Tuesday, October 27
Outdoor Shopping - Trade Up or Down?
Up according the manager of this Oswald Bailey's shop - "We couldn't get enough tents in over the summer"
Perhaps not so great, if you followed the reports of Black's branch reduction last month - "The Group has experienced a difficult year in a particularly challenging trading environment.........the financial year saw our core Outdoor division maintain a sound performance in a tough retail market, reporting a small reduction in operating profit compared to the previous year"
(Although that was taken from a statement back in May before the main 2009 trading season got underway)
Anecdotal feedback from those I've spoken to in the trade seem happy, but there is often a tendency to talk-up trading conditions, rather than unsettle potential customers.
Well the trading report season is drawing near - let's see what the real position has been for Outdoor Retailing in Summer 2009.Labels: outdoor retail
Monday, October 26
Something Old, Something New; Outdoor Gear ideas
It seems there is always some new gear trend or other doing the rounds of the Outdoor community.
During the last couple of years one concept with increased publicity has been around the idea of a portable alcohol/meth burner.
Ever wondered just how long has this idea been around - a couple of years? Or perhaps an improvement on something from the 1990s?
Then take a look at this patent drawing from 1859.
Seem familiar?
So lets come up to date with this 2007 idea
For those of you who want to dig around in this area the list of historic burner patents should keep you quiet for a few hours (or days if Whitespider's Darren is reading this!)
But maybe burners aren't your thing - how about backpacks instead?
Even limiting a search to the last five years still turns up 51 offerings including a certain Mr Gregory's patent for "Backpack having distributed-load shoulder strap system" & North Face's "Backpack suspension system".
My point, aside from providing an interesting diversion for a few hours, is the wealth of new ideas or adaption of old principles, that are now readily available to consider for yourself.
We may not all have the drive of Colin Ibbotson when it comes to innovation in customising kit. But as a spur to understand the thoughts and ideas of others, and maybe spark some ideas of your own, the Free Patents Online site looks to have some interesting potential.
Hmm. I wonder if anyone has taken out a Patent on it yet?
Sunday, October 25
Mapping Software
Has anyone tried out the new GroughRoute Mapping software yet?
I've tried Anquet & the like but been deterred by the cost, amongst other things.
Options vary from Free (limited use - no map print) through to unlimited use for £57 pa, with maps at 1:25,000 & 1:50,000 scale.
I'd be interested in any feedback from you if you're trying it out.Labels: mapping
OMM 2009 - All done
Well done to (Podcast) Bob & Rose finishing a commendable 161st in the OMM 2009 Shortscore Event. (No idea how high up they finished in the Veteran category - results have not yet been published)
There's even four Podcasts to listen to (Perhaps Bob is on someone else's Podcast - whatever next!)
This year the satellite comms has stunned the organisers with their ability to contact & e-mail very remote locations. And the event webcam was near TV quality, as shown by the 42" TV used at the entrants area to show what was going on.
Oh.
And nothing untoward happened.
Except the event being enjoyed by those involved.
A Room With A View
Ever fancied a small piece of remote land, all your very own?
That special piece of green space, somewhere off the beaten track.
So how about a disused reservoir (wonder if its subject to flooding?)
Bradleys and Webbers will shortly be auctioning off a number of "highly interesting and attractive lots" in Devon & Cornwall, currently owned by South West Water.
The auction is on the 18th and 23rd November and besides the normal Cottage/disused buildings in out of the way locations there are some interesting possibilities
How about Lot 15, Northmoor Reservoir?
"613 sqm approx. Northmoor Reservoir is situated on the outskirts of Moretonhampstead and within the boundaries of the Dartmoor National Park. The site is accessed via a public footpath and .......accommodates a four walled stone built structure which currently is somewhat overgrown" Guide £5-10k
Or perhaps Lot 18, Loddiswell Service Reservoir?
"Small redundant reservoir .... on the outskirts of the village.........there are fields behind and the site afford countryside views" Guide £10k
Then, for the more aspirational there Lot 21, King George Fifth Reservoir (a postal address with real one-upmanship potential)
"0.77 acres approx. A redundant water storage reservoir within a large site with delightful views over Totnes and countryside........the site can only be accessed by foot or 4x4 vehicle over a public maintained trackway" Guide £20k
With auction guide prices starting at £5,000 it sounds a realistic way to acquire a piece of wildcamping/chill-out land.
So, a little something perhaps to brighten up your Sunday. And perhaps for one of you reading this a chance to turn a dream into reality (for which my finder's fee is an invitation to visit and stay a night)
Go on. Dream a little harder today.
Brochure with site location & further details is available here
(All lot descriptions & pictures copyright Bradleys Autions)
Friday, October 23
OMM 2009 - Brollies at the ready
Try to cast your mind back one year
Yes really. That far back.
Do you remember the media frenzy surrounding the 2008 Original Mountain Marathon cancellation?
Well the OMM 2009 event kicks off tomorrow.
The on-line forecast for Builth Wells looks reasonable (well for the Welsh hills at least)
So why did this evening's TV Weather forecast suggest nothing but wall to wall rain cloud covering the UK from early Saturday morning?
Run away & hide!
Worm on tongue; Breath suitably baited;
The cynical await this year's press coverage.Labels: Wales
Thursday, October 22
New Forest National Park - Revised plan (update)
A quick follow up to yesterday's NFNPA piece.
Here's the first responses from the Forest Uprising Group (Thread:New Forest National Park Management Plan - New Draft) & One Voice.Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Wednesday, October 21
New Forest National Park - Revised plan
For those who have been following this site's observations with the birth pangs of the NFNP Authority there comes hot news - the NFNPA draft Management Plan will be available for public review from Thursday 22nd Oct.
Public responses has a bare three weeks to provide feedback on the revised document (i.e. comments back by 12 November)
Let's see what is on offering this time around.
(Edit: Wed 18:50 - the document appears to be available already - find it here)
Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Tuesday, October 20
Guardian Scoop - well sort of
At the end of September I threw together a few thoughts around the topic of 'Three things to do to Enjoy England'
I'm happy to reveal that if you pop over to the Guardian Newspaper website you'll find a link to this piece, along with a couple of other Outdoor Bloggers you should already recognise, in the Guardian's webpage "More ways to Enjoy England"
So well done to those who made the cut.
Hopefully, like me, you'll find pleasure in casing an eye over the other Bloggers' thoughts.
(Now where have they been hiding themselves all this time?)Labels: media
Martial Art - Now 102 ways to kill a man?
Well in the case of one group of Midland charity walkers, not so much a secret art. More a bunch of artists (of a different sort) demonstrating their selfishness & a total miscomprehension of simple hill craft.
"The group from Coventry were taking part in a fundraising record attempt to see how many martial arts enthusiasts could climb the mountain at one time. They carried the man up Llanberis Path but found it too tough to go further. They then left the man in the wheelchair with a friend, while they carried on and reached the peak. When they returned to the man in the wheelchair, they were too tired to carry him back down and called for help from mountain rescuers" (Source BBC)
Thanks to Grough for flagging the story, and the Coventry Evening Telegraph for further detail.
So once again the local MRT get pulled in to dig a group of prats out of a hole of their own making.
In this case a little forethought would have prevented the incident. Or even a little less selfishness, when it started to go pearshaped, would have prevented an escalation.
I'll declare an interest here. I was once a martial artist - a pursuit that fosters self reliance and independent thinking. I also happen to originate from Coventry - so the 'City folk go dumb in the wilds' tag isn't accurate either.
Apparently the paraplegic was "their pal". With friends like this who needs enemies?
I suspect this is one charity event where their won't be much post event publicity from the charity concerned.
Labels: Mountain Rescue Team(MRT), Wales
Monday, October 5
Three Peaks, Slow Peaks
Whilst doing the last minute packing earlier this evening I was listening to BBC Radio 4's CostingThe Earth program (On Listen Again Now for the next 7 days).
"Every year around 60,000 people set out on the Three Peaks Challenge, aiming to climb the highest mountains in England, Wales and Scotland. Most do it to raise money for charity but there are increasing worries that the challenge is putting too much pressure on the environment, destroying some of our most beautiful places"
I was half listening to the usual pros & cons. All equally valid in their way, but nothing unusual.
Then towards the program's end a Snowdonia National Park Ranger provides a very evenly balanced view on mountain usage and its users. During his piece, he comes up with an interesting line of thought as to the Time element of the Challenge, citing that as one of the underlying causes that inevitably leads to the concentration of so many people gathering in a few very specific spots, typically at unsocial hours.
The program is worth listening to for this section alone (IMHO) suggesting a possible way for such Charity Challenges to continue into the future, whilst balancing local sensibilities.
I'm reminded of a comment attributed to Wainwright on hearing that someone had recently run the Pennine Way in under 3 days
"Why?"
Whilst it wasn't expressly said the program left me with an intriguing idea for a new event of this type.
Welcome to 'The Three Peaks Slow Challenge'.
Think about it for a moment........
Forget 3 peaks in 24 hours.
How about 3 peaks in as long a period as it takes to properly saviour each mountain?
Possibly start with different ascent & descent routes. Then build in timing each peak's top to enjoy a sunrise, sunset, or even perhaps a night on the mountain.
Certainly consider banning the use of mobile phones, unless by the Group Leader in the event of an emergency. With event exclusion being a penalty for abuse, especially when involving Mountain Rescue Services.
How about a 'Guess the Number' lottery for items of litter picked up along the way? A different way to garnish additional donations whilst being of immense usefulness.
Maybe even a 3 peaks - 3 wildcamps approach for instance? (That's not really going to affect most of us regular wildcampers by the way. We tend to steer clear of such peaks, due to their over popularity)
Lets take it further still. The winner (because such things always seem to turn into a competition) - the slowest time to "do" the 3 Peaks, with the most amount of enjoyment. Choose your own measurement.
Think the idea might catch on?
Certainly more of a Challenge from what I can see.Labels: Lake District, media, Scotland, Wales
Sunshine bound
This Blog will be going quiet for a bit as I pack & depart for the sunshine of Southern Europe.
With the Euro in sharp decline I may be forced to sleep under a builder's tarp, drinking rainwater from a old tin can. But I'll be basking in sunshine & warm whilst I suffer. Hopefully.
And who knows, if my netbook can find a Wi-Fi link there may even be some pictures to prove just how low I've sunk.
Play nicely while I'm slumming it.
Saturday, October 3
New Forest - Air Ambulance
Today's journey out into New Forest brought me upon the scene of a very recent car crash. I turned around and decided to take another route, leaving the emergency services to their unenviable tasks.
However as I passed near to the scene I spotted the arrival of the local Air Ambulance.
So if you happened to give something to support such a cause - know you know just why they are so essential even in the urbanised areas of the south coast.
