tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72480703280420255562024-03-13T03:15:08.919+00:00Mountains, Miles & MistWalking in the CairngormsLeigh Forbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01651812577518625326noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7248070328042025556.post-45123636398311188272011-06-21T22:51:00.014+01:002011-06-24T10:32:46.951+01:00A Spare Saturday in ScotlandThanks to the vagaries of the Caledonian sleeper timetable, I had a spare Saturday in Scotland.<br />Oops ;o)<br /><br /><img src="http://www.mountainsmilesmist.co.uk/blog/alastair_250.jpg" class="left" align="left">My lovely mate picked me up from the station (at twenty to eight in the morning), bought me breakfast, and drove us up to Whitewell. From there we walked via Lochan Deo, the Cairngorm Club footbridge and Piccadilly and up to the Lairig Ghru. A right turn joined the route I had taken in May, heading up Sron na Lairig towards Braeriach. We met the cloud before reaching the first top, and by the summit of Braeriach we could barely see ten yards ahead. Some careful navigating took us the shortest way to the falls of Dee (rather than following the coire edges) and up Carn na Criche, a flat 1,265m top with a helpful cairn.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.mountainsmilesmist.co.uk/blog/angels_peak.jpg" class="right" align="right">From there we followed the edge round, and up the Angel's Peak - a new hill for me (if only I could have seen the view...) - and down the other side, before we dumped our bags and scrambled up Cairn Toul in strong wind and driving rain (and fog). Having made a late start (we'd been tempted by tea at a friend's house en route to Whitewell), it was now 7pm, still raining hard and with the wind-chill taking the temperature below freezing, we needed to firm up our plans for getting off the plateau.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.mountainsmilesmist.co.uk/blog/einich_sunrise_250.jpg" class="left" align="left">The headwind and late hour had us deciding on a descent into Glen Einich, via the Coire Dhondail path. At the end of that path, where it meets the landrover track on the valley floor, we found a smashing patch of grass, pitched the tent, cooked, and zonked straight out. We were up at 5.30 the next morning to walk the 9km back to Whitewell, in time to take part in the <a href ="http://www.beatbloodcancers.org/event/scottish-bikeathon" target="_blank">Bikeathon</a>. The weather was glorious, and we cursed and praised its fickleness in equal measure.<br /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.mountainsmilesmist.co.uk/blog/bikeathon_2011.jpg" class="right" align="right">We made the walk out in two-hours, completing the whole 36km hike (+1,350m ascent) in 22 hours. I am happy to say my seventy-quid Craghopper coat kept me completely dry, despite spending the entire first day in constant rain. We reached the Bikeathon start in time, and completed the 26 mile ride - which felt like the easy bit - in a couple of hours (not including lunch...) A massive thank you to everyone who sponsored me. I raised £600+ for Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research, and the event as a whole raised over £35,000.<br /><hr><br />If you'd still like to contribute to my sponsorship fund, you can do so here: <a href="http://www.justgiving.com/leighforbes" target="_blank">justgiving.com/leighforbes</a>Leigh Forbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01651812577518625326noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7248070328042025556.post-45375211722177960112011-06-06T17:21:00.000+01:002011-06-06T17:22:31.867+01:00Gruelling WeekendI'm riding in the <a href="http://beatbloodcancers.org/event/scottish-bikeathon" target="_blank">Scottish Bikeathon</a>, 26 miles through the Highlands in aid of <a href="http://www.beatbloodcancers.org/" target="_blank">Leukeamia & Lymphoma Research</a>. I'm doing it with the widow of my friend Piet Ketelaar, in his memory.<br /><br />I've raised £255 in four days. My target is £1,000 by the day of the ride, June 19th.<br /><br />If any blogmates out there are prepared to sponsor me, I'd be hugely grateful. You can make a payment online at <a href="http://www.justgiving.com/leighforbes" target="_blank">justgiving.com/leighforbes</a>.<br /><br />It's not part of the event, but I'm also planning to climb Cairn Toul, the UK's 4th highest mountain, the day before the bikeathon... It's going to be a gruelling (but ace) weekend!Leigh Forbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01651812577518625326noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7248070328042025556.post-43717483082892009092011-05-12T00:18:00.002+01:002011-06-24T10:35:26.573+01:00Situation Normal<img src="http://www.mountainsmilesmist.co.uk/blog/feshie.jpg" align="right" class="right">So the weather turned in the end, but only on the last of seven fantastic days walking. This was just yesterday.<br /><br />Day one of my final hike had been stunning: my mate, Alastair, and I had beautiful weather as we strolled up Glen Feshie.<br />It was only as we tramped up the Eidart that the showers began, heralding the foul conditions to come. We made and ditched plans as the weather worsened, finally deciding to set camp before making a packless-dash for Beinn Bhrotain; but as the cloud and rain came down in equal measure, thunder rumbled and the wind howled, we took cover and opted to sit it out until morning.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.mountainsmilesmist.co.uk/blog/hag.jpg" align="left" class="left">After a tent-testing night (gusting 83mph on nearby Cairngorm), we woke late to find the visibility had improved... from 10 yards to 20 yards. We gave up on Beinn Bhrotain (I had a train to catch), and turned towards Monadh Mor, heading for home.