff close to Langton Matravers, here in Dorset.
The location "the bottom of Guillemot Climb near Dancing Ledge" - now try to remember that name - there may be a test later.
If memory serves it was a cold and wet day and Mr W "misjudged his timing and got stuck at the bottom of a cliff with ankle and head injuries as darkness approached" I recall hearing a local radio news report at the time and wondering about the lack of preparation in the conditions.
To quote the official incident report "The weather at the time was cyclonic force 5 or 6 becoming southwesterly and with squally showers" Mr W was "without a helmet or waterproof clothing"
Enter Portland Coastguard's helicopter which flew Mr W "who was suffering from exposure" to a local hospital.
The Coastguard's comment at the time: "A valuable lesson from this incident has been the clear need for any climber to take the appropriate equipment"
An quite right. Sound advice. The local cliffs aren't exceptionally high, but once the tide is in escape options become very limited, and windward ledges can get exceptionally exposed.
Roll forward to early December (Tues the 4th) - another coastguard call out in the same area. As the local newspaper The Daily Echo reports:
"TWO climbers who got into trouble during a stormy night ascent of Swanage sea cliffs have been brandished "disgraceful" by coastguards. One of the pair, a relatively experienced climber in his early twenties, was forced to call for rescue on Tuesday for the SECOND time in a fortnight. This time the man's climbing partner, also in his early 20s, was stuck 60ft down the bottom of Guillemot Ledge (recognise that name readers?), but two weeks ago the coastguard's rescue helicopter was scrambled after another of his companions became trapped on the same ledge"
I bet the coastguard were most impressed when they turned up to that particular incident.
The article mentions the coastguard comment "These guys were given a really good talking to. They are putting other people's lives at risk. They really should know better than to climb in these sorts of conditions"
There's plenty more of the same "....After getting into trouble once you would think this more experienced climber would have learned something, but clearly not. To attempt a second climb at night in these sorts of conditions is asking for trouble.." and ".....in these conditions in the middle of the night, it really borders on stupidity. They must have been on the cliff face for some time. I think they are lucky to be alive"
I somehow think that the coastguard's message might have been put across to Mr W a little more forcibly during this second incident.
Hopefully there will be no third time lucky.
I'll let you think up your own suitable comments here (although there's some ideas for you to start with here)
More from the Swanage Coastguard incident log as well including the famous line "some rather strong words of advice were given to him"
Oh I bet they were.
There is being unlucky. And then there's making your own luck.Labels: Mental Health, Miscellaneous, Mountain Rescue Team(MRT)
Christmas gift ideas: Outdoor book special mentions
Chris Townsend's latest post on his site reminds me that I really need to get Robert Macfarlane’s book "The Wild Places" on to my gift list for this year. Its been getting excellent reviews both on the outdoor forums/magazines and amongst mainstream reviewers.
The latest review pops up on this Saturday's Times newspaper round up of outdoor related books of note published this year
And a mention in the same article recommending Michelle Waitzman's "Sex in a Tent: A Wild Couple's Guide to Getting Naughty in Nature" An author better know to those of us involved with the Outdoor Blogger Forum as Maple Kiwi whose blog Love In A Tent, despite (or may be because of?) its teaser title is full of good advice especially for those looking to New Zealand for their tramping experiences. And coincidentally a book I finished off earlier this week during the long periods of inactivity spent courtesy of British Rail and yet another grinding trip to the northern shores of the Mersey. Oh dear - perhaps grinding wasn't quite the adverb to use on this occasion - lol
But back to MK - let's try to avoid pangs of jealousy as her latest post reminds us that as the days in GB become danker dreary and dark, NZ is moving into the sultry days of their summer season.Labels: blog media, books, Outdoors Blogger Forum
Tuesday, December 4
Walk GB 4 Climb -4,000 Mile Walkies
Colin Snook has always had the ambition to walk around Great Britain and has plotted a route which will cover in excess of four thousand miles over three hundred days in 2008. And whilst fulfilling one ambition he has another - to raise £50,000 for CLIMB (Children LIving with MetaBolic diseases)
Colin aims to use a combination of B & B, backpacking, rough camping (?), campsites and the YHA for accommodation over a period of ten months, averaging 15 miles walking per day.
Main page here
The first of the BIG walking challenges for 2008.
What else is in there waiting to appear from people's planning for 2008 I wonder? Labels: walks
Monday, December 3
More podcasts & some Christmas outdoor gear ideas
Apologies in advance for this post to all you out there feeling a little informationally overloaded. After all its not as if you really need any more internet interaction, or more content to consume. Especially with the surplus of silly TV/Radio adverts/inadvertent product being stuffed down the throat in this run up to the "festive" season (And what an irony that thought conjures up - any how let's not get started on that one tonight!)
BBC Radio is releasing even more of their radio show content via Podcast.
First up is the excellent Ramblings with Clare Balding this week featuring exTGO staffer Jonathan Manning, for some reason listed as editor of Country Walking Magazine (that was a quick retirement - lol)
And if you still can't get to sleep at night, how about BBC Radio 5 Live's Pods and Blogs which I think Podcast Bob has occasionally graced with his presence.
And to mitigate hogging your time - how about checking out Bob's Chrissie ideas to save all that foot slogging?
Labels: Gear, podcasts, UK Outdoors Blogger
Saturday, December 1
Outdoors Station- We have a winner!
A card dropped through the post box earlier this week led to me picking up a large parcel from the local Post Office this morning. Strange as I wasn't expecting anything that I could recall.
But as result of entering one of Podcast Bob's Podzine competition's my wall will now be adorned during 2008 with a large Colin Prior Scotland calendar.
Sweet - thanks Bob (and Colin) And if you fancy trying your luck I'd recommend listening to Bob's Podzines.
These are proving to be an excellent weekly pick-me-up during the long, dark (warm?) days of this winter.
Labels: blog media, podcasts, UK Outdoors Blogger
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
Now I thought I was, in my amateurish way, attempting to communicate outdoor matters to those of shared interest. Or those who may just wish to learn more. Then again perhaps providing a different type of entertainment. All at my own personal cost of time, effort and technology mark you.
As a result my "public" face has appeared less on certain outdoor forums, lacking the interest to repetitively defend my own passions ad infinitum.
For after all its a simple defence on my part: I like doing it. If you don't enjoy the blog approach, then don't read it. There's plenty of other things in our lives instead, so let's agree to differ.
I'm always open to positive criticism. But some of the past attacks have verged on the plain silly at times.
So as the year draws to a close perhaps its time to kick back in my own idiosyncratic way (yep - I've found out what it means now) And what better opportunity than to play up to one of the more recent comments to demonstate the unbridled egotistical bent that all UK Outdoor Bloggers undoubtedly exhibit on an almost daily basis.
Read the new banner above yet?
"Giù la testa, coglione!"?
Labels: blog media, UK Outdoors Blogger
Podzine 17/12/07 - The Lost Tapes or Meet The Fockers?
Its been a long time coming, but finally the infamous 'Lost Blogger Tapes' are starting to appear for public perusal. Kicks in around 26 minute mark with mine host at around 33 minutes. "One of the most prolific bloggers in the UK" (that will definitely get me ribbed remorselessly - thanks Andy -lol)
The
Podzine 17/12/07
Download MP3 File
The sight of a microphone does have a tendency of making the mind go blank with suspicious ease. And all of a sudden my language becomes very self censorious - I didn't say a*se once; Bugger that's blown that winning streak again.
Thanks Andy for the compliments. Now I get to pick out certain key phrases for the blog blurb, especially once I work out what idiosyncratic means. (Something to do with idiots and sin maybe? Very near the mark that one)
Hope the wait was worth it.
Form an orderly queue here for autographs. All proceeds to my favourite charity.
Hee hee.Labels: blog media, podcasts, UK Outdoors Blogger, uk walking blog
Sustrans National Lottery win - Pig in a Poke?
Lacking comment elsewhere within the UK outdoor blogging community (unless I've overlooked someone) here's my personal thoughts on the award last week of £50 million to Sustrans’ Connect2 project from the Big Lottery Fund to invest in walking and cycling UK-wide.
When the award was initially announced my reaction was - so what's that to me? I've been aware of Sustrans for some time now, but associated the group mostly with cycle routes. Not a huge interest of mine, but it sounded like a positive move - money to help with access to the great outdoors.
Now with anything related to the "National Lottery" my main reaction to that these days is by now pretty negative.
Why when I attempt to buy my Saturday paper/smokes do I somehow end up queueing behind a string of punters intent on buying multiple combinations of Lottery tickets and Lottery scratch cards - does anyone besides myself actually buy goods in a newsagents these days?
Furthermore I'm not against gambling per se. Indeed last week saw me spending sometime in the local casino during an evening's entertainment (And there's plenty I could write on the plain evidence of the dissociation of the ardent gambler from the surroundings and people around them. A very scary and extreme phenomena to observe for an occasional punter like myself)
But as for the national lottery being a "good" bet - hardly good odds to be honest, but back to the plot....
Sustrans successful bid was "to build a national network of cycle and walking routes". A laudable aim.
And then came news of certain alleged shenanigans with the voting. Oh right. What a surprise. Hasn't the recent rash of TV voting scams really already made the point on this. And frankly if I was involved with a charity seeking a donation of this magnitude I would make darned sure all my friends, relations, passers-by etc etc etc voted for my team using whatever means were provided by the donating organisation. But it seems that this has upset some folk as to the fairness of it all.
But despite the controversy let's stand back and look at all the candidates up for the cash - Eden Project: The Edge; Sherwood: The Living Legend; Black Country Urban Park; Sustrans: Connect2;
Three out of the four offering locally based projects.
And the winner - well that would be the only one with a nationally based project. Small wonder they received more votes really bearing in mind the increased number of people that their project could potentially influence.
So to the delivery plans of the winners to see just how this affects my outdoors access. After a little more digging into the detail behind Sustrans plans I must admit I'm still very unclear on quite what they intend to deliver. No great projects - just lots of joining up bits. And the more I look into the local initiatives, the more unsettling they become being aimed at semi-urban routes, possibly intending to influence some of the local population to walk/cycle to their destinations. But I'd guess more aimed at those lardy arses who think it fine in principle but won't bother to use the facilities anyway, save for an occasional trip with the kids at the height of summer.
I'm trying hard not to get too scathing here after looking at the local project nearest to me. For it proposes provision of a cycleway from a rural area with a very small population, but potentially many airport workers, into the built up areas of Bournemouth. But there's a few drawbacks here.
Firstly - the route already exists on the ground, mostly over existing country back roads, and a bridge across the River Stour. In fact I cycled the route over ten years ago. So its not about provision of anything new. Just upgraded somewhere I'd assume.
Secondly if the route is upgraded it has the potential to increased cycle traffic along paths currently trod mostly by the dog walking brigade, and at one pinch point a number of fishermen. No potential for an increase in conflicting usage here then - wandering dogs, men with expensive fishing gear lying the ground, and cyclists at an increased speed.
Thirdly, the main beneficiary should be the airport workers. But frankly I'd be surprised if many of those not already using the route would choose to do so after its been upgraded (whatever that entails)
And finally - this is not to cover the whole route indicated on the map - but just that piece marked in red i.e. the pinch point referred to earlier. I'd guess that means taking a sometimes narrow and muddy riverside walk, aka locally as a peaceful summertime stroll. And creating a cycle track instead. Great news.
I'd love to be more objective here. To base my view on fact and details. But the plans are really rather sketchy at best, and also carry a couple of interesting warnings as to "the far reaching nature of the scheme" and "not a promise where the route will go".
Huh? So what was the money budgeted for in the £50 million bid then?
In fairness I'll leave this for the present until more detail arises once this project starts on the ground.
But as a walker I fear perhaps the Sustrans bid doesn't really represent much of importance to me and may in fact deter me from using this particular area in the future.
More to come on this I'm sure. Labels: Fitness, Miscellaneous, walks
Sunday, December 16
Finally a little peace and quiet
Football Cup Final. England football World Cup games. Wimbledon finals weekend. Horse Racing Grand National day. Any events that capture national interest. The run up to Christmas.
Recognise any common thread here?
This afternoon's walk on the New Forest took me to a usually busy area, close to one of the major camp sites. A little like a human anthill in July/August. And never really that quiet even outside the tourist season.
But today. Not one car sighted on my journey there. No vehicle was to be found in the usually busy car park. And only a couple of other people spotted wandering in the distant. And those only after a half hour or so of my solitary wander with the dog.
The world around me, or so it appeared, my personal domain for one of those oh so rare occasions. The sort of thing that I would normally expect to walk off into the hills for 2 or 3 hours to achieve.
And the cause?
I expect most folk were either Xmas shopping, or more sensibly hunkering down deep into a bunker mentality that the pre Xmas run up almost demands these days, for anyone trying hard to recall the "true" spirit of Xmas.
Its not all booze, parties, spending and January depression as the credit card statement drops onto the door mat. Not for some of us.
A bit of peace and quiet. A time for personal reflection. A long walk in the cold air (3 deg C and a cold wind - brrr)
This is my enjoyment of the the "true" nature of the world around us all. So difficult to discover some days, and so easily overlooked at this time of the year.
Bliss.
The moral. When the masses go left, turn right and head for the open spaces. Works everytime as long as you can predict the movement of the masses, which is not that difficult if you learn what to look out for.
I know where I'll be on Xmas Eve. And possibly I might find you in a similar place all of your own as well?
Here's hoping.Labels: Mental Health, New Forest
Harry Potter's Last mystery?
An unusual topic for an outdoor blog? Well maybe but I know some of you adults out there have more than a passing interest in the children's tales concerning a certain Master Potter.
Wandering around the virtual world earlier today I found a follow up to the news during the week following the auction of a copy of J.K.Rowling's (very limited) release of "Tales of Beedle the Bard" for a smidgen under £2 million.
A slightly more expensive purchase than I would usually make, I must admit. Well compared to one of my regular sources of second hand books. And after all someone had been writing in the margins of this one and trying to pass it off as new. The cheek of it. I'll have to try that one next time I return a book to my local library suitably annotated with correction and contrasting opinion. Somehow I think increasing the value will not be one of the arguments that they will accept.
