tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11736520731727369472024-03-14T09:24:13.650+00:00 stourvalewalkerstourvalewalkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08954065498994946191noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1173652073172736947.post-72583705613043023282012-10-26T12:48:00.001+01:002012-10-26T13:22:41.078+01:00Dartmoor Perambulation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm off to Dartmoor on Sunday afternoon for my Dartmoor Perambulation. This will be my first backpacking trip since my Edale to Grasmere walk (up the Pennine Way over the Yorkshire Three Peaks & Howgills under the M6 into the Lake District) back in June.<br />
Earlier this year some friends of mine from the Dorset group of The Backpackers Club did a walk led by John Yale based on "The Ancient Boundary Walk of Dartmoor" devised by Ian Kirkpatrick. Unfortunately due to other commitments I was unable to join them. You can read Trevor's account part 1 <a href="http://purpletraveller.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/dartmoor-perambulation-part-one.html">here</a> & part 2 <a href="http://purpletraveller.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/dartmoor-perambulation-part-two.html">here</a> . John has kindly passed on his printouts of the route so that I can follow in their footsteps,or as closely as the M.O.D. will allow as they have live firing on the Okehampton range during next week.<br />
I am planning a more laid back walk than usual with daily mileages of around 10-12 miles a day and will probably wild camp most nights,but I may be tempted by the campsite in Princetown. The weather man says that I have better weather next week,so I am looking forward to clear crisp autumnal days. stourvalewalkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08954065498994946191noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1173652073172736947.post-40358750990391788402012-01-05T11:52:00.000+00:002023-04-09T14:49:26.962+01:00Backpackers Winter Get-together<p></p>stourvalewalkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08954065498994946191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1173652073172736947.post-80529351619700204312011-11-14T17:24:00.001+00:002011-11-14T17:59:57.564+00:00Cranborne Chase Dorset Winter Static<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">As the coordinator of the Dorset group of the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><a href="http://www.backpackersclub.co.uk/">Backpackers Club</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> I am hoping to put on at least three Dorset events a year. A Winter Static,A Spring Weekend Backpack and an Autumn Weekend Backpack all within the County of Dorset.</span><br />
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<span class="yiv1135759958Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;">I am also looking at the possibility of reviving the "Dorset Round" a summer week long backpack which was first arranged by Trevor Woodford. I would like to find a network of small campsites and friendly farmers which we could use. After a peaceful day walking in the Dorset countryside we don't want to be camping amongst hordes of screaming kids! If you have any sites in mind please do get in touch with me.</span></div>
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<span class="yiv1135759958Apple-style-span" id="yiv1135759958yui_3_2_0_260_132127577835098" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;">These are the details of Dorset Winter Static 2012 </span></div>
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<span class="yiv1135759958Apple-style-span yiv1135759958yui_3_2_0_87_1321286542288112 yiv1135759958yui_3_2_0_141_1321286542288110 yiv1135759958yui_3_2_0_142_1321286542288116" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="yiv1135759958Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><b id="yiv1135759958yui_3_2_0_258_1321275778350207">January 13-15 2012 <a href="http://www.ccwwdaonb.org.uk/">Cranborne Chase</a> Dorset Winter Static</b></span></span></div>
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<span class="yiv1135759958Apple-style-span
yiv1135759958yui_3_2_0_258_132127577835092 yiv1135759958yui_3_2_0_141_1321286542288124 yiv1135759958yui_3_2_0_142_1321286542288130" style="color: #454545; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><b>Maps: LR 184 or EX 118</b></span></div>
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<span class="yiv1135759958Apple-style-span yiv1135759958yui_3_2_0_258_132127577835096 yiv1135759958yui_3_2_0_141_1321286542288126 yiv1135759958yui_3_2_0_142_1321286542288132" style="color: #454545; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><b>Pitch: ST996173 </b></span><br />
<span class="yiv1135759958Apple-style-span yiv1135759958yui_3_2_0_258_1321275778350100 yiv1135759958yui_3_2_0_141_1321286542288128 yiv1135759958yui_3_2_0_142_1321286542288134" id="yiv1135759958yui_3_2_0_118_1321110496417257" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px;">Church Farm,</span><span class="yiv1135759958Apple-style-span
yiv1135759958yui_3_2_0_258_1321275778350102 yiv1135759958yui_3_2_0_141_1321286542288130 yiv1135759958yui_3_2_0_142_1321286542288136" id="yiv1135759958yui_3_2_0_118_1321110496417264" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px;">Sixpenny Handley,Nr </span><span class="yiv1135759958Apple-style-span yiv1135759958yui_3_2_0_258_1321275778350104 yiv1135759958yui_3_2_0_141_1321286542288132 yiv1135759958yui_3_2_0_142_1321286542288138" id="yiv1135759958yui_3_2_0_118_1321110496417273" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px;">Salisbury,</span><span class="yiv1135759958Apple-style-span yiv1135759958yui_3_2_0_258_1321275778350106 yiv1135759958yui_3_2_0_141_1321286542288134 yiv1135759958yui_3_2_0_142_1321286542288140" id="yiv1135759958yui_3_2_0_118_1321110496417280" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px;">Wiltshire </span><span class="yiv1135759958Apple-style-span yiv1135759958yui_3_2_0_258_1321275778350108
yiv1135759958yui_3_2_0_141_1321286542288136 yiv1135759958yui_3_2_0_142_1321286542288142" id="yiv1135759958yui_3_2_0_118_1321110496417309" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px;">SP5 5ND </span></div>
<div class="yiv1135759958yui_3_2_0_258_132127577835062 yiv1135759958yui_3_2_0_141_132128654228880 yiv1135759958yui_3_2_0_142_132128654228886" id="yiv1135759958yui_3_2_0_118_132111049641740" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">
<span class="yiv1135759958Apple-style-span
yiv1135759958yui_3_2_0_258_1321275778350110 yiv1135759958yui_3_2_0_141_1321286542288138 yiv1135759958yui_3_2_0_142_1321286542288144" id="yiv1135759958yui_3_2_0_118_1321110496417316" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12px;">Tel: 01725 552563</span><span class="yiv1135759958Apple-style-span yiv1135759958yui_3_2_0_258_1321275778350112 yiv1135759958yui_3_2_0_141_1321286542288140 yiv1135759958yui_3_2_0_142_1321286542288146" style="color: #454545; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><b id="yiv1135759958yui_3_2_0_260_1321275778350282"> </b></span><span class="yiv1135759958Apple-style-span yiv1135759958yui_3_2_0_141_1321286542288142 yiv1135759958yui_3_2_0_142_1321286542288148" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px;"><a href="http://www.churchfarmcandcpark.co.uk/index.htm" id="yiv1135759958yui_3_2_0_260_1321275778350291" rel="nofollow" style="color: #234786; cursor: text; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">www.churchfarmcandcpark.co.uk</a></span></div>
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<span class="yiv1135759958Apple-style-span yiv1135759958yui_3_2_0_258_1321275778350116 yiv1135759958yui_3_2_0_141_1321286542288146 yiv1135759958yui_3_2_0_142_1321286542288152" style="color: #454545; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><b id="yiv1135759958yui_3_2_0_258_1321275778350155">Pitch fee £7 per person per night </b></span></div>
