Monday, September 29
New Forest National Park Niggles
All is not happy in the new New Forest la-la land that its NP Authority seems intent on creating.
Recently came news of the 'innovative' idea to make motorists pay to use New Forest roads, which would make it the first National Park in the country to make such a charge.
There's few hard facts out in the public forum, but mention has been made that there would be experimental closures of selected minor routes during peak periods between Easter and September, and possibly at weekends throughout the year. In some parts of the New Forest this could mean total denial of access to some areas.
As if that wasn't enough in itself to unsettle local serfdom other options are being aired. These include banning dog walkers from certain car parks & tightening restrictions on owning horses for recreational use.
Whoops!
Mess with our livestock? In this part of the world that's akin to real fightin' talk. A step too far methinks.
And so it seems, with a lobby group Forest Uprising coming together from nothing to set up a public meeting at 3 days' notice, but still attracting 250+ people, rather than the anticipated 100.
Double Whoops!
Nice one New Forest NPA. That's the way to get the local population on side. Not.
There will be an open air demonstration at Wilverley Plain (on the road between Brockenhurst and Burley) on Saturday October 4 at 10.30am (Map here)
I hope to cover the event and report back on the mood of the meeting. Suitably accompanied by dog & walking boots of course. Perhaps even a wildcamp in the middle of the plain (down John - that's just plain naughty- lol)
I may add, all at some personal risk to myself as I see 'Face Painting for the kids' is being threatened. Even a Vietnam war correspondent didn't have to face that kind of risk to get The Big Story! I'll probably be having flashbacks for weeks. Something to do with orange and black stripy tigers with HUGE charcoal whiskers.
Shudder.Labels: Forest Uprising Group, nature, New Forest
Mountain Top Mutterings
Snowdon's new summit building is near completion - latest news and views a plenty from the cunningly entitled Snowdon Summit Blog
And whilst we're mooching around the top of the UK hills, Hey, What's That site is offering a DIY panorama generator using a Google Map mash-up. Beta at present, but all clever stuff once you work out how to set your own viewpoint.Labels: blog media, Wales
Sunday, September 28
Hincheslea Wood - Rebirth
Back in April last year I described a wander around Hincheslea Wood (OL22: GR 275 010) in the New Forest remarking that this burnt out building may have been about to arise from its ashes.
Earlier today I came across the replacement building, fast approaching its completion.
Neighbours, approached for their comments on the refurbishment, had no comment to make.
Being more concerned with local childcare facilities.
Labels: New Forest, walks
Saturday, September 27
Dorset BackPacking Club Meet
"Hell is other people" Jean-Paul Sartre - No Exit
Whoops, I bet you're already wondering where this one's going! Not the most positive sounding start I've offered up, but if you know the reference, the initial bleakness belies a wealth of hidden meaning. Deep chappies those fag smoking frenchie philosopher types. Or maybe just intelligible?
But nevertheless the quotation that I had running through my head on the trip back home from the Dorset Backpackers Club meet this weekend.
But I'm getting ahead of myself here - back to the beginning of the trip.
Battling Friday rush hour traffic, a delayed end to a busy working week, was not the way this weekend was intended to start. Add in emergency home repairs completed earlier that afternoon. As a result that evening found me in a frazzled state as I finally arrived at Tom's Field Campsite high on the Isle of Purbeck, near Swanage.
I'd anticipated a quiet corner, some gentle backpacking chat with other Dorset members and a little shop talk with fellow Blogger Darren. But as a late arrival at this particular party the scene was already set with tents piled deeply around the field nearest the toilets & shop.
And also the site's entrance, whose pertinence will become clear as this tale unfolds.
Shoe horning the Akto in alongside Darren's Hex tepee my practiced settling in was quickly sorted, and then to the traditional first brew of the weekend as my reward.
(pass the tin-opener)
But whats this? Already the sunny day is fading, as lengthening shadows cool the air, a call to switch to warmer clothing. What had happened to the day?
Barely time for a quick 'Hi' to the BPC members pitched several tents along the row, and to Darren alongside. All muttered against a backdrop of a screaming toddler somewhere amongst the nearby tents. Looking around I could see that this particular camping field already seemed to be filled to a rather high capacity. A mix of BPC members, young family groups, motor homes and lads-on-the-razz. Hmm an incendiary mix? Potentially.
Time for the pub. Reasonable food & beer and a friendly welcome. But as a local of these parts that irritating recognition that the food prices seemed to have been set mindful of the captive market from the two local camp sites, punters likely to pay-up without too much fuss. With the alternative pub dejectedly displaying a "For Sale" sign above its dark closed doorway we campers had a very limited choice. Market forces I believe it's called.
Trevor, the Dorset BPC rep kindly searched out Darren and myself, with an invite to join the other BPC members, unaware we were already working our way down our last beer, both happy to turn in early. But appreciative of the offer, and not wishing to abuse this friendly overture we sat and chatted for a short while with the other members before tendering our early excuses for the night. No slight intended to those we met, but we were more tired, rather than our normal scintillating company that evening. The BPC made us feel most welcome.
Head torchs slicing the darkness we crossed the field back to the site and our sleeping bags. Early at 9pm, but definitely needy of some shut eye.
Back to that campsite entrance now. Its proximity meant a steady stream of jolly pub returnees & and late arrivals to the campsite. As a result the hours onto midnight were regularly punctuated with car headlights illuminating the tent, the sound of car diesel motors passing close to the tent, and irregular outbreaks of happy campers on a night out.
None of these, I hasten to add, anything exceptional taken in isolation. But as a recurrent backdrop something that I'd rather not have around me.
As I reflected to Darren earlier in the evening, after catching myself once again whinging 'God, I hate campsites' my problem was not the site, but my reaction to it. I’d had a similar reaction during the BPC meet back in April (with rather more cause on that occasion)
And as for Swanage steam engine line. Which idiot thinks it makes for a happy experience to sound that bleedin' train whistle so late at night? And so repeatedly?
Have I finally morphed into a Grumpy Old Sod? (Mrs JH is not allowed an answer at this point. She's biased; And I know what her answer is without asking)
Far from it. Its more that after my wildcamping trips, mostly solo, and always far from the (for me) maddening crowds, these days I seem to have an aversion to the Happy Camper Syndrome - A cheap week of Outdoor Fun with BBQs, Beer, & Bitching. The group experience can work, as experienced on the Blogger meet-ups, out in the wild places, far from the towns.
Perhaps that reflects the attitude and expectations Joe Public Camper, compared to those whom I believe carry a deeper affinity for fitting in amongst natural surroundings. Not this scribe's arrogance I hope. Just mindful of some tactful re-education amongst the less experienced campers. But not a topic high on my agenda at 11:30 pm.
An observation reinforced early Saturday morning as I discovered an overnight arrival had pitched their tent so close to mine that I had to be wary opening my car door, in case I ripped their flysheet. Hmm, now that’s what I call tightly packed. And certainly an unintended slight I'm sure.
Out of the sleeping bag. Coffee bump start, cereal bar breakfast, and nicotine fix satiated I burst forth into ……….clag. Deep, wet and humid. Hopefully only sea mist following yesterday's heat, but for the moment a chilly start.
(A Purbeck clag greeting)
Darren's grinning report of his early success with bacon, eggs, frying pan and his Bush Buddy helped cheer me up. Well sort of - the swine. And on the plus side I got an extra hours sleep instead.
A chat shared with the BPC crew with some of their feedback on the Furtech Sleeping Bag which they were able to look over. The bag was this weekend's test kit, but despite my original intention wasn’t used Friday night (The reason for which will become apparent when I come to write that kit report)
(A subject of some discussion)
Bloggers Go To The Seaside? Well more like Darren and me off to the flesh pots of Swanage. Coffee & cakes. And sunshine - hurrah! For Darren a chance find of a new iPood (don’t ask - other people buy postcards or sticks of rock at the seaside, but nothing as predictable for our Darren)
(The World in Stone - Durlston Head)
A detour to the imaginative stone work on Durlston Head, and then back to a lazy afternoon playing with the sun whilst waiting for my tent to dry-off before finally departing homeward. Unfortunately the thought of a repeat of the previous night proving too much of a detraction I'm afraid.
No slur intended either on the campsite or the people I met, and especially no criticism of the Dorset BPC event.
More a personal recognition as to where my pleasure lies these days; Or more specifically, as I'm coming to realise, where it doesn't.
And that seems to be anywhere near organised camping facilities.Labels: Backpackers Club, blog media, Gear, Mental Health, nature
Caution - Blogger At Work
You know that feeling.
Sun's out.
Those pesky chores all done.
Belly full........well for the next half an hour or so.
So what else is a Blogger to do, out on safari?
Darren, zen like in his study of relaxation techniques. Hard at work.Labels: Backpackers Club, UK Outdoors Blogger
Thursday, September 25
Finding your way or Are We Nearly There Yet?
A few words on Navigation, something always worth improving, whatever the experience level.
Natural Navigator, besides teaching navigation, also keeps a blog of his observations, often challenging our views of how to way find: "Tristan is the only person in the world working full time in natural navigation, both instructing and researching".
However for a nuts n' bolts explanation of how to use a map and compass, pop over to this cunningly title website Navigation With Map and Compass (what's that all about then? lol)
Another entry for the FAQ I think.Labels: blog media, Blogger tip
Finally - a weekend outdoors
Posting has been a little quiet recently. Partly that's down to work pressure; And partly ......well to be honest, besides the usual weekend gadabouts I didn't really think there was much to say. So I kept it at that.
But this weekend I'm off on a Dorset Backpacker Club meet. A chance to chat, sink a few beers, meet up with people old & new, and finally test my Furtech Blizzard Bag - something that is way overdue.
More to follow I'm sure. Labels: Backpackers Club, Gear
Friday, September 19
Hip-pack Competition 2008
With the inevitability of a Big Brother contestant popping up in an expose in a Sunday Newspaper, the end of September is fast approaching.
And with it the closing date for this year's Hip-pack Competition.
Not the best idea I've had, bearing in mind this summer's playfulness, but the prize booty is there for the taking.
Have you got what it takes?Labels: Hip-pack Competition 2008
A Walk on the Wild Side :New Forest Walkabout
"Its Been Emotional" (Big Chris 'Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels': Vid Clip - 4'50)
A sentiment I've been heartily echoing recently as work/life pressures continue to steadily build. Knowledge of a forthcoming, very late summer holiday, our first trip abroad for 15+ years, somehow adding to that roller coaster feeling. Rather than the opposite anticipated effect.
But hey, none of this is new in my life. A shift in viewpoint then. That essential paradigm shift. Memo to Self - a need to control my reaction to circumstance, rather than become enmeshed within it's mindless rush.
That ever incessant urging to embark on the Helter Skelter Express. Headlong towards the dark and ominous tunnel, that lies in wait at the end of all our journeys.
My own ticket is necessary for disembarkation at an earlier station. Something building within me recently. A need for that special sense of quiet. Not merely the avoidance of social interaction, but a total absence of noise. Distant road traffic, the breathing and idiosyncratic personal irritants of other humanity, even those close and deeply loved. A burning desire for solitude and peace.
The chance to take one huge lungful of nothingness. To breathe it deep down inside my body and recall my mind back to the real meaning of existence.
Escape. Earlier today. A New Forest track. Far from the popular routes that others frequent. On this sun kissed Friday morning, towards the end of the holiday season, a perfect opportunity to reach out and touch that great void. Alone. Even if this time it is only for a fleetingly short visit. A hastily grabbed, but long planned, day free of the normal obligations of everyday life.
The path, still boggy in places from recent rainfall, keeps the conscious mind alert. Planning the body's way ahead. Trees and undergrowth still unseasonably reckless with their intrusion across this ancient forest way. A sign of this year's summer weather resulting in a outburst of vegetative growth.
Above and ahead, in gaps through the tree canopy, a blue and cloudless sky. Amongst the open glades, the sunshine feeling warm on forearms and face, before being vanquished once more as the path returns into the deep woodland.
On softer ground, signs left of recent deer activity. The short twin stabs of hoof print marking in the mud a reminder that the herd is near, even if unseen as I quietly travel through their domain. But always sensed out there deeper into the scrub land of the denser forest.
Here and there the ever remarkable fungal sculpture. Now lessening as the colder nigh time temperature starts to slow down their appearance.
Birdsong is again my walking accompaniment. Returning after its late summer absence. The jostling for territory marked with an increasing concerto of trills and whistles. The strong busily establishing their feed grounds ready for Springtime mating, despite their unknowing of the repetitive seasonal cycle. Following their own deep primal urge.
A crossing of tracks, out on open ground. Unusually for one who tends to walk without break today I choose to sit on the carefully positioned bench. A pause to saviour the warmth radiating from the wood behind my back. On the sturdy monument a small weather beaten plate, a brief nod to another's life. One who at some time during their 75 years discovered this place. And felt it special enough to leave a marker for others as yet unknown, but able to share their pleasure.
At my feet a wood ant, carrying debris more than twice its size. And as soon as one is identified, another is spotted nearby. And then more. Until suddenly, as the eye/brain recognises the pattern of movement, the path comes alive beneath my feet as hundreds of woodland ants track scent paths to and from their nest. Another journey with a more dedicated purpose. The sunshine providing the anthill with the opportunity for some housekeeping and late season stockpiling. Preparation for the darker days ahead.
I raise myself from the bench to rejoin the path. Moving onwards. My unconscious continues to quietly sift through conflicting urgencies. Left to itself for the present to juggle life's imperatives. Whatever conclusions it offers to be considered later.
For the present, its enough to simply wander alone amongst the natural world. And share the moment.Labels: Mental Health, nature
Saturday, September 13
Live Hard; Die Fast;
Its not been the most invigorating of weeks, finishing off with local flash flooding.
But it could have been worse.
The curse of modern house construction on wildlife, despite the various window shadows we have used to deter potentially level flight paths.
But in this case a nuthatch decided an upper storey window was an exception. Unfortunately a mistake it won't be repeating.Labels: nature
Outdoors Blog
Heads up - a new UK Outdoor Blog: Backpackbrewer’s Outdoor Blog
"Mostly, but not exclusively, a blog about the outdoors…..mostly"Labels: blog media, UK Outdoors Blogger
Thursday, September 11
Sleeping Bag: Ultra-Light. Ultra-Cheap, but will it work?
Fancy a 3 season bag that weighs less than 750g yet costs under £75? OK. Well how about less than 500g, and £50? Have I got your interest yet? How about lighter and cheaper still?
Regulars to this site will know a kit test is not my usual style. However the offer of a 378g sleeping bag costing £25, one produced by a UK company, was rather too tempting to ignore.
The postman called today with a small package. A very small package indeed.
Initially reaction? 'What the .....? I've bought a large block of lightweight tin foil"
(And yes dear reader, I did say bought. Albeit at a friendly price for a no-strings-attached review)
Like Dr Who's Tardis the brick unfolds; And unfolds; And keeps on unfolding until there is a rather large, rather wide sleeping bag. Nothing of the simplistic fragility found with a Survival/Space Blanket. More durable and with a clear sleeping bag design.
The only way to really unfurl it for a photo was to quickly slide down inside, and push it into shape from within, to provide an indication of it laid out. Clearly not laid out too well to be honest, with the evidence of the vacuum packing yet to be sorted out (But you'll understand of course - I had to I have a quick play first!)
Initial feelings duly jotted down I'm confident enough with the bag to test it at a Dorset BackPackers Club meet later this month. Plus it provides a chance to get feedback for a product that can be see and handled for real. Some alternative views from those for whom this approach could be so beneficial.
Suffice to say - it has potential. Now can it match up to its maker's claims?
More here on the Furtech website, if you can't wait until the detailed test report later this month.Labels: Backpackers Club, Gear
Wednesday, September 10
A dog's life
I lost a long time walking companion today, after a period of waning vigour and her zest for those things she enjoyed.
A reminder that to distinguish this thing we call Life, an End is necessary to mark the way. And that way, the life that is lived, determines its value.
Which when it is becomes one of an increasingly listless and disinterested spirit is really no life at all. For a dog, or indeed any of us, as we bumble our way through pain and pleasure, ever onwards.
As usual you needed my help to. A poignant moment as I prepared your final bed deep beneath that sunny spot you'd come to enjoy so much in recent times. RIP Midge.Labels: nature
Tuesday, September 9
Cycling LeJoG - Charity begins before home.
If you've been following Trevor Woodford's Blog during recent months you'll be aware he's part of a small team intent on cycling LeJoG, reporting as he goes.
There is an reason behind this madness (Besides getting soaking wet, sores on unusual body parts & the chance to exchange expletives with speeding motorists!)
Their aim is to raise cash for the Dorset Kidney Fund as a personal thank-you for the charity's support of a team member.
Trevor, perhaps better known as Dorset Rep for the Backpackers Club, set off this morning. Meanwhile fundraising continues. So if you feel like chipping in you can via the ever increasingly popular Justgiving website.
Hmm - I wonder if anyone is running a sweep stake on the total number of punctures along the way?
A thought here.
Human nature being what it is, with our busy lifestyles it often takes a personal, maybe tragic, life event, affecting someone we know, before our support for a charity kicks in.
So to those of you currently filling out TGO Challenge entry forms, how about using the trip to raise some £££s to benefit someone else at the same time, even if its only in a small way?
I'm not a great fan of charities per se. After all there are some truly weird and wonderful ones about these days it seems to me. But on a personal basis I regularly donate a small monthly sum to a couple of organisations, one being Mountain Rescue.
The amount isn't large. However over the years the hope is that my regular drip feed of income leaves them free to get on with their work, rather than spending time fundraising.
And I don't even expect to get a preferential service in the event I should possibly call out the MRT. Not even if I do want to fly in a helicopter one of these days.Labels: blog media, LEJOG
Saturday, September 6
Buy the ticket, take the ride
Walking in the rain.
A lot of rain.
From the feel of it, rain meant for someone else as well. Perhaps a few extra clouds diverted by Met Office scientists as a subtle retaliation? A penance for decrying the dumbed down CGI that passes for a TV Weather Forecast these days. Ah but down that path lies paranoia, so lets turn off that track right now.
For naturally we outdoor folk are suitably equipped for these adverse conditions.
As I walk my M3 player feeds me the erudite tones of Steven Fry and his latest podcast (No. 5) A guilty pleasure in listening to his Anglo Saxon littered tirade against Compliance Men In Suits (Don’t you just get a snickering tingle when a cultured gent cuts loose - lol)
But a different feeling when he reflects on the description of those traps awaiting a regular weekly columnist with space to fill, and little to say. Mr Fry identifies two pitfalls.
Firstly - Nostalgia: Remember how it was all so much better; Secondly - Anger: This makes me so mad I will rant. And you will agree or fight me.
The sort of articles you may spot as you browse your weekend newspaper. Even identified, how simple a trap they may remain.
For me a lesson to absorb as I turn it to Blogging, my own media. Or more precisely the easy ability to simply Churn Out Stuff.
Something that I have on my mind at present following various interchanges on the use and abuse of this communication media, and a few practical examples of just how little effort an article can be created using cut, paste and a little personalisation.
I’d add a couple more pratfalls of my own.
Comment: This is what I think about that report/news/action; Googlese: Look what I've found, lets all go and look.
Commonly these cosy up together in the same piece, feeding off each others lack of originality.
So easy to trip. 'Tis but a short fall, without any noticeable impact. Then taken over a period of time it becomes an all too comfortable existence.
Look - I'm doing it now. A reference to something I found, that entertained, and is being followed up with a commentary.
In mitigation it's my explanation of the catalyst behind my thought process. Being only too aware that my logic can go from Here to There too rapidly at times for others to catch the references that link the path of logical thought. Well logical to me at least.
With me so far? For its time to sharply veer away now.
Blogging is rather too comfortable.
There I've said it out loud.
But before you dash off to the Comment Box for one of those Mr Angry moments let me qualify that this is a reflection only of my own site & content.
Shock! Horror! Has old Johnny succumbed to water on the brain and started to lose it?
Let's try to explain. Many of the articles on here I personally find less than satisfactory when looking back over them sometime later. Don’t get me wrong. If it was simply crap writing, or was becoming a chore, I’d stop.
It's just that all too often I find this site has become a conduit for another's thought, observation or experience. Something down to me as editor, proof reader and senior writer to control of course.
As a public service, be it identifying outdoor information or bring some entertainment value, I trust it provides something positive. That part I'm relatively happy with.
But as for the rest, that's not enough. It's never been the main urge that keeps me hunched over this clacking keyboard for far too many hours each week; Reading, researching, thinking and finally, for some items, putting it down for you to browse over for a few minutes before skipping on elsewhere.
(Stick with me here folks - that wasn't a suggestion!)
I believe that this site has delivered much since it first sidled onto the net.
FAQ information for backpacking newbies & tips for the more experienced. Routes and travel suggestions to fan the flickering impulse to visit new areas. At times crusading, not just the Legalise Wild Camping Campaign, but also in support of the Mountain Rescue Teams & other backpackers personal challenges. Even kit reports occasionally, where the gear is something that interests me.
And always a medium for interchange of ideas and a mutual exchange of experiences.
Still most of this stuff can be found elsewhere on the web. Done better. Done in more detail. Or just done more regularly.
Back in January I tried to draw a line, to summarise what makes this pleasurable for me, and sufficiently different for you to return for more of the same.
My line in the sand. To step beyond the well established safety zone of trite conventionality. To offer material that provokes in others a recognition of something deeper than the nuts & bolts elements of what we do outdoors. To quote myself (another trap?)
"to attempt to express the feeling and emotion which accompanies my deep enjoyment of movement, the outdoors, and related activity. To touch that sense of deep fulfilment that comes after a day on the hills, and a night in a strange and remote place"
A tough gig maybe, but one that gives me that special buzz when it works.
Perhaps the above wittering comes across as a ramble or disjointed tirade. Maybe even an indication of failure (which I don’t accept BTW)
But as the rain continues to fall, and Stephen Fry concludes his podcast, you may spot mine host. Alone in a sodden maize field, save for a confused collie dog, watching as his master mentally kicks himself for having been snagged by the biggest trap of all.
Complacency.
Time to regroup and hire myself a new editor here at JH Towers.
Labels: blog media, UK Outdoors Blogger
Tuesday, September 2
Outdoor Kit - Got a Good Idea?
Building on the success of the 2008 venture Alpkit have just announced details of their coLAB Award09.
"The award promotes the exploration, innovation and design of products, systems and services in the adventure sports environment. It aims to encourage grass root design participation and to reward people with the passion for design by giving them the opportunity to show their idea to the outdoor community at a high profile event"
The competition opened on the 1st of Sept with a deadline of 1st Dec for entry submission. The nine shortlisted finalists to appear, along with their ideas, at the Outdoors Show (27 - 29 March 2009) for the final judging.
The finalist will have:
- Free booth at OS 2009
- Prize giving ceremony / Press Conference
- Feature on the coLAB website
- Complimentary Outdoor Show tickets for friends and family
- Friday night dinner courtesy of Alpkit
And the three projects most highly rated by the shows visitors will each receive a trophy plus:
- First Prize: £250 Alpkit products
- Second Prize: £100 Alpkit products
- Third Prize: £50 Alpkit products
The 2008 CoLab was a focal point for many Outdoors Show visitors giving maximum commercial exposure to CoLab entrants. Something otherwise difficult and costly to achieve at precisely the outdoor marketplace that is required.
So if you've got got a good outdoors idea, one that is screaming out for an audience, then here's your chance.
Labels: Gear, Outdoors Shows
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
Recently came news of the 'innovative' idea to make motorists pay to use New Forest roads, which would make it the first National Park in the country to make such a charge.
There's few hard facts out in the public forum, but mention has been made that there would be experimental closures of selected minor routes during peak periods between Easter and September, and possibly at weekends throughout the year. In some parts of the New Forest this could mean total denial of access to some areas.
As if that wasn't enough in itself to unsettle local serfdom other options are being aired. These include banning dog walkers from certain car parks & tightening restrictions on owning horses for recreational use.
Whoops!
Mess with our livestock? In this part of the world that's akin to real fightin' talk. A step too far methinks.
And so it seems, with a lobby group Forest Uprising coming together from nothing to set up a public meeting at 3 days' notice, but still attracting 250+ people, rather than the anticipated 100.
Double Whoops!
Nice one New Forest NPA. That's the way to get the local population on side. Not.
There will be an open air demonstration at Wilverley Plain (on the road between Brockenhurst and Burley) on Saturday October 4 at 10.30am (Map here)
I hope to cover the event and report back on the mood of the meeting. Suitably accompanied by dog & walking boots of course. Perhaps even a wildcamp in the middle of the plain (down John - that's just plain naughty- lol)
I may add, all at some personal risk to myself as I see 'Face Painting for the kids' is being threatened. Even a Vietnam war correspondent didn't have to face that kind of risk to get The Big Story! I'll probably be having flashbacks for weeks. Something to do with orange and black stripy tigers with HUGE charcoal whiskers.
Shudder.
Labels: Forest Uprising Group, nature, New Forest
Mountain Top Mutterings
Snowdon's new summit building is near completion - latest news and views a plenty from the cunningly entitled Snowdon Summit Blog
And whilst we're mooching around the top of the UK hills, Hey, What's That site is offering a DIY panorama generator using a Google Map mash-up. Beta at present, but all clever stuff once you work out how to set your own viewpoint.Labels: blog media, Wales
Sunday, September 28
Hincheslea Wood - Rebirth
Back in April last year I described a wander around Hincheslea Wood (OL22: GR 275 010) in the New Forest remarking that this burnt out building may have been about to arise from its ashes. Earlier today I came across the replacement building, fast approaching its completion.
Neighbours, approached for their comments on the refurbishment, had no comment to make.
Being more concerned with local childcare facilities.
Labels: New Forest, walks
Saturday, September 27
Dorset BackPacking Club Meet
"Hell is other people" Jean-Paul Sartre - No Exit
Whoops, I bet you're already wondering where this one's going! Not the most positive sounding start I've offered up, but if you know the reference, the initial bleakness belies a wealth of hidden meaning. Deep chappies those fag smoking frenchie philosopher types. Or maybe just intelligible?
But nevertheless the quotation that I had running through my head on the trip back home from the Dorset Backpackers Club meet this weekend.
But I'm getting ahead of myself here - back to the beginning of the trip.
Battling Friday rush hour traffic, a delayed end to a busy working week, was not the way this weekend was intended to start. Add in emergency home repairs completed earlier that afternoon. As a result that evening found me in a frazzled state as I finally arrived at Tom's Field Campsite high on the Isle of Purbeck, near Swanage.
I'd anticipated a quiet corner, some gentle backpacking chat with other Dorset members and a little shop talk with fellow Blogger Darren. But as a late arrival at this particular party the scene was already set with tents piled deeply around the field nearest the toilets & shop.
And also the site's entrance, whose pertinence will become clear as this tale unfolds.
Shoe horning the Akto in alongside Darren's Hex tepee my practiced settling in was quickly sorted, and then to the traditional first brew of the weekend as my reward.
(pass the tin-opener)
But whats this? Already the sunny day is fading, as lengthening shadows cool the air, a call to switch to warmer clothing. What had happened to the day?
Barely time for a quick 'Hi' to the BPC members pitched several tents along the row, and to Darren alongside. All muttered against a backdrop of a screaming toddler somewhere amongst the nearby tents. Looking around I could see that this particular camping field already seemed to be filled to a rather high capacity. A mix of BPC members, young family groups, motor homes and lads-on-the-razz. Hmm an incendiary mix? Potentially.
Time for the pub. Reasonable food & beer and a friendly welcome. But as a local of these parts that irritating recognition that the food prices seemed to have been set mindful of the captive market from the two local camp sites, punters likely to pay-up without too much fuss. With the alternative pub dejectedly displaying a "For Sale" sign above its dark closed doorway we campers had a very limited choice. Market forces I believe it's called.
Trevor, the Dorset BPC rep kindly searched out Darren and myself, with an invite to join the other BPC members, unaware we were already working our way down our last beer, both happy to turn in early. But appreciative of the offer, and not wishing to abuse this friendly overture we sat and chatted for a short while with the other members before tendering our early excuses for the night. No slight intended to those we met, but we were more tired, rather than our normal scintillating company that evening. The BPC made us feel most welcome.
Head torchs slicing the darkness we crossed the field back to the site and our sleeping bags. Early at 9pm, but definitely needy of some shut eye.
Back to that campsite entrance now. Its proximity meant a steady stream of jolly pub returnees & and late arrivals to the campsite. As a result the hours onto midnight were regularly punctuated with car headlights illuminating the tent, the sound of car diesel motors passing close to the tent, and irregular outbreaks of happy campers on a night out.
None of these, I hasten to add, anything exceptional taken in isolation. But as a recurrent backdrop something that I'd rather not have around me.