Apologies for picture quality - all I had was my mobile Labels: New Forest
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
Perhaps not so great, if you followed the reports of Black's branch reduction last month - "The Group has experienced a difficult year in a particularly challenging trading environment.........the financial year saw our core Outdoor division maintain a sound performance in a tough retail market, reporting a small reduction in operating profit compared to the previous year"
(Although that was taken from a statement back in May before the main 2009 trading season got underway)
Anecdotal feedback from those I've spoken to in the trade seem happy, but there is often a tendency to talk-up trading conditions, rather than unsettle potential customers.
Well the trading report season is drawing near - let's see what the real position has been for Outdoor Retailing in Summer 2009.
Labels: outdoor retail
Something Old, Something New; Outdoor Gear ideas
It seems there is always some new gear trend or other doing the rounds of the Outdoor community.
During the last couple of years one concept with increased publicity has been around the idea of a portable alcohol/meth burner.
Ever wondered just how long has this idea been around - a couple of years? Or perhaps an improvement on something from the 1990s?
Then take a look at this patent drawing from 1859.
Seem familiar?
So lets come up to date with this 2007 idea
For those of you who want to dig around in this area the list of historic burner patents should keep you quiet for a few hours (or days if Whitespider's Darren is reading this!)
But maybe burners aren't your thing - how about backpacks instead?
Even limiting a search to the last five years still turns up 51 offerings including a certain Mr Gregory's patent for "Backpack having distributed-load shoulder strap system" & North Face's "Backpack suspension system".
My point, aside from providing an interesting diversion for a few hours, is the wealth of new ideas or adaption of old principles, that are now readily available to consider for yourself.
We may not all have the drive of Colin Ibbotson when it comes to innovation in customising kit. But as a spur to understand the thoughts and ideas of others, and maybe spark some ideas of your own, the Free Patents Online site looks to have some interesting potential.
Hmm. I wonder if anyone has taken out a Patent on it yet?
Sunday, October 25
Mapping Software
Has anyone tried out the new GroughRoute Mapping software yet?
I've tried Anquet & the like but been deterred by the cost, amongst other things.
Options vary from Free (limited use - no map print) through to unlimited use for £57 pa, with maps at 1:25,000 & 1:50,000 scale.
I'd be interested in any feedback from you if you're trying it out.Labels: mapping
OMM 2009 - All done
Well done to (Podcast) Bob & Rose finishing a commendable 161st in the OMM 2009 Shortscore Event. (No idea how high up they finished in the Veteran category - results have not yet been published)
There's even four Podcasts to listen to (Perhaps Bob is on someone else's Podcast - whatever next!)
This year the satellite comms has stunned the organisers with their ability to contact & e-mail very remote locations. And the event webcam was near TV quality, as shown by the 42" TV used at the entrants area to show what was going on.
Oh.
And nothing untoward happened.
Except the event being enjoyed by those involved.
A Room With A View
Ever fancied a small piece of remote land, all your very own?
That special piece of green space, somewhere off the beaten track.
So how about a disused reservoir (wonder if its subject to flooding?)
Bradleys and Webbers will shortly be auctioning off a number of "highly interesting and attractive lots" in Devon & Cornwall, currently owned by South West Water.
The auction is on the 18th and 23rd November and besides the normal Cottage/disused buildings in out of the way locations there are some interesting possibilities
How about Lot 15, Northmoor Reservoir?
"613 sqm approx. Northmoor Reservoir is situated on the outskirts of Moretonhampstead and within the boundaries of the Dartmoor National Park. The site is accessed via a public footpath and .......accommodates a four walled stone built structure which currently is somewhat overgrown" Guide £5-10k
Or perhaps Lot 18, Loddiswell Service Reservoir?
"Small redundant reservoir .... on the outskirts of the village.........there are fields behind and the site afford countryside views" Guide £10k
Then, for the more aspirational there Lot 21, King George Fifth Reservoir (a postal address with real one-upmanship potential)
"0.77 acres approx. A redundant water storage reservoir within a large site with delightful views over Totnes and countryside........the site can only be accessed by foot or 4x4 vehicle over a public maintained trackway" Guide £20k
With auction guide prices starting at £5,000 it sounds a realistic way to acquire a piece of wildcamping/chill-out land.
So, a little something perhaps to brighten up your Sunday. And perhaps for one of you reading this a chance to turn a dream into reality (for which my finder's fee is an invitation to visit and stay a night)
Go on. Dream a little harder today.
Brochure with site location & further details is available here
(All lot descriptions & pictures copyright Bradleys Autions)
Friday, October 23
OMM 2009 - Brollies at the ready
Try to cast your mind back one year
Yes really. That far back.
Do you remember the media frenzy surrounding the 2008 Original Mountain Marathon cancellation?
Well the OMM 2009 event kicks off tomorrow.
The on-line forecast for Builth Wells looks reasonable (well for the Welsh hills at least)
So why did this evening's TV Weather forecast suggest nothing but wall to wall rain cloud covering the UK from early Saturday morning?
Run away & hide!
Worm on tongue; Breath suitably baited;
The cynical await this year's press coverage.Labels: Wales
Thursday, October 22
New Forest National Park - Revised plan (update)
A quick follow up to yesterday's NFNPA piece.
Here's the first responses from the Forest Uprising Group (Thread:New Forest National Park Management Plan - New Draft) & One Voice.Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Wednesday, October 21
New Forest National Park - Revised plan
For those who have been following this site's observations with the birth pangs of the NFNP Authority there comes hot news - the NFNPA draft Management Plan will be available for public review from Thursday 22nd Oct.
Public responses has a bare three weeks to provide feedback on the revised document (i.e. comments back by 12 November)
Let's see what is on offering this time around.
(Edit: Wed 18:50 - the document appears to be available already - find it here)
Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Tuesday, October 20
Guardian Scoop - well sort of
At the end of September I threw together a few thoughts around the topic of 'Three things to do to Enjoy England'
I'm happy to reveal that if you pop over to the Guardian Newspaper website you'll find a link to this piece, along with a couple of other Outdoor Bloggers you should already recognise, in the Guardian's webpage "More ways to Enjoy England"
So well done to those who made the cut.
Hopefully, like me, you'll find pleasure in casing an eye over the other Bloggers' thoughts.
(Now where have they been hiding themselves all this time?)Labels: media
Martial Art - Now 102 ways to kill a man?
Well in the case of one group of Midland charity walkers, not so much a secret art. More a bunch of artists (of a different sort) demonstrating their selfishness & a total miscomprehension of simple hill craft.
"The group from Coventry were taking part in a fundraising record attempt to see how many martial arts enthusiasts could climb the mountain at one time. They carried the man up Llanberis Path but found it too tough to go further. They then left the man in the wheelchair with a friend, while they carried on and reached the peak. When they returned to the man in the wheelchair, they were too tired to carry him back down and called for help from mountain rescuers" (Source BBC)
Thanks to Grough for flagging the story, and the Coventry Evening Telegraph for further detail.
So once again the local MRT get pulled in to dig a group of prats out of a hole of their own making.
In this case a little forethought would have prevented the incident. Or even a little less selfishness, when it started to go pearshaped, would have prevented an escalation.
I'll declare an interest here. I was once a martial artist - a pursuit that fosters self reliance and independent thinking. I also happen to originate from Coventry - so the 'City folk go dumb in the wilds' tag isn't accurate either.
Apparently the paraplegic was "their pal". With friends like this who needs enemies?
I suspect this is one charity event where their won't be much post event publicity from the charity concerned.
Labels: Mountain Rescue Team(MRT), Wales
Monday, October 5
Three Peaks, Slow Peaks
Whilst doing the last minute packing earlier this evening I was listening to BBC Radio 4's CostingThe Earth program (On Listen Again Now for the next 7 days).
"Every year around 60,000 people set out on the Three Peaks Challenge, aiming to climb the highest mountains in England, Wales and Scotland. Most do it to raise money for charity but there are increasing worries that the challenge is putting too much pressure on the environment, destroying some of our most beautiful places"
I was half listening to the usual pros & cons. All equally valid in their way, but nothing unusual.
Then towards the program's end a Snowdonia National Park Ranger provides a very evenly balanced view on mountain usage and its users. During his piece, he comes up with an interesting line of thought as to the Time element of the Challenge, citing that as one of the underlying causes that inevitably leads to the concentration of so many people gathering in a few very specific spots, typically at unsocial hours.
The program is worth listening to for this section alone (IMHO) suggesting a possible way for such Charity Challenges to continue into the future, whilst balancing local sensibilities.
I'm reminded of a comment attributed to Wainwright on hearing that someone had recently run the Pennine Way in under 3 days
"Why?"
Whilst it wasn't expressly said the program left me with an intriguing idea for a new event of this type.
Welcome to 'The Three Peaks Slow Challenge'.
Think about it for a moment........
Forget 3 peaks in 24 hours.
How about 3 peaks in as long a period as it takes to properly saviour each mountain?
Possibly start with different ascent & descent routes. Then build in timing each peak's top to enjoy a sunrise, sunset, or even perhaps a night on the mountain.
Certainly consider banning the use of mobile phones, unless by the Group Leader in the event of an emergency. With event exclusion being a penalty for abuse, especially when involving Mountain Rescue Services.
How about a 'Guess the Number' lottery for items of litter picked up along the way? A different way to garnish additional donations whilst being of immense usefulness.
Maybe even a 3 peaks - 3 wildcamps approach for instance? (That's not really going to affect most of us regular wildcampers by the way. We tend to steer clear of such peaks, due to their over popularity)
Lets take it further still. The winner (because such things always seem to turn into a competition) - the slowest time to "do" the 3 Peaks, with the most amount of enjoyment. Choose your own measurement.
Think the idea might catch on?
Certainly more of a Challenge from what I can see.Labels: Lake District, media, Scotland, Wales
Sunshine bound
This Blog will be going quiet for a bit as I pack & depart for the sunshine of Southern Europe.
With the Euro in sharp decline I may be forced to sleep under a builder's tarp, drinking rainwater from a old tin can. But I'll be basking in sunshine & warm whilst I suffer. Hopefully.
And who knows, if my netbook can find a Wi-Fi link there may even be some pictures to prove just how low I've sunk.
Play nicely while I'm slumming it.
Saturday, October 3
New Forest - Air Ambulance
Today's journey out into New Forest brought me upon the scene of a very recent car crash. I turned around and decided to take another route, leaving the emergency services to their unenviable tasks.
However as I passed near to the scene I spotted the arrival of the local Air Ambulance.
So if you happened to give something to support such a cause - know you know just why they are so essential even in the urbanised areas of the south coast.
Apologies for picture quality - all I had was my mobile Labels: New Forest
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
During the last couple of years one concept with increased publicity has been around the idea of a portable alcohol/meth burner.
