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Scottish based aspiring mountaineer always on the look out for some new adventure that will stretch and develop me. One half of a husband/wife Alpine adventure couple.
  • Magnetic Mountains

    Magnetic Mountains

    Usually in climbing, the crux move and the fiddly, difficult, exciting or  scary-to-do bits come before the fall.

    Not for Steve Wakeford.

    Steve took a 75m fall on the Petit Jorasses, severely injuring himself ( read smashed shoulder, muscle torn from bone, severely broken leg and much much more..ed.) was airlifted off the mountain and ended up for a time in a wheel chair facing a long road to even walk again… let alone climb again.

    But that’s where the journey began, not ended.

    I’m keeping this post deliberately short as really you need to sit down and do your life a favour by watching the film he (and his now partner Menna Pricthard) crafted to chart his journey since that fall, exploring all our motivations, ego’s and sometime selfishness that create the unrelenting draw back to the mountains.

    This post is also a bit sneaky because I could have gone off and asked Steve or Menna for an interview but well, I’m sure you all read enough press interviews – this instead is my view on it.

    MM
    Watch the trailer here 

    This film is unique in what can become an over saturated market of “adventure” film.

    Yes it features some classic mountain shots, climbing sections, personal interviews about the mountains, clever footage of gear and crampons but what’s unique is that its the first open, emotional and honest story I’ve seen that includes all of the above plus the exploration with psychologists, climbing/mountain legends (such as Chris Bonnington, Andy Parkin, Steve House) and others surrounding Steve but mostly because it totally and utterly exposes Steve as a human being , with all its frailty as he opens up his whole life to the camera – his doubts, his mistakes, his ego and his life journey from party boy in  London to now dad of 2 two in Chamonix (all the while the pull of the mountains tugging at him).

    For me as I watched it, the journey in life echos the climbs.. the plans (or lack of), the decisions that need to be made, the sacrifices, the mistakes, the difficult but essential moves and the triumphs that can come from unexpected places.

    All the while it tries to answer, “what makes Mountains so magnetic that after a near fatal fall someone would return to try again?”

    You can watch a candid Interview with Steve here on Vimeo

    Steve

    Already its winning awards around the festival circuit and audiences at Kendal were overwhelmed by it.

    I have the real pleasure of knowing and climbing (The Monch in May) with Steve, I’ve known Menna for a while (initially via social media and latterly trips to Chamonix) and I’ve watched them both raise the amazing little pocket rocket that is Ffion over the last couple of year (and what a bloody brilliant job they’ve done!). And its for these reasons I knew this film would be something special. And it is. Very!

    This film is truly worth your while. Hope you enjoy it as much as we all did, let me know in the comments. And why let Steve know via twitter @officialwako

    Magnetic Mountains is available on Vimeo click here

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    Full disclosure both my wife and I backed this film via Kickstarter. We don’t receive any funds from its sale of course and but both backed as we simply believed so much in it, support Steve and Menna 100% and knew it would be an awesome film.

  • Dedicated to flavour

    Dedicated to flavour

    We are absolutely and wholeheartedly dedicated to making the best expedition meals.
    We love being outdoors.
    We love camping and adventuring.
    And we love feeling great.

    This is how Jess of TentMeals opens our discussion about their ethos.

    ..and not a bad ethos to have ! This is the thinking behind the small outdoor food company I became aware of the other week via a mutual friend Sonny Bennett  . Sonny had been at BaseCamp festival (if you get the chance grab a ticket – unique, fun and incredibly inspirational- plus educational!) and had met Jess (the owner/creator) of TentMeals around the ever welcome campfire.

    After talking to her and knowing about my interest in local/small/family business connected to the outdoors he connected us via Twitter and we got chatting.

    Some of the ingredients in the Super Seed and Red Berry breakfast
    Meal design and testing…( can I join in?? -Ed)

    Jess goes on to say

    “Our meals are a delicious combination of natural, calorie dense, and easy to prepare. No faff, no hassle, no nasty additives – just high energy health when you most need it.” – again sounds bloody great and I look forward to following up with taste tests soon!

    So where did TentMeals come from?

    Founded in 2014, TentMeals wanted to fill the gap for a healthy and practical camping meal says Jess.
    “It began in cold, snowy Alaska… Me, my bike, and way more stuff than I could really carry. I had decided that I didn’t want a ‘normal’ job, but I also didn’t know what I did want to do.

    So I saved up and flew myself to Deadhorse – a very aptly named place on the far north coast of Alaska. No food shops, no homes, no trees… A very bizarre place. Nothing except an oil field, truckers, thousands of mosquitoes, and a long road heading south.
    The road was made mostly of mud – thick and slick from the pouring rain. The wind howled relentlessly. I quickly had a cold sweat hugging my skin, and could barely balance my bike it was so heavy.
    On the first morning, I woke up to find my bags had disappeared from outside my tent. Left without any food or equipment, I wondered if I would have to head home just a day into my trip. I got lucky though. A patrol guy I bumped into somehow found enough military ration packs to see me through to the nearest shop, 500 miles down the road.

    Some months and 3500 miles later I was in Vancouver, scrounging bits of work to buy my flight ticket home and start TentMeals, hoping never to eat such bad food again.”

    Muddy cycling in Alaska 2
    “Muddy” cycling in Alaska!

    Jess Szekely, TentMeals Founder digs a bit deeper (…hopefully  with along handles spoon)

     

    “Over the last three years, we’ve tested and improved our recipes and packaging over and over again to bring you food that’s high energy, lightweight and instant, but also tasty and nutritious.

    We’re now happy and proud to be selling:
    – 6 delicious expedition meals, all in 2 different sizes (exact 500Kcal and 800kcal packs)
    – 3 different trail snacks
    – various ingredients for people to make their own camping meals
    Of course the story does not end here – new recipes are always underway, as are improvements to our existing meals.”