As I reflected to Darren earlier in the evening, after catching myself once again whinging 'God, I hate campsites' my problem was not the site, but my reaction to it. I’d had a similar reaction during the BPC meet back in April (with rather more cause on that occasion)
And as for Swanage steam engine line. Which idiot thinks it makes for a happy experience to sound that bleedin' train whistle so late at night? And so repeatedly?
Have I finally morphed into a Grumpy Old Sod? (Mrs JH is not allowed an answer at this point. She's biased; And I know what her answer is without asking)
Far from it. Its more that after my wildcamping trips, mostly solo, and always far from the (for me) maddening crowds, these days I seem to have an aversion to the Happy Camper Syndrome - A cheap week of Outdoor Fun with BBQs, Beer, & Bitching. The group experience can work, as experienced on the Blogger meet-ups, out in the wild places, far from the towns.
Perhaps that reflects the attitude and expectations Joe Public Camper, compared to those whom I believe carry a deeper affinity for fitting in amongst natural surroundings. Not this scribe's arrogance I hope. Just mindful of some tactful re-education amongst the less experienced campers. But not a topic high on my agenda at 11:30 pm.
An observation reinforced early Saturday morning as I discovered an overnight arrival had pitched their tent so close to mine that I had to be wary opening my car door, in case I ripped their flysheet. Hmm, now that’s what I call tightly packed. And certainly an unintended slight I'm sure.
Out of the sleeping bag. Coffee bump start, cereal bar breakfast, and nicotine fix satiated I burst forth into ……….clag. Deep, wet and humid. Hopefully only sea mist following yesterday's heat, but for the moment a chilly start.
(A Purbeck clag greeting)
Darren's grinning report of his early success with bacon, eggs, frying pan and his Bush Buddy helped cheer me up. Well sort of - the swine. And on the plus side I got an extra hours sleep instead.
A chat shared with the BPC crew with some of their feedback on the Furtech Sleeping Bag which they were able to look over. The bag was this weekend's test kit, but despite my original intention wasn’t used Friday night (The reason for which will become apparent when I come to write that kit report)
(A subject of some discussion)
Bloggers Go To The Seaside? Well more like Darren and me off to the flesh pots of Swanage. Coffee & cakes. And sunshine - hurrah! For Darren a chance find of a new iPood (don’t ask - other people buy postcards or sticks of rock at the seaside, but nothing as predictable for our Darren)
(The World in Stone - Durlston Head)
A detour to the imaginative stone work on Durlston Head, and then back to a lazy afternoon playing with the sun whilst waiting for my tent to dry-off before finally departing homeward. Unfortunately the thought of a repeat of the previous night proving too much of a detraction I'm afraid.
No slur intended either on the campsite or the people I met, and especially no criticism of the Dorset BPC event.
More a personal recognition as to where my pleasure lies these days; Or more specifically, as I'm coming to realise, where it doesn't.
And that seems to be anywhere near organised camping facilities.Labels: Backpackers Club, blog media, Gear, Mental Health, nature
Caution - Blogger At Work
You know that feeling.
Sun's out.
Those pesky chores all done.
Belly full........well for the next half an hour or so.
So what else is a Blogger to do, out on safari?
Darren, zen like in his study of relaxation techniques. Hard at work.Labels: Backpackers Club, UK Outdoors Blogger
Thursday, September 25
Finding your way or Are We Nearly There Yet?
A few words on Navigation, something always worth improving, whatever the experience level.
Natural Navigator, besides teaching navigation, also keeps a blog of his observations, often challenging our views of how to way find: "Tristan is the only person in the world working full time in natural navigation, both instructing and researching".
However for a nuts n' bolts explanation of how to use a map and compass, pop over to this cunningly title website Navigation With Map and Compass (what's that all about then? lol)
Another entry for the FAQ I think.Labels: blog media, Blogger tip
Finally - a weekend outdoors
Posting has been a little quiet recently. Partly that's down to work pressure; And partly ......well to be honest, besides the usual weekend gadabouts I didn't really think there was much to say. So I kept it at that.
But this weekend I'm off on a Dorset Backpacker Club meet. A chance to chat, sink a few beers, meet up with people old & new, and finally test my Furtech Blizzard Bag - something that is way overdue.
More to follow I'm sure. Labels: Backpackers Club, Gear
Friday, September 19
Hip-pack Competition 2008
With the inevitability of a Big Brother contestant popping up in an expose in a Sunday Newspaper, the end of September is fast approaching.
And with it the closing date for this year's Hip-pack Competition.
Not the best idea I've had, bearing in mind this summer's playfulness, but the prize booty is there for the taking.
Have you got what it takes?Labels: Hip-pack Competition 2008
A Walk on the Wild Side :New Forest Walkabout
"Its Been Emotional" (Big Chris 'Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels': Vid Clip - 4'50)
A sentiment I've been heartily echoing recently as work/life pressures continue to steadily build. Knowledge of a forthcoming, very late summer holiday, our first trip abroad for 15+ years, somehow adding to that roller coaster feeling. Rather than the opposite anticipated effect.
But hey, none of this is new in my life. A shift in viewpoint then. That essential paradigm shift. Memo to Self - a need to control my reaction to circumstance, rather than become enmeshed within it's mindless rush.
That ever incessant urging to embark on the Helter Skelter Express. Headlong towards the dark and ominous tunnel, that lies in wait at the end of all our journeys.
My own ticket is necessary for disembarkation at an earlier station. Something building within me recently. A need for that special sense of quiet. Not merely the avoidance of social interaction, but a total absence of noise. Distant road traffic, the breathing and idiosyncratic personal irritants of other humanity, even those close and deeply loved. A burning desire for solitude and peace.
The chance to take one huge lungful of nothingness. To breathe it deep down inside my body and recall my mind back to the real meaning of existence.
Escape. Earlier today. A New Forest track. Far from the popular routes that others frequent. On this sun kissed Friday morning, towards the end of the holiday season, a perfect opportunity to reach out and touch that great void. Alone. Even if this time it is only for a fleetingly short visit. A hastily grabbed, but long planned, day free of the normal obligations of everyday life.
The path, still boggy in places from recent rainfall, keeps the conscious mind alert. Planning the body's way ahead. Trees and undergrowth still unseasonably reckless with their intrusion across this ancient forest way. A sign of this year's summer weather resulting in a outburst of vegetative growth.
Above and ahead, in gaps through the tree canopy, a blue and cloudless sky. Amongst the open glades, the sunshine feeling warm on forearms and face, before being vanquished once more as the path returns into the deep woodland.
On softer ground, signs left of recent deer activity. The short twin stabs of hoof print marking in the mud a reminder that the herd is near, even if unseen as I quietly travel through their domain. But always sensed out there deeper into the scrub land of the denser forest.
Here and there the ever remarkable fungal sculpture. Now lessening as the colder nigh time temperature starts to slow down their appearance.
Birdsong is again my walking accompaniment. Returning after its late summer absence. The jostling for territory marked with an increasing concerto of trills and whistles. The strong busily establishing their feed grounds ready for Springtime mating, despite their unknowing of the repetitive seasonal cycle. Following their own deep primal urge.
A crossing of tracks, out on open ground. Unusually for one who tends to walk without break today I choose to sit on the carefully positioned bench. A pause to saviour the warmth radiating from the wood behind my back. On the sturdy monument a small weather beaten plate, a brief nod to another's life. One who at some time during their 75 years discovered this place. And felt it special enough to leave a marker for others as yet unknown, but able to share their pleasure.
At my feet a wood ant, carrying debris more than twice its size. And as soon as one is identified, another is spotted nearby. And then more. Until suddenly, as the eye/brain recognises the pattern of movement, the path comes alive beneath my feet as hundreds of woodland ants track scent paths to and from their nest. Another journey with a more dedicated purpose. The sunshine providing the anthill with the opportunity for some housekeeping and late season stockpiling. Preparation for the darker days ahead.
I raise myself from the bench to rejoin the path. Moving onwards. My unconscious continues to quietly sift through conflicting urgencies. Left to itself for the present to juggle life's imperatives. Whatever conclusions it offers to be considered later.
For the present, its enough to simply wander alone amongst the natural world. And share the moment.Labels: Mental Health, nature
Saturday, September 13
Live Hard; Die Fast;
Its not been the most invigorating of weeks, finishing off with local flash flooding.
But it could have been worse.
The curse of modern house construction on wildlife, despite the various window shadows we have used to deter potentially level flight paths.
But in this case a nuthatch decided an upper storey window was an exception. Unfortunately a mistake it won't be repeating.Labels: nature
Outdoors Blog
Heads up - a new UK Outdoor Blog: Backpackbrewer’s Outdoor Blog
"Mostly, but not exclusively, a blog about the outdoors…..mostly"Labels: blog media, UK Outdoors Blogger
Thursday, September 11
Sleeping Bag: Ultra-Light. Ultra-Cheap, but will it work?
Fancy a 3 season bag that weighs less than 750g yet costs under £75? OK. Well how about less than 500g, and £50? Have I got your interest yet? How about lighter and cheaper still?
Regulars to this site will know a kit test is not my usual style. However the offer of a 378g sleeping bag costing £25, one produced by a UK company, was rather too tempting to ignore.
The postman called today with a small package. A very small package indeed.
Initially reaction? 'What the .....? I've bought a large block of lightweight tin foil"
(And yes dear reader, I did say bought. Albeit at a friendly price for a no-strings-attached review)
Like Dr Who's Tardis the brick unfolds; And unfolds; And keeps on unfolding until there is a rather large, rather wide sleeping bag. Nothing of the simplistic fragility found with a Survival/Space Blanket. More durable and with a clear sleeping bag design.
The only way to really unfurl it for a photo was to quickly slide down inside, and push it into shape from within, to provide an indication of it laid out. Clearly not laid out too well to be honest, with the evidence of the vacuum packing yet to be sorted out (But you'll understand of course - I had to I have a quick play first!)
Initial feelings duly jotted down I'm confident enough with the bag to test it at a Dorset BackPackers Club meet later this month. Plus it provides a chance to get feedback for a product that can be see and handled for real. Some alternative views from those for whom this approach could be so beneficial.
Suffice to say - it has potential. Now can it match up to its maker's claims?
More here on the Furtech website, if you can't wait until the detailed test report later this month.Labels: Backpackers Club, Gear
Wednesday, September 10
A dog's life
I lost a long time walking companion today, after a period of waning vigour and her zest for those things she enjoyed.
A reminder that to distinguish this thing we call Life, an End is necessary to mark the way. And that way, the life that is lived, determines its value.
Which when it is becomes one of an increasingly listless and disinterested spirit is really no life at all. For a dog, or indeed any of us, as we bumble our way through pain and pleasure, ever onwards.
As usual you needed my help to. A poignant moment as I prepared your final bed deep beneath that sunny spot you'd come to enjoy so much in recent times. RIP Midge.Labels: nature
Tuesday, September 9
Cycling LeJoG - Charity begins before home.
If you've been following Trevor Woodford's Blog during recent months you'll be aware he's part of a small team intent on cycling LeJoG, reporting as he goes.
There is an reason behind this madness (Besides getting soaking wet, sores on unusual body parts & the chance to exchange expletives with speeding motorists!)
Their aim is to raise cash for the Dorset Kidney Fund as a personal thank-you for the charity's support of a team member.
Trevor, perhaps better known as Dorset Rep for the Backpackers Club, set off this morning. Meanwhile fundraising continues. So if you feel like chipping in you can via the ever increasingly popular Justgiving website.
Hmm - I wonder if anyone is running a sweep stake on the total number of punctures along the way?
A thought here.
Human nature being what it is, with our busy lifestyles it often takes a personal, maybe tragic, life event, affecting someone we know, before our support for a charity kicks in.
So to those of you currently filling out TGO Challenge entry forms, how about using the trip to raise some £££s to benefit someone else at the same time, even if its only in a small way?
I'm not a great fan of charities per se. After all there are some truly weird and wonderful ones about these days it seems to me. But on a personal basis I regularly donate a small monthly sum to a couple of organisations, one being Mountain Rescue.
The amount isn't large. However over the years the hope is that my regular drip feed of income leaves them free to get on with their work, rather than spending time fundraising.
And I don't even expect to get a preferential service in the event I should possibly call out the MRT. Not even if I do want to fly in a helicopter one of these days.Labels: blog media, LEJOG
Saturday, September 6
Buy the ticket, take the ride
Walking in the rain.
A lot of rain.
From the feel of it, rain meant for someone else as well. Perhaps a few extra clouds diverted by Met Office scientists as a subtle retaliation? A penance for decrying the dumbed down CGI that passes for a TV Weather Forecast these days. Ah but down that path lies paranoia, so lets turn off that track right now.
For naturally we outdoor folk are suitably equipped for these adverse conditions.
As I walk my M3 player feeds me the erudite tones of Steven Fry and his latest podcast (No. 5) A guilty pleasure in listening to his Anglo Saxon littered tirade against Compliance Men In Suits (Don’t you just get a snickering tingle when a cultured gent cuts loose - lol)
But a different feeling when he reflects on the description of those traps awaiting a regular weekly columnist with space to fill, and little to say. Mr Fry identifies two pitfalls.
Firstly - Nostalgia: Remember how it was all so much better; Secondly - Anger: This makes me so mad I will rant. And you will agree or fight me.
The sort of articles you may spot as you browse your weekend newspaper. Even identified, how simple a trap they may remain.
For me a lesson to absorb as I turn it to Blogging, my own media. Or more precisely the easy ability to simply Churn Out Stuff.
Something that I have on my mind at present following various interchanges on the use and abuse of this communication media, and a few practical examples of just how little effort an article can be created using cut, paste and a little personalisation.
I’d add a couple more pratfalls of my own.
Comment: This is what I think about that report/news/action; Googlese: Look what I've found, lets all go and look.
Commonly these cosy up together in the same piece, feeding off each others lack of originality.
So easy to trip. 'Tis but a short fall, without any noticeable impact. Then taken over a period of time it becomes an all too comfortable existence.
Look - I'm doing it now. A reference to something I found, that entertained, and is being followed up with a commentary.
In mitigation it's my explanation of the catalyst behind my thought process. Being only too aware that my logic can go from Here to There too rapidly at times for others to catch the references that link the path of logical thought. Well logical to me at least.
With me so far? For its time to sharply veer away now.
Blogging is rather too comfortable.
There I've said it out loud.
But before you dash off to the Comment Box for one of those Mr Angry moments let me qualify that this is a reflection only of my own site & content.
Shock! Horror! Has old Johnny succumbed to water on the brain and started to lose it?
Let's try to explain. Many of the articles on here I personally find less than satisfactory when looking back over them sometime later. Don’t get me wrong. If it was simply crap writing, or was becoming a chore, I’d stop.
It's just that all too often I find this site has become a conduit for another's thought, observation or experience. Something down to me as editor, proof reader and senior writer to control of course.
As a public service, be it identifying outdoor information or bring some entertainment value, I trust it provides something positive. That part I'm relatively happy with.
But as for the rest, that's not enough. It's never been the main urge that keeps me hunched over this clacking keyboard for far too many hours each week; Reading, researching, thinking and finally, for some items, putting it down for you to browse over for a few minutes before skipping on elsewhere.
(Stick with me here folks - that wasn't a suggestion!)
I believe that this site has delivered much since it first sidled onto the net.
FAQ information for backpacking newbies & tips for the more experienced. Routes and travel suggestions to fan the flickering impulse to visit new areas. At times crusading, not just the Legalise Wild Camping Campaign, but also in support of the Mountain Rescue Teams & other backpackers personal challenges. Even kit reports occasionally, where the gear is something that interests me.
And always a medium for interchange of ideas and a mutual exchange of experiences.
Still most of this stuff can be found elsewhere on the web. Done better. Done in more detail. Or just done more regularly.
Back in January I tried to draw a line, to summarise what makes this pleasurable for me, and sufficiently different for you to return for more of the same.
My line in the sand. To step beyond the well established safety zone of trite conventionality. To offer material that provokes in others a recognition of something deeper than the nuts & bolts elements of what we do outdoors. To quote myself (another trap?)
"to attempt to express the feeling and emotion which accompanies my deep enjoyment of movement, the outdoors, and related activity. To touch that sense of deep fulfilment that comes after a day on the hills, and a night in a strange and remote place"
A tough gig maybe, but one that gives me that special buzz when it works.
Perhaps the above wittering comes across as a ramble or disjointed tirade. Maybe even an indication of failure (which I don’t accept BTW)
But as the rain continues to fall, and Stephen Fry concludes his podcast, you may spot mine host. Alone in a sodden maize field, save for a confused collie dog, watching as his master mentally kicks himself for having been snagged by the biggest trap of all.
Complacency.
Time to regroup and hire myself a new editor here at JH Towers.
Labels: blog media, UK Outdoors Blogger
Tuesday, September 2
Outdoor Kit - Got a Good Idea?
Building on the success of the 2008 venture Alpkit have just announced details of their coLAB Award09.
"The award promotes the exploration, innovation and design of products, systems and services in the adventure sports environment. It aims to encourage grass root design participation and to reward people with the passion for design by giving them the opportunity to show their idea to the outdoor community at a high profile event"
The competition opened on the 1st of Sept with a deadline of 1st Dec for entry submission. The nine shortlisted finalists to appear, along with their ideas, at the Outdoors Show (27 - 29 March 2009) for the final judging.
The finalist will have:
- Free booth at OS 2009
- Prize giving ceremony / Press Conference
- Feature on the coLAB website
- Complimentary Outdoor Show tickets for friends and family
- Friday night dinner courtesy of Alpkit
And the three projects most highly rated by the shows visitors will each receive a trophy plus:
- First Prize: £250 Alpkit products
- Second Prize: £100 Alpkit products
- Third Prize: £50 Alpkit products
The 2008 CoLab was a focal point for many Outdoors Show visitors giving maximum commercial exposure to CoLab entrants. Something otherwise difficult and costly to achieve at precisely the outdoor marketplace that is required.
So if you've got got a good outdoors idea, one that is screaming out for an audience, then here's your chance.
Labels: Gear, Outdoors Shows
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
And whilst we're mooching around the top of the UK hills, Hey, What's That site is offering a DIY panorama generator using a Google Map mash-up. Beta at present, but all clever stuff once you work out how to set your own viewpoint.
Labels: blog media, Wales
Hincheslea Wood - Rebirth
Back in April last year I described a wander around Hincheslea Wood (OL22: GR 275 010) in the New Forest remarking that this burnt out building may have been about to arise from its ashes. Earlier today I came across the replacement building, fast approaching its completion.
Neighbours, approached for their comments on the refurbishment, had no comment to make.
Being more concerned with local childcare facilities.
Labels: New Forest, walks
Saturday, September 27
Dorset BackPacking Club Meet
"Hell is other people" Jean-Paul Sartre - No Exit
Whoops, I bet you're already wondering where this one's going! Not the most positive sounding start I've offered up, but if you know the reference, the initial bleakness belies a wealth of hidden meaning. Deep chappies those fag smoking frenchie philosopher types. Or maybe just intelligible?
But nevertheless the quotation that I had running through my head on the trip back home from the Dorset Backpackers Club meet this weekend.
But I'm getting ahead of myself here - back to the beginning of the trip.
Battling Friday rush hour traffic, a delayed end to a busy working week, was not the way this weekend was intended to start. Add in emergency home repairs completed earlier that afternoon. As a result that evening found me in a frazzled state as I finally arrived at Tom's Field Campsite high on the Isle of Purbeck, near Swanage.
I'd anticipated a quiet corner, some gentle backpacking chat with other Dorset members and a little shop talk with fellow Blogger Darren. But as a late arrival at this particular party the scene was already set with tents piled deeply around the field nearest the toilets & shop.
And also the site's entrance, whose pertinence will become clear as this tale unfolds.
Shoe horning the Akto in alongside Darren's Hex tepee my practiced settling in was quickly sorted, and then to the traditional first brew of the weekend as my reward.
(pass the tin-opener)
But whats this? Already the sunny day is fading, as lengthening shadows cool the air, a call to switch to warmer clothing. What had happened to the day?
Barely time for a quick 'Hi' to the BPC members pitched several tents along the row, and to Darren alongside. All muttered against a backdrop of a screaming toddler somewhere amongst the nearby tents. Looking around I could see that this particular camping field already seemed to be filled to a rather high capacity. A mix of BPC members, young family groups, motor homes and lads-on-the-razz. Hmm an incendiary mix? Potentially.
Time for the pub. Reasonable food & beer and a friendly welcome. But as a local of these parts that irritating recognition that the food prices seemed to have been set mindful of the captive market from the two local camp sites, punters likely to pay-up without too much fuss. With the alternative pub dejectedly displaying a "For Sale" sign above its dark closed doorway we campers had a very limited choice. Market forces I believe it's called.
Trevor, the Dorset BPC rep kindly searched out Darren and myself, with an invite to join the other BPC members, unaware we were already working our way down our last beer, both happy to turn in early. But appreciative of the offer, and not wishing to abuse this friendly overture we sat and chatted for a short while with the other members before tendering our early excuses for the night. No slight intended to those we met, but we were more tired, rather than our normal scintillating company that evening. The BPC made us feel most welcome.
Head torchs slicing the darkness we crossed the field back to the site and our sleeping bags. Early at 9pm, but definitely needy of some shut eye.
Back to that campsite entrance now. Its proximity meant a steady stream of jolly pub returnees & and late arrivals to the campsite. As a result the hours onto midnight were regularly punctuated with car headlights illuminating the tent, the sound of car diesel motors passing close to the tent, and irregular outbreaks of happy campers on a night out.
None of these, I hasten to add, anything exceptional taken in isolation. But as a recurrent backdrop something that I'd rather not have around me.
As I reflected to Darren earlier in the evening, after catching myself once again whinging 'God, I hate campsites' my problem was not the site, but my reaction to it. I’d had a similar reaction during the BPC meet back in April (with rather more cause on that occasion)
And as for Swanage steam engine line. Which idiot thinks it makes for a happy experience to sound that bleedin' train whistle so late at night? And so repeatedly?
Have I finally morphed into a Grumpy Old Sod? (Mrs JH is not allowed an answer at this point. She's biased; And I know what her answer is without asking)
Far from it. Its more that after my wildcamping trips, mostly solo, and always far from the (for me) maddening crowds, these days I seem to have an aversion to the Happy Camper Syndrome - A cheap week of Outdoor Fun with BBQs, Beer, & Bitching. The group experience can work, as experienced on the Blogger meet-ups, out in the wild places, far from the towns.
Perhaps that reflects the attitude and expectations Joe Public Camper, compared to those whom I believe carry a deeper affinity for fitting in amongst natural surroundings. Not this scribe's arrogance I hope. Just mindful of some tactful re-education amongst the less experienced campers. But not a topic high on my agenda at 11:30 pm.
An observation reinforced early Saturday morning as I discovered an overnight arrival had pitched their tent so close to mine that I had to be wary opening my car door, in case I ripped their flysheet. Hmm, now that’s what I call tightly packed. And certainly an unintended slight I'm sure.
Out of the sleeping bag. Coffee bump start, cereal bar breakfast, and nicotine fix satiated I burst forth into ……….clag. Deep, wet and humid. Hopefully only sea mist following yesterday's heat, but for the moment a chilly start.
(A Purbeck clag greeting)
Darren's grinning report of his early success with bacon, eggs, frying pan and his Bush Buddy helped cheer me up. Well sort of - the swine. And on the plus side I got an extra hours sleep instead.
A chat shared with the BPC crew with some of their feedback on the Furtech Sleeping Bag which they were able to look over. The bag was this weekend's test kit, but despite my original intention wasn’t used Friday night (The reason for which will become apparent when I come to write that kit report)
(A subject of some discussion)
Bloggers Go To The Seaside? Well more like Darren and me off to the flesh pots of Swanage. Coffee & cakes. And sunshine - hurrah! For Darren a chance find of a new iPood (don’t ask - other people buy postcards or sticks of rock at the seaside, but nothing as predictable for our Darren)
(The World in Stone - Durlston Head)
A detour to the imaginative stone work on Durlston Head, and then back to a lazy afternoon playing with the sun whilst waiting for my tent to dry-off before finally departing homeward. Unfortunately the thought of a repeat of the previous night proving too much of a detraction I'm afraid.
No slur intended either on the campsite or the people I met, and especially no criticism of the Dorset BPC event.
More a personal recognition as to where my pleasure lies these days; Or more specifically, as I'm coming to realise, where it doesn't.
And that seems to be anywhere near organised camping facilities.Labels: Backpackers Club, blog media, Gear, Mental Health, nature
Caution - Blogger At Work
You know that feeling.
Sun's out.
Those pesky chores all done.
Belly full........well for the next half an hour or so.
So what else is a Blogger to do, out on safari?
Darren, zen like in his study of relaxation techniques. Hard at work.Labels: Backpackers Club, UK Outdoors Blogger
Thursday, September 25
Finding your way or Are We Nearly There Yet?
A few words on Navigation, something always worth improving, whatever the experience level.
Natural Navigator, besides teaching navigation, also keeps a blog of his observations, often challenging our views of how to way find: "Tristan is the only person in the world working full time in natural navigation, both instructing and researching".
However for a nuts n' bolts explanation of how to use a map and compass, pop over to this cunningly title website Navigation With Map and Compass (what's that all about then? lol)
Another entry for the FAQ I think.Labels: blog media, Blogger tip
Finally - a weekend outdoors
Posting has been a little quiet recently. Partly that's down to work pressure; And partly ......well to be honest, besides the usual weekend gadabouts I didn't really think there was much to say. So I kept it at that.
But this weekend I'm off on a Dorset Backpacker Club meet. A chance to chat, sink a few beers, meet up with people old & new, and finally test my Furtech Blizzard Bag - something that is way overdue.
More to follow I'm sure. Labels: Backpackers Club, Gear
Friday, September 19
Hip-pack Competition 2008
With the inevitability of a Big Brother contestant popping up in an expose in a Sunday Newspaper, the end of September is fast approaching.
And with it the closing date for this year's Hip-pack Competition.
Not the best idea I've had, bearing in mind this summer's playfulness, but the prize booty is there for the taking.
Have you got what it takes?Labels: Hip-pack Competition 2008
A Walk on the Wild Side :New Forest Walkabout
"Its Been Emotional" (Big Chris 'Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels': Vid Clip - 4'50)
A sentiment I've been heartily echoing recently as work/life pressures continue to steadily build. Knowledge of a forthcoming, very late summer holiday, our first trip abroad for 15+ years, somehow adding to that roller coaster feeling. Rather than the opposite anticipated effect.
But hey, none of this is new in my life. A shift in viewpoint then. That essential paradigm shift. Memo to Self - a need to control my reaction to circumstance, rather than become enmeshed within it's mindless rush.
That ever incessant urging to embark on the Helter Skelter Express. Headlong towards the dark and ominous tunnel, that lies in wait at the end of all our journeys.
My own ticket is necessary for disembarkation at an earlier station. Something building within me recently. A need for that special sense of quiet. Not merely the avoidance of social interaction, but a total absence of noise. Distant road traffic, the breathing and idiosyncratic personal irritants of other humanity, even those close and deeply loved. A burning desire for solitude and peace.
The chance to take one huge lungful of nothingness. To breathe it deep down inside my body and recall my mind back to the real meaning of existence.
Escape. Earlier today. A New Forest track. Far from the popular routes that others frequent. On this sun kissed Friday morning, towards the end of the holiday season, a perfect opportunity to reach out and touch that great void. Alone. Even if this time it is only for a fleetingly short visit. A hastily grabbed, but long planned, day free of the normal obligations of everyday life.
The path, still boggy in places from recent rainfall, keeps the conscious mind alert. Planning the body's way ahead. Trees and undergrowth still unseasonably reckless with their intrusion across this ancient forest way. A sign of this year's summer weather resulting in a outburst of vegetative growth.
Above and ahead, in gaps through the tree canopy, a blue and cloudless sky. Amongst the open glades, the sunshine feeling warm on forearms and face, before being vanquished once more as the path returns into the deep woodland.
On softer ground, signs left of recent deer activity. The short twin stabs of hoof print marking in the mud a reminder that the herd is near, even if unseen as I quietly travel through their domain. But always sensed out there deeper into the scrub land of the denser forest.
Here and there the ever remarkable fungal sculpture. Now lessening as the colder nigh time temperature starts to slow down their appearance.
Birdsong is again my walking accompaniment. Returning after its late summer absence. The jostling for territory marked with an increasing concerto of trills and whistles. The strong busily establishing their feed grounds ready for Springtime mating, despite their unknowing of the repetitive seasonal cycle. Following their own deep primal urge.
A crossing of tracks, out on open ground. Unusually for one who tends to walk without break today I choose to sit on the carefully positioned bench. A pause to saviour the warmth radiating from the wood behind my back. On the sturdy monument a small weather beaten plate, a brief nod to another's life. One who at some time during their 75 years discovered this place. And felt it special enough to leave a marker for others as yet unknown, but able to share their pleasure.