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<span class="yiv1135759958Apple-style-span yiv1135759958yui_3_2_0_258_1321275778350120 yiv1135759958yui_3_2_0_141_1321286542288148 yiv1135759958yui_3_2_0_142_1321286542288154" style="color: #454545; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><b id="yiv1135759958yui_3_2_0_258_1321275778350160">Saturday: Walk via Penbury Knoll and Woodyates 16km (10 miles)</b></span><span class="yiv1135759958Apple-style-span yiv1135759958yui_3_2_0_141_1321286542288150 yiv1135759958yui_3_2_0_142_1321286542288156" style="color: #454545; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><b> led by John Yale</b></span></div>
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<div class="yiv1135759958yui_3_2_0_258_132127577835066" id="yiv1135759958yui_3_2_0_118_132111049641740" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">
<span class="yiv1135759958Apple-style-span yiv1135759958yui_3_2_0_141_1321286542288154 yiv1135759958yui_3_2_0_142_1321286542288160" id="yiv1135759958yui_3_2_0_260_1321275778350206" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;">Gareth from the Dorset based online outdoor retailer </span><a href="http://www.webtogs.co.uk/" id="yiv1135759958yui_3_2_0_260_1321275778350209" rel="nofollow" style="color: #234786; cursor: text; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Webtogs</a><span class="yiv1135759958Apple-style-span
yiv1135759958yui_3_2_0_141_1321286542288158 yiv1135759958yui_3_2_0_142_1321286542288164" id="yiv1135759958yui_3_2_0_260_1321275778350218" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;"> will be joining us and he will be bringing along some new kit to show us including an inflatable tent by </span><a href="http://www.webtogs.co.uk/Nemo/" id="yiv1135759958yui_3_2_0_260_1321275778350302" rel="nofollow" style="color: #234786; cursor: text; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Nemo</a>.</div>
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<br /></div>stourvalewalkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08954065498994946191noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1173652073172736947.post-17063514842246965282011-10-16T22:54:00.000+01:002011-10-16T22:54:36.631+01:00Dartmoor Backpack<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This weekend I had a chance to join a group from <a href="http://www.backpackersclub.co.uk/">The Backpackers Club</a> led by Dave Britton for a backpack on <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dartmoor">Dartmoor</a>. Brian and Jill who live near to me in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bournemouth">Bournemouth</a> kindly offered to give me a lift up on Friday and I had a great time in their company.<br />
We met up with the others at <a href="http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/sites/reviews.asp?revid=9342">Huccaby Farm</a> in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hexworthy">Hexworthy</a> where we camped on the Friday night in the lower field by the river.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The early arrivals.</td></tr>
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On the Saturday morning eight of us set out taking an easterly route over the moors towards <a href="http://warrenhouseinn.co.uk/">Warren House Inn</a> where we spent the night on the moors to the north of the Inn.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gandalf">Gandalf</a> re-joins us after talking with the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ent">Ents</a></td></tr>
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On Sunday morning we took a more direct route back to Hexworthy.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jill and Brian with the Warren House Inn behind.</td></tr>
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<br />stourvalewalkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08954065498994946191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1173652073172736947.post-38546087490067712192011-10-05T19:38:00.001+01:002013-06-14T17:30:49.968+01:00Trailstar<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br>My Trailstar in the Lake District a couple of years ago.<div><br></div><div>I sold this shelter last year, but after watching Tony Hobbs recent YouTube video with Chris Townsend. </div><div>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGCZPgC74kA&feature=youtube_gdata_player </div><div>I am now thinking of buying another :-)<br></div>stourvalewalkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08954065498994946191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1173652073172736947.post-74256667195319275042011-10-04T17:45:00.000+01:002011-10-04T17:45:13.412+01:00Three go wild on the South Downs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Over weekend I met up with <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/nigep">@NigeP</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/s_tranter_photo">@s_tranter_photo</a> this time for a weekend of wild camping on the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Downs">South Downs</a>. <div>
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Above our woodland campsite on Saturday morning and below looking north over a misty valley.</div>
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After spending Saturday wandering the South Downs we made for <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chanctonbury_Ring">Chanctonbury Ring</a> planning to camp there but ended up camping by the nearby <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triangulation_station">trig point</a>.</b></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nigel's <a href="http://www.tarptent.com/index.html">Tarptent</a> and my <a href="http://www.mountainlaureldesigns.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=21&products_id=102">Trailstar</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view of my <a href="http://www.mountainlaureldesigns.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=21&products_id=102">Trailstar</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><b style="font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">Below sunrise over </b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chanctonbury_Ring" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-weight: bold; line-height: 19px;">Chanctonbury Ring</a><b style="font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 19px;"> </b></td></tr>
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Another couple of pictures of my <a href="http://www.mountainlaureldesigns.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=21&products_id=102">Trailstar</a> with misty valleys behind.</div>
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stourvalewalkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08954065498994946191noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1173652073172736947.post-54264392017677247852011-09-18T09:46:00.000+01:002011-09-18T09:46:13.433+01:00Jetboil Flash<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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T<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">he</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.webtogs.co.uk/Jetboil_Flash_Cooking_System_287.html" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration: none;">Jetboil Flash</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> i</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">s attractive due to the way it packs away into a compact package.It is quick and easy to put together to make a brew while on the go.Which from a safety point of view is a good thing as</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypothermia" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration: none;">Hypothermia</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">is not a hikers friend.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">I have found that using stoves that take too long to set up and put away deters me from stopping for a hot drink.</span><br />