    Me with the Green Sentinels, one of the teams we supported on their expedition in Patagonia
    Jess with one of the teams they supported – The Green Sentinels

    Our aim is to make the best expedition food out there. To us this means:
    – High energy: 800kcal as our standard serving size, with a 500kcal option for smaller appetites.
    – Lightweight: between 111g and 204g per meal.
    – Tiny: before sealing the bags we compress down the ingredients so that they take up as little space as possible.
    – Healthy and delicious: made entirely with wholesome healthy ingredients, and delicious blends of natural herbs and spices. No preservatives, no colourants, no nasty additives. We already use a number of organic ingredients, and as we grow we are switching over more and more.
    – Minimal packaging, but tough: just 3 to 4g of recyclable plastic per meal, but tough enough you don’t have to worry about food explosions in your backpack.
    – Quick and easy: just add hot water and leave for 5-10 minutes. No cooking required, so you can save on gas and avoid burning food to your pot. Most meals can also be made with cold water.

     

    Almond Jalfrezi curry
    Almond Jalfrezi curry – not your typical camping meal!

    Jess says they have really strong core values they adhere to, which I have to say I am a big fan of.

    Dedication to service
    TentMeals exists because we wanted people to have a good food option for their adventures.
    As well as making the best food we can, that means quick deliveries, hassle free returns, rectifyingmistakes we make, and listening to feedback.
    It also means flexitime, fair wages, free food and drink, and plentiful holidays for our staff. (Liking what I hear! -Ed)

    Dedication to the environment 
    Packaging: Think the boxes that your meals arrive in are a bit eccentric? That’s because they are. All of the boxes you get your meals in have been re-used. A while ago we asked our friends to save up all of their cardboard boxes, bubble wrap, newspapers etc , and hugely cut our carbon footprint. The only exception to this is the parcel tape we use – this is usually new 😉

    What about food waste? “Uh, well, basically there isn’t any. Sometimes we make a mistake and can’t sell it, but we still put everything to good use.

    Recently, we sent 200+ meals to the refugee camp in Calais.”  ((Ok I think I’m now in love with TentMeals! -Ed)

    Blueberry 500kcal breakfast against 1L water bottle
    Nice and small pack size

    Finishing our chat Jess  adds, with a wry smile….”And sometimes we just eat the leftovers.” … (Who wouldnt !)

    Look out for upcoming taste tests from Alan and team, proof is in the pudding as they say!

    Until then you can grab your own TentMeals and support Jess and the teams efforts here at TentMeals.co.uk

    TentMeals logo

    If you are or know of a small or local business who specialises in kit, meals or activity focused in the outdoors get in touch, we’d love to share your story. (P.s.. meals to test always go down well with the team ;- ) and Alan does love a sticker to adorn his nalgene)

  • My mind has taken away my love of the mountains

    My mind has taken away my love of the mountains

    Note from Ed: The following piece is written by Vicky Bikkerstaffe who readers may remember from the excellent “A Mountain Journey Like no Other” . If you missed it go have a read first. The writing is honest and I hope everyone take some time to consider the messages included.

     

    I’m sat on my sofa staring at a pair of expedition boots I bought a few weeks ago.  They were bought for two planned expeditions – Mont Blanc and Island Peak.  Yet now I have no hope of getting there.  My mind is denying me these dreams, these goals.

     

    My mind has taken away my love of the mountains

     

    Me and my mind are in a deep black depression. I’m struggling to get out of bed so believing I’ll get to Kathmandu is impossible.

    I have a total lack of interest in anything, I have no motivation to live.  The depression I’m experiencing right now has taken me into its cocoon, holding me tightly in its arms and is squeezing the very life out of me.  Daily tasks are being ignored, I spend a lot of time staring into space and I find communicating really difficult.

    Any desire to be out on the hill has disappeared. I don’t want to put my boots on, I don’t want to climb, I no longer want to look though the pile of mountain books beside my bed and I’m simply unable to see myself at the top of a mountain again!

    The cruellest acceptance I must face is that it is my own mind that’s making me feel like this.  Depression does that to a person, it rips out the pleasure in a person’s life and leaves just blackness behind.

    How does this feel…??

    Can you imagine trying to climb El Cap with your legs tied together and your hands being continuously drenched in oil.

    Can you imagine attempting Tower Ridge in perfect winter conditions but your ice axes and crampons are red hot.

     

    This feeling of loss is heart breaking.

    This bout of depression has been creeping up on me for a few months now.  I’ve tried to keep it at bay, I really have.  However, it did a ‘smash and grab’ move on me last week.  It knocked down all my defences and left me with a real state of hopelessness which I acted up on.

    The most I’ve done since last Thurs is make a move from my bed to spending my days on the sofa.  I am receiving a daily visit from the mental health crisis team, they provide a focus, a reason to stay alive, a reason to get out of bed.  These are tiny steps of progress.

    Today I am thinking a wee bit clearer, and have realised that this all happened in the middle of Mental Health Awareness Week so that’s why I’ve decided to write this and share with you.

     

    So, if you know anyone who is experiencing something remotely similar.

    • Please don’t ignore them
    • Please don’t judge their behaviour
    • Please have patience with them
    • Please be supportive even if you struggle to understand what is happening to them or you don’t understand their behaviour (really important).

    Tell them…

    • “I care about you”
    • “You’re not alone”
    • “I’m sorry that you’re in pain”
    • “Do you want a hug?”

     

    The littlest things will help….

    • Make them a cuppa
    • buy them a packet of their favourite biscuits
    • do the washing up
    • Just sit with them

     

    Life, they say, is for living. So, when you’re able…Please live it to the fullest.

     

    Vicky Bickerstaffe

    Mental health guru, Mountaineer (well I really hope I can carry on)

    livelyvic@hotmail.co.uk

     

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  • A common purpose

    A common purpose

    A post by our resident Mountain Guide and Skills expert Andrew Mallinson of MountainSummits

    I’m not given to philosophy, religion or politics in any meaningful way.  I used to be, but for a variety of reasons I’ve become disengaged in recent years.  Consequently climbing has provided my physical, spiritual, intellectual and mental nourishment.  As a result my prior articles have tended to focus on the mountaineering in isolation from what’s happening out and about….