At my feet a wood ant, carrying debris more than twice its size. And as soon as one is identified, another is spotted nearby. And then more. Until suddenly, as the eye/brain recognises the pattern of movement, the path comes alive beneath my feet as hundreds of woodland ants track scent paths to and from their nest. Another journey with a more dedicated purpose. The sunshine providing the anthill with the opportunity for some housekeeping and late season stockpiling. Preparation for the darker days ahead.
I raise myself from the bench to rejoin the path. Moving onwards. My unconscious continues to quietly sift through conflicting urgencies. Left to itself for the present to juggle life's imperatives. Whatever conclusions it offers to be considered later.
For the present, its enough to simply wander alone amongst the natural world. And share the moment.Labels: Mental Health, nature
Saturday, September 13
Live Hard; Die Fast;
Its not been the most invigorating of weeks, finishing off with local flash flooding.
But it could have been worse.
The curse of modern house construction on wildlife, despite the various window shadows we have used to deter potentially level flight paths.
But in this case a nuthatch decided an upper storey window was an exception. Unfortunately a mistake it won't be repeating.Labels: nature
Outdoors Blog
Heads up - a new UK Outdoor Blog: Backpackbrewer’s Outdoor Blog
"Mostly, but not exclusively, a blog about the outdoors…..mostly"Labels: blog media, UK Outdoors Blogger
Thursday, September 11
Sleeping Bag: Ultra-Light. Ultra-Cheap, but will it work?
Fancy a 3 season bag that weighs less than 750g yet costs under £75? OK. Well how about less than 500g, and £50? Have I got your interest yet? How about lighter and cheaper still?
Regulars to this site will know a kit test is not my usual style. However the offer of a 378g sleeping bag costing £25, one produced by a UK company, was rather too tempting to ignore.
The postman called today with a small package. A very small package indeed.
Initially reaction? 'What the .....? I've bought a large block of lightweight tin foil"
(And yes dear reader, I did say bought. Albeit at a friendly price for a no-strings-attached review)
Like Dr Who's Tardis the brick unfolds; And unfolds; And keeps on unfolding until there is a rather large, rather wide sleeping bag. Nothing of the simplistic fragility found with a Survival/Space Blanket. More durable and with a clear sleeping bag design.
The only way to really unfurl it for a photo was to quickly slide down inside, and push it into shape from within, to provide an indication of it laid out. Clearly not laid out too well to be honest, with the evidence of the vacuum packing yet to be sorted out (But you'll understand of course - I had to I have a quick play first!)
Initial feelings duly jotted down I'm confident enough with the bag to test it at a Dorset BackPackers Club meet later this month. Plus it provides a chance to get feedback for a product that can be see and handled for real. Some alternative views from those for whom this approach could be so beneficial.
Suffice to say - it has potential. Now can it match up to its maker's claims?
More here on the Furtech website, if you can't wait until the detailed test report later this month.Labels: Backpackers Club, Gear
Wednesday, September 10
A dog's life
I lost a long time walking companion today, after a period of waning vigour and her zest for those things she enjoyed.
A reminder that to distinguish this thing we call Life, an End is necessary to mark the way. And that way, the life that is lived, determines its value.
Which when it is becomes one of an increasingly listless and disinterested spirit is really no life at all. For a dog, or indeed any of us, as we bumble our way through pain and pleasure, ever onwards.
As usual you needed my help to. A poignant moment as I prepared your final bed deep beneath that sunny spot you'd come to enjoy so much in recent times. RIP Midge.Labels: nature
Tuesday, September 9
Cycling LeJoG - Charity begins before home.
If you've been following Trevor Woodford's Blog during recent months you'll be aware he's part of a small team intent on cycling LeJoG, reporting as he goes.
There is an reason behind this madness (Besides getting soaking wet, sores on unusual body parts & the chance to exchange expletives with speeding motorists!)
Their aim is to raise cash for the Dorset Kidney Fund as a personal thank-you for the charity's support of a team member.
Trevor, perhaps better known as Dorset Rep for the Backpackers Club, set off this morning. Meanwhile fundraising continues. So if you feel like chipping in you can via the ever increasingly popular Justgiving website.
Hmm - I wonder if anyone is running a sweep stake on the total number of punctures along the way?
A thought here.
Human nature being what it is, with our busy lifestyles it often takes a personal, maybe tragic, life event, affecting someone we know, before our support for a charity kicks in.
So to those of you currently filling out TGO Challenge entry forms, how about using the trip to raise some £££s to benefit someone else at the same time, even if its only in a small way?
I'm not a great fan of charities per se. After all there are some truly weird and wonderful ones about these days it seems to me. But on a personal basis I regularly donate a small monthly sum to a couple of organisations, one being Mountain Rescue.
The amount isn't large. However over the years the hope is that my regular drip feed of income leaves them free to get on with their work, rather than spending time fundraising.
And I don't even expect to get a preferential service in the event I should possibly call out the MRT. Not even if I do want to fly in a helicopter one of these days.Labels: blog media, LEJOG
Saturday, September 6
Buy the ticket, take the ride
Walking in the rain.
A lot of rain.
From the feel of it, rain meant for someone else as well. Perhaps a few extra clouds diverted by Met Office scientists as a subtle retaliation? A penance for decrying the dumbed down CGI that passes for a TV Weather Forecast these days. Ah but down that path lies paranoia, so lets turn off that track right now.
For naturally we outdoor folk are suitably equipped for these adverse conditions.
As I walk my M3 player feeds me the erudite tones of Steven Fry and his latest podcast (No. 5) A guilty pleasure in listening to his Anglo Saxon littered tirade against Compliance Men In Suits (Don’t you just get a snickering tingle when a cultured gent cuts loose - lol)
But a different feeling when he reflects on the description of those traps awaiting a regular weekly columnist with space to fill, and little to say. Mr Fry identifies two pitfalls.
Firstly - Nostalgia: Remember how it was all so much better; Secondly - Anger: This makes me so mad I will rant. And you will agree or fight me.
The sort of articles you may spot as you browse your weekend newspaper. Even identified, how simple a trap they may remain.
For me a lesson to absorb as I turn it to Blogging, my own media. Or more precisely the easy ability to simply Churn Out Stuff.
Something that I have on my mind at present following various interchanges on the use and abuse of this communication media, and a few practical examples of just how little effort an article can be created using cut, paste and a little personalisation.
I’d add a couple more pratfalls of my own.
Comment: This is what I think about that report/news/action; Googlese: Look what I've found, lets all go and look.
Commonly these cosy up together in the same piece, feeding off each others lack of originality.
So easy to trip. 'Tis but a short fall, without any noticeable impact. Then taken over a period of time it becomes an all too comfortable existence.
Look - I'm doing it now. A reference to something I found, that entertained, and is being followed up with a commentary.
In mitigation it's my explanation of the catalyst behind my thought process. Being only too aware that my logic can go from Here to There too rapidly at times for others to catch the references that link the path of logical thought. Well logical to me at least.
With me so far? For its time to sharply veer away now.
Blogging is rather too comfortable.
There I've said it out loud.
But before you dash off to the Comment Box for one of those Mr Angry moments let me qualify that this is a reflection only of my own site & content.
Shock! Horror! Has old Johnny succumbed to water on the brain and started to lose it?
Let's try to explain. Many of the articles on here I personally find less than satisfactory when looking back over them sometime later. Don’t get me wrong. If it was simply crap writing, or was becoming a chore, I’d stop.
It's just that all too often I find this site has become a conduit for another's thought, observation or experience. Something down to me as editor, proof reader and senior writer to control of course.
As a public service, be it identifying outdoor information or bring some entertainment value, I trust it provides something positive. That part I'm relatively happy with.
But as for the rest, that's not enough. It's never been the main urge that keeps me hunched over this clacking keyboard for far too many hours each week; Reading, researching, thinking and finally, for some items, putting it down for you to browse over for a few minutes before skipping on elsewhere.
(Stick with me here folks - that wasn't a suggestion!)
I believe that this site has delivered much since it first sidled onto the net.
FAQ information for backpacking newbies & tips for the more experienced. Routes and travel suggestions to fan the flickering impulse to visit new areas. At times crusading, not just the Legalise Wild Camping Campaign, but also in support of the Mountain Rescue Teams & other backpackers personal challenges. Even kit reports occasionally, where the gear is something that interests me.
And always a medium for interchange of ideas and a mutual exchange of experiences.
Still most of this stuff can be found elsewhere on the web. Done better. Done in more detail. Or just done more regularly.
Back in January I tried to draw a line, to summarise what makes this pleasurable for me, and sufficiently different for you to return for more of the same.
My line in the sand. To step beyond the well established safety zone of trite conventionality. To offer material that provokes in others a recognition of something deeper than the nuts & bolts elements of what we do outdoors. To quote myself (another trap?)
"to attempt to express the feeling and emotion which accompanies my deep enjoyment of movement, the outdoors, and related activity. To touch that sense of deep fulfilment that comes after a day on the hills, and a night in a strange and remote place"
A tough gig maybe, but one that gives me that special buzz when it works.
Perhaps the above wittering comes across as a ramble or disjointed tirade. Maybe even an indication of failure (which I don’t accept BTW)
But as the rain continues to fall, and Stephen Fry concludes his podcast, you may spot mine host. Alone in a sodden maize field, save for a confused collie dog, watching as his master mentally kicks himself for having been snagged by the biggest trap of all.
Complacency.
Time to regroup and hire myself a new editor here at JH Towers.
Labels: blog media, UK Outdoors Blogger
Tuesday, September 2
Outdoor Kit - Got a Good Idea?
Building on the success of the 2008 venture Alpkit have just announced details of their coLAB Award09.
"The award promotes the exploration, innovation and design of products, systems and services in the adventure sports environment. It aims to encourage grass root design participation and to reward people with the passion for design by giving them the opportunity to show their idea to the outdoor community at a high profile event"
The competition opened on the 1st of Sept with a deadline of 1st Dec for entry submission. The nine shortlisted finalists to appear, along with their ideas, at the Outdoors Show (27 - 29 March 2009) for the final judging.
The finalist will have:
- Free booth at OS 2009
- Prize giving ceremony / Press Conference
- Feature on the coLAB website
- Complimentary Outdoor Show tickets for friends and family
- Friday night dinner courtesy of Alpkit
And the three projects most highly rated by the shows visitors will each receive a trophy plus:
- First Prize: £250 Alpkit products
- Second Prize: £100 Alpkit products
- Third Prize: £50 Alpkit products
The 2008 CoLab was a focal point for many Outdoors Show visitors giving maximum commercial exposure to CoLab entrants. Something otherwise difficult and costly to achieve at precisely the outdoor marketplace that is required.
So if you've got got a good outdoors idea, one that is screaming out for an audience, then here's your chance.
Labels: Gear, Outdoors Shows
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
Back in April last year I described a wander around Hincheslea Wood (OL22: GR 275 010) in the New Forest remarking that this burnt out building may have been about to arise from its ashes.
Earlier today I came across the replacement building, fast approaching its completion.
Neighbours, approached for their comments on the refurbishment, had no comment to make.
Being more concerned with local childcare facilities.
Labels: New Forest, walks
Dorset BackPacking Club Meet
"Hell is other people" Jean-Paul Sartre - No Exit
Whoops, I bet you're already wondering where this one's going! Not the most positive sounding start I've offered up, but if you know the reference, the initial bleakness belies a wealth of hidden meaning. Deep chappies those fag smoking frenchie philosopher types. Or maybe just intelligible?
But nevertheless the quotation that I had running through my head on the trip back home from the Dorset Backpackers Club meet this weekend.
But I'm getting ahead of myself here - back to the beginning of the trip.
Battling Friday rush hour traffic, a delayed end to a busy working week, was not the way this weekend was intended to start. Add in emergency home repairs completed earlier that afternoon. As a result that evening found me in a frazzled state as I finally arrived at Tom's Field Campsite high on the Isle of Purbeck, near Swanage.
I'd anticipated a quiet corner, some gentle backpacking chat with other Dorset members and a little shop talk with fellow Blogger Darren. But as a late arrival at this particular party the scene was already set with tents piled deeply around the field nearest the toilets & shop.
And also the site's entrance, whose pertinence will become clear as this tale unfolds.
Shoe horning the Akto in alongside Darren's Hex tepee my practiced settling in was quickly sorted, and then to the traditional first brew of the weekend as my reward.
(pass the tin-opener)
But whats this? Already the sunny day is fading, as lengthening shadows cool the air, a call to switch to warmer clothing. What had happened to the day?
Barely time for a quick 'Hi' to the BPC members pitched several tents along the row, and to Darren alongside. All muttered against a backdrop of a screaming toddler somewhere amongst the nearby tents. Looking around I could see that this particular camping field already seemed to be filled to a rather high capacity. A mix of BPC members, young family groups, motor homes and lads-on-the-razz. Hmm an incendiary mix? Potentially.
Time for the pub. Reasonable food & beer and a friendly welcome. But as a local of these parts that irritating recognition that the food prices seemed to have been set mindful of the captive market from the two local camp sites, punters likely to pay-up without too much fuss. With the alternative pub dejectedly displaying a "For Sale" sign above its dark closed doorway we campers had a very limited choice. Market forces I believe it's called.
Trevor, the Dorset BPC rep kindly searched out Darren and myself, with an invite to join the other BPC members, unaware we were already working our way down our last beer, both happy to turn in early. But appreciative of the offer, and not wishing to abuse this friendly overture we sat and chatted for a short while with the other members before tendering our early excuses for the night. No slight intended to those we met, but we were more tired, rather than our normal scintillating company that evening. The BPC made us feel most welcome.
Head torchs slicing the darkness we crossed the field back to the site and our sleeping bags. Early at 9pm, but definitely needy of some shut eye.
Back to that campsite entrance now. Its proximity meant a steady stream of jolly pub returnees & and late arrivals to the campsite. As a result the hours onto midnight were regularly punctuated with car headlights illuminating the tent, the sound of car diesel motors passing close to the tent, and irregular outbreaks of happy campers on a night out.
None of these, I hasten to add, anything exceptional taken in isolation. But as a recurrent backdrop something that I'd rather not have around me.
As I reflected to Darren earlier in the evening, after catching myself once again whinging 'God, I hate campsites' my problem was not the site, but my reaction to it. I’d had a similar reaction during the BPC meet back in April (with rather more cause on that occasion)
And as for Swanage steam engine line. Which idiot thinks it makes for a happy experience to sound that bleedin' train whistle so late at night? And so repeatedly?
Have I finally morphed into a Grumpy Old Sod? (Mrs JH is not allowed an answer at this point. She's biased; And I know what her answer is without asking)
Far from it. Its more that after my wildcamping trips, mostly solo, and always far from the (for me) maddening crowds, these days I seem to have an aversion to the Happy Camper Syndrome - A cheap week of Outdoor Fun with BBQs, Beer, & Bitching. The group experience can work, as experienced on the Blogger meet-ups, out in the wild places, far from the towns.
Perhaps that reflects the attitude and expectations Joe Public Camper, compared to those whom I believe carry a deeper affinity for fitting in amongst natural surroundings. Not this scribe's arrogance I hope. Just mindful of some tactful re-education amongst the less experienced campers. But not a topic high on my agenda at 11:30 pm.
An observation reinforced early Saturday morning as I discovered an overnight arrival had pitched their tent so close to mine that I had to be wary opening my car door, in case I ripped their flysheet. Hmm, now that’s what I call tightly packed. And certainly an unintended slight I'm sure.
Out of the sleeping bag. Coffee bump start, cereal bar breakfast, and nicotine fix satiated I burst forth into ……….clag. Deep, wet and humid. Hopefully only sea mist following yesterday's heat, but for the moment a chilly start.
(A Purbeck clag greeting)
Darren's grinning report of his early success with bacon, eggs, frying pan and his Bush Buddy helped cheer me up. Well sort of - the swine. And on the plus side I got an extra hours sleep instead.
A chat shared with the BPC crew with some of their feedback on the Furtech Sleeping Bag which they were able to look over. The bag was this weekend's test kit, but despite my original intention wasn’t used Friday night (The reason for which will become apparent when I come to write that kit report)
(A subject of some discussion)
Bloggers Go To The Seaside? Well more like Darren and me off to the flesh pots of Swanage. Coffee & cakes. And sunshine - hurrah! For Darren a chance find of a new iPood (don’t ask - other people buy postcards or sticks of rock at the seaside, but nothing as predictable for our Darren)
(The World in Stone - Durlston Head)
A detour to the imaginative stone work on Durlston Head, and then back to a lazy afternoon playing with the sun whilst waiting for my tent to dry-off before finally departing homeward. Unfortunately the thought of a repeat of the previous night proving too much of a detraction I'm afraid.
No slur intended either on the campsite or the people I met, and especially no criticism of the Dorset BPC event.
More a personal recognition as to where my pleasure lies these days; Or more specifically, as I'm coming to realise, where it doesn't.
And that seems to be anywhere near organised camping facilities.Labels: Backpackers Club, blog media, Gear, Mental Health, nature
Caution - Blogger At Work
You know that feeling.
Sun's out.
Those pesky chores all done.
Belly full........well for the next half an hour or so.
So what else is a Blogger to do, out on safari?
Darren, zen like in his study of relaxation techniques. Hard at work.Labels: Backpackers Club, UK Outdoors Blogger
Thursday, September 25
Finding your way or Are We Nearly There Yet?
A few words on Navigation, something always worth improving, whatever the experience level.
Natural Navigator, besides teaching navigation, also keeps a blog of his observations, often challenging our views of how to way find: "Tristan is the only person in the world working full time in natural navigation, both instructing and researching".
However for a nuts n' bolts explanation of how to use a map and compass, pop over to this cunningly title website Navigation With Map and Compass (what's that all about then? lol)
Another entry for the FAQ I think.Labels: blog media, Blogger tip
Finally - a weekend outdoors
Posting has been a little quiet recently. Partly that's down to work pressure; And partly ......well to be honest, besides the usual weekend gadabouts I didn't really think there was much to say. So I kept it at that.
But this weekend I'm off on a Dorset Backpacker Club meet. A chance to chat, sink a few beers, meet up with people old & new, and finally test my Furtech Blizzard Bag - something that is way overdue.
More to follow I'm sure. Labels: Backpackers Club, Gear
Friday, September 19
Hip-pack Competition 2008
With the inevitability of a Big Brother contestant popping up in an expose in a Sunday Newspaper, the end of September is fast approaching.
And with it the closing date for this year's Hip-pack Competition.
Not the best idea I've had, bearing in mind this summer's playfulness, but the prize booty is there for the taking.
Have you got what it takes?Labels: Hip-pack Competition 2008
A Walk on the Wild Side :New Forest Walkabout
"Its Been Emotional" (Big Chris 'Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels': Vid Clip - 4'50)
A sentiment I've been heartily echoing recently as work/life pressures continue to steadily build. Knowledge of a forthcoming, very late summer holiday, our first trip abroad for 15+ years, somehow adding to that roller coaster feeling. Rather than the opposite anticipated effect.
But hey, none of this is new in my life. A shift in viewpoint then. That essential paradigm shift. Memo to Self - a need to control my reaction to circumstance, rather than become enmeshed within it's mindless rush.
That ever incessant urging to embark on the Helter Skelter Express. Headlong towards the dark and ominous tunnel, that lies in wait at the end of all our journeys.
My own ticket is necessary for disembarkation at an earlier station. Something building within me recently. A need for that special sense of quiet. Not merely the avoidance of social interaction, but a total absence of noise. Distant road traffic, the breathing and idiosyncratic personal irritants of other humanity, even those close and deeply loved. A burning desire for solitude and peace.
The chance to take one huge lungful of nothingness. To breathe it deep down inside my body and recall my mind back to the real meaning of existence.
Escape. Earlier today. A New Forest track. Far from the popular routes that others frequent. On this sun kissed Friday morning, towards the end of the holiday season, a perfect opportunity to reach out and touch that great void. Alone. Even if this time it is only for a fleetingly short visit. A hastily grabbed, but long planned, day free of the normal obligations of everyday life.
The path, still boggy in places from recent rainfall, keeps the conscious mind alert. Planning the body's way ahead. Trees and undergrowth still unseasonably reckless with their intrusion across this ancient forest way. A sign of this year's summer weather resulting in a outburst of vegetative growth.
Above and ahead, in gaps through the tree canopy, a blue and cloudless sky. Amongst the open glades, the sunshine feeling warm on forearms and face, before being vanquished once more as the path returns into the deep woodland.
On softer ground, signs left of recent deer activity. The short twin stabs of hoof print marking in the mud a reminder that the herd is near, even if unseen as I quietly travel through their domain. But always sensed out there deeper into the scrub land of the denser forest.
Here and there the ever remarkable fungal sculpture. Now lessening as the colder nigh time temperature starts to slow down their appearance.
Birdsong is again my walking accompaniment. Returning after its late summer absence. The jostling for territory marked with an increasing concerto of trills and whistles. The strong busily establishing their feed grounds ready for Springtime mating, despite their unknowing of the repetitive seasonal cycle. Following their own deep primal urge.
A crossing of tracks, out on open ground. Unusually for one who tends to walk without break today I choose to sit on the carefully positioned bench. A pause to saviour the warmth radiating from the wood behind my back. On the sturdy monument a small weather beaten plate, a brief nod to another's life. One who at some time during their 75 years discovered this place. And felt it special enough to leave a marker for others as yet unknown, but able to share their pleasure.
At my feet a wood ant, carrying debris more than twice its size. And as soon as one is identified, another is spotted nearby. And then more. Until suddenly, as the eye/brain recognises the pattern of movement, the path comes alive beneath my feet as hundreds of woodland ants track scent paths to and from their nest. Another journey with a more dedicated purpose. The sunshine providing the anthill with the opportunity for some housekeeping and late season stockpiling. Preparation for the darker days ahead.
I raise myself from the bench to rejoin the path. Moving onwards. My unconscious continues to quietly sift through conflicting urgencies. Left to itself for the present to juggle life's imperatives. Whatever conclusions it offers to be considered later.
For the present, its enough to simply wander alone amongst the natural world. And share the moment.Labels: Mental Health, nature
Saturday, September 13
Live Hard; Die Fast;
Its not been the most invigorating of weeks, finishing off with local flash flooding.
But it could have been worse.
The curse of modern house construction on wildlife, despite the various window shadows we have used to deter potentially level flight paths.
But in this case a nuthatch decided an upper storey window was an exception. Unfortunately a mistake it won't be repeating.Labels: nature
Outdoors Blog
Heads up - a new UK Outdoor Blog: Backpackbrewer’s Outdoor Blog
"Mostly, but not exclusively, a blog about the outdoors…..mostly"Labels: blog media, UK Outdoors Blogger
Thursday, September 11
Sleeping Bag: Ultra-Light. Ultra-Cheap, but will it work?
Fancy a 3 season bag that weighs less than 750g yet costs under £75? OK. Well how about less than 500g, and £50? Have I got your interest yet? How about lighter and cheaper still?
Regulars to this site will know a kit test is not my usual style. However the offer of a 378g sleeping bag costing £25, one produced by a UK company, was rather too tempting to ignore.
The postman called today with a small package. A very small package indeed.
Initially reaction? 'What the .....? I've bought a large block of lightweight tin foil"
(And yes dear reader, I did say bought. Albeit at a friendly price for a no-strings-attached review)
Like Dr Who's Tardis the brick unfolds; And unfolds; And keeps on unfolding until there is a rather large, rather wide sleeping bag. Nothing of the simplistic fragility found with a Survival/Space Blanket. More durable and with a clear sleeping bag design.
The only way to really unfurl it for a photo was to quickly slide down inside, and push it into shape from within, to provide an indication of it laid out. Clearly not laid out too well to be honest, with the evidence of the vacuum packing yet to be sorted out (But you'll understand of course - I had to I have a quick play first!)
Initial feelings duly jotted down I'm confident enough with the bag to test it at a Dorset BackPackers Club meet later this month. Plus it provides a chance to get feedback for a product that can be see and handled for real. Some alternative views from those for whom this approach could be so beneficial.
Suffice to say - it has potential. Now can it match up to its maker's claims?
More here on the Furtech website, if you can't wait until the detailed test report later this month.Labels: Backpackers Club, Gear
Wednesday, September 10
A dog's life
I lost a long time walking companion today, after a period of waning vigour and her zest for those things she enjoyed.
A reminder that to distinguish this thing we call Life, an End is necessary to mark the way. And that way, the life that is lived, determines its value.
Which when it is becomes one of an increasingly listless and disinterested spirit is really no life at all. For a dog, or indeed any of us, as we bumble our way through pain and pleasure, ever onwards.
As usual you needed my help to. A poignant moment as I prepared your final bed deep beneath that sunny spot you'd come to enjoy so much in recent times. RIP Midge.Labels: nature
Tuesday, September 9
Cycling LeJoG - Charity begins before home.
If you've been following Trevor Woodford's Blog during recent months you'll be aware he's part of a small team intent on cycling LeJoG, reporting as he goes.
There is an reason behind this madness (Besides getting soaking wet, sores on unusual body parts & the chance to exchange expletives with speeding motorists!)
Their aim is to raise cash for the Dorset Kidney Fund as a personal thank-you for the charity's support of a team member.
Trevor, perhaps better known as Dorset Rep for the Backpackers Club, set off this morning. Meanwhile fundraising continues. So if you feel like chipping in you can via the ever increasingly popular Justgiving website.
Hmm - I wonder if anyone is running a sweep stake on the total number of punctures along the way?
A thought here.
Human nature being what it is, with our busy lifestyles it often takes a personal, maybe tragic, life event, affecting someone we know, before our support for a charity kicks in.
So to those of you currently filling out TGO Challenge entry forms, how about using the trip to raise some £££s to benefit someone else at the same time, even if its only in a small way?
I'm not a great fan of charities per se. After all there are some truly weird and wonderful ones about these days it seems to me. But on a personal basis I regularly donate a small monthly sum to a couple of organisations, one being Mountain Rescue.
The amount isn't large. However over the years the hope is that my regular drip feed of income leaves them free to get on with their work, rather than spending time fundraising.
And I don't even expect to get a preferential service in the event I should possibly call out the MRT. Not even if I do want to fly in a helicopter one of these days.Labels: blog media, LEJOG
Saturday, September 6
Buy the ticket, take the ride
Walking in the rain.
A lot of rain.
From the feel of it, rain meant for someone else as well. Perhaps a few extra clouds diverted by Met Office scientists as a subtle retaliation? A penance for decrying the dumbed down CGI that passes for a TV Weather Forecast these days. Ah but down that path lies paranoia, so lets turn off that track right now.
For naturally we outdoor folk are suitably equipped for these adverse conditions.
As I walk my M3 player feeds me the erudite tones of Steven Fry and his latest podcast (No. 5) A guilty pleasure in listening to his Anglo Saxon littered tirade against Compliance Men In Suits (Don’t you just get a snickering tingle when a cultured gent cuts loose - lol)
But a different feeling when he reflects on the description of those traps awaiting a regular weekly columnist with space to fill, and little to say. Mr Fry identifies two pitfalls.
Firstly - Nostalgia: Remember how it was all so much better; Secondly - Anger: This makes me so mad I will rant. And you will agree or fight me.
The sort of articles you may spot as you browse your weekend newspaper. Even identified, how simple a trap they may remain.
For me a lesson to absorb as I turn it to Blogging, my own media. Or more precisely the easy ability to simply Churn Out Stuff.
Something that I have on my mind at present following various interchanges on the use and abuse of this communication media, and a few practical examples of just how little effort an article can be created using cut, paste and a little personalisation.
I’d add a couple more pratfalls of my own.
Comment: This is what I think about that report/news/action; Googlese: Look what I've found, lets all go and look.
Commonly these cosy up together in the same piece, feeding off each others lack of originality.
So easy to trip. 'Tis but a short fall, without any noticeable impact. Then taken over a period of time it becomes an all too comfortable existence.
Look - I'm doing it now. A reference to something I found, that entertained, and is being followed up with a commentary.
In mitigation it's my explanation of the catalyst behind my thought process. Being only too aware that my logic can go from Here to There too rapidly at times for others to catch the references that link the path of logical thought. Well logical to me at least.
With me so far? For its time to sharply veer away now.
Blogging is rather too comfortable.
There I've said it out loud.
But before you dash off to the Comment Box for one of those Mr Angry moments let me qualify that this is a reflection only of my own site & content.
Shock! Horror! Has old Johnny succumbed to water on the brain and started to lose it?
Let's try to explain. Many of the articles on here I personally find less than satisfactory when looking back over them sometime later. Don’t get me wrong. If it was simply crap writing, or was becoming a chore, I’d stop.
It's just that all too often I find this site has become a conduit for another's thought, observation or experience. Something down to me as editor, proof reader and senior writer to control of course.
As a public service, be it identifying outdoor information or bring some entertainment value, I trust it provides something positive. That part I'm relatively happy with.
But as for the rest, that's not enough. It's never been the main urge that keeps me hunched over this clacking keyboard for far too many hours each week; Reading, researching, thinking and finally, for some items, putting it down for you to browse over for a few minutes before skipping on elsewhere.