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It may not be the lightest or fastest stove out there but it more than makes up for that with the ease of use. The pot clips onto the gas burner unit and there are clip on feet supplied which attach under the gas canister they make it a very stable stove in all but the windiest conditions. But even then you can hold it in your hands while heating up the water. Strong winds can still effect the flame but it is easily sheltered using a backpack or even your hands when out in the open.</div>
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I bought the Jetboil Flash from <a href="http://www.webtogs.co.uk/">Webtogs</a> they also sell a range of other stoves which can be found on their <a href="http://www.webtogs.co.uk/Stoves/">website</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">.</span></span></div>
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When its time for tea use this modern day <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billycan">Billycan</a> for a hot drink in a flash!</div>
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stourvalewalkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08954065498994946191noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1173652073172736947.post-47596257272983705052011-09-17T18:53:00.000+01:002011-09-17T18:53:44.502+01:00Not Quite As Planned - Summer Walkabout<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My Walkabout didn't go quite as I had planned. After arriving in Grasmere at around 7.30pm Monday evening I made my way up to Easedale Tarn to wild camp I only saw one person on the path up and I spent the night alone with only a few sheep for company. It was wet night and I soon found that my seam sealing skills were lacking as there were droplets of water appearing at the top of the Trailstar some of which came down my walking pole but others dripping off the flysheet and onto me. Fortunately I had also taken a bivy bag along and so managed to keep my down sleeping bag dry.<br />
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<u>Tuesday</u><br />
I made my way to Coniston via Elterwater and Little Langdale then along the Wana Scar Road towards the Duddon Valley where I spent the night next to the disused Walna Scar Quarries ( as pictured above)<br />
During the day I was finding it increasingly difficult the weather in contrast to the previous night it was hot,dry and sunny. I just put it down to my lack of fitness and thought that things would get easier over the next few days.<br />
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<u>Wednesday</u><br />
After crossing the Duddon Valley and passing Grassguards and over Ulpha Fell I dropped into Eskdale and past Boot and up to Burnmoor Tarn then descended into Wasdale and up and over the Black Sail Pass to camp in Ennerdale.<br />
Another fine day but I still struggled especially with the hills.I had thought that I could camp near Burnmoor Tarn but the Lodge was occupied by a couple of loud drunken guys whose voices echoed over the lake. So I pushed on thinking that I would camp at Wasdale Head but again I found too many tents for my liking. Plan C to camp on Black Sail Pass was rejected when I found a group of youngsters from Outward Bound camping there.<br />
So I found myself camping in Ennerdale which when the wind dropped and the rain started I found was a bad idea as the midges came out to feed on me! and my Trailstar leaked on me.<br />
I didn't get a very good nights sleep as I only had a head net between me and the little beasties.They managed to get at me where the net was against my face. During the night I kept waking with the netting in my mouth.<br />
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<u>Thursday</u><br />
It was still raining when I woke and packed away trying to aviod the midges.<br />
I joined the Coast to Coast path up Loft Beck to Honister Pass it was as I was struggling up the hill in the rain that I realised that the joy had gone out of the trip and my thoughts started on how I could abandon it and get home.So after joining the Cumbia Way at Grange I managed to get a mobile phone signal I re booked my coach tickets to return home from Keswick the next morning.<br />
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<u>Friday</u><br />
After spending the night at the C&C campsite in Keswick I caught the coach home passing through many areas that I would see rioting on television over the next few days.<br />
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Over the weekend on my return home I developed what I took to be flu and then a cough which became worse with a tight feeling to my chest which was very wheezy. But being a man I waited a couple of weeks before being forced by my wife to visit the doctor who prescribed me with an anti biotic (Doxycyline) and an inhaler. The Doxycline comes with a warning to keep out of sunlight so all in all the summer didn't turn out quite as I had hoped. Where I thought I would return home leaner and fitter instead I am overweight and unfit.<br />
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<u><br /></u>stourvalewalkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08954065498994946191noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1173652073172736947.post-63062723985051390742011-07-29T14:15:00.000+01:002011-07-29T14:15:53.333+01:00Summer Walkabout kit part 3 (clothing)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Inov-8 Flyroc 310<br />
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I have previously owned a couple of pairs of <a href="http://inov-8.com/Products-Detail.asp?PG=PG1&P=5050973044&L=26">Inov-8 Terroc 330</a>'s and I was looking to replace them with another pair but as I was searching on Google I came across these in a sale at Pete Bland Sports reduced to £35 so with that price and the memories of a friend who was a happy owner of a pair of Inov-8 Flyroc 310's I thought I would give them a go. And I am glad that I did the tread patten is ideal for steep grassy areas giving me much more confidence when going downhill. They are an unlined shoe so are ideal for hot weather but have been worn all year round with thicker socks. I am currently wearing them with Bridgedale Coolmax Liner socks which means that they dry quickly if it rains or after I have been through boggy ground<br />
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Bridgedale Coolmax Liner Socks<br />
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As it was a hot day when I started my <a href="http://www.penninejourney.org.uk/2008walk.php">Pennine Journey</a> walk at Easter I thought that I would wear my Bridgedale Coolmax Liner socks by themselves inside my <a href="http://draft.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1173652073172736947#editor/target=post;postID=2814318176926128744">Inov-8 Flyroc 310</a> shoes until they started to feel uncomfortable and as that didn't happen I just swapped between two pairs for the rest of the journey and kept the Icebreaker Hiker socks for the evenings in the tent.<br />
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Icebreaker Beast merino briefs<br />
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I will be taking a couple of pairs of <a href="http://www.natureshop.co.uk/Products/products-details.asp?ProductID=752">Icebreaker Beast</a> brief style merino 150 wool underpants.I prefer this style as I find that the boxer shorts style ride up over the course of the day and bunch up.</div>
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<a href="http://www.natureshop.co.uk/">Nature Shop</a> despatch their goods very quickly,the other year when this style was first introduced I had a pair posted from New Zealand and they arrived within two days of ordering.</div>
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Icebreaker Superfine T-Shirt</div>