    Somewhat of a naïve viewpoint one may say…..

    Things have a habit of colliding eventually……

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    Last week I was at the excellent TCA in Glasgow.  I am following the “Training for the New Alpinism” regime so I was there for training….plenty of mid-grade aerobic traverses.  The music was cranking out Dire Straits, the chat was good and I wasn’t feeling too knackered after the morning run.  I was looking forward to seeing my girlfriend again later and so was feeling positive…..

    In the middle of the bouldering walls there is a place called the pit….it’s a big rectangular floor space between  the crash mats where climbers dump bags, chalk up and check text messages.  I was due a break so I went and sat on my sac in the pit, along with about six or seven others.

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    A young woman came and sat opposite me in the pit with a baby in a car seat – 7 weeks old apparently.  The wee fella was crying, obviously hungry, (I was and am, a dad).  The young woman proceeded to breast feed the boy, and no-one missed a beat.  No-one broke conversation.  No-one moved their gaze.  Exactly as it should be.

    A young guy joined us in the pit, sweating profusely.  “Fuckin turban” he said.   Ripping it from his head he threw it in his sack and adjusted his hair band.  Huge laughter all round.

    I was starting to look around now….and I mean really look…..

    On the overhanging boulder wall away to my left was a guy obviously in his 70’s, possibly even older, cranking out some ridiculous black problem that I knew I wouldn’t get off the ground on.  A few claps when he matched the top hold.

    To my right, in the gym area, was a very well-muscled guy.  Tattoos gave away his prior military profession and I know he has long suffered from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.  He was helping a middle aged woman do some stretching exercises.

    Right in front was a young girl, 15, 16, or so….  Her arms bore the obvious scar tissue of someone who had self-harmed.  She was shy, and spoke very quietly, but came and joined us in the pit.  No-one stared…and she didn’t hide.

     

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    What struck me upon thinking about these people was their sheer diversity.  Probably, if I’d been bothered to ask, I could have possibly found someone from every social grouping in society.  But that was the point…no-one was bothered.  Not by the ethnic diversity, the breast feeding, the baby, the old guy, the psychologically struggling muscle man or the challenged young girl.  Everyone was just doing their thing, and connecting around the common purpose….climbing.

    Climbing and mountaineering do not exist in isolation.  They reflect the diversity of the world around us.  What however, mountaineering and climbing do seem to be able to overcome is the perceived and actual divisions in society, and ameliorates the negative effects thereon.  Division comes from a conflicting view of the end goal, a disputed common purpose.

    For climbing, whilst diverse in nature, the common goals can be simple….doing the move, getting to the top, solving the problem.  What climbing and mountaineering seem to be able to achieve, and thus the people taking part, is an acceptance of diverse goals as part of a common purpose.  Paradoxically, what that common purpose is can be different for individuals – but it provides a common bond between participants.  The climbers at TCA that day were clearly diverse, clearly had individual goals and demonstrated a common purpose within a shared passion.  They accepted all and judged none.  What a shame other sections of society are unable to do the same.

  • British (dry)Tooling Series 2017

    British (dry)Tooling Series 2017

     

    As the dates for the 21017 DTS were announced we caught up with all round climber and Ice/Dry tooling athlete Kev Shields to learn more about it as I know for some its not something you know much about or might want to know more.. especially if you think DryTooling sounds .. well.. just wrong…

    McL:So Kev for those who don’t know what is Drytooling?

    KS: “Dry tooling (in the comp sense) is using ice axes on resin holds.”

    McL: What is the Drytooling series?

    KS: “It’s 3 competitions in total s and all accumulated points won being added together at the end of the series to give an overall score.”

    joe1
    Joe Saunders competing in 2016 at Ice Factor (Kinlochleven)

    McL:What are the dates and venues?

    KS: “28th Oct at King Kong (Keswick) . 11th Nov at Rope Race Stockport 25th Nov at Ice Factor (Kinlochleven nr. Glencoe) (And my spiritual home for indoor ice – Ed)” . All details can be found at their website

    McL: How can I sign up?

    KS: “Booking ahead by calling the walls is the best way or you can take a chance and turn up on the day but be ware they can get very busy and you cold miss out.”

    McL: Do I need to be some sort of mutant strongman to be able to drytool?

    KS:  “Not at all. We have everyone turning up from total beginners through to GB Ice Climbing team members and sponsored climbers but it’s all about the banter and having fun. Beginners can learn a lot and everyone is really helpful and encouraging.”

    McL :How would I train for it?

    KS: “That depends, if you’re serious about trying to get on the podium you should probably be putting in the mileage on a homemade tooling specific training wall but when I first did comps I was only doing ice axe pull ups etc.”

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    Kev training on a home wall

    McL: How did you get into it?

    KS: “I was in Tiso many moons ago when I just started climbing and I saw a poster for the first DT comp in the UK, it looked cool and the guys there put me in touch with Scott Muir who was organising it and it all snowballed for me from there.”

    McL: Who will be there ?

    KS: “Haha, that depends on quite a few things, mostly what conditions are like on the hill. As I say though we have the full spectrum of the climbing world turning up every year.”

    McL: Who won last year?

    KS: “Adam Willison won the Men’s and Emma Powell won the Women’s. Both of whom are exceptionally strong and talented youngsters.”

    McL:What’s in it for spectators?

    KS: “There’s always some good falls (nice!)  to see and it’s just generally a cool day to hang out chatting to others. Sponsors have stands showing the latest gear and there’s always the party upstairs after the final at Ice Factor .. (below pic may either encourage or dissuade you but I can personally testify to the banter and laughs!.. also.. I’ll have what he’s having!)

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    Where can I find out more?

    British Tooling Series have their own site, social media etc but you could always call any of the host walls. See you all there.

     

    Kevin Shields is a Scottish based all-round climber, well known for his solo climbing over the past decade with routes up to E7 and M10+, all done with one hand and epilepsy. Kev continues to push his grades in all aspects of his climbing and now, being based back in Fort William he has the perfect playground right on his doorstep.