<br /><br />The visibility got better as we dropped below cloud level, but we saw no other improvement. After a four-hour horizontal torrent on the Mòine Mhor finally put paid to my week of Scottish sun, we picked our way back down into Glen Feshie, and once again into glorious conditions (aside from the storm-force gale). We delighted in the knowledge that Beinn Bhrotain stayed cloudy all day :o)<br /><br />The weather was fun in a way - a challenge for nav skills if nothing else. <img src="http://www.mountainsmilesmist.co.uk/blog/rain.jpg" align="right" class="right">Staying upright was my next ambition, and I mostly made it. Alastair, a local-born scot, cheered me with such observations as, "There's a good chance this mist might soon turn to rain..." He was wearing shorts.<br /><br />I caught the train, and have suffered the wretchedness of swapping, in the space of twenty-four hours, the slopes of Beinn Bhrotain for the <a href="http://www.mountainsmilesmist.co.uk/blog/juxta.jpg" target="_blank">Victoria line at rush hour</a>. Shell-shocked just doesn't touch it.Leigh Forbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01651812577518625326noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7248070328042025556.post-52657983014970731942011-05-06T09:14:00.032+01:002011-05-15T23:04:55.097+01:00Luck of the DevilI am in Scotland.<br />When I came here last September, the weather was like this<img src="http://www.leighforbes.co.uk/blog/mmm/lairig_ghru.jpg" align="right"><br clear="all"><br />When I came back in March, the weather was like this, <img src="http://www.leighforbes.co.uk/blog/mmm/view.jpg" align="right"><br clear="all"><br />When I got here on Monday, the weather was like this, <img src="http://www.leighforbes.co.uk/blog/mmm/cairn_toul.jpg" align="right"><br clear="all"><br />and on Tuesday, like this <img src="http://www.leighforbes.co.uk/blog/mmm/carn_lochain.jpg" align="right"><br clear="all"><br />and Wednesday, like this <img src="http://www.leighforbes.co.uk/blog/mmm/loch_avon.jpg" align="right"><br clear="all"><br />I can't believe my luck :o)<br /><br />I started the week with Braeriach, reaching the summit five hours after getting off the train. The next day I took a leisurely stroll round the tops of Cairngorm's northern corries with a mate. On Wednesday I climbed Beinn Mheadhoin (my no.1 target for 2011). Yesterday, I walked over the Moor of Feshie to Loch an Eilean, but forgot my camera. Gutted.<br />Today I was going to climb Cairn Toul from Glen Feshie, but it's gusting 60mph with patchy showers and cloud on the tops. Weather situation now normal.<br />It's time for a day in the coffee shop with my book.<br /><hr><br /><img src="http://www.leighforbes.co.uk/blog/mmm/loch_einich.jpg" align="right">Addendum: by lunchtime, the tops were clear and from my seat in the coffee shop, I was being summoned up Sgòran Shu Mor.<br />I didn't set off until 3.30pm, but had six fantastic hours on the Glen Feshie ridge.<br /><br />This is Loch Einich from the summit of Sgor Gaoith, 2,000' above (in a force 7 gale):Leigh Forbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01651812577518625326noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7248070328042025556.post-69819507326643594632011-04-13T20:19:00.019+01:002011-04-13T22:30:56.724+01:00Tiny Causes of Enormous ProblemsTwo years ago, while hiking in my favourite Scottish glen – one of the clagging-heather variety - a couple of other walkers approached. They looked like they knew what they were doing – big packs, determined expressions, etc. – except that the woman wore three-quater-length trousers. They said hello, and I said, "I hope you don't mind me mentioning, but there's Lyme disease in this glen." The man immediately started waving his arms around, declaring that he'd never heard such a thing, and they were going over to another glen anyway. The woman looked blank. "Two of my friends caught it," I added, "and I know of others." He then put his hands on his hips telling me not to be ridiculous, and it didn't matter anyway. His manner took on an arrogant, abusive tone. I was torn between wishing I'd kept my mouth shut, and an inability to let this fellow hiker jeopardise her health. Her companion obviously knew about the risks, but clearly wanted me to shut up. Why? God knows - how not to protect your mate from a life-changing illness. The woman continued looking blank, so I encouraged her to think about covering her legs, and left.<br /><br />I didn't bother them with details of the tick bite I'd had earlier that year, the debilitating exhaustion I'd suffered, the heart irregularities, and all the other discomforts. Not to mention the awful side effects of the antibiotics I had to take. I was lucky (I had an interested doctor). Caught within the first month, Lyme disease is curable. After that, controlling the symptoms is the best you can hope for.<br /><br /><b>If you spend any time at all in the UK countryside, I encourage you to familiarise yourself with Lyme disease.</b> There is a mine of information on the net, and Google is your friend - a better one than the chappy above. Coincidentally (I've been planning this post for months :o), it's tick-bite prevention week, so you could look at <a href="http://www.tickbitepreventionweek.org/ target="_blank">their site</a> too.Leigh Forbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01651812577518625326noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7248070328042025556.post-27110902901273157762011-03-27T17:38:00.043+01:002011-04-13T22:58:18.321+01:00Two Days in Scotland (and two days on the M6)First trip of 2011! And a bonus to the year's schedule too.<br />My friend, Kath, and I decided, as you do when not quite in touch with reality, to take a four-day midweek break to Scotland. The journey is 600 miles (each way), meaning two days in the car for only two days hiking. A small matter. We set off, drove ten hours from Sussex to Strath Spey, and fell upon plates of chilli and large quantities of beer like the motorway-maddened travellers we were.