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I normally wear a long sleeved merino zip neck but I thought that it was time to give the T-Shirt style a go so I will be wearing this for the first time on a multi day trip.I bought it second hand from the classified section of a outdoors forum so if it falls apart I won't be too unhappy.<br />
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<a href="http://www.winwood-outdoor.co.uk/acatalog/Montane_velo_gilet_black.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.winwood-outdoor.co.uk/acatalog/Montane_velo_gilet_black.jpg" width="275" /></a></div>
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Montane Featherlite Velo Gilet<br />
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Even though its "Designed for the cyclist who rides fast and light and demands high breathability in a pack size smaller and lighter than the average inner tube." its a brilliant addition to a backpackers kit and is ideal for core torso protection in an ultra lightweight format<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;">.</span></span><br />
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Montane Limited Edition Dynamic Stretch Pants<br />
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From the Montane website<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">"The <a href="http://www.montane.co.uk/shop/limited-edition-dynamic-stretch-pants">Limited Edition Dynamic Stretch Pants</a> are similar to the regular product, they have the Limited Edition signature red zip and £35 of the retail price is donated to Mountain Rescue England & Wales. The main difference is the newly released Polartec PowerShield fabric; it is not only extremely breathable and stretchy, it has Polartec's HardFace finish so that it is abrasion and water-resistant.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">Amongst other features Dynamic Stretch Pants have a thigh cargo pocket and articulated knees."</span><br />
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I have owned these trousers since last winter and they have surprised me with how versatile they are being water resistant and very quick drying too. So much so that on my last long walk at Easter the Pennine Journey I left my waterproof trousers at home. I find that they have similar qualities as Pertex Equilibrium.</div>
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Montane Limited Edition Prism Jacket</div>
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I will be taking the Montane Prism jacket with me as I can wear it under my waterproof Jacket or put it on to keep me warm during rest stops without having to worry about it getting damp.</div>
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From the Montane website</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">The Limited Edition Prism Jacket is exactly the same as the regular product with 3 exceptions, it is a special colour combination, it has the Limited Edition logo and £45 of the retail price is donated to Mountain Rescue England & Wales.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">It has 2 chest pockets into one of which it can be packed, a simple adjustable hood and was voted best value insulated jacket by Trail Magazine earlier this year. Have a look at the page in the products section for the full specification.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">The water-resistant and breathable Pertex Microlight fabric con</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">tains 40g Primaloft Eco (using 50% recycled material) insulation which makes the Prism warm with the minimum of weight and highly packable.</span></div>
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stourvalewalkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08954065498994946191noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1173652073172736947.post-63198968758909765272011-07-26T18:21:00.001+01:002011-07-27T12:00:39.938+01:00Summer Walkabout kit part 1 (new items)<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR_p_lb02v1Mgsbs4iipFOnHh6oSwlu6ZJuTnoWYtZh9cTY-vM--g" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR_p_lb02v1Mgsbs4iipFOnHh6oSwlu6ZJuTnoWYtZh9cTY-vM--g" width="320" /></a></div>
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OMM Classic 32<br />
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This pack will being used for the first time.I bought this to replace the <a href="http://www.golite.com/Product/ProdDetail.aspx?p=352005110">Golite Peak</a> 36ltr pack which I was starting to find annoying.I like the large front mesh pocket on the OMM classic 32 which is ideal storing a damp shelter. It also has a removable foam mat which is useful for my legs when using the short Thermarest or under the Thermarest if the ground is too rocky.It also has two decent sized side pockets for water bottles and hip belt pockets.<br />
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<a href="http://www.mountainlaureldesigns.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=102">Mountain Laurel Designs Trailstar</a><br />
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"<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;">It's a Tarp! It's a Shelter! Amazing Simplicity!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;">Fast Setup!!!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;">NO MOVING PARTS!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;">BOMBER ALPINE WIND PROTECTION</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;">Five equal size panels blend shelter protection with tarp pitching ease and multiple options.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;">The 7' long baseline on each of the five equal sides create a very large pentagon floor plan living space for one or two (three in a squeeze) plus gear."</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;">The <a href="http://www.mountainlaureldesigns.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=102">Trailstar</a> is becoming a very popular shelter with UK backpackers as it is a Tarp that appears to be designed for British weather conditions which can be very changeable with wind direction switching several times during the course of a night. I have heard reports of the <a href="http://www.mountainlaureldesigns.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=102">Trailstar</a> easily handling winds in excess of 60 mph so I have confidence that combined with my Alpkit Hunka bivy bag I will have many comfortable nights.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;">Montane Dynamo Lite Jacket</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;">Not really new as I bought this jacket from The Climbers Shop in Ambleside last year but this August will be its first outing.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;">The text below is from The Climbers Shop website</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px;">This light version of versatile </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px;"><strong>Montane Dynamo Jacket</strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px;"> retains the excllent </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px;"><strong>wind proof</strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px;"> qualities of it's forerunner but at a fraction of the weight, ideal for performance use. Made as a limited edition item, this durable wind proof jacket uses </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px;"><strong>Pertex® Equilibrium </strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px;">to keep the weather at bay whilst still remaining </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px;"><strong>very breathable</strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px;"> when active.</span></div>
