They are awesome. These are ours.
Tippi.
Miggins.
Wednesday 31 December 2008
Tuesday 30 December 2008
Sunday 28 December 2008
To quote a wise man...
..."Just One More Thing"
As I was striding across the fells today, I was thinking about why I love being in the hills/mountains so much. "Ken, Ken, impart to us your well-considered musings", I hear you beseech. Well, if you insist...
I think primarily it is a feeling of self-reliance. So often today we are spoon fed; go here, do that, have this, watch out, don't touch that, don't touch that, cover that up, etc., etc. When you go out to high and/or remote places, as a group or as an individual (where the feeling becomes even more acute) you are responsible for yourself. Your decisions, which may be made in difficult, perhaps even hazardous, situations must be good ones. Before you even leave the door, you must consider where you are going, what equipment and clothing will that require, what will the weather do for the duration of the walk, how does that impact on the clothing and kit I require, what are the escape routes should the weather close in, what about injuries and other unforseen emergencies, and many others. Then when you start your walk, situations change, ground conditions may be different from those expected, the weather could be hotter/colder/wetter/windier than you anticipated.
Who decides what you do?
You do! You rely on your abilities and skills, abilities and skills that you have developed and honed over time. There is no "Nanny State" to tell you what to do or how to behave (although of course, in the worst-case scenario, brave men and women, volunteers, of the Mountain Rescue Service will put themselves on the line to get you out of trouble. Thank You!).
When you get it right, it feels fantastic. Knowing that whatever happens as the day unfolds, you've got it covered is a wonderful point to get to. (Of course, you then push it a little further to develop the next level skills, that's also a cool thing.)
When you have one of those days you feel like you don't want to come down, that you could walk on all week. It really makes your spirit soar.
One other reason I love being in the mountains so much is that they are awesome, beautiful, majestic, moody, menacing, enchanting and stunning places to be. That makes your spirit soar too!
There you go, some of my thoughts on mountains. In all likelihood there will be more.
Don't wait up!
As I was striding across the fells today, I was thinking about why I love being in the hills/mountains so much. "Ken, Ken, impart to us your well-considered musings", I hear you beseech. Well, if you insist...
I think primarily it is a feeling of self-reliance. So often today we are spoon fed; go here, do that, have this, watch out, don't touch that, don't touch that, cover that up, etc., etc. When you go out to high and/or remote places, as a group or as an individual (where the feeling becomes even more acute) you are responsible for yourself. Your decisions, which may be made in difficult, perhaps even hazardous, situations must be good ones. Before you even leave the door, you must consider where you are going, what equipment and clothing will that require, what will the weather do for the duration of the walk, how does that impact on the clothing and kit I require, what are the escape routes should the weather close in, what about injuries and other unforseen emergencies, and many others. Then when you start your walk, situations change, ground conditions may be different from those expected, the weather could be hotter/colder/wetter/windier than you anticipated.
Who decides what you do?
You do! You rely on your abilities and skills, abilities and skills that you have developed and honed over time. There is no "Nanny State" to tell you what to do or how to behave (although of course, in the worst-case scenario, brave men and women, volunteers, of the Mountain Rescue Service will put themselves on the line to get you out of trouble. Thank You!).
When you get it right, it feels fantastic. Knowing that whatever happens as the day unfolds, you've got it covered is a wonderful point to get to. (Of course, you then push it a little further to develop the next level skills, that's also a cool thing.)
When you have one of those days you feel like you don't want to come down, that you could walk on all week. It really makes your spirit soar.
One other reason I love being in the mountains so much is that they are awesome, beautiful, majestic, moody, menacing, enchanting and stunning places to be. That makes your spirit soar too!
There you go, some of my thoughts on mountains. In all likelihood there will be more.
Don't wait up!
Don't you love it when things just work?
What sort of things, how do they work, why is it lovable when they do? Bear with me here...
I went walking in the Black Mountains today (more specifics in a moment) and had a selection of kit that just worked really well in fairly demanding circumstances. And I elaborate:
1. Scarpa ZG10 GTX boots. I have a pair of Karrimor KSB 300 gtx boots which have served me well for quite a few years now. They've been up the highest mountains in England, Scotland and Wales. They have survived summer dust, autumn mud and winter snows. Unfortunately they couldn't survive Fairy Liquid (other washing-up liquids are available). Eh? I sprained my ankle in the summer so have worn my trusty KSBs at work where Fairy has seeped onto the right boot and shorted it's proofing. Anyway, after some toing and froing, I have purchased a set of Scarpa ZG10 GTX boots. I was looking at Meindls, which are a lovely boot but just couldn't get the fit right. I have been wearing them round the house to break them in a little, and then had a stroll round the Neuadd reservoirs on Friday with Bev. Then today did an 8 miler over Pen Carreg Calch with no blisters, hot spots or chafes. They gripped the frosty rock really well and felt very "precise" when crossing broken terrain. I'm very impressed. If they fit your foot shape, I recommend them.