  • Wall time

    Wall time

    Its been a while .. a long while and it showed.

    The wall. Some love it , some see it as a poor relation to the real world, some like me just see it a part of the whole spectrum of vaguely mountain related sports from Skiing to iceclimbing.

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    With a lot of uncertainly in my life and a recent positive change in his it was a great opportunity for myself and Davy Wright to get away from it all and focus instead on not falling off. Always a panacea to your real life worries.

    We headed to the EICA (Edinburgh International Climbing Arena), at Ratho n.r Edinburgh after a mad dash from work.

    Busy as always we waited for free roped then hit the easier walls for a much needed warm up before heading to longer leads for Davy, longer but failed top ropes for me and then some tough physical overhangs to finish us off. Davy making easy work of routes certainly motivated me to push hard but finally the pump and weakness of my grip (told you its been a while) got the better of me!

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    While we climbed we watched the route setters preparing for this weekends World Internationals (sadly i missed out on tickets)  including ( sans shirt – as is his trademark) climber Robbie Phillips.

    An easy going guy his good humoured and relaxed demeanour often belie just how good a climber Robbie is but you only need to watch him and you know he is something special.

    Although in this pic he seems very taken with a big pink volume (sic). 😉

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    A great night, a great catch-up and a great reminder that climbing is truly something at forces you to step away from the everyday and focus on the here and now!

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    For more information on EICA and the World internationals visit the site here or check out their twitter feed @EICAratho

    Climb when you’re ready!

    Davy Wright is a Glasgow based mountaineer, climber and regular gear blogger – his reviews (always honest and always useful) can be found on MyOutdoors.co.uk  and you may also know him as the guy in front in my Monch SE Ridge video from my previous posts, also available here.

  • Triptych tale

    Triptych tale

    The last year has been a mixed one..house moves (x2), demotivation, new motivation, Skiing , alpine adventures, adventures in vinyl (another story.. ) and through it all I’m always found to be craving the next challenge, the next distraction the next obsession some would say.

    In among it all is whats most important – my home and my loved ones, most of all my (very patient) wife and often I need to remember just having time together is all I actually need to “feed the rat”.

    She recently discovered that her company have a mountaineering club and as a bonus own a couple of bunkouse’s in great locations around the UK. One of these is in the heart of the Lake District very close to a very historic and very cosy pub.

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    Sensing we both needed a break from a long summer without a vacation she sorted out a long weekend for us to get away, enjoy the mountains and satisfy my adventure need and with the time booked I finished the planning , mapping and gear prepping and off we headed.

    We arrived on the Friday in time to grab a beer at said pub, settle into the cottage and get to bed early enough for an early start on what proved to be a lovely sunny day.

    #MicroAdventure 1 – Bow fell

    Great Langdale has some of the most beautiful mountains either right on its edge or close by but as were on our holidays and fancied a nice walk instead of a tough hike or climb we opted for Bow fell by the band. This is by far the easiest route up the mountain and just along the road from our front door so as we walked in the sun we quickly left the world behind. Not having to get up 2 hours early and drive , find a space and bail out like a military operation starts you off in a very relaxed frame of mind and it was with this contentment we started out ascent, not another soul around.

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    The band offers a gradual and sustained climb, allowing plenty of time for views, chat and just enjoying the journey. On our way up the only other things around were the sheep, the butterflies and the numerous buzzards circling overhead, their wings so mighty the sound of then was like waves crashing to shore.

    Nearing the summit , as you reach the col (a dip between two peaks, known in Scotland as a bealach and Wales as a cym) and the landmark “three tarns”, people appeared from all directions, some from crinkle crags , some returning from the summit and while the peace was broken the good-humoured chatting began and we spotted some great slabs of rock to have some fun scrambling on.

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    Soon we were on the final , rock summit push and within minutes stop atop the boulder strewn summit surveying the mountains all around and the valley below, dark clouds starting to bubble in from the south promising rain if we didn’t escape soon.

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    Obligatory summit snaps done we made our way down, passing the procession of those later to rise now making the pilgrimage to the top. On the lowest slopes looking back to where we began all thoughts were now on a welcome rewards for a very fine walk indeed – beer.. and then an open fire , friendly chat and a nice single malt. Perfect way to end a lovely day.

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    #MicroAdventure 2 Castlerigg Stone Circle

    I’ve been fascinated by standing stone for as long as I can remember. I can recall reading an Arthur C Clarke book about all things mysterious at my uncle Jim’s house when I must have been very young and subsequently through other books and the steady diet of documentaries my dad encouraged me to watch as a child (its was the late 70’s/early 80’s and with only 3 (yes Three) channels available you often watched whatever was going whether you wanted to or not.

    Among crystal skulls, UFO’s , Dungeons & Dragons and tales of ghosts and ghoulies , stone circles and the time of the druids absolutely enthralled me (and still do I have to admit).

    On our second day we had intended to walk up Helvellyn, another of the very well-known and popular lake fells but with high winds already incoming and a frankly miserable day forecast we opted instead to just go for a drive around the area and visit some towns, grabbing coffee and just enjoying the time off. While surveying the map i spotted the stone circle nearby so off we went. My wife is also interested in things somewhat supernatural and historic so it took no persuasion.

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    Finding it was easier said than done. Working only from an AA road atlas we found the sign that read “Stone Circle 2 miles” and off we went. First we met a trio of 3 Germanic tourists also looking for it and we agreed as we set off in different directions, to let each other know of we found it. 30 minutes and much field plodding later we were re-united, neither party having found it. We did discover the tourists were a group driving across the UK on WWII German motorbike and sidecar so happily took some photos, fascinated at these pieces of motorized history.

    Back in the car it was time to try again.. following the road further I had narrowed the location down and after parking again we walked along a rough farm road , passed flat fields of bored looking sheep (with oddly long tails) until all of sudden we could see people in a field, mostly obscured by the lovely stone walls that are everywhere in the area.

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    Then we could see the circle.

