tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14157558386097097672024-03-14T09:28:09.955+00:00Lost in EnglandUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger84125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1415755838609709767.post-32677280052564855032013-07-09T01:48:00.001+01:002013-07-09T01:48:43.782+01:00Tryfan.<p> As I tuck into a Gregg's Cornish pasty, lovingly prepared at some nameless services, bathed in sun, I finally begin to think that we might just get a view. </p>
<p>The thought stays with me, when we stop again in <a href="http://www.conwy.com/" target="_blank" title="">Conwy</a>. </p>
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<p> </p>
<p>In line with one of my main principles, we're in no rush and Conwy is one of the prettiest places I know of (and, as we discovered, has a cracking little pub right on the sea front (the Liverpool arms) perfect for half a beer, smelling the sea, watching the boats and generally perfect for a relaxing stop on the way).</p>
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<p> </p>
<p>I'm off with Jim to go re-tackle one of the most enjoyable hills I've ever done.</p>
<p>It's to the north of Snowdon, but this is no tourist honey trap.</p>
<p>There's no railway, no cafe on the top. In fact, there's not much room on the top at all. </p>
<p>This is a brutal, wild hill and there's no easy way up.. </p>
<p>There are however, lots of ways to make it <em>harder</em>. It's a Mecca for climbers and more adventurous walkers. Full of jagged rocks, cliffs, gulleys, false summits and unrelenting climbs.</p>
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<p>This is a world where you go up, faster than you go across. </p>
<p>It's <em>steep</em>. When I say steep, I mean that if you slip at the wrong point, you could be going down. A long, long way. Possibly for the rest of your life.</p>
<p>Welcome to Tryfan.</p>
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<p> </p>
<p>Although its close to (the higher) Snowdon, this is a different kind of hill. It's like something that's been ripped straight from the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuillin" target="_blank" title="">Cuillin's</a>. and then bleached by the sun.</p>
<p>Its special, because its one of a few mountains in the UK where there's no way to the top without having your hands on rock. You can't walk this, it has to be climbed. Go here, and you can stop saying that you walk up hills, and start saying that you climb mountains. A small difference, but one that gives you a warm feeling of pride inside.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>About this time last year, we went up, having heard that this was a hill that begged to be summited.</p>
<p>On that occasion although the weather was beautiful in the morning, by the time we made it to the top the weather had turned (as often happens).</p>
<p>The top third of the mountain (and all the way back down) was wet, cold and the view went on for all of twenty feet. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Hoping for better weather this year, we stayed at the same site as before, on one of two campsites at the base of Tryfan.</p>
<p><a href="http://gwerngofisaf.co.uk/" target="_blank" title="">Gwern Gôf Isaf</a> .. This place was good enough to be used as a base by Sir John Hunt who used it as his base camp when he was training for Everest back in '52. So it's more than suitable for us. It's well maintained, and the owners cant do enough for you (and are excellent company if you run into them in the pub). If you don't want to take a tent, there's even a couple of bunk houses with the exclusive use of stoves, gas, electric sockets and toasters for people saying in them..</p>
<p>**N.B. the other campsite close by is the confusingly named - Gwern Gôf Uchaf (Uschaf = highest, Isaf = lowest) so make sure you have the right one!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Right. So.. The hill.</p>
<p>It's compact in every dimension but height, compared to sprawling monsters like Snowdon. It just looks so damn high from the bottom. You'll look up, and wonder how on earth you'll get to the top..</p>
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<p> </p>
<p>We favoured the same route as before, walking up the side of the stream, then going straight up the side to the saddle at the side of the far south peak and the three main peaks. It's insanely steep, but still manageable without the need for ropes.</p>
<p>As we discover though, in the sun it's a real slog. And thirsty work.</p>
<p>Normally on a walk, over five hours we would go through a bit over a litre of water each.. I know some would say that's too little, but it's just what we use naturally.</p>
<p>This time, we use about five litres between us.. So don't try and save weight!</p>
<p> </p>
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<p>Once you pass the saddle, you start to attack the main three peaks (which is the literal meaning of Try-fan... Try meaning three and Fan, meaning peaks or tops).</p>
<p>It stops being steep and just becomes a tangled route up the cliffs themselves. This final part is also where you have to skirt up the side and get an incredible (but not always welcome) view down from this point on..</p>
<p>About this point, something magical happened. We pass higher than the clouds. Something that is always.. Just.. Take your breath away beautiful and exciting.</p>
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<p> </p>
<p>Then, suddenly, we cross the ridge to the central, highest peak. Slightly shaky, heart in mouth, tired, exhilarated, scared and incredibly happy.</p>
<p>I'm stood on something that's over three thousand feet in height.</p>
<p>Yep. That's three thousand. If you've never been that high outside an aeroplane, take a moment to think about how high that actually is. It's higher than any building in the world. Ever been to france? The Eifel Tower is 984 feet.. Barely enough to get you level with the cobbled path in the photo higher in this post, let alone onto the hill itself.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>On the top, the view is not only present, but stunning. It feels like I could see all the way back to Yorkshire from here.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>There is also the small matter of <a href="http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=tMqC7aKeykw&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DtMqC7aKeykw" target="_blank" title="">Adam and Eve</a>.. Two pillars of rock about seven or eight feet tall, they are visible from the campsite in the afternoon, looking like two people stood on the top. Stepping between them, is supposed to give you the freedom of Tryfan.</p>
<p>(No. I haven't. I will one day.. But they're right next to the cliff. Natural selection reminds me that my balance isn't that good ;) )</p>
<p> </p>
<p>After a very enjoyable hour on the summit, having had sandwiches, and lounging on thick swathes of grass (yes! Grass! At this height!). We reluctantly make our way down to the site and then on to Cobdens Hotel (better beer AND better prices than other pubs round there). </p>
<p>Not only is it where the locals go, it's where they are happy to be convivial. They are proud of the area they live in and each of them has a thousand funny or embarrassing stories about the others. It's well recommended.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Make sure Tryfan is on your list. </p>
<p>It's a hill you'll never forget, and one that Jim and I will be back on, for years to come.</p>
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<p> </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1415755838609709767.post-25381255543414979752013-06-15T11:36:00.001+01:002013-11-14T00:53:26.010+00:00Wild camping, by myself.....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-1vXbF9_8ZMo/UbvHKL3BCHI/AAAAAAAABHc/Mx1mukok6zw/s1776/Photo%2525207%252520Jun%2525202013%25252011%25253A17.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-1vXbF9_8ZMo/UbvHKL3BCHI/AAAAAAAABHc/Mx1mukok6zw/s500/Photo%2525207%252520Jun%2525202013%25252011%25253A17.jpg" id="blogsy-1371292510936.2578" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="117" alt=""></a></div>
<p> </p>
<p> I'm about to set off on my journey and there's a writhing knot of apprehension in my stomach.</p>
<p>I'm about to try something I've never done before.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Wild camping, on my own....</p>
<div class="separator" style="text-align: center;clear: both; "> </div>
<p> </p>
<p>Yes. That's right. I'm going out to the middle of nowhere, with no backup, no support...</p>
<p>What's that I hear you say? I'm the most experienced one?</p>
<p>Well.. yes, It's true. I've always technically had the leader badge, but I've also had my friends to fall back on.. Paul is world class at finding elusive cairns in the fog.. and James? Well.. apart from the most vital task of bringing lunch (I <em>always, always</em> forget), he is also the best listener I've ever known. Perfect for bouncing ideas off..</p>
<p>I enjoy their company and we enjoy just mucking about, taking the piss out of each other and just generally getting some enjoyment out of life.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>And perhaps, most important, I know if one of us injures himself, We can trust the others to find civilisation and raise the alarm.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>This time. I don't have them.</p>
<p><em>I have no safety net..</em></p>
<p>... I have no idea if the wilds will be hospitable, if it will be the same calm paradise, in the total dark of night..</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I'm committed now though. I've made my decision and its time to stick to it. </p>
<p>It's best foot forward at the bus station. There's only one bus out in the morning, and one bus back in the afternoon (the 273, if your wondering). So... although the service fits my needs, if I miss my bus tomorrow afternoon, it's a very long walk to the next nearest bus stop near the Ladybower Inn.</p>
<p>Ok.. If that was just a gentle Saturday stroll, then all would be well.. However, after lumping my pack all the way out here, and then back tomorrow - it's something I would like to avoid.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I find the stop for the 273 and board with a complement of old ladies, students and a few other walkers.</p>
<p>(and one real rambler... long of beard and faded of clothes. With what cash he had in his hand, that's where he was going (whatever it was, it took him to Stanage edge).</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I get off the bus at the car park just past the war memorial. It's the only car park on the left hand side of the road, so while it's not possible to mistake, it is easy to drive past if you're not watching though.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>There's no preamble today, no kit to get from the boot, or last minute adjustments. No trainers to stash... I'm already suited and booted, so...</p>
<p>I set off up the gravel track, that leads from the car park.</p>
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<p> </p>
<p>It's always a nice start to a walk. Ok, it's steep right from the off - you really have to pace yourself while you warm up. But, It's wooded and in the shade, so it's nice and cool while you're exerting yourself getting to the top...</p>
<p> </p>
<p>If you come this way, there's a gate about 3/4 of the way up, and another gate at the top it's peaceful (apart from the off mountain bikers getting their kicks).. Once you get to the top, there's a stile.. You hop over and then the horizons suddenly go from being tens of feet, to being tens of miles.. It's a change in perspective that always gets me. I love things like that. Things that grab hold of you and slap you hard, even if you were expecting it.</p>
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<p> </p>
<p>Once out in the open, you follow the edge of the wood for a while.</p>
<p>It's usually very calm here and the sun really beats down on the tops here after the coolness of the wood.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>It's also pretty flat and paved in places, which is a good thing. I often find myself stumbling on this path, because I'm so busy taking in the view, not looking at where my feet are.. </p>
<p>It's a beautiful ramble along this top path with an incredible vista. You can see Win hill, Lose hill and in front of Edale itself, mighty Kinder.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Now, to those of you who just chuckled, Kinder is mighty. It's certainly not the highest peak in the UK and monsters like Everest, might be something like 14 times the height... But mighty I think it is. If you don't believe me, just try walking around the top edge in a single day, or crossing it in the spring, when the bogs are treacherous. Theres often still snow around at that time of year and every time you climb out of a grough, there's not only another one to tackle, but an unending line of them, unbroken all the way to what seems far enough, to be the other edge of the world.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Thankfully, there's none of that here.</p>