2. Buffalo Systems Mountain Shirt. This flys in the face of conventional thought regarding mountain walking clothing. Traditionally we are told to wear several thin layers and regulate our temperature by adding or subtracting layers as necessary. Buffalo Systems say NO! One layer, fleecy on the inside, windproof on the outside. Again, an awesome product that doesn't feel bulky but keeps you toasty. Admittedly, when the wind chill got stupid I did put my Mountain Equipment Makalu over the top but still...
3. The hood design on Mountain Equipment jackets. When you turn your head, the hood turns. Sounds simple, but try it on your jacket. More often than not you will simply see the inside of your hood! Brilliant design, makes life much easier when conditions go squelch.
4. With the Buffalo top and ME Jacket I had about £300s worth of clothing on my top half (I didn't pay full price for either, so that's £300 list). On my legs I had Swedish Army cold weatther trousers which I bought from Surplus and Adventure for £15. In terms of value for money, these are nearly off the scale. My legs weren't restricted (as sometimes you can feel when wearing thermals, trousers and over-trousers) but they were totally snug. Get some! Here's the link, http://www.surplusandadventure.com/shopscr2498.html now go and get some!
The thing that worked the best today was the plan. Which plan exactly? The plan to walk where I walked. You see, normally every year over the holiday period I try and do a walk in the Brecon Beacons National Park. Very often that walk will be centred on Pen Y Fan, a great mountain, but stupidly popular. It doesn't matter which route you take, the Horseshoe, the North Ridges, the plod from the Storey Arms, there will be a multitude of people, the SAS, SAS wannabes in DPM t shirts (whatever the temperature), people in wellies and tracksuits freezing their wobbly bits off, red-socked ramblers, etc. So this year I went to Pen Carreg Calch and then on to Pen Allt Mawr. This is one of my favourite walks and here's why...
PCC was the very first hill that I ventured on to solo. I had done Cadair and one of the Arans with a group, and one day decided it was time to go it alone, so off I set. Parked above Crickhowell, at a small layby by the turning for Llanbedr. 100 yards along the road and then straight up the hill, between PCC and Table Mountain. As I turned right the weather went south and the cloud cover dropped. I tentatively pressed on, not confident in my navigational skills. Eventually I turned back but was hooked. I did return that winter and did the walk in perfect conditions, snow under foot and flawless blue sky overhead. That's why I like it. Anyway, today it was very cold (car thermometer said 1.5c in the valley) and really, really windy which made it colder. There was a lot of cloud over Waun Fach and it's ridge, and some of that blew across to where I was. Then, having crossed the broad saddle between PCC and PAM, the cloud blew apart and there were truly stunning views. On the return leg along the neighbouring ridge the view back to where I had been was amazing. The elegant swoop of the ridge between PCC and PAM against the blue silken sky (thanks Bono) looked like it had been sliced with a laser. And how many people did I see whilst out and about? 1 to talk to, 2 to nod at and 2 specks on a ridge.
Perfect!
I went walking in the Black Mountains today (more specifics in a moment) and had a selection of kit that just worked really well in fairly demanding circumstances. And I elaborate:
1. Scarpa ZG10 GTX boots. I have a pair of Karrimor KSB 300 gtx boots which have served me well for quite a few years now. They've been up the highest mountains in England, Scotland and Wales. They have survived summer dust, autumn mud and winter snows. Unfortunately they couldn't survive Fairy Liquid (other washing-up liquids are available). Eh? I sprained my ankle in the summer so have worn my trusty KSBs at work where Fairy has seeped onto the right boot and shorted it's proofing. Anyway, after some toing and froing, I have purchased a set of Scarpa ZG10 GTX boots. I was looking at Meindls, which are a lovely boot but just couldn't get the fit right. I have been wearing them round the house to break them in a little, and then had a stroll round the Neuadd reservoirs on Friday with Bev. Then today did an 8 miler over Pen Carreg Calch with no blisters, hot spots or chafes. They gripped the frosty rock really well and felt very "precise" when crossing broken terrain. I'm very impressed. If they fit your foot shape, I recommend them.
2. Buffalo Systems Mountain Shirt. This flys in the face of conventional thought regarding mountain walking clothing. Traditionally we are told to wear several thin layers and regulate our temperature by adding or subtracting layers as necessary. Buffalo Systems say NO! One layer, fleecy on the inside, windproof on the outside. Again, an awesome product that doesn't feel bulky but keeps you toasty. Admittedly, when the wind chill got stupid I did put my Mountain Equipment Makalu over the top but still...
3. The hood design on Mountain Equipment jackets. When you turn your head, the hood turns. Sounds simple, but try it on your jacket. More often than not you will simply see the inside of your hood! Brilliant design, makes life much easier when conditions go squelch.
4. With the Buffalo top and ME Jacket I had about £300s worth of clothing on my top half (I didn't pay full price for either, so that's £300 list). On my legs I had Swedish Army cold weatther trousers which I bought from Surplus and Adventure for £15. In terms of value for money, these are nearly off the scale. My legs weren't restricted (as sometimes you can feel when wearing thermals, trousers and over-trousers) but they were totally snug. Get some! Here's the link, http://www.surplusandadventure.com/shopscr2498.html now go and get some!
