tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1263392785955172712024-03-13T20:08:40.582+00:00Random acts of BloggingI always say don't talk about what you walk about, but in some cases you have to.
madgazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670120130897945373noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126339278595517271.post-53504616239711874202014-10-02T15:58:00.005+01:002014-10-02T15:58:53.524+01:00WOW!It was more than a year ago since I moved my blog!<br />
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Fret not (not that you did), I've chosen to come back here and bore the life out of you all again.<br />
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Keep your eyes peeled...incoming.madgazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670120130897945373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126339278595517271.post-11999064830399824332013-08-22T22:21:00.001+01:002013-08-22T22:21:37.193+01:00The blog is moving.<p dir=ltr>I've nothing against this page, but I'm moving.<br>
Started a little website, which can be found at www.madgaz.weebly.com<br>
There will be a few extra bits on there, but also a built on blog.</p>
madgazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670120130897945373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126339278595517271.post-64357153578803375012013-08-12T11:29:00.000+01:002013-08-12T11:29:17.320+01:00More excitement.I'm camping out later this week with Rixy.<br />
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Hopefully heading for Scafell and Scafell Pike. Would love to have done it with the whole group, but wanted to include a camp...this is the only date available this month due to other commitments, the next 2 months are a definate NO, as the Wife is due to give birth at the end of September...and November/December will be too cold for us lacking experience :-D<br />
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So, camping it is...and then at the end of the week, a ridiculously early start as I'm covering First Aid at the Yorkshire Dales Walking Festival.<br />
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I'll update as soon as I can, and will hopefully have some great pictures of the camp.madgazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670120130897945373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126339278595517271.post-26091725479798594472013-08-01T14:37:00.000+01:002013-08-01T14:39:53.020+01:00Snowdon Nigh Walk: Success<div dir="ltr">
Well, we did it!</div>
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Yeah I know, a little surprising.<br />
Don't get me wrong, we're capable, just not very experienced.</div>
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It all started a few weeks back, when Steven decided we were doing Snowdon for the night walk.<br />
I got my planning head on, checked routes, and arranged the date suitable for us all.<br />
Game on!</div>
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The four of us grew to 6, then the day before it was back down to 4. No worries, didn't know the other 2 too well anyway.<br />
The plan was to be on the way by 20:00, arrive at 23:00 and set off up to the summit at 00:00.<br />
The sunrise was going to be 04:50 on the day, we wanted to be there for it and these timings gave us plenty of time for any 'what if's'</div>
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Friday came, the excitement brewing more than it had done throughout the week.</div>
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The bag had been packed, unpacked and checked and repacked already...but we'll just double check it eh?<br />
I checked the bus over, gave her some go-go juice and some air in the tyres, then bribed everybody with biscuits to set off early. Dave and Rixy rolled over like a dog, Steve had better things to do, but was ready by 18:40. I picked Steve up, then Dave and then Rixy. We set off in some of the best weather we have had all year, it was hitting 26 deg c in our neck of the woods!</div>
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The drive down was as amusing as I expected, and by the time we got there our ribs were hurting with laughter. Seriously though, imagine if a Crayfish was the size of a dog!</div>
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We have arrived. Now don't get me wrong, I expected there to be a few other people to be there, but not so many! There were only a hand-full of parking spaces left. We managed to get a good one (right at the bottom of the Miners Path), that wasn't cramped, which enabled us to spread our kit all over the place and give us room to Kung-Fu fight the midges away.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4RjysuBkge4T2XaR-H8uKU44AE7PIQEjtrhzECAZ1x_2nfCEI5K_uaODfblNjvMKXzp-FiZ_TZOLW2Kmcfh0S4fZETDahkachSpRpzA_njPkhAKPEJ4-_vjIWoSdctC_ibpE_MYWCro0/s1600/20130705_224847.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4RjysuBkge4T2XaR-H8uKU44AE7PIQEjtrhzECAZ1x_2nfCEI5K_uaODfblNjvMKXzp-FiZ_TZOLW2Kmcfh0S4fZETDahkachSpRpzA_njPkhAKPEJ4-_vjIWoSdctC_ibpE_MYWCro0/s640/20130705_224847.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking up the Miners Path with 'Green Eyes'</td></tr>
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There was a faint mist in the air, but this wasn't going to put us off in the slightest. It was still warm, and we all opted to pack the fleeces away and set off in short sleeves.</div>
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I popped over to the parking meters, £5 for 4 hours or £10 for 24 hours At least Dick Turpin had the decency to wear a mask when he robbed people. The time was 23:15 ish on the 5th or July. I was happy to listen to my 10 pound coins slide into the pockets of the government and issue me with a ticket that expired at 23:59 on the 5th of July!!! WHAT THE HELL???</div>
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What irked me more-so was the fact that some people hadn't even bothered with a ticket, yet me who had the decency to do so was robbed of a little more than 23 hours parking.<br />
There's no way I was going to drop another tenner in there, so I took the risk that if I had being issued a ticket, I could argue the toss seeing as the ticket showed the issue time.</div>
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So, we set off, up the Pyg track.<br />
Here's where we started comparing torches.<br />
Steven and I had LED Lenser H7 copies. I think mine was a good find at £15 delivered from Ebay...and the light from them is amazing! Rixy had a 22 LED miners lamp and Dave had an Energizer head lamp and Tesco £15 Cree LED torch.</div>
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Despite the variations, none of them were better than the others. We weren't trying to land on a runway, we were trying to climb a mountain. They all lit up the path in front of us enough to be able to see where we were walking.</div>
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I knew the beginning was supposed to be a little testing, but didn't expect it to climb so much, so quickly. Never mind, it was easy going and easy to follow really.<br />
We saw a few trains of head torches coming down the mountain. Somebody asked if we were doing the 3 Peaks, erm, no, we're actually just idiots out for a night walk!<br />
We carried on going until we hit the junction with the path up Crib Goch. Here's where I wanted to turn right...but seeing as I had 3 friends with me who insisted it was a ridiculously stupid idea, we headed off further on the Pyg track.<br />
It was pitch black, we couldn't make anything out more than 50 feet in front of us. That was until Steve and Rixy dug out their night vision. This stuff is amazing. We could see Llyn Llydaw in the bottoms, which was futher away than I expected.</div>
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Further on this track, the going got tougher. It was easily do-able, but we lost the path a few times. We could see it ahead of us, and we knew where we had come from, but it just seemed to disappear. I dare say that in day light it would have being easy to see where it was going.</div>
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We had to take a short rest because Dave and Rixy were scared after seeing a light about 30 feet in front of them. They described it as a meteor...but if it was, and it was so close, we would have been dead.</div>
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Ste and I didn't see it, but then again we aren't fantasists haha. Whatever it was, it was a talking (piss taking) point for a while.</div>
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We carried on another mile and a bit then took a break for a snack and to recover a little (the heat was terrible despite it being the very early hours of the morning).<br />
The ascent started up to the peak and it was steep. It was at this point I realised my boots were hurting my feet. We stopped for a(nother) breather, and for me to check them out.</div>
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Thank the Lord above for Compeed. This is the first time I have had to use it, and I will never be without it again. (I've since invested in some new boots and some 1000 mile socks)</div>
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Once my feet had been patched we carried on up the zig zags towards the top. I was just telling Steve that there would soon be a view when Rixy, who was a couple of hundred yards in-front, shouted down 'Oh my god, there's a view here!'</div>
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As the track meets the Llanberis path, there's quite a good view of Llanberis and Caernarfon all lit up in the night. The night vision was let loose again, and the mist in the valleys was stunning. It was kinda creepy too in a way. Looking around, things were looking good for a clear summit at this point.</div>
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We carried on up the track towards the summit station.</div>
