All Is Revealed (Regarding Mat and his cryptic GR)
JtE has now proffered the following explanation:
"I bumped into Matt in M & S this morning and asked him what he's playing at. Unfortunately he had a good answer! It all stems from the fact that at the Solstice 'do' you and I challenged or ridiculed him when he said that he came off Great End to Sty Head via The Band, our point being that The Band leads from Three Tarns to Langdale. In fact his grid reference identifies another Band leading from Great End to a point near to Sprinkling Tarn. Our Band is named at GR265089."
Apologies Ray, you were quite right, and I, for one, have had my mediocre store of knowledge enhanced.
EtU
Friday, December 28, 2007
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Monday, December 24, 2007
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Can Mat Do Grid References?
Received the following from Mr Shsticklegs. Does it mean anything to anybody?
"Hello Ed,
As a man(or an excuse for one) who came in for a severe and unwarranted mocking last Saturday evening, may I, if you have a map of the South Western area of the lakes, point you to grid reference 225089.
As the carol goes; "Do you see what I see".
Regards,
Matt, Staffers, or whoever"
I suppose you can just about make two fingers out the rock formations on the 1:25,000 if you try really hard.
EtU
Received the following from Mr Shsticklegs. Does it mean anything to anybody?
"Hello Ed,
As a man(or an excuse for one) who came in for a severe and unwarranted mocking last Saturday evening, may I, if you have a map of the South Western area of the lakes, point you to grid reference 225089.
As the carol goes; "Do you see what I see".
Regards,
Matt, Staffers, or whoever"
I suppose you can just about make two fingers out the rock formations on the 1:25,000 if you try really hard.
EtU
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Fell Shoe Shuffler's 55 at 55
FSS (aka the Flying Scotsman) has set his sights on a 13 peak enhancement of the classic BG Round for 2008. Read all about it on his blog ~ www.fss55at55.blogspot.com. Knowing Ian's ability to stick absolutely to his training regime, I'm sure that only acts of God (he'd overcome a single one) will stop him succeeding.
Let us know as soon as you set a date, Ian, there'll be no small number of us wanting to be involved on the day, and if we can, to help with your preparation.
EtU
FSS (aka the Flying Scotsman) has set his sights on a 13 peak enhancement of the classic BG Round for 2008. Read all about it on his blog ~ www.fss55at55.blogspot.com. Knowing Ian's ability to stick absolutely to his training regime, I'm sure that only acts of God (he'd overcome a single one) will stop him succeeding.
Let us know as soon as you set a date, Ian, there'll be no small number of us wanting to be involved on the day, and if we can, to help with your preparation.
EtU
Thursday 20th Dec
As at 45 minutes past midnight on the morning of 20th I'm not aware of anyone reporting for a run at the usual time later today. Apologies received from JtE, t'Yorkshireman and yours truly. If no interest, Peter and I may drink in the Thatch so we can walk home. Is there anybody there? Knock once for yes...
EtU
As at 45 minutes past midnight on the morning of 20th I'm not aware of anyone reporting for a run at the usual time later today. Apologies received from JtE, t'Yorkshireman and yours truly. If no interest, Peter and I may drink in the Thatch so we can walk home. Is there anybody there? Knock once for yes...
EtU
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Monday, December 17, 2007
Early May
John, if you've got up to 90 miles a week during April, you may like to consider the Coniston Fell Race and Buttermere Sailbeck, which have tended to be on the first two weekends in May. They won't help your mileage much, but might be useful sharpeners and they both incorporate a fair bit of rock to get you ready for coming off Gable, Kirk, Pillar etc.
EtU
John, if you've got up to 90 miles a week during April, you may like to consider the Coniston Fell Race and Buttermere Sailbeck, which have tended to be on the first two weekends in May. They won't help your mileage much, but might be useful sharpeners and they both incorporate a fair bit of rock to get you ready for coming off Gable, Kirk, Pillar etc.
EtU
Saturdays
At the moment it's looking like there should be no break in the Saturday runs over the Christmas period, although the durations may be curtailed. Eight thirty start at the Barn, or, as is becoming the norm, as early as you want from anywhere else, reaching the Barn at 8.30. Wonder where (and when) YJ's Saturdays will need to start, as he moves inexorably towards his hundred miles a week.
