Sunday 30 September 2012

Blencathra to some, Saddleback to others.

Firstly, for my two penneth, I prefer Blencathra to Saddleback. Saddleback, unlike the mountain itself, just doesn't stand out. Saddleback could be the name for any mountain with the appropriate feature. There's only one Blencathra.

Looking it up on Wikipedia, the name Blencathra comes from Cumbric word usage. So Blaen, which would be a bare hill top, and cathrach, a chair. A bare hill top with a chair, which having seen it close up, I can see being appropriate.

Never Give Up!

I want to show that no matter how things get, never give up.

In February 2010 I was involved in a serious car accident. The result of the accident was a serious injury to my right arm. I'm right handed so was in for some hard work.

Don't read any further if you are squeamish about x-rays of broken bones.

Friday 28 September 2012

Posts to come when I dry out!.

Heavy rain and high winds warning for Cumbria

High winds and heavy rain have caused problems on roads across Cumbria.
With 100mm of rain forecast in the next 24 hours, the Environment Agency has issued 36 flood alerts and seven warnings.
The A6 south of Penrith was blocked for a time by a fallen tree, which also brought down power lines near Clifton.
A number of roads were only passable with care due to standing water. They included the A595 at Bothel, and the Crossthwaite Roundabout at Keswick.
Botchergate in Carlisle was closed for a time after masonry fell from the former Mood nightclub building.
A spokesperson for the Highways Agency said: "Drivers are advised to plan their journeys before setting out, check the weather and traffic conditions, leave extra time for their journeys if travel conditions are poor, and delay their journey if the weather becomes severe."


24 September 2012 Last updated at 20:44

Sourced from BBC NEWS Cumbria
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cumbria-19705545




My blog has been a bit quiet for the last week or two. I've been to the Lake District this week, had a good swim, and did a couple of walks. Some gear was put to the test while I was there. So plenty of photographs to sort through and reviews to write up over the next few days once I've deflated my arm bands.

Thursday 13 September 2012

Review: LED Lenser P3 Torch

We need light to see, with out light, we would be in darkness. I know that's very obvious, but a good light source can make all the difference, particularly artificial light, at night. How about a high quality light source, at a reasonable price, and fits in the palm of your hand. Maybe the LED Lenser P3 will fit the spot.




Tuesday 11 September 2012

Grindsbrook

For quite a few years of my youth, along with walking, I did quite a bit of rock climbing with the family at weekends. Wharncliffe Crags and Stanage in the Peak District mixed with the likes of Little Tryfan in the Ogwen Valley Wales. Unfortunately my current situation dictates that rock climbing, anything technical, is certainly out of the question. But there is one very good alternative.............scrambling.

I've looked at Grinsbrook Clough a few times on the map and read stories about the fact it can be tough, bad weather can make it dangerous etc. So this weekend I went along with a walking friend of mine and headed off up Grindsbrook to see what kind of challenge would be offered by this infamous feature.

Wednesday 5 September 2012

Review: Montane Lite-Speed

Montane promote the Lite-Speed jacket as a windproof on their website. I've worn this jacket a few times in slightly adverse conditions, and I think windproof sells it short. Here's why!



 
The Montane Lite-Speed is made from Pertex Microlight, a material that was created in 1987 in conjunction with several leading outdoor apparel manufacturers. Microlight is extremely light, nearly as light as Pertex Quantum.

Tuesday 4 September 2012

The Other Pike Low and Derwent Edges

Derwent Edges has quite a few well known features, and while I have seen them from a distance on frequent occasions, my other walks had meant I had not had the time. So this weekend I made the time, also giving me the opportunity to go up Pike Low, not Pike Lowe I went up a few months ago.