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.leighforbes.co.uk/blog/ryvoan.jpg" align="left">Having so little time, we had resolved to walk whatever the weather, and the following morning's steady snow-fall was no deterrent. With not a snowshoe, crampon, or axe between us, we headed up Ryvoan pass amply aided by our <a href="http://www.yaktrax.co.uk/" target="_blank">YakTrax</a> (they're fab - review to follow). Our route deteriorated from a pisted track to ski lines, to ever-deepening footprints left by others. After lunch at the bothy we headed up the side of Meall a' Bhuachaille, the snow still falling silently.<br /><br />A few had gone before us, but their tracks soon petered out, and we cut up the side of the hill through deep drifts. It was fun, but hard going, and as we reached cloud level - about half way up - we knew we just didn't have time (or energy) to reach the top. That's when the fun started. With snow up to our waists in places, the most effective way down was to bumslide or, where it was not steep enough for that, to roll. We laughed all the way back to the bothy.<br /><img src="http://www.leighforbes.co.uk/blog/plateau.jpg" align="right"><br />The next day the sun shone in a deep-blue sky, and we just had to get up a mountain somehow. Being short of time and unadventurous, we chose Cairngorm (I know, I know), along with hundreds of skiers. We fought a way up Windy Ridge, again in deep snow, dodging the off-piste boarders. The going got better higher up, but the wind became a burden, and the final push for the top was a slog. It took us over four hours for a climb that can usually be done in 90-min, max.<br /><br />But the views. Ah, the views. We could see the entire Highlands. We could clearly make out Morven (77 miles) and Ben More Assynt (83 miles). It was the best visibility I've ever seen in the Cairngorms.<br /><img src="http://www.leighforbes.co.uk/blog/fannaichs.jpg"><br /><center><i>Sgurr Mor (1,100m) and the Fannaichs, 64 miles</i></center><br />The next day we drove home, having covered over 1,300 miles; but the trip was worth every one. I'll be back up in May and, with the hope of less snow and longer days, I've more great walks planned!Leigh Forbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01651812577518625326noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7248070328042025556.post-7048544617926873982011-01-08T20:57:00.021+00:002011-06-21T23:56:19.748+01:002010 Walks<img src="http://www.mountainsmilesmist.co.uk/blog/lairiganlui.jpg" align="right">I don't get much time in the hills, but I made the most of only eight days last year. I took a great two-day trip along the Lairig an Laoigh in May, overnighting at the Fords of Avon. I had taken my new tent, but as I looked at the empty refuge, then at the blizzard-swept patch of grass beside it, I remembered it was -6°C. The refuge won. I carried on the next day as far as the saddle between the Lairig an Laoigh and Glen Derry - opposite Coire Etchachan - before turning back. Twenty-six hours without seeing another soul. Heaven!<br /><br />I didn't get my long-promised day in August, and so had to wait until September for another foray into the hills, but I made up for it with a weekend circuit of the Lairig Ghru, Cairn a' Mhaim, Ben Macdui and Fiacaill a' Choire Cas. I very rarely head out in company, but walked that weekend with my friend Nick.We started at the Sugar Bowl carpark, and headed t<img src="http://www.mountainsmilesmist.co.uk/blog/mhaim_ridge.jpg" align="left">hrough the Chalamain Gap and up the Lairig Ghru to Corrour. We'd started late owing to the weather and had to make do with the last two places on the bothy floor, by the fireplace. After a noisy night with Snorey Bloke from Birmingham (plus four others), the mice, the wind banging the door, the soot falling down the chimney, and the dog, we headed up Cairn a' Mhaim fortified by a bacon and egg breakfast. The weather was perfect - the best I've ever had in the Cairngorms, and the views from the top of Ben Macdui reached to Ben Nevis :o)<br /><br />Other walks in 2010 included whiteout on Sgor Goaith, blizzards on the Monadh Mor, nearly getting cragfast in Coire an t-Sneachda and thigh-high heather above Glen Feshie (yeugh).<br /><br />This year I am determined to reach Beinn Mheadhoin*, Derry Cairngorm, Beinn Bhrotian* and Coire Mharconaich - all from the northern side. I'm thinking I might need a new sleeping mat ;o)<br /><br />I've got a bit lazy about updating the walking gallery, and have been posting my photos to <a href="http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=250365&id=1358515922&l=16c1a7fdfd" target="_blank">facebook</a>.<br /><br />---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />* <span style="font-size:85%;">I climbed Beinn Mheadhoin on May 4th. On the 9th I camped on the slopes of Beinn Bhrotain , but had to pass on the final climb due to appalling weather. See the post above <a href="http://mountainsmilesmist.blogspot.com/2011/05/situation-normal.html">Situation Normal</a>. Next attempt in <span style="text-decoration: line-through;">June</span> October!</span>Leigh Forbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01651812577518625326noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7248070328042025556.post-55471954269027978202010-04-23T07:23:00.001+01:002011-01-09T19:50:07.555+00:00Planes, Trains & AutomobilesA thread about car-sharing on the <a href="http://www.livefortheoutdoors.com/Forum/" target="_blank">LFTO forum</a> got me thinking about the various ways I travel to Scotland. It's six hundred miles from Sussex, and I have three options: the plane, the train, and the automobile. (There's also the coach, but a never-to-be-repeated 24h from Melbourne to Brisbane cured me of that mode of transport.)