Thursday 20th December 2007
Readers of the RMI blog will be aware that the club's annual Hospital Run now coincides with the wfdbwgua Bob's Smithy Run (would you rather go to hospital or to the Bob's Smithy?). The HR was traditionally on the last club training night (Tuesday) before Christmas but has recently been moved to the Thursday to protect the track session.
Suffering, as I do, from divided loyalties I'm going to do as I did last year; start with the slowest group from the leisure centre and then drop off at the Smithy on the way back, probably about eightish. If we have a squad starting at our normal time of 6.30, I'll tell any drinking, but non-running parties to expect you any time from 7.15. Can someone indicate whether we will have a turn-out?
Not wanting to appear reactionary (although it gets increasingly more difficult with the passing years) I'll just mention that for 'elf and safety reasons, the HR now goes out along Chorley New and back along Chorley Old because when we're all eyeballs out on the return, Chorley Old is better lit and we're less likely to get run over.
EtU
At the moment it's looking like there should be no break in the Saturday runs over the Christmas period, although the durations may be curtailed. Eight thirty start at the Barn, or, as is becoming the norm, as early as you want from anywhere else, reaching the Barn at 8.30. Wonder where (and when) YJ's Saturdays will need to start, as he moves inexorably towards his hundred miles a week.
Thursday 20th December 2007
Readers of the RMI blog will be aware that the club's annual Hospital Run now coincides with the wfdbwgua Bob's Smithy Run (would you rather go to hospital or to the Bob's Smithy?). The HR was traditionally on the last club training night (Tuesday) before Christmas but has recently been moved to the Thursday to protect the track session.
Suffering, as I do, from divided loyalties I'm going to do as I did last year; start with the slowest group from the leisure centre and then drop off at the Smithy on the way back, probably about eightish. If we have a squad starting at our normal time of 6.30, I'll tell any drinking, but non-running parties to expect you any time from 7.15. Can someone indicate whether we will have a turn-out?
Not wanting to appear reactionary (although it gets increasingly more difficult with the passing years) I'll just mention that for 'elf and safety reasons, the HR now goes out along Chorley New and back along Chorley Old because when we're all eyeballs out on the return, Chorley Old is better lit and we're less likely to get run over.
EtU
Lamb Tajeen
Lamb diced about 500g
Onion chopped
Garlic finely chopped (JtE may wish to omit this ingredient)
Paprika 1 tsp
Ground Ginger 2 tsp
Turmeric 1 tsp
Cinnamon 1 tsp
Cayenne Pepper 1 tsp
Sultanas, good handful
Dried Apricots 4oz (chopped)
Flaked Almonds, good handful
Honey 1 tablespoon
Saffron 1 strand
Lamb stock 1 pint (made with stock-cube)
Large can chopped tomatoes
1 can Chair de tomate (which you can get in Sainsbury’s) or a good dollop or 2 of tomatoe puree.
Cook the onion and garlic in a large pan with a little oil until softens.
Mix the dried spices together in a bowl and add the diced lamb, coat the lamb well. Add the lamb to the onions and garlic in the pan and brown gently. Add the lamb stock, chopped tomatoes, apricots, sultanas, almonds, saffron. Bring to the boil, and then simmer gently to allow the liquid to reduce slightly.
At this point depending on the time available, you can either allow this to continue simmering gently on the hob for a further 30mins or so. Or you can transfer to a slow cooker for a couple more hours, an occasional stir and tasting required!
If you haven’t got a slow cooker you can cook it for a further 1hr in the oven but you’ll need to add a bit more liquid (such as a carton of tomato juice) to make sure it doesn’t boil dry.
This amount should feed 4, comfortably. I usually manage one portion on the day and four portions for the freezer. It goes well with rice or cous cous. Some of the amounts of the ingredients are vague-ish to allow for individual variation and taste.
TF
Is there no end to this woman's talents?