But back to the plot, in this instance the purchasing agent, whom if papers were to be believed was not incredibly ecstatic post sale (probably at the final price compared to the £50k estimate) seemed to be an anonymous collector. At least until this weekend when Amazon popped up with details of their new purchase, and now milking their purchase for its full worth
A little karmic perhaps considering how much they must have taken on the Potter series over the last few years? And its probably tax deductible as well, come to think of it.Labels: books
Monday, December 10
Bloggers Christmas Pantomine
This may well be a first for the UK Outdoor on-line community.
So please be generous with your applause (and boos) as we invite you to enjoy a walk with the 2007 UK Outdoor Bloggers Christmas Pantomine.
Or is it all enjoyment?
Choose your route to try to get to the bloggers party on time ....... or will all the refreshment have gone by the time you arrive?
Tie up your boots and step onto the path here Labels: BYOA - Bloggers Pantomine
Bloggers Pantomine - Scene Shifts ...
And is if sensing your decision as you start to ascend the steep scree ridden pass you feel the first drops of rain start to fall. As they become heavier you stop to don waterproof gear.
Continuing to climb the track now turning into a water courses you rapidly warm up.
On reaching the top of the pass your perspiration is swiftly blown away as you walk head on into a westerly gale.
Through gritted teeth you turn into the wind heading along the ridge onwards towards your destination. You pause as over the sound of the wind you hear a far off a jangle of bells which seems to come from far ahead, higher than your current altitude.
You stop to listen for a moment And are swiftly reminded why you are on this ridge in the first place.
Remembering the general lie of the land ahead you stop to consult your map to confirm that there is your route is correct, and that no peak lies ahead.
You spot then that your GPS lanyard is dangling emptily in the wind. Unshouldering your pack you check the bag for the missing equipment.
As you spot the glint of the grey Gecko 301's screen in a side pocket you again hear noises, this time of a human variety. Loud and jovial laughter in the distance.
You peer through the grey cloud, the source of the intermittent sound hidden for the moment
You have a choice to:
Ignore the noise or Investigate the noise
Confused? Then perhaps you've come in part way through this extravaganza Click here to go to the startLabels: BYOA - Bloggers Pantomine
Bloggers Pantomine - Scene Shifts To...
Feeling reassured after the advice in the first aid book you start to ascend the gentle pass feeling the sunshine on your arms and listen to the cry of skylarks speeding you up onto the ridge route above.
Today the atmosphere is clear and you can see for many miles around, a balmy breeze keeping the perspiration from your forehead.
Around midday you start to descend for a short time. In the dip you discover a bubbling stream, and stop for a while seeking shelter from the sunshine by a holly tree in the mouth of a cave.
You are serenaded by a robin as you collect fuel for your BushBuddy.
Too late you realise you have not brought your normal cooking equipment, but one recently donated to you by an aged uncle after his long years spent in the mysterious Orient.
As the water for your brew starts to heat you see an ominous cloud of steam is rising darkly from around the cooker and a shape of human form is appearing amongst the vapour.
You rub your eyes for a moment not believing the sight.
You awake having fallen asleep in the hot sunshine. You pack and with a reinvigorated step start your final short ascent of the day. As you near the peak you catch a few words on the wind .....and shaking your head you decide never to eat mushrooms at that cafe in future.
You now have to decide whether to:
Ignore the noise or Listen to the words
Confused? Then perhaps you've come in part way through this extravaganza Click here to go to the startLabels: BYOA - Bloggers Pantomine
Sunday, December 9
Dorset climber rescue - a waste of space
One worrying individual has caught local media attention for all the wrong reasons.
Late November (Tues 20th to be precise) a certain individual (lets call him 'Mr Whadafooch' to protect his identity) had to be rescued from a cliff close to Langton Matravers, here in Dorset.
The location "the bottom of Guillemot Climb near Dancing Ledge" - now try to remember that name - there may be a test later.
If memory serves it was a cold and wet day and Mr W "misjudged his timing and got stuck at the bottom of a cliff with ankle and head injuries as darkness approached" I recall hearing a local radio news report at the time and wondering about the lack of preparation in the conditions.
To quote the official incident report "The weather at the time was cyclonic force 5 or 6 becoming southwesterly and with squally showers" Mr W was "without a helmet or waterproof clothing"
Enter Portland Coastguard's helicopter which flew Mr W "who was suffering from exposure" to a local hospital.
The Coastguard's comment at the time: "A valuable lesson from this incident has been the clear need for any climber to take the appropriate equipment"
An quite right. Sound advice. The local cliffs aren't exceptionally high, but once the tide is in escape options become very limited, and windward ledges can get exceptionally exposed.
Roll forward to early December (Tues the 4th) - another coastguard call out in the same area. As the local newspaper The Daily Echo reports:
"TWO climbers who got into trouble during a stormy night ascent of Swanage sea cliffs have been brandished "disgraceful" by coastguards. One of the pair, a relatively experienced climber in his early twenties, was forced to call for rescue on Tuesday for the SECOND time in a fortnight. This time the man's climbing partner, also in his early 20s, was stuck 60ft down the bottom of Guillemot Ledge (recognise that name readers?), but two weeks ago the coastguard's rescue helicopter was scrambled after another of his companions became trapped on the same ledge"
I bet the coastguard were most impressed when they turned up to that particular incident.
The article mentions the coastguard comment "These guys were given a really good talking to. They are putting other people's lives at risk. They really should know better than to climb in these sorts of conditions"
There's plenty more of the same "....After getting into trouble once you would think this more experienced climber would have learned something, but clearly not. To attempt a second climb at night in these sorts of conditions is asking for trouble.." and ".....in these conditions in the middle of the night, it really borders on stupidity. They must have been on the cliff face for some time. I think they are lucky to be alive"
I somehow think that the coastguard's message might have been put across to Mr W a little more forcibly during this second incident.
Hopefully there will be no third time lucky.
I'll let you think up your own suitable comments here (although there's some ideas for you to start with here)
More from the Swanage Coastguard incident log as well including the famous line "some rather strong words of advice were given to him"
Oh I bet they were.
There is being unlucky. And then there's making your own luck.Labels: Mental Health, Miscellaneous, Mountain Rescue Team(MRT)
Christmas gift ideas: Outdoor book special mentions
Chris Townsend's latest post on his site reminds me that I really need to get Robert Macfarlane’s book "The Wild Places" on to my gift list for this year. Its been getting excellent reviews both on the outdoor forums/magazines and amongst mainstream reviewers.
The latest review pops up on this Saturday's Times newspaper round up of outdoor related books of note published this year
And a mention in the same article recommending Michelle Waitzman's "Sex in a Tent: A Wild Couple's Guide to Getting Naughty in Nature" An author better know to those of us involved with the Outdoor Blogger Forum as Maple Kiwi whose blog Love In A Tent, despite (or may be because of?) its teaser title is full of good advice especially for those looking to New Zealand for their tramping experiences. And coincidentally a book I finished off earlier this week during the long periods of inactivity spent courtesy of British Rail and yet another grinding trip to the northern shores of the Mersey. Oh dear - perhaps grinding wasn't quite the adverb to use on this occasion - lol
But back to MK - let's try to avoid pangs of jealousy as her latest post reminds us that as the days in GB become danker dreary and dark, NZ is moving into the sultry days of their summer season.Labels: blog media, books, Outdoors Blogger Forum
Tuesday, December 4
Walk GB 4 Climb -4,000 Mile Walkies
Colin Snook has always had the ambition to walk around Great Britain and has plotted a route which will cover in excess of four thousand miles over three hundred days in 2008. And whilst fulfilling one ambition he has another - to raise £50,000 for CLIMB (Children LIving with MetaBolic diseases)
Colin aims to use a combination of B & B, backpacking, rough camping (?), campsites and the YHA for accommodation over a period of ten months, averaging 15 miles walking per day.
Main page here
The first of the BIG walking challenges for 2008.
What else is in there waiting to appear from people's planning for 2008 I wonder? Labels: walks
Monday, December 3
More podcasts & some Christmas outdoor gear ideas
Apologies in advance for this post to all you out there feeling a little informationally overloaded. After all its not as if you really need any more internet interaction, or more content to consume. Especially with the surplus of silly TV/Radio adverts/inadvertent product being stuffed down the throat in this run up to the "festive" season (And what an irony that thought conjures up - any how let's not get started on that one tonight!)
BBC Radio is releasing even more of their radio show content via Podcast.
First up is the excellent Ramblings with Clare Balding this week featuring exTGO staffer Jonathan Manning, for some reason listed as editor of Country Walking Magazine (that was a quick retirement - lol)
And if you still can't get to sleep at night, how about BBC Radio 5 Live's Pods and Blogs which I think Podcast Bob has occasionally graced with his presence.
And to mitigate hogging your time - how about checking out Bob's Chrissie ideas to save all that foot slogging?
Labels: Gear, podcasts, UK Outdoors Blogger
Saturday, December 1
Outdoors Station- We have a winner!
A card dropped through the post box earlier this week led to me picking up a large parcel from the local Post Office this morning. Strange as I wasn't expecting anything that I could recall.
But as result of entering one of Podcast Bob's Podzine competition's my wall will now be adorned during 2008 with a large Colin Prior Scotland calendar.
Sweet - thanks Bob (and Colin) And if you fancy trying your luck I'd recommend listening to Bob's Podzines.
These are proving to be an excellent weekly pick-me-up during the long, dark (warm?) days of this winter.
Labels: blog media, podcasts, UK Outdoors Blogger
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
The
Podzine 17/12/07
Download MP3 File
Podzine 17/12/07
Download MP3 File
The sight of a microphone does have a tendency of making the mind go blank with suspicious ease. And all of a sudden my language becomes very self censorious - I didn't say a*se once; Bugger that's blown that winning streak again.
Thanks Andy for the compliments. Now I get to pick out certain key phrases for the blog blurb, especially once I work out what idiosyncratic means. (Something to do with idiots and sin maybe? Very near the mark that one)
Hope the wait was worth it.
Form an orderly queue here for autographs. All proceeds to my favourite charity.
Hee hee.
Labels: blog media, podcasts, UK Outdoors Blogger, uk walking blog
Sustrans National Lottery win - Pig in a Poke?
Lacking comment elsewhere within the UK outdoor blogging community (unless I've overlooked someone) here's my personal thoughts on the award last week of £50 million to Sustrans’ Connect2 project from the Big Lottery Fund to invest in walking and cycling UK-wide.
When the award was initially announced my reaction was - so what's that to me? I've been aware of Sustrans for some time now, but associated the group mostly with cycle routes. Not a huge interest of mine, but it sounded like a positive move - money to help with access to the great outdoors.
Now with anything related to the "National Lottery" my main reaction to that these days is by now pretty negative.
Why when I attempt to buy my Saturday paper/smokes do I somehow end up queueing behind a string of punters intent on buying multiple combinations of Lottery tickets and Lottery scratch cards - does anyone besides myself actually buy goods in a newsagents these days?
Furthermore I'm not against gambling per se. Indeed last week saw me spending sometime in the local casino during an evening's entertainment (And there's plenty I could write on the plain evidence of the dissociation of the ardent gambler from the surroundings and people around them. A very scary and extreme phenomena to observe for an occasional punter like myself)
But as for the national lottery being a "good" bet - hardly good odds to be honest, but back to the plot....
Sustrans successful bid was "to build a national network of cycle and walking routes". A laudable aim.
And then came news of certain alleged shenanigans with the voting. Oh right. What a surprise. Hasn't the recent rash of TV voting scams really already made the point on this. And frankly if I was involved with a charity seeking a donation of this magnitude I would make darned sure all my friends, relations, passers-by etc etc etc voted for my team using whatever means were provided by the donating organisation. But it seems that this has upset some folk as to the fairness of it all.
But despite the controversy let's stand back and look at all the candidates up for the cash - Eden Project: The Edge; Sherwood: The Living Legend; Black Country Urban Park; Sustrans: Connect2;
Three out of the four offering locally based projects.
And the winner - well that would be the only one with a nationally based project. Small wonder they received more votes really bearing in mind the increased number of people that their project could potentially influence.
So to the delivery plans of the winners to see just how this affects my outdoors access. After a little more digging into the detail behind Sustrans plans I must admit I'm still very unclear on quite what they intend to deliver. No great projects - just lots of joining up bits. And the more I look into the local initiatives, the more unsettling they become being aimed at semi-urban routes, possibly intending to influence some of the local population to walk/cycle to their destinations. But I'd guess more aimed at those lardy arses who think it fine in principle but won't bother to use the facilities anyway, save for an occasional trip with the kids at the height of summer.
I'm trying hard not to get too scathing here after looking at the local project nearest to me. For it proposes provision of a cycleway from a rural area with a very small population, but potentially many airport workers, into the built up areas of Bournemouth. But there's a few drawbacks here.
Firstly - the route already exists on the ground, mostly over existing country back roads, and a bridge across the River Stour. In fact I cycled the route over ten years ago. So its not about provision of anything new. Just upgraded somewhere I'd assume.
Secondly if the route is upgraded it has the potential to increased cycle traffic along paths currently trod mostly by the dog walking brigade, and at one pinch point a number of fishermen. No potential for an increase in conflicting usage here then - wandering dogs, men with expensive fishing gear lying the ground, and cyclists at an increased speed.
Thirdly, the main beneficiary should be the airport workers. But frankly I'd be surprised if many of those not already using the route would choose to do so after its been upgraded (whatever that entails)
And finally - this is not to cover the whole route indicated on the map - but just that piece marked in red i.e. the pinch point referred to earlier. I'd guess that means taking a sometimes narrow and muddy riverside walk, aka locally as a peaceful summertime stroll. And creating a cycle track instead. Great news.
I'd love to be more objective here. To base my view on fact and details. But the plans are really rather sketchy at best, and also carry a couple of interesting warnings as to "the far reaching nature of the scheme" and "not a promise where the route will go".
Huh? So what was the money budgeted for in the £50 million bid then?
In fairness I'll leave this for the present until more detail arises once this project starts on the ground.
But as a walker I fear perhaps the Sustrans bid doesn't really represent much of importance to me and may in fact deter me from using this particular area in the future.
More to come on this I'm sure. Labels: Fitness, Miscellaneous, walks
Sunday, December 16
Finally a little peace and quiet
Football Cup Final. England football World Cup games. Wimbledon finals weekend. Horse Racing Grand National day. Any events that capture national interest. The run up to Christmas.
