Alpen Glow and Moon Rise

After a great cold day out with the dog on a low level walk around GlenRidding and Grisedale, Nordic and Celtic Names for the valleys, (Get in touch if you want to more about the Nordic names) .
 There was almost an alpenglow on the mountains of Nethermost.



 Then to top it all a beautiful moon rise over, Ullswater, showing a lunar halo and Venus. Somedays the office shouldnt be tided up, it's just right. Have a click on the terms mentioned and come out to experinence them for yourselves.

Short Break In Scotlad

Here is a short video of Ski Touring that I did this week, in some good winter conditions in the Cairngorms. I stayed on after doing some Winter Training with Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team. The weather at the weekend was great and then during the week deterioated. 85+mph Northerlys today and white out conditions.

If you would like to gain some winter skills whilst the snow is still around get in touch and a course tailored for your needs can be set up. 
Have a great Adventure in Mind ?

Brilliant Mini Hillwalk

Just at the end of the thaw a few of us went climbing in Borrowdale on something that felt like semi solid jelly fishes.

Today I have been on a brilliant mini hill walk that has it all at a low altitude. Steep Climb craggy tops, mixed woodland and a river walk. Even has a historic church to have a look round. If you are interested get in touch. The thaw in the lakes continues but there have been reports of avalanches so please be careful, if in doubt get in touch and I will help with your adventure as much as I can.

Winter's Thaw

A Day out with Steve and two dogs Keela and Oscar on Sour Milk Gyhll Borrowdale. There was a definate thaw going on as water cascaded down on the ice. I fell in at one point and held onto my axes to try and keep my feet dry.

I am wearing a new Montane Superfly XT Jacket, more info later.

Have a look at http://www.youtube.com/user/adventureinmind

for more of my winter activities. There is a fantastic snow kayak video. I will also be running some winter skills courses, dates and times to suit you, either in the Lakes or Scotland.

Cheers

Stuart

A Winters Tale

First week of a new decade and Winter still has its grip on us. After returning from the Julian Alps in Slovenia, where the snow was washed off after 3 solid days of rain, ensuring flood warnings as rivers rose 15ft!

I came back to do some work with the Army and then had a days playing in the grounds of my house. Have a look at the videos for more fun. I then went out to help with the BBC filming The Lakes Ski Club. This was requested by the BBC through Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team as they have specalist training and vehicles.

Rhona McLeod, the BBC Sport Scotland Presenter walked up for 2 hours in 25mph winds only to find the tow on Raise had just derailed. Therefore only having one ski then back down to the valley. Testing conditions on the hill but still a great day out. If you want to sample the hills safely before the thaw continues in the Lakes don't hesitate to get in touch.

Cheers

Stuart

End of an era ?

Here is some news for you. Mike Parsons formerly of Karrimor and KIMM laterly OMM has left the company OMM.

Here is a copy of his statement.

http://mountainmarathon.blogspot.com/2010/01/mikes-2010-new-year-post.html

http://www.petesy.co.uk/?p=3214

And also a link from another blogger who knew Mike.

May I wish Mike all the best in his retirement and I am sure we wont have seen or heard the last from him.

Cheers

Stuart

A Windy Winter Day on Striding Edge

Welcome to the New Year and after all the bells and fireworks a few of us went for a very windy and snowy walk up Striding Edge on Helvellyn. We then came down Swirral Edge back to the cars after some 50-60 mph gusts on the summit. There were a few people out but not as many as I expected. I hope that 2010 brings you some Adventures.

Click on the picture below for some video.

Cheers Stuart

Gloves? What do you use?

What are folks preferences in gloves for each of the seasons.

I have tried out hundreds of pairs during my work as an outdoor instructor, none keep my hands dry after prolonged use.

Dachsteins are great

Showa cold gloves these look a bit weird but do work

http://www.showagloves.com/gloves/index.php?categoryid=5&gloveid=39

Showa Thermo grip gloves fantastic grip and warmish

http://www.showagloves.com/gloves/index.php?categoryid=1&gloveid=14

or these http://www.toolbank.com/p/D4791/SCA/SCAGLOKSTHER

Venitex Gloves

http://www.targetsafety.co.uk/acatalog/Venitex_Thinsulate_Lined_Cowhide_Safety_Gloves.html

or this which i bought a pair of in Chamonix and are fantastic and cheap but could only find this Hungarian site

http://translate.google.co.uk/translate?hl=en&sl=hu&u=http://munkaruha.lanitex.hu/script/dosearch.php%3Fttipus3%3D21858%26cn%3DHideg%2520elleni%2520keszty%25C5%25B1k%26language%3Den&ei=oOIoS6ukDcmG4QbbkNm2DQ&sa=X&oi=translate&ct=result&resnum=6&ved=0CBsQ7gEwBQ&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dvenitex%2Bfbf15%2Bglove%26hl%3Den%26rlz%3D1C1RNNN_enGB356GB358