(Stick with me here folks - that wasn't a suggestion!)
I believe that this site has delivered much since it first sidled onto the net.
FAQ information for backpacking newbies & tips for the more experienced. Routes and travel suggestions to fan the flickering impulse to visit new areas. At times crusading, not just the Legalise Wild Camping Campaign, but also in support of the Mountain Rescue Teams & other backpackers personal challenges. Even kit reports occasionally, where the gear is something that interests me.
And always a medium for interchange of ideas and a mutual exchange of experiences.
Still most of this stuff can be found elsewhere on the web. Done better. Done in more detail. Or just done more regularly.
Back in January I tried to draw a line, to summarise what makes this pleasurable for me, and sufficiently different for you to return for more of the same.
My line in the sand. To step beyond the well established safety zone of trite conventionality. To offer material that provokes in others a recognition of something deeper than the nuts & bolts elements of what we do outdoors. To quote myself (another trap?)
"to attempt to express the feeling and emotion which accompanies my deep enjoyment of movement, the outdoors, and related activity. To touch that sense of deep fulfilment that comes after a day on the hills, and a night in a strange and remote place"
A tough gig maybe, but one that gives me that special buzz when it works.
Perhaps the above wittering comes across as a ramble or disjointed tirade. Maybe even an indication of failure (which I don’t accept BTW)
But as the rain continues to fall, and Stephen Fry concludes his podcast, you may spot mine host. Alone in a sodden maize field, save for a confused collie dog, watching as his master mentally kicks himself for having been snagged by the biggest trap of all.
Complacency.
Time to regroup and hire myself a new editor here at JH Towers.
Labels: blog media, UK Outdoors Blogger
Tuesday, September 2
Outdoor Kit - Got a Good Idea?
Building on the success of the 2008 venture Alpkit have just announced details of their coLAB Award09.
"The award promotes the exploration, innovation and design of products, systems and services in the adventure sports environment. It aims to encourage grass root design participation and to reward people with the passion for design by giving them the opportunity to show their idea to the outdoor community at a high profile event"
The competition opened on the 1st of Sept with a deadline of 1st Dec for entry submission. The nine shortlisted finalists to appear, along with their ideas, at the Outdoors Show (27 - 29 March 2009) for the final judging.
The finalist will have:
- Free booth at OS 2009
- Prize giving ceremony / Press Conference
- Feature on the coLAB website
- Complimentary Outdoor Show tickets for friends and family
- Friday night dinner courtesy of Alpkit
And the three projects most highly rated by the shows visitors will each receive a trophy plus:
- First Prize: £250 Alpkit products
- Second Prize: £100 Alpkit products
- Third Prize: £50 Alpkit products
The 2008 CoLab was a focal point for many Outdoors Show visitors giving maximum commercial exposure to CoLab entrants. Something otherwise difficult and costly to achieve at precisely the outdoor marketplace that is required.
So if you've got got a good outdoors idea, one that is screaming out for an audience, then here's your chance.
Labels: Gear, Outdoors Shows
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
Whoops, I bet you're already wondering where this one's going! Not the most positive sounding start I've offered up, but if you know the reference, the initial bleakness belies a wealth of hidden meaning. Deep chappies those fag smoking frenchie philosopher types. Or maybe just intelligible?
But nevertheless the quotation that I had running through my head on the trip back home from the Dorset Backpackers Club meet this weekend.
But I'm getting ahead of myself here - back to the beginning of the trip.
Battling Friday rush hour traffic, a delayed end to a busy working week, was not the way this weekend was intended to start. Add in emergency home repairs completed earlier that afternoon. As a result that evening found me in a frazzled state as I finally arrived at Tom's Field Campsite high on the Isle of Purbeck, near Swanage.
I'd anticipated a quiet corner, some gentle backpacking chat with other Dorset members and a little shop talk with fellow Blogger Darren. But as a late arrival at this particular party the scene was already set with tents piled deeply around the field nearest the toilets & shop.
And also the site's entrance, whose pertinence will become clear as this tale unfolds.
Shoe horning the Akto in alongside Darren's Hex tepee my practiced settling in was quickly sorted, and then to the traditional first brew of the weekend as my reward.
(pass the tin-opener)But whats this? Already the sunny day is fading, as lengthening shadows cool the air, a call to switch to warmer clothing. What had happened to the day?
Barely time for a quick 'Hi' to the BPC members pitched several tents along the row, and to Darren alongside. All muttered against a backdrop of a screaming toddler somewhere amongst the nearby tents. Looking around I could see that this particular camping field already seemed to be filled to a rather high capacity. A mix of BPC members, young family groups, motor homes and lads-on-the-razz. Hmm an incendiary mix? Potentially.
Time for the pub. Reasonable food & beer and a friendly welcome. But as a local of these parts that irritating recognition that the food prices seemed to have been set mindful of the captive market from the two local camp sites, punters likely to pay-up without too much fuss. With the alternative pub dejectedly displaying a "For Sale" sign above its dark closed doorway we campers had a very limited choice. Market forces I believe it's called.
Trevor, the Dorset BPC rep kindly searched out Darren and myself, with an invite to join the other BPC members, unaware we were already working our way down our last beer, both happy to turn in early. But appreciative of the offer, and not wishing to abuse this friendly overture we sat and chatted for a short while with the other members before tendering our early excuses for the night. No slight intended to those we met, but we were more tired, rather than our normal scintillating company that evening. The BPC made us feel most welcome.
Head torchs slicing the darkness we crossed the field back to the site and our sleeping bags. Early at 9pm, but definitely needy of some shut eye.
Back to that campsite entrance now. Its proximity meant a steady stream of jolly pub returnees & and late arrivals to the campsite. As a result the hours onto midnight were regularly punctuated with car headlights illuminating the tent, the sound of car diesel motors passing close to the tent, and irregular outbreaks of happy campers on a night out.
None of these, I hasten to add, anything exceptional taken in isolation. But as a recurrent backdrop something that I'd rather not have around me.
As I reflected to Darren earlier in the evening, after catching myself once again whinging 'God, I hate campsites' my problem was not the site, but my reaction to it. I’d had a similar reaction during the BPC meet back in April (with rather more cause on that occasion)
And as for Swanage steam engine line. Which idiot thinks it makes for a happy experience to sound that bleedin' train whistle so late at night? And so repeatedly?
Have I finally morphed into a Grumpy Old Sod? (Mrs JH is not allowed an answer at this point. She's biased; And I know what her answer is without asking)
Far from it. Its more that after my wildcamping trips, mostly solo, and always far from the (for me) maddening crowds, these days I seem to have an aversion to the Happy Camper Syndrome - A cheap week of Outdoor Fun with BBQs, Beer, & Bitching. The group experience can work, as experienced on the Blogger meet-ups, out in the wild places, far from the towns.
Perhaps that reflects the attitude and expectations Joe Public Camper, compared to those whom I believe carry a deeper affinity for fitting in amongst natural surroundings. Not this scribe's arrogance I hope. Just mindful of some tactful re-education amongst the less experienced campers. But not a topic high on my agenda at 11:30 pm.
An observation reinforced early Saturday morning as I discovered an overnight arrival had pitched their tent so close to mine that I had to be wary opening my car door, in case I ripped their flysheet. Hmm, now that’s what I call tightly packed. And certainly an unintended slight I'm sure.
Out of the sleeping bag. Coffee bump start, cereal bar breakfast, and nicotine fix satiated I burst forth into ……….clag. Deep, wet and humid. Hopefully only sea mist following yesterday's heat, but for the moment a chilly start.
(A Purbeck clag greeting)Darren's grinning report of his early success with bacon, eggs, frying pan and his Bush Buddy helped cheer me up. Well sort of - the swine. And on the plus side I got an extra hours sleep instead.
A chat shared with the BPC crew with some of their feedback on the Furtech Sleeping Bag which they were able to look over. The bag was this weekend's test kit, but despite my original intention wasn’t used Friday night (The reason for which will become apparent when I come to write that kit report)
(A subject of some discussion)Bloggers Go To The Seaside? Well more like Darren and me off to the flesh pots of Swanage. Coffee & cakes. And sunshine - hurrah! For Darren a chance find of a new iPood (don’t ask - other people buy postcards or sticks of rock at the seaside, but nothing as predictable for our Darren)
(The World in Stone - Durlston Head)A detour to the imaginative stone work on Durlston Head, and then back to a lazy afternoon playing with the sun whilst waiting for my tent to dry-off before finally departing homeward. Unfortunately the thought of a repeat of the previous night proving too much of a detraction I'm afraid.
No slur intended either on the campsite or the people I met, and especially no criticism of the Dorset BPC event.
More a personal recognition as to where my pleasure lies these days; Or more specifically, as I'm coming to realise, where it doesn't.
And that seems to be anywhere near organised camping facilities.
Labels: Backpackers Club, blog media, Gear, Mental Health, nature
Caution - Blogger At Work
You know that feeling.
Sun's out.
Those pesky chores all done.
Belly full........well for the next half an hour or so.
So what else is a Blogger to do, out on safari?
Darren, zen like in his study of relaxation techniques. Hard at work.Labels: Backpackers Club, UK Outdoors Blogger
Thursday, September 25
Finding your way or Are We Nearly There Yet?
A few words on Navigation, something always worth improving, whatever the experience level.
Natural Navigator, besides teaching navigation, also keeps a blog of his observations, often challenging our views of how to way find: "Tristan is the only person in the world working full time in natural navigation, both instructing and researching".
However for a nuts n' bolts explanation of how to use a map and compass, pop over to this cunningly title website Navigation With Map and Compass (what's that all about then? lol)
Another entry for the FAQ I think.Labels: blog media, Blogger tip
Finally - a weekend outdoors
Posting has been a little quiet recently. Partly that's down to work pressure; And partly ......well to be honest, besides the usual weekend gadabouts I didn't really think there was much to say. So I kept it at that.
But this weekend I'm off on a Dorset Backpacker Club meet. A chance to chat, sink a few beers, meet up with people old & new, and finally test my Furtech Blizzard Bag - something that is way overdue.
More to follow I'm sure. Labels: Backpackers Club, Gear
Friday, September 19
Hip-pack Competition 2008
With the inevitability of a Big Brother contestant popping up in an expose in a Sunday Newspaper, the end of September is fast approaching.
And with it the closing date for this year's Hip-pack Competition.
Not the best idea I've had, bearing in mind this summer's playfulness, but the prize booty is there for the taking.
Have you got what it takes?Labels: Hip-pack Competition 2008
A Walk on the Wild Side :New Forest Walkabout
"Its Been Emotional" (Big Chris 'Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels': Vid Clip - 4'50)
A sentiment I've been heartily echoing recently as work/life pressures continue to steadily build. Knowledge of a forthcoming, very late summer holiday, our first trip abroad for 15+ years, somehow adding to that roller coaster feeling. Rather than the opposite anticipated effect.
But hey, none of this is new in my life. A shift in viewpoint then. That essential paradigm shift. Memo to Self - a need to control my reaction to circumstance, rather than become enmeshed within it's mindless rush.
That ever incessant urging to embark on the Helter Skelter Express. Headlong towards the dark and ominous tunnel, that lies in wait at the end of all our journeys.
My own ticket is necessary for disembarkation at an earlier station. Something building within me recently. A need for that special sense of quiet. Not merely the avoidance of social interaction, but a total absence of noise. Distant road traffic, the breathing and idiosyncratic personal irritants of other humanity, even those close and deeply loved. A burning desire for solitude and peace.
The chance to take one huge lungful of nothingness. To breathe it deep down inside my body and recall my mind back to the real meaning of existence.
Escape. Earlier today. A New Forest track. Far from the popular routes that others frequent. On this sun kissed Friday morning, towards the end of the holiday season, a perfect opportunity to reach out and touch that great void. Alone. Even if this time it is only for a fleetingly short visit. A hastily grabbed, but long planned, day free of the normal obligations of everyday life.
The path, still boggy in places from recent rainfall, keeps the conscious mind alert. Planning the body's way ahead. Trees and undergrowth still unseasonably reckless with their intrusion across this ancient forest way. A sign of this year's summer weather resulting in a outburst of vegetative growth.
Above and ahead, in gaps through the tree canopy, a blue and cloudless sky. Amongst the open glades, the sunshine feeling warm on forearms and face, before being vanquished once more as the path returns into the deep woodland.
On softer ground, signs left of recent deer activity. The short twin stabs of hoof print marking in the mud a reminder that the herd is near, even if unseen as I quietly travel through their domain. But always sensed out there deeper into the scrub land of the denser forest.
Here and there the ever remarkable fungal sculpture. Now lessening as the colder nigh time temperature starts to slow down their appearance.
Birdsong is again my walking accompaniment. Returning after its late summer absence. The jostling for territory marked with an increasing concerto of trills and whistles. The strong busily establishing their feed grounds ready for Springtime mating, despite their unknowing of the repetitive seasonal cycle. Following their own deep primal urge.
A crossing of tracks, out on open ground. Unusually for one who tends to walk without break today I choose to sit on the carefully positioned bench. A pause to saviour the warmth radiating from the wood behind my back. On the sturdy monument a small weather beaten plate, a brief nod to another's life. One who at some time during their 75 years discovered this place. And felt it special enough to leave a marker for others as yet unknown, but able to share their pleasure.
At my feet a wood ant, carrying debris more than twice its size. And as soon as one is identified, another is spotted nearby. And then more. Until suddenly, as the eye/brain recognises the pattern of movement, the path comes alive beneath my feet as hundreds of woodland ants track scent paths to and from their nest. Another journey with a more dedicated purpose. The sunshine providing the anthill with the opportunity for some housekeeping and late season stockpiling. Preparation for the darker days ahead.
I raise myself from the bench to rejoin the path. Moving onwards. My unconscious continues to quietly sift through conflicting urgencies. Left to itself for the present to juggle life's imperatives. Whatever conclusions it offers to be considered later.
For the present, its enough to simply wander alone amongst the natural world. And share the moment.Labels: Mental Health, nature
Saturday, September 13
Live Hard; Die Fast;
Its not been the most invigorating of weeks, finishing off with local flash flooding.
But it could have been worse.
The curse of modern house construction on wildlife, despite the various window shadows we have used to deter potentially level flight paths.
But in this case a nuthatch decided an upper storey window was an exception. Unfortunately a mistake it won't be repeating.Labels: nature
Outdoors Blog
Heads up - a new UK Outdoor Blog: Backpackbrewer’s Outdoor Blog
"Mostly, but not exclusively, a blog about the outdoors…..mostly"Labels: blog media, UK Outdoors Blogger
Thursday, September 11
Sleeping Bag: Ultra-Light. Ultra-Cheap, but will it work?
Fancy a 3 season bag that weighs less than 750g yet costs under £75? OK. Well how about less than 500g, and £50? Have I got your interest yet? How about lighter and cheaper still?
Regulars to this site will know a kit test is not my usual style. However the offer of a 378g sleeping bag costing £25, one produced by a UK company, was rather too tempting to ignore.
The postman called today with a small package. A very small package indeed.
Initially reaction? 'What the .....? I've bought a large block of lightweight tin foil"
(And yes dear reader, I did say bought. Albeit at a friendly price for a no-strings-attached review)
Like Dr Who's Tardis the brick unfolds; And unfolds; And keeps on unfolding until there is a rather large, rather wide sleeping bag. Nothing of the simplistic fragility found with a Survival/Space Blanket. More durable and with a clear sleeping bag design.
The only way to really unfurl it for a photo was to quickly slide down inside, and push it into shape from within, to provide an indication of it laid out. Clearly not laid out too well to be honest, with the evidence of the vacuum packing yet to be sorted out (But you'll understand of course - I had to I have a quick play first!)
Initial feelings duly jotted down I'm confident enough with the bag to test it at a Dorset BackPackers Club meet later this month. Plus it provides a chance to get feedback for a product that can be see and handled for real. Some alternative views from those for whom this approach could be so beneficial.
Suffice to say - it has potential. Now can it match up to its maker's claims?
More here on the Furtech website, if you can't wait until the detailed test report later this month.Labels: Backpackers Club, Gear
Wednesday, September 10
A dog's life
I lost a long time walking companion today, after a period of waning vigour and her zest for those things she enjoyed.
A reminder that to distinguish this thing we call Life, an End is necessary to mark the way. And that way, the life that is lived, determines its value.
Which when it is becomes one of an increasingly listless and disinterested spirit is really no life at all. For a dog, or indeed any of us, as we bumble our way through pain and pleasure, ever onwards.
As usual you needed my help to. A poignant moment as I prepared your final bed deep beneath that sunny spot you'd come to enjoy so much in recent times. RIP Midge.Labels: nature
Tuesday, September 9
Cycling LeJoG - Charity begins before home.
If you've been following Trevor Woodford's Blog during recent months you'll be aware he's part of a small team intent on cycling LeJoG, reporting as he goes.
There is an reason behind this madness (Besides getting soaking wet, sores on unusual body parts & the chance to exchange expletives with speeding motorists!)
Their aim is to raise cash for the Dorset Kidney Fund as a personal thank-you for the charity's support of a team member.
Trevor, perhaps better known as Dorset Rep for the Backpackers Club, set off this morning. Meanwhile fundraising continues. So if you feel like chipping in you can via the ever increasingly popular Justgiving website.
Hmm - I wonder if anyone is running a sweep stake on the total number of punctures along the way?
A thought here.
Human nature being what it is, with our busy lifestyles it often takes a personal, maybe tragic, life event, affecting someone we know, before our support for a charity kicks in.
So to those of you currently filling out TGO Challenge entry forms, how about using the trip to raise some £££s to benefit someone else at the same time, even if its only in a small way?
I'm not a great fan of charities per se. After all there are some truly weird and wonderful ones about these days it seems to me. But on a personal basis I regularly donate a small monthly sum to a couple of organisations, one being Mountain Rescue.
The amount isn't large. However over the years the hope is that my regular drip feed of income leaves them free to get on with their work, rather than spending time fundraising.
And I don't even expect to get a preferential service in the event I should possibly call out the MRT. Not even if I do want to fly in a helicopter one of these days.Labels: blog media, LEJOG
Saturday, September 6
Buy the ticket, take the ride
Walking in the rain.
A lot of rain.
From the feel of it, rain meant for someone else as well. Perhaps a few extra clouds diverted by Met Office scientists as a subtle retaliation? A penance for decrying the dumbed down CGI that passes for a TV Weather Forecast these days. Ah but down that path lies paranoia, so lets turn off that track right now.
For naturally we outdoor folk are suitably equipped for these adverse conditions.
As I walk my M3 player feeds me the erudite tones of Steven Fry and his latest podcast (No. 5) A guilty pleasure in listening to his Anglo Saxon littered tirade against Compliance Men In Suits (Don’t you just get a snickering tingle when a cultured gent cuts loose - lol)
But a different feeling when he reflects on the description of those traps awaiting a regular weekly columnist with space to fill, and little to say. Mr Fry identifies two pitfalls.
Firstly - Nostalgia: Remember how it was all so much better; Secondly - Anger: This makes me so mad I will rant. And you will agree or fight me.
The sort of articles you may spot as you browse your weekend newspaper. Even identified, how simple a trap they may remain.
For me a lesson to absorb as I turn it to Blogging, my own media. Or more precisely the easy ability to simply Churn Out Stuff.
Something that I have on my mind at present following various interchanges on the use and abuse of this communication media, and a few practical examples of just how little effort an article can be created using cut, paste and a little personalisation.
I’d add a couple more pratfalls of my own.
Comment: This is what I think about that report/news/action; Googlese: Look what I've found, lets all go and look.
Commonly these cosy up together in the same piece, feeding off each others lack of originality.
So easy to trip. 'Tis but a short fall, without any noticeable impact. Then taken over a period of time it becomes an all too comfortable existence.
Look - I'm doing it now. A reference to something I found, that entertained, and is being followed up with a commentary.
In mitigation it's my explanation of the catalyst behind my thought process. Being only too aware that my logic can go from Here to There too rapidly at times for others to catch the references that link the path of logical thought. Well logical to me at least.
With me so far? For its time to sharply veer away now.
Blogging is rather too comfortable.
There I've said it out loud.
But before you dash off to the Comment Box for one of those Mr Angry moments let me qualify that this is a reflection only of my own site & content.
Shock! Horror! Has old Johnny succumbed to water on the brain and started to lose it?
Let's try to explain. Many of the articles on here I personally find less than satisfactory when looking back over them sometime later. Don’t get me wrong. If it was simply crap writing, or was becoming a chore, I’d stop.
It's just that all too often I find this site has become a conduit for another's thought, observation or experience. Something down to me as editor, proof reader and senior writer to control of course.
As a public service, be it identifying outdoor information or bring some entertainment value, I trust it provides something positive. That part I'm relatively happy with.
But as for the rest, that's not enough. It's never been the main urge that keeps me hunched over this clacking keyboard for far too many hours each week; Reading, researching, thinking and finally, for some items, putting it down for you to browse over for a few minutes before skipping on elsewhere.
(Stick with me here folks - that wasn't a suggestion!)
I believe that this site has delivered much since it first sidled onto the net.
FAQ information for backpacking newbies & tips for the more experienced. Routes and travel suggestions to fan the flickering impulse to visit new areas. At times crusading, not just the Legalise Wild Camping Campaign, but also in support of the Mountain Rescue Teams & other backpackers personal challenges. Even kit reports occasionally, where the gear is something that interests me.
And always a medium for interchange of ideas and a mutual exchange of experiences.
Still most of this stuff can be found elsewhere on the web. Done better. Done in more detail. Or just done more regularly.
Back in January I tried to draw a line, to summarise what makes this pleasurable for me, and sufficiently different for you to return for more of the same.
My line in the sand. To step beyond the well established safety zone of trite conventionality. To offer material that provokes in others a recognition of something deeper than the nuts & bolts elements of what we do outdoors. To quote myself (another trap?)
"to attempt to express the feeling and emotion which accompanies my deep enjoyment of movement, the outdoors, and related activity. To touch that sense of deep fulfilment that comes after a day on the hills, and a night in a strange and remote place"
A tough gig maybe, but one that gives me that special buzz when it works.
Perhaps the above wittering comes across as a ramble or disjointed tirade. Maybe even an indication of failure (which I don’t accept BTW)
But as the rain continues to fall, and Stephen Fry concludes his podcast, you may spot mine host. Alone in a sodden maize field, save for a confused collie dog, watching as his master mentally kicks himself for having been snagged by the biggest trap of all.
Complacency.
Time to regroup and hire myself a new editor here at JH Towers.
Labels: blog media, UK Outdoors Blogger
Tuesday, September 2
Outdoor Kit - Got a Good Idea?
Building on the success of the 2008 venture Alpkit have just announced details of their coLAB Award09.
"The award promotes the exploration, innovation and design of products, systems and services in the adventure sports environment. It aims to encourage grass root design participation and to reward people with the passion for design by giving them the opportunity to show their idea to the outdoor community at a high profile event"
The competition opened on the 1st of Sept with a deadline of 1st Dec for entry submission. The nine shortlisted finalists to appear, along with their ideas, at the Outdoors Show (27 - 29 March 2009) for the final judging.
The finalist will have:
- Free booth at OS 2009
- Prize giving ceremony / Press Conference
- Feature on the coLAB website
- Complimentary Outdoor Show tickets for friends and family
- Friday night dinner courtesy of Alpkit
And the three projects most highly rated by the shows visitors will each receive a trophy plus:
- First Prize: £250 Alpkit products
- Second Prize: £100 Alpkit products
- Third Prize: £50 Alpkit products
The 2008 CoLab was a focal point for many Outdoors Show visitors giving maximum commercial exposure to CoLab entrants. Something otherwise difficult and costly to achieve at precisely the outdoor marketplace that is required.
So if you've got got a good outdoors idea, one that is screaming out for an audience, then here's your chance.
Labels: Gear, Outdoors Shows
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
Sun's out.
Those pesky chores all done.
Belly full........well for the next half an hour or so.
So what else is a Blogger to do, out on safari?
Darren, zen like in his study of relaxation techniques. Hard at work.
Labels: Backpackers Club, UK Outdoors Blogger
Finding your way or Are We Nearly There Yet?
A few words on Navigation, something always worth improving, whatever the experience level.
Natural Navigator, besides teaching navigation, also keeps a blog of his observations, often challenging our views of how to way find: "Tristan is the only person in the world working full time in natural navigation, both instructing and researching".
However for a nuts n' bolts explanation of how to use a map and compass, pop over to this cunningly title website Navigation With Map and Compass (what's that all about then? lol)
Another entry for the FAQ I think.Labels: blog media, Blogger tip
Finally - a weekend outdoors
Posting has been a little quiet recently. Partly that's down to work pressure; And partly ......well to be honest, besides the usual weekend gadabouts I didn't really think there was much to say. So I kept it at that.
But this weekend I'm off on a Dorset Backpacker Club meet. A chance to chat, sink a few beers, meet up with people old & new, and finally test my Furtech Blizzard Bag - something that is way overdue.
More to follow I'm sure. Labels: Backpackers Club, Gear
Friday, September 19
Hip-pack Competition 2008
With the inevitability of a Big Brother contestant popping up in an expose in a Sunday Newspaper, the end of September is fast approaching.
And with it the closing date for this year's Hip-pack Competition.
Not the best idea I've had, bearing in mind this summer's playfulness, but the prize booty is there for the taking.
Have you got what it takes?Labels: Hip-pack Competition 2008
A Walk on the Wild Side :New Forest Walkabout
"Its Been Emotional" (Big Chris 'Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels': Vid Clip - 4'50)
A sentiment I've been heartily echoing recently as work/life pressures continue to steadily build. Knowledge of a forthcoming, very late summer holiday, our first trip abroad for 15+ years, somehow adding to that roller coaster feeling. Rather than the opposite anticipated effect.
But hey, none of this is new in my life. A shift in viewpoint then. That essential paradigm shift. Memo to Self - a need to control my reaction to circumstance, rather than become enmeshed within it's mindless rush.
That ever incessant urging to embark on the Helter Skelter Express. Headlong towards the dark and ominous tunnel, that lies in wait at the end of all our journeys.
My own ticket is necessary for disembarkation at an earlier station. Something building within me recently. A need for that special sense of quiet. Not merely the avoidance of social interaction, but a total absence of noise. Distant road traffic, the breathing and idiosyncratic personal irritants of other humanity, even those close and deeply loved. A burning desire for solitude and peace.
The chance to take one huge lungful of nothingness. To breathe it deep down inside my body and recall my mind back to the real meaning of existence.
Escape. Earlier today. A New Forest track. Far from the popular routes that others frequent. On this sun kissed Friday morning, towards the end of the holiday season, a perfect opportunity to reach out and touch that great void. Alone. Even if this time it is only for a fleetingly short visit. A hastily grabbed, but long planned, day free of the normal obligations of everyday life.
The path, still boggy in places from recent rainfall, keeps the conscious mind alert. Planning the body's way ahead. Trees and undergrowth still unseasonably reckless with their intrusion across this ancient forest way. A sign of this year's summer weather resulting in a outburst of vegetative growth.
Above and ahead, in gaps through the tree canopy, a blue and cloudless sky. Amongst the open glades, the sunshine feeling warm on forearms and face, before being vanquished once more as the path returns into the deep woodland.
On softer ground, signs left of recent deer activity. The short twin stabs of hoof print marking in the mud a reminder that the herd is near, even if unseen as I quietly travel through their domain. But always sensed out there deeper into the scrub land of the denser forest.
Here and there the ever remarkable fungal sculpture. Now lessening as the colder nigh time temperature starts to slow down their appearance.
Birdsong is again my walking accompaniment. Returning after its late summer absence. The jostling for territory marked with an increasing concerto of trills and whistles. The strong busily establishing their feed grounds ready for Springtime mating, despite their unknowing of the repetitive seasonal cycle. Following their own deep primal urge.
A crossing of tracks, out on open ground. Unusually for one who tends to walk without break today I choose to sit on the carefully positioned bench. A pause to saviour the warmth radiating from the wood behind my back. On the sturdy monument a small weather beaten plate, a brief nod to another's life. One who at some time during their 75 years discovered this place. And felt it special enough to leave a marker for others as yet unknown, but able to share their pleasure.
At my feet a wood ant, carrying debris more than twice its size. And as soon as one is identified, another is spotted nearby. And then more. Until suddenly, as the eye/brain recognises the pattern of movement, the path comes alive beneath my feet as hundreds of woodland ants track scent paths to and from their nest. Another journey with a more dedicated purpose. The sunshine providing the anthill with the opportunity for some housekeeping and late season stockpiling. Preparation for the darker days ahead.
I raise myself from the bench to rejoin the path. Moving onwards. My unconscious continues to quietly sift through conflicting urgencies. Left to itself for the present to juggle life's imperatives. Whatever conclusions it offers to be considered later.