Ever wondered just how long has this idea been around - a couple of years? Or perhaps an improvement on something from the 1990s?
Then take a look at this patent drawing from 1859.
Seem familiar?
So lets come up to date with this 2007 idea
For those of you who want to dig around in this area the list of historic burner patents should keep you quiet for a few hours (or days if Whitespider's Darren is reading this!)
But maybe burners aren't your thing - how about backpacks instead?
Even limiting a search to the last five years still turns up 51 offerings including a certain Mr Gregory's patent for "Backpack having distributed-load shoulder strap system" & North Face's "Backpack suspension system".
My point, aside from providing an interesting diversion for a few hours, is the wealth of new ideas or adaption of old principles, that are now readily available to consider for yourself.
We may not all have the drive of Colin Ibbotson when it comes to innovation in customising kit. But as a spur to understand the thoughts and ideas of others, and maybe spark some ideas of your own, the Free Patents Online site looks to have some interesting potential.
Hmm. I wonder if anyone has taken out a Patent on it yet?
Mapping Software
Has anyone tried out the new GroughRoute Mapping software yet?
I've tried Anquet & the like but been deterred by the cost, amongst other things.
Options vary from Free (limited use - no map print) through to unlimited use for £57 pa, with maps at 1:25,000 & 1:50,000 scale.
I'd be interested in any feedback from you if you're trying it out.Labels: mapping
OMM 2009 - All done
Well done to (Podcast) Bob & Rose finishing a commendable 161st in the OMM 2009 Shortscore Event. (No idea how high up they finished in the Veteran category - results have not yet been published)
There's even four Podcasts to listen to (Perhaps Bob is on someone else's Podcast - whatever next!)
This year the satellite comms has stunned the organisers with their ability to contact & e-mail very remote locations. And the event webcam was near TV quality, as shown by the 42" TV used at the entrants area to show what was going on.
Oh.
And nothing untoward happened.
Except the event being enjoyed by those involved.
A Room With A View
Ever fancied a small piece of remote land, all your very own?
That special piece of green space, somewhere off the beaten track.
So how about a disused reservoir (wonder if its subject to flooding?)
Bradleys and Webbers will shortly be auctioning off a number of "highly interesting and attractive lots" in Devon & Cornwall, currently owned by South West Water.
The auction is on the 18th and 23rd November and besides the normal Cottage/disused buildings in out of the way locations there are some interesting possibilities
How about Lot 15, Northmoor Reservoir?
"613 sqm approx. Northmoor Reservoir is situated on the outskirts of Moretonhampstead and within the boundaries of the Dartmoor National Park. The site is accessed via a public footpath and .......accommodates a four walled stone built structure which currently is somewhat overgrown" Guide £5-10k
Or perhaps Lot 18, Loddiswell Service Reservoir?
"Small redundant reservoir .... on the outskirts of the village.........there are fields behind and the site afford countryside views" Guide £10k
Then, for the more aspirational there Lot 21, King George Fifth Reservoir (a postal address with real one-upmanship potential)
"0.77 acres approx. A redundant water storage reservoir within a large site with delightful views over Totnes and countryside........the site can only be accessed by foot or 4x4 vehicle over a public maintained trackway" Guide £20k
With auction guide prices starting at £5,000 it sounds a realistic way to acquire a piece of wildcamping/chill-out land.
So, a little something perhaps to brighten up your Sunday. And perhaps for one of you reading this a chance to turn a dream into reality (for which my finder's fee is an invitation to visit and stay a night)
Go on. Dream a little harder today.
Brochure with site location & further details is available here
(All lot descriptions & pictures copyright Bradleys Autions)
Friday, October 23
OMM 2009 - Brollies at the ready
Try to cast your mind back one year
Yes really. That far back.
Do you remember the media frenzy surrounding the 2008 Original Mountain Marathon cancellation?
Well the OMM 2009 event kicks off tomorrow.
The on-line forecast for Builth Wells looks reasonable (well for the Welsh hills at least)
So why did this evening's TV Weather forecast suggest nothing but wall to wall rain cloud covering the UK from early Saturday morning?
Run away & hide!
Worm on tongue; Breath suitably baited;
The cynical await this year's press coverage.Labels: Wales
Thursday, October 22
New Forest National Park - Revised plan (update)
A quick follow up to yesterday's NFNPA piece.
Here's the first responses from the Forest Uprising Group (Thread:New Forest National Park Management Plan - New Draft) & One Voice.Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Wednesday, October 21
New Forest National Park - Revised plan
For those who have been following this site's observations with the birth pangs of the NFNP Authority there comes hot news - the NFNPA draft Management Plan will be available for public review from Thursday 22nd Oct.
Public responses has a bare three weeks to provide feedback on the revised document (i.e. comments back by 12 November)
Let's see what is on offering this time around.
(Edit: Wed 18:50 - the document appears to be available already - find it here)
Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Tuesday, October 20
Guardian Scoop - well sort of
At the end of September I threw together a few thoughts around the topic of 'Three things to do to Enjoy England'
I'm happy to reveal that if you pop over to the Guardian Newspaper website you'll find a link to this piece, along with a couple of other Outdoor Bloggers you should already recognise, in the Guardian's webpage "More ways to Enjoy England"
So well done to those who made the cut.
Hopefully, like me, you'll find pleasure in casing an eye over the other Bloggers' thoughts.
(Now where have they been hiding themselves all this time?)Labels: media
Martial Art - Now 102 ways to kill a man?
Well in the case of one group of Midland charity walkers, not so much a secret art. More a bunch of artists (of a different sort) demonstrating their selfishness & a total miscomprehension of simple hill craft.
"The group from Coventry were taking part in a fundraising record attempt to see how many martial arts enthusiasts could climb the mountain at one time. They carried the man up Llanberis Path but found it too tough to go further. They then left the man in the wheelchair with a friend, while they carried on and reached the peak. When they returned to the man in the wheelchair, they were too tired to carry him back down and called for help from mountain rescuers" (Source BBC)
Thanks to Grough for flagging the story, and the Coventry Evening Telegraph for further detail.
So once again the local MRT get pulled in to dig a group of prats out of a hole of their own making.
In this case a little forethought would have prevented the incident. Or even a little less selfishness, when it started to go pearshaped, would have prevented an escalation.
I'll declare an interest here. I was once a martial artist - a pursuit that fosters self reliance and independent thinking. I also happen to originate from Coventry - so the 'City folk go dumb in the wilds' tag isn't accurate either.
Apparently the paraplegic was "their pal". With friends like this who needs enemies?
I suspect this is one charity event where their won't be much post event publicity from the charity concerned.
Labels: Mountain Rescue Team(MRT), Wales
Monday, October 5
Three Peaks, Slow Peaks
Whilst doing the last minute packing earlier this evening I was listening to BBC Radio 4's CostingThe Earth program (On Listen Again Now for the next 7 days).
"Every year around 60,000 people set out on the Three Peaks Challenge, aiming to climb the highest mountains in England, Wales and Scotland. Most do it to raise money for charity but there are increasing worries that the challenge is putting too much pressure on the environment, destroying some of our most beautiful places"
I was half listening to the usual pros & cons. All equally valid in their way, but nothing unusual.
Then towards the program's end a Snowdonia National Park Ranger provides a very evenly balanced view on mountain usage and its users. During his piece, he comes up with an interesting line of thought as to the Time element of the Challenge, citing that as one of the underlying causes that inevitably leads to the concentration of so many people gathering in a few very specific spots, typically at unsocial hours.
The program is worth listening to for this section alone (IMHO) suggesting a possible way for such Charity Challenges to continue into the future, whilst balancing local sensibilities.
I'm reminded of a comment attributed to Wainwright on hearing that someone had recently run the Pennine Way in under 3 days
"Why?"
Whilst it wasn't expressly said the program left me with an intriguing idea for a new event of this type.
Welcome to 'The Three Peaks Slow Challenge'.
Think about it for a moment........
Forget 3 peaks in 24 hours.
How about 3 peaks in as long a period as it takes to properly saviour each mountain?
Possibly start with different ascent & descent routes. Then build in timing each peak's top to enjoy a sunrise, sunset, or even perhaps a night on the mountain.
Certainly consider banning the use of mobile phones, unless by the Group Leader in the event of an emergency. With event exclusion being a penalty for abuse, especially when involving Mountain Rescue Services.
How about a 'Guess the Number' lottery for items of litter picked up along the way? A different way to garnish additional donations whilst being of immense usefulness.
Maybe even a 3 peaks - 3 wildcamps approach for instance? (That's not really going to affect most of us regular wildcampers by the way. We tend to steer clear of such peaks, due to their over popularity)
Lets take it further still. The winner (because such things always seem to turn into a competition) - the slowest time to "do" the 3 Peaks, with the most amount of enjoyment. Choose your own measurement.
Think the idea might catch on?
Certainly more of a Challenge from what I can see.Labels: Lake District, media, Scotland, Wales
Sunshine bound
This Blog will be going quiet for a bit as I pack & depart for the sunshine of Southern Europe.
With the Euro in sharp decline I may be forced to sleep under a builder's tarp, drinking rainwater from a old tin can. But I'll be basking in sunshine & warm whilst I suffer. Hopefully.
And who knows, if my netbook can find a Wi-Fi link there may even be some pictures to prove just how low I've sunk.
Play nicely while I'm slumming it.
Saturday, October 3
New Forest - Air Ambulance
Today's journey out into New Forest brought me upon the scene of a very recent car crash. I turned around and decided to take another route, leaving the emergency services to their unenviable tasks.
However as I passed near to the scene I spotted the arrival of the local Air Ambulance.
So if you happened to give something to support such a cause - know you know just why they are so essential even in the urbanised areas of the south coast.
Apologies for picture quality - all I had was my mobile Labels: New Forest
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
I've tried Anquet & the like but been deterred by the cost, amongst other things.
Options vary from Free (limited use - no map print) through to unlimited use for £57 pa, with maps at 1:25,000 & 1:50,000 scale.
I'd be interested in any feedback from you if you're trying it out.
Labels: mapping
OMM 2009 - All done
Well done to (Podcast) Bob & Rose finishing a commendable 161st in the OMM 2009 Shortscore Event. (No idea how high up they finished in the Veteran category - results have not yet been published)
There's even four Podcasts to listen to (Perhaps Bob is on someone else's Podcast - whatever next!)
This year the satellite comms has stunned the organisers with their ability to contact & e-mail very remote locations. And the event webcam was near TV quality, as shown by the 42" TV used at the entrants area to show what was going on.
Oh.
And nothing untoward happened.
Except the event being enjoyed by those involved.