<br /><br /><b>The Plane</b><br />The cheapest option (from £26 each way, or free with Airmiles!), and, on paper, the quickest (1.5) - but let's not forget all that <i>mucking about at the airport</i>. In addition, Gatwick is one of the most inhuman places on the planet, and when I last flew in after a week on the hills I felt like a rabbit in the headlights. In reality, it takes about 6.5 hours, and involves an appalling assault on the soul. Flying is not for me, even if the take-off is fun.<br /><br /><b>The Train</b><br />Following a 1976 ride on the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motorail_(British_Rail)" target="_blank">Motorail</a> (the most civilised form of transport ever invented), I developed a bit of a taste for overnight rail-travel. The <a href="http://www.scotrail.co.uk/caledoniansleeper/index.html" target="_blank">Caledonian sleeper</a> takes 7-9 hours from Euston, depending on which train I catch, and gets me to within a few miles of my destination by breakfast time. The hours travelling are spent being rocked in sleep, rather than staring at six lanes of traffic or a departures board. It's not the cheapest option (£60 for my last berth - though bargains are available); but it's my favourite.<br /><br /><b>The Automobile</b><br />The most expensive (£100, one way), but obviously the best in terms of door-to-door convenience. However, it is also the most irksome is some ways - including the fact that I pay two hundred quid, and have to drive the damn thing too. On the plus side, I get to breathe only my own germs, the kids have no rampaging opportunities, I can take any amount of <span style="text-decoration: strike-through;">stuff</span> important equipment, and I already have transport when I'm there.<br /><br />How do you get to where you want to be? Do you have options, or are you stuck with a single form of transport?Leigh Forbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01651812577518625326noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7248070328042025556.post-39070111838472647722010-04-18T11:07:00.011+01:002010-04-20T20:25:44.581+01:00Fit For PurposePeople often say when they see the children, "I bet they keep you fit..."<br /><br />Oh, sure, I'm in reasonable nick: I'm used to lifting a 16kg weight, and carrying the same down the lane to school every day, but when I get tired, I put her down and she walks for herself. I also run up and down the stairs a fair bit, but I'd have to climb them forty times to match a 1,000' ascent - and there are no slippery rocks in my house, or scree.<br /><br />During my July and October trips last year I spent the first three days feeling stiff and achy, and was only able to 'go for it' on the last few of days of each visit (two of which were written off by bad weather). This year, I had determined to get properly fit before I go.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.mountainsmilesmist.co.uk/blog/mabsteps.jpg" align="right">Now that my ankle sprain is healing nicely... I'm stretching, swimming, doing step exercises and press-ups, etc., but my main technique is to carry an increasing collection of house bricks around with me... 8kg so far ...on the school-run, round Tescos, on strolls with the kids. My reckoning is that the best way to get fit for walking with a heavy pack is to walk with a heavy pack.<br /><br />I've also joined a local walking group - previously anathema to me - which is now forcing me out onto my local hills (the South Downs) at least once a week. I take the bricks too - for the entertainment of my fellow walkers if nothing else.<br /><br />How do you get/keep fit for the hills?Leigh Forbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01651812577518625326noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7248070328042025556.post-31040477084133463492010-04-13T10:34:00.025+01:002010-04-20T20:44:41.394+01:00Petzl Tikka Plus 2<a href="http://www.mountainsmilesmist.co.uk/reviews/petzl/front.500.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.mountainsmilesmist.co.uk/reviews/petzl/front.275.jpg" align="right" title="click for larger image"></a>A lightweight (83g), 50-lumen, 35m, 140h, water-resistant, multi-mode headtorch with a 4* listing in the 2010 <i>Trail</i> Gear Guide. I've not yet tested it in the field, but I've made several trips to the pub! (The manufacturer's spec is <a href="http://petzl.com/en/outdoor/tikka-zipka-series/tikka-plus" target=_blank">here</a>.)<br /><br /><b>General Use</b><br />The lower continuous-white-light setting is totally sufficient for walking at a good pace. The higher setting is great for a look-around, but I felt no need to use it all the time (on a reasonable path).<br /><br /><b>Red Light</b><br />The red light is a very useful feature if, like me, you like to keep your night vision sometimes. It's bright enough to walk by on a good path with care. It's absolutely fine for proximity lighting.<br /><br /><b>In rain/snow/dust</b><br />The lower continuous-white-light setting gives a mini strobe effect, caused by the power cycling on and off to achieve the lower output (this is the same for any single-LED). In rain/dust/snow, you get an effect of glitter in front of your face. It's pretty, but distracting, and a bit irritating after a while. It doesn't occur on the max-white or red-light settings.<br /><br />The general distribution means I can see the inside rim of my hood, and the end of my nose. Coupled with the glitter effect this made for a lot of unwanted local-illumination under these conditions.<br /><br /><b>Water Resistance</b><br />I couldn't quite get to the bottom of its water resistance: its specified rating of IP X4 (thanks to Nick for some clarification here - see <a href="https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7248070328042025556&postID=3104047708413346349" target="_blank">comments</a>) might or might not equate to IP65 - which means you're fine as long as you don't drop it in a loch and leave it there. I understand that, although the battery compartment can theoretically be flooded, the PCB is protected by rubber seals. Basically, I've used it in heavy rain and no water got in.