Recognise any common thread here?
This afternoon's walk on the New Forest took me to a usually busy area, close to one of the major camp sites. A little like a human anthill in July/August. And never really that quiet even outside the tourist season.
But today. Not one car sighted on my journey there. No vehicle was to be found in the usually busy car park. And only a couple of other people spotted wandering in the distant. And those only after a half hour or so of my solitary wander with the dog.
The world around me, or so it appeared, my personal domain for one of those oh so rare occasions. The sort of thing that I would normally expect to walk off into the hills for 2 or 3 hours to achieve.
And the cause?
I expect most folk were either Xmas shopping, or more sensibly hunkering down deep into a bunker mentality that the pre Xmas run up almost demands these days, for anyone trying hard to recall the "true" spirit of Xmas.
Its not all booze, parties, spending and January depression as the credit card statement drops onto the door mat. Not for some of us.
A bit of peace and quiet. A time for personal reflection. A long walk in the cold air (3 deg C and a cold wind - brrr)
This is my enjoyment of the the "true" nature of the world around us all. So difficult to discover some days, and so easily overlooked at this time of the year.
Bliss.
The moral. When the masses go left, turn right and head for the open spaces. Works everytime as long as you can predict the movement of the masses, which is not that difficult if you learn what to look out for.
I know where I'll be on Xmas Eve. And possibly I might find you in a similar place all of your own as well?
Here's hoping.Labels: Mental Health, New Forest
Harry Potter's Last mystery?
An unusual topic for an outdoor blog? Well maybe but I know some of you adults out there have more than a passing interest in the children's tales concerning a certain Master Potter.
Wandering around the virtual world earlier today I found a follow up to the news during the week following the auction of a copy of J.K.Rowling's (very limited) release of "Tales of Beedle the Bard" for a smidgen under £2 million.
A slightly more expensive purchase than I would usually make, I must admit. Well compared to one of my regular sources of second hand books. And after all someone had been writing in the margins of this one and trying to pass it off as new. The cheek of it. I'll have to try that one next time I return a book to my local library suitably annotated with correction and contrasting opinion. Somehow I think increasing the value will not be one of the arguments that they will accept.
But back to the plot, in this instance the purchasing agent, whom if papers were to be believed was not incredibly ecstatic post sale (probably at the final price compared to the £50k estimate) seemed to be an anonymous collector. At least until this weekend when Amazon popped up with details of their new purchase, and now milking their purchase for its full worth
A little karmic perhaps considering how much they must have taken on the Potter series over the last few years? And its probably tax deductible as well, come to think of it.Labels: books
Monday, December 10
Bloggers Christmas Pantomine
This may well be a first for the UK Outdoor on-line community.
So please be generous with your applause (and boos) as we invite you to enjoy a walk with the 2007 UK Outdoor Bloggers Christmas Pantomine.
Or is it all enjoyment?
Choose your route to try to get to the bloggers party on time ....... or will all the refreshment have gone by the time you arrive?
Tie up your boots and step onto the path here Labels: BYOA - Bloggers Pantomine
Bloggers Pantomine - Scene Shifts ...
And is if sensing your decision as you start to ascend the steep scree ridden pass you feel the first drops of rain start to fall. As they become heavier you stop to don waterproof gear.
Continuing to climb the track now turning into a water courses you rapidly warm up.
On reaching the top of the pass your perspiration is swiftly blown away as you walk head on into a westerly gale.
Through gritted teeth you turn into the wind heading along the ridge onwards towards your destination. You pause as over the sound of the wind you hear a far off a jangle of bells which seems to come from far ahead, higher than your current altitude.
You stop to listen for a moment And are swiftly reminded why you are on this ridge in the first place.
Remembering the general lie of the land ahead you stop to consult your map to confirm that there is your route is correct, and that no peak lies ahead.
You spot then that your GPS lanyard is dangling emptily in the wind. Unshouldering your pack you check the bag for the missing equipment.
As you spot the glint of the grey Gecko 301's screen in a side pocket you again hear noises, this time of a human variety. Loud and jovial laughter in the distance.
You peer through the grey cloud, the source of the intermittent sound hidden for the moment
You have a choice to:
Ignore the noise or Investigate the noise
Confused? Then perhaps you've come in part way through this extravaganza Click here to go to the startLabels: BYOA - Bloggers Pantomine
Bloggers Pantomine - Scene Shifts To...
Feeling reassured after the advice in the first aid book you start to ascend the gentle pass feeling the sunshine on your arms and listen to the cry of skylarks speeding you up onto the ridge route above.
Today the atmosphere is clear and you can see for many miles around, a balmy breeze keeping the perspiration from your forehead.
Around midday you start to descend for a short time. In the dip you discover a bubbling stream, and stop for a while seeking shelter from the sunshine by a holly tree in the mouth of a cave.
You are serenaded by a robin as you collect fuel for your BushBuddy.
Too late you realise you have not brought your normal cooking equipment, but one recently donated to you by an aged uncle after his long years spent in the mysterious Orient.
As the water for your brew starts to heat you see an ominous cloud of steam is rising darkly from around the cooker and a shape of human form is appearing amongst the vapour.
You rub your eyes for a moment not believing the sight.
You awake having fallen asleep in the hot sunshine. You pack and with a reinvigorated step start your final short ascent of the day. As you near the peak you catch a few words on the wind .....and shaking your head you decide never to eat mushrooms at that cafe in future.
You now have to decide whether to:
Ignore the noise or Listen to the words
Confused? Then perhaps you've come in part way through this extravaganza Click here to go to the startLabels: BYOA - Bloggers Pantomine
Sunday, December 9
Dorset climber rescue - a waste of space
One worrying individual has caught local media attention for all the wrong reasons.
Late November (Tues 20th to be precise) a certain individual (lets call him 'Mr Whadafooch' to protect his identity) had to be rescued from a cliff close to Langton Matravers, here in Dorset.
The location "the bottom of Guillemot Climb near Dancing Ledge" - now try to remember that name - there may be a test later.
If memory serves it was a cold and wet day and Mr W "misjudged his timing and got stuck at the bottom of a cliff with ankle and head injuries as darkness approached" I recall hearing a local radio news report at the time and wondering about the lack of preparation in the conditions.
To quote the official incident report "The weather at the time was cyclonic force 5 or 6 becoming southwesterly and with squally showers" Mr W was "without a helmet or waterproof clothing"
Enter Portland Coastguard's helicopter which flew Mr W "who was suffering from exposure" to a local hospital.
The Coastguard's comment at the time: "A valuable lesson from this incident has been the clear need for any climber to take the appropriate equipment"
An quite right. Sound advice. The local cliffs aren't exceptionally high, but once the tide is in escape options become very limited, and windward ledges can get exceptionally exposed.
Roll forward to early December (Tues the 4th) - another coastguard call out in the same area. As the local newspaper The Daily Echo reports:
"TWO climbers who got into trouble during a stormy night ascent of Swanage sea cliffs have been brandished "disgraceful" by coastguards. One of the pair, a relatively experienced climber in his early twenties, was forced to call for rescue on Tuesday for the SECOND time in a fortnight. This time the man's climbing partner, also in his early 20s, was stuck 60ft down the bottom of Guillemot Ledge (recognise that name readers?), but two weeks ago the coastguard's rescue helicopter was scrambled after another of his companions became trapped on the same ledge"
I bet the coastguard were most impressed when they turned up to that particular incident.
The article mentions the coastguard comment "These guys were given a really good talking to. They are putting other people's lives at risk. They really should know better than to climb in these sorts of conditions"
There's plenty more of the same "....After getting into trouble once you would think this more experienced climber would have learned something, but clearly not. To attempt a second climb at night in these sorts of conditions is asking for trouble.." and ".....in these conditions in the middle of the night, it really borders on stupidity. They must have been on the cliff face for some time. I think they are lucky to be alive"
I somehow think that the coastguard's message might have been put across to Mr W a little more forcibly during this second incident.
Hopefully there will be no third time lucky.
I'll let you think up your own suitable comments here (although there's some ideas for you to start with here)
More from the Swanage Coastguard incident log as well including the famous line "some rather strong words of advice were given to him"
Oh I bet they were.
There is being unlucky. And then there's making your own luck.Labels: Mental Health, Miscellaneous, Mountain Rescue Team(MRT)
Christmas gift ideas: Outdoor book special mentions
Chris Townsend's latest post on his site reminds me that I really need to get Robert Macfarlane’s book "The Wild Places" on to my gift list for this year. Its been getting excellent reviews both on the outdoor forums/magazines and amongst mainstream reviewers.
The latest review pops up on this Saturday's Times newspaper round up of outdoor related books of note published this year
And a mention in the same article recommending Michelle Waitzman's "Sex in a Tent: A Wild Couple's Guide to Getting Naughty in Nature" An author better know to those of us involved with the Outdoor Blogger Forum as Maple Kiwi whose blog Love In A Tent, despite (or may be because of?) its teaser title is full of good advice especially for those looking to New Zealand for their tramping experiences. And coincidentally a book I finished off earlier this week during the long periods of inactivity spent courtesy of British Rail and yet another grinding trip to the northern shores of the Mersey. Oh dear - perhaps grinding wasn't quite the adverb to use on this occasion - lol
But back to MK - let's try to avoid pangs of jealousy as her latest post reminds us that as the days in GB become danker dreary and dark, NZ is moving into the sultry days of their summer season.Labels: blog media, books, Outdoors Blogger Forum
Tuesday, December 4
Walk GB 4 Climb -4,000 Mile Walkies
Colin Snook has always had the ambition to walk around Great Britain and has plotted a route which will cover in excess of four thousand miles over three hundred days in 2008. And whilst fulfilling one ambition he has another - to raise £50,000 for CLIMB (Children LIving with MetaBolic diseases)
Colin aims to use a combination of B & B, backpacking, rough camping (?), campsites and the YHA for accommodation over a period of ten months, averaging 15 miles walking per day.
Main page here
The first of the BIG walking challenges for 2008.
What else is in there waiting to appear from people's planning for 2008 I wonder? Labels: walks
Monday, December 3
More podcasts & some Christmas outdoor gear ideas
Apologies in advance for this post to all you out there feeling a little informationally overloaded. After all its not as if you really need any more internet interaction, or more content to consume. Especially with the surplus of silly TV/Radio adverts/inadvertent product being stuffed down the throat in this run up to the "festive" season (And what an irony that thought conjures up - any how let's not get started on that one tonight!)
BBC Radio is releasing even more of their radio show content via Podcast.
First up is the excellent Ramblings with Clare Balding this week featuring exTGO staffer Jonathan Manning, for some reason listed as editor of Country Walking Magazine (that was a quick retirement - lol)
And if you still can't get to sleep at night, how about BBC Radio 5 Live's Pods and Blogs which I think Podcast Bob has occasionally graced with his presence.
And to mitigate hogging your time - how about checking out Bob's Chrissie ideas to save all that foot slogging?
Labels: Gear, podcasts, UK Outdoors Blogger
Saturday, December 1
Outdoors Station- We have a winner!
A card dropped through the post box earlier this week led to me picking up a large parcel from the local Post Office this morning. Strange as I wasn't expecting anything that I could recall.
But as result of entering one of Podcast Bob's Podzine competition's my wall will now be adorned during 2008 with a large Colin Prior Scotland calendar.
Sweet - thanks Bob (and Colin) And if you fancy trying your luck I'd recommend listening to Bob's Podzines.
These are proving to be an excellent weekly pick-me-up during the long, dark (warm?) days of this winter.
Labels: blog media, podcasts, UK Outdoors Blogger
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
When the award was initially announced my reaction was - so what's that to me? I've been aware of Sustrans for some time now, but associated the group mostly with cycle routes. Not a huge interest of mine, but it sounded like a positive move - money to help with access to the great outdoors.
Now with anything related to the "National Lottery" my main reaction to that these days is by now pretty negative.
Why when I attempt to buy my Saturday paper/smokes do I somehow end up queueing behind a string of punters intent on buying multiple combinations of Lottery tickets and Lottery scratch cards - does anyone besides myself actually buy goods in a newsagents these days?
Furthermore I'm not against gambling per se. Indeed last week saw me spending sometime in the local casino during an evening's entertainment (And there's plenty I could write on the plain evidence of the dissociation of the ardent gambler from the surroundings and people around them. A very scary and extreme phenomena to observe for an occasional punter like myself)
But as for the national lottery being a "good" bet - hardly good odds to be honest, but back to the plot....
Sustrans successful bid was "to build a national network of cycle and walking routes". A laudable aim.
And then came news of certain alleged shenanigans with the voting. Oh right. What a surprise. Hasn't the recent rash of TV voting scams really already made the point on this. And frankly if I was involved with a charity seeking a donation of this magnitude I would make darned sure all my friends, relations, passers-by etc etc etc voted for my team using whatever means were provided by the donating organisation. But it seems that this has upset some folk as to the fairness of it all.
But despite the controversy let's stand back and look at all the candidates up for the cash - Eden Project: The Edge; Sherwood: The Living Legend; Black Country Urban Park; Sustrans: Connect2;
Three out of the four offering locally based projects.
And the winner - well that would be the only one with a nationally based project. Small wonder they received more votes really bearing in mind the increased number of people that their project could potentially influence.
So to the delivery plans of the winners to see just how this affects my outdoors access. After a little more digging into the detail behind Sustrans plans I must admit I'm still very unclear on quite what they intend to deliver. No great projects - just lots of joining up bits. And the more I look into the local initiatives, the more unsettling they become being aimed at semi-urban routes, possibly intending to influence some of the local population to walk/cycle to their destinations. But I'd guess more aimed at those lardy arses who think it fine in principle but won't bother to use the facilities anyway, save for an occasional trip with the kids at the height of summer.
I'm trying hard not to get too scathing here after looking at the local project nearest to me. For it proposes provision of a cycleway from a rural area with a very small population, but potentially many airport workers, into the built up areas of Bournemouth. But there's a few drawbacks here.
Firstly - the route already exists on the ground, mostly over existing country back roads, and a bridge across the River Stour. In fact I cycled the route over ten years ago. So its not about provision of anything new. Just upgraded somewhere I'd assume.