Silk Liner Gloves

http://shop.packyourbags.com/acatalog/Thaw_Thermal_Inner_Gloves.html?utm_source=webgains&siteid=47683

what do you use? these are great alternatives to the branded expensive gloves that we tend to buy and use.

Cheers

Stuart Smith

Mountain Rescue

I have just seen a Mountain Rescue conference report, this may have some interest even the nice pictures to you when you off having your adventures.

Bear these in mind.

http://www.ikar-cisa.org/eXtraEngine3/WebObjects/eXtraEngine3.woa/wa/mandant?nickName=ikar〈=en

Take care and hope to meet up with at some point in the New Year.

Stuart

Keep You Entertained

Here is a video to keep you entertained till the Snows come and you can get out and do it your self.
More postings later to keep you up to date with your Adventures In Mind.

Click on these links.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXzVNFrLzk0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NUOrZ1uz51s&NR=1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7eGSLKlW3iM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0F2SJS6B1wQ&NR=1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_lhkJWiEGc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QI45GRIUuQ

enjoy

cheers

Seasons Change

Since my last post the seasons have definatly taken a change toward Winter. The mornings are getting darker when I am working with the Army. They have a great "nip to the nose" feel along with some stunning sunrises and sunsets. I have been also working with Chelmsford Girls School on their second training weekend for Greenland 2010 with Bull Expedtions. We had horrendous weather here in the Lakes 80mph winds and heavy rain, but the weekend was a success with the girls going home tired and smiling.

I have completed my first LDWA event in approx 10 years over the weekend with Morecambe and Bowland Group. 21 miles and 4000ft ascent, it took me 5.15 Hrs. It follwed the Derwent lake skyline from Rosthwaite to Keswick and return over Catbells. Thanks to Barry from Bootle for the chat all the way round. A great informal event with no prizes no winners but a great day out good company and loads of tea!


I have no photos so have included random shots for your pleaseure and mine.

More Stuff

Well its been another busy period since my last post. I have been working at several differnt places an ML assessment with Chris Ensoll in the Lake District. With the Army taking Adventure Training with Recurits and then with Apex Training doing a D of E gold practice with a group from Charters School. This was a great last night wild camping. We sat and watched the stars and satellites with some hot chocolate "special mix" and some strong cheese and caviar. This I thought tasted strange as it should, but it was 14 years old!!
I have also been out with a group From Silva compasses with a group from Up and Running doing some navigation Training in North East Lakes.
During this time I have also competed in the Lake District Mountain Trial. This was a very hot day with a lot of the old school of mountain runners taking part. A great day out am not sure of my finishing position.

I have also just done the Rab Mountain Marathon a Two day event in the Howgills. Again not sure of position as a solo entrant. Now I have a few days off. Hooray!

Even on Robinson

Well its been a long time since my last post. I have spent the summer in Ladakh working for World Challenge and Stamford School. We were heading for Stok Kangri at 6000mtrs after trekking for 12 days over 4000mts. Unfortunately we didnt summit due to me being ill and bad weather. But a good trip all the same, then to the plains at 47C and the Taj Mahal. Back to the UK and its been like a monsoon here. I have worked with the Army and Apex training on a ML Training course. If its bank holiday its generally wet but we had a windy day out on Robinson with Sarah, Tara and the dogs an a great day biking in Scotland.

Adventure Week

Working this week with Windermere St Annes Year 6 end of year Adventure Week. We had the best of the weather, unlike one just under 4 weeks ago when it snowed! Three groups had a fantastic adventure on Hellvelyn, Climbing and Gyhll Scrambling. Thanks to Sarah, Caz and Sarah and all other staff who came along for all their help. To top off the week a Bivi by the shores of Windermere including the burining of marshmallows....

Going for Gold!!

Another great week. First of all with The Army, working with some of the best soliders in the British Army, The Gurkhas. True Genlemen and a great willingness to learn and perform at their best. Congratulations to Joanna Lumley for all her work done for Gurkha rights.