A Room With A View
Ever fancied a small piece of remote land, all your very own?
That special piece of green space, somewhere off the beaten track.
So how about a disused reservoir (wonder if its subject to flooding?)
Bradleys and Webbers will shortly be auctioning off a number of "highly interesting and attractive lots" in Devon & Cornwall, currently owned by South West Water.
The auction is on the 18th and 23rd November and besides the normal Cottage/disused buildings in out of the way locations there are some interesting possibilities
How about Lot 15, Northmoor Reservoir?
"613 sqm approx. Northmoor Reservoir is situated on the outskirts of Moretonhampstead and within the boundaries of the Dartmoor National Park. The site is accessed via a public footpath and .......accommodates a four walled stone built structure which currently is somewhat overgrown" Guide £5-10k
Or perhaps Lot 18, Loddiswell Service Reservoir?
"Small redundant reservoir .... on the outskirts of the village.........there are fields behind and the site afford countryside views" Guide £10k
Then, for the more aspirational there Lot 21, King George Fifth Reservoir (a postal address with real one-upmanship potential)
"0.77 acres approx. A redundant water storage reservoir within a large site with delightful views over Totnes and countryside........the site can only be accessed by foot or 4x4 vehicle over a public maintained trackway" Guide £20k
With auction guide prices starting at £5,000 it sounds a realistic way to acquire a piece of wildcamping/chill-out land.
So, a little something perhaps to brighten up your Sunday. And perhaps for one of you reading this a chance to turn a dream into reality (for which my finder's fee is an invitation to visit and stay a night)
Go on. Dream a little harder today.
Brochure with site location & further details is available here
(All lot descriptions & pictures copyright Bradleys Autions)
Friday, October 23
OMM 2009 - Brollies at the ready
Try to cast your mind back one year
Yes really. That far back.
Do you remember the media frenzy surrounding the 2008 Original Mountain Marathon cancellation?
Well the OMM 2009 event kicks off tomorrow.
The on-line forecast for Builth Wells looks reasonable (well for the Welsh hills at least)
So why did this evening's TV Weather forecast suggest nothing but wall to wall rain cloud covering the UK from early Saturday morning?
Run away & hide!
Worm on tongue; Breath suitably baited;
The cynical await this year's press coverage.Labels: Wales
Thursday, October 22
New Forest National Park - Revised plan (update)
A quick follow up to yesterday's NFNPA piece.
Here's the first responses from the Forest Uprising Group (Thread:New Forest National Park Management Plan - New Draft) & One Voice.Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Wednesday, October 21
New Forest National Park - Revised plan
For those who have been following this site's observations with the birth pangs of the NFNP Authority there comes hot news - the NFNPA draft Management Plan will be available for public review from Thursday 22nd Oct.
Public responses has a bare three weeks to provide feedback on the revised document (i.e. comments back by 12 November)
Let's see what is on offering this time around.
(Edit: Wed 18:50 - the document appears to be available already - find it here)
Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Tuesday, October 20
Guardian Scoop - well sort of
At the end of September I threw together a few thoughts around the topic of 'Three things to do to Enjoy England'
I'm happy to reveal that if you pop over to the Guardian Newspaper website you'll find a link to this piece, along with a couple of other Outdoor Bloggers you should already recognise, in the Guardian's webpage "More ways to Enjoy England"
So well done to those who made the cut.
Hopefully, like me, you'll find pleasure in casing an eye over the other Bloggers' thoughts.
(Now where have they been hiding themselves all this time?)Labels: media
Martial Art - Now 102 ways to kill a man?
Well in the case of one group of Midland charity walkers, not so much a secret art. More a bunch of artists (of a different sort) demonstrating their selfishness & a total miscomprehension of simple hill craft.
"The group from Coventry were taking part in a fundraising record attempt to see how many martial arts enthusiasts could climb the mountain at one time. They carried the man up Llanberis Path but found it too tough to go further. They then left the man in the wheelchair with a friend, while they carried on and reached the peak. When they returned to the man in the wheelchair, they were too tired to carry him back down and called for help from mountain rescuers" (Source BBC)
Thanks to Grough for flagging the story, and the Coventry Evening Telegraph for further detail.
So once again the local MRT get pulled in to dig a group of prats out of a hole of their own making.
In this case a little forethought would have prevented the incident. Or even a little less selfishness, when it started to go pearshaped, would have prevented an escalation.
I'll declare an interest here. I was once a martial artist - a pursuit that fosters self reliance and independent thinking. I also happen to originate from Coventry - so the 'City folk go dumb in the wilds' tag isn't accurate either.
Apparently the paraplegic was "their pal". With friends like this who needs enemies?
I suspect this is one charity event where their won't be much post event publicity from the charity concerned.
Labels: Mountain Rescue Team(MRT), Wales
Monday, October 5
Three Peaks, Slow Peaks
Whilst doing the last minute packing earlier this evening I was listening to BBC Radio 4's CostingThe Earth program (On Listen Again Now for the next 7 days).
"Every year around 60,000 people set out on the Three Peaks Challenge, aiming to climb the highest mountains in England, Wales and Scotland. Most do it to raise money for charity but there are increasing worries that the challenge is putting too much pressure on the environment, destroying some of our most beautiful places"
I was half listening to the usual pros & cons. All equally valid in their way, but nothing unusual.
Then towards the program's end a Snowdonia National Park Ranger provides a very evenly balanced view on mountain usage and its users. During his piece, he comes up with an interesting line of thought as to the Time element of the Challenge, citing that as one of the underlying causes that inevitably leads to the concentration of so many people gathering in a few very specific spots, typically at unsocial hours.
The program is worth listening to for this section alone (IMHO) suggesting a possible way for such Charity Challenges to continue into the future, whilst balancing local sensibilities.
I'm reminded of a comment attributed to Wainwright on hearing that someone had recently run the Pennine Way in under 3 days
"Why?"
Whilst it wasn't expressly said the program left me with an intriguing idea for a new event of this type.
Welcome to 'The Three Peaks Slow Challenge'.
Think about it for a moment........
Forget 3 peaks in 24 hours.
How about 3 peaks in as long a period as it takes to properly saviour each mountain?
Possibly start with different ascent & descent routes. Then build in timing each peak's top to enjoy a sunrise, sunset, or even perhaps a night on the mountain.
Certainly consider banning the use of mobile phones, unless by the Group Leader in the event of an emergency. With event exclusion being a penalty for abuse, especially when involving Mountain Rescue Services.
How about a 'Guess the Number' lottery for items of litter picked up along the way? A different way to garnish additional donations whilst being of immense usefulness.
Maybe even a 3 peaks - 3 wildcamps approach for instance? (That's not really going to affect most of us regular wildcampers by the way. We tend to steer clear of such peaks, due to their over popularity)
Lets take it further still. The winner (because such things always seem to turn into a competition) - the slowest time to "do" the 3 Peaks, with the most amount of enjoyment. Choose your own measurement.
Think the idea might catch on?
Certainly more of a Challenge from what I can see.Labels: Lake District, media, Scotland, Wales
Sunshine bound
This Blog will be going quiet for a bit as I pack & depart for the sunshine of Southern Europe.
With the Euro in sharp decline I may be forced to sleep under a builder's tarp, drinking rainwater from a old tin can. But I'll be basking in sunshine & warm whilst I suffer. Hopefully.
And who knows, if my netbook can find a Wi-Fi link there may even be some pictures to prove just how low I've sunk.
Play nicely while I'm slumming it.
Saturday, October 3
New Forest - Air Ambulance
Today's journey out into New Forest brought me upon the scene of a very recent car crash. I turned around and decided to take another route, leaving the emergency services to their unenviable tasks.
However as I passed near to the scene I spotted the arrival of the local Air Ambulance.
So if you happened to give something to support such a cause - know you know just why they are so essential even in the urbanised areas of the south coast.
Apologies for picture quality - all I had was my mobile Labels: New Forest
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
There's even four Podcasts to listen to (Perhaps Bob is on someone else's Podcast - whatever next!)
This year the satellite comms has stunned the organisers with their ability to contact & e-mail very remote locations. And the event webcam was near TV quality, as shown by the 42" TV used at the entrants area to show what was going on.
Oh.
And nothing untoward happened.
Except the event being enjoyed by those involved.
A Room With A View
Ever fancied a small piece of remote land, all your very own?
That special piece of green space, somewhere off the beaten track.
So how about a disused reservoir (wonder if its subject to flooding?)
Bradleys and Webbers will shortly be auctioning off a number of "highly interesting and attractive lots" in Devon & Cornwall, currently owned by South West Water.
The auction is on the 18th and 23rd November and besides the normal Cottage/disused buildings in out of the way locations there are some interesting possibilities
How about Lot 15, Northmoor Reservoir?
"613 sqm approx. Northmoor Reservoir is situated on the outskirts of Moretonhampstead and within the boundaries of the Dartmoor National Park. The site is accessed via a public footpath and .......accommodates a four walled stone built structure which currently is somewhat overgrown" Guide £5-10k
Or perhaps Lot 18, Loddiswell Service Reservoir?
"Small redundant reservoir .... on the outskirts of the village.........there are fields behind and the site afford countryside views" Guide £10k
Then, for the more aspirational there Lot 21, King George Fifth Reservoir (a postal address with real one-upmanship potential)
"0.77 acres approx. A redundant water storage reservoir within a large site with delightful views over Totnes and countryside........the site can only be accessed by foot or 4x4 vehicle over a public maintained trackway" Guide £20k
With auction guide prices starting at £5,000 it sounds a realistic way to acquire a piece of wildcamping/chill-out land.
So, a little something perhaps to brighten up your Sunday. And perhaps for one of you reading this a chance to turn a dream into reality (for which my finder's fee is an invitation to visit and stay a night)
Go on. Dream a little harder today.
Brochure with site location & further details is available here
(All lot descriptions & pictures copyright Bradleys Autions)
Friday, October 23
OMM 2009 - Brollies at the ready
Try to cast your mind back one year
Yes really. That far back.
Do you remember the media frenzy surrounding the 2008 Original Mountain Marathon cancellation?
Well the OMM 2009 event kicks off tomorrow.
The on-line forecast for Builth Wells looks reasonable (well for the Welsh hills at least)
So why did this evening's TV Weather forecast suggest nothing but wall to wall rain cloud covering the UK from early Saturday morning?
Run away & hide!
Worm on tongue; Breath suitably baited;
The cynical await this year's press coverage.Labels: Wales
Thursday, October 22
New Forest National Park - Revised plan (update)
A quick follow up to yesterday's NFNPA piece.
Here's the first responses from the Forest Uprising Group (Thread:New Forest National Park Management Plan - New Draft) & One Voice.Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Wednesday, October 21
New Forest National Park - Revised plan
For those who have been following this site's observations with the birth pangs of the NFNP Authority there comes hot news - the NFNPA draft Management Plan will be available for public review from Thursday 22nd Oct.