    Often these can be quite unassuming affairs but Castlerigg is very impressive indeed. Walking towards it, slowly to allow ourselves to take in the setting and how perhaps the circle conversed with the land and the surrounding mountains we arrived and noticed the Germans had also found it. The stood in the middle close together, quietly chatting and taking it in, seeming almost to be connecting with it far more than the other tourists and kids clambering over the smaller stones ,  seeming all of a sudden like Saxons visiting their past in a way we just didn’t connect with (I envy them that if so).

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    Castlerigg is one of the oldest circles in Britain,unlike the more common Bronze Age ones from around 800-2000 BC this was  erected in the neolithic around 5000 years ago and with its position on a plain surrounded on all sides by mountains one of the most atmospheric and beautiful I’ve seen. At almost 100 feet across, not including its pretty distant outlier (next to the stile you cross the wall on to the west) – it’s also pretty big. For more information check out the  web page .

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    We spent some time, travelling round the circle, touching each stone as  we went, viewing the surrounding hills from within and taking pictures then with our ancient spirits nourished we headed back along the path, just taking in the countryside content with a lovely second day out.

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    #MicroAdventure 3 – Cathedral Cave

    On Sunday night at the pub with its history and photos of famous climbs and climbers we sat enjoying a pint then spotted a friend from the area Jill Sherlock (who I hope to persuade to write some blogs for you as her adventures are incredible! – see her Twitter feed @sherlocktales ). Having met her the previous year this time we  bumped into Jill as we plodded up Bow fell, and she was running down it ! We chatted and on finding out we were leaving for home the next afternoon and with the forecast for even worse rain, she offered to share a little hidden treasure with us, and even draw us a map!

    Joining us ( Sam heading off to find us a nice single malt) Jilly got to explaining all about this beautiful cave system close by that offered “the perfect wet day adventure” – who was I to resist. With our single malts in hand and the rough map before us, we chatted away about her upcoming cycle adventures and heard her tell of some of her other expeditions and escapade as far north as the arctic and as intriguing as the mountains of Pakistan. Hopefully she will share them in time with us here.

    Next morning we were all packed for home and with the rain coming down but our waterproofs installed we headed off to Little Langdale to find this gem. Winding thorough the narrowest of country lanes, past cottages built of the beautiful local stone we finally found the starting point, parked the car and headed of down the road. After a few hundred metres we arrived at the ford as described crossed it and headed along the forest road to find the style that marked the start of our adventure.

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    The sign warned us of the dangers of disused mines, the slate remnants all around and the rain coming down we headed into the woods, climbing the hill of earth and stone. Nearing the end of the path, guarded by the numerous giant slugs were found ourselves peering into a natural rock amphitheatre. It was stunning.

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    But where was the entrance to the caves we knew lay below? Looking down I could see an opening low down the wall and off to the right. Realising we had climbed too high we worked our way down the hill on the other side to find as small building built entirely of slate, standing guard over a sunken entrance corridor. We had found it!.

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    Making our way under the over grown archway we moved along the throat of the cave, dripping water above until it opened into a stunning high cavern. At one end a gaping mouth allowed us to look down into the “Cathedral” of rock below, a giant pillar of rock , aeons old seemingly supporting the roof and a shaft of light illuminating it from the site. After some searching we found the way down to the next level and entered the grandest cave i have ever been in. an opening high on one wall letting light stream in a magical way, the pool of water below catching it and reflecting around the walls.

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    Known as Cathedral Cave it’s a stunning remnant of the slate quarrying so common at one time in the area. to think men carved this out of the rock is almost unimaginable. Their work not intending to be beautiful but becoming so in spite of it, The earth reclaiming what was so brutally stolen from it.

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    We wandered the caves, took photos , gazed in wonder at its formations then explored some adjoined passages before emerging once again into the world to head for home.

    It really was  the perfect rainy day adventure. And more it was an adventure to complete a perfect Triptych of adventures and leavings us content and happy to return to the world once again.

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  • Acid and Sugar – A Timeless Combination

    Acid and Sugar – A Timeless Combination

    In the first of a new series of posts Vie and Tim will be offering some recipe’s and ideas on a particular strand of natural eating based on the ancient Indian approach of Ayurveda.

    Diet and nutrition are an essential part of mountaineering and I wanted to offer different ideas from different schools of thought, so expect to see other contributors as well, and as always I offer these posts as interesting ideas and tips, not gospel.

    Your own investigations, trials and preferences should always come first but maybe you will discover something new and positive and I think we all need to open our minds a little to new things. For more information on Vie & Tim, Ayurveda and even paddleboarding go visit their website AskTime&Vie

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    This is not about micro dosing LSD or making candy 😉

    This is about an extremely old recipe that has been shared among numerous cultures for thousands of years and a multitude of purposes. Its power has been applied in reducing fevers, assisting with arthritis and gout, stimulating digestion, promoting weight loss and even enhancing longevity.

    It is called oxymel and it is derived from the Greek word οξύ, which translates to acid and μέλι, which translates to honey.

    You guessed it! Vinegar and Honey! Even better, apple cider vinegar and raw honey!

    There are several recipes on how to combine apple cider vinegar and honey. We are going to give you our favorite.

    Ingredients

    • 1/2 gallon filtered water
    • 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
    • A good size chunk of ginger root, peeled and cut up
    • The juice from one or two whole lemons or limes
    • About 5 tablespoons of local, raw, unfiltered honey

    Preparation

    • Add the filtered water and everything else into a glass jar that seals tightly
    • First stir it all together to mix well
    • Then shake it all up to combine even further
    • Try it and adjust to taste
    • Seal it
    • Let it sit in the refrigerator for anywhere between 12 and 24 hours
    • Stir well before serving
    • For best results, let it come to room temperature before drinking

    Important notes

    • Use filtered water, not random tap water that may contain unwanted chemicals.
    • You can replace lemon with lime during the hot summer months if you are looking for a more cooling effect. Ayurveda considers lime having a cooling effect and lemon a heating effect.
    • You can replace honey with maple syrup as long as it is pure maple syrup, preferably organic. Check the ingredients list and make sure it only contains maple syrup. It is common for companies to add high-fructose corn syrup or something similar.
    • Keep in mind though that if your goal is weight loss you want to stick with honey. Ayurveda considers honey, scraping, i.e. promoting weight loss. Maple syrup is considered anabolic (as in building tissues).
    • Use properly fermented apple cider vinegar. When you open the bottle you should hear a “pop”. Bragg’s apple cider vinegar is a brand we like. Of course, you can always opt for making your own!
    • Peeling ginger becomes very easy if you use the bowl of a metal spoon. Scrape the edge of the spoon against the ginger to peel off the skin. Unlike a vegetable peeler or knife, which will inevitably peel too much meat along with the skin, a dull spoon simply lifts the skin off.
    • Ground ginger is an option if you cannot find fresh ginger toot.