At the Weekend I was then camping with the Going for Gold group. A wild camp with 10-11 year olds from Windermere St Annes Elleray School. A visionary program put together to better the education to primary school age groups; offered by using the Outdoors as a learning tool. We had a great campsite located near to Scafell Pike, the highest mountain in England. Night navigation and campcraft skills were practised by a great group. I hope they go on to complete the Gold standard and use this as a starting point for greater adventures that they have in mind.

Four Seasons in One Week !!

End of May and begininng of June gave us a four seasons start to the middle of the year.
I was running part of the Cumbrian Way with Sarah and Keela our dog in 25C on Saturday. I then worked with a great group of four lads and three staff from Red Balloon London at Ormside Mill near Appleby. During the week we paddled on Ullswater in 25C and rock climbed and then the lads did an independant climb up Blencathra in cooler conditions. On Friday it snowed on the summits of the Pennines and higher fells!!
Sunday saw Sarah, Keela and I on Intake Ridge a 3* scramble in the Lakes in a cold wind but bracing.

A great adventure day out and if you have one in mind its easy to get in touch and make it happen.

In the Drink Again!!!

Its been wet weather again hooray! and boo!! I have been bringing in controls from the GLD3 weekend. A great event of stature and self reliance 3 days out running. Boo!! to that as it was snowing and very wet windy and cold bringing those in. Hooray cos I was doing a Swiftwater Rescue course with Howie Crook at Re-Think training. Maryport Rescue crew were also on the course based in the Southern Lakes. The water was cold even in May and I was very glad of my wetsuit shorts and knee pads under my Lomo drysuit. I found the drysuit brilliant, at a great price with all the added extras that I need. Even a relief zip is included and let me say its a great relief to have it after being in the cold water. Howie had also got a set of Lomo suits so we all looked very professional and turned a few heads as a group of eight in yellow and black. A very good course and well delivered and great to meet up with the volunteer crew of the lifeboat. I hope i never have to use them in the best sense. Back to work on land again, if you have any courses hill to climb and adventures to include, its easy to get in touch with me.
cheers

California Dreamin'

Another week of unseasonally wet weather. "All the skies are grey...."
I have been helping Joe Faulkner at NAV4 out with the GLD3 event. A tough solo lakeland challenge for runners. Planning the course and putting out and taking in markers is a challenge in itself.I have been testing a new OMM rucksack, the very aptly named OMM-i-Drate. Its now on sale in some shops but not up on OMM website as yet. Its a 15 ltr sack ideal for a cross over of sports. Ski climb bike run etc. It has a bladder level visibilty panel in the centre of the pack and of course all the usual linking features that you have come to expect with OMM gear of late. That means this will connect onto bigger packs and the Trio chest pouch and OMM-i-Gamy aslo add invaluable usable space. I think its a great pack very stable and versatile that I have used over several months now.

The picture above is the edge of the world as seen from Hellvelyn summit on a minging wet Tuesday after Bank Holiday Monday. On my 1hr 40 min journey up and down I collected 7 banana skins and 2 orange peels. Please do not dispose of litter like this! Its my office! If you need any advice on this bio-degradeable rubbish please ask or book onto a course. I look forward to hearing from you all soon. Cheers


Prior to that i was working with Paul Lewis Peak Mountaineering on Coniston Old Man with 27 women. Ideal.

Power Kiteing In Northumbria

Here is a quick video of some extreme power kiteing to the min taken over the Easter Weekend in Northumbria. Click on the link above to view it on You Tube.
I dont think Keela the dog is helping to much but the American Family walking past thought it was AWESOME!

Striding Edge with Keela

A days to long to be doing admin for all of it at at this time of year. A quick text to Bernie then up Striding Edge on Helvellyn then down Swirral Edge with Bernie Keela and Skye for a three hour extended lunch break today.

We saw the last of the sugary cornices around the edges and the start of the work on the new path which avoids the face of Helvellyn. A great warm spring day with a gentle breeze on the ridges with a few people out and about.

We travelled very light weight with windproof Montane tops and OMM Ultra wasitpack. Keela was using a Ruffwear Webmaster Harness, this aided in moveing her whilst on the edges. She didnt need it though and at 10 months old proved to be very agile.

If you have an adventure in mind and want to complete some of the countries finest edges get in touch, we aim to please.