Secondly if the route is upgraded it has the potential to increased cycle traffic along paths currently trod mostly by the dog walking brigade, and at one pinch point a number of fishermen. No potential for an increase in conflicting usage here then - wandering dogs, men with expensive fishing gear lying the ground, and cyclists at an increased speed.
Thirdly, the main beneficiary should be the airport workers. But frankly I'd be surprised if many of those not already using the route would choose to do so after its been upgraded (whatever that entails)
And finally - this is not to cover the whole route indicated on the map - but just that piece marked in red i.e. the pinch point referred to earlier. I'd guess that means taking a sometimes narrow and muddy riverside walk, aka locally as a peaceful summertime stroll. And creating a cycle track instead. Great news.
I'd love to be more objective here. To base my view on fact and details. But the plans are really rather sketchy at best, and also carry a couple of interesting warnings as to "the far reaching nature of the scheme" and "not a promise where the route will go".
Huh? So what was the money budgeted for in the £50 million bid then?
In fairness I'll leave this for the present until more detail arises once this project starts on the ground.
But as a walker I fear perhaps the Sustrans bid doesn't really represent much of importance to me and may in fact deter me from using this particular area in the future.
More to come on this I'm sure.
Labels: Fitness, Miscellaneous, walks
Finally a little peace and quiet
Football Cup Final. England football World Cup games. Wimbledon finals weekend. Horse Racing Grand National day. Any events that capture national interest. The run up to Christmas.
Recognise any common thread here?
This afternoon's walk on the New Forest took me to a usually busy area, close to one of the major camp sites. A little like a human anthill in July/August. And never really that quiet even outside the tourist season.
But today. Not one car sighted on my journey there. No vehicle was to be found in the usually busy car park. And only a couple of other people spotted wandering in the distant. And those only after a half hour or so of my solitary wander with the dog.
The world around me, or so it appeared, my personal domain for one of those oh so rare occasions. The sort of thing that I would normally expect to walk off into the hills for 2 or 3 hours to achieve.
And the cause?
I expect most folk were either Xmas shopping, or more sensibly hunkering down deep into a bunker mentality that the pre Xmas run up almost demands these days, for anyone trying hard to recall the "true" spirit of Xmas.
Its not all booze, parties, spending and January depression as the credit card statement drops onto the door mat. Not for some of us.
A bit of peace and quiet. A time for personal reflection. A long walk in the cold air (3 deg C and a cold wind - brrr)
This is my enjoyment of the the "true" nature of the world around us all. So difficult to discover some days, and so easily overlooked at this time of the year.
Bliss.
The moral. When the masses go left, turn right and head for the open spaces. Works everytime as long as you can predict the movement of the masses, which is not that difficult if you learn what to look out for.
I know where I'll be on Xmas Eve. And possibly I might find you in a similar place all of your own as well?
Here's hoping.Labels: Mental Health, New Forest
Harry Potter's Last mystery?
An unusual topic for an outdoor blog? Well maybe but I know some of you adults out there have more than a passing interest in the children's tales concerning a certain Master Potter.
Wandering around the virtual world earlier today I found a follow up to the news during the week following the auction of a copy of J.K.Rowling's (very limited) release of "Tales of Beedle the Bard" for a smidgen under £2 million.
A slightly more expensive purchase than I would usually make, I must admit. Well compared to one of my regular sources of second hand books. And after all someone had been writing in the margins of this one and trying to pass it off as new. The cheek of it. I'll have to try that one next time I return a book to my local library suitably annotated with correction and contrasting opinion. Somehow I think increasing the value will not be one of the arguments that they will accept.
But back to the plot, in this instance the purchasing agent, whom if papers were to be believed was not incredibly ecstatic post sale (probably at the final price compared to the £50k estimate) seemed to be an anonymous collector. At least until this weekend when Amazon popped up with details of their new purchase, and now milking their purchase for its full worth
A little karmic perhaps considering how much they must have taken on the Potter series over the last few years? And its probably tax deductible as well, come to think of it.Labels: books
Monday, December 10
Bloggers Christmas Pantomine
This may well be a first for the UK Outdoor on-line community.
So please be generous with your applause (and boos) as we invite you to enjoy a walk with the 2007 UK Outdoor Bloggers Christmas Pantomine.
Or is it all enjoyment?
Choose your route to try to get to the bloggers party on time ....... or will all the refreshment have gone by the time you arrive?
Tie up your boots and step onto the path here Labels: BYOA - Bloggers Pantomine
Bloggers Pantomine - Scene Shifts ...
And is if sensing your decision as you start to ascend the steep scree ridden pass you feel the first drops of rain start to fall. As they become heavier you stop to don waterproof gear.
Continuing to climb the track now turning into a water courses you rapidly warm up.
On reaching the top of the pass your perspiration is swiftly blown away as you walk head on into a westerly gale.
Through gritted teeth you turn into the wind heading along the ridge onwards towards your destination. You pause as over the sound of the wind you hear a far off a jangle of bells which seems to come from far ahead, higher than your current altitude.
You stop to listen for a moment And are swiftly reminded why you are on this ridge in the first place.
Remembering the general lie of the land ahead you stop to consult your map to confirm that there is your route is correct, and that no peak lies ahead.
You spot then that your GPS lanyard is dangling emptily in the wind. Unshouldering your pack you check the bag for the missing equipment.
As you spot the glint of the grey Gecko 301's screen in a side pocket you again hear noises, this time of a human variety. Loud and jovial laughter in the distance.
You peer through the grey cloud, the source of the intermittent sound hidden for the moment
You have a choice to:
Ignore the noise or Investigate the noise
Confused? Then perhaps you've come in part way through this extravaganza Click here to go to the startLabels: BYOA - Bloggers Pantomine
Bloggers Pantomine - Scene Shifts To...
Feeling reassured after the advice in the first aid book you start to ascend the gentle pass feeling the sunshine on your arms and listen to the cry of skylarks speeding you up onto the ridge route above.
Today the atmosphere is clear and you can see for many miles around, a balmy breeze keeping the perspiration from your forehead.
Around midday you start to descend for a short time. In the dip you discover a bubbling stream, and stop for a while seeking shelter from the sunshine by a holly tree in the mouth of a cave.
You are serenaded by a robin as you collect fuel for your BushBuddy.
Too late you realise you have not brought your normal cooking equipment, but one recently donated to you by an aged uncle after his long years spent in the mysterious Orient.
As the water for your brew starts to heat you see an ominous cloud of steam is rising darkly from around the cooker and a shape of human form is appearing amongst the vapour.
You rub your eyes for a moment not believing the sight.
You awake having fallen asleep in the hot sunshine. You pack and with a reinvigorated step start your final short ascent of the day. As you near the peak you catch a few words on the wind .....and shaking your head you decide never to eat mushrooms at that cafe in future.
You now have to decide whether to:
Ignore the noise or Listen to the words
Confused? Then perhaps you've come in part way through this extravaganza Click here to go to the startLabels: BYOA - Bloggers Pantomine
Sunday, December 9
Dorset climber rescue - a waste of space
One worrying individual has caught local media attention for all the wrong reasons.
Late November (Tues 20th to be precise) a certain individual (lets call him 'Mr Whadafooch' to protect his identity) had to be rescued from a cliff close to Langton Matravers, here in Dorset.
The location "the bottom of Guillemot Climb near Dancing Ledge" - now try to remember that name - there may be a test later.
If memory serves it was a cold and wet day and Mr W "misjudged his timing and got stuck at the bottom of a cliff with ankle and head injuries as darkness approached" I recall hearing a local radio news report at the time and wondering about the lack of preparation in the conditions.
To quote the official incident report "The weather at the time was cyclonic force 5 or 6 becoming southwesterly and with squally showers" Mr W was "without a helmet or waterproof clothing"
Enter Portland Coastguard's helicopter which flew Mr W "who was suffering from exposure" to a local hospital.
The Coastguard's comment at the time: "A valuable lesson from this incident has been the clear need for any climber to take the appropriate equipment"
An quite right. Sound advice. The local cliffs aren't exceptionally high, but once the tide is in escape options become very limited, and windward ledges can get exceptionally exposed.
Roll forward to early December (Tues the 4th) - another coastguard call out in the same area. As the local newspaper The Daily Echo reports:
"TWO climbers who got into trouble during a stormy night ascent of Swanage sea cliffs have been brandished "disgraceful" by coastguards. One of the pair, a relatively experienced climber in his early twenties, was forced to call for rescue on Tuesday for the SECOND time in a fortnight. This time the man's climbing partner, also in his early 20s, was stuck 60ft down the bottom of Guillemot Ledge (recognise that name readers?), but two weeks ago the coastguard's rescue helicopter was scrambled after another of his companions became trapped on the same ledge"
I bet the coastguard were most impressed when they turned up to that particular incident.
The article mentions the coastguard comment "These guys were given a really good talking to. They are putting other people's lives at risk. They really should know better than to climb in these sorts of conditions"
There's plenty more of the same "....After getting into trouble once you would think this more experienced climber would have learned something, but clearly not. To attempt a second climb at night in these sorts of conditions is asking for trouble.." and ".....in these conditions in the middle of the night, it really borders on stupidity. They must have been on the cliff face for some time. I think they are lucky to be alive"
I somehow think that the coastguard's message might have been put across to Mr W a little more forcibly during this second incident.
Hopefully there will be no third time lucky.
I'll let you think up your own suitable comments here (although there's some ideas for you to start with here)
More from the Swanage Coastguard incident log as well including the famous line "some rather strong words of advice were given to him"
Oh I bet they were.
There is being unlucky. And then there's making your own luck.Labels: Mental Health, Miscellaneous, Mountain Rescue Team(MRT)
Christmas gift ideas: Outdoor book special mentions
Chris Townsend's latest post on his site reminds me that I really need to get Robert Macfarlane’s book "The Wild Places" on to my gift list for this year. Its been getting excellent reviews both on the outdoor forums/magazines and amongst mainstream reviewers.
The latest review pops up on this Saturday's Times newspaper round up of outdoor related books of note published this year
And a mention in the same article recommending Michelle Waitzman's "Sex in a Tent: A Wild Couple's Guide to Getting Naughty in Nature" An author better know to those of us involved with the Outdoor Blogger Forum as Maple Kiwi whose blog Love In A Tent, despite (or may be because of?) its teaser title is full of good advice especially for those looking to New Zealand for their tramping experiences. And coincidentally a book I finished off earlier this week during the long periods of inactivity spent courtesy of British Rail and yet another grinding trip to the northern shores of the Mersey. Oh dear - perhaps grinding wasn't quite the adverb to use on this occasion - lol
But back to MK - let's try to avoid pangs of jealousy as her latest post reminds us that as the days in GB become danker dreary and dark, NZ is moving into the sultry days of their summer season.Labels: blog media, books, Outdoors Blogger Forum
Tuesday, December 4
Walk GB 4 Climb -4,000 Mile Walkies
Colin Snook has always had the ambition to walk around Great Britain and has plotted a route which will cover in excess of four thousand miles over three hundred days in 2008. And whilst fulfilling one ambition he has another - to raise £50,000 for CLIMB (Children LIving with MetaBolic diseases)
Colin aims to use a combination of B & B, backpacking, rough camping (?), campsites and the YHA for accommodation over a period of ten months, averaging 15 miles walking per day.
Main page here
The first of the BIG walking challenges for 2008.
What else is in there waiting to appear from people's planning for 2008 I wonder? Labels: walks
Monday, December 3
More podcasts & some Christmas outdoor gear ideas
Apologies in advance for this post to all you out there feeling a little informationally overloaded. After all its not as if you really need any more internet interaction, or more content to consume. Especially with the surplus of silly TV/Radio adverts/inadvertent product being stuffed down the throat in this run up to the "festive" season (And what an irony that thought conjures up - any how let's not get started on that one tonight!)
BBC Radio is releasing even more of their radio show content via Podcast.
First up is the excellent Ramblings with Clare Balding this week featuring exTGO staffer Jonathan Manning, for some reason listed as editor of Country Walking Magazine (that was a quick retirement - lol)
And if you still can't get to sleep at night, how about BBC Radio 5 Live's Pods and Blogs which I think Podcast Bob has occasionally graced with his presence.
And to mitigate hogging your time - how about checking out Bob's Chrissie ideas to save all that foot slogging?
Labels: Gear, podcasts, UK Outdoors Blogger
Saturday, December 1
Outdoors Station- We have a winner!
A card dropped through the post box earlier this week led to me picking up a large parcel from the local Post Office this morning. Strange as I wasn't expecting anything that I could recall.
But as result of entering one of Podcast Bob's Podzine competition's my wall will now be adorned during 2008 with a large Colin Prior Scotland calendar.
Sweet - thanks Bob (and Colin) And if you fancy trying your luck I'd recommend listening to Bob's Podzines.
These are proving to be an excellent weekly pick-me-up during the long, dark (warm?) days of this winter.
Labels: blog media, podcasts, UK Outdoors Blogger
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
Recognise any common thread here?
This afternoon's walk on the New Forest took me to a usually busy area, close to one of the major camp sites. A little like a human anthill in July/August. And never really that quiet even outside the tourist season.
But today. Not one car sighted on my journey there. No vehicle was to be found in the usually busy car park. And only a couple of other people spotted wandering in the distant. And those only after a half hour or so of my solitary wander with the dog.
The world around me, or so it appeared, my personal domain for one of those oh so rare occasions. The sort of thing that I would normally expect to walk off into the hills for 2 or 3 hours to achieve.
And the cause?
I expect most folk were either Xmas shopping, or more sensibly hunkering down deep into a bunker mentality that the pre Xmas run up almost demands these days, for anyone trying hard to recall the "true" spirit of Xmas.
Its not all booze, parties, spending and January depression as the credit card statement drops onto the door mat. Not for some of us.
A bit of peace and quiet. A time for personal reflection. A long walk in the cold air (3 deg C and a cold wind - brrr)
This is my enjoyment of the the "true" nature of the world around us all. So difficult to discover some days, and so easily overlooked at this time of the year.
Bliss.
The moral. When the masses go left, turn right and head for the open spaces. Works everytime as long as you can predict the movement of the masses, which is not that difficult if you learn what to look out for.