<p>There's a couple more stiles along the way, and one large ladder stile that takes you over a wall (a test of balance with a full pack!) and when the tops become boggy, there's a stone path to carry you over the worst bits. Oh.. And plenty of lambs at the moment.. Everything seems to have come later this year, a consequence of such a cold spring I imagine.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>It's as dry as a bone up here at the moment. </p>
<p>I had noticed that the reservoir was starting to drop a bit, but the peat is so dry today, you can walk on the open, evil looking bits, without even getting mud in your boots. </p>
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<p> </p>
<p>It worries a me a bit, because I want running water in the stream in camp, but as I drop down past Alport castles, there's a spring, which was still bubbling nicely. </p>
<p>I stop and refill my travel tap, revelling in the taste of the ice cold water in the heat of the now mid-day sun.</p>
<p>It's quiet here, but I expected that. It's a Friday, so there aren't the usual number of people lining the ways (not that Alport gets the crowds, For some reason, it always seems quieter here.. A bit of a hidden gem, I've only seen it busy on hot, sunny weekends).</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>I've packed really light this time. No tarp, no groundsheet. No hammock or extra bits of kit.</p>
<p>No large saucepans or grills for the fire.. Just the basics... And it shows. I make excellent time... Too good in fact.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I arrive at camp by about 2:30... Way to early too set up shop.</p>
<p>I've actually been here for about twenty minutes, but there were a couple of walkers passing where I wanted to go, so I sat down and had a smoke, let them get out of sight before I plunged off into the woods..</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Because its so early, I get some wood for the fire and break what I can by hand, setting up the piles, sized to make it easier later, but leave the noisy axe till later. I really must get a new pocket saw. It's so much less obtrusive, lighter and.. Well.. Safer.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I sit down, I stand.. I sit again. I write some of this blog on my phone, then remember why I don't use a phone to blog with.</p>
<p>I wander round restlessly. I realise that not bringing that book, might have been a mistake.</p>
<p>I'm going to be honest here... I'm bored.</p>
<p>I expected some feeling of being 'connected' to nature in some way, or something peaceful.. </p>
<p>No. I was mentally drawing up shopping lists, working out what needed to be done when I got back..</p>
<p>Of all the things I'd worried about, being bored, was not something I'd anticipated.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Mildly annoyed at being excluded from the mystical group of 'oneness' with nature, I snatched up my wine and walked down to the river.</p>
<p>There was a large flat stone, a few inches above the waterline. So I sat. Took my boots off, rolled up my trousers and stretched back, bathing in the river and the afternoon sun at the same time. my face in the sun, my feet in the water, drinking my wine. I have to admit this was one of the most pleasurable things I've done in ages and I'd be happy to be back there, (but with a book!... I'm stressing this a bit, I know.. But only so you don't make the same mistakes)..</p>
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<p> </p>
<p>The water was fresh, deep and luscious where I was sat. A natural pool, maybe four or five feet deep.. I was sorely tempted to go for a swim proper. But as it was now late afternoon, it was also turning cooler and the shadow of the hill was getting close to this side of the stream. I didn't want to run the risk of not getting properly dry, or cold...</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Not long after, my stone slid into the shadow and my beautiful spot chilled immediately.</p>
<p>Rather regretfully, I picked up my wine and wandered back to camp. I made myself some Dinner and then set about the firewood, chopping the larger logs into manageable lengths.</p>
<p>Sunset comes early here, because of the valley sides.. A good hour - hour and a half earlier than on the tops..</p>
<p>But even before the sun set, it cooled dramatically.</p>
<p>I lit the fire and went back to sitting, standing, sitting.. Restlessly moving around.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>As the sun finally starts to set there's another couple of walkers come up the valley, I can hear them chatting just above the sound of the stream. Then one of them says, "There's a fire!" I realise I can't just let them think the woods are on fire, so I step out, say hi and offer to share. They're going further up the valley. I mention another spot further up, just around the corner that's a good place. They are soon swallowed up by the the surroundings and it's like they were never here.</p>
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<p> </p>
<p>I saved pudding till now.. Because I forgot to pack lunch, I thought spacing out my dinner and pudding would help me stay full for longer.</p>
<p>I heat through my pouch of chocolate sponge pudding and tuck in. </p>
<p>It's incredibly stodgy, like a block of lard in fake-chocolate sauce.. As there's going to be nothing else to eat tonight, I keep going for a while longer. </p>
<p>It's no good. I'm not going to finish it. I throw what's left into the fire and watch what I don't want, be boiled, then eaten by the fire instead.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Soon after, I start to feel distinctly uncomfortable in the stomach department. It's making those distinctive, but uncomfortable bubbling noises, that are never a good sign.</p>
<p>I sit it out for a while, hoping that it will settle, but it gets more and more uncomfortable.</p>
<p>Sighing, I grab my stomach and my loo roll and set off for a walk.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">....<em>Short intermission</em>....</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I stagger back into camp, feeling distinctly ill. I'm worried.</p>
<p>I realise I might made a school boy error. Although I've been using a water filter for drinking water, when I made dinner, the water I boiled my pouch in.. Well.. Never boiled. I used it to make a coffee with, after cooking my stew.. It might have been at a simmer for a long time.. But is that enough? Have I picked up a bug?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>My guts spasm again. I decide an early night might be a capital idea.</p>
<p>I quickly round up my stuff and unceremoniously drop it in my porch to keep the worst of the moisture off it. I crawl into my sleeping bag and lie there feeling awful. I'm sweating and thinking how traumatic the walk out tomorrow could be.. Especially if I'm caught short on the path.. My imagination runs riot, I can't help but think about how busy it will be tomorrow, a line of people headed for Alport, spurred on by the beautiful weather, while I'm at the side of the path, saying "morning" to everyone, wanting to be invisible and being mortified with embarrassment.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I wake early. Sometime around seven. </p>
<p>Although I feel much better, I decide that being back at the visitor centre, with it's toilet block is a very good idea. I quickly break camp, helped by the fact that I had spare room in the pack on the way out. So I throw everything in, only making sure that I put heavy stuff in the bottom. I don't bother with breakfast, I'm not sure if Its a good idea or not. </p>
<p>I decide that it's safer to be hungry.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I shoulder my pack and start out of the woods. It's blindingly sunny as I walk out. It's a beautiful day. Within minutes, I feel better. I'm looking forward to the walk, looking forward to doing something.</p>
<p>The walk back out passes in a beautiful blur of countryside, the only annoyance being the spring I normally use to fill my bottle halfway, has a herd of cows on it. They all have young calves and watch me wearily as I give them as much space as I can. Sadly, it means topping off my water bottle is not going to be possible. I'm not about to try and put myself between a mother and her calf... </p>
<p>That leaves me about half a litre for the rest of the walk.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I arrive at the visitor centre with drips left in it. I'm hot and thirsty and my body is screaming for sugar.</p>
<p>I have a cider ice lolly and a coke. Ok, it's not isotonic and coke isn't perhaps the healthiest choice.. But I firmly believe that your body knows what it needs, especially when you're feeling under par... </p>
<p>I pop in the visitor centre and buy a book to keep me occupied (the bus isn't due for nearly four hours yet).</p>
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<p> </p>
<p>I stretch out in the sun by the reservoir, book in hand. It's about bomber crews in WWII.. </p>
<p>As I'm laid there, reading, a Dakota flies over.. It's really low, skimming the treetops.. The bomber roars over, while I'm reading about the crews and bombers of that era. It was a welcome, exhilarating coincidence..</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Without realising it, its time for me to wander up to the bus stop and as I board, I realise I'm sad. Really, really sad.</p>
<p>I don't want to leave. I may have had some trials and was interminably bored at times, but I want more. I've just slowed down, just relaxed... </p>
<p>I don't think it's going to be long before I'm back out in the hills again.</p>
<p> </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1415755838609709767.post-44282681558866385912013-06-03T00:23:00.001+01:002013-06-03T00:23:18.115+01:00Wentworth Woodhouse. A place to visit.. :)<p> Today I've been round a house In Rotherham. Please forgive me if I over-indulge in adjectives.. ;)</p>
<p> </p>
<p>It's on one of my favorite local ambles, from where my parents live, to a couple of pubs in wentworth.</p>
<p>I was quite lucky, as I got to go in this house when I was at junior school.. </p>
<p>At the time I was... Well.. Even then. I was impressed. </p>
<p>For an idea of scale, It's twice the size of Buckingham palace.. And for those who don't believe there's any culture "oop noorth", you need to come see this.</p>
<p> </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HzKEcxjLXK8/UavTjcFOTbI/AAAAAAAABGE/bJbqQ_GwCxE/s2048/Photo%2525202%252520Jun%2525202013%25252013%25253A50.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HzKEcxjLXK8/UavTjcFOTbI/AAAAAAAABGE/bJbqQ_GwCxE/s500/Photo%2525202%252520Jun%2525202013%25252013%25253A50.jpg" id="blogsy-1370215396817.7139" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="273"></a></div>
<p>There have been a few houses (and once a castle) on these grounds and the house as it stands has organically grown from one, to the next. The current main building dates to the eighteenth century and is HUGE. It's had a hard time for most of its history. </p>
<p>The first early Strafford - who was responsible for the north of England, was beheaded for treason in 1641. The second earl - well that's where it gets a bit more interesting.. He was prime minister. Not once, but twice. </p>
<p>He was Prime minister while the American war of independence was in full swing. In fact, some of the decisions on how things were settled, were taken under this very roof. That's quite a big chunk of history to take in, for something so far from London... </p>
<p>By the way, The second earl quit, under mysterious circumstances before his term ended... He obviously didn't agree with how things had been handled.</p>
<p>But... Then went back, and this time his headache was 'the troubles in Ireland'. He set things in motion that would have made things a lot more.... Amicable between our two neighbouring countries. </p>
<p>Sadly, he contracted influenza and died a few months in. Other ministers then pushed their own agenda's and got their own way... Things have bad for a long time between our nations. It's a shame he didn't get to see his policies through.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>More recently, the house was used by military intelligence, it was a coal mine (which was devastating to the area AND still threatens the building to this day) and a girls collage.. In fact, this ended in the 80's, so this was probably how my school got permission to go round it so long ago.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>As I went round, the house is.. Well.. Lets say; water damaged (or at least damp), and this, along with subsidence, has definately been a big feature in this house over the last few decades. Most ceilings are peeling and there are signs of neglect (and one area of over cleaning - ask your guide ;) ).</p>