EtU
Lamb diced about 500g
Onion chopped
Garlic finely chopped (JtE may wish to omit this ingredient)
Paprika 1 tsp
Ground Ginger 2 tsp
Turmeric 1 tsp
Cinnamon 1 tsp
Cayenne Pepper 1 tsp
Sultanas, good handful
Dried Apricots 4oz (chopped)
Flaked Almonds, good handful
Honey 1 tablespoon
Saffron 1 strand
Lamb stock 1 pint (made with stock-cube)
Large can chopped tomatoes
1 can Chair de tomate (which you can get in Sainsbury’s) or a good dollop or 2 of tomatoe puree.
Cook the onion and garlic in a large pan with a little oil until softens.
Mix the dried spices together in a bowl and add the diced lamb, coat the lamb well. Add the lamb to the onions and garlic in the pan and brown gently. Add the lamb stock, chopped tomatoes, apricots, sultanas, almonds, saffron. Bring to the boil, and then simmer gently to allow the liquid to reduce slightly.
At this point depending on the time available, you can either allow this to continue simmering gently on the hob for a further 30mins or so. Or you can transfer to a slow cooker for a couple more hours, an occasional stir and tasting required!
If you haven’t got a slow cooker you can cook it for a further 1hr in the oven but you’ll need to add a bit more liquid (such as a carton of tomato juice) to make sure it doesn’t boil dry.
This amount should feed 4, comfortably. I usually manage one portion on the day and four portions for the freezer. It goes well with rice or cous cous. Some of the amounts of the ingredients are vague-ish to allow for individual variation and taste.
TF
Is there no end to this woman's talents?
EtU
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Riveting Stuff
It's not often that a photograph can capture the full beauty of a particular scene, but I think that this one, which TF took on her mobile phone from just below Hordern Stoops, does just that. We all seemed to agree that it was a grand outing on a fine morning and if you'd already forgotten it, this will remind you.
Whilst on a more mundane note ~ TP0142 ~ as Michael Caine would say "Not a lot of people know that"; and I suppose, even fewer would care. JtE claims he found it first, but he can't really claim it as he didn't know he'd found it. Three down, lots more to go.
EtU
It's not often that a photograph can capture the full beauty of a particular scene, but I think that this one, which TF took on her mobile phone from just below Hordern Stoops, does just that. We all seemed to agree that it was a grand outing on a fine morning and if you'd already forgotten it, this will remind you.
Whilst on a more mundane note ~ TP0142 ~ as Michael Caine would say "Not a lot of people know that"; and I suppose, even fewer would care. JtE claims he found it first, but he can't really claim it as he didn't know he'd found it. Three down, lots more to go.
EtU
YJ's 2008
A third attempt on the Joss Naylor Challenge is obviously my main target for 2008. The first attempt 10 years ago was completed in 13 hr 58 min, at that time nearly two hours outside the limit for 55-59. Later that age group got the time extended to 15 hours but there was no backdating.
Eight years on EtU and I set out on a joint attempt which was to end in failure for different reasons. I fdbgua descending from Thornthwaite Beacon sustaining bloodstains and minor damage that was enough to slow me down and cause abandonment at Rosset Pike. EtU went on to complete gallantly but was out of time. So May 24th 2008 must be successful.
Although as TF correctly states I have 24 hours to complete, my target will be 18 hours, always assuming that training goes well and I can build up sufficient pace. With this objective in mind I will aim to complete at least one long event each month from January. They will include: January - That's Lyth; February - Anglezarke Amble (and Winter Hill the following day); March - Wuthering Hike and Fleet Half Marathon; April - Three Peaks and Barbondale Round; and May - anything I can find early on. Suggestions welcomed.
Training target for November and December has been 50 mpw (actual average for the past 11 weeks has been 52 miles) and the intention is to increase each month's target by 10 miles building up to 100 miles by mid May then a sharp taper, whatever that is, to the big day. Should all this go according to plan the remainder of the 2008 will probably involve trying to complete all the long championship events that have defeated me in recent years.With your help, support and encouragement all this should be possible. I just need to keep free from injuries.