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We were going to head straight for some shelter from the wind to brew up, but it would have been rude not to visit the summit first.</div>
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We got there and set the camera up for the obligatory trig point shot.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Obligatory Trig Poing Shot</td></tr>
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We probably spent 20 minutes up there, just taking it all in, looking around at what there was to see, and being eaten by the clouds. It was a strange experience watching whisps of cloud heading towards you and consuming one another.</div>
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As we had been climbing up on the lee side of the mountain, any prevailing weather had dissipated...but being stood on the summit and looking towards the windward side of the mountain brought on a different type of weather. The clouds were blowing up and there was a damp mist in the air.</div>
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We went down to the summit station to have food and drinks. I opted for an MOD All Day Breakfast, Coffee, Oat Bars and an Oatmeal Block with ration pack Peanut Butter. Heck, I was full.</div>
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We had to try be quiet here, as there were so many people trying to sleep (around half a dozen in sleeping bags and another few like us). We didn't particularly want to be noisy, but we were elated being up there.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dave catching some Zzz's at the Summit Station</td></tr>
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As we sat there pondering (Dave sleeping) it began to get a little lighter. We headed off to the summit to ensure we got a prime spot before the world ascended on us. As it happens, we needn't have bothered as there were probably only another 6 people there for the sunrise. We sat down waiting. Making sure the cameras were pointing in the right direction.<br />
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We sat there. Waiting, watching. What can only be described as a defining moment of the trip, the sun started to rise. The warming orange glow in the clouds, The sky getting lighter and our surroundings becoming more apparent.<br />
It was cool watching the clouds form and then dissipate over the hill in light, fluffy whisps. <br />
It's really hard to take describe as I just sat there taking it all in.<br />
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I have to admit, although the sun was coming up quite quickly, I was getting rather bored waiting now, and wanted to head down (to get back before a parking ticket???)<br />
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I pushed Steve into finishing up quickly with his time lapse video (he should be a little more firm in future as his video is cut too short haha)<br />
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We headed back down the Llanberis path, onto the Pyg and then down to the Miners. How the hell we managed it I'll never know, but we strolled off path and onto a scree slope. Never mind, we could manage it, we were just tired enough to not want it.<br />
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We hobbled and complained all the way down the slope until we hit Glaslyn. This was a ripple free mirror image of Snowdon...with the cloud forming at the peak. We were happy to look back and realise we had probably grasped the only half an hour of clear views from the summit.<br />
From here the walk was quite easy, very picturesque...but very boring. I just wanted to get my head down and get back the the motor.<br />
It was a straight forward path down to Llyn Llydaw and then back to the motor. The clouds forming on the surface of the water were a breathtaking sight.<br />
Hopefully the pictures will paint the picture that this walk deserves?<br />
<br />
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<br />
We got back to the van...NO TICKET. Bonus, but they need to adjust their parking meters to prevent this (in my eyes anywah)<br />
The car park was full, and there were 3 or 4 cars waiting on the road to get in. We changed our boots, threw the kit in the back and then headed off home.<br />
Not without a stop at McDonalds for a breakfast of course!</div>
madgazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670120130897945373noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126339278595517271.post-4749715359924517942013-06-12T22:16:00.001+01:002013-06-12T22:16:21.197+01:00St John Ambulance Unit MeetingWe have our unit meeting every Wednesday. Tonight was no exception apart from the addition of another local unit joining us.<br />
<br />
Tonight was TRAUMA, awesome!<br />
Well actually, not as awesome as expected.<br />
<br />
Our trainer, Niel, had more in mind than time allowed, but the time allowed gave me some great tips etc.<br />
<br />
Neil did some of the training for my First Aid course. I liked his style then, and I like it now.<br />
It's upbeat and makes you feel welcome. It teaches you stuff withot if feeling like a chore.<br />
I could easily imagine our Assistant Unit Leader and Niel making a great team when it comes to teaching (but they aren't, and probably never will be).<br />
<br />
So what did we learn tonight? We learnt how to quickly deal with a bleed.<br />
This probably comes as second nature to anybody who has been in St John Ambulance for a while, and anybody with good First Aid training. To me, somebody new to First Aid, and somebody quite reserved and quiet, this was gonna be a hurdle to overcome. I'm not a great people person, I'm not one for speaking much to be honest. It may be the face to face thing. I can easily talk for England on a keyboard (not that I needed to tell you that)<br />
<br />
Anyway, the basics of dealing with a bleeder are as follows:<br />
<br />
<strong>Assess for Danger</strong><br />
<strong>Introduce yourself</strong> "Hi. I'm Gaz, a First Aider with St John"<br />
<strong>Ask what's wrong</strong> (Chief Complaint) "What's wrong?"<br />
"I have a knife wound on my fore-arm" (For instances)<br />
Ok, do you mind if I have a look?<br />
<strong>Expose the wound</strong><br />
<strong>Examine the wound</strong><br />
At this point, we're just a passer-by, we have no kit etc.<br />
Once you know what the wound is like, and that it has no foreign object in it, as the Patient to <strong>apply direct pressure</strong> to it, and <strong>elevate it</strong>.<br />
Once it has been assessed, <strong>treat for shock</strong> (unless it's minor and only needs a plaster)<br />
Lay or sit them on the floor and keep the wound elevated.<br />
This is where you can <strong>seek help</strong>. Ask somebody to ring for an Ambulance, and to bring a First Aid Kit back with them if they find one.<br />
If they find a kit, <strong>treat and dress the wound.</strong><br />
Now, while you're waiting for an Ambulance, carry out a <strong>secondary survey</strong> and ask questions.<br />
<strong>S</strong>igns and symptoms: That'll be the gushing wound.<br />
<strong>A</strong>llergies: Are they allergic to anything? They may have an allergy to plasters or latex for instance.<br />
<strong>M</strong>edication: Are they on any medication? What's it for? They may be taking blood thinning tablets!<br />
<strong>P</strong>ast medical history: Not much use on a bleeder, but they may self harm?<br />
<strong>L</strong>ast time they ate: It may seem like nothing, but could be a vital piece on information for further care.<br />
<strong>E</strong>vents leading up to the incident: Did they pass out? <br />
<br />
So to simplify it,<br />
<br />
Assess for danger<br />
Introduce yourself<br />
Ask what the problem is<br />
Expose the wound<br />
Examine the wound<br />
Apply direct pressure<br />
Elevate<br />
Treat for shock<br />
Seek help<br />
Treat and dress the wound<br />
Carry out a secondary survey<br />
Ask questions (S.A.M.P.L.E.)<br />
<br />
It may not seem like much, but it could be invaluable help to a given situation.<br />
<br />
Thanks Niel, you make learning enjoyable.madgazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670120130897945373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126339278595517271.post-82532175290007772622013-06-11T23:44:00.001+01:002013-06-12T09:17:13.199+01:00The First Aid Kit.<div dir="ltr">
I'm sure those few of you who care to read this are fully aware of my efforts to be prepared for anything?</div>
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Well, I've just created a better First Aid Kit for our night walk up Snowdon in a few weeks.</div>
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I've based it around the Lifesystems Mountain Leader kit, a kit that costs in the region of £45 - £50.<br />
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I managed to cobble it together with my box full of random supplies in my office, and it has probably cost me in the region of £10.</div>
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Here's the blurb from the Lifesystems website. ( <a href="http://www.lifesystems.co.uk/">www.lifesystems.co.uk</a> )</div>
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<b>MOUNTAIN LEADER</b><br />
<b>FIRST AID KIT</b></div>
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The Mountain Leader First Aid Kit provides the equipment needed to care for a large group of between 1 and 14 persons. This kit is also used by survival training schools in the UK. It has been designed with the help of expedition doctor Hugh Montgomery and members of the British Special Forces medical team.</div>
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(I'll point out here that mine looks NOTHING like the pictures,and my case is inferior to the Lifesystems originals equipment cases. I reckon the contents aren't as good either, but they'll be good enough)<br />
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Oh good, you're still here :-D </div>
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Ok, I'll get on with the list.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br />