For the present, its enough to simply wander alone amongst the natural world. And share the moment.Labels: Mental Health, nature
Saturday, September 13
Live Hard; Die Fast;
Its not been the most invigorating of weeks, finishing off with local flash flooding.
But it could have been worse.
The curse of modern house construction on wildlife, despite the various window shadows we have used to deter potentially level flight paths.
But in this case a nuthatch decided an upper storey window was an exception. Unfortunately a mistake it won't be repeating.Labels: nature
Outdoors Blog
Heads up - a new UK Outdoor Blog: Backpackbrewer’s Outdoor Blog
"Mostly, but not exclusively, a blog about the outdoors…..mostly"Labels: blog media, UK Outdoors Blogger
Thursday, September 11
Sleeping Bag: Ultra-Light. Ultra-Cheap, but will it work?
Fancy a 3 season bag that weighs less than 750g yet costs under £75? OK. Well how about less than 500g, and £50? Have I got your interest yet? How about lighter and cheaper still?
Regulars to this site will know a kit test is not my usual style. However the offer of a 378g sleeping bag costing £25, one produced by a UK company, was rather too tempting to ignore.
The postman called today with a small package. A very small package indeed.
Initially reaction? 'What the .....? I've bought a large block of lightweight tin foil"
(And yes dear reader, I did say bought. Albeit at a friendly price for a no-strings-attached review)
Like Dr Who's Tardis the brick unfolds; And unfolds; And keeps on unfolding until there is a rather large, rather wide sleeping bag. Nothing of the simplistic fragility found with a Survival/Space Blanket. More durable and with a clear sleeping bag design.
The only way to really unfurl it for a photo was to quickly slide down inside, and push it into shape from within, to provide an indication of it laid out. Clearly not laid out too well to be honest, with the evidence of the vacuum packing yet to be sorted out (But you'll understand of course - I had to I have a quick play first!)
Initial feelings duly jotted down I'm confident enough with the bag to test it at a Dorset BackPackers Club meet later this month. Plus it provides a chance to get feedback for a product that can be see and handled for real. Some alternative views from those for whom this approach could be so beneficial.
Suffice to say - it has potential. Now can it match up to its maker's claims?
More here on the Furtech website, if you can't wait until the detailed test report later this month.Labels: Backpackers Club, Gear
Wednesday, September 10
A dog's life
I lost a long time walking companion today, after a period of waning vigour and her zest for those things she enjoyed.
A reminder that to distinguish this thing we call Life, an End is necessary to mark the way. And that way, the life that is lived, determines its value.
Which when it is becomes one of an increasingly listless and disinterested spirit is really no life at all. For a dog, or indeed any of us, as we bumble our way through pain and pleasure, ever onwards.
As usual you needed my help to. A poignant moment as I prepared your final bed deep beneath that sunny spot you'd come to enjoy so much in recent times. RIP Midge.Labels: nature
Tuesday, September 9
Cycling LeJoG - Charity begins before home.
If you've been following Trevor Woodford's Blog during recent months you'll be aware he's part of a small team intent on cycling LeJoG, reporting as he goes.
There is an reason behind this madness (Besides getting soaking wet, sores on unusual body parts & the chance to exchange expletives with speeding motorists!)
Their aim is to raise cash for the Dorset Kidney Fund as a personal thank-you for the charity's support of a team member.
Trevor, perhaps better known as Dorset Rep for the Backpackers Club, set off this morning. Meanwhile fundraising continues. So if you feel like chipping in you can via the ever increasingly popular Justgiving website.
Hmm - I wonder if anyone is running a sweep stake on the total number of punctures along the way?
A thought here.
Human nature being what it is, with our busy lifestyles it often takes a personal, maybe tragic, life event, affecting someone we know, before our support for a charity kicks in.
So to those of you currently filling out TGO Challenge entry forms, how about using the trip to raise some £££s to benefit someone else at the same time, even if its only in a small way?
I'm not a great fan of charities per se. After all there are some truly weird and wonderful ones about these days it seems to me. But on a personal basis I regularly donate a small monthly sum to a couple of organisations, one being Mountain Rescue.
The amount isn't large. However over the years the hope is that my regular drip feed of income leaves them free to get on with their work, rather than spending time fundraising.
And I don't even expect to get a preferential service in the event I should possibly call out the MRT. Not even if I do want to fly in a helicopter one of these days.Labels: blog media, LEJOG
Saturday, September 6
Buy the ticket, take the ride
Walking in the rain.
A lot of rain.
From the feel of it, rain meant for someone else as well. Perhaps a few extra clouds diverted by Met Office scientists as a subtle retaliation? A penance for decrying the dumbed down CGI that passes for a TV Weather Forecast these days. Ah but down that path lies paranoia, so lets turn off that track right now.
For naturally we outdoor folk are suitably equipped for these adverse conditions.
As I walk my M3 player feeds me the erudite tones of Steven Fry and his latest podcast (No. 5) A guilty pleasure in listening to his Anglo Saxon littered tirade against Compliance Men In Suits (Don’t you just get a snickering tingle when a cultured gent cuts loose - lol)
But a different feeling when he reflects on the description of those traps awaiting a regular weekly columnist with space to fill, and little to say. Mr Fry identifies two pitfalls.
Firstly - Nostalgia: Remember how it was all so much better; Secondly - Anger: This makes me so mad I will rant. And you will agree or fight me.
The sort of articles you may spot as you browse your weekend newspaper. Even identified, how simple a trap they may remain.
For me a lesson to absorb as I turn it to Blogging, my own media. Or more precisely the easy ability to simply Churn Out Stuff.
Something that I have on my mind at present following various interchanges on the use and abuse of this communication media, and a few practical examples of just how little effort an article can be created using cut, paste and a little personalisation.
I’d add a couple more pratfalls of my own.
Comment: This is what I think about that report/news/action; Googlese: Look what I've found, lets all go and look.
Commonly these cosy up together in the same piece, feeding off each others lack of originality.
So easy to trip. 'Tis but a short fall, without any noticeable impact. Then taken over a period of time it becomes an all too comfortable existence.
Look - I'm doing it now. A reference to something I found, that entertained, and is being followed up with a commentary.
In mitigation it's my explanation of the catalyst behind my thought process. Being only too aware that my logic can go from Here to There too rapidly at times for others to catch the references that link the path of logical thought. Well logical to me at least.
With me so far? For its time to sharply veer away now.
Blogging is rather too comfortable.
There I've said it out loud.
But before you dash off to the Comment Box for one of those Mr Angry moments let me qualify that this is a reflection only of my own site & content.
Shock! Horror! Has old Johnny succumbed to water on the brain and started to lose it?
Let's try to explain. Many of the articles on here I personally find less than satisfactory when looking back over them sometime later. Don’t get me wrong. If it was simply crap writing, or was becoming a chore, I’d stop.
It's just that all too often I find this site has become a conduit for another's thought, observation or experience. Something down to me as editor, proof reader and senior writer to control of course.
As a public service, be it identifying outdoor information or bring some entertainment value, I trust it provides something positive. That part I'm relatively happy with.
But as for the rest, that's not enough. It's never been the main urge that keeps me hunched over this clacking keyboard for far too many hours each week; Reading, researching, thinking and finally, for some items, putting it down for you to browse over for a few minutes before skipping on elsewhere.
(Stick with me here folks - that wasn't a suggestion!)
I believe that this site has delivered much since it first sidled onto the net.
FAQ information for backpacking newbies & tips for the more experienced. Routes and travel suggestions to fan the flickering impulse to visit new areas. At times crusading, not just the Legalise Wild Camping Campaign, but also in support of the Mountain Rescue Teams & other backpackers personal challenges. Even kit reports occasionally, where the gear is something that interests me.
And always a medium for interchange of ideas and a mutual exchange of experiences.
Still most of this stuff can be found elsewhere on the web. Done better. Done in more detail. Or just done more regularly.
Back in January I tried to draw a line, to summarise what makes this pleasurable for me, and sufficiently different for you to return for more of the same.
My line in the sand. To step beyond the well established safety zone of trite conventionality. To offer material that provokes in others a recognition of something deeper than the nuts & bolts elements of what we do outdoors. To quote myself (another trap?)
"to attempt to express the feeling and emotion which accompanies my deep enjoyment of movement, the outdoors, and related activity. To touch that sense of deep fulfilment that comes after a day on the hills, and a night in a strange and remote place"
A tough gig maybe, but one that gives me that special buzz when it works.
Perhaps the above wittering comes across as a ramble or disjointed tirade. Maybe even an indication of failure (which I don’t accept BTW)
But as the rain continues to fall, and Stephen Fry concludes his podcast, you may spot mine host. Alone in a sodden maize field, save for a confused collie dog, watching as his master mentally kicks himself for having been snagged by the biggest trap of all.
Complacency.
Time to regroup and hire myself a new editor here at JH Towers.
Labels: blog media, UK Outdoors Blogger
Tuesday, September 2
Outdoor Kit - Got a Good Idea?
Building on the success of the 2008 venture Alpkit have just announced details of their coLAB Award09.
"The award promotes the exploration, innovation and design of products, systems and services in the adventure sports environment. It aims to encourage grass root design participation and to reward people with the passion for design by giving them the opportunity to show their idea to the outdoor community at a high profile event"
The competition opened on the 1st of Sept with a deadline of 1st Dec for entry submission. The nine shortlisted finalists to appear, along with their ideas, at the Outdoors Show (27 - 29 March 2009) for the final judging.
The finalist will have:
- Free booth at OS 2009
- Prize giving ceremony / Press Conference
- Feature on the coLAB website
- Complimentary Outdoor Show tickets for friends and family
- Friday night dinner courtesy of Alpkit
And the three projects most highly rated by the shows visitors will each receive a trophy plus:
- First Prize: £250 Alpkit products
- Second Prize: £100 Alpkit products
- Third Prize: £50 Alpkit products
The 2008 CoLab was a focal point for many Outdoors Show visitors giving maximum commercial exposure to CoLab entrants. Something otherwise difficult and costly to achieve at precisely the outdoor marketplace that is required.
So if you've got got a good outdoors idea, one that is screaming out for an audience, then here's your chance.
Labels: Gear, Outdoors Shows
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
Natural Navigator, besides teaching navigation, also keeps a blog of his observations, often challenging our views of how to way find: "Tristan is the only person in the world working full time in natural navigation, both instructing and researching".
However for a nuts n' bolts explanation of how to use a map and compass, pop over to this cunningly title website Navigation With Map and Compass (what's that all about then? lol)
Another entry for the FAQ I think.
Labels: blog media, Blogger tip
Finally - a weekend outdoors
Posting has been a little quiet recently. Partly that's down to work pressure; And partly ......well to be honest, besides the usual weekend gadabouts I didn't really think there was much to say. So I kept it at that.
But this weekend I'm off on a Dorset Backpacker Club meet. A chance to chat, sink a few beers, meet up with people old & new, and finally test my Furtech Blizzard Bag - something that is way overdue.
More to follow I'm sure. Labels: Backpackers Club, Gear
Friday, September 19
Hip-pack Competition 2008
With the inevitability of a Big Brother contestant popping up in an expose in a Sunday Newspaper, the end of September is fast approaching.
And with it the closing date for this year's Hip-pack Competition.
Not the best idea I've had, bearing in mind this summer's playfulness, but the prize booty is there for the taking.
Have you got what it takes?Labels: Hip-pack Competition 2008
A Walk on the Wild Side :New Forest Walkabout
"Its Been Emotional" (Big Chris 'Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels': Vid Clip - 4'50)
A sentiment I've been heartily echoing recently as work/life pressures continue to steadily build. Knowledge of a forthcoming, very late summer holiday, our first trip abroad for 15+ years, somehow adding to that roller coaster feeling. Rather than the opposite anticipated effect.
But hey, none of this is new in my life. A shift in viewpoint then. That essential paradigm shift. Memo to Self - a need to control my reaction to circumstance, rather than become enmeshed within it's mindless rush.
That ever incessant urging to embark on the Helter Skelter Express. Headlong towards the dark and ominous tunnel, that lies in wait at the end of all our journeys.
My own ticket is necessary for disembarkation at an earlier station. Something building within me recently. A need for that special sense of quiet. Not merely the avoidance of social interaction, but a total absence of noise. Distant road traffic, the breathing and idiosyncratic personal irritants of other humanity, even those close and deeply loved. A burning desire for solitude and peace.
The chance to take one huge lungful of nothingness. To breathe it deep down inside my body and recall my mind back to the real meaning of existence.
Escape. Earlier today. A New Forest track. Far from the popular routes that others frequent. On this sun kissed Friday morning, towards the end of the holiday season, a perfect opportunity to reach out and touch that great void. Alone. Even if this time it is only for a fleetingly short visit. A hastily grabbed, but long planned, day free of the normal obligations of everyday life.
The path, still boggy in places from recent rainfall, keeps the conscious mind alert. Planning the body's way ahead. Trees and undergrowth still unseasonably reckless with their intrusion across this ancient forest way. A sign of this year's summer weather resulting in a outburst of vegetative growth.
Above and ahead, in gaps through the tree canopy, a blue and cloudless sky. Amongst the open glades, the sunshine feeling warm on forearms and face, before being vanquished once more as the path returns into the deep woodland.
On softer ground, signs left of recent deer activity. The short twin stabs of hoof print marking in the mud a reminder that the herd is near, even if unseen as I quietly travel through their domain. But always sensed out there deeper into the scrub land of the denser forest.
Here and there the ever remarkable fungal sculpture. Now lessening as the colder nigh time temperature starts to slow down their appearance.
Birdsong is again my walking accompaniment. Returning after its late summer absence. The jostling for territory marked with an increasing concerto of trills and whistles. The strong busily establishing their feed grounds ready for Springtime mating, despite their unknowing of the repetitive seasonal cycle. Following their own deep primal urge.
A crossing of tracks, out on open ground. Unusually for one who tends to walk without break today I choose to sit on the carefully positioned bench. A pause to saviour the warmth radiating from the wood behind my back. On the sturdy monument a small weather beaten plate, a brief nod to another's life. One who at some time during their 75 years discovered this place. And felt it special enough to leave a marker for others as yet unknown, but able to share their pleasure.
At my feet a wood ant, carrying debris more than twice its size. And as soon as one is identified, another is spotted nearby. And then more. Until suddenly, as the eye/brain recognises the pattern of movement, the path comes alive beneath my feet as hundreds of woodland ants track scent paths to and from their nest. Another journey with a more dedicated purpose. The sunshine providing the anthill with the opportunity for some housekeeping and late season stockpiling. Preparation for the darker days ahead.
I raise myself from the bench to rejoin the path. Moving onwards. My unconscious continues to quietly sift through conflicting urgencies. Left to itself for the present to juggle life's imperatives. Whatever conclusions it offers to be considered later.
For the present, its enough to simply wander alone amongst the natural world. And share the moment.Labels: Mental Health, nature
Saturday, September 13
Live Hard; Die Fast;
Its not been the most invigorating of weeks, finishing off with local flash flooding.
But it could have been worse.
The curse of modern house construction on wildlife, despite the various window shadows we have used to deter potentially level flight paths.
But in this case a nuthatch decided an upper storey window was an exception. Unfortunately a mistake it won't be repeating.Labels: nature
Outdoors Blog
Heads up - a new UK Outdoor Blog: Backpackbrewer’s Outdoor Blog
"Mostly, but not exclusively, a blog about the outdoors…..mostly"Labels: blog media, UK Outdoors Blogger
Thursday, September 11
Sleeping Bag: Ultra-Light. Ultra-Cheap, but will it work?
Fancy a 3 season bag that weighs less than 750g yet costs under £75? OK. Well how about less than 500g, and £50? Have I got your interest yet? How about lighter and cheaper still?
Regulars to this site will know a kit test is not my usual style. However the offer of a 378g sleeping bag costing £25, one produced by a UK company, was rather too tempting to ignore.
The postman called today with a small package. A very small package indeed.
Initially reaction? 'What the .....? I've bought a large block of lightweight tin foil"
(And yes dear reader, I did say bought. Albeit at a friendly price for a no-strings-attached review)
Like Dr Who's Tardis the brick unfolds; And unfolds; And keeps on unfolding until there is a rather large, rather wide sleeping bag. Nothing of the simplistic fragility found with a Survival/Space Blanket. More durable and with a clear sleeping bag design.
The only way to really unfurl it for a photo was to quickly slide down inside, and push it into shape from within, to provide an indication of it laid out. Clearly not laid out too well to be honest, with the evidence of the vacuum packing yet to be sorted out (But you'll understand of course - I had to I have a quick play first!)
Initial feelings duly jotted down I'm confident enough with the bag to test it at a Dorset BackPackers Club meet later this month. Plus it provides a chance to get feedback for a product that can be see and handled for real. Some alternative views from those for whom this approach could be so beneficial.
Suffice to say - it has potential. Now can it match up to its maker's claims?
More here on the Furtech website, if you can't wait until the detailed test report later this month.Labels: Backpackers Club, Gear
Wednesday, September 10
A dog's life
I lost a long time walking companion today, after a period of waning vigour and her zest for those things she enjoyed.
A reminder that to distinguish this thing we call Life, an End is necessary to mark the way. And that way, the life that is lived, determines its value.
Which when it is becomes one of an increasingly listless and disinterested spirit is really no life at all. For a dog, or indeed any of us, as we bumble our way through pain and pleasure, ever onwards.
As usual you needed my help to. A poignant moment as I prepared your final bed deep beneath that sunny spot you'd come to enjoy so much in recent times. RIP Midge.Labels: nature
Tuesday, September 9
Cycling LeJoG - Charity begins before home.
If you've been following Trevor Woodford's Blog during recent months you'll be aware he's part of a small team intent on cycling LeJoG, reporting as he goes.
There is an reason behind this madness (Besides getting soaking wet, sores on unusual body parts & the chance to exchange expletives with speeding motorists!)
Their aim is to raise cash for the Dorset Kidney Fund as a personal thank-you for the charity's support of a team member.
Trevor, perhaps better known as Dorset Rep for the Backpackers Club, set off this morning. Meanwhile fundraising continues. So if you feel like chipping in you can via the ever increasingly popular Justgiving website.
Hmm - I wonder if anyone is running a sweep stake on the total number of punctures along the way?
A thought here.
Human nature being what it is, with our busy lifestyles it often takes a personal, maybe tragic, life event, affecting someone we know, before our support for a charity kicks in.
So to those of you currently filling out TGO Challenge entry forms, how about using the trip to raise some £££s to benefit someone else at the same time, even if its only in a small way?
I'm not a great fan of charities per se. After all there are some truly weird and wonderful ones about these days it seems to me. But on a personal basis I regularly donate a small monthly sum to a couple of organisations, one being Mountain Rescue.
The amount isn't large. However over the years the hope is that my regular drip feed of income leaves them free to get on with their work, rather than spending time fundraising.
And I don't even expect to get a preferential service in the event I should possibly call out the MRT. Not even if I do want to fly in a helicopter one of these days.Labels: blog media, LEJOG
Saturday, September 6
Buy the ticket, take the ride
Walking in the rain.
A lot of rain.
From the feel of it, rain meant for someone else as well. Perhaps a few extra clouds diverted by Met Office scientists as a subtle retaliation? A penance for decrying the dumbed down CGI that passes for a TV Weather Forecast these days. Ah but down that path lies paranoia, so lets turn off that track right now.
For naturally we outdoor folk are suitably equipped for these adverse conditions.
As I walk my M3 player feeds me the erudite tones of Steven Fry and his latest podcast (No. 5) A guilty pleasure in listening to his Anglo Saxon littered tirade against Compliance Men In Suits (Don’t you just get a snickering tingle when a cultured gent cuts loose - lol)
But a different feeling when he reflects on the description of those traps awaiting a regular weekly columnist with space to fill, and little to say. Mr Fry identifies two pitfalls.
Firstly - Nostalgia: Remember how it was all so much better; Secondly - Anger: This makes me so mad I will rant. And you will agree or fight me.
The sort of articles you may spot as you browse your weekend newspaper. Even identified, how simple a trap they may remain.
For me a lesson to absorb as I turn it to Blogging, my own media. Or more precisely the easy ability to simply Churn Out Stuff.
Something that I have on my mind at present following various interchanges on the use and abuse of this communication media, and a few practical examples of just how little effort an article can be created using cut, paste and a little personalisation.
I’d add a couple more pratfalls of my own.
Comment: This is what I think about that report/news/action; Googlese: Look what I've found, lets all go and look.
Commonly these cosy up together in the same piece, feeding off each others lack of originality.
So easy to trip. 'Tis but a short fall, without any noticeable impact. Then taken over a period of time it becomes an all too comfortable existence.
Look - I'm doing it now. A reference to something I found, that entertained, and is being followed up with a commentary.
In mitigation it's my explanation of the catalyst behind my thought process. Being only too aware that my logic can go from Here to There too rapidly at times for others to catch the references that link the path of logical thought. Well logical to me at least.
With me so far? For its time to sharply veer away now.
Blogging is rather too comfortable.
There I've said it out loud.
But before you dash off to the Comment Box for one of those Mr Angry moments let me qualify that this is a reflection only of my own site & content.
Shock! Horror! Has old Johnny succumbed to water on the brain and started to lose it?
Let's try to explain. Many of the articles on here I personally find less than satisfactory when looking back over them sometime later. Don’t get me wrong. If it was simply crap writing, or was becoming a chore, I’d stop.
It's just that all too often I find this site has become a conduit for another's thought, observation or experience. Something down to me as editor, proof reader and senior writer to control of course.
As a public service, be it identifying outdoor information or bring some entertainment value, I trust it provides something positive. That part I'm relatively happy with.
But as for the rest, that's not enough. It's never been the main urge that keeps me hunched over this clacking keyboard for far too many hours each week; Reading, researching, thinking and finally, for some items, putting it down for you to browse over for a few minutes before skipping on elsewhere.
(Stick with me here folks - that wasn't a suggestion!)
I believe that this site has delivered much since it first sidled onto the net.
FAQ information for backpacking newbies & tips for the more experienced. Routes and travel suggestions to fan the flickering impulse to visit new areas. At times crusading, not just the Legalise Wild Camping Campaign, but also in support of the Mountain Rescue Teams & other backpackers personal challenges. Even kit reports occasionally, where the gear is something that interests me.
And always a medium for interchange of ideas and a mutual exchange of experiences.
Still most of this stuff can be found elsewhere on the web. Done better. Done in more detail. Or just done more regularly.
Back in January I tried to draw a line, to summarise what makes this pleasurable for me, and sufficiently different for you to return for more of the same.
My line in the sand. To step beyond the well established safety zone of trite conventionality. To offer material that provokes in others a recognition of something deeper than the nuts & bolts elements of what we do outdoors. To quote myself (another trap?)
"to attempt to express the feeling and emotion which accompanies my deep enjoyment of movement, the outdoors, and related activity. To touch that sense of deep fulfilment that comes after a day on the hills, and a night in a strange and remote place"
A tough gig maybe, but one that gives me that special buzz when it works.
Perhaps the above wittering comes across as a ramble or disjointed tirade. Maybe even an indication of failure (which I don’t accept BTW)
But as the rain continues to fall, and Stephen Fry concludes his podcast, you may spot mine host. Alone in a sodden maize field, save for a confused collie dog, watching as his master mentally kicks himself for having been snagged by the biggest trap of all.
Complacency.
Time to regroup and hire myself a new editor here at JH Towers.
Labels: blog media, UK Outdoors Blogger
Tuesday, September 2
Outdoor Kit - Got a Good Idea?
Building on the success of the 2008 venture Alpkit have just announced details of their coLAB Award09.
"The award promotes the exploration, innovation and design of products, systems and services in the adventure sports environment. It aims to encourage grass root design participation and to reward people with the passion for design by giving them the opportunity to show their idea to the outdoor community at a high profile event"
The competition opened on the 1st of Sept with a deadline of 1st Dec for entry submission. The nine shortlisted finalists to appear, along with their ideas, at the Outdoors Show (27 - 29 March 2009) for the final judging.
The finalist will have:
- Free booth at OS 2009
- Prize giving ceremony / Press Conference
- Feature on the coLAB website
- Complimentary Outdoor Show tickets for friends and family
- Friday night dinner courtesy of Alpkit
And the three projects most highly rated by the shows visitors will each receive a trophy plus:
- First Prize: £250 Alpkit products
- Second Prize: £100 Alpkit products
- Third Prize: £50 Alpkit products
The 2008 CoLab was a focal point for many Outdoors Show visitors giving maximum commercial exposure to CoLab entrants. Something otherwise difficult and costly to achieve at precisely the outdoor marketplace that is required.
So if you've got got a good outdoors idea, one that is screaming out for an audience, then here's your chance.
Labels: Gear, Outdoors Shows
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
But this weekend I'm off on a Dorset Backpacker Club meet. A chance to chat, sink a few beers, meet up with people old & new, and finally test my Furtech Blizzard Bag - something that is way overdue.
More to follow I'm sure.
Labels: Backpackers Club, Gear
Hip-pack Competition 2008
With the inevitability of a Big Brother contestant popping up in an expose in a Sunday Newspaper, the end of September is fast approaching.
And with it the closing date for this year's Hip-pack Competition.
Not the best idea I've had, bearing in mind this summer's playfulness, but the prize booty is there for the taking.
Have you got what it takes?Labels: Hip-pack Competition 2008
A Walk on the Wild Side :New Forest Walkabout
"Its Been Emotional" (Big Chris 'Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels': Vid Clip - 4'50)
A sentiment I've been heartily echoing recently as work/life pressures continue to steadily build. Knowledge of a forthcoming, very late summer holiday, our first trip abroad for 15+ years, somehow adding to that roller coaster feeling. Rather than the opposite anticipated effect.
But hey, none of this is new in my life. A shift in viewpoint then. That essential paradigm shift. Memo to Self - a need to control my reaction to circumstance, rather than become enmeshed within it's mindless rush.
That ever incessant urging to embark on the Helter Skelter Express. Headlong towards the dark and ominous tunnel, that lies in wait at the end of all our journeys.
My own ticket is necessary for disembarkation at an earlier station. Something building within me recently. A need for that special sense of quiet. Not merely the avoidance of social interaction, but a total absence of noise. Distant road traffic, the breathing and idiosyncratic personal irritants of other humanity, even those close and deeply loved. A burning desire for solitude and peace.
The chance to take one huge lungful of nothingness. To breathe it deep down inside my body and recall my mind back to the real meaning of existence.
Escape. Earlier today. A New Forest track. Far from the popular routes that others frequent. On this sun kissed Friday morning, towards the end of the holiday season, a perfect opportunity to reach out and touch that great void. Alone. Even if this time it is only for a fleetingly short visit. A hastily grabbed, but long planned, day free of the normal obligations of everyday life.
The path, still boggy in places from recent rainfall, keeps the conscious mind alert. Planning the body's way ahead. Trees and undergrowth still unseasonably reckless with their intrusion across this ancient forest way. A sign of this year's summer weather resulting in a outburst of vegetative growth.
Above and ahead, in gaps through the tree canopy, a blue and cloudless sky. Amongst the open glades, the sunshine feeling warm on forearms and face, before being vanquished once more as the path returns into the deep woodland.
On softer ground, signs left of recent deer activity. The short twin stabs of hoof print marking in the mud a reminder that the herd is near, even if unseen as I quietly travel through their domain. But always sensed out there deeper into the scrub land of the denser forest.
Here and there the ever remarkable fungal sculpture. Now lessening as the colder nigh time temperature starts to slow down their appearance.
Birdsong is again my walking accompaniment. Returning after its late summer absence. The jostling for territory marked with an increasing concerto of trills and whistles. The strong busily establishing their feed grounds ready for Springtime mating, despite their unknowing of the repetitive seasonal cycle. Following their own deep primal urge.
A crossing of tracks, out on open ground. Unusually for one who tends to walk without break today I choose to sit on the carefully positioned bench. A pause to saviour the warmth radiating from the wood behind my back. On the sturdy monument a small weather beaten plate, a brief nod to another's life. One who at some time during their 75 years discovered this place. And felt it special enough to leave a marker for others as yet unknown, but able to share their pleasure.
At my feet a wood ant, carrying debris more than twice its size. And as soon as one is identified, another is spotted nearby. And then more. Until suddenly, as the eye/brain recognises the pattern of movement, the path comes alive beneath my feet as hundreds of woodland ants track scent paths to and from their nest. Another journey with a more dedicated purpose. The sunshine providing the anthill with the opportunity for some housekeeping and late season stockpiling. Preparation for the darker days ahead.
I raise myself from the bench to rejoin the path. Moving onwards. My unconscious continues to quietly sift through conflicting urgencies. Left to itself for the present to juggle life's imperatives. Whatever conclusions it offers to be considered later.
For the present, its enough to simply wander alone amongst the natural world. And share the moment.Labels: Mental Health, nature
Saturday, September 13
Live Hard; Die Fast;
Its not been the most invigorating of weeks, finishing off with local flash flooding.