<br /><br /><b>Tilt Angle</b><br />The unit can be tilted to five different angles, but I found the whole unit set just a bit too low: on the highest tilt I still had to tip my head back, or lean backwards, to lift the light up enough to use its full 35m beam - not what I want to do while wearing a full pack! The lowest angle illuminated my boots (with my head vertical), which I don't need. Personally, I'd prefer the whole unit to be set one notch more upright, so I can use the top notch for distance and the next one/two for walking.<br /><br />I wrote to Petzl about this, but was not impressed with their response: they seemed more concerned with lights not shining in other people's eyes, rather than practicalities for the user...<br /><a href="http://www.mountainsmilesmist.co.uk/reviews/petzl/tilt.1000.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.mountainsmilesmist.co.uk/reviews/petzl/tilt.570.jpg" align="right" title="click for larger image"></a><br /><span style="font-size:90%;"><i>I can't see myself using all five tilt settings, and would rather the whole thing were angled up a notch.</i></span><br /><br /><b>Battery Life</b><br />I've used the torch for two hours so far, and have not noticed any drop in performance. It has Duracells in it at the moment, but I'll replace them with Uniross rechargeables. I'll update this post when I know more about battery life and performance.<br /><br /><b>Conclusion</b><br />If you can live with the niggles, it's a good useable torch, at a great weight, and for a great price.<br /><br /><b>Good Features</b><br />5 modes (<b>white:</b> max, min, strobe; <b>red:</b> steady, flashing)<br /><a href="http://www.mountainsmilesmist.co.uk/reviews/petzl/multiview.500.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.mountainsmilesmist.co.uk/reviews/petzl/multiview.275.jpg" align="right" title="click for larger image"></a>Lightweight: only 83g including batteries<br />Useful (35m) range & distribution of light<br />Battery-life of 140h (on economy)<br />Battery indicator<br />Waterproof seals (water resistant)<br />Easy access to batteries (see photo)<br />Good price (I paid £37.50 from Cotswolds)<br /><br /><b>Poor Features</b><br />Glitter effect in rain/snow/dust<br />Low angle of illumination<br /><br />Any questions/comments? Please post via the comments link below.Leigh Forbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01651812577518625326noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7248070328042025556.post-26528289591245601612010-04-10T23:04:00.036+01:002010-04-20T20:45:54.934+01:00Don't Let your Ankles be your DownfallLast July I sat in Glenmore Lodge, being mocked by a fit twenty-something for my fear of 'turning an ankle' in the hills, and the consequential survival-gear I carry. "Ever broken anything?" I asked. "Or even twisted anything?" He didn't answer.<br /><br />Having once sprained my ankle (while getting up to answer the phone), I knew how easy, and how debilitating this injury can be. It sounds so common-place, doesn't it? But the pain isn't...<br /><br />Then, on the five weeks ago, I did it again. It was a stupid, easy, slip that in the hills might have jeopardised my life. In my garden, only ten yards from the phone, it did no more than jeopardise my ready-booked trip to Scotland, and was a timely reminder of the care I need to take - as though I don't take enough care already.<br /><br />I have my physiotherapist and his advice to thank for a miraculous recovery (from still-on-crutches to ten-mile hike with 6kg tester, in three weeks). I mentioned <a href="http://leighforbes.blogspot.com" target="_blank">on my other blog</a> that I'd rued not seeking physio the last time I did it. Now, having had the care that only private medical treatment can provide (without a 12-week wait), I've learned that I don't, <i>actually</i>, have to resign myself to a 'weak ankle' for life - which is what I was beginning to think (having once broken it too) - and that I don't have to take pain, ibuprofen, and apprehension with me into the hills next month - or worse, cancel the trip.<br /><br />Exercise, that's all it takes: we pay huge attention to our quads/gluteals/deltoids, and whatever else takes our fancy, but what about the peroneus longus? Anyone? I have a blue stretchy-thing now, attached to the leg of my dining-room table (see picture, below), and every time I sit with a cup of tea, I stick my foot in the loop and do 30-this-way and 30-that-way. I'm not only rebuilding the strength I've lost, but I feel I'm guarding against future injury too.<br /><br />It sounds naff, but I didn't expect to be hiking over the downs with a half-laden pack by now - and well on my way back to the Cairngorms. It's worth all the naffness, a thousand times over.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mountainsmilesmist.co.uk/blog/anklestretches.1000.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.mountainsmilesmist.co.uk/blog/anklestretches.570.jpg" title="click for a larger image"></a><br /><span style="font-size:90%;"><i>Blue stretchy-thing for ankle exercises, keeping the lower leg completely still. (Click for a larger image.)</i></span>Leigh Forbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01651812577518625326noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7248070328042025556.post-20938186631413162572010-03-31T13:51:00.054+01:002010-04-20T20:45:01.347+01:00Terra Nova Solar Competition<b>Summary</b><br /><a href="http://www.leighforbes.co.uk/mmm/reviews/solarcomp/external.319.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.leighforbes.co.uk/mmm/reviews/solarcomp/external.275.jpg" align="right"></a><span style="font-size:90%;">(Click to enlarge images, opens new window).