<b>General</b><br />
1 x Primary Care Leaflet<br />
1 x Tweezers<br />
6 x Safety Pins<br />
1 x Scissors (5.5cm Blade)<br />
4 Pairs Vinyl Gloves<br />
1 x Shears (6cm Blade)<br />
1 x Glo Stick<br />
1 x Resuscitation Face shield<br />
1 x Spot Check Thermometer</div>
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<b>Medication</b><br />
16 x Paracetamol Tablets<br />
16 x Ibuprofen Tablets</div>
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<b>Bandages</b><br />
2 x Open Woven Bandages 7.5cm x 5m<br />
1 x Crepe Bandage 5cm x 4.5m<br />
1 x Crepe Bandage 7.5cm x 4.5m<br />
1 x Triangular Calico Bandage 90 x 127cm</div>
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<b>Preparations, Disposables & Tapes</b><br />
10 x Hygienic Cleansing Wipes<br />
1 x Micropore Tape 2.5cm x 5m<br />
1 x Zinc Oxide Tape 2.5cm x 2m<br />
1 x Duct Tape 2m Roll<br />
10 x 4-Ply Gauze Swabs 5 x 5cm<br />
3 x Burn Gel Sachets (3.5g)</div>
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<br />
<b>Dressings</b><br />
1 x Pack of Assorted Plasters<br />
1 x Medium Wound Dressing 12 x 12cm<br />
2 x Low Adherent Dressings 5 x 5cm<br />
2 x Low Adherent Dressings 10 x 10cm<br />
1 x Small Plaster Fabric Strip 4cm x 1m<br />
1 x Large Plaster Fabric Strip 7.5cm x 1m<br />
6 x Wound Closure Strips<br />
1 x Small Eyepad Wound Dressing<br />
2 x Blister Plasters</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br />
In addition to the above, I have added the following,<br />
1 x Patient Report Form and Pencil, there's also a section on this for the Goffer to take with them.<br />
1 x Foil Blanket<br />
1 x Tick Removing Tool<br />
1 x Small Tub of Vaseline<br />
8 x Asprin<br />
5 x Anti-Hystamines<br />
1 x Finger Dressing<br />
2 x Tubes of Saline Solution<br />
2 x Hand Warmers/Heat Pads<br />
1 x Roll PVC Tape<br />
1 x Cold Wrap Bandage<br />
1 x Bites and Stings Kit<br />
1 x Head Torch</div>
<div dir="ltr">
I also threw in a couple of hand and surface cleansing wipes.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
I'm sure the Lifesystems kit comes with mini (1.5cm) light sticks. I have 2 of these, plus 4 x 8inch light sticks. Intense 5 and 30 minutes plus a green and red 8 hour sticks.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
I've also added a Combat Application Tourniquet. <br />
<br />
Before anybody leans back and says What. The. Hell. Don't worry. I know how to use it, and it is there for the very most extreme cases. It will not be used unless ABSOLUTELY neccessary. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br />
Fortunately, with the training I've had and the books I've read, I feel confident that our group will be able to cope with anything first aid orientated.<br />
We have somebody VERY well trained (a Firefighter) somebody who I think will be quite good, and Me, a St John First Aider. (Although very new to it I will add)</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br />
There's absolutely nothing wrong with Lifesystems gear, in fact, I think they are well put together kits and reasonably priced, I just wanted to use some of my surplus. I did follow their model after all ;-)</div>
<div dir="ltr">
So there we have it. Thanks for reading. Hope it wasn't too boring for you. Please feel free to comment.</div>
madgazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670120130897945373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126339278595517271.post-87228807047393278302013-06-11T23:33:00.001+01:002013-06-11T23:33:08.920+01:00The Next Episode.<p dir=ltr>After a while off of doing anything walking wise (family life and training with St John Ambulance taking over) the next walk is planned. </p>
<p dir=ltr>It's a night walk up Snowdon. </p>
<p dir=ltr>Ok ok, sounds daft to some people, but we're quite capable I think. Plan is to set off to the summit at midnight, and be there for sunrise.<br>
Whether we'll have the weather for it is a different matter.</p>
<p dir=ltr>4 or 5 weeks to plan now, should be ample. Just gotta change a few bits of kit around and get a stock of batteries for the head torches :-D </p>
madgazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670120130897945373noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126339278595517271.post-68132538994672908922013-04-10T23:26:00.001+01:002013-04-10T23:26:39.517+01:00Why St John?<p dir=ltr>Why have I chosen to volunteer for St John?<br>
Why am I taking such an interest in the health care sector?</p>
<p dir=ltr>I think it is partly because I'm fed up having spent the last 15 years or so working with the same few people. I have nothing against them in the slightest (well most of them anyway), but I want to be part of a larger team, part of an organisation that cares. Oart of a uniform that means something. </p>
<p dir=ltr>Humanity seems to have gone from the majority of people. I still have it, and I want to put it to good use.</p>
<p dir=ltr>To think that 7 months ago I knew nothing about first aid, took an Emergency First Aid At Work course and would now consider a profession in Health Care.</p>
<p dir=ltr>Add to the fact that I want to be able to keep my boys safe, I want somebody to be able to say 'that guy saved me', and most of all, I want to have been a help to people at some point in my life.</p>
madgazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670120130897945373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126339278595517271.post-30384104167771284462013-04-09T23:13:00.001+01:002013-04-09T23:13:20.532+01:00First time as a 'Johnnie'<p dir=ltr>So tonight was my first time as an Event First Aider with St John Ambulance.</p>
<p dir=ltr>The venue: Valley Parade<br>
The match: Bradford City vs Bristol Rovers</p>
<p dir=ltr>I guess people will be thinking I chose it so I can get a free ticket to the match, which actually can't be any further from the truth. <br>
In all honesty, I have no interest in football in the slightest, and I personally think that a vast majority of fans are druken louts and people out looking for a fight.<br>
Don't get me wrong, I appreciate that there are also a high number of families and 'normal' people etc that attend matches, but that's just my view.</p>
<p dir=ltr>So why did I choose this over Bradford Bulls (my prefered ball sport)?<br>
Well the answer is simple. First and foremost so I can concentrate on St John duties. Despite being a volunteer, I am employed by them on this duty to provide First Aid cover, and I shall do so to the best if my [little] ability.  Secondly, I knew it was going to be a good place to learn.</p>
<p dir=ltr>So, was I scared? Well not scared, more anxious. I've always been a pretty private person so being around groups I don't know isn't too high on my list of things to do on a Tuesday evening. I guess being in a high vis jacket in the middle of 10,600 people is a good way to learn how to deal with strange people though?</p>
<p dir=ltr>I got there at 17:30, as instructed, and met up with Claudia (My units assistant leader) She took me down to a room where there were a few other First Aiders waiting. People kept turning up, includig the Paramedics etc. I stood back letting people get on with what they were doing. No point getting in the way now is there? </p>
<p dir=ltr>At approximately 19:00 one of the lads gave me a quick guided tour of the place. When we went in the pre match briefing was going on.<br>
Everybody was being told their posts wtc, I was to be in the First Aid post, the room we were in.</p>
<p dir=ltr>Everybody went out to their posts for the start if the match, I stayed listening to the radios.</p>
<p dir=ltr>NOTHING happened all bloody night!<br>
One of the players got stretchered off (I think his nail polish chipped haha) and I saved a disabled mans life by giving a steward a blanket for the guys legs. (Ok, so he wouldn't have died, bit he might have got bloody cold!) </p>
<p dir=ltr>Teams came in and out for their breaks. Amanda, who was the First Aider at my post, kept the brews coming to warm the teams up (and what a mighty fine brew she makes) and the night went without a hitch.</p>
<p dir=ltr>So was there any need to be anxious? Not really. I stayed out of the way and let people het on with what they had to do. When they had a gap in proceedings they made the effort to chat, which was nice.</p>
<p dir=ltr>The Duty Organiser (Mark) was very helpful, and said he'll get me out and about next week, so I'm looking forward to that. Im also looking forward to going on more duties too.</p>
<p dir=ltr>Oh aye, the match. Although I'm no fan of football, it was quite interesting seeing twenty odd pretty boys playing keepy uppy on a big, well lit field. Occasionally they lost their ball in the back of this big net thingy. The crowd seemed to like it though, cos they always cheered when it went in.</p>
<p dir=ltr>Bradford City 5 - Bristol Rovers 1</p>
<div class='separator' style='clear: both; text-align: center;'> <a href='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ctVX9oT0C_-vXt4Pgy5REAV3FZTsxZrvZPZd3tG_RLlWDN9Dad8BDkPSL3HMUP0GqBr9l3l6MhCjueT1gdQQHPcty52hAVngKrRLffqoUMwnrDwYRMexJq9a0cXl17_HnyCNH5hofJI/s1600/20130409_211956.jpg' imageanchor='1' style='margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;'> <img border='0' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ctVX9oT0C_-vXt4Pgy5REAV3FZTsxZrvZPZd3tG_RLlWDN9Dad8BDkPSL3HMUP0GqBr9l3l6MhCjueT1gdQQHPcty52hAVngKrRLffqoUMwnrDwYRMexJq9a0cXl17_HnyCNH5hofJI/s640/20130409_211956.jpg' /> </a> </div>madgazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670120130897945373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126339278595517271.post-19111653271736055612013-04-01T08:16:00.000+01:002013-04-03T13:55:11.695+01:00A glorious day for Ingleborough. <div style="text-align: center;">
Today started out absolutely beautifully.</div>
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The sun was shining, but there was still plenty of snow on the hill tops in the distance (even though we were to be heading in the opposite direction)</div>
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I picked Steve and Rixy up.