I know where I'll be on Xmas Eve. And possibly I might find you in a similar place all of your own as well?
Here's hoping.
Labels: Mental Health, New Forest
Harry Potter's Last mystery?
An unusual topic for an outdoor blog? Well maybe but I know some of you adults out there have more than a passing interest in the children's tales concerning a certain Master Potter.
Wandering around the virtual world earlier today I found a follow up to the news during the week following the auction of a copy of J.K.Rowling's (very limited) release of "Tales of Beedle the Bard" for a smidgen under £2 million.
A slightly more expensive purchase than I would usually make, I must admit. Well compared to one of my regular sources of second hand books. And after all someone had been writing in the margins of this one and trying to pass it off as new. The cheek of it. I'll have to try that one next time I return a book to my local library suitably annotated with correction and contrasting opinion. Somehow I think increasing the value will not be one of the arguments that they will accept.
But back to the plot, in this instance the purchasing agent, whom if papers were to be believed was not incredibly ecstatic post sale (probably at the final price compared to the £50k estimate) seemed to be an anonymous collector. At least until this weekend when Amazon popped up with details of their new purchase, and now milking their purchase for its full worth
A little karmic perhaps considering how much they must have taken on the Potter series over the last few years? And its probably tax deductible as well, come to think of it.Labels: books
Monday, December 10
Bloggers Christmas Pantomine
This may well be a first for the UK Outdoor on-line community.
So please be generous with your applause (and boos) as we invite you to enjoy a walk with the 2007 UK Outdoor Bloggers Christmas Pantomine.
Or is it all enjoyment?
Choose your route to try to get to the bloggers party on time ....... or will all the refreshment have gone by the time you arrive?
Tie up your boots and step onto the path here Labels: BYOA - Bloggers Pantomine
Bloggers Pantomine - Scene Shifts ...
And is if sensing your decision as you start to ascend the steep scree ridden pass you feel the first drops of rain start to fall. As they become heavier you stop to don waterproof gear.
Continuing to climb the track now turning into a water courses you rapidly warm up.
On reaching the top of the pass your perspiration is swiftly blown away as you walk head on into a westerly gale.
Through gritted teeth you turn into the wind heading along the ridge onwards towards your destination. You pause as over the sound of the wind you hear a far off a jangle of bells which seems to come from far ahead, higher than your current altitude.
You stop to listen for a moment And are swiftly reminded why you are on this ridge in the first place.
Remembering the general lie of the land ahead you stop to consult your map to confirm that there is your route is correct, and that no peak lies ahead.
You spot then that your GPS lanyard is dangling emptily in the wind. Unshouldering your pack you check the bag for the missing equipment.
As you spot the glint of the grey Gecko 301's screen in a side pocket you again hear noises, this time of a human variety. Loud and jovial laughter in the distance.
You peer through the grey cloud, the source of the intermittent sound hidden for the moment
You have a choice to:
Ignore the noise or Investigate the noise
Confused? Then perhaps you've come in part way through this extravaganza Click here to go to the startLabels: BYOA - Bloggers Pantomine
Bloggers Pantomine - Scene Shifts To...
Feeling reassured after the advice in the first aid book you start to ascend the gentle pass feeling the sunshine on your arms and listen to the cry of skylarks speeding you up onto the ridge route above.
Today the atmosphere is clear and you can see for many miles around, a balmy breeze keeping the perspiration from your forehead.
Around midday you start to descend for a short time. In the dip you discover a bubbling stream, and stop for a while seeking shelter from the sunshine by a holly tree in the mouth of a cave.
You are serenaded by a robin as you collect fuel for your BushBuddy.
Too late you realise you have not brought your normal cooking equipment, but one recently donated to you by an aged uncle after his long years spent in the mysterious Orient.
As the water for your brew starts to heat you see an ominous cloud of steam is rising darkly from around the cooker and a shape of human form is appearing amongst the vapour.
You rub your eyes for a moment not believing the sight.
You awake having fallen asleep in the hot sunshine. You pack and with a reinvigorated step start your final short ascent of the day. As you near the peak you catch a few words on the wind .....and shaking your head you decide never to eat mushrooms at that cafe in future.
You now have to decide whether to:
Ignore the noise or Listen to the words
Confused? Then perhaps you've come in part way through this extravaganza Click here to go to the startLabels: BYOA - Bloggers Pantomine
Sunday, December 9
Dorset climber rescue - a waste of space
One worrying individual has caught local media attention for all the wrong reasons.
Late November (Tues 20th to be precise) a certain individual (lets call him 'Mr Whadafooch' to protect his identity) had to be rescued from a cliff close to Langton Matravers, here in Dorset.
The location "the bottom of Guillemot Climb near Dancing Ledge" - now try to remember that name - there may be a test later.
If memory serves it was a cold and wet day and Mr W "misjudged his timing and got stuck at the bottom of a cliff with ankle and head injuries as darkness approached" I recall hearing a local radio news report at the time and wondering about the lack of preparation in the conditions.
To quote the official incident report "The weather at the time was cyclonic force 5 or 6 becoming southwesterly and with squally showers" Mr W was "without a helmet or waterproof clothing"
Enter Portland Coastguard's helicopter which flew Mr W "who was suffering from exposure" to a local hospital.
The Coastguard's comment at the time: "A valuable lesson from this incident has been the clear need for any climber to take the appropriate equipment"
An quite right. Sound advice. The local cliffs aren't exceptionally high, but once the tide is in escape options become very limited, and windward ledges can get exceptionally exposed.
Roll forward to early December (Tues the 4th) - another coastguard call out in the same area. As the local newspaper The Daily Echo reports:
"TWO climbers who got into trouble during a stormy night ascent of Swanage sea cliffs have been brandished "disgraceful" by coastguards. One of the pair, a relatively experienced climber in his early twenties, was forced to call for rescue on Tuesday for the SECOND time in a fortnight. This time the man's climbing partner, also in his early 20s, was stuck 60ft down the bottom of Guillemot Ledge (recognise that name readers?), but two weeks ago the coastguard's rescue helicopter was scrambled after another of his companions became trapped on the same ledge"
I bet the coastguard were most impressed when they turned up to that particular incident.
The article mentions the coastguard comment "These guys were given a really good talking to. They are putting other people's lives at risk. They really should know better than to climb in these sorts of conditions"
There's plenty more of the same "....After getting into trouble once you would think this more experienced climber would have learned something, but clearly not. To attempt a second climb at night in these sorts of conditions is asking for trouble.." and ".....in these conditions in the middle of the night, it really borders on stupidity. They must have been on the cliff face for some time. I think they are lucky to be alive"
I somehow think that the coastguard's message might have been put across to Mr W a little more forcibly during this second incident.
Hopefully there will be no third time lucky.
I'll let you think up your own suitable comments here (although there's some ideas for you to start with here)
More from the Swanage Coastguard incident log as well including the famous line "some rather strong words of advice were given to him"
Oh I bet they were.
There is being unlucky. And then there's making your own luck.Labels: Mental Health, Miscellaneous, Mountain Rescue Team(MRT)
Christmas gift ideas: Outdoor book special mentions
Chris Townsend's latest post on his site reminds me that I really need to get Robert Macfarlane’s book "The Wild Places" on to my gift list for this year. Its been getting excellent reviews both on the outdoor forums/magazines and amongst mainstream reviewers.
The latest review pops up on this Saturday's Times newspaper round up of outdoor related books of note published this year
And a mention in the same article recommending Michelle Waitzman's "Sex in a Tent: A Wild Couple's Guide to Getting Naughty in Nature" An author better know to those of us involved with the Outdoor Blogger Forum as Maple Kiwi whose blog Love In A Tent, despite (or may be because of?) its teaser title is full of good advice especially for those looking to New Zealand for their tramping experiences. And coincidentally a book I finished off earlier this week during the long periods of inactivity spent courtesy of British Rail and yet another grinding trip to the northern shores of the Mersey. Oh dear - perhaps grinding wasn't quite the adverb to use on this occasion - lol
But back to MK - let's try to avoid pangs of jealousy as her latest post reminds us that as the days in GB become danker dreary and dark, NZ is moving into the sultry days of their summer season.Labels: blog media, books, Outdoors Blogger Forum
Tuesday, December 4
Walk GB 4 Climb -4,000 Mile Walkies
Colin Snook has always had the ambition to walk around Great Britain and has plotted a route which will cover in excess of four thousand miles over three hundred days in 2008. And whilst fulfilling one ambition he has another - to raise £50,000 for CLIMB (Children LIving with MetaBolic diseases)
Colin aims to use a combination of B & B, backpacking, rough camping (?), campsites and the YHA for accommodation over a period of ten months, averaging 15 miles walking per day.
Main page here
The first of the BIG walking challenges for 2008.
What else is in there waiting to appear from people's planning for 2008 I wonder? Labels: walks
Monday, December 3
More podcasts & some Christmas outdoor gear ideas
Apologies in advance for this post to all you out there feeling a little informationally overloaded. After all its not as if you really need any more internet interaction, or more content to consume. Especially with the surplus of silly TV/Radio adverts/inadvertent product being stuffed down the throat in this run up to the "festive" season (And what an irony that thought conjures up - any how let's not get started on that one tonight!)
BBC Radio is releasing even more of their radio show content via Podcast.
First up is the excellent Ramblings with Clare Balding this week featuring exTGO staffer Jonathan Manning, for some reason listed as editor of Country Walking Magazine (that was a quick retirement - lol)
And if you still can't get to sleep at night, how about BBC Radio 5 Live's Pods and Blogs which I think Podcast Bob has occasionally graced with his presence.
And to mitigate hogging your time - how about checking out Bob's Chrissie ideas to save all that foot slogging?
Labels: Gear, podcasts, UK Outdoors Blogger
Saturday, December 1
Outdoors Station- We have a winner!
A card dropped through the post box earlier this week led to me picking up a large parcel from the local Post Office this morning. Strange as I wasn't expecting anything that I could recall.
But as result of entering one of Podcast Bob's Podzine competition's my wall will now be adorned during 2008 with a large Colin Prior Scotland calendar.
Sweet - thanks Bob (and Colin) And if you fancy trying your luck I'd recommend listening to Bob's Podzines.
These are proving to be an excellent weekly pick-me-up during the long, dark (warm?) days of this winter.
Labels: blog media, podcasts, UK Outdoors Blogger
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
Wandering around the virtual world earlier today I found a follow up to the news during the week following the auction of a copy of J.K.Rowling's (very limited) release of "Tales of Beedle the Bard" for a smidgen under £2 million.
A slightly more expensive purchase than I would usually make, I must admit. Well compared to one of my regular sources of second hand books. And after all someone had been writing in the margins of this one and trying to pass it off as new. The cheek of it. I'll have to try that one next time I return a book to my local library suitably annotated with correction and contrasting opinion. Somehow I think increasing the value will not be one of the arguments that they will accept.
But back to the plot, in this instance the purchasing agent, whom if papers were to be believed was not incredibly ecstatic post sale (probably at the final price compared to the £50k estimate) seemed to be an anonymous collector. At least until this weekend when Amazon popped up with details of their new purchase, and now milking their purchase for its full worth
A little karmic perhaps considering how much they must have taken on the Potter series over the last few years? And its probably tax deductible as well, come to think of it.
Labels: books
Bloggers Christmas Pantomine
This may well be a first for the UK Outdoor on-line community.
So please be generous with your applause (and boos) as we invite you to enjoy a walk with the 2007 UK Outdoor Bloggers Christmas Pantomine.
Or is it all enjoyment?
Choose your route to try to get to the bloggers party on time ....... or will all the refreshment have gone by the time you arrive?
Tie up your boots and step onto the path here Labels: BYOA - Bloggers Pantomine
Bloggers Pantomine - Scene Shifts ...
And is if sensing your decision as you start to ascend the steep scree ridden pass you feel the first drops of rain start to fall. As they become heavier you stop to don waterproof gear.
Continuing to climb the track now turning into a water courses you rapidly warm up.
On reaching the top of the pass your perspiration is swiftly blown away as you walk head on into a westerly gale.
Through gritted teeth you turn into the wind heading along the ridge onwards towards your destination. You pause as over the sound of the wind you hear a far off a jangle of bells which seems to come from far ahead, higher than your current altitude.
You stop to listen for a moment And are swiftly reminded why you are on this ridge in the first place.
Remembering the general lie of the land ahead you stop to consult your map to confirm that there is your route is correct, and that no peak lies ahead.
You spot then that your GPS lanyard is dangling emptily in the wind. Unshouldering your pack you check the bag for the missing equipment.
As you spot the glint of the grey Gecko 301's screen in a side pocket you again hear noises, this time of a human variety. Loud and jovial laughter in the distance.
You peer through the grey cloud, the source of the intermittent sound hidden for the moment
You have a choice to:
Ignore the noise or Investigate the noise
Confused? Then perhaps you've come in part way through this extravaganza Click here to go to the startLabels: BYOA - Bloggers Pantomine
Bloggers Pantomine - Scene Shifts To...
Feeling reassured after the advice in the first aid book you start to ascend the gentle pass feeling the sunshine on your arms and listen to the cry of skylarks speeding you up onto the ridge route above.
Today the atmosphere is clear and you can see for many miles around, a balmy breeze keeping the perspiration from your forehead.
Around midday you start to descend for a short time. In the dip you discover a bubbling stream, and stop for a while seeking shelter from the sunshine by a holly tree in the mouth of a cave.
You are serenaded by a robin as you collect fuel for your BushBuddy.
Too late you realise you have not brought your normal cooking equipment, but one recently donated to you by an aged uncle after his long years spent in the mysterious Orient.
As the water for your brew starts to heat you see an ominous cloud of steam is rising darkly from around the cooker and a shape of human form is appearing amongst the vapour.
You rub your eyes for a moment not believing the sight.
You awake having fallen asleep in the hot sunshine. You pack and with a reinvigorated step start your final short ascent of the day. As you near the peak you catch a few words on the wind .....and shaking your head you decide never to eat mushrooms at that cafe in future.
You now have to decide whether to:
Ignore the noise or Listen to the words
Confused? Then perhaps you've come in part way through this extravaganza Click here to go to the startLabels: BYOA - Bloggers Pantomine
Sunday, December 9
Dorset climber rescue - a waste of space
One worrying individual has caught local media attention for all the wrong reasons.