<p> </p>
<p>But there is hope. Room after room we went in was slowly being restored. The guide stated that they aim to have the house unrecognisable within five years, and the main centre part back to its former glory in the next decade. I hope this is true, because its a truly beautiful building. The main entrance with its marble floor and mezzanine is breathtaking. </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-FMfR6pPwagM/UavTmgc0q-I/AAAAAAAABGM/J7xQh9HOFnw/s2000/Photo%2525203%252520Jun%2525202013%25252000%25253A16.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-FMfR6pPwagM/UavTmgc0q-I/AAAAAAAABGM/J7xQh9HOFnw/s500/Photo%2525203%252520Jun%2525202013%25252000%25253A16.jpg" id="blogsy-1370215396781.422" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="70"></a></div>
<p> (Photo from <a href="http://www.wentworthwoodhouse.co.uk" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="link" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0">www.wentworthwoodhouse.co.uk</a>)</p>
<p> </p>
<p>There are a few quirks from its former use. There are rails around the main entrance, so it could be used for badminton and the old headmasters office has a depiction of the five senses, painted around the walls.. But, also has steam damage where the kettle the head used steamed away part of the priceless wall paintings!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>We were led into another room, which was completely naked. Not as in <strong>we </strong>were naked, but that the panelling had been taken right back to bare wood. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>But there are still real treasures here.</p>
<p>On one wall there is a fine painting of a horse, perhaps 12 feet high. This horse won <em>so much</em> money for one of the earls (a long time ago), that it paid for a stable block. </p>
<p>A square stable block, around a central courtyard and fountain, that could house eighty four horses.</p>
<p>That's a lot of hay.. and, knowing a few horsey lady's.. A mountain of shit. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>In a stairwell, there's a statue of Ceres (holding what I thought was an artichoke.. Though, I could be wrong!). She was found in Herculaneum (a place that suffered like Pompeii) and its... <em>two thousand</em> years old..</p>
<p>There's wallpaper, printed in the 1830's.. When around here, to be honest, people were happy to have walls, let alone paper on them....</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Then, there are the gardens. These are also, like the house... Ample. </p>
<p>At the top of a rise, there is a large stone goblet, called the 'punch bowl'. This was lit like the Olympic flame for special occasions (though historians apparently still argue if it was lit with oil, or with gas).</p>
<p> </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-E83dWMp_YPc/UavTwOph0UI/AAAAAAAABGU/PevzuHOmQz4/s2048/Photo%2525202%252520Jun%2525202013%25252015%25253A18.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-E83dWMp_YPc/UavTwOph0UI/AAAAAAAABGU/PevzuHOmQz4/s500/Photo%2525202%252520Jun%2525202013%25252015%25253A18.jpg" id="blogsy-1370215396835.8018" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="669"></a></div>
<p>To be honest, by this time, I was happy to be out of the house and into the gardens.. I had the strongest urge to take off my shoes and socks and do this bit barefoot.. The sun was streaming and the views from the terrace went on for miles. And miles.</p>
<p>The woods themselves were alive with hundreds of different plants, obviously landscaped in times past - but now a strange sort of beautiful. Few of the plants were native, but they had naturalised..it was as if 'bloody stupid Johnson' had been let loose to create a mad, world-inclusive woodland (read Terry Pratchett if you don't know who he is, you won't regret it ;) ) </p>
<p> </p>
<p>It was a great day out, and please, support them. Yes, it's a local thing for me.. But it's an increadbly beautiful house.. Yes,Ii paid.. and plan to again. Go, see it for yourself. I've missed loads of stuff out, so you can still learn, and see.. It's worth every penny. </p>
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<p> </p>
<p>The tours (prices as from when we booked in march) run from £10 for a short tour of the main block, £15 for the main tour of the house and £25 for house and gardens. </p>
<p>Although I'm all for saving money, if you're coming in the summer, go all out.. You don't want to miss the gardens and terrace.</p>
<p>They are also running several things this year.. Check out their website <a href="http://www.wentworthwoodhouseco.uk" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="link" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0">www.wentworthwoodhouse.co.uk</a> for more.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>And.. When <strong>you</strong> finish, there is the village of wentworth round the corner, about a mile from the house. There's two cracking pubs, the 'Rockingham Arms' and the 'George and the Dragon'. Both have real ales, both have log fires in the winter. Highly recommended..</p>
<p> </p>
<p>If you have children, Wentworth garden centre is round the corner.. It has a petting zoo, cafe, playground and craft shops. There's nothing to stop you walking down the road and seeing the front of the building, even if you aren't going in.. It's worth it.</p>
<p>(Btw, Both pubs have good beer gardens, though the George also has a playground)...</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I'll see you at the bar sometime!</p>
<p> </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1415755838609709767.post-72769827776945337872013-06-01T20:14:00.001+01:002013-06-01T20:14:44.108+01:00It's nice to be back. <p> Ok.. I've been away for too long. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>I know it.</p>
<p>I've been on a couple of trips over the last year and a half and I haven't shared it.. Selfish of me, I know, but I've also not had a PC to type on, and publishing from a phone is such a pain if its not for just a quick update..</p>
<p>However it's now time for me to be back on the air and broadcasting.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I've got lots of things planned for this year and kit reviews too. You'll hear about it all soon enough..</p>
<p> </p>
<p>For now though, just sit back, enjoy the sun and if you're lucky enough to be in the hills tonight, you make me jealous...</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Have fun people, it's what it's all about.. :)</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1415755838609709767.post-56982086530499251732012-06-06T15:06:00.001+01:002012-06-06T15:06:51.175+01:00First tent in space :-)<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DMLxaee3hUu4%26feature%3Dyoutu.be&feature=youtu.be&v=MLxaee3hUu4&gl=GB</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1415755838609709767.post-81310959014353143272011-11-18T15:30:00.002+00:002011-11-18T15:34:04.588+00:00Is a sub-two gram sleep mat within our grasp?<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Unbelieveable as it sounds, resarchers in america have found a way to build a lattice out of tiny fibres that weighs an incredible 0.9mg per cubic cm. As a point of reference.. That's about one hundredth the weight of styrofoam.<br />As this material is a lattice, it apparently also has excellent insulative properties and although strong, also has some give. It also returns to it's former size after compression (they do state there is a little loss on the first use).<br /><br />Working on standard mat size, say 180x90x1cm, then the mat would weigh less than two grams.<br /><br />Now all we need is a name for stuff this light..<br />Super-ultra-lightweight?</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1415755838609709767.post-91457621948033194302011-10-22T17:52:00.002+01:002011-10-22T18:10:58.973+01:00Is it time for a new coat?I think it's time to start looking for a new jacket. I've had a few years out of my current one and it's also been used on a day to day basis. I'll make sure I do a post when it's retired ..<br />So, once more unto the breech my friends as i re-enter the world of buying a new jacket.. Something breathable, light, dependable and in my budget..... In a colour I like ;)Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1415755838609709767.post-87995127981217561552011-10-15T20:06:00.002+01:002011-10-15T20:17:32.262+01:00Bad things come in small packages too... (mobile post)yep.. You guessed it. I'm poorly. Depending on whether you're my boss or not, the timing is impeccable.. <br />Ya see, i'd got this monday off and had a loose plan to get out. It's been impossible with other stuff going on, so i'd taken a day's holiday and was going to shuffle the weekend back.. (you know, treat sunday like it was sat, get on with sunday's chores on monday) leaving today free to go out.<br />Of course, i've spent today with a thick head, dozing off everytime i sit down and generally feeling like crap..<br /><br />Ah well, there's a few weekends left in the year... :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1415755838609709767.post-68097297847473397462011-10-09T14:15:00.002+01:002011-10-09T14:20:18.072+01:00A nice round number :)Just a quick note from the mobile to say that, this weekend I finally broke TEN THOUSAND pageviews :) <br />Thanks to all those who read the blog, and to those who help me..<br />Cheers,<br /><br />Toby.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1415755838609709767.post-29355433382489740512011-10-07T10:05:00.002+01:002011-10-07T10:19:22.718+01:00Where to go for a walk in winter? (mobile post)As you will have spotted, I've not been able to get out much since the twins were born two years ago.<br />It's amazing how much time twins take up and how little time I can spend getting out there.<br />This means that any trips need to either be places I know, or very well planned. Otherwise I'd overrun the time I've put aside, or not have enough time to accomplish what I wanted..<br />For the last few years, the winter walks have always ended in Edale. This is because it's easy to get to, there's a good selection of bus stops outside the valley and the trains run through any snow we've had.. Edale is also beautiful in itself, there's a great pub, a shop, somewhere to get a breakfast and perhaps most importantly - a well sheltered campsite that opens all year.<br />As daft as it sounds, it's proving damm difficult to find a replacement. Either the campsite is closed in winter, or the village is easily cut off by snow. Somtimes there isn't a pub..<br />My favorite contender so far was Threlkeld, but no all year camping..<br />Who said sorting a walk would be easy?Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1415755838609709767.post-57890940282920232342011-09-20T00:37:00.002+01:002011-09-20T00:48:25.382+01:00Review: Alpkit SkyHigh 800 (Down Sleeping Bag)<div class="wlWriterHeaderFooter" style="float:right; margin:0px; padding:0px 0px 4px 8px;"><script type="text/javascript">digg_url = "http://lost-in-england.blogspot.com/2011/09/review-alpkit-skyhigh-800-down-sleeping.html";digg_title = "Review: Alpkit SkyHigh 800 (Down Sleeping Bag)";digg_bgcolor = "#EBF0FF";digg_skin = "normal";</script><script src="http://digg.com/tools/diggthis.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script type="text/javascript">digg_url = undefined;digg_title = undefined;digg_bgcolor = undefined;digg_skin = undefined;</script></div><p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rBfMZ4WvNos/TnfSHVsrk2I/AAAAAAAAAY8/bzchYW3e5aA/s1600-h/SH800OpenBlog%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="SH800OpenBlog" border="0" alt="SH800OpenBlog" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-R4if6OQ6U7Q/TnfSHzfWzEI/AAAAAAAAAZA/tilP9PKci4w/SH800OpenBlog_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="206"></a></p> <p align="center"><sup>N.B. I Apologise for the colour on some of the images, I’d put the camera in the wrong mode. I hadn’t </sup><sup>noticed until I’d packed everything away and reviewed the images on the PC…</sup></p> <p>There are many sleeping bags on the market. Some cheap, some expensive. You can get one on offer for a Tenner, or spend five or six hundred pounds on one. There is a big difference between a cheap bag and an expensive one, and there is also a big difference between brands as well. A good sleeping bag will allow you to camp later into the season, or all year round.</p> <p>There’s advantages and disadvantages to the different types (a proper argument of which would take up an entire post). So to put it in a nutshell, Down is lighter and warmer for weight than synthetic, but more expensive and trickier to clean. You’ll often hear that synthetic stuffing will retain more warmth when wet, but if either was sodden, you’d be cold that night, whatever it was filled with.