Rixy was running 10 minutes late.</div>
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Steve being the gent jumped in the back. Rixy, with his travel sickness jumped in the front, and was delighted to be greeted by a packet of ginger biscuits on the dash. Shame I had emptied them out earlier just to wind him up haha.</div>
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We set off for Clapham, our start/finish point for the walk up Ingleborough.</div>
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When we got there we wondered why the car park was empty, I guess the 5 quid charge answered that. What tight Yorkshire man is gonna pay that?</div>
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I gently squeezed into a roadside spot, we donned our gear and headed off.</div>
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I've done Ingleborough once before, many moons ago and a totally different route, so wasn't sure what lay ahead.
The start was quite easy, up a well made road next the the woods, through a farm, and then dropped back down to a well made path to the caves.<br />
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After this it was a short climb to Trow Gill, and what an epic sight we were about to see.
A huge gorge with masses of ice hanging down, and an ice river before us.</div>
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We chose to try it without ice spikes first just to save a couple of minutes, it worked.
Fortunately the rocks sticking out above the ice gave us enough foot holds to get us up easily and safely.<br />
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Rixy was complaining that he wanted it to snow, so we kicked some loose stuff at him while he did the last 10 yards :-D</div>
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The going from here was quite easy for a while. Up the track, stop to make sure we are going the right way, turn around to head off and then land on my arse, over the wall and then onto the path to Gaping Gill.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We didn't bother nipping down into Gaping Gill, as we were conscious of the lack of time/daylight hours.
We carried on over Thack Pot and started the ascent up Little Ingleborough and then onto Ingleborough.</div>
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It started to snow a little over Thack Pot which put a smile on my face, but the flakes were smaller than talcum powder, and it stopped quicker than it started. There was still quite a bit of snow on the ground from the previous week, but it was patchy on the path at this point, and quite compacted so easy going.</div>
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It all started getting much tougher as we started up the stairs. There was a lot of ice and compact, slippery snow all the way up.</div>
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As we crested the top of Little Ingleborough the world opened up, no more looking at the hill in front, just the open plateau and Ingleborough in he distance.</div>
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The wind hit us, it was quite strong, and bitterly cold. We hunkered down, pulled our scarves up and plodded on.
What probably only took 10 minutes seemed to take forever.</div>
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As we reached the South side of Ingleborough and started to climb, we were thankfully sheltered from the wind again.
Here the ground was solid snow but easy going. The climb up was quite easy going...and then we got to the top.</div>
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The top of Ingleborough is another big plateau.
With the sun shining and the whole top covered by a level layer of snow, it could be mistaken for the Antarctic, with us 3 intrepid explorers like Shackleton, Hillary and Fiennes (with a very, very vivid imagination maybe)
The scene was one of the most beautiful things I have seen.
An expanse of white nothingness gaining slight altitude with only the clear sky beyond it. I hope the group shot (if you can call 3 a group?) can give you some visualisation of it.
I faffed about with the camera on the phone and did the best I could to capture the awesome view.</div>
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After posing for the shot, we headed up to the wind break for a well deserved lunch. I broke out my 'new' (2nd hand ebay bargain purchase) Jetboil, Rixy and Steve got our their shiny jetboils too.</div>
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Non of us seem to be into 'standard' packed lunches, it was Pasta Salad (I think) for Steve followed by chocolate pudding, Lancashire Hot Pot for Rixy and Lamb Curry with Pilau Rice for me (gotta love rat packs) They soon cooked up, but took a little longer to boil than it did when testing the jetboil in the kitchen at home<ahem>.</ahem></div>
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<ahem>Rixy was well impressed when he saw a lady taking pics with her camera, but accidentally shouted "woohoo, photo bomb" loud enough for her to hear (she seemed to find it quite amusing).</ahem></div>
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<ahem>Bear in mind at this point we had been laughing with/at each other all the way up.
It must be a man thing (because the Wife doesn't understand it) but we had some awesome slagging off and insults flying between us all.</ahem></div>
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<ahem>For all you women out there wondering why we do this, it's our way of showing affection to all the wankers and toss bags that we acquaint ourselves with :-D</ahem></div>
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<ahem>We were all cooked up and eating, Rixy was fannying about trying not to spill on his jacket, I laughed at him and promptly slipped (but stayed upright I might add) slopping a spoon of Curry everywhere and after seeing that Steve sprayed a mouthfull of his meal all over Ingleborough.
This is where we agreed that we'll probably grow old, but never grow up. Men can't do that. Men need to be left as boys, it's how we cope with life. </ahem></div>
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<ahem>Once we had composed ourselves it was time to pack up and bug out. Not before Rixy decided to go around the other side of the wind break to 'wash his cup out' Washing his cup out consisted of filling it with snow and lobbing it over the wall at us haha.</ahem></div>
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<ahem>We set off to the Trig point, no point reaching a summit and not touching the trig now is there?
We then turn about and headed back off of the Antarctic, towards Clapham! As a matter of fact, we headed for the south east 'corner' of the plateau and down one of the steepest sections.</ahem></div>
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<ahem> </ahem><ahem> </ahem><br />
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<ahem>It was only a short drop and once again we left the spikes in the bags as the rocks looked like good foot holds.</ahem></div>
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<ahem>What also looked like (and indeed was) a good idea, was sliding half way down on our backsides, at which point I remembered about the survival bag in my pack.
Time to break it out and spend half an hour acting like 3 year olds again haha.</ahem></div>
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<ahem>Now some of you might have just read that and thought about how responsible we were, but we weren't, we were very sensible and recorded it :-D</ahem><br />
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<ahem>There isn't much to say about the route down really. It was uneventful, full of insults, and full of laughs.
