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| In desert action! |
Monday, 17 December 2012
Synmat Basic 7.5
I don't do many gear type reviews (even though I do like shiny new things) mainly cause I don't feel like I know anything or get out and use things enough. One exception is the Exped Synmat Basic 7.5 which I have owned for nearly 2 years now.
I must of used it over 50 times now in varied conditions, hot summer, desert, gravel, tent, cold, etc. I take care with what I put it on and try to use a tarp or groundsheet underneath it but due to use in festivals I might not have always been as careful as I should of been! (drunken Andy is not as dainty or lightfooted...).
Sunday, 16 December 2012
Challenge Update 2
Well I'm still behind with my trip reports. Missing 4 treks in Jordan. In summary it was hot and sandy. I will stick something more substantial at some point! It was a great week though and formed most of the walking for the month. The bad news was that I got ill on the way back and was under the weather for about 2 weeks. I was also suffering from itspissingitdownitus....
I did 5 walks in the month which averaged as 6.58 miles per walk, a nice increase in malleage from the first month. Still behind on most scores but I'm not too worried (yet!) as I have a few multi day walks planned that should drag things back up.
Month 1 = 7 walks for 31.8 miles, 1518m ascent and 15 nights camping.
Month 2 = 5 walks for 32.88 miles, 996m ascent and 4 nights camping.
Total = 12 walks for 64.68 miles, 2514m ascent and 19 nights camping.
By the averages I should be at around 18 walks, 126.8 miles, 3640m and 8 nights camping. Yup I need to up my game! This month will also be on the low side, arse definitely needs to find first gear. Not too worried about the ascent and the camping (a walk up Snowdon would half the deficit for example) but the mileage is in danger of running away from me.
I did 5 walks in the month which averaged as 6.58 miles per walk, a nice increase in malleage from the first month. Still behind on most scores but I'm not too worried (yet!) as I have a few multi day walks planned that should drag things back up.
Month 1 = 7 walks for 31.8 miles, 1518m ascent and 15 nights camping.
Month 2 = 5 walks for 32.88 miles, 996m ascent and 4 nights camping.
Total = 12 walks for 64.68 miles, 2514m ascent and 19 nights camping.
By the averages I should be at around 18 walks, 126.8 miles, 3640m and 8 nights camping. Yup I need to up my game! This month will also be on the low side, arse definitely needs to find first gear. Not too worried about the ascent and the camping (a walk up Snowdon would half the deficit for example) but the mileage is in danger of running away from me.
Wednesday, 14 November 2012
#12 Harrold and Odell
#12 Harrold and Odell
Distance - 5.78 Miles
Ascent - 96 metres
My first challenge walk in the UK! Thought I'd do an easy walk in north Beds. Starting in Harrold country park with easy parking it should be and easy wander round the countryside. It was not too cold, not raining and generally all was good for the day.
Distance - 5.78 Miles
Ascent - 96 metres
My first challenge walk in the UK! Thought I'd do an easy walk in north Beds. Starting in Harrold country park with easy parking it should be and easy wander round the countryside. It was not too cold, not raining and generally all was good for the day.
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| Odell Church |
Surprisingly I found the walking tougher than it should be. After Jordan I had been a little under the weather and as I write this I can confirm that i'm ill! It was actually a nice (on the whole) and gentle walk through nice ancient woodland.
#7 Rim Trail, Grand Canyon
#7 Rim Trail, Grand Canyon
Distance - 4.8 Miles
Ascent - 50m
After an hours rest and a packet of jelly beans I decided I might as well have a wander along the Rim trail. With a frequent free bus and shorts sections (mile or so) it meant I could walk as far as I felt with no pressure to reach the end or push past my sore calf.
Distance - 4.8 Miles
Ascent - 50m
After an hours rest and a packet of jelly beans I decided I might as well have a wander along the Rim trail. With a frequent free bus and shorts sections (mile or so) it meant I could walk as far as I felt with no pressure to reach the end or push past my sore calf.
Starting from Hermits rest the trail is a mix of dual use (cycletrack and path) and rough trails along the edge. As expected it hugs the rim tightly and in places comes pretty close to the edge! The views are great and the Colarado river seems so far away.Monday, 12 November 2012
#6 1.5 Mile Rest House, Grand Canyon.
#6 1.5 Mile Rest House, Grand Canyon, USA.
Distance - 3.0 Miles
Ascent - 342m
What can you say about the Grand Canyon? It is big, deep, vast, and mightily impressive. It's hard to appreciate just how big it is. It is also a dangerous place due to the temperature range and the fact it is easy to get very deep without realising. Visiting in October reduced any issues with the temps, in fact it was very pleasant/warm most of the day.
Distance - 3.0 Miles
Ascent - 342m
What can you say about the Grand Canyon? It is big, deep, vast, and mightily impressive. It's hard to appreciate just how big it is. It is also a dangerous place due to the temperature range and the fact it is easy to get very deep without realising. Visiting in October reduced any issues with the temps, in fact it was very pleasant/warm most of the day.
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| View from the top |
The Bright Angel trail drops from the rim can be taken and the way to the North Rim. Some really strange people do this in one day, and some really really strange people go from Rim to Rim to Rim! For most walkers a good day hike drops down the trail all the way to Plateau Point (approx. 13 miles round trip). This is a tough walk due to the heat, lack of shade and height climbed. I decided to walk to either the 1.5 mile rest house or the 3 mile rest house, depending on how I felt. My calf was still sore after arches and this is not a good place to tear a calf muscle.
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