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It's unique denier gradient structure allows both air to circulate near the skin, and mechanically moves moisture away from the skin to aid evaporation and cooling. Together with the tight weave's inherent wind resistance and an <strong>excellent water repellent</strong> finish, this jacket will keep the wearer dry, cool and comfortable in all light to moderate wind and rain.</div>
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The <strong>Montane Dynamo Lite</strong> is an excellent comprimise between a light wind proof like the Feather Lite Smock and a more bulky softshell jacket.</div>
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<strong>FEATURES</strong></div>
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<li style="color: #666666; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 20px; text-decoration: none;">Single hand adjustable, elasticated draw-cord collar.</li>
<li style="color: #666666; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 20px; text-decoration: none;">Active cut with drop tail keeps drafts at bay.</li>
<li style="color: #666666; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 20px; text-decoration: none;">Baffled two-way reversed front zip closes tightly to eliminate wind.</li>
<li style="color: #666666; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 20px; text-decoration: none;">Self fabric cuffs with hook and loop closure with rubberised tabs.</li>
<li style="color: #666666; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 20px; text-decoration: none;">Chest security pocket and two mesh lined venting pockets allow stprage that wouldn't be available in normal wind proofs.</li>
<li style="color: #666666; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 20px; text-decoration: none;">UV resistance 30+ SPF keep the suns rays at bay.</li>
<li style="color: #666666; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 20px; text-decoration: none;">Single hand adjustable, elasticated draw-cord </li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;">Montane Minimus Waterproof Jacket</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">Several years ago I discovered Paramo and I now own a few of their Jackets including the black Paramo Quito Jacket which I normally take with me when I go backpacking. But recently I purchased a <a href="http://www.webtogs.co.uk/Montane_Mens_Minimus_Waterproof_Jacket_102820.html">Montane Minimus</a> Jacket from <a href="http://www.webtogs.co.uk/">Webtogs</a> as a 'just in case' jacket for day walks it weighs in at 227g with a i</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">ntegral, roll-away mountain hood and reinforced wired peak. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;">So as its summer I thought that this trip would be a good chance for me to test it out.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;">below is a video from webtogs</span></span></div>
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</div>stourvalewalkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08954065498994946191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1173652073172736947.post-73144665728067403372011-07-26T18:16:00.001+01:002011-07-28T12:47:17.058+01:00Summer Walkabout kit part 2 (sleeping)<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.alpkit.com/hunka"><img border="0" height="261" src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRsl4_YKgUxn_66HWub4GtN851J9ZfRCw5Pn2gS7SkFVdvMYDuqFg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.alpkit.com/hunka">Alpkit Hunka Bivy Bag</a><br />
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I have had the <a href="http://www.alpkit.com/hunka">Hunka</a> bivy bag for a couple of years and have used it inside a tent during the winter and also on its own all year round.On my last trip at Easter I had a tent with me but this time using this and the <a href="http://www.mountainlaureldesigns.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=102">Trailstar</a> I will have more options as there are times where its easier to tuck away with just a bivy bag.<br />
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<a href="http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTW8hKuMEwZals8nqKvIJj3fPUezt7HNXSQPxW1EM5jzys_9E1rkQ" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTW8hKuMEwZals8nqKvIJj3fPUezt7HNXSQPxW1EM5jzys_9E1rkQ" width="320" /></a></div>
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Mountain Equipment Xero 250<br />
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I have had the Xero 250 for a few years now and I love the weight and pack size. The colour brightens up the tent too. Winner of the 2007 European Outdoor Industry Award. It features EXL- A patented technology that provides optimum warmth using an elasticated lining to gently hug your body and improve thermal efficiency.<br />
Weight 600g<br />
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<a href="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRjBx5GBNfWj0gc06ytKTLPp4o3AsWYGZns-eZAQbas6vAYOypV" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRjBx5GBNfWj0gc06ytKTLPp4o3AsWYGZns-eZAQbas6vAYOypV" width="320" /></a></div>
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Thermarest Prolite 3 short<br />
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I like the pack size of the Thermarest Neoair but not the price so as I don't find the Thermarest Prolite 3 too uncomfortable I will continue to use it.<br />
Weight 370g<br />
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Exped Air Pillow<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">The super comfortable, lightweight Exped Air Pillow boasts skin-friendly, super-soft tricot polyester on either side.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;">Weight: 85g</span></div>stourvalewalkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08954065498994946191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1173652073172736947.post-51587666188581514412011-07-26T13:22:00.001+01:002011-07-26T13:27:00.402+01:00Jetboil Flash arrives<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.webtogs.co.uk/Jetboil_Flash_Cooking_System_287.html"><img border="0" src="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQl3cA_VdHi6zKStG7yAe4IVMZCQ9WB7PbJIWc68h1MZDwR1tzFxQ" /></a></div>
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I have just received a <a href="http://www.webtogs.co.uk/Jetboil_Flash_Cooking_System_287.html">Jetboil Flash</a> from <a href="http://www.webtogs.co.uk/">webtogs</a> I placed my order on Friday and it was delivered on Monday or would have been if I was at home. I have been away camping with my family at <a href="http://camping.forestholidays.co.uk/camping_and_caravanning/our_sites__locations/england/new_forest/roundhill.aspx">Roundhill</a> campsite in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Forest">New Forest</a>. <a href="http://camping.forestholidays.co.uk/camping_and_caravanning/our_sites__locations/england/new_forest/roundhill.aspx">Roundhill</a> is a spacious site in the heart of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Forest">New Forest</a> within easy cycling distance of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brockenhurst">Brockenhurst</a> for fresh provisions. Wild ponies and cattle roam at will through the heathland site and deer can be seen in the nearby forest enclosures first thing in the morning before the dog walkers are up and about. But my sons were to be found in the unused rally field playing football with their cousins for most of the weekend.Sometimes I despair at their lack of interest in the world around them.<br />
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I am trying to keep my pack size as small as possible for my time away this summer and the <a href="http://www.webtogs.co.uk/Jetboil_Flash_Cooking_System_287.html">Jetboil Flash</a> seems attractive due to the way it packs away into a compact package.It is quick and easy to put together to make a brew while on the go.Which from a safety point of view is a good thing as <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypothermia">Hypothermia</a> is not a hikers friend.<br />