</span><br />I bought this tent to replace my ancient Saunders Satellite, which was no more than a glorified bivvy, though a techno-marvel in its day. At ~1.2kg, the Solar Comp is a great option for those who don't want to lug unnecessary weight around, and want more stability than a tunnel can offer. Stretched out fully <a href="#inside">inside</a>, with my hands raised above my head, I can just touch the ends of the inner; plenty of space for me (5' 6") and my 48-litre pack. The <a href="#porch">porch</a> is plenty big enough for poles, boots, stove, and my half-empty pack (minus tent/sleeping bag/mat), but not a jumbo rucksack, and you wouldn't want to cook in it with the door closed. <a href="#pitching">Pitching</a> is easy, even in a wind (which was still blowing some when I took these photos), and takes less than five minutes. The full technical spec for this tent is <a href="http://www.terra-nova.co.uk/Product_Type/Tents/Superlite_Tents/Solar_Competition_Tent_Green.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br /><br /><a name="weight"><b>Pack Size & Weight</b></a><br />Sold as 1055g, the pack was 1100g on my scales, including the repair kit. Decent <a href="#pegs">pegs</a> (no spares) brought the weight up to 1160g. Total weight including the <a href="#footprint">footprint</a>, decent pegs (+ two spares), and pole repair sleeve (but without fabric squares) was 1318g.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.leighforbes.co.uk/mmm/reviews/solarcomp/inthebag.500.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.leighforbes.co.uk/mmm/reviews/solarcomp/inthebag.275.jpg" align="left" title="click on any image, and a larger version will open in a new window"></a><a href="http://www.leighforbes.co.uk/mmm/reviews/solarcomp/optionalextras.500.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.leighforbes.co.uk/mmm/reviews/solarcomp/optionalextras.275.jpg" align="right" title="click on any image, and a larger version will open in a new window"></a><br /><span style="font-size:90%;"><i>In the bag (left), and optional extras: guys, footprint and sturdier pegs (right)</i></span><br /><br /><a name="pitching"><b>Pitching</b></a><br />The Solar Comp has three pitching configurations: inner + outer, inner only, or outer + <a href="#footprint">footprint</a>. The two front poles and the ridge come as one, and the tail-end triangle as another. The pole ends clip into eyelets on tags at the corners of the inner (which also has pegging points), the inner clips to to poles, and the fly goes over. Fantastically quick to pitch. The fly is attached by eyelets too, and has four pegging points. There also are five guy-points, but only three guys supplied, and there aren't enough pegs to go round if you've pegged down the inner - which you need to do in a wind. Nominally, the inner is pitched first, but if you use a <a href="#footprint">footprint</a>, you can pitch the flysheet first (though you might want to rearrange the eyelets - which is hard on cold hands).<br /><br /><a href="http://www.leighforbes.co.uk/mmm/reviews/solarcomp/innerpitching.500.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.leighforbes.co.uk/mmm/reviews/solarcomp/innerpitching.275.jpg" align="left" title="click on any image, and a larger version will open in a new window"></a><a href="http://www.leighforbes.co.uk/mmm/reviews/solarcomp/outerpitching.500.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.leighforbes.co.uk/mmm/reviews/solarcomp/outerpitching.275.jpg" align="right" title="click on any image, and a larger version will open in a new window"></a><br /><span style="font-size:90%;"><i>Inner only (left), outer + footprint only (right)</i></span><br /><br /><a name="pegs"><b>Pegs</b></a><br />The supplied pegs are the 2g titanium needles (see "in the bag" photo above), with yellow tops so you can lose them amongst the grass/lichen/bracken. Five of the seven fly/guy pegs came out at some time or another during the night, despite being pitched on grass (though admittedly the three windward pegs popped when a garden chair blew into the tent). They're okay for pegging down the inner while pitching, but not much else. I'm not the first to change them (below left).<br /><br /><a href="http://www.leighforbes.co.uk/mmm/reviews/solarcomp/pegs.500.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.leighforbes.co.uk/mmm/reviews/solarcomp/pegs.275.jpg" align="left" title="click on any image, and a larger version will open in a new window"></a><a href="http://www.leighforbes.co.uk/mmm/reviews/solarcomp/poletabs.500.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.leighforbes.co.uk/mmm/reviews/solarcomp/poletabs.275.jpg" align="right" title="click on any image, and a larger version will open in a new window"></a><br /><span style="font-size:90%;"><i>Supplied pegs, bottom; replacements for the fly/guys, middle/top (left), Velcro pole tabs inside (right)</i></span><br /><br /><a name="outerdoor"><b>Outer Door</b></a><br />The door has plenty of <a href="#ventilation">ventilation</a> options, including a clip/strap setup (see ventilation photos, below), but the clip is on the outside (to avoid run-off into the inner), making it awkward to reach, and it's hard to operate with cold hands. I'd have liked to see a clip on the inside too. There is another clip at the bottom to secure the zip when closed - and this can be used to peg the fly closer to the ground (see ventilation photos, below). The zip comes under some tension at the corner while opening/closing, but has a storm flap, and is double ended. Don't reply on being able to make an awning with a hiking pole. The door opens tailward and, assuming you've pitched tail into wind, it would only offer protection in rain with no wind. There is only one toggle tie, meaning that the top of the door hangs/flaps when it's tied back.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.leighforbes.co.uk/mmm/reviews/solarcomp/doorclip.500.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.leighforbes.co.uk/mmm/reviews/solarcomp/doorclip.275.jpg" align="left" title="click on any image, and a larger version will open in a new window"></a><a href="http://www.leighforbes.co.uk/mmm/reviews/solarcomp/doordrips.500.