YJ
A third attempt on the Joss Naylor Challenge is obviously my main target for 2008. The first attempt 10 years ago was completed in 13 hr 58 min, at that time nearly two hours outside the limit for 55-59. Later that age group got the time extended to 15 hours but there was no backdating.
Eight years on EtU and I set out on a joint attempt which was to end in failure for different reasons. I fdbgua descending from Thornthwaite Beacon sustaining bloodstains and minor damage that was enough to slow me down and cause abandonment at Rosset Pike. EtU went on to complete gallantly but was out of time. So May 24th 2008 must be successful.
Although as TF correctly states I have 24 hours to complete, my target will be 18 hours, always assuming that training goes well and I can build up sufficient pace. With this objective in mind I will aim to complete at least one long event each month from January. They will include: January - That's Lyth; February - Anglezarke Amble (and Winter Hill the following day); March - Wuthering Hike and Fleet Half Marathon; April - Three Peaks and Barbondale Round; and May - anything I can find early on. Suggestions welcomed.
Training target for November and December has been 50 mpw (actual average for the past 11 weeks has been 52 miles) and the intention is to increase each month's target by 10 miles building up to 100 miles by mid May then a sharp taper, whatever that is, to the big day. Should all this go according to plan the remainder of the 2008 will probably involve trying to complete all the long championship events that have defeated me in recent years.With your help, support and encouragement all this should be possible. I just need to keep free from injuries.
YJ
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
JTY Joss Naylor Lakeland Challenge
I managed to unearth some details about this challenge that John's set himself, as I've said I'd help. Anyway having looked at this site http://www.cooltravels.me.uk/run_jnc.htm it appears he has 24hrs to do this, which I guess could mean running in the dark for part of it (depending on which section you helped with). Does this mean I'll have to put a head-torch down on my x-mas list? If this is the case, what sort does anyone recommend?
TF
I think John's going for a sub 18, planning to start just before it gets light and finishing at dusk, so if all goes to plan, no desperate need for a head torch. But if you feel the need to get one, I see the Flying Scotsman as our kit expert. Over to you Ian.
EtU
All Black Coach for the Wallabies?
Was amused by a commentator on the radio this morning who said that in NZ it's generally accepted that when a New Zealander moves to Oz it raises the average IQ in both countries ~ took me a moment or two to work it out.
EtU
I managed to unearth some details about this challenge that John's set himself, as I've said I'd help. Anyway having looked at this site http://www.cooltravels.me.uk/run_jnc.htm it appears he has 24hrs to do this, which I guess could mean running in the dark for part of it (depending on which section you helped with). Does this mean I'll have to put a head-torch down on my x-mas list? If this is the case, what sort does anyone recommend?
TF
I think John's going for a sub 18, planning to start just before it gets light and finishing at dusk, so if all goes to plan, no desperate need for a head torch. But if you feel the need to get one, I see the Flying Scotsman as our kit expert. Over to you Ian.
EtU
All Black Coach for the Wallabies?
Was amused by a commentator on the radio this morning who said that in NZ it's generally accepted that when a New Zealander moves to Oz it raises the average IQ in both countries ~ took me a moment or two to work it out.
EtU
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Monday, December 10, 2007
A TESTING TIME ON THE TRIGS TRAVERSE
Turned out to be a bit of a tester, although the weather was tolerable at the car park at a quite temperate 3.5 degrees this declined rapidly on the tops to freezing with the torrential rain becoming sleet, hail and snow. Due to our reversal of the route, we ended up running into a very strong wind, and a lack of planning of the route in this direction, meant that the two trigs at Old Harpers and Whimberry Hill were always going to be tricky. The trig at Hordern Stoops remained disappointingly concealed. Having checked the source again, and noting that it is reported to be in good condition I can see this being an ongoing mission for anyone in the environs. There has got to be a prize for the first person to locate this tantalising trig. Let’s face it the weather gave us a thrashing, but the good thing is - it’s there to go back to. Wonder if Young John would furnish us with the mileage – it was so bad there was no hanging about at the cars.
Looking forward to some of JTE’s suggestions for outings over the next few weeks – in fact I might even make the effort next week despite the ravages of a works do on the Friday night – not sure ‘though!