Public responses has a bare three weeks to provide feedback on the revised document (i.e. comments back by 12 November)
Let's see what is on offering this time around.
(Edit: Wed 18:50 - the document appears to be available already - find it here)
Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Tuesday, October 20
Guardian Scoop - well sort of
At the end of September I threw together a few thoughts around the topic of 'Three things to do to Enjoy England'
I'm happy to reveal that if you pop over to the Guardian Newspaper website you'll find a link to this piece, along with a couple of other Outdoor Bloggers you should already recognise, in the Guardian's webpage "More ways to Enjoy England"
So well done to those who made the cut.
Hopefully, like me, you'll find pleasure in casing an eye over the other Bloggers' thoughts.
(Now where have they been hiding themselves all this time?)Labels: media
Martial Art - Now 102 ways to kill a man?
Well in the case of one group of Midland charity walkers, not so much a secret art. More a bunch of artists (of a different sort) demonstrating their selfishness & a total miscomprehension of simple hill craft.
"The group from Coventry were taking part in a fundraising record attempt to see how many martial arts enthusiasts could climb the mountain at one time. They carried the man up Llanberis Path but found it too tough to go further. They then left the man in the wheelchair with a friend, while they carried on and reached the peak. When they returned to the man in the wheelchair, they were too tired to carry him back down and called for help from mountain rescuers" (Source BBC)
Thanks to Grough for flagging the story, and the Coventry Evening Telegraph for further detail.
So once again the local MRT get pulled in to dig a group of prats out of a hole of their own making.
In this case a little forethought would have prevented the incident. Or even a little less selfishness, when it started to go pearshaped, would have prevented an escalation.
I'll declare an interest here. I was once a martial artist - a pursuit that fosters self reliance and independent thinking. I also happen to originate from Coventry - so the 'City folk go dumb in the wilds' tag isn't accurate either.
Apparently the paraplegic was "their pal". With friends like this who needs enemies?
I suspect this is one charity event where their won't be much post event publicity from the charity concerned.
Labels: Mountain Rescue Team(MRT), Wales
Monday, October 5
Three Peaks, Slow Peaks
Whilst doing the last minute packing earlier this evening I was listening to BBC Radio 4's CostingThe Earth program (On Listen Again Now for the next 7 days).
"Every year around 60,000 people set out on the Three Peaks Challenge, aiming to climb the highest mountains in England, Wales and Scotland. Most do it to raise money for charity but there are increasing worries that the challenge is putting too much pressure on the environment, destroying some of our most beautiful places"
I was half listening to the usual pros & cons. All equally valid in their way, but nothing unusual.
Then towards the program's end a Snowdonia National Park Ranger provides a very evenly balanced view on mountain usage and its users. During his piece, he comes up with an interesting line of thought as to the Time element of the Challenge, citing that as one of the underlying causes that inevitably leads to the concentration of so many people gathering in a few very specific spots, typically at unsocial hours.
The program is worth listening to for this section alone (IMHO) suggesting a possible way for such Charity Challenges to continue into the future, whilst balancing local sensibilities.
I'm reminded of a comment attributed to Wainwright on hearing that someone had recently run the Pennine Way in under 3 days
"Why?"
Whilst it wasn't expressly said the program left me with an intriguing idea for a new event of this type.
Welcome to 'The Three Peaks Slow Challenge'.
Think about it for a moment........
Forget 3 peaks in 24 hours.
How about 3 peaks in as long a period as it takes to properly saviour each mountain?
Possibly start with different ascent & descent routes. Then build in timing each peak's top to enjoy a sunrise, sunset, or even perhaps a night on the mountain.
Certainly consider banning the use of mobile phones, unless by the Group Leader in the event of an emergency. With event exclusion being a penalty for abuse, especially when involving Mountain Rescue Services.
How about a 'Guess the Number' lottery for items of litter picked up along the way? A different way to garnish additional donations whilst being of immense usefulness.
Maybe even a 3 peaks - 3 wildcamps approach for instance? (That's not really going to affect most of us regular wildcampers by the way. We tend to steer clear of such peaks, due to their over popularity)
Lets take it further still. The winner (because such things always seem to turn into a competition) - the slowest time to "do" the 3 Peaks, with the most amount of enjoyment. Choose your own measurement.
Think the idea might catch on?
Certainly more of a Challenge from what I can see.Labels: Lake District, media, Scotland, Wales
Sunshine bound
This Blog will be going quiet for a bit as I pack & depart for the sunshine of Southern Europe.
With the Euro in sharp decline I may be forced to sleep under a builder's tarp, drinking rainwater from a old tin can. But I'll be basking in sunshine & warm whilst I suffer. Hopefully.
And who knows, if my netbook can find a Wi-Fi link there may even be some pictures to prove just how low I've sunk.
Play nicely while I'm slumming it.
Saturday, October 3
New Forest - Air Ambulance
Today's journey out into New Forest brought me upon the scene of a very recent car crash. I turned around and decided to take another route, leaving the emergency services to their unenviable tasks.
However as I passed near to the scene I spotted the arrival of the local Air Ambulance.
So if you happened to give something to support such a cause - know you know just why they are so essential even in the urbanised areas of the south coast.
Apologies for picture quality - all I had was my mobile Labels: New Forest
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
That special piece of green space, somewhere off the beaten track.
So how about a disused reservoir (wonder if its subject to flooding?)
Bradleys and Webbers will shortly be auctioning off a number of "highly interesting and attractive lots" in Devon & Cornwall, currently owned by South West Water.
The auction is on the 18th and 23rd November and besides the normal Cottage/disused buildings in out of the way locations there are some interesting possibilities
How about Lot 15, Northmoor Reservoir?
"613 sqm approx. Northmoor Reservoir is situated on the outskirts of Moretonhampstead and within the boundaries of the Dartmoor National Park. The site is accessed via a public footpath and .......accommodates a four walled stone built structure which currently is somewhat overgrown" Guide £5-10k
Or perhaps Lot 18, Loddiswell Service Reservoir?
"Small redundant reservoir .... on the outskirts of the village.........there are fields behind and the site afford countryside views" Guide £10k
Then, for the more aspirational there Lot 21, King George Fifth Reservoir (a postal address with real one-upmanship potential)
"0.77 acres approx. A redundant water storage reservoir within a large site with delightful views over Totnes and countryside........the site can only be accessed by foot or 4x4 vehicle over a public maintained trackway" Guide £20k
With auction guide prices starting at £5,000 it sounds a realistic way to acquire a piece of wildcamping/chill-out land.
So, a little something perhaps to brighten up your Sunday. And perhaps for one of you reading this a chance to turn a dream into reality (for which my finder's fee is an invitation to visit and stay a night)
Go on. Dream a little harder today.
Brochure with site location & further details is available here
(All lot descriptions & pictures copyright Bradleys Autions)
OMM 2009 - Brollies at the ready
Try to cast your mind back one year
Yes really. That far back.
Do you remember the media frenzy surrounding the 2008 Original Mountain Marathon cancellation?
Well the OMM 2009 event kicks off tomorrow.
The on-line forecast for Builth Wells looks reasonable (well for the Welsh hills at least)
So why did this evening's TV Weather forecast suggest nothing but wall to wall rain cloud covering the UK from early Saturday morning?
Run away & hide!
Worm on tongue; Breath suitably baited;
The cynical await this year's press coverage.Labels: Wales
Thursday, October 22
New Forest National Park - Revised plan (update)
A quick follow up to yesterday's NFNPA piece.
Here's the first responses from the Forest Uprising Group (Thread:New Forest National Park Management Plan - New Draft) & One Voice.Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Wednesday, October 21
New Forest National Park - Revised plan
For those who have been following this site's observations with the birth pangs of the NFNP Authority there comes hot news - the NFNPA draft Management Plan will be available for public review from Thursday 22nd Oct.
Public responses has a bare three weeks to provide feedback on the revised document (i.e. comments back by 12 November)
Let's see what is on offering this time around.
(Edit: Wed 18:50 - the document appears to be available already - find it here)
Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Tuesday, October 20
Guardian Scoop - well sort of
At the end of September I threw together a few thoughts around the topic of 'Three things to do to Enjoy England'
I'm happy to reveal that if you pop over to the Guardian Newspaper website you'll find a link to this piece, along with a couple of other Outdoor Bloggers you should already recognise, in the Guardian's webpage "More ways to Enjoy England"
So well done to those who made the cut.
Hopefully, like me, you'll find pleasure in casing an eye over the other Bloggers' thoughts.
(Now where have they been hiding themselves all this time?)Labels: media
Martial Art - Now 102 ways to kill a man?
Well in the case of one group of Midland charity walkers, not so much a secret art. More a bunch of artists (of a different sort) demonstrating their selfishness & a total miscomprehension of simple hill craft.
"The group from Coventry were taking part in a fundraising record attempt to see how many martial arts enthusiasts could climb the mountain at one time. They carried the man up Llanberis Path but found it too tough to go further. They then left the man in the wheelchair with a friend, while they carried on and reached the peak. When they returned to the man in the wheelchair, they were too tired to carry him back down and called for help from mountain rescuers" (Source BBC)
Thanks to Grough for flagging the story, and the Coventry Evening Telegraph for further detail.
So once again the local MRT get pulled in to dig a group of prats out of a hole of their own making.
In this case a little forethought would have prevented the incident. Or even a little less selfishness, when it started to go pearshaped, would have prevented an escalation.
I'll declare an interest here. I was once a martial artist - a pursuit that fosters self reliance and independent thinking. I also happen to originate from Coventry - so the 'City folk go dumb in the wilds' tag isn't accurate either.
Apparently the paraplegic was "their pal". With friends like this who needs enemies?
I suspect this is one charity event where their won't be much post event publicity from the charity concerned.
Labels: Mountain Rescue Team(MRT), Wales
Monday, October 5
Three Peaks, Slow Peaks
Whilst doing the last minute packing earlier this evening I was listening to BBC Radio 4's CostingThe Earth program (On Listen Again Now for the next 7 days).
"Every year around 60,000 people set out on the Three Peaks Challenge, aiming to climb the highest mountains in England, Wales and Scotland. Most do it to raise money for charity but there are increasing worries that the challenge is putting too much pressure on the environment, destroying some of our most beautiful places"
I was half listening to the usual pros & cons. All equally valid in their way, but nothing unusual.
Then towards the program's end a Snowdonia National Park Ranger provides a very evenly balanced view on mountain usage and its users. During his piece, he comes up with an interesting line of thought as to the Time element of the Challenge, citing that as one of the underlying causes that inevitably leads to the concentration of so many people gathering in a few very specific spots, typically at unsocial hours.