It has become apparent on the few walks we have done, that on the way down it is all about getting our heads down and getting back to the motor.</ahem></div>
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<ahem>There was one point where we could look back and see what we had achieved though. The view of Ingleborough from the south is lovely.</ahem></div>
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<ahem>Keep your eyes peeled on my blog. Hopefully my writing abilities will get better with practice.</ahem></div>
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<ahem>I thought I was going to be all prim and proper, but then decided that it wasn't me, so you're stuck with what you get I'm afraid.</ahem></div>
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<ahem>Hopefully the content will be more regular too, walks will still be irregular, but that is because I am volunteering with St John Ambulance now, that should give some stories (but obviously confidentiality will play a big part).</ahem></div>
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madgazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670120130897945373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126339278595517271.post-59290183151403258092013-02-25T22:04:00.001+00:002013-02-25T22:38:18.796+00:00Boring blog time.<p dir=ltr>I tried to blog about our walk up Buckden Pike a few weeks back, but it just wouldn't have it. The walk went well though :-)</p>
<p dir=ltr>I'm now just gonna keyboard ramble about my hernia op, and possibly blog about our walk another time. Seeing as I've just been sliced open, I'm not supposed to go walking for a while :-(</p>
<p dir=ltr>Basically, I've had an open repair of 2 epigastric hernias. <br>
One was quite visible (like a golf ball), just below my sternum, the other wasn't so visible, and was a few inch to the left of my other one.</p>
<p dir=ltr>The whole experience wasn't so bad.<br>
I was a little anxious because I've never had general anaesthetic before.</p>
<p dir=ltr>Fortunately, the staff at Huddersfield Day Surgery Unit were brilliant,  and really put me at ease.<br>
I arrived at 7am, as instructed, and booked in at reception. After a short while i was called into a side room by Cath, the lady looking after me that day, and asked the usual questions etc, then put into a smaller waiting room. Always good being the first in, because hopefully you'll be the first to be worked on.<br>
I waited a short while and started to read my book.<br>
I managed 2 pages before I got bored (anxiety taking over here I think) and started to listen to the nusing staffs conversations. The only one that worried me was "I hope you're going to leave some skin on this time" :-D<br>
I was soon called back into the side room to sign my consent form, and get a 2 month sick note!!! I also met my surgeon here, Jové I think he was called. Between Cath and Jové's light hearted chat I was totally at ease and anxiety left as quickly as it arrived.<br>
Back to the waiting room, then called into a different room, then back to the waiting room...then called to get changed!<br>
I was shown to the changing room and given my sexy DVT stockings. Now, being the rebel I am, I took flip flops not slippers. Being the idiot I am, I took flip flops not slippers. Well I didn't know about the stockings and the fact my toes wouldn't stick out of the end...<br>
Anyhow, disaster averted and I poked my toes through the holes designed for the ball of my foot.<br>
I shoved everything in the bag then went and sat back in the waiting room. Not 10 minutes later a lady in a gown came and whisked me away to theatre. Instead of watching Le Mis, it was the operating theatre. (Shame really 'cos she wasn't bad looking from what I could tell haha) <br>
She had obviously done this dozens of times, maybe hundreds.<br>
"Stand there. Dressing gown and slippers off please. Now lay on the bed with your head on the pillow. We'll put these on you (blood pressure jobbie and monitors etc) just so we can keep an eye on you throughout' <br>
Seriously, she acted as quick as you read it.<br>
At this point she grabbed my arm and started slappjng hell out of me haha.<br>
They got the catheter into me and then vaguely held a mask over my nose and mouth. At this point I was expecting them to tell me I was about to get nuked,  or for them to ask me to count backwards, but instead they just asked if I was feeling a little drowsy, at which point I woke up in another room, with different nurses fussing over me.</p>
<p dir=ltr>Wow, all's done.</p>
<p dir=ltr>I'm sure you'll understand that the rest of it was a bit of a blur. <br>
I was first back in the room and therefore got a window bed.<br>
The glass of water was welcomed with open arms as my throat was as dry as it has ever been before. After a short while they asked if I wanted a cuppa. Hell yeah, a nice sweet tea please. They then asked if I would like some toast...a double hell yeah. Hospital toast is the Gillette of the toast world, the best a man can get. Shame really, I was heartbroken when I could only manage half a slice :-(</p>
<p dir=ltr>I was soon asked if I could get up and out of bed. I did, bit didn't really want to. I could have spent the day there.<br>
I had to wait around for an hour seeing as the Wife decided to go shopping to the only supermarket in Bradford that she can't get mobile (or mobil if you're Kevin Bacon) signal in. <br>
Never mind, it gave me chance to come round a bit more and get another sweet tea before being discharged.<br>
I ended up going back in the evening.<br>
I had spent a while laid in bed. When I got up my dressing was quite wet. By the third time I had got up from laying down it was saturated. I called the Surgical Assessment Unit and they suggested I nipped across to get it checked by a quack.<br>
After spending 2 hours waiting the dressing had completely dried, and I looked (and felt) a bit of a fool for wasting their time, the wife's time, and worst of all the mother in laws time.<br>
It's only 4 days later, as I'm laid here typing this on my phone, with no wound dressing on, that it has started leaking again :-o It seems like my body doesn't currently like my totally laid back approach as it is only leaking at the top, when I am laid without pillows.</p>
<p dir=ltr>I also called them up again today for advice. It seemed like the lump was back, but the surgeon seems to think it is just a haematoma (which might explain my leak) and he said he will review me as an outpatient I  a few weeks.</p>
<p dir=ltr>So all in all, a not so un pleasurable experience, with mid range discomfort afterwards. </p>
<p dir=ltr>Here's a pic or the incision mark. I asked them to do it with a blunt, rough cut saw, to give me a cool scar, but they forgot. They also seem to have forgotten to remove a few lb for me too while I was out and opened up too, but you can't have everything can you?</p>
<div class='separator' style='clear: both; text-align: center;'> <a href='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij-YNGjLIRKgR0ApbQV4nipy01S3NHJAL_8md5quXRwS7NtJLUAjd3nHWdQ9qVBFtvOv3TfkNWXPWMt2Ecpspo45CCXpPtmW2qHUbPEJ6vSs_UvRbRG7izu7necf2SPkCS-cNtcaNBsEM/s1600/20130222_203930.jpg' imageanchor='1' style='margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;'> <img border='0' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij-YNGjLIRKgR0ApbQV4nipy01S3NHJAL_8md5quXRwS7NtJLUAjd3nHWdQ9qVBFtvOv3TfkNWXPWMt2Ecpspo45CCXpPtmW2qHUbPEJ6vSs_UvRbRG7izu7necf2SPkCS-cNtcaNBsEM/s640/20130222_203930.jpg' /> </a> </div>madgazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670120130897945373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126339278595517271.post-42406231377666439772013-01-13T23:45:00.001+00:002013-01-13T23:45:28.901+00:00Hello good evening and welcome. <p dir=ltr>It seems like forever since my last blog.<br>
Ever since then, there have been bereavements and serious medical conditions within the 'gaffers' family. Despite me usually pinching a few minutes here and there when he is out, I was too busy to do so.<br>
Add to that my own little family 'issue', Christmas and the New Year, I just haven't had time to walk/blog/ do anything recreational!!!</p>
<p dir=ltr>But here we are,  a new year and a new start.<br>
We have Ingleborough booked for this Sunday coming, so keep your eyes peeled for a blog on that, I also have my first attendace at St John's as a recruit, so keep your eyes peeled for that too.</p>
<p dir=ltr>I guess that if you're reading this, thanks for coming back, or welcome to my blog, and Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all (even though the retailers are rid of that stuff and onto Easter stuff!!!)</p>
madgazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670120130897945373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126339278595517271.post-121288776359529552012-12-03T16:12:00.000+00:002012-12-03T16:12:45.154+00:00Destination Yorkshire Dales<div style="text-align: center;">
Well, this Sunday we are planning on either Pen-Y-Ghent or Ingleborough.</div>
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It looks like it might be a cold one so I'll be digging around in my kit to see what I have.</div>
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Fortunately, I found my North Face windproof fleece this weekend, which I haven't seen all year, so that'll be getting used.</div>
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The weather for the week is below freezing temperatures, a risk of fog, and some snow showers.</div>
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How we'll be effected won't be know until the end of the week, but I don't really care. I'll be out there regardless.</div>
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Again, it's down to me and Rixy. All the others have 'prior engagements', but I'm sure they're just too soft for the weather.</div>
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I might look into the possibility of doing both together, but I'm thinking not due to our lack of experience and the short days.</div>
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I'm hoping it will be clear. Cold I can cope with, but fog I can do without.</div>
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Anyway, keep your eyes peeled, I'll be posting up a trip report when we're back. Now, what to have for lunch while we're up there?</div>
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<strong>Pen-Y-Ghent</strong></div>
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<strong>Ingleborough</strong></div>
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madgazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670120130897945373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126339278595517271.post-79650049447358322082012-11-24T23:23:00.000+00:002012-11-24T23:23:28.753+00:00The Bagging ListI guess every hiker has a bagging list?<br />
I do, and it includes many of the highest peaks of the UK, Ben Nevis, Scafell, Snowdon etc.<br />
<br />
So why do I want to do them?<br />
<br />
I decided, not long since, that I want to get back into walking. I decided that a walk around the park wasn't good enough any longer. I wanted to get back into walking, which I did with my old man some 20 years ago, at the age of 13/14. I also have some personal mountains to climb.<br />
I'm not entirely sure what these personal mountains are yet, but on the few walks I have done, I have felt a sense of achievement, a sense of being 'on top of the mountain'.<br />