Late November (Tues 20th to be precise) a certain individual (lets call him 'Mr Whadafooch' to protect his identity) had to be rescued from a cliff close to Langton Matravers, here in Dorset.
The location "the bottom of Guillemot Climb near Dancing Ledge" - now try to remember that name - there may be a test later.
If memory serves it was a cold and wet day and Mr W "misjudged his timing and got stuck at the bottom of a cliff with ankle and head injuries as darkness approached" I recall hearing a local radio news report at the time and wondering about the lack of preparation in the conditions.
To quote the official incident report "The weather at the time was cyclonic force 5 or 6 becoming southwesterly and with squally showers" Mr W was "without a helmet or waterproof clothing"
Enter Portland Coastguard's helicopter which flew Mr W "who was suffering from exposure" to a local hospital.
The Coastguard's comment at the time: "A valuable lesson from this incident has been the clear need for any climber to take the appropriate equipment"
An quite right. Sound advice. The local cliffs aren't exceptionally high, but once the tide is in escape options become very limited, and windward ledges can get exceptionally exposed.
Roll forward to early December (Tues the 4th) - another coastguard call out in the same area. As the local newspaper The Daily Echo reports:
"TWO climbers who got into trouble during a stormy night ascent of Swanage sea cliffs have been brandished "disgraceful" by coastguards. One of the pair, a relatively experienced climber in his early twenties, was forced to call for rescue on Tuesday for the SECOND time in a fortnight. This time the man's climbing partner, also in his early 20s, was stuck 60ft down the bottom of Guillemot Ledge (recognise that name readers?), but two weeks ago the coastguard's rescue helicopter was scrambled after another of his companions became trapped on the same ledge"
I bet the coastguard were most impressed when they turned up to that particular incident.
The article mentions the coastguard comment "These guys were given a really good talking to. They are putting other people's lives at risk. They really should know better than to climb in these sorts of conditions"
There's plenty more of the same "....After getting into trouble once you would think this more experienced climber would have learned something, but clearly not. To attempt a second climb at night in these sorts of conditions is asking for trouble.." and ".....in these conditions in the middle of the night, it really borders on stupidity. They must have been on the cliff face for some time. I think they are lucky to be alive"
I somehow think that the coastguard's message might have been put across to Mr W a little more forcibly during this second incident.
Hopefully there will be no third time lucky.
I'll let you think up your own suitable comments here (although there's some ideas for you to start with here)
More from the Swanage Coastguard incident log as well including the famous line "some rather strong words of advice were given to him"
Oh I bet they were.
There is being unlucky. And then there's making your own luck.Labels: Mental Health, Miscellaneous, Mountain Rescue Team(MRT)
Christmas gift ideas: Outdoor book special mentions
Chris Townsend's latest post on his site reminds me that I really need to get Robert Macfarlane’s book "The Wild Places" on to my gift list for this year. Its been getting excellent reviews both on the outdoor forums/magazines and amongst mainstream reviewers.
The latest review pops up on this Saturday's Times newspaper round up of outdoor related books of note published this year
And a mention in the same article recommending Michelle Waitzman's "Sex in a Tent: A Wild Couple's Guide to Getting Naughty in Nature" An author better know to those of us involved with the Outdoor Blogger Forum as Maple Kiwi whose blog Love In A Tent, despite (or may be because of?) its teaser title is full of good advice especially for those looking to New Zealand for their tramping experiences. And coincidentally a book I finished off earlier this week during the long periods of inactivity spent courtesy of British Rail and yet another grinding trip to the northern shores of the Mersey. Oh dear - perhaps grinding wasn't quite the adverb to use on this occasion - lol
But back to MK - let's try to avoid pangs of jealousy as her latest post reminds us that as the days in GB become danker dreary and dark, NZ is moving into the sultry days of their summer season.Labels: blog media, books, Outdoors Blogger Forum
Tuesday, December 4
Walk GB 4 Climb -4,000 Mile Walkies
Colin Snook has always had the ambition to walk around Great Britain and has plotted a route which will cover in excess of four thousand miles over three hundred days in 2008. And whilst fulfilling one ambition he has another - to raise £50,000 for CLIMB (Children LIving with MetaBolic diseases)
Colin aims to use a combination of B & B, backpacking, rough camping (?), campsites and the YHA for accommodation over a period of ten months, averaging 15 miles walking per day.
Main page here
The first of the BIG walking challenges for 2008.
What else is in there waiting to appear from people's planning for 2008 I wonder? Labels: walks
Monday, December 3
More podcasts & some Christmas outdoor gear ideas
Apologies in advance for this post to all you out there feeling a little informationally overloaded. After all its not as if you really need any more internet interaction, or more content to consume. Especially with the surplus of silly TV/Radio adverts/inadvertent product being stuffed down the throat in this run up to the "festive" season (And what an irony that thought conjures up - any how let's not get started on that one tonight!)
BBC Radio is releasing even more of their radio show content via Podcast.
First up is the excellent Ramblings with Clare Balding this week featuring exTGO staffer Jonathan Manning, for some reason listed as editor of Country Walking Magazine (that was a quick retirement - lol)
And if you still can't get to sleep at night, how about BBC Radio 5 Live's Pods and Blogs which I think Podcast Bob has occasionally graced with his presence.
And to mitigate hogging your time - how about checking out Bob's Chrissie ideas to save all that foot slogging?
Labels: Gear, podcasts, UK Outdoors Blogger
Saturday, December 1
Outdoors Station- We have a winner!
A card dropped through the post box earlier this week led to me picking up a large parcel from the local Post Office this morning. Strange as I wasn't expecting anything that I could recall.
But as result of entering one of Podcast Bob's Podzine competition's my wall will now be adorned during 2008 with a large Colin Prior Scotland calendar.
Sweet - thanks Bob (and Colin) And if you fancy trying your luck I'd recommend listening to Bob's Podzines.
These are proving to be an excellent weekly pick-me-up during the long, dark (warm?) days of this winter.
Labels: blog media, podcasts, UK Outdoors Blogger
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
So please be generous with your applause (and boos) as we invite you to enjoy a walk with the 2007 UK Outdoor Bloggers Christmas Pantomine.
Or is it all enjoyment?
Choose your route to try to get to the bloggers party on time ....... or will all the refreshment have gone by the time you arrive?
Tie up your boots and step onto the path here
Labels: BYOA - Bloggers Pantomine
Bloggers Pantomine - Scene Shifts ...
And is if sensing your decision as you start to ascend the steep scree ridden pass you feel the first drops of rain start to fall. As they become heavier you stop to don waterproof gear.
Continuing to climb the track now turning into a water courses you rapidly warm up.
On reaching the top of the pass your perspiration is swiftly blown away as you walk head on into a westerly gale.
Through gritted teeth you turn into the wind heading along the ridge onwards towards your destination. You pause as over the sound of the wind you hear a far off a jangle of bells which seems to come from far ahead, higher than your current altitude.
You stop to listen for a moment And are swiftly reminded why you are on this ridge in the first place.
Remembering the general lie of the land ahead you stop to consult your map to confirm that there is your route is correct, and that no peak lies ahead.
You spot then that your GPS lanyard is dangling emptily in the wind. Unshouldering your pack you check the bag for the missing equipment.
As you spot the glint of the grey Gecko 301's screen in a side pocket you again hear noises, this time of a human variety. Loud and jovial laughter in the distance.
You peer through the grey cloud, the source of the intermittent sound hidden for the moment
You have a choice to:
Ignore the noise or Investigate the noise
Confused? Then perhaps you've come in part way through this extravaganza Click here to go to the startLabels: BYOA - Bloggers Pantomine
Bloggers Pantomine - Scene Shifts To...
Feeling reassured after the advice in the first aid book you start to ascend the gentle pass feeling the sunshine on your arms and listen to the cry of skylarks speeding you up onto the ridge route above.
Today the atmosphere is clear and you can see for many miles around, a balmy breeze keeping the perspiration from your forehead.
Around midday you start to descend for a short time. In the dip you discover a bubbling stream, and stop for a while seeking shelter from the sunshine by a holly tree in the mouth of a cave.
You are serenaded by a robin as you collect fuel for your BushBuddy.
Too late you realise you have not brought your normal cooking equipment, but one recently donated to you by an aged uncle after his long years spent in the mysterious Orient.
As the water for your brew starts to heat you see an ominous cloud of steam is rising darkly from around the cooker and a shape of human form is appearing amongst the vapour.
You rub your eyes for a moment not believing the sight.
You awake having fallen asleep in the hot sunshine. You pack and with a reinvigorated step start your final short ascent of the day. As you near the peak you catch a few words on the wind .....and shaking your head you decide never to eat mushrooms at that cafe in future.
You now have to decide whether to:
Ignore the noise or Listen to the words
Confused? Then perhaps you've come in part way through this extravaganza Click here to go to the startLabels: BYOA - Bloggers Pantomine
Sunday, December 9
Dorset climber rescue - a waste of space
One worrying individual has caught local media attention for all the wrong reasons.
Late November (Tues 20th to be precise) a certain individual (lets call him 'Mr Whadafooch' to protect his identity) had to be rescued from a cliff close to Langton Matravers, here in Dorset.
The location "the bottom of Guillemot Climb near Dancing Ledge" - now try to remember that name - there may be a test later.
If memory serves it was a cold and wet day and Mr W "misjudged his timing and got stuck at the bottom of a cliff with ankle and head injuries as darkness approached" I recall hearing a local radio news report at the time and wondering about the lack of preparation in the conditions.
To quote the official incident report "The weather at the time was cyclonic force 5 or 6 becoming southwesterly and with squally showers" Mr W was "without a helmet or waterproof clothing"
Enter Portland Coastguard's helicopter which flew Mr W "who was suffering from exposure" to a local hospital.
The Coastguard's comment at the time: "A valuable lesson from this incident has been the clear need for any climber to take the appropriate equipment"
An quite right. Sound advice. The local cliffs aren't exceptionally high, but once the tide is in escape options become very limited, and windward ledges can get exceptionally exposed.
Roll forward to early December (Tues the 4th) - another coastguard call out in the same area. As the local newspaper The Daily Echo reports:
"TWO climbers who got into trouble during a stormy night ascent of Swanage sea cliffs have been brandished "disgraceful" by coastguards. One of the pair, a relatively experienced climber in his early twenties, was forced to call for rescue on Tuesday for the SECOND time in a fortnight. This time the man's climbing partner, also in his early 20s, was stuck 60ft down the bottom of Guillemot Ledge (recognise that name readers?), but two weeks ago the coastguard's rescue helicopter was scrambled after another of his companions became trapped on the same ledge"
I bet the coastguard were most impressed when they turned up to that particular incident.
The article mentions the coastguard comment "These guys were given a really good talking to. They are putting other people's lives at risk. They really should know better than to climb in these sorts of conditions"
There's plenty more of the same "....After getting into trouble once you would think this more experienced climber would have learned something, but clearly not. To attempt a second climb at night in these sorts of conditions is asking for trouble.." and ".....in these conditions in the middle of the night, it really borders on stupidity. They must have been on the cliff face for some time. I think they are lucky to be alive"
I somehow think that the coastguard's message might have been put across to Mr W a little more forcibly during this second incident.
Hopefully there will be no third time lucky.
I'll let you think up your own suitable comments here (although there's some ideas for you to start with here)
More from the Swanage Coastguard incident log as well including the famous line "some rather strong words of advice were given to him"
Oh I bet they were.
There is being unlucky. And then there's making your own luck.Labels: Mental Health, Miscellaneous, Mountain Rescue Team(MRT)
Christmas gift ideas: Outdoor book special mentions
Chris Townsend's latest post on his site reminds me that I really need to get Robert Macfarlane’s book "The Wild Places" on to my gift list for this year. Its been getting excellent reviews both on the outdoor forums/magazines and amongst mainstream reviewers.
The latest review pops up on this Saturday's Times newspaper round up of outdoor related books of note published this year
And a mention in the same article recommending Michelle Waitzman's "Sex in a Tent: A Wild Couple's Guide to Getting Naughty in Nature" An author better know to those of us involved with the Outdoor Blogger Forum as Maple Kiwi whose blog Love In A Tent, despite (or may be because of?) its teaser title is full of good advice especially for those looking to New Zealand for their tramping experiences. And coincidentally a book I finished off earlier this week during the long periods of inactivity spent courtesy of British Rail and yet another grinding trip to the northern shores of the Mersey. Oh dear - perhaps grinding wasn't quite the adverb to use on this occasion - lol
But back to MK - let's try to avoid pangs of jealousy as her latest post reminds us that as the days in GB become danker dreary and dark, NZ is moving into the sultry days of their summer season.Labels: blog media, books, Outdoors Blogger Forum
Tuesday, December 4
Walk GB 4 Climb -4,000 Mile Walkies
Colin Snook has always had the ambition to walk around Great Britain and has plotted a route which will cover in excess of four thousand miles over three hundred days in 2008. And whilst fulfilling one ambition he has another - to raise £50,000 for CLIMB (Children LIving with MetaBolic diseases)
Colin aims to use a combination of B & B, backpacking, rough camping (?), campsites and the YHA for accommodation over a period of ten months, averaging 15 miles walking per day.
Main page here
The first of the BIG walking challenges for 2008.
What else is in there waiting to appear from people's planning for 2008 I wonder? Labels: walks
Monday, December 3
More podcasts & some Christmas outdoor gear ideas
Apologies in advance for this post to all you out there feeling a little informationally overloaded. After all its not as if you really need any more internet interaction, or more content to consume. Especially with the surplus of silly TV/Radio adverts/inadvertent product being stuffed down the throat in this run up to the "festive" season (And what an irony that thought conjures up - any how let's not get started on that one tonight!)
BBC Radio is releasing even more of their radio show content via Podcast.
First up is the excellent Ramblings with Clare Balding this week featuring exTGO staffer Jonathan Manning, for some reason listed as editor of Country Walking Magazine (that was a quick retirement - lol)
And if you still can't get to sleep at night, how about BBC Radio 5 Live's Pods and Blogs which I think Podcast Bob has occasionally graced with his presence.
And to mitigate hogging your time - how about checking out Bob's Chrissie ideas to save all that foot slogging?