The Hobble has morphed into the Wuthering Hike (31) but strangely I can’t find a date for 2008 – it’s not actually an LDWA event. Can anyone enlighten us? But hey why stop there – what about the Fellsman (62 + 11,00ft) 10th/11th May and if you don’t fancy that one there’s a fine 50 some time in June in the Yorkshire Dales (Afoot in two Dales).
The following relatively local events may be of interest:
Sat 05/01/2008 The Hebden 22/14.5
Sun 13/01/2008 23rd Two Crosses Circuit 25/18
Sun 27/01/2008 That's Lyth 23
Sat 02/02/2008 Rombald Stride Winter Challenge 25
Sat 09/02/2008 Anglezarke Amble 24/16
Sun 17/02/2008 Beacon Bash 21
Never done the Hebden, Two Crosses is a classic but we’re in Glasgow that weekend, I’ll be marshalling on That’s Lyth – our group’s flagship event (highly recommended), Rombald’s is a good one but a long way to get to for the start, the Amble speaks for itself, Beacon Bash – highly recommended. Runners always welcome, no need to carry food and drink, you will be well supported. Just carry your own kit.
In complete contrast to Saturday Ian and I had a lovely trot out in fine conditions on Sunday on the South Lancs Xmas event – advertised as 14 we actually clocked it at just over 12 miles from the RUFC club in Wigan round Worthington Lakes, over to Blackrod and back through Haigh Hall – very pleasant and in defiance of the weather forecast.
NLN
Pauline,
If you go on to the trigpoint website, there's lots of pictures of TP0142. It looks like it may be the bit of concrete that JtE found, but I don't remember seeing the stud.
Turned out to be a bit of a tester, although the weather was tolerable at the car park at a quite temperate 3.5 degrees this declined rapidly on the tops to freezing with the torrential rain becoming sleet, hail and snow. Due to our reversal of the route, we ended up running into a very strong wind, and a lack of planning of the route in this direction, meant that the two trigs at Old Harpers and Whimberry Hill were always going to be tricky. The trig at Hordern Stoops remained disappointingly concealed. Having checked the source again, and noting that it is reported to be in good condition I can see this being an ongoing mission for anyone in the environs. There has got to be a prize for the first person to locate this tantalising trig. Let’s face it the weather gave us a thrashing, but the good thing is - it’s there to go back to. Wonder if Young John would furnish us with the mileage – it was so bad there was no hanging about at the cars.
Looking forward to some of JTE’s suggestions for outings over the next few weeks – in fact I might even make the effort next week despite the ravages of a works do on the Friday night – not sure ‘though!
The Hobble has morphed into the Wuthering Hike (31) but strangely I can’t find a date for 2008 – it’s not actually an LDWA event. Can anyone enlighten us? But hey why stop there – what about the Fellsman (62 + 11,00ft) 10th/11th May and if you don’t fancy that one there’s a fine 50 some time in June in the Yorkshire Dales (Afoot in two Dales).
The following relatively local events may be of interest:
Sat 05/01/2008 The Hebden 22/14.5
Sun 13/01/2008 23rd Two Crosses Circuit 25/18
Sun 27/01/2008 That's Lyth 23
Sat 02/02/2008 Rombald Stride Winter Challenge 25
Sat 09/02/2008 Anglezarke Amble 24/16
Sun 17/02/2008 Beacon Bash 21
Never done the Hebden, Two Crosses is a classic but we’re in Glasgow that weekend, I’ll be marshalling on That’s Lyth – our group’s flagship event (highly recommended), Rombald’s is a good one but a long way to get to for the start, the Amble speaks for itself, Beacon Bash – highly recommended. Runners always welcome, no need to carry food and drink, you will be well supported. Just carry your own kit.
In complete contrast to Saturday Ian and I had a lovely trot out in fine conditions on Sunday on the South Lancs Xmas event – advertised as 14 we actually clocked it at just over 12 miles from the RUFC club in Wigan round Worthington Lakes, over to Blackrod and back through Haigh Hall – very pleasant and in defiance of the weather forecast.
