I've booked a climbing course :-)

As preparation for my Winter Mountaineering course in February next year I have decided to sign up for an introductory climbing course with a company called Peak Mountaineering. To quote Peak Mountaineering their course is as follows:

“Peak Mountaineering's Introductory Rock Climbing Course is our most popular Peak District climbing course.  Two full days gives plenty of time to try this exciting sport as well as learning some of the essential skills.  We'll also use a variety of locations to give you a real taste of the countries first national park.

In the safe hands of Peak Mountaineering's highly experienced instructor team we'll help you gain the most from your time in a supportive and friendly environment.

Our Introductory Rock Climbing Course suits those new to climbing but it's also a very popular choice for indoor climbers who want to learn about climbing outside.  We'll provide the equipment.  We'll provide world class venues and we'll provide an expert to show you the ropes.  All you need is enthusiasm, lunch and a sense of adventure.  The only trouble is.....climb with us for two days and you'll be desperate for more!”

I really like the sound of the course and the people running it. I want to brush up on rope work and the other basics so that when I go for my course in February and hopefully on to the Alps in the future that I don't need any instruction in basic rope work. That would allow for more focus on tuition in more relevant techniques and skills. This was some advice given to me by Paul Warnock at Plas Y Brenin and I intend to follow it.

The course is £140 for two days with a maximum guide to client ratio of 1:8. My contact with Paul Lewis, the company founder, has been appropriate and quick. I've explained my aims from the course and my restriction, with which Paul was more than happy to work with me. Looking at online reviews the tuition seems to be of a high standard. As they say, the proof of the pudding is in the eating.

The Peak Mountaineering web address: http://www.peakmountaineering.com/

LYO Freeze Dried Foods Traditional Polish Saurkraut: A Review

If you look up the process of freeze drying on the internet you will come across the word lyophilisation. This is one of several technical terms for the process. I can only presume that this is where the company LYO Foods and their co-operation partners Lyovit got their names from. They have been producing freeze dried meals since 1998 and received ‘The Gold Outdoor Industry Award’ in 2013. I’ve been looking for a UK supplier for 12 months or so and have finally found one. Base Camp Foods are based in Warrington, to the west of Manchester. I’ve had a couple of orders with the company and experienced their customer service. But more on them later, firstly I will cover the review of LYO Foods Traditional Polish Saurkraut.

 

Posts to come when I dry out!.

Heavy rain and high winds warning for Cumbria

High winds and heavy rain have caused problems on roads across Cumbria.

With 100mm of rain forecast in the next 24 hours, the Environment Agency has issued 36 flood alerts and seven warnings.

The A6 south of Penrith was blocked for a time by a fallen tree, which also brought down power lines near Clifton.

A number of roads were only passable with care due to standing water. They included the A595 at Bothel, and the Crossthwaite Roundabout at Keswick.

Botchergate in Carlisle was closed for a time after masonry fell from the former Mood nightclub building.

A spokesperson for the Highways Agency said: "Drivers are advised to plan their journeys before setting out, check the weather and traffic conditions, leave extra time for their journeys if travel conditions are poor, and delay their journey if the weather becomes severe."

24 September 2012 Last updated at 20:44

Sourced from BBC NEWS Cumbria

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cumbria-19705545

My blog has been a bit quiet for the last week or two. I've been to the Lake District this week, had a good swim, and did a couple of walks. Some gear was put to the test while I was there. So plenty of photographs to sort through and reviews to write up over the next few days once I've deflated my arm bands.

A guest walk on the Guest Walks page!

If you haven't noticed, I have a guest walk in my 'Guest Walks' section. The walk description and photographs have been provided by Allen Holmes, an exceptional wildlife photographer.

http://forgottentracks.blogspot.co.uk/p/guest-walks.html