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.leighforbes.co.uk/mmm/reviews/solarcomp/doordrips.275.jpg" align="right" title="click on any image, and a larger version will open in a new window"></a><br /><span style="font-size:90%;"><i>Outside door clip, difficult for cold hands (left), and how to get drips on your sleeping bag (right)</i></span><br /><br /><a name="porch"><b>The Porch</b></a><br />The porch is very small, but I found the space useful. I could stow my 48-litre pack, boots, stove and poles (below left). While you wouldn't want to cook, as is, with the outer door closed, it's simple to unhook and fold back the end of the inner to make more space (below right). The flysheet door zip is double ended for <a href="#ventilation">ventilation</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.leighforbes.co.uk/mmm/reviews/solarcomp/packsites.500.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.leighforbes.co.uk/mmm/reviews/solarcomp/packsites.275.jpg" align="left" title="click on any image, and a larger version will open in a new window"></a><a href="http://www.leighforbes.co.uk/mmm/reviews/solarcomp/extraspace.b.500.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.leighforbes.co.uk/mmm/reviews/solarcomp/extraspace.b.275.jpg" align="right" title="click on any image, and a larger version will open in a new window"></a><br /><span style="font-size:90%;"><i>Places to store a 48-litre pack (left), and extra space made by unclipping & folding back the inner (right)</i></span><br /><br /><a name="innerdoor"><b>Inner Door</b></a><br />The inner door is all mesh (below left), so you don't feel too enclosed, but it was draughty in the strong wind of the first night. If you pull the wall down only an inch, you have a direct sight-line out from the sleeping position, and the wind has a direct line in (below right). With a lighter wind on the second night, I didn't notice a draught at all.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.leighforbes.co.uk/mmm/reviews/solarcomp/meshdoor.500.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.leighforbes.co.uk/mmm/reviews/solarcomp/meshdoor.275.jpg" align="left" title="click on any image, and a larger version will open in a new window"></a><a href="http://www.leighforbes.co.uk/mmm/reviews/solarcomp/sightline.500.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.leighforbes.co.uk/mmm/reviews/solarcomp/sightline.275.jpg" align="right" title="click on any image, and a larger version will open in a new window"></a><br /><span style="font-size:90%;"><i>All mesh inner door (left), and don't let your sleeping mat pull the side wall down (right)</i></span><br /><br /><a name="inside"><b>Inside</b></a><br />The inner tent is yellow, which gives a nice colour inside, and is easy on the eye. There is space for me (5' 6") to stretch my arms above my head and only just be able to touch the end with my toes touching the other end. There is ample headroom too. There is plenty of space for my 48-litre pack to lie sideays at the head end, with room to spare<br /><br /><a href="http://www.leighforbes.co.uk/mmm/reviews/solarcomp/insideviews.500.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.leighforbes.co.uk/mmm/reviews/solarcomp/insideviews.275.jpg" align="left" title="click on any image, and a larger version will open in a new window"></a><a href="http://www.leighforbes.co.uk/mmm/reviews/solarcomp/inside.500.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.leighforbes.co.uk/mmm/reviews/solarcomp/inside.275.jpg" align="right" title="click on any image, and a larger version will open in a new window"></a><br /><span style="font-size:90%;"><i>Inside views (left), and the head end (right)</i></span><br /><br /><a name="ventilation"><b>Ventilation</b></a><br />The fly sits quite high, meaning that there is a fair draught underneath in a strong wind (see inner door photos, above). This is great for ventilation, but draughty with the full-mesh inner door. (It is possible to peg the fly lower down/closer in (below left), but this reduces the size of the porch.) There are mesh panels at the top of each end of the inner (inside photos, above). The outer door has a double-ended zip, and a buckle for clipping it partly open at the bottom (below, right). Ventilation just wasn't a problem, even on my second night when the wind had dropped there was only the slightest dampness on the inside of the flysheet. On a hotter, dryer, night, you could simply remove the flysheet, as the inner can stand alone if necessary.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.leighforbes.co.uk/mmm/reviews/solarcomp/flypegged.500.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.leighforbes.co.uk/mmm/reviews/solarcomp/flypegged.275.jpg" align="left" title="click on any image, and a larger version will open in a new window"></a><a href="http://www.leighforbes.co.uk/mmm/reviews/solarcomp/doorpositions.500.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.leighforbes.co.uk/mmm/reviews/solarcomp/doorpositions.275.jpg" align="right" title="click on any image, and a larger version will open in a new window"></a><br /><span style="font-size:90%;"><i>Using the clip at the bottom of the zip to peg the fly to the ground (left), and ventilation options (right)</i></span><br /><br /><a name="footprint"><b>Footprint</b></a><br />There are two footprints available for this tent: 130g (standard weight) for £40, or 60g (fastpack) for £120. Both are made of material "the same as the flysheet," (rather oddly, they won't let on the weave size), so I'm not quite sure where the different weight/price comes in. I ordered the 130g version. It attaches to the poles with the same tab/eyelet system, and I was expecting it to fit tightly, but in fact it's oversize and flaps about a bit. The bag it comes in is unnecessarily tight (the words condom and flaccid will give you an idea) so I'll be keeping the footprint in the main sack, and using its bag for pegs/guys, etc. (the peg pocket in the pole bag is too small for my extras).