NLN
Pauline,
If you go on to the trigpoint website, there's lots of pictures of TP0142. It looks like it may be the bit of concrete that JtE found, but I don't remember seeing the stud.
By the way, Baa Neap is cylindrical ~ wow!
EtU.
Sunday, December 09, 2007
Innominate Bairn
Eden, (Young John's son) with a little help from Hazel, presented him and Sheila with their first grandson early on the evening of Sunday 9th December. Young what'shisname weighed in at a fine 8lbs 11 ounces. Eden, we are told, is traumatised, bur Hazel will be back on the fells tomorrow.
Congratulations all round.
John and Sheila are off to Brighton tomorrow to help with choosing a name, but will be back for running and partying on the 15th (Sheila will only be partying).
EtU.
Eden, (Young John's son) with a little help from Hazel, presented him and Sheila with their first grandson early on the evening of Sunday 9th December. Young what'shisname weighed in at a fine 8lbs 11 ounces. Eden, we are told, is traumatised, bur Hazel will be back on the fells tomorrow.
Congratulations all round.
John and Sheila are off to Brighton tomorrow to help with choosing a name, but will be back for running and partying on the 15th (Sheila will only be partying).
EtU.
JTE 2008
So, we are all asked to state our goals for 2008. My basic aims are to do the Anglezarke Amble and to be with Young John for part of his Joss Naylor. (Young John, are you ready to post your date? EtU) I will see how the Amble goes before making any further plans.There is the Howarth Hobble in March. (I must be mad for even mentioning it.) However, in preparation for the Amble I need some distance training and perhaps the committee might consider any of the following for a (fine gale free) Saturday morning.
DARWEN TOWER: 16 miles.
Out directly and back via Great Hill and Spittlers.
CADSHAW AREA: 17 miles.
Winter Hill, ramp, Egerton Road (GR 681157), Belmont (GR 677163), Blackburn Road (GR 699172), Cadshaw Area (GR 703181), Higher Pasture Barn Farm (GR 671189), then Catherine Edge to Belmont, Horden Stoops and finish.
TURTON AND ENTWISTLE RESERVOIR; 19 miles.
Out directly to Belmont, over Belmont Reservoir dam then to Blackburn Road (GR 699172). Around Turton and Entwistle Reservoir to Cadshaw Area (GR 703181) then all as the Cadshaw Area route back to the finish.
Perhaps Pauline would check the distances.
Regards,
JTE
Good stuff John, count me in. In fact no half measures, I'm up for resurrecting the old team for the Hobble (if I'm not in Rome ~ can an LDWAer give us a date). It might might be nice to have a lady on board as a distraction from the pain; any takers?
EtU
So, we are all asked to state our goals for 2008. My basic aims are to do the Anglezarke Amble and to be with Young John for part of his Joss Naylor. (Young John, are you ready to post your date? EtU) I will see how the Amble goes before making any further plans.There is the Howarth Hobble in March. (I must be mad for even mentioning it.) However, in preparation for the Amble I need some distance training and perhaps the committee might consider any of the following for a (fine gale free) Saturday morning.
DARWEN TOWER: 16 miles.
Out directly and back via Great Hill and Spittlers.
CADSHAW AREA: 17 miles.
Winter Hill, ramp, Egerton Road (GR 681157), Belmont (GR 677163), Blackburn Road (GR 699172), Cadshaw Area (GR 703181), Higher Pasture Barn Farm (GR 671189), then Catherine Edge to Belmont, Horden Stoops and finish.
TURTON AND ENTWISTLE RESERVOIR; 19 miles.
Out directly to Belmont, over Belmont Reservoir dam then to Blackburn Road (GR 699172). Around Turton and Entwistle Reservoir to Cadshaw Area (GR 703181) then all as the Cadshaw Area route back to the finish.
Perhaps Pauline would check the distances.
Regards,
JTE
Good stuff John, count me in. In fact no half measures, I'm up for resurrecting the old team for the Hobble (if I'm not in Rome ~ can an LDWAer give us a date). It might might be nice to have a lady on board as a distraction from the pain; any takers?