The program is worth listening to for this section alone (IMHO) suggesting a possible way for such Charity Challenges to continue into the future, whilst balancing local sensibilities.
I'm reminded of a comment attributed to Wainwright on hearing that someone had recently run the Pennine Way in under 3 days
"Why?"
Whilst it wasn't expressly said the program left me with an intriguing idea for a new event of this type.
Welcome to 'The Three Peaks Slow Challenge'.
Think about it for a moment........
Forget 3 peaks in 24 hours.
How about 3 peaks in as long a period as it takes to properly saviour each mountain?
Possibly start with different ascent & descent routes. Then build in timing each peak's top to enjoy a sunrise, sunset, or even perhaps a night on the mountain.
Certainly consider banning the use of mobile phones, unless by the Group Leader in the event of an emergency. With event exclusion being a penalty for abuse, especially when involving Mountain Rescue Services.
How about a 'Guess the Number' lottery for items of litter picked up along the way? A different way to garnish additional donations whilst being of immense usefulness.
Maybe even a 3 peaks - 3 wildcamps approach for instance? (That's not really going to affect most of us regular wildcampers by the way. We tend to steer clear of such peaks, due to their over popularity)
Lets take it further still. The winner (because such things always seem to turn into a competition) - the slowest time to "do" the 3 Peaks, with the most amount of enjoyment. Choose your own measurement.
Think the idea might catch on?
Certainly more of a Challenge from what I can see.Labels: Lake District, media, Scotland, Wales
Sunshine bound
This Blog will be going quiet for a bit as I pack & depart for the sunshine of Southern Europe.
With the Euro in sharp decline I may be forced to sleep under a builder's tarp, drinking rainwater from a old tin can. But I'll be basking in sunshine & warm whilst I suffer. Hopefully.
And who knows, if my netbook can find a Wi-Fi link there may even be some pictures to prove just how low I've sunk.
Play nicely while I'm slumming it.
Saturday, October 3
New Forest - Air Ambulance
Today's journey out into New Forest brought me upon the scene of a very recent car crash. I turned around and decided to take another route, leaving the emergency services to their unenviable tasks.
However as I passed near to the scene I spotted the arrival of the local Air Ambulance.
So if you happened to give something to support such a cause - know you know just why they are so essential even in the urbanised areas of the south coast.
Apologies for picture quality - all I had was my mobile Labels: New Forest
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
Yes really. That far back.
Do you remember the media frenzy surrounding the 2008 Original Mountain Marathon cancellation?
Well the OMM 2009 event kicks off tomorrow.
The on-line forecast for Builth Wells looks reasonable (well for the Welsh hills at least)
So why did this evening's TV Weather forecast suggest nothing but wall to wall rain cloud covering the UK from early Saturday morning?
Run away & hide!
Worm on tongue; Breath suitably baited;
The cynical await this year's press coverage.
Labels: Wales
New Forest National Park - Revised plan (update)
A quick follow up to yesterday's NFNPA piece.
Here's the first responses from the Forest Uprising Group (Thread:New Forest National Park Management Plan - New Draft) & One Voice.Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Wednesday, October 21
New Forest National Park - Revised plan
For those who have been following this site's observations with the birth pangs of the NFNP Authority there comes hot news - the NFNPA draft Management Plan will be available for public review from Thursday 22nd Oct.
Public responses has a bare three weeks to provide feedback on the revised document (i.e. comments back by 12 November)
Let's see what is on offering this time around.
(Edit: Wed 18:50 - the document appears to be available already - find it here)
Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Tuesday, October 20
Guardian Scoop - well sort of
At the end of September I threw together a few thoughts around the topic of 'Three things to do to Enjoy England'
I'm happy to reveal that if you pop over to the Guardian Newspaper website you'll find a link to this piece, along with a couple of other Outdoor Bloggers you should already recognise, in the Guardian's webpage "More ways to Enjoy England"
So well done to those who made the cut.
Hopefully, like me, you'll find pleasure in casing an eye over the other Bloggers' thoughts.
(Now where have they been hiding themselves all this time?)Labels: media
Martial Art - Now 102 ways to kill a man?
Well in the case of one group of Midland charity walkers, not so much a secret art. More a bunch of artists (of a different sort) demonstrating their selfishness & a total miscomprehension of simple hill craft.
"The group from Coventry were taking part in a fundraising record attempt to see how many martial arts enthusiasts could climb the mountain at one time. They carried the man up Llanberis Path but found it too tough to go further. They then left the man in the wheelchair with a friend, while they carried on and reached the peak. When they returned to the man in the wheelchair, they were too tired to carry him back down and called for help from mountain rescuers" (Source BBC)
Thanks to Grough for flagging the story, and the Coventry Evening Telegraph for further detail.
So once again the local MRT get pulled in to dig a group of prats out of a hole of their own making.
In this case a little forethought would have prevented the incident. Or even a little less selfishness, when it started to go pearshaped, would have prevented an escalation.
I'll declare an interest here. I was once a martial artist - a pursuit that fosters self reliance and independent thinking. I also happen to originate from Coventry - so the 'City folk go dumb in the wilds' tag isn't accurate either.
Apparently the paraplegic was "their pal". With friends like this who needs enemies?
I suspect this is one charity event where their won't be much post event publicity from the charity concerned.
Labels: Mountain Rescue Team(MRT), Wales
Monday, October 5
Three Peaks, Slow Peaks
Whilst doing the last minute packing earlier this evening I was listening to BBC Radio 4's CostingThe Earth program (On Listen Again Now for the next 7 days).
"Every year around 60,000 people set out on the Three Peaks Challenge, aiming to climb the highest mountains in England, Wales and Scotland. Most do it to raise money for charity but there are increasing worries that the challenge is putting too much pressure on the environment, destroying some of our most beautiful places"
I was half listening to the usual pros & cons. All equally valid in their way, but nothing unusual.
Then towards the program's end a Snowdonia National Park Ranger provides a very evenly balanced view on mountain usage and its users. During his piece, he comes up with an interesting line of thought as to the Time element of the Challenge, citing that as one of the underlying causes that inevitably leads to the concentration of so many people gathering in a few very specific spots, typically at unsocial hours.
The program is worth listening to for this section alone (IMHO) suggesting a possible way for such Charity Challenges to continue into the future, whilst balancing local sensibilities.
I'm reminded of a comment attributed to Wainwright on hearing that someone had recently run the Pennine Way in under 3 days
"Why?"
Whilst it wasn't expressly said the program left me with an intriguing idea for a new event of this type.
Welcome to 'The Three Peaks Slow Challenge'.
Think about it for a moment........
Forget 3 peaks in 24 hours.
How about 3 peaks in as long a period as it takes to properly saviour each mountain?
Possibly start with different ascent & descent routes. Then build in timing each peak's top to enjoy a sunrise, sunset, or even perhaps a night on the mountain.
Certainly consider banning the use of mobile phones, unless by the Group Leader in the event of an emergency. With event exclusion being a penalty for abuse, especially when involving Mountain Rescue Services.
How about a 'Guess the Number' lottery for items of litter picked up along the way? A different way to garnish additional donations whilst being of immense usefulness.
Maybe even a 3 peaks - 3 wildcamps approach for instance? (That's not really going to affect most of us regular wildcampers by the way. We tend to steer clear of such peaks, due to their over popularity)
Lets take it further still. The winner (because such things always seem to turn into a competition) - the slowest time to "do" the 3 Peaks, with the most amount of enjoyment. Choose your own measurement.
Think the idea might catch on?
Certainly more of a Challenge from what I can see.Labels: Lake District, media, Scotland, Wales
Sunshine bound
This Blog will be going quiet for a bit as I pack & depart for the sunshine of Southern Europe.
With the Euro in sharp decline I may be forced to sleep under a builder's tarp, drinking rainwater from a old tin can. But I'll be basking in sunshine & warm whilst I suffer. Hopefully.
And who knows, if my netbook can find a Wi-Fi link there may even be some pictures to prove just how low I've sunk.
Play nicely while I'm slumming it.
Saturday, October 3
New Forest - Air Ambulance
Today's journey out into New Forest brought me upon the scene of a very recent car crash. I turned around and decided to take another route, leaving the emergency services to their unenviable tasks.
However as I passed near to the scene I spotted the arrival of the local Air Ambulance.
So if you happened to give something to support such a cause - know you know just why they are so essential even in the urbanised areas of the south coast.
Apologies for picture quality - all I had was my mobile Labels: New Forest
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
Here's the first responses from the Forest Uprising Group (Thread:New Forest National Park Management Plan - New Draft) & One Voice.
Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
New Forest National Park - Revised plan
For those who have been following this site's observations with the birth pangs of the NFNP Authority there comes hot news - the NFNPA draft Management Plan will be available for public review from Thursday 22nd Oct.
Public responses has a bare three weeks to provide feedback on the revised document (i.e. comments back by 12 November)
Let's see what is on offering this time around.
(Edit: Wed 18:50 - the document appears to be available already - find it here)
Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Tuesday, October 20
Guardian Scoop - well sort of
At the end of September I threw together a few thoughts around the topic of 'Three things to do to Enjoy England'
I'm happy to reveal that if you pop over to the Guardian Newspaper website you'll find a link to this piece, along with a couple of other Outdoor Bloggers you should already recognise, in the Guardian's webpage "More ways to Enjoy England"
So well done to those who made the cut.
Hopefully, like me, you'll find pleasure in casing an eye over the other Bloggers' thoughts.
(Now where have they been hiding themselves all this time?)Labels: media
Martial Art - Now 102 ways to kill a man?
Well in the case of one group of Midland charity walkers, not so much a secret art. More a bunch of artists (of a different sort) demonstrating their selfishness & a total miscomprehension of simple hill craft.
"The group from Coventry were taking part in a fundraising record attempt to see how many martial arts enthusiasts could climb the mountain at one time. They carried the man up Llanberis Path but found it too tough to go further. They then left the man in the wheelchair with a friend, while they carried on and reached the peak. When they returned to the man in the wheelchair, they were too tired to carry him back down and called for help from mountain rescuers" (Source BBC)
Thanks to Grough for flagging the story, and the Coventry Evening Telegraph for further detail.
So once again the local MRT get pulled in to dig a group of prats out of a hole of their own making.
In this case a little forethought would have prevented the incident. Or even a little less selfishness, when it started to go pearshaped, would have prevented an escalation.
I'll declare an interest here. I was once a martial artist - a pursuit that fosters self reliance and independent thinking. I also happen to originate from Coventry - so the 'City folk go dumb in the wilds' tag isn't accurate either.
Apparently the paraplegic was "their pal". With friends like this who needs enemies?