<br /><br /><a href="http://www.leighforbes.co.uk/mmm/reviews/solarcomp/footprint.500.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.leighforbes.co.uk/mmm/reviews/solarcomp/footprint.275.jpg" align="left" title="click on any image, and a larger version will open in a new window"></a><a href="http://www.leighforbes.co.uk/mmm/reviews/solarcomp/outer_footprint.500.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.leighforbes.co.uk/mmm/reviews/solarcomp/outer_footprint.275.jpg" align="right" title="click on any image, and a larger version will open in a new window"></a><br /><span style="font-size:90%;"><i>The footprint, and optional extra (left), and the fly and footprint only (right)</i></span><br /><br /><a name="stability"><b>Stability</b></a><br />As with any tent, it's worth knowing if the wind is expected to veer or back during the night, and pitch accordingly, but the SC handled a side wind perfectly. In addition, a garden chair blew into a tail-end corner during the night, shifting the poles and popping out three pegs. I woke up to find the door side of the tent in my face (in a gale); but with the aid of a handy hiking-stick (to push the pole back into place), I could re-peg without getting out of bed. Chairs notwithstanding, I found the structure totally stable. I wasn't aware of anything other than the gentlest flapping during the strongest gusts (30mph+).<br /><br /><b>Waterproofness</b><br />I had both torrential rain and 4mm hailstones during the first night and, apart from a very small amount of rain blowing under the flysheet and into the porch, everything stayed dry. (Gear stored in the porch will likely get a dusting on a wet and windy night.) As I had little/no condensation, even the fly blowing against the inner during the chair incident (see <a href="#stability">Stability</a>) caused no problem.<br /><br /><b>Good Features:</b><br />1055g on the box, 1100g on my scales, 1150-1200g with decent pegs.<br />very quick to pitch (<5mins)<br />super quick to re-pitch (<30secs)<br />5000mm groundsheet, 3000mm fly<br />yellow inner - easy on the eyes!<br />small pack size (can be packed horizontally)<br />stable: survived 30mph+ gusts with no flapping to speak of.<br />waterproof: survived torrential rain & hail with no effect<br />3 pitch configurations: inner + outer, inner only, outer + <a href="#footprint">footprint</a> (not included)<br />stand alone (inner as is, or outer + <a href="#footprint">footprint</a> + dead guys).<br />ceiling loop and pocket inside (see inside photos)<br />Virtually no condensation (*see also poor features)<br /><br /><b>Neutral Features</b> (depending on your point of view)<br />Small <a href="#porch">porch</a>: less <a href="#weight">weight</a>, but less space.<br />The whole tent is small - but this is perfect for folk who don't want extra space/weight.<br />Full mesh inner door is draughty in windy conditions, but great for <a href="#ventilation">ventilation</a> and a feeling of space.<br /><br /><b>Poor Features</b><br /><a href="#pegs">Pegs</a> don't hold in the wind, even in my garden.<br /> (I've bought some <a href="http://www.terra-nova.co.uk/Product_Type/Camping_Accessories/Tent_Accessories/Superlite_Titanium_Peg_v_angle_(pack_of_6).html" target="_blank">11g v-section pegs</a> instead - see also right-hand photo under <a href="#pegs">Pegs</a>)<br />5 guying points, only 3 guys supplied...WTF?<br />14 pegging points, only 9 pegs supplied...ditto.<br />Care is needed when opening the <a href="#outerdoor">outer door</a> in the wet, so water doesn't trickle on/in to the inner.<br />Elastic on the door ties are too long, so they don't hold very well.<br />Only one toggle tie per door, so the fabric hangs down when tied back.<br />Door clip is outside, and too small/stiff for cold fingers.<br />*A bit draughty in strong wind - though this can be minimised with careful pitching.<br /><br />I'm actually really pleased with the Solar Comp. My gripes are only minor and/or easily rectified, so I wholeheartedly recommend this tent.<br /><br />Please leave feedback/questions about this tent/review via the comments' link, just below. Thanks!Leigh Forbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01651812577518625326noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7248070328042025556.post-82037774983587365472010-03-30T17:27:00.007+01:002010-04-04T22:16:02.231+01:00The First StepsI first visited Scotland when I was six. My first mountain had more feet to its height than I had days to my age, but I was instantly ensnared by the lure of heather and rock-clad hills. The Cairngorms, which were visible from that first summit, held a particular fascination for me, but - despite many other hills - it was a long time before I trod on my first bit of red granite; and even then I was limited.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.leighforbes.co.uk/mmm/cairngormview.jpg" align="right">For seven years I climbed Cairngorm, or walked its northern corries, with various of my children either still inside, in a front carrier, in a back carrier, and/or in a buggy. I loved these walks - they made a change from mother & baby coffee mornings, for sure - but I confess to yearning for the chance to walk alone, with a tent on my back instead of a toddler. I wanted to go <i>into</i> the hills, not just look at them from yet another visit to the weather station.<br /><br />Last July I finally got that chance, and again in August and October. I have further trips planned for this year, and plan to use this blog to share pictures, routes, experiences, and gear reviews (as I upgrade my 25-year-old kit). I would love to hear back from you. The comments box is open.Leigh Forbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01651812577518625326noreply@blogger.com5