EtU
Wimberry Trig ... or ... One Out of Four Ain't Bad ~ it's terrible!
If we'd had a proper look at the map, and if I hadn't been dying of exposure, this would have been easy to find.
Fairly soon after the depression where Young John and I made a pit stop, a spur goes off right, SSE from the main wall. Following this for a couple of hundred yards brings you to another wall junction where you turn right (WSW) and the pillar is very soon after, on, or very close to, the wall.
Easy peasy from the comfort of a warm lounge on a Sunday afternoon.
By the way, Mary got home safely.
EtU
If we'd had a proper look at the map, and if I hadn't been dying of exposure, this would have been easy to find.
Fairly soon after the depression where Young John and I made a pit stop, a spur goes off right, SSE from the main wall. Following this for a couple of hundred yards brings you to another wall junction where you turn right (WSW) and the pillar is very soon after, on, or very close to, the wall.
Easy peasy from the comfort of a warm lounge on a Sunday afternoon.
By the way, Mary got home safely.
EtU
Friday, December 07, 2007
Thursday, December 06, 2007
Trig Points ~ The Continuing Saga
Pauline, I really didn't need to be enticed onto this wild goose chase, there must be better things to do.
But for info, my trig is Baa Neap on the Shetlands at GR HU673914, much more exiting than Suffolk!
The nearest Bernsten I've found so far is Lancaster FBM Aux 1 at GR SD 494610, between Williams Park and the M6.
And yes, lets find the Winter Hill 3 on the 8th, but you're navigating.
Ed
Pauline, I really didn't need to be enticed onto this wild goose chase, there must be better things to do.
But for info, my trig is Baa Neap on the Shetlands at GR HU673914, much more exiting than Suffolk!
The nearest Bernsten I've found so far is Lancaster FBM Aux 1 at GR SD 494610, between Williams Park and the M6.
And yes, lets find the Winter Hill 3 on the 8th, but you're navigating.
Ed
The Terrors of Trigpointing – a sign of our Times ?
Whilst out on a walk recently I was made aware of a pursuit in which apparently many lovers of the outdoors are engaged in. I thought I would share this with you as it appeals to those of a ‘bagging’ disposition. By going to the website trigpointinguk.com you can find a wealth of information and search for your very own trigpoint by entering your month and year of birth prefaced by a TP. The search for me and Ian turned up the following not very exciting trigpoints Ian’s being a Berntsen (I’m sure our editor will tell us what exactly this is). Suffolk seems a long way, no matter how appealing a Bernsten is. However, you have the possibility of your trigpoint being for instance on the Cuillin ridge or even Hordern Stoops for anyone born in January 1942! One friend found that her trigpoint was located in Wolverhampton (yes – it could be that disappointing) and being in the vicinity on a barge trip (don’t ask) had a jog over to make its acquaintance.
There are three trigpoints listed in Horwich and the next time we’re at Hordern Stoops, I for one will be looking out for the surface block – good to know they’re all in good nick. As we’re looking for a route for Saturday how about incorporating a visit to all three as part of our outing?
Another in the long list of endless trivia that the internet makes so possible.
NLN
Whilst out on a walk recently I was made aware of a pursuit in which apparently many lovers of the outdoors are engaged in. I thought I would share this with you as it appeals to those of a ‘bagging’ disposition. By going to the website trigpointinguk.com you can find a wealth of information and search for your very own trigpoint by entering your month and year of birth prefaced by a TP. The search for me and Ian turned up the following not very exciting trigpoints Ian’s being a Berntsen (I’m sure our editor will tell us what exactly this is). Suffolk seems a long way, no matter how appealing a Bernsten is. However, you have the possibility of your trigpoint being for instance on the Cuillin ridge or even Hordern Stoops for anyone born in January 1942! One friend found that her trigpoint was located in Wolverhampton (yes – it could be that disappointing) and being in the vicinity on a barge trip (don’t ask) had a jog over to make its acquaintance.
There are three trigpoints listed in Horwich and the next time we’re at Hordern Stoops, I for one will be looking out for the surface block – good to know they’re all in good nick. As we’re looking for a route for Saturday how about incorporating a visit to all three as part of our outing?