The thing that worked the best today was the plan. Which plan exactly? The plan to walk where I walked. You see, normally every year over the holiday period I try and do a walk in the Brecon Beacons National Park. Very often that walk will be centred on Pen Y Fan, a great mountain, but stupidly popular. It doesn't matter which route you take, the Horseshoe, the North Ridges, the plod from the Storey Arms, there will be a multitude of people, the SAS, SAS wannabes in DPM t shirts (whatever the temperature), people in wellies and tracksuits freezing their wobbly bits off, red-socked ramblers, etc. So this year I went to Pen Carreg Calch and then on to Pen Allt Mawr. This is one of my favourite walks and here's why...
PCC was the very first hill that I ventured on to solo. I had done Cadair and one of the Arans with a group, and one day decided it was time to go it alone, so off I set. Parked above Crickhowell, at a small layby by the turning for Llanbedr. 100 yards along the road and then straight up the hill, between PCC and Table Mountain. As I turned right the weather went south and the cloud cover dropped. I tentatively pressed on, not confident in my navigational skills. Eventually I turned back but was hooked. I did return that winter and did the walk in perfect conditions, snow under foot and flawless blue sky overhead. That's why I like it. Anyway, today it was very cold (car thermometer said 1.5c in the valley) and really, really windy which made it colder. There was a lot of cloud over Waun Fach and it's ridge, and some of that blew across to where I was. Then, having crossed the broad saddle between PCC and PAM, the cloud blew apart and there were truly stunning views. On the return leg along the neighbouring ridge the view back to where I had been was amazing. The elegant swoop of the ridge between PCC and PAM against the blue silken sky (thanks Bono) looked like it had been sliced with a laser. And how many people did I see whilst out and about? 1 to talk to, 2 to nod at and 2 specks on a ridge.
Perfect!
Wednesday 24 December 2008
Although a good winter can be hard to beat...
Taken on the side of the 5 Sisters of Kintail in March this year. I didn't want to come down, it was awesome squared! Nay, cubed!
Monday 22 December 2008
Thursday 18 December 2008
On a Lighter Note
Things that made us laugh today:
The phrase "I nearly spatchcocked myself on a spiral brain tugger".
Our new business plan to provide Aliens-themed chocolate fountains for weddings. Ideas include table centrepieces of corroded holes lined with chocolate and a little card saying "Looks like (groom's name) bagged one of (bride's name)'s bad guys", an animatronic figure encased in secreted chocolate that on closer examination slurs out "eat me", a giant chocolate alien queen popping out little Cadbury's Creme Eggs, hidden chocolate eggs that will only show up on a little scanner and the grisly centrepiece, Bishop and the Alien Queen (a delightful confection of dark, milk and white chocolate).
You probably had to be there, but are thankful you weren't.
Parp!
The phrase "I nearly spatchcocked myself on a spiral brain tugger".
Our new business plan to provide Aliens-themed chocolate fountains for weddings. Ideas include table centrepieces of corroded holes lined with chocolate and a little card saying "Looks like (groom's name) bagged one of (bride's name)'s bad guys", an animatronic figure encased in secreted chocolate that on closer examination slurs out "eat me", a giant chocolate alien queen popping out little Cadbury's Creme Eggs, hidden chocolate eggs that will only show up on a little scanner and the grisly centrepiece, Bishop and the Alien Queen (a delightful confection of dark, milk and white chocolate).
You probably had to be there, but are thankful you weren't.
Parp!
The Weird World of Weirdness
Being out and about cleaning windows, Jon and I get to see some odd things. Gnomes particularly are a source of peculiar disquiet to us, but that's material for another post. As a little teaser here are some of the odd things we have seen whilst going about our lawful business this week.
The Faceless Hound and the Gargoyle of Terror:
The Faceless Hound and the Gargoyle of Terror:
Wednesday 17 December 2008
This is a particular favourite.
This is a close up of a groyne on Bournemouth beach. (For the sniggerers at the back, a groyne is a beach erosion inhibiting device, I am so disappointed w
ith you...)
ith you...)
Slow News Week...
... so I thought I'd run a series of photos that I've taken over the years just to see what people think. It's a mixed bag, landscapes, arty-f@rty etc.
1st up, Cloud Inversion in the Brecon Beacons:
Saturday 13 December 2008
Welcome, Welcome, Welcome!
Hey, I've made a blog thing. A book deal cannot be far off.
Of course, now I have to think of things to fill said blog with. To be honest, there is no shortage of stuff I could type but I worry that uncontrolled exposure to my brilliant thoughts may be too much for some readers so I will have to break you in gently.
Keep watching!
(As an experiment I have added a pic, this was taken on Cleeve Hill and I have processed it in PS to produce my take on what I believe is called the Orton effect. I like it!)
Toodlepip!
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