But it could have been worse.
The curse of modern house construction on wildlife, despite the various window shadows we have used to deter potentially level flight paths.
But in this case a nuthatch decided an upper storey window was an exception. Unfortunately a mistake it won't be repeating.Labels: nature
Outdoors Blog
Heads up - a new UK Outdoor Blog: Backpackbrewer’s Outdoor Blog
"Mostly, but not exclusively, a blog about the outdoors…..mostly"Labels: blog media, UK Outdoors Blogger
Thursday, September 11
Sleeping Bag: Ultra-Light. Ultra-Cheap, but will it work?
Fancy a 3 season bag that weighs less than 750g yet costs under £75? OK. Well how about less than 500g, and £50? Have I got your interest yet? How about lighter and cheaper still?
Regulars to this site will know a kit test is not my usual style. However the offer of a 378g sleeping bag costing £25, one produced by a UK company, was rather too tempting to ignore.
The postman called today with a small package. A very small package indeed.
Initially reaction? 'What the .....? I've bought a large block of lightweight tin foil"
(And yes dear reader, I did say bought. Albeit at a friendly price for a no-strings-attached review)
Like Dr Who's Tardis the brick unfolds; And unfolds; And keeps on unfolding until there is a rather large, rather wide sleeping bag. Nothing of the simplistic fragility found with a Survival/Space Blanket. More durable and with a clear sleeping bag design.
The only way to really unfurl it for a photo was to quickly slide down inside, and push it into shape from within, to provide an indication of it laid out. Clearly not laid out too well to be honest, with the evidence of the vacuum packing yet to be sorted out (But you'll understand of course - I had to I have a quick play first!)
Initial feelings duly jotted down I'm confident enough with the bag to test it at a Dorset BackPackers Club meet later this month. Plus it provides a chance to get feedback for a product that can be see and handled for real. Some alternative views from those for whom this approach could be so beneficial.
Suffice to say - it has potential. Now can it match up to its maker's claims?
More here on the Furtech website, if you can't wait until the detailed test report later this month.Labels: Backpackers Club, Gear
Wednesday, September 10
A dog's life
I lost a long time walking companion today, after a period of waning vigour and her zest for those things she enjoyed.
A reminder that to distinguish this thing we call Life, an End is necessary to mark the way. And that way, the life that is lived, determines its value.
Which when it is becomes one of an increasingly listless and disinterested spirit is really no life at all. For a dog, or indeed any of us, as we bumble our way through pain and pleasure, ever onwards.
As usual you needed my help to. A poignant moment as I prepared your final bed deep beneath that sunny spot you'd come to enjoy so much in recent times. RIP Midge.Labels: nature
Tuesday, September 9
Cycling LeJoG - Charity begins before home.
If you've been following Trevor Woodford's Blog during recent months you'll be aware he's part of a small team intent on cycling LeJoG, reporting as he goes.
There is an reason behind this madness (Besides getting soaking wet, sores on unusual body parts & the chance to exchange expletives with speeding motorists!)
Their aim is to raise cash for the Dorset Kidney Fund as a personal thank-you for the charity's support of a team member.
Trevor, perhaps better known as Dorset Rep for the Backpackers Club, set off this morning. Meanwhile fundraising continues. So if you feel like chipping in you can via the ever increasingly popular Justgiving website.
Hmm - I wonder if anyone is running a sweep stake on the total number of punctures along the way?
A thought here.
Human nature being what it is, with our busy lifestyles it often takes a personal, maybe tragic, life event, affecting someone we know, before our support for a charity kicks in.
So to those of you currently filling out TGO Challenge entry forms, how about using the trip to raise some £££s to benefit someone else at the same time, even if its only in a small way?
I'm not a great fan of charities per se. After all there are some truly weird and wonderful ones about these days it seems to me. But on a personal basis I regularly donate a small monthly sum to a couple of organisations, one being Mountain Rescue.
The amount isn't large. However over the years the hope is that my regular drip feed of income leaves them free to get on with their work, rather than spending time fundraising.
And I don't even expect to get a preferential service in the event I should possibly call out the MRT. Not even if I do want to fly in a helicopter one of these days.Labels: blog media, LEJOG
Saturday, September 6
Buy the ticket, take the ride
Walking in the rain.
A lot of rain.
From the feel of it, rain meant for someone else as well. Perhaps a few extra clouds diverted by Met Office scientists as a subtle retaliation? A penance for decrying the dumbed down CGI that passes for a TV Weather Forecast these days. Ah but down that path lies paranoia, so lets turn off that track right now.
For naturally we outdoor folk are suitably equipped for these adverse conditions.
As I walk my M3 player feeds me the erudite tones of Steven Fry and his latest podcast (No. 5) A guilty pleasure in listening to his Anglo Saxon littered tirade against Compliance Men In Suits (Don’t you just get a snickering tingle when a cultured gent cuts loose - lol)
But a different feeling when he reflects on the description of those traps awaiting a regular weekly columnist with space to fill, and little to say. Mr Fry identifies two pitfalls.
Firstly - Nostalgia: Remember how it was all so much better; Secondly - Anger: This makes me so mad I will rant. And you will agree or fight me.
The sort of articles you may spot as you browse your weekend newspaper. Even identified, how simple a trap they may remain.
For me a lesson to absorb as I turn it to Blogging, my own media. Or more precisely the easy ability to simply Churn Out Stuff.
Something that I have on my mind at present following various interchanges on the use and abuse of this communication media, and a few practical examples of just how little effort an article can be created using cut, paste and a little personalisation.
I’d add a couple more pratfalls of my own.
Comment: This is what I think about that report/news/action; Googlese: Look what I've found, lets all go and look.
Commonly these cosy up together in the same piece, feeding off each others lack of originality.
So easy to trip. 'Tis but a short fall, without any noticeable impact. Then taken over a period of time it becomes an all too comfortable existence.
Look - I'm doing it now. A reference to something I found, that entertained, and is being followed up with a commentary.
In mitigation it's my explanation of the catalyst behind my thought process. Being only too aware that my logic can go from Here to There too rapidly at times for others to catch the references that link the path of logical thought. Well logical to me at least.
With me so far? For its time to sharply veer away now.
Blogging is rather too comfortable.
There I've said it out loud.
But before you dash off to the Comment Box for one of those Mr Angry moments let me qualify that this is a reflection only of my own site & content.
Shock! Horror! Has old Johnny succumbed to water on the brain and started to lose it?
Let's try to explain. Many of the articles on here I personally find less than satisfactory when looking back over them sometime later. Don’t get me wrong. If it was simply crap writing, or was becoming a chore, I’d stop.
It's just that all too often I find this site has become a conduit for another's thought, observation or experience. Something down to me as editor, proof reader and senior writer to control of course.
As a public service, be it identifying outdoor information or bring some entertainment value, I trust it provides something positive. That part I'm relatively happy with.
But as for the rest, that's not enough. It's never been the main urge that keeps me hunched over this clacking keyboard for far too many hours each week; Reading, researching, thinking and finally, for some items, putting it down for you to browse over for a few minutes before skipping on elsewhere.
(Stick with me here folks - that wasn't a suggestion!)
I believe that this site has delivered much since it first sidled onto the net.
FAQ information for backpacking newbies & tips for the more experienced. Routes and travel suggestions to fan the flickering impulse to visit new areas. At times crusading, not just the Legalise Wild Camping Campaign, but also in support of the Mountain Rescue Teams & other backpackers personal challenges. Even kit reports occasionally, where the gear is something that interests me.
And always a medium for interchange of ideas and a mutual exchange of experiences.
Still most of this stuff can be found elsewhere on the web. Done better. Done in more detail. Or just done more regularly.
Back in January I tried to draw a line, to summarise what makes this pleasurable for me, and sufficiently different for you to return for more of the same.
My line in the sand. To step beyond the well established safety zone of trite conventionality. To offer material that provokes in others a recognition of something deeper than the nuts & bolts elements of what we do outdoors. To quote myself (another trap?)
"to attempt to express the feeling and emotion which accompanies my deep enjoyment of movement, the outdoors, and related activity. To touch that sense of deep fulfilment that comes after a day on the hills, and a night in a strange and remote place"
A tough gig maybe, but one that gives me that special buzz when it works.
Perhaps the above wittering comes across as a ramble or disjointed tirade. Maybe even an indication of failure (which I don’t accept BTW)
But as the rain continues to fall, and Stephen Fry concludes his podcast, you may spot mine host. Alone in a sodden maize field, save for a confused collie dog, watching as his master mentally kicks himself for having been snagged by the biggest trap of all.
Complacency.
Time to regroup and hire myself a new editor here at JH Towers.
Labels: blog media, UK Outdoors Blogger
Tuesday, September 2
Outdoor Kit - Got a Good Idea?
Building on the success of the 2008 venture Alpkit have just announced details of their coLAB Award09.
"The award promotes the exploration, innovation and design of products, systems and services in the adventure sports environment. It aims to encourage grass root design participation and to reward people with the passion for design by giving them the opportunity to show their idea to the outdoor community at a high profile event"
The competition opened on the 1st of Sept with a deadline of 1st Dec for entry submission. The nine shortlisted finalists to appear, along with their ideas, at the Outdoors Show (27 - 29 March 2009) for the final judging.
The finalist will have:
- Free booth at OS 2009
- Prize giving ceremony / Press Conference
- Feature on the coLAB website
- Complimentary Outdoor Show tickets for friends and family
- Friday night dinner courtesy of Alpkit
And the three projects most highly rated by the shows visitors will each receive a trophy plus:
- First Prize: £250 Alpkit products
- Second Prize: £100 Alpkit products
- Third Prize: £50 Alpkit products
The 2008 CoLab was a focal point for many Outdoors Show visitors giving maximum commercial exposure to CoLab entrants. Something otherwise difficult and costly to achieve at precisely the outdoor marketplace that is required.
So if you've got got a good outdoors idea, one that is screaming out for an audience, then here's your chance.
Labels: Gear, Outdoors Shows
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
And with it the closing date for this year's Hip-pack Competition.
Not the best idea I've had, bearing in mind this summer's playfulness, but the prize booty is there for the taking.
Have you got what it takes?
Labels: Hip-pack Competition 2008
A Walk on the Wild Side :New Forest Walkabout
"Its Been Emotional" (Big Chris 'Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels': Vid Clip - 4'50)
A sentiment I've been heartily echoing recently as work/life pressures continue to steadily build. Knowledge of a forthcoming, very late summer holiday, our first trip abroad for 15+ years, somehow adding to that roller coaster feeling. Rather than the opposite anticipated effect.
But hey, none of this is new in my life. A shift in viewpoint then. That essential paradigm shift. Memo to Self - a need to control my reaction to circumstance, rather than become enmeshed within it's mindless rush.
That ever incessant urging to embark on the Helter Skelter Express. Headlong towards the dark and ominous tunnel, that lies in wait at the end of all our journeys.
My own ticket is necessary for disembarkation at an earlier station. Something building within me recently. A need for that special sense of quiet. Not merely the avoidance of social interaction, but a total absence of noise. Distant road traffic, the breathing and idiosyncratic personal irritants of other humanity, even those close and deeply loved. A burning desire for solitude and peace.
The chance to take one huge lungful of nothingness. To breathe it deep down inside my body and recall my mind back to the real meaning of existence.
Escape. Earlier today. A New Forest track. Far from the popular routes that others frequent. On this sun kissed Friday morning, towards the end of the holiday season, a perfect opportunity to reach out and touch that great void. Alone. Even if this time it is only for a fleetingly short visit. A hastily grabbed, but long planned, day free of the normal obligations of everyday life.
The path, still boggy in places from recent rainfall, keeps the conscious mind alert. Planning the body's way ahead. Trees and undergrowth still unseasonably reckless with their intrusion across this ancient forest way. A sign of this year's summer weather resulting in a outburst of vegetative growth.
Above and ahead, in gaps through the tree canopy, a blue and cloudless sky. Amongst the open glades, the sunshine feeling warm on forearms and face, before being vanquished once more as the path returns into the deep woodland.
On softer ground, signs left of recent deer activity. The short twin stabs of hoof print marking in the mud a reminder that the herd is near, even if unseen as I quietly travel through their domain. But always sensed out there deeper into the scrub land of the denser forest.
Here and there the ever remarkable fungal sculpture. Now lessening as the colder nigh time temperature starts to slow down their appearance.
Birdsong is again my walking accompaniment. Returning after its late summer absence. The jostling for territory marked with an increasing concerto of trills and whistles. The strong busily establishing their feed grounds ready for Springtime mating, despite their unknowing of the repetitive seasonal cycle. Following their own deep primal urge.
A crossing of tracks, out on open ground. Unusually for one who tends to walk without break today I choose to sit on the carefully positioned bench. A pause to saviour the warmth radiating from the wood behind my back. On the sturdy monument a small weather beaten plate, a brief nod to another's life. One who at some time during their 75 years discovered this place. And felt it special enough to leave a marker for others as yet unknown, but able to share their pleasure.
At my feet a wood ant, carrying debris more than twice its size. And as soon as one is identified, another is spotted nearby. And then more. Until suddenly, as the eye/brain recognises the pattern of movement, the path comes alive beneath my feet as hundreds of woodland ants track scent paths to and from their nest. Another journey with a more dedicated purpose. The sunshine providing the anthill with the opportunity for some housekeeping and late season stockpiling. Preparation for the darker days ahead.
I raise myself from the bench to rejoin the path. Moving onwards. My unconscious continues to quietly sift through conflicting urgencies. Left to itself for the present to juggle life's imperatives. Whatever conclusions it offers to be considered later.
For the present, its enough to simply wander alone amongst the natural world. And share the moment.Labels: Mental Health, nature
Saturday, September 13
Live Hard; Die Fast;
Its not been the most invigorating of weeks, finishing off with local flash flooding.
But it could have been worse.
The curse of modern house construction on wildlife, despite the various window shadows we have used to deter potentially level flight paths.
But in this case a nuthatch decided an upper storey window was an exception. Unfortunately a mistake it won't be repeating.Labels: nature
Outdoors Blog
Heads up - a new UK Outdoor Blog: Backpackbrewer’s Outdoor Blog
"Mostly, but not exclusively, a blog about the outdoors…..mostly"Labels: blog media, UK Outdoors Blogger
Thursday, September 11
Sleeping Bag: Ultra-Light. Ultra-Cheap, but will it work?
Fancy a 3 season bag that weighs less than 750g yet costs under £75? OK. Well how about less than 500g, and £50? Have I got your interest yet? How about lighter and cheaper still?
Regulars to this site will know a kit test is not my usual style. However the offer of a 378g sleeping bag costing £25, one produced by a UK company, was rather too tempting to ignore.
The postman called today with a small package. A very small package indeed.
Initially reaction? 'What the .....? I've bought a large block of lightweight tin foil"
(And yes dear reader, I did say bought. Albeit at a friendly price for a no-strings-attached review)
Like Dr Who's Tardis the brick unfolds; And unfolds; And keeps on unfolding until there is a rather large, rather wide sleeping bag. Nothing of the simplistic fragility found with a Survival/Space Blanket. More durable and with a clear sleeping bag design.
The only way to really unfurl it for a photo was to quickly slide down inside, and push it into shape from within, to provide an indication of it laid out. Clearly not laid out too well to be honest, with the evidence of the vacuum packing yet to be sorted out (But you'll understand of course - I had to I have a quick play first!)
Initial feelings duly jotted down I'm confident enough with the bag to test it at a Dorset BackPackers Club meet later this month. Plus it provides a chance to get feedback for a product that can be see and handled for real. Some alternative views from those for whom this approach could be so beneficial.
Suffice to say - it has potential. Now can it match up to its maker's claims?
More here on the Furtech website, if you can't wait until the detailed test report later this month.Labels: Backpackers Club, Gear
Wednesday, September 10
A dog's life
I lost a long time walking companion today, after a period of waning vigour and her zest for those things she enjoyed.
A reminder that to distinguish this thing we call Life, an End is necessary to mark the way. And that way, the life that is lived, determines its value.
Which when it is becomes one of an increasingly listless and disinterested spirit is really no life at all. For a dog, or indeed any of us, as we bumble our way through pain and pleasure, ever onwards.
As usual you needed my help to. A poignant moment as I prepared your final bed deep beneath that sunny spot you'd come to enjoy so much in recent times. RIP Midge.Labels: nature
Tuesday, September 9
Cycling LeJoG - Charity begins before home.
If you've been following Trevor Woodford's Blog during recent months you'll be aware he's part of a small team intent on cycling LeJoG, reporting as he goes.
There is an reason behind this madness (Besides getting soaking wet, sores on unusual body parts & the chance to exchange expletives with speeding motorists!)
Their aim is to raise cash for the Dorset Kidney Fund as a personal thank-you for the charity's support of a team member.
Trevor, perhaps better known as Dorset Rep for the Backpackers Club, set off this morning. Meanwhile fundraising continues. So if you feel like chipping in you can via the ever increasingly popular Justgiving website.
Hmm - I wonder if anyone is running a sweep stake on the total number of punctures along the way?
A thought here.
Human nature being what it is, with our busy lifestyles it often takes a personal, maybe tragic, life event, affecting someone we know, before our support for a charity kicks in.
So to those of you currently filling out TGO Challenge entry forms, how about using the trip to raise some £££s to benefit someone else at the same time, even if its only in a small way?
I'm not a great fan of charities per se. After all there are some truly weird and wonderful ones about these days it seems to me. But on a personal basis I regularly donate a small monthly sum to a couple of organisations, one being Mountain Rescue.
The amount isn't large. However over the years the hope is that my regular drip feed of income leaves them free to get on with their work, rather than spending time fundraising.
And I don't even expect to get a preferential service in the event I should possibly call out the MRT. Not even if I do want to fly in a helicopter one of these days.Labels: blog media, LEJOG
Saturday, September 6
Buy the ticket, take the ride
Walking in the rain.
A lot of rain.
From the feel of it, rain meant for someone else as well. Perhaps a few extra clouds diverted by Met Office scientists as a subtle retaliation? A penance for decrying the dumbed down CGI that passes for a TV Weather Forecast these days. Ah but down that path lies paranoia, so lets turn off that track right now.
For naturally we outdoor folk are suitably equipped for these adverse conditions.
As I walk my M3 player feeds me the erudite tones of Steven Fry and his latest podcast (No. 5) A guilty pleasure in listening to his Anglo Saxon littered tirade against Compliance Men In Suits (Don’t you just get a snickering tingle when a cultured gent cuts loose - lol)
But a different feeling when he reflects on the description of those traps awaiting a regular weekly columnist with space to fill, and little to say. Mr Fry identifies two pitfalls.
Firstly - Nostalgia: Remember how it was all so much better; Secondly - Anger: This makes me so mad I will rant. And you will agree or fight me.
The sort of articles you may spot as you browse your weekend newspaper. Even identified, how simple a trap they may remain.
For me a lesson to absorb as I turn it to Blogging, my own media. Or more precisely the easy ability to simply Churn Out Stuff.
Something that I have on my mind at present following various interchanges on the use and abuse of this communication media, and a few practical examples of just how little effort an article can be created using cut, paste and a little personalisation.
I’d add a couple more pratfalls of my own.
Comment: This is what I think about that report/news/action; Googlese: Look what I've found, lets all go and look.
Commonly these cosy up together in the same piece, feeding off each others lack of originality.
So easy to trip. 'Tis but a short fall, without any noticeable impact. Then taken over a period of time it becomes an all too comfortable existence.
Look - I'm doing it now. A reference to something I found, that entertained, and is being followed up with a commentary.
In mitigation it's my explanation of the catalyst behind my thought process. Being only too aware that my logic can go from Here to There too rapidly at times for others to catch the references that link the path of logical thought. Well logical to me at least.
With me so far? For its time to sharply veer away now.
Blogging is rather too comfortable.
There I've said it out loud.
But before you dash off to the Comment Box for one of those Mr Angry moments let me qualify that this is a reflection only of my own site & content.
Shock! Horror! Has old Johnny succumbed to water on the brain and started to lose it?
Let's try to explain. Many of the articles on here I personally find less than satisfactory when looking back over them sometime later. Don’t get me wrong. If it was simply crap writing, or was becoming a chore, I’d stop.
It's just that all too often I find this site has become a conduit for another's thought, observation or experience. Something down to me as editor, proof reader and senior writer to control of course.
As a public service, be it identifying outdoor information or bring some entertainment value, I trust it provides something positive. That part I'm relatively happy with.
But as for the rest, that's not enough. It's never been the main urge that keeps me hunched over this clacking keyboard for far too many hours each week; Reading, researching, thinking and finally, for some items, putting it down for you to browse over for a few minutes before skipping on elsewhere.
(Stick with me here folks - that wasn't a suggestion!)
I believe that this site has delivered much since it first sidled onto the net.
FAQ information for backpacking newbies & tips for the more experienced. Routes and travel suggestions to fan the flickering impulse to visit new areas. At times crusading, not just the Legalise Wild Camping Campaign, but also in support of the Mountain Rescue Teams & other backpackers personal challenges. Even kit reports occasionally, where the gear is something that interests me.
And always a medium for interchange of ideas and a mutual exchange of experiences.
Still most of this stuff can be found elsewhere on the web. Done better. Done in more detail. Or just done more regularly.
Back in January I tried to draw a line, to summarise what makes this pleasurable for me, and sufficiently different for you to return for more of the same.
My line in the sand. To step beyond the well established safety zone of trite conventionality. To offer material that provokes in others a recognition of something deeper than the nuts & bolts elements of what we do outdoors. To quote myself (another trap?)
"to attempt to express the feeling and emotion which accompanies my deep enjoyment of movement, the outdoors, and related activity. To touch that sense of deep fulfilment that comes after a day on the hills, and a night in a strange and remote place"
A tough gig maybe, but one that gives me that special buzz when it works.
Perhaps the above wittering comes across as a ramble or disjointed tirade. Maybe even an indication of failure (which I don’t accept BTW)
But as the rain continues to fall, and Stephen Fry concludes his podcast, you may spot mine host. Alone in a sodden maize field, save for a confused collie dog, watching as his master mentally kicks himself for having been snagged by the biggest trap of all.
Complacency.
Time to regroup and hire myself a new editor here at JH Towers.
Labels: blog media, UK Outdoors Blogger
Tuesday, September 2
Outdoor Kit - Got a Good Idea?
Building on the success of the 2008 venture Alpkit have just announced details of their coLAB Award09.
"The award promotes the exploration, innovation and design of products, systems and services in the adventure sports environment. It aims to encourage grass root design participation and to reward people with the passion for design by giving them the opportunity to show their idea to the outdoor community at a high profile event"
The competition opened on the 1st of Sept with a deadline of 1st Dec for entry submission. The nine shortlisted finalists to appear, along with their ideas, at the Outdoors Show (27 - 29 March 2009) for the final judging.
The finalist will have:
- Free booth at OS 2009
- Prize giving ceremony / Press Conference
- Feature on the coLAB website
- Complimentary Outdoor Show tickets for friends and family
- Friday night dinner courtesy of Alpkit
And the three projects most highly rated by the shows visitors will each receive a trophy plus:
- First Prize: £250 Alpkit products
- Second Prize: £100 Alpkit products
- Third Prize: £50 Alpkit products
The 2008 CoLab was a focal point for many Outdoors Show visitors giving maximum commercial exposure to CoLab entrants. Something otherwise difficult and costly to achieve at precisely the outdoor marketplace that is required.
So if you've got got a good outdoors idea, one that is screaming out for an audience, then here's your chance.
Labels: Gear, Outdoors Shows
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
A sentiment I've been heartily echoing recently as work/life pressures continue to steadily build. Knowledge of a forthcoming, very late summer holiday, our first trip abroad for 15+ years, somehow adding to that roller coaster feeling. Rather than the opposite anticipated effect.
But hey, none of this is new in my life. A shift in viewpoint then. That essential paradigm shift. Memo to Self - a need to control my reaction to circumstance, rather than become enmeshed within it's mindless rush.
That ever incessant urging to embark on the Helter Skelter Express. Headlong towards the dark and ominous tunnel, that lies in wait at the end of all our journeys.
My own ticket is necessary for disembarkation at an earlier station. Something building within me recently. A need for that special sense of quiet. Not merely the avoidance of social interaction, but a total absence of noise. Distant road traffic, the breathing and idiosyncratic personal irritants of other humanity, even those close and deeply loved. A burning desire for solitude and peace.
The chance to take one huge lungful of nothingness. To breathe it deep down inside my body and recall my mind back to the real meaning of existence.
Escape. Earlier today. A New Forest track. Far from the popular routes that others frequent. On this sun kissed Friday morning, towards the end of the holiday season, a perfect opportunity to reach out and touch that great void. Alone. Even if this time it is only for a fleetingly short visit. A hastily grabbed, but long planned, day free of the normal obligations of everyday life.
The path, still boggy in places from recent rainfall, keeps the conscious mind alert. Planning the body's way ahead. Trees and undergrowth still unseasonably reckless with their intrusion across this ancient forest way. A sign of this year's summer weather resulting in a outburst of vegetative growth.
Above and ahead, in gaps through the tree canopy, a blue and cloudless sky. Amongst the open glades, the sunshine feeling warm on forearms and face, before being vanquished once more as the path returns into the deep woodland.
On softer ground, signs left of recent deer activity. The short twin stabs of hoof print marking in the mud a reminder that the herd is near, even if unseen as I quietly travel through their domain. But always sensed out there deeper into the scrub land of the denser forest.
Here and there the ever remarkable fungal sculpture. Now lessening as the colder nigh time temperature starts to slow down their appearance.
Birdsong is again my walking accompaniment. Returning after its late summer absence. The jostling for territory marked with an increasing concerto of trills and whistles. The strong busily establishing their feed grounds ready for Springtime mating, despite their unknowing of the repetitive seasonal cycle. Following their own deep primal urge.
A crossing of tracks, out on open ground. Unusually for one who tends to walk without break today I choose to sit on the carefully positioned bench. A pause to saviour the warmth radiating from the wood behind my back. On the sturdy monument a small weather beaten plate, a brief nod to another's life. One who at some time during their 75 years discovered this place. And felt it special enough to leave a marker for others as yet unknown, but able to share their pleasure.
At my feet a wood ant, carrying debris more than twice its size. And as soon as one is identified, another is spotted nearby. And then more. Until suddenly, as the eye/brain recognises the pattern of movement, the path comes alive beneath my feet as hundreds of woodland ants track scent paths to and from their nest. Another journey with a more dedicated purpose. The sunshine providing the anthill with the opportunity for some housekeeping and late season stockpiling. Preparation for the darker days ahead.
I raise myself from the bench to rejoin the path. Moving onwards. My unconscious continues to quietly sift through conflicting urgencies. Left to itself for the present to juggle life's imperatives. Whatever conclusions it offers to be considered later.
For the present, its enough to simply wander alone amongst the natural world. And share the moment.
Labels: Mental Health, nature
Live Hard; Die Fast;
Its not been the most invigorating of weeks, finishing off with local flash flooding.
But it could have been worse.
The curse of modern house construction on wildlife, despite the various window shadows we have used to deter potentially level flight paths.
But in this case a nuthatch decided an upper storey window was an exception. Unfortunately a mistake it won't be repeating.Labels: nature
Outdoors Blog
Heads up - a new UK Outdoor Blog: Backpackbrewer’s Outdoor Blog
"Mostly, but not exclusively, a blog about the outdoors…..mostly"Labels: blog media, UK Outdoors Blogger
Thursday, September 11
Sleeping Bag: Ultra-Light. Ultra-Cheap, but will it work?
Fancy a 3 season bag that weighs less than 750g yet costs under £75? OK. Well how about less than 500g, and £50? Have I got your interest yet? How about lighter and cheaper still?
Regulars to this site will know a kit test is not my usual style. However the offer of a 378g sleeping bag costing £25, one produced by a UK company, was rather too tempting to ignore.
The postman called today with a small package. A very small package indeed.
Initially reaction? 'What the .....? I've bought a large block of lightweight tin foil"
(And yes dear reader, I did say bought. Albeit at a friendly price for a no-strings-attached review)
Like Dr Who's Tardis the brick unfolds; And unfolds; And keeps on unfolding until there is a rather large, rather wide sleeping bag. Nothing of the simplistic fragility found with a Survival/Space Blanket. More durable and with a clear sleeping bag design.
The only way to really unfurl it for a photo was to quickly slide down inside, and push it into shape from within, to provide an indication of it laid out. Clearly not laid out too well to be honest, with the evidence of the vacuum packing yet to be sorted out (But you'll understand of course - I had to I have a quick play first!)
Initial feelings duly jotted down I'm confident enough with the bag to test it at a Dorset BackPackers Club meet later this month. Plus it provides a chance to get feedback for a product that can be see and handled for real. Some alternative views from those for whom this approach could be so beneficial.
Suffice to say - it has potential. Now can it match up to its maker's claims?