    Fun ideas

    • You can mix and match any of your favorite herbs or berries in the above concoction. The possibilities are endless!
    • For a fancier taste, use sparkling water instead of filtered water to give the drink a soda-like sensation.
    • And if your age and habits permit… It combines well with alcohol, especially whiskey, gin or rum.

    What makes this oxymel drink so unique is that its ingredients have been carefully selected so they can work synergistically to enhance each other’s beneficial properties.

    So the result is a drink that helps with

    • Maintaining Healthy body weight
    • Better absorption and assimilation of nutrients
    • Effective transportation of nutrients to targeted body tissues
    • Better elimination of waste materials
    • Strengthening the respiratory system
    • Liver detoxification
    • Reducing inflammation
    • Increasing energy
    • Balancing all three doshas, physically, mentally and emotionally!

    And most importantly keeping you grounded, no matter what your environment throws at you!

    Disclaimer

    There are known contraindications to this drink, so please, always consult your medical professional first. You should not use apple cider vinegar regularly more than 30 days.

    Thank you for reading and sharing!

    Vie Binga & Tim Ganley are lifestyle entrepreneurs, outdoor adventurers, authors and global teachers of Yoga, Ayurveda, Meditation, Fitness and Stand Up Paddling.Website: https://AskTimAndVie.com Email: training@asktimandvie.com

     

  • Mr Vango.

    Mr Vango.

    The above picture, grainy and black and white though it captures a conversation I had some 3 years ago that will remain with me for a long time.

    As a recent alpine addict I consume everything I can , books and video and tales of all things mountain and adventure. Drinking it all in hoping it gets me nearer to the reality.

    At the sad occasion of a long time family friend (and somewhat grandfatherly figure to me growing up) I happened to be sitting at a table with some of his oldest friends. We talked politely as you do, they about their everyday lives and family and the usual topics of gardens and holidays, us about our recent excited foray into the mountain world.

    The topic of camping came up and a voice across the table said politely of the lady next to her ,that “this is Mrs Vango“.

    Slightly confused at first I looked at this well presented lady , trying to work out the joke until that lady in turn indicating her husband with a smile and a wink said “and this is Mr Vango himself”.

    Lets take a step back.

    Vango for anyone not so intimate with the outdoors or camping is a very longstanding tent and camping equipment brand. Despite its somewhat Germanic/Nordic (to me anyway) sounding name, it is in fact Scottish.

    Vango’s origins in the 60’s were under a different brand name but after growth to become a globally respected tent designer and manufacturer, acquisitions of otehr brands and a need to simplify the name (to make it easier for people to write payment cheques ) they used an acronym of their location (Govan in Glasgow) and landed on Vango.

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    A full timeline of their origins and innovations is available on their website . And the F10 Brand is still gong strong and you can still order today the classic Mark5  . PS I also highly recommend the F10 Alpine Rucksack, a favourite of both mine and our guest blogger Andrew Mallinson !

    Fast forward to this photo again.

    The gentleman on the right is Alasdair Moodie the founder of Vango. On the left you can see I’m completely entranced hearing his tales.

    Born in Largs (Scotland) in 1930, a graduate of applied Chemistry he entered national service and then later joined the family business in textiles before forming the Vango brand.

    He happily told me of the origins of the company, his travels as an international business man, the early days of outsourcing manufacturing to the far east (while trying to retain the very high quality he demanded) and most specially he told me of his adventures in support of high mountain attempts with Sir Chris Bonnington (The Force10 Mark 5 tent ) – most notably the 1972 & 1975 attempts of the South West face of Everest.

    “Vango Force Ten Mark 5 tents were used for approach marches and at Camps One and Two on 1972 and 1975 expeditions, to climb the South West Face of Everest. They gave reliable and excellent service throughout both expeditions.”

    Chris Bonington, Expedition Leader, British South West Face Expeditions

     

    Alasdair painted an incredibly rich picture of history for me, of the great ranges in the golden age of high altitude mountaineering as well as the business world he had to navigate (sounding every bit as risky and exciting as the mountains). The thing I remember most is how his eyes brightened telling the tales. This outwardly unassuming gentleman who was such a pivotal part of the history I read and consumed every day.

    A sad event of course to attend but I left excited, chattering and in awe of Alasdair. My wife tells me I was like a child lost in the stories, the world around clearly now not something I was aware of – off in the Himalayas in a Force 10 tent, feeling the tearing winds and taking part in the struggles to erect a tent at that altitude. And I’m pretty sure the family friend whom we were there to remember was watching with a smile, happy to know I was now off on my own mountain adventures.

    I will always treasure this picture and Vango will always have a more special place in my heart now.

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    Alasdair Moodie in 2014 (right)

    Post dedicated to Peter Christie.

  • Adrift

    Adrift

    It was to be the big alpine adventure.

    The hardest route ever, the one where I got pushed well out my comfort zone, experienced the fear, the excitement the exhilaration of success – the adventure of it all along the way.

    I trained, I surveyed route guides, we talked ideas, plans, fallback plans, gear and fear.

    I practised crevasse rescue in the sun and heat of the new unfamiliar garden, the incongruity laughable. I bought new gear (just in case), I bought lighter gear (fast and light you know ), I bought special kit ( be prepared).

    I trained harder, the gym becoming a virtual mountain , one more rep, one more step.