I have found that using stoves that take too long to set up and put away deters me from stopping for a hot drink.<br />
I will post a review of this stove when I return home in September.stourvalewalkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08954065498994946191noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1173652073172736947.post-69942901169216527342011-07-23T15:38:00.000+01:002011-07-23T15:38:59.886+01:00Summer Walkabout<div>
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<a href="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTq1a68weH6pGiw283pJijvG6jswrqbMBEE0_f2XmSpwIrbu2k6uw" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTq1a68weH6pGiw283pJijvG6jswrqbMBEE0_f2XmSpwIrbu2k6uw" width="400" /></a></div>
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I jokingly said to my family one teatime that I would like to go walking for the month of August and to my surprise my three young sons and my wife all cheered and whooped with excitement. So I have bought a '<a href="http://www.nationalexpress.com/coach/index.cfm?t=oj">Open Jaw</a>' coach ticket from National Express to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grasmere">Grasmere</a> leaving on 1st August and returning from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bakewell">Bakewell</a> on 30th August. My eldest son is unhappy that I am not going to be away for the whole month. But as he will be 11 on the 1st September I want to make sure that I am home for his birthday and also for the birthday of my youngest son who will be 6 on 2nd September.<br />
My plan is to spend some time in the Lake district starting by walking the route that Trail Magazine devised for their 20th anniversary issue which they call the <a href="http://www.ldwa.org.uk/ldp/members/show_path.php?path_name=Lakeland+Haute+Route">Lakeland Haute Route</a> which takes in 14 mountain passes and 13 lakes. Then after visiting a few other areas (yet to be planned) in the Lakes I will leave via the <a href="http://www.ldwa.org.uk/ldp/members/show_path.php?path_name=Dales+Way">Dales Way</a> to <a href="http://www.visitcumbria.com/sl/dent.htm">Dent</a> then over <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whernside">Whernside</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ingleborough">Ingleborough</a> to join the <a href="http://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/pennineway/">Pennine Way</a> at <a href="http://www.horton-in-ribblesdale.com/">Horton-in Ribblesdale</a> where I will head south on the <a href="http://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/pennineway/">Pennine Way</a>, <a href="http://www.ldwa.org.uk/ldp/members/show_path.php?path_name=Limestone+Way">Limestone Way</a> and <a href="http://www.peakdistrictinformation.com/visits/monsaltrail.php">Monsal Trail</a> finishing at <a href="http://www.peakdistrictinformation.com/visits/monsalhead.php">Monsal Head</a> in Derbyshire to meet up with <a href="http://terrybnd.blogspot.com/2011/05/celebrate-60th-anniversary-of-peak.html">terrybnd</a> and some other bloggers and people from Twitter for the Bank Holiday weekend.<br />
I plan to travel light and camp wild where possible and it will be the first outing for my newly acquired Mountain Laurel Designs <a href="http://www.mountainlaureldesigns.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=102">Trailstar</a> shelter.<br />
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More posts to follow about the kit that I am taking on this trip.</div>
stourvalewalkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08954065498994946191noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1173652073172736947.post-26826510015907829282011-03-26T14:31:00.000+00:002011-03-26T14:31:48.472+00:00AW's Pennine Journey - BBC Inside Out<div style="background-color: white; color: #0051ba; font-family: verdana, ariel, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; margin-top: 5px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; width: 460px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 2px; margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 2px; margin-top: 2px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Stuart Maconie follows in the footsteps of AW.</div></div><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/N29EGVlz2AU?rel=0" title="YouTube video player" width="480"></iframe>stourvalewalkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08954065498994946191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1173652073172736947.post-87346650762200258162011-03-01T17:42:00.000+00:002011-03-01T17:42:28.825+00:00Phlogging - Change the way you blog.There is a new free service out there which could add a new dimension to the way you blog its called <a href="http://www.ipadio.com/page.asp?section=31&sectionTitle=Phlogging">Phlogging</a> (phone blogging) from <a href="http://www.ipadio.com/page.asp?section=31&sectionTitle=Phlogging">iPadio</a>.<br />
All you need is a basic mobile phone,no need for fancy iPhones and the like.You dial a standard rate number enter a pin code and speak. And when you've finished speaking press the # key and your Phlog is posted.<br />
You can link Twitter,Blogger,Facebook and many other social websites to your account.You could even use a call box if there is no mobile signal!<br />
You just phone in and enter your registered number and pin code when asked.<br />
If you are a bit of a wiz kid iPadio have Apps for Android and iPhone where you can link more content to your Phlog like photos,a title,tags and geo-location you can even automatically generate text using SpinVox.<br />
Is the world ready to hear my voice?<br />
I hope so as I plan to start using this service very soon.stourvalewalkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08954065498994946191noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1173652073172736947.post-80078269892409381392011-02-28T11:45:00.000+00:002011-02-28T11:45:42.052+00:00My Pennine Journey Easter 2011<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0051ba; font-family: verdana, ariel, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Mrs F has agreed to let me go walkabout this Easter.So without delay I have booked return train tickets to Settle in north Yorkshire to follow in Wainwright's footsteps.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0051ba; font-family: verdana, ariel, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Info from Pennine Journey <a href="http://www.penninejourney.org.uk/">website</a> </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0051ba; font-family: verdana, ariel, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">"The Pennine Journey is a challenging circular walk, 247 miles long, passing through the wonderful variety of terrain and scenery that the north of England offers and touching on all the major rivers in the region. Starting in the market town of Settle in north Yorkshire, in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, the route heads north on the eastern side of the Pennines through the delightful Yorkshire Dales and moorland stretches of Co. Durham before arriving at Hadrian’s Wall. This World Heritage site, in the Northumberland National Park, is followed for 21 miles until the route heads south on the western side of the Pennines. After traversing the Pennines just below the highest point of Cross Fell, it enters and travels down the Eden valley before skirting the Howgills Fells then arrives back in Settle."</span><br />