</p> <p> </p> <p>I’m a proponent of <a href="http://www.alpkit.com/">Alpkit</a> and they have long been respected for their sleeping bag range, which offered a good bag at a reasonable price.</p> <p>They have two lines, the <a href="http://www.alpkit.com/skyehigh/">SkyHigh</a> (I’ll shorten to SH from now on) and <a href="http://www.alpkit.com/pipedream/">PipeDream</a> (PD). The ranges are then categorised with the fill weights (hence names like SH600, SH800, SH1000 or PD600, PD800 etc. (the bigger the number, the warmer the bag)). </p> <p>The PD range pack smaller, lighter, are made from more exotic materials and have a higher fill power (warmer for weight) down filling. Of course having a PD comes at a price (about 40% more when I bought my bag). </p> <p>I chose the SH800 because it was within my price range (an important consideration), it’s rated to –10’c and I’d fit in it. You see, I’m quite a big lad. I’m 6’2” and there’s a vicious rumour that I have a fairly impressive beer gut <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-left-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-winkingsmile" alt="Winking smile" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mI1jAYNTk1A/TnfSIKFhyKI/AAAAAAAAAZE/oqw02x3kxD4/wlEmoticon-winkingsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800">. The SH bags thankfully come in small, regular and large (and now a kids size too). They come with a well made compression sack that’s been treated to help keep water out and a storage sack to help keep the loft when it’s in the cupboard. There’s a storage pocket inside the bag and it has an excellent draft tube and collar to keep the heat in.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-05tKSaY6uFg/TnfSJIkvRRI/AAAAAAAAAZI/wCpLjI3oyC8/s1600-h/DSCF0837%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCF0837" border="0" alt="DSCF0837" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lWtiamyekjI/TnfSJnM_jvI/AAAAAAAAAZM/xmxi-phBBRU/DSCF0837_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_UJW1B4FitQ/TnfSKuB0VeI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/-LgAmbUsfFQ/s1600-h/SH800DraftCollarBlog%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="SH800DraftCollarBlog" border="0" alt="SH800DraftCollarBlog" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0xgFHoyi3yY/TnfSLeQa8QI/AAAAAAAAAZU/mrIidXMexTQ/SH800DraftCollarBlog_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>I have camped in temps around –8 and slept well, so it does what it’s supposed to. It’s roughly comparable to a <a href="http://uk.thenorthface.com/tnf-uk-en/equipment/sleeping-bags/blue-kazoo-sleeping-bag.html?colour=2870">North Face Blue Kazoo</a> (£180) or a <a href="http://rab.uk.com/products/sleeping-bags/ascent_1/ascent-700.html">Rab Ascent 700</a> (£200). When I bought mine It was £110 (+£5 for long size), meaning it was exceptional value. (Alpkit have made a comparison chart <a href="http://www.alpkit.com/sleeping-bags/compare">HERE</a>)</p> <p>Now however, they are £140 (£145 for long).. So there isn’t that much difference between this and the Blue Kazoo, especially when you consider that you might get an offer on a North Face bag (or one from another major manufacturer). </p> <p>Buy from Alpkit and the price is what you pay – no shopping around for bargains. This didn’t used to be a problem as their stuff was priced so competitively.<sup>1</sup></p> <p> </p> <p>The bag I have does have shortcomings as well. The two main issues I had are: The cord to cinch the hood had been stitched into the bag (as I couldn’t wait for the next batch, I just cut the cord and knotted it). It’s not a major problem in itself, but does possibly indicate slipshod workmanship or poor quality control. The other thing is that they don’t vary the amount of filling in the sizes, So the small is warmer than it should be and the large has a couple of panels that could really do with a bit more filling as it’s stretched that bit further. I didn’t mind paying a bit more for a long, but I was a bit annoyed when I found this out – I expected that they would be standardised across the range.</p> <p> </p> <p>I like my SH800 and it has served me really well. It’s much lighter and packs far, far smaller than a synthetic bag. It lofts to a ridiculous amount. It’s kept me warm in the snow, toasty in the autumn and I’ve used it in the height of summer too. I’d love to say I’d buy another and would have, but with the price hike it puts the SkyHigh range uncomfortably close to the big brands..</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4CPqie8q07Q/TnfSMBqFTSI/AAAAAAAAAZY/oPwD1MnByCY/s1600-h/SH800LoftBlog%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="SH800LoftBlog" border="0" alt="SH800LoftBlog" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-WmhrUwfVpNM/TnfSM1Z6LiI/AAAAAAAAAZc/G9yMOBx_eTk/SH800LoftBlog_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="195"></a></p> <p align="center"><sup>There is nothing inside this bag, It really does loft to this thickness!</sup></p> <p align="center"><sup></sup> </p> <p><sup>1</sup> (sometimes they have clearance on some items. when it comes to sleeping bags however, It only applies to seconds, or ones with minor defects.. They’ve had such a good name and offered such great value that they often sell out within a few days of getting stock).</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1415755838609709767.post-58316731925985332512011-09-02T01:06:00.002+01:002011-09-03T13:38:44.621+01:00Review: Fiskars K40 Vs Gerber Crucial knife<div class="wlWriterHeaderFooter" style="float:right; margin:0px; padding:0px 0px 4px 8px;"><script type="text/javascript">digg_url = "http://lost-in-england.blogspot.com/2011/09/review-fiskars-k40-vs-gerber-crucial.html";digg_title = "Review: Fiskars K40 Vs Gerber Crucial";digg_bgcolor = "#EBF0FF";digg_skin = "normal";</script><script src="http://digg.com/tools/diggthis.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script type="text/javascript">digg_url = undefined;digg_title = undefined;digg_bgcolor = undefined;digg_skin = undefined;</script></div><p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5295zr9fjkk/TmAd-7W1mII/AAAAAAAAAW0/NmL9VOgCMlA/s1600-h/FiskarsK40KnifeBlog%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="FiskarsK40KnifeBlog" border="0" alt="FiskarsK40KnifeBlog" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hTCHomkRrsk/TmAd_kr-ndI/AAAAAAAAAW4/CmKM-w2x6ms/FiskarsK40KnifeBlog_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="641" height="179"></a></p> <p>I’m Pitting two very different knives against each other. One is a fixed blade with sheath. The other a folding knife/plier combo.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>First, the Gerber Crucial. This is a folding knife and contains a blade with a blunted tip with scalloped serrations. There are two screwdriver heads, a mini crab style clip and a pair of pliers with several gripping surfaces including wire cutters.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-jUTY-r9H3xY/TmAeAZ-v1AI/AAAAAAAAAW8/mWtn90Qou80/s1600-h/GerberCrucialBlogBlade%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="GerberCrucialBlogBlade" border="0" alt="GerberCrucialBlogBlade" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-RgUNi3yeVMw/TmAeA_DDZtI/AAAAAAAAAXA/GSlxRGi15eY/GerberCrucialBlogBlade_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="635" height="249"></a></p> <p>The clip opening is reversed, which cleverly allows you to open your bottles with it.</p> <p>I’ve had this knife for a good 6 months or so and it’s been walking, camping, used in the car and house. The knife has retained it’s edge and the tools have all worked well. They lock positively in place with a liner style lock, easily used one handed for the blade. The posi drive screwdriver is a little odd as it is narrowed, but works well, even on larger screws. The flat blade is large and feels indestructible but was difficult to open on my sample.</p> <p>The pliers grip particularly well and the wire cutters have worked well, but did struggle slightly with multi-strand wires. </p> <p>It feels substantial, heavy even. But put it on the scales and it tips in around 140g which is similar to other brand’s take on this style of knife.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HcNKxxLnNCI/TmAeBgRJITI/AAAAAAAAAXE/1PC0mU_GvBY/s1600-h/GerberCrucialBlogPliers%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="GerberCrucialBlogPliers" border="0" alt="GerberCrucialBlogPliers" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wt8kXsImLBs/TmAeCbfZMJI/AAAAAAAAAXI/GF0rHnCB5Vg/GerberCrucialBlogPliers_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="369" height="278"></a></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>The Fiskars K40 is a completely different beast. It’s a fixed blade, with No serrations, tools or gadgets. But this means that it can concentrate on being just one thing. Being sharp. <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KA4l88kueR8/TmAeC-g5hXI/AAAAAAAAAXM/LU4D0Z6iXmA/s1600-h/FiskarsK40KnifeBlogBlade%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="FiskarsK40KnifeBlogBlade" border="0" alt="FiskarsK40KnifeBlogBlade" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-YUqfJCif2XE/TmAeDk1fRII/AAAAAAAAAXQ/8-gFi8gReO0/FiskarsK40KnifeBlogBlade_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="225" height="259"></a></p> <p>I have to say I was weary of this knife at first as the handle is the hollow type that Fiskars tend to favour. I’ve tried to wreck it (through use – I haven’t run over it or blown it up) and it faired well. It retained its edge well and the 10cm blade is still seated solidly </p> <p>What is the K40’s coupe de grace to make you consider it for your pack?.. It weighs a surprisingly svelte 70g.<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xeUOwpOgpcI/TmAeEXAVWAI/AAAAAAAAAXU/vL5e5qViaNA/s1600-h/BigYellowTeapot%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="BigYellowTeapot" border="0" alt="BigYellowTeapot" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-KLY5DvH2RA4/TmAeE5cLbTI/AAAAAAAAAXY/nB9oorjaFkE/BigYellowTeapot_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="167" height="149"></a></p> <p>I already own a knife similar to this, a high carbon steel knife which is also excellent but requires more care, due to the type of steel it’s made from. The Fiskars knife uses Stainless steel, so it’s easier to look after, making this a better choice for beginners, infrequent users or anyone camping on the coast. </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><u>Which knife would I use?</u></p> <p>For wild camping the K40 has the ‘edge’ (ho ho!) due to it’s light weight and a fixed blade can be used more confidently. Maybe you suddenly feel the need to carve a spoon, or make a pan stand. This knife can do this for you. The extra weight of the Crucial does give the advantage of pliers to grip a pan, but a decent pair of plastic pan grips weigh less, and grip more firmly. For wild camping, the driver heads and bottle opener/clip are essentially dead weight in your pack</p> <p>If I was car camping, I’d simply take both.</p> <p>If I owned a caravan or were simply walking I would take the crucial. The built in tools would come into their own and this would be a handy piece of kit that looks and is much less threatening than the K40. </p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1415755838609709767.post-24978572562516898892011-08-24T00:41:00.001+01:002011-08-24T00:41:07.149+01:00A wild camp in the Peak District (A bumper post).<div class="wlWriterHeaderFooter" style="float:right; margin:0px; padding:0px 0px 4px 8px;"><script type="text/javascript">digg_url = "http://lost-in-england.blogspot.com/2011/08/wild-camp-in-peak-district-bumper-post.html";digg_title = "A wild camp in the Peak District (A bumper post).";digg_bgcolor = "#EBF0FF";digg_skin = "normal";</script><script src="http://digg.com/tools/diggthis.