    I beat myself up , not fit enough, not ready, not experienced enough.

    I trained some more, studied the guides, chatted plans, packed and repacked.

    Then – we’re off. The airport a chaotic packing and repacking of many bags. Checking in, boarding, changing terminals, on and off trains.

    Switzerland. Train taking us from the wet, grey urbanity to the wet, snowy mountains.

    Then we arrived and I was ready. Ready to go big and go hard.

    The mountain wasn’t. It was laughing at us. Wrong time of year, too much snow, avalanches shucking down all around washing the dreams away with them.

    Plan changed, objective agreed and an incredible day of alpine dawn, steep narrow and long snow ridges, mild scrambles, tiny summit friends smiling and laughing, blue alpine skies and chatting elated descent.

    It was my first 4000m peak, standing atop that snowy snooker table of a summit consumed with the view, the peaks and points and ridges of rock, ice and snow. Eiger to the North, Jungfrau to the West, the glacier all around. An alpine paradise to which we get access for only a few short hours before we are forced back to our mortal abode.

    We celebrated. A team. It was an adventure and it was awesome.

    Video and photos to edit , share, talk about, pour over and remember.

    Most of the kit stayed in the room. Never made it to the mountain.

    Most of the skill stayed in my head. Never called to arms.

    Back at home and it was focus on the house again, much needed final work to complete our new home. Comfortable and safe, a place to enjoy, relax, share and celebrate with loved ones and friends.

    A place to plan the next adventure. To watch and read of adventure by others. To surf the web looking at peaks and lines. To think “what next?”

    For now though its the lull. The doldrums between adventures. The last one a distant taste already mostly forgotten. Feeling less than satiated now, needing a new bite at life and new adventure.

    Adrift for the summer. In the adventure lull.

     

     

     

  • The Fortitude to recover

    The Fortitude to recover

     

    I was really excited  to have the founders from Team Fortitude agree to a  quick interview to highlight what is an amazing cause and one which I believe need more attention, over to you ladies

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    Guys, tell us a little about you?

    Sabrina: My name is Sabrina Waterhouse and I was born in Shropshire. When I’m not working I’m usually found on social media for Team Fortitude, Making plans and trying to motivate people to come and join us in making a difference! With any other time that there is left, I am getting back to fit… or trying too! I am really focused and determined to make a difference where I can, and to inspire people.  I would love to motivate people into joining us in getting out of their comfort zones and achieve something that they didn’t think was possible. The feeling that you get out of that is incredible and can spark more changes in your life.  With Team Fortitude, you get all of that good feeling but with the bonus of knowing that you have helped people that have put their lives on the line for our safety and security.  Which is not only a motivational tool but a boost too. There are so many mental health attributes for getting physical and getting outside and out of your comfort zone!

    Laura (Millington) : Originally Shropshire born and bred, I was brought up in an environment where the outdoors, craft, creativity and helping others were the main focus. At 16, I moved to Ireland on a gap year after my GCSE’s and ended up staying over there for almost 19 years. During my time I was lucky enough to continue volunteering and raising funds for various charities and organisations.  Some of which I was part of the fundraising board for, along with being team leader for a few different Counties with the Make a Wish Foundation.  Raising money is something I’m passionate about, along with giving back my time to help others.   I came across Rock 2 Recovery on twitter around September of 2016, and decided I really wanted to help.  Due to the creative approach of their coaching, coupled with the fact my Dad was a Royal Marine, it seemed to be a perfect fit. Since then I’ve been blessed to get to know so many people in the team that would not have otherwise crossed my path, and to do so whilst raising funds is just a bonus!

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    Outside of team Fortitude I’m currently still trying to find my feet settling back to Life in the UK, which is harder than first thought! And by the end of the year I’m hoping my fitness is greatly improved after following our PTI Tom Merrimans training plan, my Swedish is at conversational level, and the violin I got for my birthday is actually pleasant for others to listen too.

     

    For those who don’t know what is Team Fortitude and how, when did it start?

    Team Fortitude started on January 1st 2016 on Twitter.  The initial idea was to have 100 people join us at one specified event, and 15 minutes before the New Year Bells rang, there was a tweet by our first team member Graeme Walker, saying he was going to do a Tough Mudder.  So we cheekily just asked if he’d join us.  And the rest is history.  Within half an hour, we had 15 people interested, but all were taking part in different events at various locations across the Country, so one event was no longer viable

    Team Fortitude (www.teamfortitude.co.uk) was set up with the sole aim of raising funds for Rock 2 Recovery. R2R is an amazing organization that works with servicemen/women/veterans and their families affected by PTSD/MBTI’s. They literally save and change lives everyday, and it is a privilege to support them.  For more information on the work that they do, please visit (www.rock2recovery.co.uk)

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    What were the very early days like? What challenges did you face? When did you realize it might just work?

    The early days were extremely hard work but very rewarding from the get go. Literally overnight it become a full time ‘job’ for each of us.  Within the space of a month we had 2 social media accounts to look after, a website to update and maintain and an email address.  There were also around 50 team members on board with us at that early stage, so keeping on top of the questions, donation links, social media enquiries, event details, sponsorship cards, personalized posters etc. on top of full time jobs, it was all consuming.  I (Laura) was lucky enough to have a job that allowed for me to spend quite a bit of time during the day to keep things ticking over until home time.  After work then, myself and Sabrina would divide and conquer the to do list, and spend a minimum of 3 hours every night, almost every night for a year making sure Team Fortitude was a success.  Weekends would then be spent building and maintaining the database, designing t-shirts, planning fundraisers, updating individual fundraising totals and donor lists and generally making sure our team mates were happy and had all the tools necessary to succeed in their fundraising efforts.  

    We are extremely lucky to possess complimentary skillsets.  Sabrina is brilliant with technology, so learnt as we went along to build our website.  Where as I love being organised, making plans and keeping the spreadsheets updated.  This made it very easy to ensure all the tasks were done in a timely manner.   Alongside this, we both continued to learn social media skills as we went along!