More here on the Furtech website, if you can't wait until the detailed test report later this month.Labels: Backpackers Club, Gear
Wednesday, September 10
A dog's life
I lost a long time walking companion today, after a period of waning vigour and her zest for those things she enjoyed.
A reminder that to distinguish this thing we call Life, an End is necessary to mark the way. And that way, the life that is lived, determines its value.
Which when it is becomes one of an increasingly listless and disinterested spirit is really no life at all. For a dog, or indeed any of us, as we bumble our way through pain and pleasure, ever onwards.
As usual you needed my help to. A poignant moment as I prepared your final bed deep beneath that sunny spot you'd come to enjoy so much in recent times. RIP Midge.Labels: nature
Tuesday, September 9
Cycling LeJoG - Charity begins before home.
If you've been following Trevor Woodford's Blog during recent months you'll be aware he's part of a small team intent on cycling LeJoG, reporting as he goes.
There is an reason behind this madness (Besides getting soaking wet, sores on unusual body parts & the chance to exchange expletives with speeding motorists!)
Their aim is to raise cash for the Dorset Kidney Fund as a personal thank-you for the charity's support of a team member.
Trevor, perhaps better known as Dorset Rep for the Backpackers Club, set off this morning. Meanwhile fundraising continues. So if you feel like chipping in you can via the ever increasingly popular Justgiving website.
Hmm - I wonder if anyone is running a sweep stake on the total number of punctures along the way?
A thought here.
Human nature being what it is, with our busy lifestyles it often takes a personal, maybe tragic, life event, affecting someone we know, before our support for a charity kicks in.
So to those of you currently filling out TGO Challenge entry forms, how about using the trip to raise some £££s to benefit someone else at the same time, even if its only in a small way?
I'm not a great fan of charities per se. After all there are some truly weird and wonderful ones about these days it seems to me. But on a personal basis I regularly donate a small monthly sum to a couple of organisations, one being Mountain Rescue.
The amount isn't large. However over the years the hope is that my regular drip feed of income leaves them free to get on with their work, rather than spending time fundraising.
And I don't even expect to get a preferential service in the event I should possibly call out the MRT. Not even if I do want to fly in a helicopter one of these days.Labels: blog media, LEJOG
Saturday, September 6
Buy the ticket, take the ride
Walking in the rain.
A lot of rain.
From the feel of it, rain meant for someone else as well. Perhaps a few extra clouds diverted by Met Office scientists as a subtle retaliation? A penance for decrying the dumbed down CGI that passes for a TV Weather Forecast these days. Ah but down that path lies paranoia, so lets turn off that track right now.
For naturally we outdoor folk are suitably equipped for these adverse conditions.
As I walk my M3 player feeds me the erudite tones of Steven Fry and his latest podcast (No. 5) A guilty pleasure in listening to his Anglo Saxon littered tirade against Compliance Men In Suits (Don’t you just get a snickering tingle when a cultured gent cuts loose - lol)
But a different feeling when he reflects on the description of those traps awaiting a regular weekly columnist with space to fill, and little to say. Mr Fry identifies two pitfalls.
Firstly - Nostalgia: Remember how it was all so much better; Secondly - Anger: This makes me so mad I will rant. And you will agree or fight me.
The sort of articles you may spot as you browse your weekend newspaper. Even identified, how simple a trap they may remain.
For me a lesson to absorb as I turn it to Blogging, my own media. Or more precisely the easy ability to simply Churn Out Stuff.
Something that I have on my mind at present following various interchanges on the use and abuse of this communication media, and a few practical examples of just how little effort an article can be created using cut, paste and a little personalisation.
I’d add a couple more pratfalls of my own.
Comment: This is what I think about that report/news/action; Googlese: Look what I've found, lets all go and look.
Commonly these cosy up together in the same piece, feeding off each others lack of originality.
So easy to trip. 'Tis but a short fall, without any noticeable impact. Then taken over a period of time it becomes an all too comfortable existence.
Look - I'm doing it now. A reference to something I found, that entertained, and is being followed up with a commentary.
In mitigation it's my explanation of the catalyst behind my thought process. Being only too aware that my logic can go from Here to There too rapidly at times for others to catch the references that link the path of logical thought. Well logical to me at least.
With me so far? For its time to sharply veer away now.
Blogging is rather too comfortable.
There I've said it out loud.
But before you dash off to the Comment Box for one of those Mr Angry moments let me qualify that this is a reflection only of my own site & content.
Shock! Horror! Has old Johnny succumbed to water on the brain and started to lose it?
Let's try to explain. Many of the articles on here I personally find less than satisfactory when looking back over them sometime later. Don’t get me wrong. If it was simply crap writing, or was becoming a chore, I’d stop.
It's just that all too often I find this site has become a conduit for another's thought, observation or experience. Something down to me as editor, proof reader and senior writer to control of course.
As a public service, be it identifying outdoor information or bring some entertainment value, I trust it provides something positive. That part I'm relatively happy with.
But as for the rest, that's not enough. It's never been the main urge that keeps me hunched over this clacking keyboard for far too many hours each week; Reading, researching, thinking and finally, for some items, putting it down for you to browse over for a few minutes before skipping on elsewhere.
(Stick with me here folks - that wasn't a suggestion!)
I believe that this site has delivered much since it first sidled onto the net.
FAQ information for backpacking newbies & tips for the more experienced. Routes and travel suggestions to fan the flickering impulse to visit new areas. At times crusading, not just the Legalise Wild Camping Campaign, but also in support of the Mountain Rescue Teams & other backpackers personal challenges. Even kit reports occasionally, where the gear is something that interests me.
And always a medium for interchange of ideas and a mutual exchange of experiences.
Still most of this stuff can be found elsewhere on the web. Done better. Done in more detail. Or just done more regularly.
Back in January I tried to draw a line, to summarise what makes this pleasurable for me, and sufficiently different for you to return for more of the same.
My line in the sand. To step beyond the well established safety zone of trite conventionality. To offer material that provokes in others a recognition of something deeper than the nuts & bolts elements of what we do outdoors. To quote myself (another trap?)
"to attempt to express the feeling and emotion which accompanies my deep enjoyment of movement, the outdoors, and related activity. To touch that sense of deep fulfilment that comes after a day on the hills, and a night in a strange and remote place"
A tough gig maybe, but one that gives me that special buzz when it works.
Perhaps the above wittering comes across as a ramble or disjointed tirade. Maybe even an indication of failure (which I don’t accept BTW)
But as the rain continues to fall, and Stephen Fry concludes his podcast, you may spot mine host. Alone in a sodden maize field, save for a confused collie dog, watching as his master mentally kicks himself for having been snagged by the biggest trap of all.
Complacency.
Time to regroup and hire myself a new editor here at JH Towers.
Labels: blog media, UK Outdoors Blogger
Tuesday, September 2
Outdoor Kit - Got a Good Idea?
Building on the success of the 2008 venture Alpkit have just announced details of their coLAB Award09.
"The award promotes the exploration, innovation and design of products, systems and services in the adventure sports environment. It aims to encourage grass root design participation and to reward people with the passion for design by giving them the opportunity to show their idea to the outdoor community at a high profile event"
The competition opened on the 1st of Sept with a deadline of 1st Dec for entry submission. The nine shortlisted finalists to appear, along with their ideas, at the Outdoors Show (27 - 29 March 2009) for the final judging.
The finalist will have:
- Free booth at OS 2009
- Prize giving ceremony / Press Conference
- Feature on the coLAB website
- Complimentary Outdoor Show tickets for friends and family
- Friday night dinner courtesy of Alpkit
And the three projects most highly rated by the shows visitors will each receive a trophy plus:
- First Prize: £250 Alpkit products
- Second Prize: £100 Alpkit products
- Third Prize: £50 Alpkit products
The 2008 CoLab was a focal point for many Outdoors Show visitors giving maximum commercial exposure to CoLab entrants. Something otherwise difficult and costly to achieve at precisely the outdoor marketplace that is required.
So if you've got got a good outdoors idea, one that is screaming out for an audience, then here's your chance.
Labels: Gear, Outdoors Shows
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
But it could have been worse.
The curse of modern house construction on wildlife, despite the various window shadows we have used to deter potentially level flight paths.
But in this case a nuthatch decided an upper storey window was an exception. Unfortunately a mistake it won't be repeating.
Labels: nature
Outdoors Blog
Heads up - a new UK Outdoor Blog: Backpackbrewer’s Outdoor Blog
"Mostly, but not exclusively, a blog about the outdoors…..mostly"Labels: blog media, UK Outdoors Blogger
Thursday, September 11
Sleeping Bag: Ultra-Light. Ultra-Cheap, but will it work?
Fancy a 3 season bag that weighs less than 750g yet costs under £75? OK. Well how about less than 500g, and £50? Have I got your interest yet? How about lighter and cheaper still?
Regulars to this site will know a kit test is not my usual style. However the offer of a 378g sleeping bag costing £25, one produced by a UK company, was rather too tempting to ignore.
The postman called today with a small package. A very small package indeed.
Initially reaction? 'What the .....? I've bought a large block of lightweight tin foil"
(And yes dear reader, I did say bought. Albeit at a friendly price for a no-strings-attached review)
Like Dr Who's Tardis the brick unfolds; And unfolds; And keeps on unfolding until there is a rather large, rather wide sleeping bag. Nothing of the simplistic fragility found with a Survival/Space Blanket. More durable and with a clear sleeping bag design.
The only way to really unfurl it for a photo was to quickly slide down inside, and push it into shape from within, to provide an indication of it laid out. Clearly not laid out too well to be honest, with the evidence of the vacuum packing yet to be sorted out (But you'll understand of course - I had to I have a quick play first!)
Initial feelings duly jotted down I'm confident enough with the bag to test it at a Dorset BackPackers Club meet later this month. Plus it provides a chance to get feedback for a product that can be see and handled for real. Some alternative views from those for whom this approach could be so beneficial.
Suffice to say - it has potential. Now can it match up to its maker's claims?
More here on the Furtech website, if you can't wait until the detailed test report later this month.Labels: Backpackers Club, Gear
Wednesday, September 10
A dog's life
I lost a long time walking companion today, after a period of waning vigour and her zest for those things she enjoyed.
A reminder that to distinguish this thing we call Life, an End is necessary to mark the way. And that way, the life that is lived, determines its value.
Which when it is becomes one of an increasingly listless and disinterested spirit is really no life at all. For a dog, or indeed any of us, as we bumble our way through pain and pleasure, ever onwards.
As usual you needed my help to. A poignant moment as I prepared your final bed deep beneath that sunny spot you'd come to enjoy so much in recent times. RIP Midge.Labels: nature
Tuesday, September 9
Cycling LeJoG - Charity begins before home.
If you've been following Trevor Woodford's Blog during recent months you'll be aware he's part of a small team intent on cycling LeJoG, reporting as he goes.
There is an reason behind this madness (Besides getting soaking wet, sores on unusual body parts & the chance to exchange expletives with speeding motorists!)
Their aim is to raise cash for the Dorset Kidney Fund as a personal thank-you for the charity's support of a team member.
Trevor, perhaps better known as Dorset Rep for the Backpackers Club, set off this morning. Meanwhile fundraising continues. So if you feel like chipping in you can via the ever increasingly popular Justgiving website.
Hmm - I wonder if anyone is running a sweep stake on the total number of punctures along the way?
A thought here.
Human nature being what it is, with our busy lifestyles it often takes a personal, maybe tragic, life event, affecting someone we know, before our support for a charity kicks in.
So to those of you currently filling out TGO Challenge entry forms, how about using the trip to raise some £££s to benefit someone else at the same time, even if its only in a small way?
I'm not a great fan of charities per se. After all there are some truly weird and wonderful ones about these days it seems to me. But on a personal basis I regularly donate a small monthly sum to a couple of organisations, one being Mountain Rescue.
The amount isn't large. However over the years the hope is that my regular drip feed of income leaves them free to get on with their work, rather than spending time fundraising.
And I don't even expect to get a preferential service in the event I should possibly call out the MRT. Not even if I do want to fly in a helicopter one of these days.Labels: blog media, LEJOG
Saturday, September 6
Buy the ticket, take the ride
Walking in the rain.
A lot of rain.
From the feel of it, rain meant for someone else as well. Perhaps a few extra clouds diverted by Met Office scientists as a subtle retaliation? A penance for decrying the dumbed down CGI that passes for a TV Weather Forecast these days. Ah but down that path lies paranoia, so lets turn off that track right now.
For naturally we outdoor folk are suitably equipped for these adverse conditions.
As I walk my M3 player feeds me the erudite tones of Steven Fry and his latest podcast (No. 5) A guilty pleasure in listening to his Anglo Saxon littered tirade against Compliance Men In Suits (Don’t you just get a snickering tingle when a cultured gent cuts loose - lol)
But a different feeling when he reflects on the description of those traps awaiting a regular weekly columnist with space to fill, and little to say. Mr Fry identifies two pitfalls.
Firstly - Nostalgia: Remember how it was all so much better; Secondly - Anger: This makes me so mad I will rant. And you will agree or fight me.
The sort of articles you may spot as you browse your weekend newspaper. Even identified, how simple a trap they may remain.
For me a lesson to absorb as I turn it to Blogging, my own media. Or more precisely the easy ability to simply Churn Out Stuff.
Something that I have on my mind at present following various interchanges on the use and abuse of this communication media, and a few practical examples of just how little effort an article can be created using cut, paste and a little personalisation.
I’d add a couple more pratfalls of my own.
Comment: This is what I think about that report/news/action; Googlese: Look what I've found, lets all go and look.
Commonly these cosy up together in the same piece, feeding off each others lack of originality.
So easy to trip. 'Tis but a short fall, without any noticeable impact. Then taken over a period of time it becomes an all too comfortable existence.
Look - I'm doing it now. A reference to something I found, that entertained, and is being followed up with a commentary.
In mitigation it's my explanation of the catalyst behind my thought process. Being only too aware that my logic can go from Here to There too rapidly at times for others to catch the references that link the path of logical thought. Well logical to me at least.
With me so far? For its time to sharply veer away now.
Blogging is rather too comfortable.
There I've said it out loud.
But before you dash off to the Comment Box for one of those Mr Angry moments let me qualify that this is a reflection only of my own site & content.
Shock! Horror! Has old Johnny succumbed to water on the brain and started to lose it?
Let's try to explain. Many of the articles on here I personally find less than satisfactory when looking back over them sometime later. Don’t get me wrong. If it was simply crap writing, or was becoming a chore, I’d stop.
It's just that all too often I find this site has become a conduit for another's thought, observation or experience. Something down to me as editor, proof reader and senior writer to control of course.
As a public service, be it identifying outdoor information or bring some entertainment value, I trust it provides something positive. That part I'm relatively happy with.
But as for the rest, that's not enough. It's never been the main urge that keeps me hunched over this clacking keyboard for far too many hours each week; Reading, researching, thinking and finally, for some items, putting it down for you to browse over for a few minutes before skipping on elsewhere.
(Stick with me here folks - that wasn't a suggestion!)
I believe that this site has delivered much since it first sidled onto the net.
FAQ information for backpacking newbies & tips for the more experienced. Routes and travel suggestions to fan the flickering impulse to visit new areas. At times crusading, not just the Legalise Wild Camping Campaign, but also in support of the Mountain Rescue Teams & other backpackers personal challenges. Even kit reports occasionally, where the gear is something that interests me.
And always a medium for interchange of ideas and a mutual exchange of experiences.
Still most of this stuff can be found elsewhere on the web. Done better. Done in more detail. Or just done more regularly.
Back in January I tried to draw a line, to summarise what makes this pleasurable for me, and sufficiently different for you to return for more of the same.
My line in the sand. To step beyond the well established safety zone of trite conventionality. To offer material that provokes in others a recognition of something deeper than the nuts & bolts elements of what we do outdoors. To quote myself (another trap?)
"to attempt to express the feeling and emotion which accompanies my deep enjoyment of movement, the outdoors, and related activity. To touch that sense of deep fulfilment that comes after a day on the hills, and a night in a strange and remote place"
A tough gig maybe, but one that gives me that special buzz when it works.
Perhaps the above wittering comes across as a ramble or disjointed tirade. Maybe even an indication of failure (which I don’t accept BTW)
But as the rain continues to fall, and Stephen Fry concludes his podcast, you may spot mine host. Alone in a sodden maize field, save for a confused collie dog, watching as his master mentally kicks himself for having been snagged by the biggest trap of all.
Complacency.
Time to regroup and hire myself a new editor here at JH Towers.
Labels: blog media, UK Outdoors Blogger
Tuesday, September 2
Outdoor Kit - Got a Good Idea?
Building on the success of the 2008 venture Alpkit have just announced details of their coLAB Award09.
"The award promotes the exploration, innovation and design of products, systems and services in the adventure sports environment. It aims to encourage grass root design participation and to reward people with the passion for design by giving them the opportunity to show their idea to the outdoor community at a high profile event"
The competition opened on the 1st of Sept with a deadline of 1st Dec for entry submission. The nine shortlisted finalists to appear, along with their ideas, at the Outdoors Show (27 - 29 March 2009) for the final judging.
The finalist will have:
- Free booth at OS 2009
- Prize giving ceremony / Press Conference
- Feature on the coLAB website
- Complimentary Outdoor Show tickets for friends and family
- Friday night dinner courtesy of Alpkit
And the three projects most highly rated by the shows visitors will each receive a trophy plus:
- First Prize: £250 Alpkit products
- Second Prize: £100 Alpkit products
- Third Prize: £50 Alpkit products
The 2008 CoLab was a focal point for many Outdoors Show visitors giving maximum commercial exposure to CoLab entrants. Something otherwise difficult and costly to achieve at precisely the outdoor marketplace that is required.
So if you've got got a good outdoors idea, one that is screaming out for an audience, then here's your chance.
Labels: Gear, Outdoors Shows
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
"Mostly, but not exclusively, a blog about the outdoors…..mostly"
Labels: blog media, UK Outdoors Blogger
Sleeping Bag: Ultra-Light. Ultra-Cheap, but will it work?
Fancy a 3 season bag that weighs less than 750g yet costs under £75? OK. Well how about less than 500g, and £50? Have I got your interest yet? How about lighter and cheaper still?
Regulars to this site will know a kit test is not my usual style. However the offer of a 378g sleeping bag costing £25, one produced by a UK company, was rather too tempting to ignore.
The postman called today with a small package. A very small package indeed.
Initially reaction? 'What the .....? I've bought a large block of lightweight tin foil"
(And yes dear reader, I did say bought. Albeit at a friendly price for a no-strings-attached review)
Like Dr Who's Tardis the brick unfolds; And unfolds; And keeps on unfolding until there is a rather large, rather wide sleeping bag. Nothing of the simplistic fragility found with a Survival/Space Blanket. More durable and with a clear sleeping bag design.
The only way to really unfurl it for a photo was to quickly slide down inside, and push it into shape from within, to provide an indication of it laid out. Clearly not laid out too well to be honest, with the evidence of the vacuum packing yet to be sorted out (But you'll understand of course - I had to I have a quick play first!)
Initial feelings duly jotted down I'm confident enough with the bag to test it at a Dorset BackPackers Club meet later this month. Plus it provides a chance to get feedback for a product that can be see and handled for real. Some alternative views from those for whom this approach could be so beneficial.
Suffice to say - it has potential. Now can it match up to its maker's claims?
More here on the Furtech website, if you can't wait until the detailed test report later this month.Labels: Backpackers Club, Gear
Wednesday, September 10
A dog's life
I lost a long time walking companion today, after a period of waning vigour and her zest for those things she enjoyed.
A reminder that to distinguish this thing we call Life, an End is necessary to mark the way. And that way, the life that is lived, determines its value.
Which when it is becomes one of an increasingly listless and disinterested spirit is really no life at all. For a dog, or indeed any of us, as we bumble our way through pain and pleasure, ever onwards.
As usual you needed my help to. A poignant moment as I prepared your final bed deep beneath that sunny spot you'd come to enjoy so much in recent times. RIP Midge.Labels: nature
Tuesday, September 9
Cycling LeJoG - Charity begins before home.
If you've been following Trevor Woodford's Blog during recent months you'll be aware he's part of a small team intent on cycling LeJoG, reporting as he goes.
There is an reason behind this madness (Besides getting soaking wet, sores on unusual body parts & the chance to exchange expletives with speeding motorists!)
Their aim is to raise cash for the Dorset Kidney Fund as a personal thank-you for the charity's support of a team member.
Trevor, perhaps better known as Dorset Rep for the Backpackers Club, set off this morning. Meanwhile fundraising continues. So if you feel like chipping in you can via the ever increasingly popular Justgiving website.
Hmm - I wonder if anyone is running a sweep stake on the total number of punctures along the way?
A thought here.
Human nature being what it is, with our busy lifestyles it often takes a personal, maybe tragic, life event, affecting someone we know, before our support for a charity kicks in.
So to those of you currently filling out TGO Challenge entry forms, how about using the trip to raise some £££s to benefit someone else at the same time, even if its only in a small way?
I'm not a great fan of charities per se. After all there are some truly weird and wonderful ones about these days it seems to me. But on a personal basis I regularly donate a small monthly sum to a couple of organisations, one being Mountain Rescue.
The amount isn't large. However over the years the hope is that my regular drip feed of income leaves them free to get on with their work, rather than spending time fundraising.
And I don't even expect to get a preferential service in the event I should possibly call out the MRT. Not even if I do want to fly in a helicopter one of these days.Labels: blog media, LEJOG
Saturday, September 6
Buy the ticket, take the ride
Walking in the rain.
A lot of rain.
From the feel of it, rain meant for someone else as well. Perhaps a few extra clouds diverted by Met Office scientists as a subtle retaliation? A penance for decrying the dumbed down CGI that passes for a TV Weather Forecast these days. Ah but down that path lies paranoia, so lets turn off that track right now.
For naturally we outdoor folk are suitably equipped for these adverse conditions.
As I walk my M3 player feeds me the erudite tones of Steven Fry and his latest podcast (No. 5) A guilty pleasure in listening to his Anglo Saxon littered tirade against Compliance Men In Suits (Don’t you just get a snickering tingle when a cultured gent cuts loose - lol)
But a different feeling when he reflects on the description of those traps awaiting a regular weekly columnist with space to fill, and little to say. Mr Fry identifies two pitfalls.
Firstly - Nostalgia: Remember how it was all so much better; Secondly - Anger: This makes me so mad I will rant. And you will agree or fight me.
The sort of articles you may spot as you browse your weekend newspaper. Even identified, how simple a trap they may remain.
For me a lesson to absorb as I turn it to Blogging, my own media. Or more precisely the easy ability to simply Churn Out Stuff.
Something that I have on my mind at present following various interchanges on the use and abuse of this communication media, and a few practical examples of just how little effort an article can be created using cut, paste and a little personalisation.
I’d add a couple more pratfalls of my own.
Comment: This is what I think about that report/news/action; Googlese: Look what I've found, lets all go and look.
Commonly these cosy up together in the same piece, feeding off each others lack of originality.
So easy to trip. 'Tis but a short fall, without any noticeable impact. Then taken over a period of time it becomes an all too comfortable existence.
Look - I'm doing it now. A reference to something I found, that entertained, and is being followed up with a commentary.
In mitigation it's my explanation of the catalyst behind my thought process. Being only too aware that my logic can go from Here to There too rapidly at times for others to catch the references that link the path of logical thought. Well logical to me at least.
With me so far? For its time to sharply veer away now.
Blogging is rather too comfortable.
There I've said it out loud.
But before you dash off to the Comment Box for one of those Mr Angry moments let me qualify that this is a reflection only of my own site & content.
Shock! Horror! Has old Johnny succumbed to water on the brain and started to lose it?
Let's try to explain. Many of the articles on here I personally find less than satisfactory when looking back over them sometime later. Don’t get me wrong. If it was simply crap writing, or was becoming a chore, I’d stop.
It's just that all too often I find this site has become a conduit for another's thought, observation or experience. Something down to me as editor, proof reader and senior writer to control of course.
As a public service, be it identifying outdoor information or bring some entertainment value, I trust it provides something positive. That part I'm relatively happy with.
But as for the rest, that's not enough. It's never been the main urge that keeps me hunched over this clacking keyboard for far too many hours each week; Reading, researching, thinking and finally, for some items, putting it down for you to browse over for a few minutes before skipping on elsewhere.
(Stick with me here folks - that wasn't a suggestion!)
I believe that this site has delivered much since it first sidled onto the net.
FAQ information for backpacking newbies & tips for the more experienced. Routes and travel suggestions to fan the flickering impulse to visit new areas. At times crusading, not just the Legalise Wild Camping Campaign, but also in support of the Mountain Rescue Teams & other backpackers personal challenges. Even kit reports occasionally, where the gear is something that interests me.
And always a medium for interchange of ideas and a mutual exchange of experiences.
Still most of this stuff can be found elsewhere on the web. Done better. Done in more detail. Or just done more regularly.
Back in January I tried to draw a line, to summarise what makes this pleasurable for me, and sufficiently different for you to return for more of the same.
My line in the sand. To step beyond the well established safety zone of trite conventionality. To offer material that provokes in others a recognition of something deeper than the nuts & bolts elements of what we do outdoors. To quote myself (another trap?)
"to attempt to express the feeling and emotion which accompanies my deep enjoyment of movement, the outdoors, and related activity. To touch that sense of deep fulfilment that comes after a day on the hills, and a night in a strange and remote place"
A tough gig maybe, but one that gives me that special buzz when it works.
Perhaps the above wittering comes across as a ramble or disjointed tirade. Maybe even an indication of failure (which I don’t accept BTW)
But as the rain continues to fall, and Stephen Fry concludes his podcast, you may spot mine host. Alone in a sodden maize field, save for a confused collie dog, watching as his master mentally kicks himself for having been snagged by the biggest trap of all.
Complacency.
Time to regroup and hire myself a new editor here at JH Towers.
Labels: blog media, UK Outdoors Blogger
Tuesday, September 2
Outdoor Kit - Got a Good Idea?
Building on the success of the 2008 venture Alpkit have just announced details of their coLAB Award09.
"The award promotes the exploration, innovation and design of products, systems and services in the adventure sports environment. It aims to encourage grass root design participation and to reward people with the passion for design by giving them the opportunity to show their idea to the outdoor community at a high profile event"
The competition opened on the 1st of Sept with a deadline of 1st Dec for entry submission. The nine shortlisted finalists to appear, along with their ideas, at the Outdoors Show (27 - 29 March 2009) for the final judging.
The finalist will have:
- Free booth at OS 2009
- Prize giving ceremony / Press Conference
- Feature on the coLAB website
- Complimentary Outdoor Show tickets for friends and family
- Friday night dinner courtesy of Alpkit
And the three projects most highly rated by the shows visitors will each receive a trophy plus:
- First Prize: £250 Alpkit products
- Second Prize: £100 Alpkit products
- Third Prize: £50 Alpkit products
The 2008 CoLab was a focal point for many Outdoors Show visitors giving maximum commercial exposure to CoLab entrants. Something otherwise difficult and costly to achieve at precisely the outdoor marketplace that is required.
So if you've got got a good outdoors idea, one that is screaming out for an audience, then here's your chance.
Labels: Gear, Outdoors Shows
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
Regulars to this site will know a kit test is not my usual style. However the offer of a 378g sleeping bag costing £25, one produced by a UK company, was rather too tempting to ignore.
The postman called today with a small package. A very small package indeed.
Initially reaction? 'What the .....? I've bought a large block of lightweight tin foil"
(And yes dear reader, I did say bought. Albeit at a friendly price for a no-strings-attached review)
Like Dr Who's Tardis the brick unfolds; And unfolds; And keeps on unfolding until there is a rather large, rather wide sleeping bag. Nothing of the simplistic fragility found with a Survival/Space Blanket. More durable and with a clear sleeping bag design.
The only way to really unfurl it for a photo was to quickly slide down inside, and push it into shape from within, to provide an indication of it laid out. Clearly not laid out too well to be honest, with the evidence of the vacuum packing yet to be sorted out (But you'll understand of course - I had to I have a quick play first!)
Initial feelings duly jotted down I'm confident enough with the bag to test it at a Dorset BackPackers Club meet later this month. Plus it provides a chance to get feedback for a product that can be see and handled for real. Some alternative views from those for whom this approach could be so beneficial.
Suffice to say - it has potential. Now can it match up to its maker's claims?
More here on the Furtech website, if you can't wait until the detailed test report later this month.
Labels: Backpackers Club, Gear
A dog's life
I lost a long time walking companion today, after a period of waning vigour and her zest for those things she enjoyed.
A reminder that to distinguish this thing we call Life, an End is necessary to mark the way. And that way, the life that is lived, determines its value.
Which when it is becomes one of an increasingly listless and disinterested spirit is really no life at all. For a dog, or indeed any of us, as we bumble our way through pain and pleasure, ever onwards.