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script type="text/javascript">digg_url = undefined;digg_title = undefined;digg_bgcolor = undefined;digg_skin = undefined;</script></div><p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-fWLJDRRt-WY/TlQ6bkH_ncI/AAAAAAAAAWI/XysYz5OQzfM/s1600-h/DSCF1120Blog%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCF1120Blog" border="0" alt="DSCF1120Blog" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-57gidbRuQPs/TlQ6cUcwbPI/AAAAAAAAAWM/llK5fASzX90/DSCF1120Blog_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="258"></a> <p>I've returned from a camp in the peaks.. I've tried a few new things and I've tested the "extra weight = extra fun?" theory to the full. <p>The post is a long one. So, If you’ve time, kick back with a brew and read on. <p> <p>A while ago I rang my mates and asked if they fancied another wild camp in the peaks... <p>We <em>were</em> supposed to be having a full day on the hill but the best laid plans and all that.. One of the lads couldn't start early cos he would be drinking heavily the night before, then he had to pull out entirely. That left James and I.. Then due to an accident at home, we didn’t get to set off till late. <p> <p>This was going to be "Wild Glamping" (if there is such a thing). For tea we would have garlic mushrooms to start. Then large Rib Eye steaks, flame grilled on an open fire with ember roasted new potatoes and toasted garlic ciabatta bread for the main. <p>All this would increase the weight we'd have to carry, but would it be worth it?.. <p>On the day, as we ended up leaving very late (not hitting the hill until about 4 o'clock). We'd decided on a smash and grab approach, as we'd got the extra weight and because we were setting off so late in the day. <p>There's an unconscious exodus from the hills. So when we passed the last straggler (about 4:45, a lone man on the trail). We had a big section of the park to ourselves. We’d managed to get fairly pleasant weather to this point. Not too windy with some sun peeking through the clouds. It was another lazy wander over the tops, stopping at whim to enjoy the scenery. <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0pwh9Ovj6kw/TlQ6diR6ZcI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/2Edz-jdRJnA/s1600-h/DSCF1121Blog%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCF1121Blog" border="0" alt="DSCF1121Blog" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-YdEoZIJy7ws/TlQ6eDgxYXI/AAAAAAAAAWU/SPumWmJtmOk/DSCF1121Blog_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="393" height="296"></a> <p>This area of the peaks did another great job of trying to impress. The hills here look bigger than they are, green verdant valleys and khaki tops. <p>As we travelled along the edge, we were attacked by large black flying insects.. like flying ants, but much too large. Maybe they were beetles.. I'm not sure. They were everywhere for a good way and we were worried we'd be pestered everywhere. Thankfully they slowly petered out. <p>As we were admiring a local landmark from above, the rain came in. The rain was heavy, but thankfully it stopped almost as soon as it started so we were only wet for a little while. We came to where I'd decided we'd come down the hillside, which proved to be a problem. It was very, very steep. We zig-zagged down the hill (it was steep enough that you could reach across to the floor, steadying yourself on the hill. Trying to stay on clumps of heather (which offered better traction than wet grass), we slowly made our way down the side of the valley. <p>As we came through the heather I noticed that the hillside was covered in (I think) bilberry's.. We didn't try them in case I'd got it wrong, but they looked tasty.. I’ll have to make sure I go walking with someone who knows his (or her) stuff when it comes to wild plants.. <p>A little way down, we'd drifted a little way off course and I decided to contour on a small path / sheep trail, but before we'd attempt this the decision was made to stop for a quick breather Where I took this photo, you can see how wide the path is and the slope of the hill. <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4rIIk3t7wjs/TlQ6feNA8uI/AAAAAAAAAWY/7h7rK1u47a4/s1600-h/DSCF1126Blog%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCF1126Blog" border="0" alt="DSCF1126Blog" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-PKJxxWHpymk/TlQ6f4NuayI/AAAAAAAAAWc/PHKW_mcAv8A/DSCF1126Blog_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="372" height="274"></a> <p>We found the woods I was looking for. We continued into through the warmer, calmer wood. Although the hill was at an insane angle all the way to where we would go across. Leading to where we would camp for the night. For a short while, it seemed we'd missed our spot, but my internal compass had done me proud. We came into the camp, bang on line and in time to set up, get a fire going and start on the food before dark (<em>and it is dark here</em> - miles from and with with no line of sight to, any street lights, in the bottom of a steep valley.. DO NOT FORGET YOUR TORCH IN A PLACE LIKE THIS)! <p>The fire was completely hassle free. I have to admit that last year, I'd made a bit of an ass of myself. I have one of those flint firelighters, i use to light my stove and similar and I was determined to start a fire with it.. I failed miserably and had to resort to using a bit of tissue and a gas lighter.. <p>There was none of it this time though.. I'd heard about making a firelighter by wiping cotton wool in Vaseline.. I'd done a few, opening them so the Vaseline would sit in the middle and then folding them closed again. 4 good size buds were enough to fill a Kinder egg without crushing them. <p>It lit on the second spark, and burnt with a big, hot, long lasting flame, which grew quickly into a decent size fire. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Vd2yxkjEuQc/TlQ6hwboHOI/AAAAAAAAAWg/5W_lbW793q8/s1600-h/DSCF1131Blog%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCF1131Blog" border="0" alt="DSCF1131Blog" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3wJMuxYwawM/TlQ6ihnXuyI/AAAAAAAAAWk/REO37P5liKA/DSCF1131Blog_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="448" height="337"></a></p> <p>My esteem renewed, we started on the food. We boiled new potatoes in a pan, put the steaks on a BBQ I’ve had for a while, which is perfect for camping (I’ll do a separate post on this, It’s a handy bit of kit). Jim got the bread slathered in garlic butter and toasting on a stick on the edge of the fire. Once the potatoes were cooked through, Jim fried off the mushrooms in garlic butter (we ended up with one large main course). While we ate the steak etc. I put the potatoes on the grill to blacken. </p> <p>To pull off all this fresh food, I’d saved a couple of shoe boxes form the girls (child size 6 if you care) and inside each went a steak my local butcher had vac sealed, some of the potatoes, a blister pack of garlic butter from Morrison's, some mushrooms, one ciabatta roll and a couple of rashers of bacon (again vacuum packed by the local butcher). By doing it this way, everything was fresh, and the lids of the shoe box became the plate, going into the fire when we’d finished eating.. </p> <p>It all tasted great, washed down with a couple of bottles of wine – There’s something really satisfying about red meat and red wine. It really is good for the soul.</p> <p>Now, I’d mentioned in my previous posts that I was going to try something that could shave Kilo’s of my pack weight.. <strong>I was going to sleep in a hammock</strong>.</p> <p>Now I didn’t know if it would work at all, armed only with the information I had found on the net and a hammock I procured from TK Maxx for the princely sum of £12 (about half price, which is still cheap for a hammock). </p> <p>When slung properly a hammock is very comfortable. There no need for a pillow, it doesn’t matter if the ground is even (or even if there is any ground) but it does need somewhere to attach it to. Handily, we were sleeping in a wood, so It only took a few minutes to put up (if you don’t count my false starts <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-left-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-winkingsmile" alt="Winking smile" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-VDWW9OfLX6c/TlQ6jAzRe1I/AAAAAAAAAWo/4LV9Jzc0krw/wlEmoticon-winkingsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800">) and a couple more to put a tarp over the top. (you could use a bivi bag instead, but I don’t own one). Et Voila. You have somewhere to sleep. </p> <p>Did it work? Well, as you’ve guessed, it wasn’t entirely successful. I’d neglected to use my mat under the sleeping bag and this was a mistake. Wind chill takes heat out of your back very quickly, so I was cold. The hammock was cheap, so the cordage was nylon, which stretches. So I ended up with my feet higher than my head. </p> <p>I could have jumped out, shortened the cords and blown up my mat, but as I was cold, I just huddled deeper into my bag. Pretending I was OK and Sleeping fitfully till I got up at 7 (that’s practically the middle of the night to me).</p> <p>Would I use it again? I would, but I would either use my mat, or take some bubble wrap (which I suspect would work just as well to insulate my torso, as it doesn’t have to take the lumps out of the floor) and I’d hang it tighter than I thought it needed to be, to allow for sag in the night. </p> <p>I think it could work well, and be really comfy… But a bit of practice or someone with experience is a definite advantage here.</p> <p>As for the ‘more weight=more fun’ maxim, If I’d not taken the tent then the pack would only have been marginally heavier than normal as the hammock weighs about 600g. (and the tent 2Kg). The steaks and stuff must have weighed about a kilo and the BBQ weighs about 650g (though as no gas or stove is needed, you could offset this weight as well if you didn’t mind starting a fire in the morning for brews and breakfast). It was well worth the weight of the grub. The BBQ was handy, but I suppose you could use sticks to suspend the meat over the fire to cook if you wanted. </p> <p>Having steak et all, cooked on a fire was great and I would do it again. For me, it was worth carting every gram if it. I know people who would disagree, but I’d be as smug as a very smug thing, watching them eat dehydrated rations, while I tucked into a big, juicy, steak..</p> <p> </p> <p>We did have a bit of drama with the route, but this time, it was the route out. We decided to walk out of the valley, and round, rather than over the top. It was born of pure laziness on our part, which backfired majestically.. The route, which I’d expected to be longer, turned out to be an endurance test that took over 4 1/2 hours for that section on it’s own. Through driving rain, then when we were nice and damp, bright hot sunshine. All the time walking into traffic flying along a busy A road.. It went on and on and… I always forget that roads are incredibly boring to walk on. I also forget how hard on the feet tarmac is as well..</p> <p>No food left and what was left of the water ran out near the end (until i got close enough to refill my filter from a reservoir). </p> <p> </p> <p>To make up for this, we stopped for a pint and a bowl of chips on the way back.. Perfect!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Kb6XelADi9Q/TlQ6j3HgevI/AAAAAAAAAWs/R3CjwpsZQ9s/s1600-h/PintBlog%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="PintBlog" border="0" alt="PintBlog" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rwuuFMFSt6Y/TlQ6kFlafgI/AAAAAAAAAWw/CBk2qsoB3G8/PintBlog_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="171" height="244"></a></p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1415755838609709767.post-29029897681781572702011-07-23T10:37:00.001+01:002011-07-23T10:37:46.903+01:00So. It's all over. The shuttle has landed for the last time and from my perspective it seems to have been more of a wimper than a bang. <br />All the time it was there, not once did it pass over at night. So I didn't see it either. <br />I'm sure the new capsules will be capable, but honestly... They are not a proper spaceship... Rust in peace my friends, I will miss you.<br /><br />On a brighter note, I'm finally off into the hills again. I've two weeks off so there will be some time spent getting out there.<br />I've also got some new kit to review and I'm going to run some skills posts.. It's going to be busy for a while.. :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1415755838609709767.post-48048172628972508332011-07-07T08:00:00.000+01:002011-07-08T03:35:08.433+01:00STS-135.<div class="wlWriterHeaderFooter" style="float:right; margin:0px; padding:0px 0px 4px 8px;"><script type="text/javascript">digg_url = "http://lost-in-england.blogspot.com/2011/07/sts-135.html";digg_title = "STS-135.";digg_bgcolor = "#EBF0FF";digg_skin = "normal";</script><script src="http://digg.com/tools/diggthis.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script type="text/javascript">digg_url = undefined;digg_title = undefined;digg_bgcolor = undefined;digg_skin = undefined;</script></div><p>It is not the beginning. It is not the end of the beginning. It is the beginning of the end.</p> <p> </p> <p>It all began on the 12th of April 1981. The same year brought us the launch of MTV <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-aulegRhzkuc/ThTq96gsmsI/AAAAAAAAAUs/oiOrWFO6lDQ/s1600-h/MTV-Logo.svg%25255B4%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="MTV-Logo.svg" border="0" alt="MTV-Logo.svg" align="right" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZbDTnzIM8Ko/ThTq-clfBdI/AAAAAAAAAUw/mPttontKK4Q/MTV-Logo.svg_thumb%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="129" height="103"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ma5Vkb5uYDk/ThTq_MFCg6I/AAAAAAAAAU0/tDOyBfDy0T4/s1600-h/AT-AT%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="AT-AT" border="0" alt="AT-AT" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-TZW1z5CUYGA/ThTq_hWQURI/AAAAAAAAAU4/rVElYRy39mI/AT-AT_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="138" height="104"></a>(1st August). Billy Idol and Phil Collins launched their solo career. For Christmas, the big ones (I remember) were: The The AT-AT walker from The Empire Strike back (film released in 1980) , The Big Yellow Teapot and The Masters of the Universe figures.