I suspect this is one charity event where their won't be much post event publicity from the charity concerned.
Labels: Mountain Rescue Team(MRT), Wales
Monday, October 5
Three Peaks, Slow Peaks
Whilst doing the last minute packing earlier this evening I was listening to BBC Radio 4's CostingThe Earth program (On Listen Again Now for the next 7 days).
"Every year around 60,000 people set out on the Three Peaks Challenge, aiming to climb the highest mountains in England, Wales and Scotland. Most do it to raise money for charity but there are increasing worries that the challenge is putting too much pressure on the environment, destroying some of our most beautiful places"
I was half listening to the usual pros & cons. All equally valid in their way, but nothing unusual.
Then towards the program's end a Snowdonia National Park Ranger provides a very evenly balanced view on mountain usage and its users. During his piece, he comes up with an interesting line of thought as to the Time element of the Challenge, citing that as one of the underlying causes that inevitably leads to the concentration of so many people gathering in a few very specific spots, typically at unsocial hours.
The program is worth listening to for this section alone (IMHO) suggesting a possible way for such Charity Challenges to continue into the future, whilst balancing local sensibilities.
I'm reminded of a comment attributed to Wainwright on hearing that someone had recently run the Pennine Way in under 3 days
"Why?"
Whilst it wasn't expressly said the program left me with an intriguing idea for a new event of this type.
Welcome to 'The Three Peaks Slow Challenge'.
Think about it for a moment........
Forget 3 peaks in 24 hours.
How about 3 peaks in as long a period as it takes to properly saviour each mountain?
Possibly start with different ascent & descent routes. Then build in timing each peak's top to enjoy a sunrise, sunset, or even perhaps a night on the mountain.
Certainly consider banning the use of mobile phones, unless by the Group Leader in the event of an emergency. With event exclusion being a penalty for abuse, especially when involving Mountain Rescue Services.
How about a 'Guess the Number' lottery for items of litter picked up along the way? A different way to garnish additional donations whilst being of immense usefulness.
Maybe even a 3 peaks - 3 wildcamps approach for instance? (That's not really going to affect most of us regular wildcampers by the way. We tend to steer clear of such peaks, due to their over popularity)
Lets take it further still. The winner (because such things always seem to turn into a competition) - the slowest time to "do" the 3 Peaks, with the most amount of enjoyment. Choose your own measurement.
Think the idea might catch on?
Certainly more of a Challenge from what I can see.Labels: Lake District, media, Scotland, Wales
Sunshine bound
This Blog will be going quiet for a bit as I pack & depart for the sunshine of Southern Europe.
With the Euro in sharp decline I may be forced to sleep under a builder's tarp, drinking rainwater from a old tin can. But I'll be basking in sunshine & warm whilst I suffer. Hopefully.
And who knows, if my netbook can find a Wi-Fi link there may even be some pictures to prove just how low I've sunk.
Play nicely while I'm slumming it.
Saturday, October 3
New Forest - Air Ambulance
Today's journey out into New Forest brought me upon the scene of a very recent car crash. I turned around and decided to take another route, leaving the emergency services to their unenviable tasks.
However as I passed near to the scene I spotted the arrival of the local Air Ambulance.
So if you happened to give something to support such a cause - know you know just why they are so essential even in the urbanised areas of the south coast.
Apologies for picture quality - all I had was my mobile Labels: New Forest
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
Public responses has a bare three weeks to provide feedback on the revised document (i.e. comments back by 12 November)
Let's see what is on offering this time around.
(Edit: Wed 18:50 - the document appears to be available already - find it here)
Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Guardian Scoop - well sort of
At the end of September I threw together a few thoughts around the topic of 'Three things to do to Enjoy England'
I'm happy to reveal that if you pop over to the Guardian Newspaper website you'll find a link to this piece, along with a couple of other Outdoor Bloggers you should already recognise, in the Guardian's webpage "More ways to Enjoy England"
So well done to those who made the cut.
Hopefully, like me, you'll find pleasure in casing an eye over the other Bloggers' thoughts.
(Now where have they been hiding themselves all this time?)Labels: media
Martial Art - Now 102 ways to kill a man?
Well in the case of one group of Midland charity walkers, not so much a secret art. More a bunch of artists (of a different sort) demonstrating their selfishness & a total miscomprehension of simple hill craft.
"The group from Coventry were taking part in a fundraising record attempt to see how many martial arts enthusiasts could climb the mountain at one time. They carried the man up Llanberis Path but found it too tough to go further. They then left the man in the wheelchair with a friend, while they carried on and reached the peak. When they returned to the man in the wheelchair, they were too tired to carry him back down and called for help from mountain rescuers" (Source BBC)
Thanks to Grough for flagging the story, and the Coventry Evening Telegraph for further detail.
So once again the local MRT get pulled in to dig a group of prats out of a hole of their own making.
In this case a little forethought would have prevented the incident. Or even a little less selfishness, when it started to go pearshaped, would have prevented an escalation.
I'll declare an interest here. I was once a martial artist - a pursuit that fosters self reliance and independent thinking. I also happen to originate from Coventry - so the 'City folk go dumb in the wilds' tag isn't accurate either.
Apparently the paraplegic was "their pal". With friends like this who needs enemies?
I suspect this is one charity event where their won't be much post event publicity from the charity concerned.
Labels: Mountain Rescue Team(MRT), Wales
Monday, October 5
Three Peaks, Slow Peaks
Whilst doing the last minute packing earlier this evening I was listening to BBC Radio 4's CostingThe Earth program (On Listen Again Now for the next 7 days).
"Every year around 60,000 people set out on the Three Peaks Challenge, aiming to climb the highest mountains in England, Wales and Scotland. Most do it to raise money for charity but there are increasing worries that the challenge is putting too much pressure on the environment, destroying some of our most beautiful places"
I was half listening to the usual pros & cons. All equally valid in their way, but nothing unusual.
Then towards the program's end a Snowdonia National Park Ranger provides a very evenly balanced view on mountain usage and its users. During his piece, he comes up with an interesting line of thought as to the Time element of the Challenge, citing that as one of the underlying causes that inevitably leads to the concentration of so many people gathering in a few very specific spots, typically at unsocial hours.
The program is worth listening to for this section alone (IMHO) suggesting a possible way for such Charity Challenges to continue into the future, whilst balancing local sensibilities.
I'm reminded of a comment attributed to Wainwright on hearing that someone had recently run the Pennine Way in under 3 days
"Why?"
Whilst it wasn't expressly said the program left me with an intriguing idea for a new event of this type.
Welcome to 'The Three Peaks Slow Challenge'.
Think about it for a moment........
Forget 3 peaks in 24 hours.
How about 3 peaks in as long a period as it takes to properly saviour each mountain?
Possibly start with different ascent & descent routes. Then build in timing each peak's top to enjoy a sunrise, sunset, or even perhaps a night on the mountain.
Certainly consider banning the use of mobile phones, unless by the Group Leader in the event of an emergency. With event exclusion being a penalty for abuse, especially when involving Mountain Rescue Services.
How about a 'Guess the Number' lottery for items of litter picked up along the way? A different way to garnish additional donations whilst being of immense usefulness.
Maybe even a 3 peaks - 3 wildcamps approach for instance? (That's not really going to affect most of us regular wildcampers by the way. We tend to steer clear of such peaks, due to their over popularity)
Lets take it further still. The winner (because such things always seem to turn into a competition) - the slowest time to "do" the 3 Peaks, with the most amount of enjoyment. Choose your own measurement.
Think the idea might catch on?
Certainly more of a Challenge from what I can see.Labels: Lake District, media, Scotland, Wales
Sunshine bound
This Blog will be going quiet for a bit as I pack & depart for the sunshine of Southern Europe.
With the Euro in sharp decline I may be forced to sleep under a builder's tarp, drinking rainwater from a old tin can. But I'll be basking in sunshine & warm whilst I suffer. Hopefully.
And who knows, if my netbook can find a Wi-Fi link there may even be some pictures to prove just how low I've sunk.
Play nicely while I'm slumming it.
Saturday, October 3
New Forest - Air Ambulance
Today's journey out into New Forest brought me upon the scene of a very recent car crash. I turned around and decided to take another route, leaving the emergency services to their unenviable tasks.
However as I passed near to the scene I spotted the arrival of the local Air Ambulance.
So if you happened to give something to support such a cause - know you know just why they are so essential even in the urbanised areas of the south coast.
Apologies for picture quality - all I had was my mobile Labels: New Forest
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
I'm happy to reveal that if you pop over to the Guardian Newspaper website you'll find a link to this piece, along with a couple of other Outdoor Bloggers you should already recognise, in the Guardian's webpage "More ways to Enjoy England"
So well done to those who made the cut.
Hopefully, like me, you'll find pleasure in casing an eye over the other Bloggers' thoughts.
(Now where have they been hiding themselves all this time?)
Labels: media
Martial Art - Now 102 ways to kill a man?
Well in the case of one group of Midland charity walkers, not so much a secret art. More a bunch of artists (of a different sort) demonstrating their selfishness & a total miscomprehension of simple hill craft.
"The group from Coventry were taking part in a fundraising record attempt to see how many martial arts enthusiasts could climb the mountain at one time. They carried the man up Llanberis Path but found it too tough to go further. They then left the man in the wheelchair with a friend, while they carried on and reached the peak. When they returned to the man in the wheelchair, they were too tired to carry him back down and called for help from mountain rescuers" (Source BBC)
Thanks to Grough for flagging the story, and the Coventry Evening Telegraph for further detail.
So once again the local MRT get pulled in to dig a group of prats out of a hole of their own making.
In this case a little forethought would have prevented the incident. Or even a little less selfishness, when it started to go pearshaped, would have prevented an escalation.
I'll declare an interest here. I was once a martial artist - a pursuit that fosters self reliance and independent thinking. I also happen to originate from Coventry - so the 'City folk go dumb in the wilds' tag isn't accurate either.
Apparently the paraplegic was "their pal". With friends like this who needs enemies?
I suspect this is one charity event where their won't be much post event publicity from the charity concerned.
Labels: Mountain Rescue Team(MRT), Wales
Monday, October 5
Three Peaks, Slow Peaks
Whilst doing the last minute packing earlier this evening I was listening to BBC Radio 4's CostingThe Earth program (On Listen Again Now for the next 7 days).
"Every year around 60,000 people set out on the Three Peaks Challenge, aiming to climb the highest mountains in England, Wales and Scotland. Most do it to raise money for charity but there are increasing worries that the challenge is putting too much pressure on the environment, destroying some of our most beautiful places"
I was half listening to the usual pros & cons. All equally valid in their way, but nothing unusual.