<div id="content2" style="float: right; font-family: verdana, ariel, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 2px; margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 2px; margin-top: 2px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 10px; position: relative; text-align: left; width: 463px;"><div class="centre" style="color: white; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="Map of 2008 Journey" height="500" src="http://www.penninejourney.org.uk/images/2008/2008_map.png" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Map of 2008 Journey" width="344" /></div></div>stourvalewalkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08954065498994946191noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1173652073172736947.post-26569430959445992162010-04-10T21:52:00.001+01:002010-04-10T21:52:29.717+01:00Dorset Spring Static<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSPP2G4QS7inxSPds8otT3aUDC9HZH_cntr47MritXpJMK1rv60GwtqOJ5B6eWXIp9jsUy_VUjPgfNWiB1Su0hn2DUBTkpdATZK9MNMlvHeuRhX1wXSORgvx8MJJdoGhknYhG4JdbwIUCK/s1600/image-upload-38-748476.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSPP2G4QS7inxSPds8otT3aUDC9HZH_cntr47MritXpJMK1rv60GwtqOJ5B6eWXIp9jsUy_VUjPgfNWiB1Su0hn2DUBTkpdATZK9MNMlvHeuRhX1wXSORgvx8MJJdoGhknYhG4JdbwIUCK/s400/image-upload-38-748476.jpg"/></a><br /><span>As all mornings on a static camp should start we went to The Shed for a Hungry Camper cooked breakfast before setting out on a walk led by John over the chalk downlands to the north of Sixpenny Handley.<br />Purple Traveller led a small group who cycled to Old Wardour Castle. <br />On our return we found that Dave Toplady had arrived with a group of 7 on his a cyclepacking weekend from Berkshire.There are now 17 members of the Backpackers Club here at Church Farm Sixpenny Handley but tomorrow we all head our seperate ways. </span><br /></div>stourvalewalkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08954065498994946191noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1173652073172736947.post-2838747409442240712010-04-09T22:37:00.001+01:002010-04-09T22:37:48.735+01:00Dorset Dawdle Day 3<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwyFqyRALn0b8na2lD5Yg9lUlc-Elm0iI4z_WfFB2CuBHG8mBhTiq4NvQdgj5PmmoVxjDjIF4rJaejOCC9GatZiYXgUn20ks-GCbQT9zZfmLohPHfcHgwNVazwI-BNNEK9oOVHytwTmNT9/s1600/image-upload-17-766401.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwyFqyRALn0b8na2lD5Yg9lUlc-Elm0iI4z_WfFB2CuBHG8mBhTiq4NvQdgj5PmmoVxjDjIF4rJaejOCC9GatZiYXgUn20ks-GCbQT9zZfmLohPHfcHgwNVazwI-BNNEK9oOVHytwTmNT9/s400/image-upload-17-766401.jpg"/></a><br /><span>Todays route took me through the historic town of Blandford Forum and the villages of Pimperne and Chettle tn finish in Sixpenny Handley.<br />John from the Dorset group of the Backpackers Club contacted me and we arranged to meet on the northern edge of Blandford Forum and to walk in together stopping en route for lunch in Chettle.<br />We thought that we were the first to arrive at Church Farm Sixpenny Handley but soon discovered that we were beaten by four other members including Purple Traveller who had arrived by bicycle.Our numbers have since swollen to ten and we have our own field next to what may be our alarm clock! The donkey in the picture above. </span><br /></div>stourvalewalkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08954065498994946191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1173652073172736947.post-89908125492260581882010-04-08T20:06:00.001+01:002010-04-08T20:06:01.885+01:00Dorset Dawdle Day 2<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFrok3YHZXal3RzV6mNytF9xsZ0mjHg5cwvgfgVhPs5rsHbpxXh1jFKL7rSgAr1z5TAongJ5w5BlTfAt1VPLh9ePEHklJuLf5d472UhV5tnryprOMrN3azLXI6tNuoYJDBVUl-e0wes7iN/s1600/image-upload-13-760636.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFrok3YHZXal3RzV6mNytF9xsZ0mjHg5cwvgfgVhPs5rsHbpxXh1jFKL7rSgAr1z5TAongJ5w5BlTfAt1VPLh9ePEHklJuLf5d472UhV5tnryprOMrN3azLXI6tNuoYJDBVUl-e0wes7iN/s400/image-upload-13-760636.jpg"/></a><br /><span>Todays route took me along the Wessex Ridgeway to Bulbarrow Hill the highest point on this trip at 274m then via Winterborne Stickland to The Inside Park campsite at Blandford Forum. <br />The weather was great for walking but soon after I had taken the picture above I decided to walk around the edge of a pile of straw and slurry that the farmer had piled up in a field. I thought that I was walking on solid ground but soon discovered it was just a crust over something nasty. First one leg sank up to the knee then the the other as I tried to regain my balance leaving me to have to wade out. My trousers and shoes were covered in a stinking brown and yellow slime. I tried to wash it off at the first water that I came to and walked through every stream that I could on the way to the campsite where I finaly managed to have a shower and wash my clothes. <br />I didnt bring any spare clothes with me so I will be wearing damp clothes in the morning. </span><br /></div>stourvalewalkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08954065498994946191noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1173652073172736947.post-64367681246735960932010-04-07T20:50:00.002+01:002011-01-22T16:16:43.380+00:00Dorset Dawdle Day 1<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8v43vxomfAlcTGwu3aVtUUp8cmkmHkX5GaqkmlkcqAydseXe9PCXv_w9phVb1hzJZKdjoLTEOUj4n8pkTh5yqJgEIeqYtQV_cyZRzahj_kjNcJKQ43h3fth4LPsdyZh3Krqqd1SsDol0S/s1600/image-upload-23-711546.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8v43vxomfAlcTGwu3aVtUUp8cmkmHkX5GaqkmlkcqAydseXe9PCXv_w9phVb1hzJZKdjoLTEOUj4n8pkTh5yqJgEIeqYtQV_cyZRzahj_kjNcJKQ43h3fth4LPsdyZh3Krqqd1SsDol0S/s400/image-upload-23-711546.jpg" /></a><br />
I am now camped at the Giants Head campsite high above the famous Cerne Abbas Giant.<br />
I left Dorcester at around noon passing by The Keep which is in the photo above.Then through Charminster and up onto the ridge on the western side of the Cerne valley.I continued north to join the Wessex Ridgeway Path which goes through the campsite where I'm staying tonight. <br />
I arrived here at 4pm so a very easy day! And I don't think tomorrow's walk to Blandford Forum will be much harder.So it's a very pleasant Dawdle through Dorset.</div>stourvalewalkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08954065498994946191noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1173652073172736947.post-54567634354525387292010-04-06T20:41:00.002+01:002010-04-06T20:58:49.866+01:00Dorset Dawdle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimJBU_Dog1LW5d0TXMQlafoTZOcT-pRzHamrmXRIeIChRl9Kqi5BNGLvmtFA3Xb7E5KGaOAIUKqJu-OxF95_tzu0C2ibnXWb0bNGqj2XqckLOSPiCIIqC9evhnZ97DMIhk6IV20HvTwXPl/s1600-h/dorsetdowns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimJBU_Dog1LW5d0TXMQlafoTZOcT-pRzHamrmXRIeIChRl9Kqi5BNGLvmtFA3Xb7E5KGaOAIUKqJu-OxF95_tzu0C2ibnXWb0bNGqj2XqckLOSPiCIIqC9evhnZ97DMIhk6IV20HvTwXPl/s400/dorsetdowns.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The Dorset group of the <a href="http://www.backpackersclub.co.uk/">Backpackers Club</a> has its Spring Static meet at <a href="http://www.churchfarmcandcpark.co.uk/">Church Farm</a> Sixpenny Handley 9th-11th April and as I have a few days to spare s<a href="http://draft.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_1726861362"></span><span id="goog_1726861363"></span>o I plan to walk there via Dorchester,Cerne Abbas and Blandford Forum. I will also post updates via Twitter <a href="http://stourvalewalker.blogspot.com/">@stourvalewalker</a><br />
<br />
Itinerary<br />
Wednesday 7th April I will catch the train from Bournemouth to Dorchester and walk to <a href="http://www.giantshead.co.uk/">Giants Head Campsite</a> Cerne Abbas.<br />
Thursday 8th April Cerne Abbas to <a href="http://www.theinsidepark.co.uk/">The Inside Park Campsite</a> Blandford Forum.<br />
Friday 9th April Blandford Forum to <a href="http://www.churchfarmcandcpark.co.uk/">Church Farm</a> Sixpenny Handley<br />
Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th April Static camp Sixpenny Handley<br />
Monday 12th Sixpenny Handley to Bournemouth via Wimborne<br />
<br />