<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2AoHZWVivek/ThTrACz8a8I/AAAAAAAAAU8/9hZy4e65ZDk/s1600-h/BigYellowTeapot%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="BigYellowTeapot" border="0" alt="BigYellowTeapot" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VoygNQwyt3E/ThTrArWV63I/AAAAAAAAAVA/LrZnbPy4CbQ/BigYellowTeapot_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="114" height="117"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-SRJwDObhJtM/ThTrA0mVE7I/AAAAAAAAAVE/sHGeyQo-188/s1600-h/Motu_logo%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Motu_logo" border="0" alt="Motu_logo" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_Zd71GnOY_c/ThTrBq1TdNI/AAAAAAAAAVI/VzGTAZqaml8/Motu_logo_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="211" height="114"></a></p> <p> </p> <p>This is Archive BBC footage of the first Shuttle launch (Columbia, mission STS-01).</p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; width: 448px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:c36fecd4-710e-432b-b200-e5e6b5809e09" class="wlWriterSmartContent"><div id="8070773c-fd0c-42ca-88bc-53a2cdeab71f" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9Nzj-nhf4g" target="_new"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_8Vq0wHCTSE/ThZr67YqfBI/AAAAAAAAAVo/mz9Avx0Fn9w/videob542bd2cb8e6%25255B29%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('8070773c-fd0c-42ca-88bc-53a2cdeab71f'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"448\" height=\"252\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/O9Nzj-nhf4g?hl=en&hd=1\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/O9Nzj-nhf4g?hl=en&hd=1\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"448\" height=\"252\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> <p> </p> <p>If you didn't know, Tomorrow (Friday 08/07/2011) at around 3:26pm (GMT), <font color="#ff0000">(*EDIT from Thursday evening: Due to poor weather, the launch may now not take place until Sunday)</font> The Space Shuttle Atlantis will become the last Shuttle to go into space.</p> <p>The shuttle has been around for most of my life. It inspired me as a child. At at time when a lot of people started to ask if we really are alone out there. I sat in the garden looking at the stars. I’d watch the moon chasing us in the car and I <em>really, really</em> wanted a ride on the shuttle (and still do. I’d go in a heartbeat). It horrified me when things went wrong (challenger in ‘86 and Columbia in ‘03).</p> <p>In films, the shuttle has saved the planet from asteroids in Armageddon, rogue satellites in Space Cowboys, taken James Bond to space in Moonraker and even put a group of kids in orbit (Space camp). It did all this, with just 1MB of ram.. A toaster probably has more memory these days.</p> <p>Without the shuttle, the Hubble telescope would either not have happened, be nowhere near as large. It would probably still be short sighted, even if it had made it into space.</p> <p>I felt it was a small step back when Concorde was retired, but this is one giant leap back for mankind. It really affects me on a personal level. I can’t describe how sad I feel. Damm, I’m gonna be drunk for the landing..</p> <p>The official NASA countdown clock is <a href="http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/launch/index.html">HERE:</a></p> <p> </p> <p><font size="4">Now. YOU!..</font> over the next couple of weeks, you have the chance to see the shuttle - in space. All you need is a pair of binoculars (or better - a small telescope), a clear evening and this site: <a href="http://www.heavens-above.com/">HEAVENS-ABOVE</a>. Put in your location, and it will tell you when to look, where to look and how long you should be able to see it for. </p> <p>If you do manage to see it, please leave me a comment below, or give the image on my Facebook page <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lost-in-England/159907327412479">HERE</a>: a ‘like’. I’d love to know people from around the world are as saddened as me about the loss of this incredible machine.</p> <p>Make the most of it my friends, It won’t be around for long.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2Q92yKZfZFE/ThTrDCdwBII/AAAAAAAAAVQ/J_8G5tfXWpg/s1600-h/space_shuttle_11%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="space_shuttle_11" border="0" alt="space_shuttle_11" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-djiGJeCMjAk/ThTrDypPOcI/AAAAAAAAAVU/uhf8DmeuKUU/space_shuttle_11_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="642" height="482"></a></p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1415755838609709767.post-49911616859758736502011-07-06T21:21:00.001+01:002011-07-06T21:29:54.315+01:00News: THE next big thing in outdoor clothing?<div class="wlWriterHeaderFooter" style="float:right; margin:0px; padding:0px 0px 4px 8px;"><script type="text/javascript">digg_url = "http://lost-in-england.blogspot.com/2011/07/news-next-big-thing-in-outdoor-clothing.html";digg_title = "News: THE next big thing in outdoor clothing?";digg_bgcolor = "#EBF0FF";digg_skin = "normal";</script><script src="http://digg.com/tools/diggthis.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script type="text/javascript">digg_url = undefined;digg_title = undefined;digg_bgcolor = undefined;digg_skin = undefined;</script></div><p> </p> <p>Have you ever heard of <em><a href="http://www.uga.edu/jlocklin/index.html">Jason Locklin</a>?</em> No? me neither.. He’s a researcher for the<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-lxrIsuzMIUI/ThTDwc-4C4I/AAAAAAAAAUk/u1Zq6Cx3LzY/s1600-h/JasonLocklin_UGa%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="JasonLocklin_UGa" border="0" alt="JasonLocklin_UGa" align="right" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NxoG1_HD7pY/ThTDw9zKLNI/AAAAAAAAAUo/Dldqapp8Tw0/JasonLocklin_UGa_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="229" height="229"></a> <a href="http://www.uga.edu/">University of Georgia</a> and he may have just made a quantum leap for outdoor clothing.</p> <p>He’s discovered a way to make an anti microbial treatment that doesn't wash out, even on a hot wash cycle. So you're socks will stay fresh and you should be able to whip off your shirt, wash your pits, shirt back on and into the pub.</p> <p>Apparently the technology is also re-applicable, so if it’s removed by abrasion, you should be able to re-treat your clothes.</p> <p> </p> <p><em><strong>Even more interestingly</strong></em> but seemingly down-played, it’s stated that: "<em>It can change a material’s optical properties—color, reflectance, absorbance and iridescence and <u>make it repel liquids</u></em>. <em>All without changing other properties of the material</em>.” (Gennaro Gama, UGARF senior technology manager).</p> <p>How true all this remains to be seen, but if it is as good as they say, there could be a serious new player on the the market in the next couple of years.. If the tech isn’t picked up by another company…</p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1415755838609709767.post-46902954355294874542011-06-29T01:55:00.001+01:002011-06-29T01:55:51.503+01:00Barn Farm Campsite, Birchover.<div class="wlWriterHeaderFooter" style="float:right; margin:0px; padding:0px 0px 4px 8px;"><script type="text/javascript">digg_url = "http://lost-in-england.blogspot.com/2011/06/barn-farm-campsite-birchover.html";digg_title = "Barn Farm Campsite, Birchover.";digg_bgcolor = "#EBF0FF";digg_skin = "normal";</script><script src="http://digg.com/tools/diggthis.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script type="text/javascript">digg_url = undefined;digg_title = undefined;digg_bgcolor = undefined;digg_skin = undefined;</script></div><p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8m5q0_XH8mc/Tgp3_aATXwI/AAAAAAAAAT4/oNmc-RAMwB0/s1600-h/PeacockDesaturatedBackgroundBlog%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="PeacockDesaturatedBackgroundBlog" border="0" alt="PeacockDesaturatedBackgroundBlog" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZgCCxMZvOP4/Tgp4ACSN5oI/AAAAAAAAAT8/CwvC5GXBTCQ/PeacockDesaturatedBackgroundBlog_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="379" height="285"></a></p> <p>Last weekend I went camping at <a href="http://www.barnfarmcamping.com/">Barn Farm</a> in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birchover">Birchover</a>. While sat there in the rain I realised I’m being too hard on myself. I may not be able to be out there every day, but I <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-o6-rU7CpXWE/Tgp4A2QgyjI/AAAAAAAAAUA/ouE3A6dicKU/s1600-h/WetTarpBlog%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="WetTarpBlog" border="0" alt="WetTarpBlog" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Z-8s4lw6xhM/Tgp4BcoPanI/AAAAAAAAAUE/-2RkUqBpG5U/WetTarpBlog_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a>never had time to do that. I may not be able to go to the lakes at a moments notice, but I do perhaps feel I’ve been avoiding going out to some places because I felt like they would be boring to you. </p> <p>It’s a bit stupid and it’s not true. If it was, why would there be so many people out there this weekend. Family's, DoE groups, Lone backpackers, Teenagers, middle aged caravan owners and older. </p> <p>We were there because this is what we enjoy. The first day we were there, it was wet. Really, really wet by the time I was in my sleeping bag. but it didn’t matter. The tarp I’d thrown between the two tents kept us mostly dry and my son had his first taste of real freedom, being allowed anywhere on (quite a big) site, as long as he told me where he was going first. I barely saw him except when he was hungry.</p> <p>He’d come running past with several friends he made, in and out of each other’s tent’s (if he turned up in you’re tent, even for just a few minutes, thank you. You made his weekend).</p> <p>There was one family In a dark blue transit van. Inside someone had made some caravan style bed/bench seats out of chipboard, with a caravan awning on the side. It may not have look like a bought caravan, but it did look damm comfy (if a bit darker). I applaud anyone who tries stuff like this. Without backyard tinkerers there’d never have been a caravan industry for people to buy from anyway. </p> <p> </p> <p>The site itself is a big one. 4 fields, each one a good size. This did mean that the toilets were often in demand, but you rarely had to queue for more than a minute or two.<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-M6DfqQaPQwo/Tgp4Ct1aU6I/AAAAAAAAAUI/6g1vGGH8oOU/s1600-h/CamppBarnFarmBlog%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="CamppBarnFarmBlog" border="0" alt="CamppBarnFarmBlog" align="right" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-inVhngzZBR4/Tgp4C3CIjdI/AAAAAAAAAUM/oGs5BpJioIk/CamppBarnFarmBlog_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></p> <p>The showers are hot (and surprisingly, free). The busy toilets are cleaned regularly and I’ve never known them be out of loo roll. They’re building a small shop (not yet finished) and there’s a laundry and games room for the kids. There’s two pub’s close by, both of which have a good reputation for their beer and a small village shop that carries the usual essentials. </p> <p>If you want a walk, there’s a several stone circles and standing stones nearby (I wanted to visit these, but with the weather being so unpredictable we skipped these for the sake of the kids and went to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bakewell">Bakewell</a> instead). <a href="http://www.ldwa.org.uk/ldp/members/show_path.php?path_name=Limestone+Way">The Limestone Way</a> also runs fairly close to the village. </p> <p>There’s also <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matlock,_Derbyshire">Matlock</a> as well as Bakewell, nearby for shopping. There’s the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heights_of_Abraham">heights of Abraham</a>, or If you like old houses (or it’s forecast to chuck it down all day) <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haddon_Hall">Haddon Hall</a> is only a short car ride away..</p> <p>A word for those with camera’s.. one of the alpaca’s has a ‘stealth cloak’ and is therefore unphotographable, coming out only as a silhouette <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-left-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-winkingsmile" alt="Winking smile" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HciFp_DFLeM/Tgp4De-vzmI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/M8dewn6KLWE/wlEmoticon-winkingsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800"></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_qNyuDsI_9k/Tgp4EeOyyBI/AAAAAAAAAUU/d-UjcsKK1A4/s1600-h/StealthAlpacaBlog%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="StealthAlpacaBlog" border="0" alt="StealthAlpacaBlog" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-JsQu0iSI87M/Tgp4E8OP2rI/AAAAAAAAAUc/wKH1lK7H5Rk/StealthAlpacaBlog_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="136"></a></p> <p> </p> <p>So, Yes, I like this site. It can be very busy and finding it in a car is a navigational pain in the ass, but it’s worth it.