Then towards the program's end a Snowdonia National Park Ranger provides a very evenly balanced view on mountain usage and its users. During his piece, he comes up with an interesting line of thought as to the Time element of the Challenge, citing that as one of the underlying causes that inevitably leads to the concentration of so many people gathering in a few very specific spots, typically at unsocial hours.
The program is worth listening to for this section alone (IMHO) suggesting a possible way for such Charity Challenges to continue into the future, whilst balancing local sensibilities.
I'm reminded of a comment attributed to Wainwright on hearing that someone had recently run the Pennine Way in under 3 days
"Why?"
Whilst it wasn't expressly said the program left me with an intriguing idea for a new event of this type.
Welcome to 'The Three Peaks Slow Challenge'.
Think about it for a moment........
Forget 3 peaks in 24 hours.
How about 3 peaks in as long a period as it takes to properly saviour each mountain?
Possibly start with different ascent & descent routes. Then build in timing each peak's top to enjoy a sunrise, sunset, or even perhaps a night on the mountain.
Certainly consider banning the use of mobile phones, unless by the Group Leader in the event of an emergency. With event exclusion being a penalty for abuse, especially when involving Mountain Rescue Services.
How about a 'Guess the Number' lottery for items of litter picked up along the way? A different way to garnish additional donations whilst being of immense usefulness.
Maybe even a 3 peaks - 3 wildcamps approach for instance? (That's not really going to affect most of us regular wildcampers by the way. We tend to steer clear of such peaks, due to their over popularity)
Lets take it further still. The winner (because such things always seem to turn into a competition) - the slowest time to "do" the 3 Peaks, with the most amount of enjoyment. Choose your own measurement.
Think the idea might catch on?
Certainly more of a Challenge from what I can see.Labels: Lake District, media, Scotland, Wales
Sunshine bound
This Blog will be going quiet for a bit as I pack & depart for the sunshine of Southern Europe.
With the Euro in sharp decline I may be forced to sleep under a builder's tarp, drinking rainwater from a old tin can. But I'll be basking in sunshine & warm whilst I suffer. Hopefully.
And who knows, if my netbook can find a Wi-Fi link there may even be some pictures to prove just how low I've sunk.
Play nicely while I'm slumming it.
Saturday, October 3
New Forest - Air Ambulance
Today's journey out into New Forest brought me upon the scene of a very recent car crash. I turned around and decided to take another route, leaving the emergency services to their unenviable tasks.
However as I passed near to the scene I spotted the arrival of the local Air Ambulance.
So if you happened to give something to support such a cause - know you know just why they are so essential even in the urbanised areas of the south coast.
Apologies for picture quality - all I had was my mobile Labels: New Forest
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
"The group from Coventry were taking part in a fundraising record attempt to see how many martial arts enthusiasts could climb the mountain at one time. They carried the man up Llanberis Path but found it too tough to go further. They then left the man in the wheelchair with a friend, while they carried on and reached the peak. When they returned to the man in the wheelchair, they were too tired to carry him back down and called for help from mountain rescuers" (Source BBC)
Thanks to Grough for flagging the story, and the Coventry Evening Telegraph for further detail.
So once again the local MRT get pulled in to dig a group of prats out of a hole of their own making.
In this case a little forethought would have prevented the incident. Or even a little less selfishness, when it started to go pearshaped, would have prevented an escalation.
I'll declare an interest here. I was once a martial artist - a pursuit that fosters self reliance and independent thinking. I also happen to originate from Coventry - so the 'City folk go dumb in the wilds' tag isn't accurate either.
Apparently the paraplegic was "their pal". With friends like this who needs enemies?
I suspect this is one charity event where their won't be much post event publicity from the charity concerned.
Labels: Mountain Rescue Team(MRT), Wales
Three Peaks, Slow Peaks
Whilst doing the last minute packing earlier this evening I was listening to BBC Radio 4's CostingThe Earth program (On Listen Again Now for the next 7 days).
"Every year around 60,000 people set out on the Three Peaks Challenge, aiming to climb the highest mountains in England, Wales and Scotland. Most do it to raise money for charity but there are increasing worries that the challenge is putting too much pressure on the environment, destroying some of our most beautiful places"
I was half listening to the usual pros & cons. All equally valid in their way, but nothing unusual.
Then towards the program's end a Snowdonia National Park Ranger provides a very evenly balanced view on mountain usage and its users. During his piece, he comes up with an interesting line of thought as to the Time element of the Challenge, citing that as one of the underlying causes that inevitably leads to the concentration of so many people gathering in a few very specific spots, typically at unsocial hours.
The program is worth listening to for this section alone (IMHO) suggesting a possible way for such Charity Challenges to continue into the future, whilst balancing local sensibilities.
I'm reminded of a comment attributed to Wainwright on hearing that someone had recently run the Pennine Way in under 3 days
"Why?"
Whilst it wasn't expressly said the program left me with an intriguing idea for a new event of this type.
Welcome to 'The Three Peaks Slow Challenge'.
Think about it for a moment........
Forget 3 peaks in 24 hours.
How about 3 peaks in as long a period as it takes to properly saviour each mountain?
Possibly start with different ascent & descent routes. Then build in timing each peak's top to enjoy a sunrise, sunset, or even perhaps a night on the mountain.
Certainly consider banning the use of mobile phones, unless by the Group Leader in the event of an emergency. With event exclusion being a penalty for abuse, especially when involving Mountain Rescue Services.
How about a 'Guess the Number' lottery for items of litter picked up along the way? A different way to garnish additional donations whilst being of immense usefulness.
Maybe even a 3 peaks - 3 wildcamps approach for instance? (That's not really going to affect most of us regular wildcampers by the way. We tend to steer clear of such peaks, due to their over popularity)
Lets take it further still. The winner (because such things always seem to turn into a competition) - the slowest time to "do" the 3 Peaks, with the most amount of enjoyment. Choose your own measurement.
Think the idea might catch on?
Certainly more of a Challenge from what I can see.Labels: Lake District, media, Scotland, Wales
Sunshine bound
This Blog will be going quiet for a bit as I pack & depart for the sunshine of Southern Europe.
With the Euro in sharp decline I may be forced to sleep under a builder's tarp, drinking rainwater from a old tin can. But I'll be basking in sunshine & warm whilst I suffer. Hopefully.
And who knows, if my netbook can find a Wi-Fi link there may even be some pictures to prove just how low I've sunk.
Play nicely while I'm slumming it.
Saturday, October 3
New Forest - Air Ambulance
Today's journey out into New Forest brought me upon the scene of a very recent car crash. I turned around and decided to take another route, leaving the emergency services to their unenviable tasks.
However as I passed near to the scene I spotted the arrival of the local Air Ambulance.
So if you happened to give something to support such a cause - know you know just why they are so essential even in the urbanised areas of the south coast.
Apologies for picture quality - all I had was my mobile Labels: New Forest
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
"Every year around 60,000 people set out on the Three Peaks Challenge, aiming to climb the highest mountains in England, Wales and Scotland. Most do it to raise money for charity but there are increasing worries that the challenge is putting too much pressure on the environment, destroying some of our most beautiful places"
I was half listening to the usual pros & cons. All equally valid in their way, but nothing unusual.
Then towards the program's end a Snowdonia National Park Ranger provides a very evenly balanced view on mountain usage and its users. During his piece, he comes up with an interesting line of thought as to the Time element of the Challenge, citing that as one of the underlying causes that inevitably leads to the concentration of so many people gathering in a few very specific spots, typically at unsocial hours.
The program is worth listening to for this section alone (IMHO) suggesting a possible way for such Charity Challenges to continue into the future, whilst balancing local sensibilities.
I'm reminded of a comment attributed to Wainwright on hearing that someone had recently run the Pennine Way in under 3 days
"Why?"
Whilst it wasn't expressly said the program left me with an intriguing idea for a new event of this type.
Welcome to 'The Three Peaks Slow Challenge'.
Think about it for a moment........
Forget 3 peaks in 24 hours.
How about 3 peaks in as long a period as it takes to properly saviour each mountain?
Possibly start with different ascent & descent routes. Then build in timing each peak's top to enjoy a sunrise, sunset, or even perhaps a night on the mountain.
Certainly consider banning the use of mobile phones, unless by the Group Leader in the event of an emergency. With event exclusion being a penalty for abuse, especially when involving Mountain Rescue Services.
How about a 'Guess the Number' lottery for items of litter picked up along the way? A different way to garnish additional donations whilst being of immense usefulness.
Maybe even a 3 peaks - 3 wildcamps approach for instance? (That's not really going to affect most of us regular wildcampers by the way. We tend to steer clear of such peaks, due to their over popularity)
Lets take it further still. The winner (because such things always seem to turn into a competition) - the slowest time to "do" the 3 Peaks, with the most amount of enjoyment. Choose your own measurement.
Think the idea might catch on?
Certainly more of a Challenge from what I can see.
Labels: Lake District, media, Scotland, Wales
Sunshine bound
This Blog will be going quiet for a bit as I pack & depart for the sunshine of Southern Europe.
With the Euro in sharp decline I may be forced to sleep under a builder's tarp, drinking rainwater from a old tin can. But I'll be basking in sunshine & warm whilst I suffer. Hopefully.
And who knows, if my netbook can find a Wi-Fi link there may even be some pictures to prove just how low I've sunk.
Play nicely while I'm slumming it.
Saturday, October 3
New Forest - Air Ambulance
Today's journey out into New Forest brought me upon the scene of a very recent car crash. I turned around and decided to take another route, leaving the emergency services to their unenviable tasks.
However as I passed near to the scene I spotted the arrival of the local Air Ambulance.
So if you happened to give something to support such a cause - know you know just why they are so essential even in the urbanised areas of the south coast.
Apologies for picture quality - all I had was my mobile Labels: New Forest
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
With the Euro in sharp decline I may be forced to sleep under a builder's tarp, drinking rainwater from a old tin can. But I'll be basking in sunshine & warm whilst I suffer. Hopefully.
And who knows, if my netbook can find a Wi-Fi link there may even be some pictures to prove just how low I've sunk.
Play nicely while I'm slumming it.
New Forest - Air Ambulance
Today's journey out into New Forest brought me upon the scene of a very recent car crash. I turned around and decided to take another route, leaving the emergency services to their unenviable tasks.
However as I passed near to the scene I spotted the arrival of the local Air Ambulance.
So if you happened to give something to support such a cause - know you know just why they are so essential even in the urbanised areas of the south coast.
Apologies for picture quality - all I had was my mobile Labels: New Forest
However as I passed near to the scene I spotted the arrival of the local Air Ambulance.
So if you happened to give something to support such a cause - know you know just why they are so essential even in the urbanised areas of the south coast.
Apologies for picture quality - all I had was my mobile
Labels: New Forest
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