    The two biggest challenges we faced were time, and location.  There wasn’t enough time in the day to keep on top of everything, so our social circles suffered slightly, but we were both in agreement that Team fortitude was THE single most important thing, and dedicated all our free time to working on it.   Being based on the West Coast of Ireland at the time of being set up wasn’t ideal.  We couldn’t really tell anyone we were building a fundraising community for the Royal Marines, therefore it made our own personal fundraising goals harder to reach.  Location also meant that we weren’t able to get to many events, but where possible we booked time off work and flew over.  It was amazing to meet people for the first time, as it felt like they were old school friends.  A lot of team members share that same feeling, it’s definitely not like you are meeting strangers that you met via social media!

    The moment we realized it may just work, was when money started to come in via the website.  I remember one specific day where 2 team members shared their donation links, and Rock 2 Recovery’s Commercial Director, Robin, rang to ask if there was an error on our website as almost £2000 came in within one day

     

    How did you both get involved, was it at the same time ?- 

    Myself and Laura are sisters, and Team Fortitude was created whilst spending New Years Eve together in the house.  Originally, Laura had contacted Jamie back in October about the possibility of us helping them to run one big fundraiser, however, it some became apparent that one big event was turning into many more. I think that it works well as we both know what the other is thinking and share a common goal for Team Fortitude.

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    What does being involved mean to you personally?

    Laura: I am personally honoured to be raising funds and awareness for Rock 2 Recovery, supporting the life saving work that they do, as my Dad was a proud Royal Marine (now a Veteran).  To be supporting R2R, means we get to provide help for our Countries bravest Men and Women.  Our Armed Forces put their lives on the line for us, and they deserve the best possible care and opportunities when they return.  Rock 2 Recovery really stood out to me as an organization as it wasn’t about prescribing medications, but about treating each client as an individual, and not giving a blanket treatment.  The coaches really take the time to find out about each individual and from that, provide coping strategies that the clients can then continue for the rest of their lives as required.  R2R will support them for as long as necessary, and not just close the door on the them.  In some cases it really is the last stop, as PTSD and Mbti are complex issues that are completely unique to the individual.  The fact that Jamie and Jason (Co-Founders) have both dealt with PTSD also means there is a natural understanding of feelings, and therefore it creates a more equal atmosphere in which the clients can feel more comfortable .

    Being from a creative background aswell, I knew the benefits are some of the therapies that the clients partake in, such as music and art.

     

    Sabrina:  To be supporting others that are directly responsible for changing and saving the lives of some incredible human beings and to be a small part of that is something that I don’t take lightly. Having never served myself, I feel like this is my opportunity to give back to the people that have allowed me to live my life in safety and with freedom. One of these amazing people happens to be my adopted Dad, and it is a real honour to do this to represent him.

     

    Tell us about a memory that really stands out for you

    One of the best memories that we both share, was having the privilege to watch #teamelite2016 at our Breakpoint event.  The participants that went to the Special Forces style day, had trained and invested so much time, money and energy into being in the best shape physically and mentally that they could to complete the event.  Getting to watch their determination and all their hard work pay off that day was an amazing experience.  The event was also life changing for many of the participants so it was lovely to be a part of that with them too.  Back at the hotel after the event, we had dinner as a group, and whilst some people couldn’t stop talking about their day, others sat quietly replaying the days events.  There was laughter and tears as old emotions, fears and barriers were broken down by the Breakpoint team.  We still receive messages almost 8 months on to let us know that another milestone in their life has been achieved thanks to the new ‘Breakpoint’ mentality.

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    As for picking one member of the team that has had a journey that is memorable, it would honestly be so difficult.  Many of our members have changed and improved their lives whilst being a part of Team Fortitude.  Quite a few have gone on to study for a Personal Training qualification after seeing the difference they have made physically for themselves in such a short space of time.  There’s also the people that have become mentally stronger through realizing what they are capable of, and through the new friendships they’ve made within the team, made life decisions that they never would have dreamt of. 

     

    What’s next for Team Fortitude ?

    Team Fortitude is still growing and ever evolving.  With that comes new challenges and events, and a bigger community of people who are raising money and making friends along the way. We have some amazing events coming up and we always encourage people to join us and add their own event for other people to join too.

     

    July 8th & 9th – Breakpoint USF Course

    August 19th – Sky Dive 

    September 2nd – Breakpoint ESF Course 

    September 30th – Night Swim

     

    If people wanted to how would you suggest could they get involved?

    People can find us on Twitter, Facebook, our website www.teamfortitude.co.uk or email us at teamfortituder2r@gmail.com.  We are always happy to answer any questions or queries, but please bear in mind that we do this voluntarily so it may take a few days to respond if we are busy!

     

    If people can’t support personally is there a link to let them donate??

    Teamfortitude – donate-now-support-rock2recovery

     

    What’s big/coming in 2017 /18 for each of you guys personally?

    Sabrina: In 2017 I have decided to make this my year to face my fears.  I have always been a huge believer in personal development and doing things that you don’t think are possible.  I would also never ask anyone to attempt anything that I wouldn’t so if we add any challenges to our calendar, they are normally only events that we would do.  This year we have added a sky dive and a night swim both of which are things that I wouldn’t like to do but I am going conquer the fear of heights and of water at night…!

    Laura:  After seeing so many of our brave team mates conquer their fears in various different ways last year, I have decided it’s finally time to face one of my ultimate fears…….heights.  Along with Sabrina, and a few other participants, I will be taking part in the Sky Dive.  As I get older I become more adverse to risk, so this for me will be (and is) a big deal!  Hopefully it will an experience that leaves me wondering why I didn’t do it sooner!

     

    As for 2018, we haven’t planned anything yet, but we are always open to suggestions 🙂

    Laura

  • Seeking Identity, Part Deux

    Seeking Identity, Part Deux

    While I’m not even 100% sure why I’m seeking a “brand” for what we do I feel we do need one to help take us forward. After some feedback on our last test Icon, I’d love to hear feedback (in whatever form) on this latest suggestion.

    What does this say to you?

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