Another in the long list of endless trivia that the internet makes so possible.
NLN
Pauline, thank you for this. As we trig point aficionados are well aware, a Bernsten is a trig point without a pillar. It takes the form of a similar installation to that fitted to the top of the more familiar pillars, but sunk into the ground and covered by a stainless steel cap. Because of its form the locating of a Bernsten is generally seen as something of an achievement. Our next task must of course be to find the nearest one to Winter Hill. The name Bernsten seems to derive from a 19th century trigonomotrist of that name.
Pauline also provided some tabular trig info, but I couldn't transfer it to the blog.
Ed.
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
Saturday 22nd Dec '07
Suggest we do Alan Sweatman's Christmas handicap ~ see the RMI website. Alan doesn't quote a start time, but with reporting for handicap assessment at 10.30, and drinks in the Crown at 12.30, a start based on 11.00 looks likely.
Could do a decent warm-up on the fells first.
Don't forget it's fancy dress (optional) and everyone is expected to bring a raffle prize.
This could be the launch of my Little Black Rambo concept ~ anyone got bandoliers I can borrow?
Ed.
Suggest we do Alan Sweatman's Christmas handicap ~ see the RMI website. Alan doesn't quote a start time, but with reporting for handicap assessment at 10.30, and drinks in the Crown at 12.30, a start based on 11.00 looks likely.
Could do a decent warm-up on the fells first.
Don't forget it's fancy dress (optional) and everyone is expected to bring a raffle prize.
This could be the launch of my Little Black Rambo concept ~ anyone got bandoliers I can borrow?
Ed.
Monday, December 03, 2007
Sunday, December 02, 2007
The Great Winter Hill Race
Recently came across some results for this race, which was organised by Andy Walmsley for a few years in the early nineties. It went from White Coppice via Great Hill summit, Spittlers, Winter Hill trig and then back along the same line. United Utilities were never keen on authorising the route and entries were strictly limited. I've not got all the results but from the ones I have, John Hope had the fastest time with 1 hour seven minutes. I'm not sure why it folded, perhaps Andy just lost interest; it might even have been after he fell off Sharp Edge and was quite badly injured.
I'm not proposing to resurrect it as a race, but thought it might make a change for a Saturday morning to run it as an informal handicap. It would add interest if we could get the numbers up to approaching 20 or so, so folk may like to ask around and drag a few others along.
Would Saturday 26th January be a good date?
Ed
Laundry
How do you wash your fell socks? If you put them in the washer with the outsides out they end up clean, but there always seems to be some fine sand inside when you next put them on.
I've taken to rinsing the muck off the outside, under the tap, and them turning them inside out to go in the washer. The outsides don't come quite as clean as they would washed outside out, but at least there's no sand inside.
A perfectionist might wash them twice, once each way, but then a perfectionist probably wouldn't have got them dirty in the first place.
Any views?
Ed
Recently came across some results for this race, which was organised by Andy Walmsley for a few years in the early nineties. It went from White Coppice via Great Hill summit, Spittlers, Winter Hill trig and then back along the same line. United Utilities were never keen on authorising the route and entries were strictly limited. I've not got all the results but from the ones I have, John Hope had the fastest time with 1 hour seven minutes. I'm not sure why it folded, perhaps Andy just lost interest; it might even have been after he fell off Sharp Edge and was quite badly injured.
I'm not proposing to resurrect it as a race, but thought it might make a change for a Saturday morning to run it as an informal handicap. It would add interest if we could get the numbers up to approaching 20 or so, so folk may like to ask around and drag a few others along.
Would Saturday 26th January be a good date?
Ed
Laundry
How do you wash your fell socks? If you put them in the washer with the outsides out they end up clean, but there always seems to be some fine sand inside when you next put them on.
I've taken to rinsing the muck off the outside, under the tap, and them turning them inside out to go in the washer. The outsides don't come quite as clean as they would washed outside out, but at least there's no sand inside.
A perfectionist might wash them twice, once each way, but then a perfectionist probably wouldn't have got them dirty in the first place.
Any views?
Ed
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