</p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1415755838609709767.post-82434131397044885722011-06-23T00:32:00.001+01:002011-06-23T00:32:28.118+01:00I’m ending my Hiatus.<div class="wlWriterHeaderFooter" style="float:right; margin:0px; padding:0px 0px 4px 8px;"><script type="text/javascript">digg_url = "http://lost-in-england.blogspot.com/2011/06/im-ending-my-hiatus.html";digg_title = "I’m ending my Hiatus.";digg_bgcolor = "#EBF0FF";digg_skin = "normal";</script><script src="http://digg.com/tools/diggthis.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script type="text/javascript">digg_url = undefined;digg_title = undefined;digg_bgcolor = undefined;digg_skin = undefined;</script></div><p> </p> <p>I’ve not been posting for a while. Partly because <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-l3vffXgzjdc/TgJ7hXAIizI/AAAAAAAAATw/moJVq9hb8Jg/s1600-h/image%25255B2%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="right" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qY_V-_yf1iM/TgJ7idSAwGI/AAAAAAAAAT0/dDdaRqOBfRM/image_thumb.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a>I’ve been really busy. The kit I've acquired I’m not yet discussing, because… That’s part of a story I’m going to tell later in the year. It’s a bit of a secret for now.</p> <p>My son’s been away with his granddad, so I’ve been a bit down. I haven’t had time to go out, or take photos. </p> <p>I have done lots of planning, for future trips. But only in my head, in the car, at lunch at work, or while I’m laid in bed unable to sleep (I’m a bit of an insomniac) But these are half formed, and would be boring to hear about.. I’ve heard nothing on the grapevine, nor seen a revolutionary piece of kit.</p> <p>In short, There’s nothing been happening. How do I make that interesting? </p> <p> </p> <p>I am however going away this weekend with my son. It’s gonna be great to get back under canvas (ok, laminated plastic thread), stretch out with the cool air on my face. I always wake better in the morning in a tent. I’m also borrowing a tent, so I’ll give my opinions on that as well.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>I liked the last quote, so I’m gonna give you another..</p> <p> </p> <p>“It is in vain to say human beings ought to be satisfied with tranquillity: they must have action; and they will make it if they cannot find it.” <br>Charlotte Bronte Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1415755838609709767.post-87394530628730872582011-06-14T00:25:00.001+01:002011-06-14T00:27:39.986+01:00Hmm.. I’m having a bit of a lull.<div class="wlWriterHeaderFooter" style="float:right; margin:0px; padding:0px 0px 4px 8px;"><script type="text/javascript">digg_url = "http://lost-in-england.blogspot.com/2011/06/hmm-im-having-bit-of-lull.html";digg_title = "Hmm.. I’m having a bit of a lull.";digg_bgcolor = "#EBF0FF";digg_skin = "normal";</script><script src="http://digg.com/tools/diggthis.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script type="text/javascript">digg_url = undefined;digg_title = undefined;digg_bgcolor = undefined;digg_skin = undefined;</script></div><p>I’ve not managed to get out recently, I’ve not got time to review kit in the evenings and my muse seems to have left me.</p> <p>Don’t worry though. I’ll be doing to review on a popular piece of kit over the next couple of days and there’s a particular walk I want to (and will be) covering soon..</p> <p> </p> <p>I’ll leave you with the words of the American Playwright, Thornton Wilder:</p> <blockquote> <p>" It’s when you’re safe at home that you wish you were having an adventure. When you’re having an adventure you wish you were safe at home. " </p></blockquote> Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1415755838609709767.post-36658614842173625752011-06-01T01:05:00.001+01:002011-06-01T01:16:03.385+01:00Is more expensive gear better?<div class="wlWriterHeaderFooter" style="float:right; margin:0px; padding:0px 0px 4px 8px;"><script type="text/javascript">digg_url = "http://lost-in-england.blogspot.com/2011/06/is-more-expensive-gear-better.html";digg_title = "Is more expensive gear better?";digg_bgcolor = "#EBF0FF";digg_skin = "normal";</script><script src="http://digg.com/tools/diggthis.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script type="text/javascript">digg_url = undefined;digg_title = undefined;digg_bgcolor = undefined;digg_skin = undefined;</script></div><p> </p> <p>Years before, a lot of kit was just old army gear. There was a small, elite market, but this was very expensive, often custom made. The preserve of the well off, going to the alps, or further afield. Slowly, through the last half of the century things slowly got better. <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-WzKRQFcBJ3w/TeWEwDvpaTI/AAAAAAAAATg/xbAar5UpRew/s1600-h/LitchfieldCombat1Blog%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="LitchfieldCombat1Blog" border="0" alt="LitchfieldCombat1Blog" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-AUrgdvcYG5c/TeWEwuY3yQI/AAAAAAAAATk/m27Z8DFObME/LitchfieldCombat1Blog_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="109" height="244"></a></p> <p>When I used to camp in the 80’s I had a Litchfield combat 1 (a small, one man ridge tent). It has a cotton inner and that woven plastic floor you find in family tents now. It weighs a whopping 3 1/4 kilo’s (and that’s without pegs). But It’s double skin and it’s bomb-proof. There’s no porch, in fact the front door is part of the inner, made of nylon. The fly just covers the edges of the door, but it does it’s job perfectly. </p> <p>When I was in my mid-late teens in the 90’s, my mate bought a dome tent. It had lightweight poles and the fabric came from NASA. We decided to go out one weekend. I took my old steel-poled ridge tent. A duvet to sleep on and a caravan sleeping bag I’ve had as long as I can remember. This was <em>everything</em> I used to take with me, that wasn’t in my pockets. I’d roll the tent and duvet in the sleeping bag and tie it off with an old belt to carry it with.</p> <p>When we pitched up it was a bit windy, and raining. While we were in the pub, we could hear the rain on the windows increasing. By the time the pub had kicked us out, It was horrendous. The rain sounding like a drum and base track on the fly. The tent snapping in the howling winds. I laid there thinking that it wouldn’t be long before my tent was ripped away from me and I would have to hide in my mates car. </p> <p>We had also, perhaps unwisely, decided to take our girlfriends with us.. It turned out that being in a tent in a gale is not an aphrodisiac for most women..</p> <p>When I got up in the morning, It was glorious. The clouds had gone, the sun was out and it was shaping up to be a cracking day. There was the sound of shuffling from my mates tent and his head popped out, squinting into the morning sun. I said something about how the weather had improved. “yeah, it got better around 6”.. “<em>why did you get up at 6?</em>” I asked.. He hadn’t.. He was still trying to get to sleep. The tent with it’s high spec, lightweight features flattened completely in the wind, slapping him in the face. Before popping back up when the wind dropped, showering him with condensation.. Mine may had been noisy, but I (and my girlfriend at the time) had slept.</p> <p> </p> <p>Is It really fair to compare an older, heavier, less roomy and less expensive tent in this way? of course not. But I still do.. How often do people tell you that for ‘x’ feature, you have to make a compromise?</p> <p>There are compromises in everything that is outdoor related. It’s lighter - but isn’t waterproof. It’s smaller - but won’t fit anyone over the age of 11. It’s more economical - but takes an ice age to do a job. It’s really cheap - but badly made, heavy, not waterproof and an awful colour</p> <p> </p> <p>This is where common sense comes in. If something is smaller, lighter and more economical, it may well become a worthwhile piece of kit. But if it disturbs your sleep, or makes you uncomfortable I just don’t think it’s worth it. Sometimes it really is worth justifying the extra cost and sometimes there is a genuine bargain to be had.</p> <p>I also tend to have the heaviest pack. I’ll be the one that adds a tarp, so when we’re sat around in typical English weather, there’s something to sit under. I’ll take extra chocolate, or cooking spices, or a bigger cook set. Maybe it’s taking a small cook set, when no-one else bothers. I know these things slow me down, but I’d rather be half an hour behind and have a brew in the sunset, than be watching it from the car park, getting ready to go home.</p> <p>So be proud when you are the one with the heavy bag. </p> <p>You will be the one with the iPod to listen to, the book to read (and a lantern that you can actually see your book by). You are the one with the thicker, softer sleeping mat. You are the one who will sleep, not the one who gets slapped in the face by his kit……</p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1415755838609709767.post-37548884008998172272011-05-26T01:23:00.001+01:002011-05-26T01:24:01.475+01:00Defining your moments.<div class="wlWriterHeaderFooter" style="float:right; margin:0px; padding:0px 0px 4px 8px;"><script type="text/javascript">digg_url = "http://lost-in-england.blogspot.com/2011/05/defining-your-moments.html";digg_title = "Defining your moments.";digg_bgcolor = "#EBF0FF";digg_skin = "normal";</script><script src="http://digg.com/tools/diggthis.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script type="text/javascript">digg_url = undefined;digg_title = undefined;digg_bgcolor = undefined;digg_skin = undefined;</script></div><p>Think back over your life and I’m sure you’ll have lots of memories you can call on. Your first girlfriend (or boyfriend), The first time you bought beer in a pub, your children being born and the first time you.. umm.. Well, you get the idea.</p> <p>How often do you know in that instant that you’ll remember it forever?</p> <p>When you think about it, your defining moments were usually chaotic, emotional times and you were so busy doing whatever it was, you just didn’t realise it for what it was.</p> <p> </p> <p>I know what you’re gonna say… But just think about it for a moment. </p> <p>When my first was born, people said beforehand that I would never forget seeing him for the first time and that’s true… But I didn’t think “I’m gonna remember this forever” at the time.. I was too busy counting toes, checking the missus was ok and generally worrying, to have the realisation right then and there..</p> <p>It’s a bit like realising you are dreaming, while you are dreaming.. Or knowing, just as the ball leaves your foot, that it’s going to be a goal.. It just doesn’t happen very often.</p> <p> </p> <p>I’ve had a few of these moments though. </p> <p>I was on the top of Bleaklow one one such occasion almost a year ago. I can still feel the wind rushing past my face, through my hair and whipping my clothes. At the time, the clean feeling I had bordered on the spiritual. I can’t describe what I felt inside, but right there, at that exact moment, I knew I’d never forget it.. I knew that I’d have that memory for the rest of my life.</p> <p>Later, that same day, I was sat round a fire with two of my closest friends, drinking wine and swapping stories. Not the normal, down the pub, guess what happened today stuff, but genuinely interesting stories (and I’m aware I sound slightly vomit-worthy).</p> <p>I hear the music coming from one of the phones, the crackle of the fire, the colour of the wine and the gentle smell of pine as strongly as if it were happening now. It wasn’t just me either. One of my friends commented later on this exact same thing. (<a href="http://lost-in-england.blogspot.com/2010/08/wild-camp.html">original post here</a>)</p> <p> </p> <p>So why am I telling you this?.. </p> <p>These are not all moments that just happen. Some were created and shaped with planning, foresight and a little luck. A favourite trick of mine is to work out roughly how long the walk will take and set off at a time that means you’ll hit one of the tops at sunset. It won’t happen every time, but when it does fall right, it’ll hit you like a freight train. </p> <p>(TIP: A GPS is a help here, because it will show your ETA, you can see if you need to pick up the pace a bit, or stop and chill out for a while before carrying on. <a href="http://lost-in-england.blogspot.com/2011/01/long-term-test-garmin-etrex-h.html">My Garmin</a> also displays sunrise and set times for your geographical location as well).