I always feel good after a hike, no matter how hard it was.<br />
<br />
My outlook, was to start with Simons Seat, as I remember this being the first hill I climbed with my Dad, and at 1500ft it shouldn't be too hard?<br />
My Brother and I had a failed attempt at the beginning, which he is unfortunately still suffering from!<br />
The second attempt, a success.<br />
The second attempt was a success in a few different ways. A group of 5 of us 'bonded' in the good old fashion of walking together, only 2 of them knew each other, but they were all friends of mine. We made the round trip in one piece. We made it to the top in horrible weather, all things considered.<br />
It was a success, and I was happy.<br />
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The next Peak on my list was going to be one of the Yorkshire 3 Peaks, Pen-Y-Ghent, Ingleborough, or Whernside. Only 1 of the group could make it, Rixy, and he was one of the more experienced. We chose Whernside as he had done it before, but I hadn't.<br />
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Whernside has been done. Another 'achievement unlocked' for me - walking in the snow.<br />
It wasn't bad snow, but I had a grin like a Cheshire Cat inside my hood.<br />
Rixy was a great walking partner, and we had some very, <em>very </em>random topics of conversation.<br />
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So back on to my 'Bagging List'...<br />
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We have done Simon's Seat @ 15000ft<br />
We have done Whernside @ 2415ft<br />
I think the next should be either Pen-Y-Ghent @ 2277ft or Ingleborough @ 2372ft<br />
Also on my list, I have;<br />
Scafell @ 3163ft and Scafell Pike @ 3209ft<br />
I have Helvelynn @ 3117ft, via Striding Edge of course.<br />
Skiddaw @ 3054ft<br />
Great Gable @ 2949ft<br />
Pillar @ 2927ft<br />
Blencathra @ 2848<br />
Crinkle Craggs @ 2818ft<br />
Coniston Old Man @ 2635ft<br />
Buckden Pike @ 2303ft<br />
Kinder Scout @ 2807ft<br />
Gragareth @ 2057ft<br />
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At some point, I also want to complete Ben Nevis @ 4409ft and Snowdon @ 3560ft.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(All heights shamelessly stolen from </span><a href="http://www.walkingenglishman.com/mountains.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">THIS</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> wonderful website)</span><br />
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Now, these are on my list for the simple reason that I want to do them. I'm sure there are many more peaks, many more beautiful walks, but this is about me climbing mountains!<br />
When I figure out what the mountains are that I'm climbing, I'll be sure to let you know.<br />
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Once these are finished? Well who knows eh!<br />
So far, 3 walks in, and I'm loving it. I already have dates planned for next year, and plan on getting at least 18 peaks in, a night walk, and the Yorkshire 3 Peaks for the Anthony Nolan Trust.<br />
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I'll point out at this point, that I am fully aware I'm a novice walker, I have mediocre gear, and little experience (although pretty good knowledge) of what I am doing.<br />
I don't plan on going un-prepared. As my buddies will tell you, I'm usually over prepared.<br />
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I'll leave you with a few pics now. I've blatantly stolen these from Google Images.<br />
While searching for them, it became apparent, that when you climb mountains, you have a clear picture of what is out there.<br />
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<strong>Striding Edge</strong></div>
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<strong>Coniston</strong></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlJWTMkepDZyrjNux4Euwt2PO2nVJbNbbO9yQGaWA385E4emDP0Mjp1RiLo6NtxSlF4lgsl3UsqcuOWVOwjh0dMr6zHYjpiuh-3CHg48wfdGzeyqGJFL6rZvOhj_2yUg4a9FCshyphenhyphenZ2IUg/s1600/coniston.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlJWTMkepDZyrjNux4Euwt2PO2nVJbNbbO9yQGaWA385E4emDP0Mjp1RiLo6NtxSlF4lgsl3UsqcuOWVOwjh0dMr6zHYjpiuh-3CHg48wfdGzeyqGJFL6rZvOhj_2yUg4a9FCshyphenhyphenZ2IUg/s320/coniston.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<strong>Snowdon, Crib Goch</strong></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB4pPoaZ-x5DMIhjCQgz5BzWe-tKANISKkhbosIrS5x9ej-paIZm_iSnTp2xJ1A32REnxUWglQ-LeAihjxdRXHPY4MnPPtFlvevnHW1A30cQC7IGr7fw-rfs9QHaMgD8SK2etnGDe_aW0/s1600/goch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB4pPoaZ-x5DMIhjCQgz5BzWe-tKANISKkhbosIrS5x9ej-paIZm_iSnTp2xJ1A32REnxUWglQ-LeAihjxdRXHPY4MnPPtFlvevnHW1A30cQC7IGr7fw-rfs9QHaMgD8SK2etnGDe_aW0/s320/goch.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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From what I know, this is Crib Goch, a route up Snowdon. I did this back in '92 with my old man. I would have been 13 years old. I've never seen it from this angle before because it was COVERED in cloud when we did it. Good job really, it looks scary haha!</div>
madgazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670120130897945373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126339278595517271.post-68492234688216759502012-11-19T19:15:00.000+00:002012-11-19T19:15:01.842+00:00Into the clouds.<div style="text-align: center;">
Well, that's Whernside done.</div>
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We arrived at the Ribblehead parking area in good spirits (as always) and donned our gear.</div>
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Looking up to the peak, there was a bit of clour cover, but it wasn't going to put us off.</div>
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Rixy and I set off walking, he kept telling me how bad a walk it was going to be.</div>
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As he said, no point sugar coating it haha.</div>
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As we went past Blea Moor signal box, the cloud cover seemed to dissipate from the peak a bit, thankfully, as I wouldn't want to get to the top and not have a view, would I?</div>
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The going was steady for the beginning, with a few simple stream crossings, that added to the sight seeing I guess. We then hit the hill and slowly wandered up, stopping every now and then to take a breather and take in the views around us.</div>
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On the way up, Rixy saw a Collie that looked like Richard Gere. Strangely enough, I saw the resemblance! (I'll point out now that if I told you about ALL the random conversations we had, we would probably be hunted down, put in a straight jacket, and locked in a padded room)</div>
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We got a spot of drizzle just before we hung a left, and over the stile.</div>
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From my point of view, the going got a bit easier here. Still uphill, but somewhat less strenuous.</div>
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I mentioned stopping for a quick snack, and Rixy said 'Just over the next hill then, there's plenty of rocks to sit on'.</div>
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When he said plenty, he meant one or two!</div>
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We sat down and I put my waterproof on, just to keep the wind out. I've been collecting Army ration packs of late, as they are pretty good in my opinion, so I gave the yeast extract, on biscuits brown a go.</div>
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NEVER AGAIN! Hell that stuff is foul, I doubt even Bear Grylls would touch it. Fortunately, I have some 'Fruit Spread-Strawberry' as back-up, that went down a treat.</div>
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As we were more or less ready for setting off again, it started to hail. Instead of re-packing the waterproof, I kept it on. Good move.</div>
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As we trudged on, the hail started coming down, and then the snow flakes.</div>
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Now, this may sound a little childish even a little stupid to some people, but it put a HUGE smile on my face. I said to myself that despite the weather, I was going to walk as often as possible, as often as family life allowed. I wanted to walk in snow, it was just something I wanted to do.</div>
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When walking as a kid/young teenager with my old man, it was always just Summer walking. I have wanted to do a bit of Winter walking for years, and this was the start of it.</div>
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As we wandered further on we stopped to take in the fact that the cloud base was just there, right in front of us, 50 yeards up.</div>
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We kept our heads down at this point, as it was getting quite bleak, and cold.</div>
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When we hit the summit, it let off a little (but not much). We got into one of the wind breaks up there. There was another couple sat eating their soggy butties.</div>
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I had offered to provide the meals, as Rixy had driven, but he decided he didn't want my Curried LAmb.</div>
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He announced that he was going to have his Chicken Casserole, at which I think the couple silently scoffed at the idea. That was of course, until the cookers and meals came out. The lady piped up that she thought we were joking. We were deadly serious haha.</div>
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We had a bit of a chat, and seriously, if you are reading this, and you are the couple that was up there, it really is part of the fun, part of the adventure.</div>
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We set off cooking. Very similar set-ups, gas canister with small burner screwed to the top.</div>
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If you have read my blog about Simons Seat (which can be found <a href="http://madgaz.blogspot.co.uk/2012_10_01_archive.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>) you will see that my last idea of cooking was a disaster! Well this time, it was Rixy's turn to need the use of somebody elses gear...mine!</div>
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He forgot a lighter, I had a few spares 'just in case'. His cooker was taking forever, so while I was tucking into my Sausage and Beans, he was using my stove to warm his food. Oh, and he borrowed my spare mug for his brew.</div>
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We talked on the way up about my idea of packing everything 'just in case', but as you can see, it helps sometimes.</div>
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We hurried along, had our snap, had our brew's, and then headed off after checking we had packed everything away, including all our rubbish. (It bugs me when people leave rubbish behind, even the slightest bit, but I can bend over so many times to pick up the odd bottle top, I can only fill so many tight pockets with bits)</div>