After reading about all the different types of shelters people are using at the moment I am keen to try out my new acquisition which I'm sure will be admired by <a href="http://purpletraveller.blogspot.com/">Purple Traveller</a> and the others when they arrive at Sixpenny Handley ;-)stourvalewalkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08954065498994946191noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1173652073172736947.post-85243308323804729012009-11-03T11:14:00.000+00:002009-11-03T11:14:18.816+00:00How light is too light?How lightweight are you prepared to go?There is a new British blog out there called <a href="http://minimalgear.blogspot.com/">minimalgear</a> here's what he has to say about himself.<br />
<blockquote><br />
"I've accumulated a fair bit of gear over the years, I've not walked as far as I would have like, but I've got a fair bit under my belt. From the beginning I've been a walker and a wild camper and my gear reflects this. More recently I've been slightly obsessed with reducing the weight of my gear. I'm not big, I'm not strong and I've had way too much time sat at a computer. Clearly the British weather has influenced my choices, but I've picked up a reasonable amount of American gear, that doesn't really seem to get talked about in Britain much. I've also been heavily influenced by other blogs and websites and maybe now it's time to 'give a little bit back'. I'll concentrate on reviewing the kit I've got, my own path towards the light and trips I've taken."<br />
</blockquote>He's not wearing Paramo so how he can be comfortable I don't know ;-) but I will look forward to following his progress over the coming months.stourvalewalkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08954065498994946191noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1173652073172736947.post-2625605260560001942009-09-20T17:19:00.000+01:002009-09-20T17:19:44.389+01:00The new season is almost upon usAs the leaves start to turn golden in colour my thoughts are turning towards backpacking again.<br />
Autumn is almost here and as I live on the South Coast of England the local footpaths can get busy during the summer,even more so this year with people looking to take their holidays at home.<br />
I live in north Bournemouth close to the River Stour (hence the name stourvale walker) just inside the county of Dorset,which is said to have more footpaths than any other county in England.And to the west just over the River Avon lies the New Forest one of the newest National Parks and home to the largest lowland heathland in Europe.<br />
A very pleasant place to live you might say and you would be right.<br />
But we always think the grass is greener on the other side of the fence don't we.I am always looking towards more mountainous areas and forgeting what lies on my doorstep.<br />
I have a week available towards the end of October and a plan forming in my head,a backpacking trip starting from home and over my River Stour but which way then? well you will have to wait and see.stourvalewalkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08954065498994946191noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1173652073172736947.post-92134803902066132062009-07-09T11:26:00.001+01:002009-07-09T11:26:15.591+01:00Chris Moyles Parody - Waterproofs<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><object height='350' width='425'><param value='http://youtube.com/v/m1PBsiTq6Ss' name='movie'/><embed height='350' width='425' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' src='http://youtube.com/v/m1PBsiTq6Ss'/></object></p></div>stourvalewalkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08954065498994946191noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1173652073172736947.post-21196036476320715662009-06-16T12:07:00.001+01:002009-06-16T13:09:05.705+01:00New hat<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><a style="CLEAR: left; FLOAT: left; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em; cssfloat: left" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzePYWXXgo1Z5eQv3lghb0HIqK8h00nt8lsE7KgpTeOSlN4pJMm91ygIF8n5WWY7fsKj7vJHnsjX8AUDYDaCwIhyphenhyphenuLRW-vHHkBVVrf9xR1Jr0uxtLefsBfKT1wBthJmVt13tA-4hNHFfHf/s1600-h/til_LT5B_Stone_On-Fig_sku.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzePYWXXgo1Z5eQv3lghb0HIqK8h00nt8lsE7KgpTeOSlN4pJMm91ygIF8n5WWY7fsKj7vJHnsjX8AUDYDaCwIhyphenhyphenuLRW-vHHkBVVrf9xR1Jr0uxtLefsBfKT1wBthJmVt13tA-4hNHFfHf/s400/til_LT5B_Stone_On-Fig_sku.jpg" border="0" tj="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center"></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center"></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center"></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center"></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center"></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center"></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center"></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center"></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center"></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">After reading Eddy Mechan's article "The Burning Question" in the July issue of <a href="http://www.tgomagazine.co.uk/subscription/">TGO</a> magazine I felt the time had come to buy my first <a href="http://www.tilleyuk.com/home.asp?countryCode=UK">Tilley hat.</a></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">But which one? so many choices, which size brim? which colour? what material? After careful comparison I decided on the Stone coloured <a href="http://www.tilleyuk.com/detail.asp?gender=m&extractBy=search&productNo=LT5B">LT5B</a> which is made from nylon and only weighs 95g</div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">Info from Tilley</div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">"The lightweight LT5B hat is made with 93% nylon, 7% spandex with a durable weather and stain repellant finish. It is tightly woven for high abrasion resistance, better shape retention, high breathability and superior comfort. A moisture wicking sweatband made with TRANSPOR® DRY LAYER offers superior moisture control technology.The wind cord is made of nylon and is reflective. It has Matt black grommets and eyelets, double plated to ensure it will not chip-off.The LT5B Breathable Nylon Hat is styled with the same medium, semi-sloping brim size as the Tilley LTM5 and T5 Cotton duck models."</div><br /><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">I brought my hat from <a href="http://www.whalleyoutdoor.co.uk/shop/product.php?xProd=869&xSec=56&jssCart=c324c5fed39b41548f71fe57381a733f">Whalley Warm and Dry</a> for £43.35 which is 15% off the list price and they also offer free next day delivery.</div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center"> </div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center"></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center"></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center"></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center"></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center"></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center"></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center"></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center"></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center"></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center"></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center"></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center"></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center"></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center"></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center"></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center"></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center"></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center"></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center"></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center"></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center"></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center"></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center"></div>stourvalewalkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08954065498994946191noreply@blogger.com5