</p> <p>So. Boldly go and stretch yourself. Being slightly out of your comfort zone makes normal memories slightly sweeter anyway. With a bit of luck, you’ll realise that you’ve just scored a goal, even while you’re still kicking the ball.</p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1415755838609709767.post-82958647647767883522011-05-25T01:30:00.001+01:002011-05-25T01:30:36.293+01:00I Know that you’re disappointed..<div class="wlWriterHeaderFooter" style="float:right; margin:0px; padding:0px 0px 4px 8px;"><script type="text/javascript">digg_url = "http://lost-in-england.blogspot.com/2011/05/i-know-that-youre-disappointed.html";digg_title = "I Know that you’re disappointed..";digg_bgcolor = "#EBF0FF";digg_skin = "normal";</script><script src="http://digg.com/tools/diggthis.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script type="text/javascript">digg_url = undefined;digg_title = undefined;digg_bgcolor = undefined;digg_skin = undefined;</script></div><p>I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but I tend to post my thoughts on a Tuesday.</p> <p>I have this great post, half written.. But as I’m completely human, I’ve put down the laptop, Picked up the beer and watched a film my wife wanted to see. If you haven't seen ‘Burlesque’, It’s a fantastic film, where Christina Aguilera wanders around half naked for most of it.. Highly, highly recommended…</p> <p>Sadly as a result of my excesses I’m a bit.. perpendicular (if you’re a boy from the ‘Dwarf’, you’ll get the reference).</p> <p>I’ll get back onto the proper post as soon as I'm sober enough to re-write it.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>SMAKIBBFB <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-left-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-winkingsmile" alt="Winking smile" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_lalJAhbdDxc/TdxNqIoc_2I/AAAAAAAAATI/kXxOnqVQAkc/wlEmoticon-winkingsmile%5B2%5D.png?imgmax=800">.</p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1415755838609709767.post-13770592415425563332011-05-18T23:47:00.001+01:002011-05-18T23:47:34.958+01:00Starbucks ‘VIA’ Ready Brew Coffee.<div class="wlWriterHeaderFooter" style="float:right; margin:0px; padding:0px 0px 4px 8px;"><script type="text/javascript">digg_url = "http://lost-in-england.blogspot.com/2011/05/starbucks-via-ready-brew-coffee.html";digg_title = "Starbucks ‘VIA’ Ready Brew Coffee.";digg_bgcolor = "#EBF0FF";digg_skin = "normal";</script><script src="http://digg.com/tools/diggthis.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script type="text/javascript">digg_url = undefined;digg_title = undefined;digg_bgcolor = undefined;digg_skin = undefined;</script></div><p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_lalJAhbdDxc/TdRMeO_SjeI/AAAAAAAAAS4/bNxjzsGqCkk/s1600-h/CoffeeBlog%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="CoffeeBlog" border="0" alt="CoffeeBlog" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_lalJAhbdDxc/TdRMesVYfxI/AAAAAAAAAS8/S6KHfXowA18/CoffeeBlog_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></p> <p>I got one of these to try. It’s a combination of finely ground coffee beans and instant. It looks and smells like proper fresh coffee, but isn’t. </p> <p>You use the measuring spoon (in the bottom of the lid – see photo) and add water (with milk and sugar if you want it). That’s all you need to do.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_lalJAhbdDxc/TdRMgV1NpFI/AAAAAAAAATA/pORAB14Lp9g/s1600-h/CoffeeOpenBlog%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="CoffeeOpenBlog" border="0" alt="CoffeeOpenBlog" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_lalJAhbdDxc/TdRMg5li_JI/AAAAAAAAATE/a16A_gB3Nu8/CoffeeOpenBlog_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></p> <p>Ok, so it’s not quite the same, but it’s as close as you’re gonna get to filter coffee without popping home. I like it and the Mrs also thinks it’s good. There’s a good hit of caffeine in there, so it’s no idle pretender either.</p> <p>The can has 24 servings in it and costs around £7.</p> <p>It’s pricey, but for the odd special cup, or for use when camping, I’ll be buying more.</p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1415755838609709767.post-15354172008433403872011-05-18T00:01:00.001+01:002011-05-18T00:01:08.747+01:00A parable for the technologically dependant.<div class="wlWriterHeaderFooter" style="float:right; margin:0px; padding:0px 0px 4px 8px;"><script type="text/javascript">digg_url = "http://lost-in-england.blogspot.com/2011/05/parable-for-technologically-dependant.html";digg_title = "A parable for the technologically dependant.";digg_bgcolor = "#EBF0FF";digg_skin = "normal";</script><script src="http://digg.com/tools/diggthis.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script type="text/javascript">digg_url = undefined;digg_title = undefined;digg_bgcolor = undefined;digg_skin = undefined;</script></div><p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_lalJAhbdDxc/Tcx37jcSKgI/AAAAAAAAASw/InI2e9bjbjg/s1600-h/PoliceHeliBlog%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="PoliceHeliBlog" border="0" alt="PoliceHeliBlog" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_lalJAhbdDxc/Tcx37xbj7PI/AAAAAAAAAS0/kxuFSx8H_Es/PoliceHeliBlog_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="454" height="173"></a></p> <p align="justify">I fell asleep on the settee again the other night. Normally I am awoken from my downstairs slumber for a variety of reasons. In winter it is usually the room, having had the heating turned off hours before, is now fast approaching sub zero temperatures. On other nights, I’ll be woken slowly but painfully, as my body reminds me that I’m not 17 anymore and that sleeping upright will hurt.</p> <p align="justify">But this Tuesday, at around three in the morning, I was awoken by the roar of a t-rex, an earthquake and the sound of screaming.. It was (and this is because I instinctively knew I was awake), quite Terrifying. </p> <p align="justify">It turns out the local constabulary were chasing someone. I have no idea who. But they decided that at three in the morning they needed to use their sirens and that having the helicopter hovering over slumbering houses is a splendid idea.. Now if criminals were caught, I wouldn’t mind being awoken so rudely. but in all the times I’ve been a victim of crime, they never got whoever did it.. Not once.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">I remember, sometime shortly after the millennium I was working on a local retail park. The building I was working in began to rattle quite badly. When we ran outside, It was apparent why. There was a police helicopter over the top of it. Why it was there though, beggars' belief. </p> <p align="justify">It turns out that a short while before, a gent was caught nicking lip salve from that most exotic of emporiums, Superdrug.. A member of staff caught him and called the security based on the retail park. While the security escorted ‘the accused’ through the back of the store, they passed a fire exit and he not surprisingly, legged it. Security radioed to the main office and asked the guy there to call the local police.</p> <p align="justify">The guy in the security office, was new to the job and he botched this rather badly. Instead of calling and giving a code to the police saying the thieving git has legged it, he gave the code for Holy Sh*t! Send Everyone!… </p> <p align="justify">So they did… Squad cars, Chase cars, Cars with Inspectors in, Vans with dogs In, A riot van and of course, a helicopter. </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">So what does our criminal mastermind do to evade capture?.. </p> <p align="justify">He jumped into the canal, swam across and walked away. No officer follows him into the canal. The cars are locked into the traffic outside the shops and the helicopter is too busy blowing sheet steel of the shop roofs to notice he’s gone. I like to think he flicked some V’s just before throwing the ‘evidence’ into the canal and disappearing into a nearby patch of scrubland.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">He was caught though.. By the local beat cop, who knew who he was and where he lived.. In the end, all they had to do was knock on his door and escort him to the station – though they didn’t know that at the time… </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">It was a comedy of errors, compounded by inexperience and over-reliance on technology. This is why you should know how a map and compass work, rather than hoping your GPS and phone will bail you out..</p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1415755838609709767.post-41934801664188305012011-05-07T13:34:00.003+01:002011-05-07T22:57:20.312+01:00Worn to destruction: Alpkit Jeanius Jeans.<div class="wlWriterHeaderFooter" style="float:right; margin:0px; padding:0px 0px 4px 8px;"><script type="text/javascript">digg_url = "http://lost-in-england.blogspot.com/2011/05/worn-to-destruction-alpkit-jeanius.html";digg_title = "Worn to destruction: Alpkit Jeanius Jeans.";digg_bgcolor = "#EBF0FF";digg_skin = "normal";</script><script src="http://digg.com/tools/diggthis.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script type="text/javascript">digg_url = undefined;digg_title = undefined;digg_bgcolor = undefined;digg_skin = undefined;</script></div><p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_lalJAhbdDxc/TcU8QaXr0dI/AAAAAAAAASg/Ck-anDkTjaY/s1600-h/AkitJJeansBlog%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="AkitJJeansBlog" alt="AkitJJeansBlog" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_lalJAhbdDxc/TcU8Q9gAQaI/AAAAAAAAASk/MdjDoyexuGU/AkitJJeansBlog_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" height="184" width="244" /></a></p> <p>It is with sadness I have to mark the passing of one of my all time, most used bit’s of kit: Alpkit’s Jeanius Jeans.</p> <p>This amazing piece of kit was misunderstood from the start. They were intended to be </br> water resistant jeans for climbers. Soon there were stories of ‘waterproof jeans’ but they never were meant to be fully waterproof. </p> <p>When new, water <em>would</em> bead and run off and the jeans would stay dry – for a while. In heavy rain though, they’d eventually wet out. The waterproofing in the material also eventually washed out or wore off (what ever happened, they stopped being waterproof). They were also sweaty compared to normal jeans, that silicon coating on the fibres allowed the fabric to be breathable, but not as much as a normal pair of jeans. Although they kept out the wind well, I always thought it felt like the treatment had left the fabric more conductive to the cold.</p> <p>People started to turn away, feeling let down by all the hype (that Alpkit had not created, but didn’t do much to dispel). My pair beaded for about 3 months, didn’t get too wet for about 9 months and then (and up till they died) they just dried much, much faster than ‘normal’ jeans. (Mine once got soaked while on the tops, by the time I was back down, they were dry again!).</p> <p> </p> <p>Why did I love them so? </p> <p>They dried very quickly.. That meant they were a feasible alternative for normal walking trousers. They were stretchy (remember – they were designed for climbers) and they wore incredibly well. </p> <p>These are the only pair of jeans I’ve had, that haven’t worn through on the knee’s. I have worn these jeans on a pretty much daily basis for the last 2 1/2 years. They have been over top of kinder (thigh deep in peat), Scrambled up rocks in them, they’ve been in the sea, full of sand, in the snow, in the sun, lounged in, wet, dry, up, down, left and right. They have been with me like a favourite jacket, or a wallet. </p> <p>I am, as you guessed, very attached to these.. They have lost a little colour along the way, there’s a small hole in that little pocket that never gets used. But they still fitted, did not lose their shape and most of the stitching is still binding everything tight.</p> <p>So.. what went wrong? The button on the button fly has fallen off, meaning I now look like I’ve permanently forgotten to fasten them..</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_lalJAhbdDxc/TcU8Syh9K9I/AAAAAAAAASo/sVhOebLXFP0/s1600-h/AkitJJeanButtonBlog%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="AkitJJeanButtonBlog" alt="AkitJJeanButtonBlog" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_lalJAhbdDxc/TcU8TYjfe-I/AAAAAAAAASs/3Df2VR46jj0/AkitJJeanButtonBlog_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" height="184" width="244" /></a></p> <p>I note that the Alpkit website no longer lists these as an item. There was some talk a while ago of these being re-launched. For the moment though, there’s no news as to whether they will make a comeback (I presume Alpkit are busy trying to perfect their new tent range at the moment).</p> <p> </p> <p>So here’s a glass raised to a misunderstood but excellent piece of kit, Alpkit’s Jeanius Jeans!</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com