Labels: Gear, podcasts, UK Outdoors Blogger
Saturday, December 1
Outdoors Station- We have a winner!
A card dropped through the post box earlier this week led to me picking up a large parcel from the local Post Office this morning. Strange as I wasn't expecting anything that I could recall.
But as result of entering one of Podcast Bob's Podzine competition's my wall will now be adorned during 2008 with a large Colin Prior Scotland calendar.
Sweet - thanks Bob (and Colin) And if you fancy trying your luck I'd recommend listening to Bob's Podzines.
These are proving to be an excellent weekly pick-me-up during the long, dark (warm?) days of this winter.
Labels: blog media, podcasts, UK Outdoors Blogger
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
Continuing to climb the track now turning into a water courses you rapidly warm up.
On reaching the top of the pass your perspiration is swiftly blown away as you walk head on into a westerly gale.
Through gritted teeth you turn into the wind heading along the ridge onwards towards your destination. You pause as over the sound of the wind you hear a far off a jangle of bells which seems to come from far ahead, higher than your current altitude.
You stop to listen for a moment And are swiftly reminded why you are on this ridge in the first place.
Remembering the general lie of the land ahead you stop to consult your map to confirm that there is your route is correct, and that no peak lies ahead.
You spot then that your GPS lanyard is dangling emptily in the wind. Unshouldering your pack you check the bag for the missing equipment.
As you spot the glint of the grey Gecko 301's screen in a side pocket you again hear noises, this time of a human variety. Loud and jovial laughter in the distance.
You peer through the grey cloud, the source of the intermittent sound hidden for the moment
You have a choice to:
Ignore the noise or Investigate the noise
Confused? Then perhaps you've come in part way through this extravaganza Click here to go to the start
Labels: BYOA - Bloggers Pantomine
Bloggers Pantomine - Scene Shifts To...
Feeling reassured after the advice in the first aid book you start to ascend the gentle pass feeling the sunshine on your arms and listen to the cry of skylarks speeding you up onto the ridge route above.
Today the atmosphere is clear and you can see for many miles around, a balmy breeze keeping the perspiration from your forehead.
Around midday you start to descend for a short time. In the dip you discover a bubbling stream, and stop for a while seeking shelter from the sunshine by a holly tree in the mouth of a cave.
You are serenaded by a robin as you collect fuel for your BushBuddy.
Too late you realise you have not brought your normal cooking equipment, but one recently donated to you by an aged uncle after his long years spent in the mysterious Orient.
As the water for your brew starts to heat you see an ominous cloud of steam is rising darkly from around the cooker and a shape of human form is appearing amongst the vapour.
You rub your eyes for a moment not believing the sight.
You awake having fallen asleep in the hot sunshine. You pack and with a reinvigorated step start your final short ascent of the day. As you near the peak you catch a few words on the wind .....and shaking your head you decide never to eat mushrooms at that cafe in future.
You now have to decide whether to:
Ignore the noise or Listen to the words
Confused? Then perhaps you've come in part way through this extravaganza Click here to go to the startLabels: BYOA - Bloggers Pantomine
Sunday, December 9
Dorset climber rescue - a waste of space
One worrying individual has caught local media attention for all the wrong reasons.
Late November (Tues 20th to be precise) a certain individual (lets call him 'Mr Whadafooch' to protect his identity) had to be rescued from a cliff close to Langton Matravers, here in Dorset.
The location "the bottom of Guillemot Climb near Dancing Ledge" - now try to remember that name - there may be a test later.
If memory serves it was a cold and wet day and Mr W "misjudged his timing and got stuck at the bottom of a cliff with ankle and head injuries as darkness approached" I recall hearing a local radio news report at the time and wondering about the lack of preparation in the conditions.
To quote the official incident report "The weather at the time was cyclonic force 5 or 6 becoming southwesterly and with squally showers" Mr W was "without a helmet or waterproof clothing"
Enter Portland Coastguard's helicopter which flew Mr W "who was suffering from exposure" to a local hospital.
The Coastguard's comment at the time: "A valuable lesson from this incident has been the clear need for any climber to take the appropriate equipment"
An quite right. Sound advice. The local cliffs aren't exceptionally high, but once the tide is in escape options become very limited, and windward ledges can get exceptionally exposed.
Roll forward to early December (Tues the 4th) - another coastguard call out in the same area. As the local newspaper The Daily Echo reports:
"TWO climbers who got into trouble during a stormy night ascent of Swanage sea cliffs have been brandished "disgraceful" by coastguards. One of the pair, a relatively experienced climber in his early twenties, was forced to call for rescue on Tuesday for the SECOND time in a fortnight. This time the man's climbing partner, also in his early 20s, was stuck 60ft down the bottom of Guillemot Ledge (recognise that name readers?), but two weeks ago the coastguard's rescue helicopter was scrambled after another of his companions became trapped on the same ledge"
I bet the coastguard were most impressed when they turned up to that particular incident.
The article mentions the coastguard comment "These guys were given a really good talking to. They are putting other people's lives at risk. They really should know better than to climb in these sorts of conditions"
There's plenty more of the same "....After getting into trouble once you would think this more experienced climber would have learned something, but clearly not. To attempt a second climb at night in these sorts of conditions is asking for trouble.." and ".....in these conditions in the middle of the night, it really borders on stupidity. They must have been on the cliff face for some time. I think they are lucky to be alive"
I somehow think that the coastguard's message might have been put across to Mr W a little more forcibly during this second incident.
Hopefully there will be no third time lucky.
I'll let you think up your own suitable comments here (although there's some ideas for you to start with here)
More from the Swanage Coastguard incident log as well including the famous line "some rather strong words of advice were given to him"
Oh I bet they were.
There is being unlucky. And then there's making your own luck.Labels: Mental Health, Miscellaneous, Mountain Rescue Team(MRT)
Christmas gift ideas: Outdoor book special mentions
Chris Townsend's latest post on his site reminds me that I really need to get Robert Macfarlane’s book "The Wild Places" on to my gift list for this year. Its been getting excellent reviews both on the outdoor forums/magazines and amongst mainstream reviewers.
The latest review pops up on this Saturday's Times newspaper round up of outdoor related books of note published this year
And a mention in the same article recommending Michelle Waitzman's "Sex in a Tent: A Wild Couple's Guide to Getting Naughty in Nature" An author better know to those of us involved with the Outdoor Blogger Forum as Maple Kiwi whose blog Love In A Tent, despite (or may be because of?) its teaser title is full of good advice especially for those looking to New Zealand for their tramping experiences. And coincidentally a book I finished off earlier this week during the long periods of inactivity spent courtesy of British Rail and yet another grinding trip to the northern shores of the Mersey. Oh dear - perhaps grinding wasn't quite the adverb to use on this occasion - lol
But back to MK - let's try to avoid pangs of jealousy as her latest post reminds us that as the days in GB become danker dreary and dark, NZ is moving into the sultry days of their summer season.Labels: blog media, books, Outdoors Blogger Forum
Tuesday, December 4
Walk GB 4 Climb -4,000 Mile Walkies
Colin Snook has always had the ambition to walk around Great Britain and has plotted a route which will cover in excess of four thousand miles over three hundred days in 2008. And whilst fulfilling one ambition he has another - to raise £50,000 for CLIMB (Children LIving with MetaBolic diseases)
Colin aims to use a combination of B & B, backpacking, rough camping (?), campsites and the YHA for accommodation over a period of ten months, averaging 15 miles walking per day.
Main page here
The first of the BIG walking challenges for 2008.
What else is in there waiting to appear from people's planning for 2008 I wonder? Labels: walks
Monday, December 3
More podcasts & some Christmas outdoor gear ideas
Apologies in advance for this post to all you out there feeling a little informationally overloaded. After all its not as if you really need any more internet interaction, or more content to consume. Especially with the surplus of silly TV/Radio adverts/inadvertent product being stuffed down the throat in this run up to the "festive" season (And what an irony that thought conjures up - any how let's not get started on that one tonight!)
BBC Radio is releasing even more of their radio show content via Podcast.
First up is the excellent Ramblings with Clare Balding this week featuring exTGO staffer Jonathan Manning, for some reason listed as editor of Country Walking Magazine (that was a quick retirement - lol)
And if you still can't get to sleep at night, how about BBC Radio 5 Live's Pods and Blogs which I think Podcast Bob has occasionally graced with his presence.
And to mitigate hogging your time - how about checking out Bob's Chrissie ideas to save all that foot slogging?
Labels: Gear, podcasts, UK Outdoors Blogger
Saturday, December 1
Outdoors Station- We have a winner!
A card dropped through the post box earlier this week led to me picking up a large parcel from the local Post Office this morning. Strange as I wasn't expecting anything that I could recall.
But as result of entering one of Podcast Bob's Podzine competition's my wall will now be adorned during 2008 with a large Colin Prior Scotland calendar.
Sweet - thanks Bob (and Colin) And if you fancy trying your luck I'd recommend listening to Bob's Podzines.
These are proving to be an excellent weekly pick-me-up during the long, dark (warm?) days of this winter.
Labels: blog media, podcasts, UK Outdoors Blogger
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
Today the atmosphere is clear and you can see for many miles around, a balmy breeze keeping the perspiration from your forehead.
Around midday you start to descend for a short time. In the dip you discover a bubbling stream, and stop for a while seeking shelter from the sunshine by a holly tree in the mouth of a cave.
You are serenaded by a robin as you collect fuel for your BushBuddy.
Too late you realise you have not brought your normal cooking equipment, but one recently donated to you by an aged uncle after his long years spent in the mysterious Orient.
As the water for your brew starts to heat you see an ominous cloud of steam is rising darkly from around the cooker and a shape of human form is appearing amongst the vapour.
You rub your eyes for a moment not believing the sight.
You awake having fallen asleep in the hot sunshine. You pack and with a reinvigorated step start your final short ascent of the day. As you near the peak you catch a few words on the wind .....and shaking your head you decide never to eat mushrooms at that cafe in future.
You now have to decide whether to:
Ignore the noise or Listen to the words
Confused? Then perhaps you've come in part way through this extravaganza Click here to go to the start
Labels: BYOA - Bloggers Pantomine
Dorset climber rescue - a waste of space
One worrying individual has caught local media attention for all the wrong reasons.
Late November (Tues 20th to be precise) a certain individual (lets call him 'Mr Whadafooch' to protect his identity) had to be rescued from a cliff close to Langton Matravers, here in Dorset.
The location "the bottom of Guillemot Climb near Dancing Ledge" - now try to remember that name - there may be a test later.
If memory serves it was a cold and wet day and Mr W "misjudged his timing and got stuck at the bottom of a cliff with ankle and head injuries as darkness approached" I recall hearing a local radio news report at the time and wondering about the lack of preparation in the conditions.
To quote the official incident report "The weather at the time was cyclonic force 5 or 6 becoming southwesterly and with squally showers" Mr W was "without a helmet or waterproof clothing"
Enter Portland Coastguard's helicopter which flew Mr W "who was suffering from exposure" to a local hospital.
The Coastguard's comment at the time: "A valuable lesson from this incident has been the clear need for any climber to take the appropriate equipment"
An quite right. Sound advice. The local cliffs aren't exceptionally high, but once the tide is in escape options become very limited, and windward ledges can get exceptionally exposed.
Roll forward to early December (Tues the 4th) - another coastguard call out in the same area. As the local newspaper The Daily Echo reports:
"TWO climbers who got into trouble during a stormy night ascent of Swanage sea cliffs have been brandished "disgraceful" by coastguards. One of the pair, a relatively experienced climber in his early twenties, was forced to call for rescue on Tuesday for the SECOND time in a fortnight. This time the man's climbing partner, also in his early 20s, was stuck 60ft down the bottom of Guillemot Ledge (recognise that name readers?), but two weeks ago the coastguard's rescue helicopter was scrambled after another of his companions became trapped on the same ledge"
I bet the coastguard were most impressed when they turned up to that particular incident.
The article mentions the coastguard comment "These guys were given a really good talking to. They are putting other people's lives at risk. They really should know better than to climb in these sorts of conditions"
There's plenty more of the same "....After getting into trouble once you would think this more experienced climber would have learned something, but clearly not. To attempt a second climb at night in these sorts of conditions is asking for trouble.." and ".....in these conditions in the middle of the night, it really borders on stupidity. They must have been on the cliff face for some time. I think they are lucky to be alive"
I somehow think that the coastguard's message might have been put across to Mr W a little more forcibly during this second incident.
Hopefully there will be no third time lucky.
I'll let you think up your own suitable comments here (although there's some ideas for you to start with here)
More from the Swanage Coastguard incident log as well including the famous line "some rather strong words of advice were given to him"
Oh I bet they were.
There is being unlucky. And then there's making your own luck.Labels: Mental Health, Miscellaneous, Mountain Rescue Team(MRT)
Christmas gift ideas: Outdoor book special mentions
Chris Townsend's latest post on his site reminds me that I really need to get Robert Macfarlane’s book "The Wild Places" on to my gift list for this year. Its been getting excellent reviews both on the outdoor forums/magazines and amongst mainstream reviewers.
The latest review pops up on this Saturday's Times newspaper round up of outdoor related books of note published this year
And a mention in the same article recommending Michelle Waitzman's "Sex in a Tent: A Wild Couple's Guide to Getting Naughty in Nature" An author better know to those of us involved with the Outdoor Blogger Forum as Maple Kiwi whose blog Love In A Tent, despite (or may be because of?) its teaser title is full of good advice especially for those looking to New Zealand for their tramping experiences. And coincidentally a book I finished off earlier this week during the long periods of inactivity spent courtesy of British Rail and yet another grinding trip to the northern shores of the Mersey. Oh dear - perhaps grinding wasn't quite the adverb to use on this occasion - lol
But back to MK - let's try to avoid pangs of jealousy as her latest post reminds us that as the days in GB become danker dreary and dark, NZ is moving into the sultry days of their summer season.Labels: blog media, books, Outdoors Blogger Forum
Tuesday, December 4
Walk GB 4 Climb -4,000 Mile Walkies
Colin Snook has always had the ambition to walk around Great Britain and has plotted a route which will cover in excess of four thousand miles over three hundred days in 2008. And whilst fulfilling one ambition he has another - to raise £50,000 for CLIMB (Children LIving with MetaBolic diseases)
Colin aims to use a combination of B & B, backpacking, rough camping (?), campsites and the YHA for accommodation over a period of ten months, averaging 15 miles walking per day.