As usual you needed my help to. A poignant moment as I prepared your final bed deep beneath that sunny spot you'd come to enjoy so much in recent times. RIP Midge.Labels: nature
Tuesday, September 9
Cycling LeJoG - Charity begins before home.
If you've been following Trevor Woodford's Blog during recent months you'll be aware he's part of a small team intent on cycling LeJoG, reporting as he goes.
There is an reason behind this madness (Besides getting soaking wet, sores on unusual body parts & the chance to exchange expletives with speeding motorists!)
Their aim is to raise cash for the Dorset Kidney Fund as a personal thank-you for the charity's support of a team member.
Trevor, perhaps better known as Dorset Rep for the Backpackers Club, set off this morning. Meanwhile fundraising continues. So if you feel like chipping in you can via the ever increasingly popular Justgiving website.
Hmm - I wonder if anyone is running a sweep stake on the total number of punctures along the way?
A thought here.
Human nature being what it is, with our busy lifestyles it often takes a personal, maybe tragic, life event, affecting someone we know, before our support for a charity kicks in.
So to those of you currently filling out TGO Challenge entry forms, how about using the trip to raise some £££s to benefit someone else at the same time, even if its only in a small way?
I'm not a great fan of charities per se. After all there are some truly weird and wonderful ones about these days it seems to me. But on a personal basis I regularly donate a small monthly sum to a couple of organisations, one being Mountain Rescue.
The amount isn't large. However over the years the hope is that my regular drip feed of income leaves them free to get on with their work, rather than spending time fundraising.
And I don't even expect to get a preferential service in the event I should possibly call out the MRT. Not even if I do want to fly in a helicopter one of these days.Labels: blog media, LEJOG
Saturday, September 6
Buy the ticket, take the ride
Walking in the rain.
A lot of rain.
From the feel of it, rain meant for someone else as well. Perhaps a few extra clouds diverted by Met Office scientists as a subtle retaliation? A penance for decrying the dumbed down CGI that passes for a TV Weather Forecast these days. Ah but down that path lies paranoia, so lets turn off that track right now.
For naturally we outdoor folk are suitably equipped for these adverse conditions.
As I walk my M3 player feeds me the erudite tones of Steven Fry and his latest podcast (No. 5) A guilty pleasure in listening to his Anglo Saxon littered tirade against Compliance Men In Suits (Don’t you just get a snickering tingle when a cultured gent cuts loose - lol)
But a different feeling when he reflects on the description of those traps awaiting a regular weekly columnist with space to fill, and little to say. Mr Fry identifies two pitfalls.
Firstly - Nostalgia: Remember how it was all so much better; Secondly - Anger: This makes me so mad I will rant. And you will agree or fight me.
The sort of articles you may spot as you browse your weekend newspaper. Even identified, how simple a trap they may remain.
For me a lesson to absorb as I turn it to Blogging, my own media. Or more precisely the easy ability to simply Churn Out Stuff.
Something that I have on my mind at present following various interchanges on the use and abuse of this communication media, and a few practical examples of just how little effort an article can be created using cut, paste and a little personalisation.
I’d add a couple more pratfalls of my own.
Comment: This is what I think about that report/news/action; Googlese: Look what I've found, lets all go and look.
Commonly these cosy up together in the same piece, feeding off each others lack of originality.
So easy to trip. 'Tis but a short fall, without any noticeable impact. Then taken over a period of time it becomes an all too comfortable existence.
Look - I'm doing it now. A reference to something I found, that entertained, and is being followed up with a commentary.
In mitigation it's my explanation of the catalyst behind my thought process. Being only too aware that my logic can go from Here to There too rapidly at times for others to catch the references that link the path of logical thought. Well logical to me at least.
With me so far? For its time to sharply veer away now.
Blogging is rather too comfortable.
There I've said it out loud.
But before you dash off to the Comment Box for one of those Mr Angry moments let me qualify that this is a reflection only of my own site & content.
Shock! Horror! Has old Johnny succumbed to water on the brain and started to lose it?
Let's try to explain. Many of the articles on here I personally find less than satisfactory when looking back over them sometime later. Don’t get me wrong. If it was simply crap writing, or was becoming a chore, I’d stop.
It's just that all too often I find this site has become a conduit for another's thought, observation or experience. Something down to me as editor, proof reader and senior writer to control of course.
As a public service, be it identifying outdoor information or bring some entertainment value, I trust it provides something positive. That part I'm relatively happy with.
But as for the rest, that's not enough. It's never been the main urge that keeps me hunched over this clacking keyboard for far too many hours each week; Reading, researching, thinking and finally, for some items, putting it down for you to browse over for a few minutes before skipping on elsewhere.
(Stick with me here folks - that wasn't a suggestion!)
I believe that this site has delivered much since it first sidled onto the net.
FAQ information for backpacking newbies & tips for the more experienced. Routes and travel suggestions to fan the flickering impulse to visit new areas. At times crusading, not just the Legalise Wild Camping Campaign, but also in support of the Mountain Rescue Teams & other backpackers personal challenges. Even kit reports occasionally, where the gear is something that interests me.
And always a medium for interchange of ideas and a mutual exchange of experiences.
Still most of this stuff can be found elsewhere on the web. Done better. Done in more detail. Or just done more regularly.
Back in January I tried to draw a line, to summarise what makes this pleasurable for me, and sufficiently different for you to return for more of the same.
My line in the sand. To step beyond the well established safety zone of trite conventionality. To offer material that provokes in others a recognition of something deeper than the nuts & bolts elements of what we do outdoors. To quote myself (another trap?)
"to attempt to express the feeling and emotion which accompanies my deep enjoyment of movement, the outdoors, and related activity. To touch that sense of deep fulfilment that comes after a day on the hills, and a night in a strange and remote place"
A tough gig maybe, but one that gives me that special buzz when it works.
Perhaps the above wittering comes across as a ramble or disjointed tirade. Maybe even an indication of failure (which I don’t accept BTW)
But as the rain continues to fall, and Stephen Fry concludes his podcast, you may spot mine host. Alone in a sodden maize field, save for a confused collie dog, watching as his master mentally kicks himself for having been snagged by the biggest trap of all.
Complacency.
Time to regroup and hire myself a new editor here at JH Towers.
Labels: blog media, UK Outdoors Blogger
Tuesday, September 2
Outdoor Kit - Got a Good Idea?
Building on the success of the 2008 venture Alpkit have just announced details of their coLAB Award09.
"The award promotes the exploration, innovation and design of products, systems and services in the adventure sports environment. It aims to encourage grass root design participation and to reward people with the passion for design by giving them the opportunity to show their idea to the outdoor community at a high profile event"
The competition opened on the 1st of Sept with a deadline of 1st Dec for entry submission. The nine shortlisted finalists to appear, along with their ideas, at the Outdoors Show (27 - 29 March 2009) for the final judging.
The finalist will have:
- Free booth at OS 2009
- Prize giving ceremony / Press Conference
- Feature on the coLAB website
- Complimentary Outdoor Show tickets for friends and family
- Friday night dinner courtesy of Alpkit
And the three projects most highly rated by the shows visitors will each receive a trophy plus:
- First Prize: £250 Alpkit products
- Second Prize: £100 Alpkit products
- Third Prize: £50 Alpkit products
The 2008 CoLab was a focal point for many Outdoors Show visitors giving maximum commercial exposure to CoLab entrants. Something otherwise difficult and costly to achieve at precisely the outdoor marketplace that is required.
So if you've got got a good outdoors idea, one that is screaming out for an audience, then here's your chance.
Labels: Gear, Outdoors Shows
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
A reminder that to distinguish this thing we call Life, an End is necessary to mark the way. And that way, the life that is lived, determines its value.
Which when it is becomes one of an increasingly listless and disinterested spirit is really no life at all. For a dog, or indeed any of us, as we bumble our way through pain and pleasure, ever onwards.
As usual you needed my help to. A poignant moment as I prepared your final bed deep beneath that sunny spot you'd come to enjoy so much in recent times.
RIP Midge.
Labels: nature
Cycling LeJoG - Charity begins before home.
If you've been following Trevor Woodford's Blog during recent months you'll be aware he's part of a small team intent on cycling LeJoG, reporting as he goes.
There is an reason behind this madness (Besides getting soaking wet, sores on unusual body parts & the chance to exchange expletives with speeding motorists!)
Their aim is to raise cash for the Dorset Kidney Fund as a personal thank-you for the charity's support of a team member.
Trevor, perhaps better known as Dorset Rep for the Backpackers Club, set off this morning. Meanwhile fundraising continues. So if you feel like chipping in you can via the ever increasingly popular Justgiving website.
Hmm - I wonder if anyone is running a sweep stake on the total number of punctures along the way?
A thought here.
Human nature being what it is, with our busy lifestyles it often takes a personal, maybe tragic, life event, affecting someone we know, before our support for a charity kicks in.
So to those of you currently filling out TGO Challenge entry forms, how about using the trip to raise some £££s to benefit someone else at the same time, even if its only in a small way?
I'm not a great fan of charities per se. After all there are some truly weird and wonderful ones about these days it seems to me. But on a personal basis I regularly donate a small monthly sum to a couple of organisations, one being Mountain Rescue.
The amount isn't large. However over the years the hope is that my regular drip feed of income leaves them free to get on with their work, rather than spending time fundraising.
And I don't even expect to get a preferential service in the event I should possibly call out the MRT. Not even if I do want to fly in a helicopter one of these days.Labels: blog media, LEJOG
Saturday, September 6
Buy the ticket, take the ride
Walking in the rain.
A lot of rain.
From the feel of it, rain meant for someone else as well. Perhaps a few extra clouds diverted by Met Office scientists as a subtle retaliation? A penance for decrying the dumbed down CGI that passes for a TV Weather Forecast these days. Ah but down that path lies paranoia, so lets turn off that track right now.
For naturally we outdoor folk are suitably equipped for these adverse conditions.
As I walk my M3 player feeds me the erudite tones of Steven Fry and his latest podcast (No. 5) A guilty pleasure in listening to his Anglo Saxon littered tirade against Compliance Men In Suits (Don’t you just get a snickering tingle when a cultured gent cuts loose - lol)
But a different feeling when he reflects on the description of those traps awaiting a regular weekly columnist with space to fill, and little to say. Mr Fry identifies two pitfalls.
Firstly - Nostalgia: Remember how it was all so much better; Secondly - Anger: This makes me so mad I will rant. And you will agree or fight me.
The sort of articles you may spot as you browse your weekend newspaper. Even identified, how simple a trap they may remain.
For me a lesson to absorb as I turn it to Blogging, my own media. Or more precisely the easy ability to simply Churn Out Stuff.
Something that I have on my mind at present following various interchanges on the use and abuse of this communication media, and a few practical examples of just how little effort an article can be created using cut, paste and a little personalisation.
I’d add a couple more pratfalls of my own.
Comment: This is what I think about that report/news/action; Googlese: Look what I've found, lets all go and look.
Commonly these cosy up together in the same piece, feeding off each others lack of originality.
So easy to trip. 'Tis but a short fall, without any noticeable impact. Then taken over a period of time it becomes an all too comfortable existence.
Look - I'm doing it now. A reference to something I found, that entertained, and is being followed up with a commentary.
In mitigation it's my explanation of the catalyst behind my thought process. Being only too aware that my logic can go from Here to There too rapidly at times for others to catch the references that link the path of logical thought. Well logical to me at least.
With me so far? For its time to sharply veer away now.
Blogging is rather too comfortable.
There I've said it out loud.
But before you dash off to the Comment Box for one of those Mr Angry moments let me qualify that this is a reflection only of my own site & content.
Shock! Horror! Has old Johnny succumbed to water on the brain and started to lose it?
Let's try to explain. Many of the articles on here I personally find less than satisfactory when looking back over them sometime later. Don’t get me wrong. If it was simply crap writing, or was becoming a chore, I’d stop.
It's just that all too often I find this site has become a conduit for another's thought, observation or experience. Something down to me as editor, proof reader and senior writer to control of course.
As a public service, be it identifying outdoor information or bring some entertainment value, I trust it provides something positive. That part I'm relatively happy with.
But as for the rest, that's not enough. It's never been the main urge that keeps me hunched over this clacking keyboard for far too many hours each week; Reading, researching, thinking and finally, for some items, putting it down for you to browse over for a few minutes before skipping on elsewhere.
(Stick with me here folks - that wasn't a suggestion!)
I believe that this site has delivered much since it first sidled onto the net.
FAQ information for backpacking newbies & tips for the more experienced. Routes and travel suggestions to fan the flickering impulse to visit new areas. At times crusading, not just the Legalise Wild Camping Campaign, but also in support of the Mountain Rescue Teams & other backpackers personal challenges. Even kit reports occasionally, where the gear is something that interests me.
And always a medium for interchange of ideas and a mutual exchange of experiences.
Still most of this stuff can be found elsewhere on the web. Done better. Done in more detail. Or just done more regularly.
Back in January I tried to draw a line, to summarise what makes this pleasurable for me, and sufficiently different for you to return for more of the same.
My line in the sand. To step beyond the well established safety zone of trite conventionality. To offer material that provokes in others a recognition of something deeper than the nuts & bolts elements of what we do outdoors. To quote myself (another trap?)
"to attempt to express the feeling and emotion which accompanies my deep enjoyment of movement, the outdoors, and related activity. To touch that sense of deep fulfilment that comes after a day on the hills, and a night in a strange and remote place"
A tough gig maybe, but one that gives me that special buzz when it works.
Perhaps the above wittering comes across as a ramble or disjointed tirade. Maybe even an indication of failure (which I don’t accept BTW)
But as the rain continues to fall, and Stephen Fry concludes his podcast, you may spot mine host. Alone in a sodden maize field, save for a confused collie dog, watching as his master mentally kicks himself for having been snagged by the biggest trap of all.
Complacency.
Time to regroup and hire myself a new editor here at JH Towers.
Labels: blog media, UK Outdoors Blogger
Tuesday, September 2
Outdoor Kit - Got a Good Idea?
Building on the success of the 2008 venture Alpkit have just announced details of their coLAB Award09.
"The award promotes the exploration, innovation and design of products, systems and services in the adventure sports environment. It aims to encourage grass root design participation and to reward people with the passion for design by giving them the opportunity to show their idea to the outdoor community at a high profile event"
The competition opened on the 1st of Sept with a deadline of 1st Dec for entry submission. The nine shortlisted finalists to appear, along with their ideas, at the Outdoors Show (27 - 29 March 2009) for the final judging.
The finalist will have:
- Free booth at OS 2009
- Prize giving ceremony / Press Conference
- Feature on the coLAB website
- Complimentary Outdoor Show tickets for friends and family
- Friday night dinner courtesy of Alpkit
And the three projects most highly rated by the shows visitors will each receive a trophy plus:
- First Prize: £250 Alpkit products
- Second Prize: £100 Alpkit products
- Third Prize: £50 Alpkit products
The 2008 CoLab was a focal point for many Outdoors Show visitors giving maximum commercial exposure to CoLab entrants. Something otherwise difficult and costly to achieve at precisely the outdoor marketplace that is required.
So if you've got got a good outdoors idea, one that is screaming out for an audience, then here's your chance.
Labels: Gear, Outdoors Shows
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
There is an reason behind this madness (Besides getting soaking wet, sores on unusual body parts & the chance to exchange expletives with speeding motorists!)
Their aim is to raise cash for the Dorset Kidney Fund as a personal thank-you for the charity's support of a team member.
Trevor, perhaps better known as Dorset Rep for the Backpackers Club, set off this morning. Meanwhile fundraising continues. So if you feel like chipping in you can via the ever increasingly popular Justgiving website.
Hmm - I wonder if anyone is running a sweep stake on the total number of punctures along the way?
A thought here.
Human nature being what it is, with our busy lifestyles it often takes a personal, maybe tragic, life event, affecting someone we know, before our support for a charity kicks in.
So to those of you currently filling out TGO Challenge entry forms, how about using the trip to raise some £££s to benefit someone else at the same time, even if its only in a small way?
I'm not a great fan of charities per se. After all there are some truly weird and wonderful ones about these days it seems to me. But on a personal basis I regularly donate a small monthly sum to a couple of organisations, one being Mountain Rescue.
The amount isn't large. However over the years the hope is that my regular drip feed of income leaves them free to get on with their work, rather than spending time fundraising.
And I don't even expect to get a preferential service in the event I should possibly call out the MRT. Not even if I do want to fly in a helicopter one of these days.
Labels: blog media, LEJOG
Buy the ticket, take the ride
Walking in the rain.
A lot of rain.
From the feel of it, rain meant for someone else as well. Perhaps a few extra clouds diverted by Met Office scientists as a subtle retaliation? A penance for decrying the dumbed down CGI that passes for a TV Weather Forecast these days. Ah but down that path lies paranoia, so lets turn off that track right now.
For naturally we outdoor folk are suitably equipped for these adverse conditions.
As I walk my M3 player feeds me the erudite tones of Steven Fry and his latest podcast (No. 5) A guilty pleasure in listening to his Anglo Saxon littered tirade against Compliance Men In Suits (Don’t you just get a snickering tingle when a cultured gent cuts loose - lol)
But a different feeling when he reflects on the description of those traps awaiting a regular weekly columnist with space to fill, and little to say. Mr Fry identifies two pitfalls.
Firstly - Nostalgia: Remember how it was all so much better; Secondly - Anger: This makes me so mad I will rant. And you will agree or fight me.
The sort of articles you may spot as you browse your weekend newspaper. Even identified, how simple a trap they may remain.
For me a lesson to absorb as I turn it to Blogging, my own media. Or more precisely the easy ability to simply Churn Out Stuff.
Something that I have on my mind at present following various interchanges on the use and abuse of this communication media, and a few practical examples of just how little effort an article can be created using cut, paste and a little personalisation.
I’d add a couple more pratfalls of my own.
Comment: This is what I think about that report/news/action; Googlese: Look what I've found, lets all go and look.
Commonly these cosy up together in the same piece, feeding off each others lack of originality.
So easy to trip. 'Tis but a short fall, without any noticeable impact. Then taken over a period of time it becomes an all too comfortable existence.
Look - I'm doing it now. A reference to something I found, that entertained, and is being followed up with a commentary.
In mitigation it's my explanation of the catalyst behind my thought process. Being only too aware that my logic can go from Here to There too rapidly at times for others to catch the references that link the path of logical thought. Well logical to me at least.
With me so far? For its time to sharply veer away now.
Blogging is rather too comfortable.
There I've said it out loud.
But before you dash off to the Comment Box for one of those Mr Angry moments let me qualify that this is a reflection only of my own site & content.
Shock! Horror! Has old Johnny succumbed to water on the brain and started to lose it?
Let's try to explain. Many of the articles on here I personally find less than satisfactory when looking back over them sometime later. Don’t get me wrong. If it was simply crap writing, or was becoming a chore, I’d stop.
It's just that all too often I find this site has become a conduit for another's thought, observation or experience. Something down to me as editor, proof reader and senior writer to control of course.
As a public service, be it identifying outdoor information or bring some entertainment value, I trust it provides something positive. That part I'm relatively happy with.
But as for the rest, that's not enough. It's never been the main urge that keeps me hunched over this clacking keyboard for far too many hours each week; Reading, researching, thinking and finally, for some items, putting it down for you to browse over for a few minutes before skipping on elsewhere.
(Stick with me here folks - that wasn't a suggestion!)
I believe that this site has delivered much since it first sidled onto the net.
FAQ information for backpacking newbies & tips for the more experienced. Routes and travel suggestions to fan the flickering impulse to visit new areas. At times crusading, not just the Legalise Wild Camping Campaign, but also in support of the Mountain Rescue Teams & other backpackers personal challenges. Even kit reports occasionally, where the gear is something that interests me.
And always a medium for interchange of ideas and a mutual exchange of experiences.
Still most of this stuff can be found elsewhere on the web. Done better. Done in more detail. Or just done more regularly.
Back in January I tried to draw a line, to summarise what makes this pleasurable for me, and sufficiently different for you to return for more of the same.
My line in the sand. To step beyond the well established safety zone of trite conventionality. To offer material that provokes in others a recognition of something deeper than the nuts & bolts elements of what we do outdoors. To quote myself (another trap?)
"to attempt to express the feeling and emotion which accompanies my deep enjoyment of movement, the outdoors, and related activity. To touch that sense of deep fulfilment that comes after a day on the hills, and a night in a strange and remote place"
A tough gig maybe, but one that gives me that special buzz when it works.
Perhaps the above wittering comes across as a ramble or disjointed tirade. Maybe even an indication of failure (which I don’t accept BTW)
But as the rain continues to fall, and Stephen Fry concludes his podcast, you may spot mine host. Alone in a sodden maize field, save for a confused collie dog, watching as his master mentally kicks himself for having been snagged by the biggest trap of all.
Complacency.
Time to regroup and hire myself a new editor here at JH Towers.
Labels: blog media, UK Outdoors Blogger
Tuesday, September 2
Outdoor Kit - Got a Good Idea?
Building on the success of the 2008 venture Alpkit have just announced details of their coLAB Award09.
"The award promotes the exploration, innovation and design of products, systems and services in the adventure sports environment. It aims to encourage grass root design participation and to reward people with the passion for design by giving them the opportunity to show their idea to the outdoor community at a high profile event"
The competition opened on the 1st of Sept with a deadline of 1st Dec for entry submission. The nine shortlisted finalists to appear, along with their ideas, at the Outdoors Show (27 - 29 March 2009) for the final judging.
The finalist will have:
- Free booth at OS 2009
- Prize giving ceremony / Press Conference
- Feature on the coLAB website
- Complimentary Outdoor Show tickets for friends and family
- Friday night dinner courtesy of Alpkit
And the three projects most highly rated by the shows visitors will each receive a trophy plus:
- First Prize: £250 Alpkit products
- Second Prize: £100 Alpkit products
- Third Prize: £50 Alpkit products
The 2008 CoLab was a focal point for many Outdoors Show visitors giving maximum commercial exposure to CoLab entrants. Something otherwise difficult and costly to achieve at precisely the outdoor marketplace that is required.
So if you've got got a good outdoors idea, one that is screaming out for an audience, then here's your chance.
Labels: Gear, Outdoors Shows
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
A lot of rain.
From the feel of it, rain meant for someone else as well. Perhaps a few extra clouds diverted by Met Office scientists as a subtle retaliation? A penance for decrying the dumbed down CGI that passes for a TV Weather Forecast these days. Ah but down that path lies paranoia, so lets turn off that track right now.
For naturally we outdoor folk are suitably equipped for these adverse conditions.
As I walk my M3 player feeds me the erudite tones of Steven Fry and his latest podcast (No. 5) A guilty pleasure in listening to his Anglo Saxon littered tirade against Compliance Men In Suits (Don’t you just get a snickering tingle when a cultured gent cuts loose - lol)
But a different feeling when he reflects on the description of those traps awaiting a regular weekly columnist with space to fill, and little to say. Mr Fry identifies two pitfalls.
Firstly - Nostalgia: Remember how it was all so much better; Secondly - Anger: This makes me so mad I will rant. And you will agree or fight me.
The sort of articles you may spot as you browse your weekend newspaper. Even identified, how simple a trap they may remain.
For me a lesson to absorb as I turn it to Blogging, my own media. Or more precisely the easy ability to simply Churn Out Stuff.
Something that I have on my mind at present following various interchanges on the use and abuse of this communication media, and a few practical examples of just how little effort an article can be created using cut, paste and a little personalisation.
I’d add a couple more pratfalls of my own.
Comment: This is what I think about that report/news/action; Googlese: Look what I've found, lets all go and look.
Commonly these cosy up together in the same piece, feeding off each others lack of originality.
So easy to trip. 'Tis but a short fall, without any noticeable impact. Then taken over a period of time it becomes an all too comfortable existence.
Look - I'm doing it now. A reference to something I found, that entertained, and is being followed up with a commentary.
In mitigation it's my explanation of the catalyst behind my thought process. Being only too aware that my logic can go from Here to There too rapidly at times for others to catch the references that link the path of logical thought. Well logical to me at least.
With me so far? For its time to sharply veer away now.
Blogging is rather too comfortable.
There I've said it out loud.
But before you dash off to the Comment Box for one of those Mr Angry moments let me qualify that this is a reflection only of my own site & content.
Shock! Horror! Has old Johnny succumbed to water on the brain and started to lose it?
Let's try to explain. Many of the articles on here I personally find less than satisfactory when looking back over them sometime later. Don’t get me wrong. If it was simply crap writing, or was becoming a chore, I’d stop.
It's just that all too often I find this site has become a conduit for another's thought, observation or experience. Something down to me as editor, proof reader and senior writer to control of course.
As a public service, be it identifying outdoor information or bring some entertainment value, I trust it provides something positive. That part I'm relatively happy with.
But as for the rest, that's not enough. It's never been the main urge that keeps me hunched over this clacking keyboard for far too many hours each week; Reading, researching, thinking and finally, for some items, putting it down for you to browse over for a few minutes before skipping on elsewhere.
(Stick with me here folks - that wasn't a suggestion!)
I believe that this site has delivered much since it first sidled onto the net.
FAQ information for backpacking newbies & tips for the more experienced. Routes and travel suggestions to fan the flickering impulse to visit new areas. At times crusading, not just the Legalise Wild Camping Campaign, but also in support of the Mountain Rescue Teams & other backpackers personal challenges. Even kit reports occasionally, where the gear is something that interests me.
And always a medium for interchange of ideas and a mutual exchange of experiences.
Still most of this stuff can be found elsewhere on the web. Done better. Done in more detail. Or just done more regularly.
Back in January I tried to draw a line, to summarise what makes this pleasurable for me, and sufficiently different for you to return for more of the same.
My line in the sand. To step beyond the well established safety zone of trite conventionality. To offer material that provokes in others a recognition of something deeper than the nuts & bolts elements of what we do outdoors. To quote myself (another trap?)
"to attempt to express the feeling and emotion which accompanies my deep enjoyment of movement, the outdoors, and related activity. To touch that sense of deep fulfilment that comes after a day on the hills, and a night in a strange and remote place"
A tough gig maybe, but one that gives me that special buzz when it works.
Perhaps the above wittering comes across as a ramble or disjointed tirade. Maybe even an indication of failure (which I don’t accept BTW)
But as the rain continues to fall, and Stephen Fry concludes his podcast, you may spot mine host. Alone in a sodden maize field, save for a confused collie dog, watching as his master mentally kicks himself for having been snagged by the biggest trap of all.
Complacency.
Time to regroup and hire myself a new editor here at JH Towers.
Labels: blog media, UK Outdoors Blogger
Outdoor Kit - Got a Good Idea?
Building on the success of the 2008 venture Alpkit have just announced details of their coLAB Award09.
"The award promotes the exploration, innovation and design of products, systems and services in the adventure sports environment. It aims to encourage grass root design participation and to reward people with the passion for design by giving them the opportunity to show their idea to the outdoor community at a high profile event"
The competition opened on the 1st of Sept with a deadline of 1st Dec for entry submission. The nine shortlisted finalists to appear, along with their ideas, at the Outdoors Show (27 - 29 March 2009) for the final judging.
The finalist will have:
- Free booth at OS 2009
- Prize giving ceremony / Press Conference
- Feature on the coLAB website
- Complimentary Outdoor Show tickets for friends and family
- Friday night dinner courtesy of Alpkit
And the three projects most highly rated by the shows visitors will each receive a trophy plus:
- First Prize: £250 Alpkit products
- Second Prize: £100 Alpkit products
- Third Prize: £50 Alpkit products
The 2008 CoLab was a focal point for many Outdoors Show visitors giving maximum commercial exposure to CoLab entrants. Something otherwise difficult and costly to achieve at precisely the outdoor marketplace that is required.
So if you've got got a good outdoors idea, one that is screaming out for an audience, then here's your chance.
Labels: Gear, Outdoors Shows
"The award promotes the exploration, innovation and design of products, systems and services in the adventure sports environment. It aims to encourage grass root design participation and to reward people with the passion for design by giving them the opportunity to show their idea to the outdoor community at a high profile event"
The competition opened on the 1st of Sept with a deadline of 1st Dec for entry submission. The nine shortlisted finalists to appear, along with their ideas, at the Outdoors Show (27 - 29 March 2009) for the final judging.
The finalist will have:
- Free booth at OS 2009
- Prize giving ceremony / Press Conference
- Feature on the coLAB website
- Complimentary Outdoor Show tickets for friends and family
- Friday night dinner courtesy of Alpkit
And the three projects most highly rated by the shows visitors will each receive a trophy plus:
- First Prize: £250 Alpkit products
- Second Prize: £100 Alpkit products
- Third Prize: £50 Alpkit products
The 2008 CoLab was a focal point for many Outdoors Show visitors giving maximum commercial exposure to CoLab entrants. Something otherwise difficult and costly to achieve at precisely the outdoor marketplace that is required.
So if you've got got a good outdoors idea, one that is screaming out for an audience, then here's your chance.
Labels: Gear, Outdoors Shows
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