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We both knew it wouldn't be long before we were back to seeing the fields below, but it was quite windy, and freezing on the face and soaked gloves (note to self, windproof doesn't necesarily mean waterproof!) so we kept our heads down. </div>
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<strong>Ingleborough</strong></div>
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After a short while, there it was...the descent. Oh my god! It was hard work, harder than the ascent. My knees were killing me, but my boots were holding out well and not rubbing.</div>
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For those who don't know it, it's a quick drop of about 750ft (very rough estimate) down some steep, stone, man made steps. I can imaging it being deathly in icy conditions.</div>
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Fortunately, after probably 20 minutes, it levels off and it's through a few fields and farms, up to the tunnel under the railway, back onto the original path, and then back to the motor.</div>
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<strong>Happy Rixy</strong></div>
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<strong>Looking back up towards the peak</strong></div>
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All in all, it was pretty easy going, the descent being the hardest part.</div>
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The climb up? Yeah, it's kind of hard, but my aim is to get out and climb mountains. I'm under no illusion it will be easy. I don't ever think I will do it stood on my head kin of thing, asI know that is the attitude of silly people.</div>
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I'm out to climb physical mountains, and climb personal mountains.</div>
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I thoroughly enjoyed the day. It added to my 'bagging list' for 2012/2013, it was a hill I had never hiked before, it also gave me route knowledge for the 3 Peaks Challenge, which we will be doing for charity (probably in October 2012) Near the top of the descent, Rixy showed me the rough route of the 3 Peaks Challenge. It's going to be a killer, but all for a good cause.</div>
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Just to add, one of our conversations was about Tele-transportation machines, and whether the useage would be charged pence per mile, with an altitude gain surcharge or not? That's the sort of randomness that I enjoy.</div>
madgazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670120130897945373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126339278595517271.post-65273869092264738902012-11-12T13:03:00.000+00:002012-11-12T13:03:28.272+00:00Whernside at the end of the week.Seing as a couple of us will be doing Whernside at the end of the week, I guessed I would need some more suitable kit.<br />
Happliy, I found a Berghaus 35 Ltr rucksack up in the loft, so I can't overload myself with gear, neither do I have to cram it all into a 25 Ltr rucksack.<br />
I bought a treking pole, even though I should use them in pairs! I also bough some water repellant trousers, Regatta Geo's, which will also keep me warmer than my Nosi-Life's.<br />
I have some gas for my stove, which hasn't arrived yet!!!<br />
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I'm looking forward to it, as I haven't done it before, but I understand it's a long slog.<br />
We will be setting off from the Ribblehead Viaduct, and completing the 7.5 mile, 1500ft ascent walk.<br />
I think we're down to just me and Rixy (Jake)<br />
Steve doesn't have suitable gear, Scott will have to be up early (1am) Monday for work, and Jools has family commitments. Brother Dave STILL isn't fit for purpose yet, so he can bloody well behave himself and sit at home haha.<br />
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It's the highest of Yorkshire Peaks, and one of the Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge, which we are looking to do next year in memory of a friend, and to support the Anthony Nolan Trust, as his family requested.<br />
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madgazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670120130897945373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126339278595517271.post-78479426774907646762012-11-06T09:35:00.001+00:002012-11-06T09:35:22.104+00:00Yorkshire Dales 3 Peaks Challenge. "Let's just get on with it"Well, it's with great regret that an Airsoft friend of mine passed away on Oct 29th, after suffering with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia. You can read a little of his story <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2228202/Rob-Wright-Heartbreak-father-5-dies-leukaemia-just-months-birth-twin-sons.html" target="_blank">HERE</a> on the Daily Mail website.<br />
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Today is his funeral, but I'm unable to attend due to work commitments, which is quite saddening.<br />
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Due to such a sad loss or a great man, and his families wishes for people to support the <a href="http://www.anthonynolan.org/" target="_blank">Anthony Nolan Trust</a>, I am planning, in 2013, to do the Yorkshire Dales 3 Peaks Challenge.<br />
The challenge takes on/around the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yorkshire_Three_Peaks" target="_blank">Pen-Y-Ghent, Ingleborough and Whernside</a> hills in the Yorkshire Dales.<br />
The route will take in 26 miles and 5250ft ascent/descent, all within 12 hours (usually).<br />
With Rob being a 'man of action' though, and always challenging himself to be the best, I may look at shortening this time if I feel it can be done quicker by the team.<br />
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I say 'team' as I know that when I let more people know about this, they will join in, I may however just open it to those of Cerberus Airsoft, which is where I know Rob from.<br />
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Keep your eyes peeled here, and I shall be advertising the date this is going to happen, as soon as I have plans confirmed.<br />
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madgazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670120130897945373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126339278595517271.post-48529591258720173722012-10-30T15:28:00.000+00:002012-10-31T08:25:00.317+00:00Simon's Seat...The Return.<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Well, we're all back in one piece (each).</strong></div>
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<em>It was a hard slog.</em></div>
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In total, there were 5 of us. Steven, Rixy, Scott and Myself set off from Bradford, and met Jools, from Howden, in the Cavendish carpark.</div>
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Despite Steve being 15 minutes late, we arrived on time at 10:00. The journey over was filled with giggles, but the weather was trying to put dampners on us.</div>
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When we got there, we spent about 20 minutes just milling about, gearing up, and discussing the route. We followed Jools lead, as his map was waterproof, which they hadn't invented 20 years ago when I got my map!</div>
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<em><strong>We lost Steve pretty quick, but he then re-appeared, right before out eyes!!!</strong></em></div>
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(NB: He wore his Airsoft gear, the most suitable gear in his possesion, before forking out loads, on kit he may never use again. Fair enough.)</div>
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We followed the path up towards Strid Wood, stopping 20 minutes in to re-check the map, get more 'comfortable' and drop a layer.</div>
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We were quite sheltered, under the trees, from the poor weather, as it was just a fine drizzle then, but as we approached the edge, towards the bridge, the rain got heavier.<br />
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We donned our layers again, and carried on into the open.</div>
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Despite the weather, the going was easy, and the view wasn't too bad.</div>
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We carried on walking...and talking (which is fine on the level, we'll come to walking, talking AND climbing uphill later!)</div>
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We discussed walking, ales, guns etc...proper MAN stuff ;-)</div>
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We crossed Barden Bridge and re-checked the map. </div>
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At this point, I was guaging how far we had gone, how far we had to go, and how far we HADN'T climbed yet! I knew there was something to come, but it didn't hit until a mile or so later.</div>
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Through the farm, over the road, and up the track...UP...UP...UP...and UP. We covered about 800 yeards, then we had to take a breather where the track leveled out to cross a road. That was steep!</div>
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What none of us, apart from Jools, realised was what was to come. It got STEEPER!!!</div>
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Fortunately the track weaved, which I guess helped, probably.</div>
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Steve was lagging a bit, but we kept holding on for him. It wasn't until we were rounding the next corner that we realised how bad it hit him.</div>
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Never mind, drop his rucksack and feed him sweets and water, that'll sort him out.</div>
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The hill was steep, very steep. After 20 minutes, he was sorted. He had just over exerted himself I thing, maybe we kept the pace a little too fast. Who knows. Either way, he picked himself up (we shared his pack for a bit) and carried on...carried on up. Just as we were nearing the end of the steep climb, there was a gate, a locked gate. Just what we wanted, but we had to climb over it, as it was locked. The obviously slightly more experienced ones climbed over near the hinge end, Scott climbed over the wobbly middle haha.</div>
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We were however, all fools.</div>
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As we jumped down the other side, we saw the stile...off to one side...hidden behind a wall!</div>
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We carried on up the hill, and once again into the open, exposed hillside.</div>
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<em>A little further up...</em></div>
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The higher we got, the colder, wetter and less enticing it became. We were nearly there though, just over this next ridge. Surely?</div>
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The going was quite tough here. The path was narrow and we all had our heads down, just tramming along.</div>
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As we crested the ridge, the going got better, well made paths and a steady incline were well appreciated.</div>