Main page here
The first of the BIG walking challenges for 2008.
What else is in there waiting to appear from people's planning for 2008 I wonder? Labels: walks
Monday, December 3
More podcasts & some Christmas outdoor gear ideas
Apologies in advance for this post to all you out there feeling a little informationally overloaded. After all its not as if you really need any more internet interaction, or more content to consume. Especially with the surplus of silly TV/Radio adverts/inadvertent product being stuffed down the throat in this run up to the "festive" season (And what an irony that thought conjures up - any how let's not get started on that one tonight!)
BBC Radio is releasing even more of their radio show content via Podcast.
First up is the excellent Ramblings with Clare Balding this week featuring exTGO staffer Jonathan Manning, for some reason listed as editor of Country Walking Magazine (that was a quick retirement - lol)
And if you still can't get to sleep at night, how about BBC Radio 5 Live's Pods and Blogs which I think Podcast Bob has occasionally graced with his presence.
And to mitigate hogging your time - how about checking out Bob's Chrissie ideas to save all that foot slogging?
Labels: Gear, podcasts, UK Outdoors Blogger
Saturday, December 1
Outdoors Station- We have a winner!
A card dropped through the post box earlier this week led to me picking up a large parcel from the local Post Office this morning. Strange as I wasn't expecting anything that I could recall.
But as result of entering one of Podcast Bob's Podzine competition's my wall will now be adorned during 2008 with a large Colin Prior Scotland calendar.
Sweet - thanks Bob (and Colin) And if you fancy trying your luck I'd recommend listening to Bob's Podzines.
These are proving to be an excellent weekly pick-me-up during the long, dark (warm?) days of this winter.
Labels: blog media, podcasts, UK Outdoors Blogger
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
Late November (Tues 20th to be precise) a certain individual (lets call him 'Mr Whadafooch' to protect his identity) had to be rescued from a cliff close to Langton Matravers, here in Dorset.
The location "the bottom of Guillemot Climb near Dancing Ledge" - now try to remember that name - there may be a test later.
If memory serves it was a cold and wet day and Mr W "misjudged his timing and got stuck at the bottom of a cliff with ankle and head injuries as darkness approached" I recall hearing a local radio news report at the time and wondering about the lack of preparation in the conditions.
To quote the official incident report "The weather at the time was cyclonic force 5 or 6 becoming southwesterly and with squally showers" Mr W was "without a helmet or waterproof clothing"
Enter Portland Coastguard's helicopter which flew Mr W "who was suffering from exposure" to a local hospital.
The Coastguard's comment at the time: "A valuable lesson from this incident has been the clear need for any climber to take the appropriate equipment"
An quite right. Sound advice. The local cliffs aren't exceptionally high, but once the tide is in escape options become very limited, and windward ledges can get exceptionally exposed.
Roll forward to early December (Tues the 4th) - another coastguard call out in the same area. As the local newspaper The Daily Echo reports:
"TWO climbers who got into trouble during a stormy night ascent of Swanage sea cliffs have been brandished "disgraceful" by coastguards. One of the pair, a relatively experienced climber in his early twenties, was forced to call for rescue on Tuesday for the SECOND time in a fortnight. This time the man's climbing partner, also in his early 20s, was stuck 60ft down the bottom of Guillemot Ledge (recognise that name readers?), but two weeks ago the coastguard's rescue helicopter was scrambled after another of his companions became trapped on the same ledge"
I bet the coastguard were most impressed when they turned up to that particular incident.
The article mentions the coastguard comment "These guys were given a really good talking to. They are putting other people's lives at risk. They really should know better than to climb in these sorts of conditions"
There's plenty more of the same "....After getting into trouble once you would think this more experienced climber would have learned something, but clearly not. To attempt a second climb at night in these sorts of conditions is asking for trouble.." and ".....in these conditions in the middle of the night, it really borders on stupidity. They must have been on the cliff face for some time. I think they are lucky to be alive"
I somehow think that the coastguard's message might have been put across to Mr W a little more forcibly during this second incident.
Hopefully there will be no third time lucky.
I'll let you think up your own suitable comments here (although there's some ideas for you to start with here)
More from the Swanage Coastguard incident log as well including the famous line "some rather strong words of advice were given to him"
Oh I bet they were.
There is being unlucky. And then there's making your own luck.
Labels: Mental Health, Miscellaneous, Mountain Rescue Team(MRT)
Christmas gift ideas: Outdoor book special mentions
Chris Townsend's latest post on his site reminds me that I really need to get Robert Macfarlane’s book "The Wild Places" on to my gift list for this year. Its been getting excellent reviews both on the outdoor forums/magazines and amongst mainstream reviewers.
The latest review pops up on this Saturday's Times newspaper round up of outdoor related books of note published this year
And a mention in the same article recommending Michelle Waitzman's "Sex in a Tent: A Wild Couple's Guide to Getting Naughty in Nature" An author better know to those of us involved with the Outdoor Blogger Forum as Maple Kiwi whose blog Love In A Tent, despite (or may be because of?) its teaser title is full of good advice especially for those looking to New Zealand for their tramping experiences. And coincidentally a book I finished off earlier this week during the long periods of inactivity spent courtesy of British Rail and yet another grinding trip to the northern shores of the Mersey. Oh dear - perhaps grinding wasn't quite the adverb to use on this occasion - lol
But back to MK - let's try to avoid pangs of jealousy as her latest post reminds us that as the days in GB become danker dreary and dark, NZ is moving into the sultry days of their summer season.Labels: blog media, books, Outdoors Blogger Forum
Tuesday, December 4
Walk GB 4 Climb -4,000 Mile Walkies
Colin Snook has always had the ambition to walk around Great Britain and has plotted a route which will cover in excess of four thousand miles over three hundred days in 2008. And whilst fulfilling one ambition he has another - to raise £50,000 for CLIMB (Children LIving with MetaBolic diseases)
Colin aims to use a combination of B & B, backpacking, rough camping (?), campsites and the YHA for accommodation over a period of ten months, averaging 15 miles walking per day.
Main page here
The first of the BIG walking challenges for 2008.
What else is in there waiting to appear from people's planning for 2008 I wonder? Labels: walks
Monday, December 3
More podcasts & some Christmas outdoor gear ideas
Apologies in advance for this post to all you out there feeling a little informationally overloaded. After all its not as if you really need any more internet interaction, or more content to consume. Especially with the surplus of silly TV/Radio adverts/inadvertent product being stuffed down the throat in this run up to the "festive" season (And what an irony that thought conjures up - any how let's not get started on that one tonight!)
BBC Radio is releasing even more of their radio show content via Podcast.
First up is the excellent Ramblings with Clare Balding this week featuring exTGO staffer Jonathan Manning, for some reason listed as editor of Country Walking Magazine (that was a quick retirement - lol)
And if you still can't get to sleep at night, how about BBC Radio 5 Live's Pods and Blogs which I think Podcast Bob has occasionally graced with his presence.
And to mitigate hogging your time - how about checking out Bob's Chrissie ideas to save all that foot slogging?
Labels: Gear, podcasts, UK Outdoors Blogger
Saturday, December 1
Outdoors Station- We have a winner!
A card dropped through the post box earlier this week led to me picking up a large parcel from the local Post Office this morning. Strange as I wasn't expecting anything that I could recall.
But as result of entering one of Podcast Bob's Podzine competition's my wall will now be adorned during 2008 with a large Colin Prior Scotland calendar.
Sweet - thanks Bob (and Colin) And if you fancy trying your luck I'd recommend listening to Bob's Podzines.
These are proving to be an excellent weekly pick-me-up during the long, dark (warm?) days of this winter.
Labels: blog media, podcasts, UK Outdoors Blogger
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
The latest review pops up on this Saturday's Times newspaper round up of outdoor related books of note published this year
And a mention in the same article recommending Michelle Waitzman's "Sex in a Tent: A Wild Couple's Guide to Getting Naughty in Nature" An author better know to those of us involved with the Outdoor Blogger Forum as Maple Kiwi whose blog Love In A Tent, despite (or may be because of?) its teaser title is full of good advice especially for those looking to New Zealand for their tramping experiences. And coincidentally a book I finished off earlier this week during the long periods of inactivity spent courtesy of British Rail and yet another grinding trip to the northern shores of the Mersey. Oh dear - perhaps grinding wasn't quite the adverb to use on this occasion - lol
But back to MK - let's try to avoid pangs of jealousy as her latest post reminds us that as the days in GB become danker dreary and dark, NZ is moving into the sultry days of their summer season.
Labels: blog media, books, Outdoors Blogger Forum
Walk GB 4 Climb -4,000 Mile Walkies
Colin Snook has always had the ambition to walk around Great Britain and has plotted a route which will cover in excess of four thousand miles over three hundred days in 2008. And whilst fulfilling one ambition he has another - to raise £50,000 for CLIMB (Children LIving with MetaBolic diseases)
Colin aims to use a combination of B & B, backpacking, rough camping (?), campsites and the YHA for accommodation over a period of ten months, averaging 15 miles walking per day.
Main page here
The first of the BIG walking challenges for 2008.
What else is in there waiting to appear from people's planning for 2008 I wonder? Labels: walks
Monday, December 3
More podcasts & some Christmas outdoor gear ideas
Apologies in advance for this post to all you out there feeling a little informationally overloaded. After all its not as if you really need any more internet interaction, or more content to consume. Especially with the surplus of silly TV/Radio adverts/inadvertent product being stuffed down the throat in this run up to the "festive" season (And what an irony that thought conjures up - any how let's not get started on that one tonight!)
BBC Radio is releasing even more of their radio show content via Podcast.
First up is the excellent Ramblings with Clare Balding this week featuring exTGO staffer Jonathan Manning, for some reason listed as editor of Country Walking Magazine (that was a quick retirement - lol)
And if you still can't get to sleep at night, how about BBC Radio 5 Live's Pods and Blogs which I think Podcast Bob has occasionally graced with his presence.
And to mitigate hogging your time - how about checking out Bob's Chrissie ideas to save all that foot slogging?
Labels: Gear, podcasts, UK Outdoors Blogger
Saturday, December 1
Outdoors Station- We have a winner!
A card dropped through the post box earlier this week led to me picking up a large parcel from the local Post Office this morning. Strange as I wasn't expecting anything that I could recall.
But as result of entering one of Podcast Bob's Podzine competition's my wall will now be adorned during 2008 with a large Colin Prior Scotland calendar.
Sweet - thanks Bob (and Colin) And if you fancy trying your luck I'd recommend listening to Bob's Podzines.
These are proving to be an excellent weekly pick-me-up during the long, dark (warm?) days of this winter.
Labels: blog media, podcasts, UK Outdoors Blogger
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
Colin aims to use a combination of B & B, backpacking, rough camping (?), campsites and the YHA for accommodation over a period of ten months, averaging 15 miles walking per day.
Main page here
The first of the BIG walking challenges for 2008.
What else is in there waiting to appear from people's planning for 2008 I wonder?
Labels: walks
More podcasts & some Christmas outdoor gear ideas
Apologies in advance for this post to all you out there feeling a little informationally overloaded. After all its not as if you really need any more internet interaction, or more content to consume. Especially with the surplus of silly TV/Radio adverts/inadvertent product being stuffed down the throat in this run up to the "festive" season (And what an irony that thought conjures up - any how let's not get started on that one tonight!)
BBC Radio is releasing even more of their radio show content via Podcast.
First up is the excellent Ramblings with Clare Balding this week featuring exTGO staffer Jonathan Manning, for some reason listed as editor of Country Walking Magazine (that was a quick retirement - lol)
And if you still can't get to sleep at night, how about BBC Radio 5 Live's Pods and Blogs which I think Podcast Bob has occasionally graced with his presence.
And to mitigate hogging your time - how about checking out Bob's Chrissie ideas to save all that foot slogging?
Labels: Gear, podcasts, UK Outdoors Blogger
Saturday, December 1
Outdoors Station- We have a winner!
A card dropped through the post box earlier this week led to me picking up a large parcel from the local Post Office this morning. Strange as I wasn't expecting anything that I could recall.
But as result of entering one of Podcast Bob's Podzine competition's my wall will now be adorned during 2008 with a large Colin Prior Scotland calendar.
Sweet - thanks Bob (and Colin) And if you fancy trying your luck I'd recommend listening to Bob's Podzines.
These are proving to be an excellent weekly pick-me-up during the long, dark (warm?) days of this winter.
Labels: blog media, podcasts, UK Outdoors Blogger
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
BBC Radio is releasing even more of their radio show content via Podcast.
First up is the excellent Ramblings with Clare Balding this week featuring exTGO staffer Jonathan Manning, for some reason listed as editor of Country Walking Magazine (that was a quick retirement - lol)
And if you still can't get to sleep at night, how about BBC Radio 5 Live's Pods and Blogs which I think Podcast Bob has occasionally graced with his presence.
And to mitigate hogging your time - how about checking out Bob's Chrissie ideas to save all that foot slogging?
Labels: Gear, podcasts, UK Outdoors Blogger
Outdoors Station- We have a winner!
A card dropped through the post box earlier this week led to me picking up a large parcel from the local Post Office this morning. Strange as I wasn't expecting anything that I could recall.
But as result of entering one of Podcast Bob's Podzine competition's my wall will now be adorned during 2008 with a large Colin Prior Scotland calendar.
Sweet - thanks Bob (and Colin) And if you fancy trying your luck I'd recommend listening to Bob's Podzines.
These are proving to be an excellent weekly pick-me-up during the long, dark (warm?) days of this winter.
Labels: blog media, podcasts, UK Outdoors Blogger
But as result of entering one of Podcast Bob's Podzine competition's my wall will now be adorned during 2008 with a large Colin Prior Scotland calendar.
Sweet - thanks Bob (and Colin) And if you fancy trying your luck I'd recommend listening to Bob's Podzines.
These are proving to be an excellent weekly pick-me-up during the long, dark (warm?) days of this winter.
Labels: blog media, podcasts, UK Outdoors Blogger
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