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<em>And then...the summit.</em></div>
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We could just see it through the mist. A little further than I expected, but it was there...in sight.</div>
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We got our heads down and went for it. The path there was OK, and we all had the summit in our sights.</div>
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As we got near, there was an outcrop of rocks...and an alert on Jools' GPS said there was a geocache nearby! He hunted for it, we got some shelter!</div>
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It was decided we would have a bite to eat there. Jools and Scott got their butties out, Steve got his Jetboil out (which he was sharing with Rixy), and I got my Dutch Army Meths Stove out.</div>
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Little did I know that I would turn to Steve for his Jetboil. By the time my water had started becoming tepid, we had cooked up 3 rat pack meals on Steve's stove...time for me to change mine. (Thanks to Jools for sharing this, if you subscribe to Trail magazine, you get a FREE Primus Solo <a href="http://www.greatmagazines.co.uk/store/displayitem.asp?sid=3470&id=53908">HERE)</a>By the time our meals had cooked, my water was just warm enough for a quick brew.</div>
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We stood around, shivering but having a good laugh and a dig at each other.</div>
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The weather was poor, but the spirits were high (even though Jools never found his cache.</div>
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We had been stood around in the cold and rain, but sheltered from the wind, for nearly half an hour, so it was time to move on and touch the trig, before heading down.</div>
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We did the further 200 yards, and in the weather, it was a bit of a scramble to the trig.</div>
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Unfortunately, Steve never made it, and plunged to his death in the clouds below...only joking...he just stayed at the bottom of the scramble as his legs/feet were knackered.</div>
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<em>Scott, Myself, and Rixy, at the Trig.</em></div>
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<em>The view from the trig.</em></div>
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From the trig, we chose to go towards Lords Seat, and down past the Grouse Butts. The path was excellent. Man made from big slabs of stone. This was a lovely pasth to walk, after the slog up.</div>
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It was pretty uneventful on the way down. We got talking between ourselves about this and that, and just kept going as the weather was worse than ever.</div>
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Many things were learnt from the trip out today.</div>
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I learnt that, despite the weather, I'll be heading out again.</div>
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I have Whernside booked for 18th November ;-)</div>
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I also learnt that I need LOTS of new/different kit if I'm venturing out more. I thought my kit would be <i>OK</i>, but it was actually less than adequate.</div>
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Steve has already been in touch, to discuss some better kit for himself, which surely mean he has got the bug?</div>
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Despite missing Brother David (due to his injury), it was a good set of lads to be out with, and I look forward to more outings soon.</div>
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Here's a map of the outing, with some good stats <a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/149615395">HERE</a></div>
madgazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670120130897945373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126339278595517271.post-62447300951900400012012-10-27T22:45:00.001+01:002012-10-27T22:45:18.829+01:00Simons Seat, take 2, the night before.<div><p>Seeing as it's gonna be a cold one, the stove and hot food has been packed.<br>
The rucksack has been changed twice, and all the 'just in-case' kit has been packed.<br>
Hopefully, all will go well tomorrow. We'll keep with timings, get to the top, cook some food, eat said food, then walk round and down.<br>
Mixed in with all this, we'll have a laugh, and get some pics.</p>
<p>Here's that all important weather for the day ahead.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/mobile/mountainareadetail?area=Yorkshire%20Dales">Yorkshire Dales mountain weather forecast - Met Office Mobile Weather</a><br>
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</div>madgazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670120130897945373noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126339278595517271.post-2436724725263432002012-10-24T22:11:00.001+01:002012-10-24T22:11:56.194+01:00Mountain Rescue Teams.<div><p>They are there for a reason.</p>
<p>You'll see that a couple if weeks ago, I blogged about my Brother twisting his ankle at the top of Simon's Seat. Being a grown man (most of the time :D) I wasn't going to force him to call the local MRT (which would have been UWFRA)<br>
Well, I bet he wished he had dented his pride a little now.<br>
Because he chose to hobble down the 3.5 miles, I think he has caused permanent damage.<br>
Physio have decided, that he has severed the ligaments on the outside of his ankle, and they won't repair.<br>
It's not all bad. He can build the muscles up around the ankle, and a bit of physio will sort it out, bit it will be forever weak!</p>
<p>So folks, as bad as you may feel calling your local mountain rescue team out, think of the consequences before continuing to keep your pride.<br>
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</div>madgazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670120130897945373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126339278595517271.post-54524039730012615902012-10-22T10:07:00.000+01:002012-10-22T10:07:48.815+01:00Simons Seat, the revisit, the build up.This Sunday (Oct 28th) I will be revisiting Simons Seat, and all being well, completing the circular.<br />
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Disabled Dave has bowed out with plenty of notice, as his ankle is still painful to walk on!!! <br />
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I have 3 potnetial new victims this week coming though :-)<br />
Scott, Steven and Jake will be joining me.<br />
I have all the confidence in them (maybe not so much Scott though haha) and it should be a good walk round. <br />
I've modified the route up slightly, the route down is still unknown though.<br />
I have studied the map, both paper and online versions, so have a pretty good idea which way we need to be heading etc.<br />
Hopefully, this time next week, I'll have a good write up and some more pictures.<br />
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This is the route, running anti-clockwise.<br />
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<iframe width="425" height="350" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="https://maps.google.co.uk/maps/ms?msid=216638538012337933064.0004cc156adb9dc57f181&msa=0&hl=en&ie=UTF8&ll=54.016191,-1.894208&spn=0.047014,0.056455&t=m&output=embed"></iframe><br />
<small>View <a href="https://maps.google.co.uk/maps/ms?msid=216638538012337933064.0004cc156adb9dc57f181&msa=0&hl=en&ie=UTF8&ll=54.016191,-1.894208&spn=0.047014,0.056455&t=m&source=embed" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">Untitled</a> in a larger map</small><br />
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madgazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670120130897945373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126339278595517271.post-71910806061144065402012-10-09T16:03:00.000+01:002012-10-09T16:03:23.445+01:00Fresh Air......Hell yeah!
Well, I eventually got out hiking.
We (My Brother Disabled Dave and I) decided to attack 'Simon's Seat' near Bolton Abbey.
The day started slow, and got slower. Dave was late, and unprepared, and slightly hungover!!!
We got to Bolton Abbey car park, got ready, and then set off walking. We headed over the bridge and along the track, then up the hill, which kept going! We're both unfit, we don't deny that, so it took us an hour and half to get up. I reckon we could do it in the hour if we were fitter. When we got to the top, the views were breath taking!
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_-T6JjHVMSiWtspXnbTgYJ2SzBy7zPVHxhGisk2SrkdNBt8Qsknbbb7HDWTSUwgaBQESzzI9CXBYu4J7QiAuNn1Mix7ic9N-ZUN1_BBrUrUyOKFERjUjPg9OY6LjrvAXMA2EOgyizK_I/s1600/NWN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="192" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_-T6JjHVMSiWtspXnbTgYJ2SzBy7zPVHxhGisk2SrkdNBt8Qsknbbb7HDWTSUwgaBQESzzI9CXBYu4J7QiAuNn1Mix7ic9N-ZUN1_BBrUrUyOKFERjUjPg9OY6LjrvAXMA2EOgyizK_I/s320/NWN.jpg" /></a></div>
Now, on the way up, I pointed out that it was lovely and warm. The ever helpful Dave said 'Wait until you stop for a minute. It'll be freezing' I knew this, I wasn't daft. This lead me to putting my fleece on as we sat to eat out butties (mine which I had prepared the night before, Dave' which had been bought from Tesco's on the way there!) At this point, Dave said he was cold...
We sat there, he drank my coffee and took the piss out of my first aid kit.
We ate, we enjoyed the views, and we enjoyed them some more.
Before we headed off, we got a pic at the top together, We packed up and made sure we had left no rubbish behind. If you know Simons Seat, you will know it is a rocky outcrop, so imagine a big Bear Grylls style leap from one to another. Dave said he wasn't so stupid and he didn't want to end up on Helicopter Heros (Pride thing, he's a Fire Fighter)
This is where it went downhill (pardon the pun, we were heading for descent, and heading for disaster) Dave walked around the rocks while I hung on for him. As he caught me up I turned and put my best foot forward, then heard rustling and swearing behind me!!!
I turn up to see him hopping about in agony, having twisted his ankle on a cotton plant (or something equally poor).
Out comes the FAK and my Israeli Field Dressings.
We had to bandage his ankle up, and then hobble down the way we had come from for 3 HOURS!!!
Poor lad has done his ligaments in :D
Now, all this pride thing meant he wasn't going to call out the local MRT <a href="http://www.uwfra.org.uk/d6/index.php">(UWFRA)
</a> which could have made it worse, but we'll never know.
As we headed down however, his pride was shattered. His pride was screwed up, swallowed, and farted out into the atmosphere.
Upon gaining a small audience (one poor older lady) he told her to be careful and not hurt herself. This is where she exclaimed that she thought I was a kind person taking his disabled mate out for the day.
So I bring you, Disabled Dave
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I have told him the piss taking will be relentless. He can only redeem himself by getting up to match fitness soon and getting out there with me again!
madgazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670120130897945373noreply@blogger.com0