Im back

Well after an extremely long time of not posting anything because of my hectic life, i decided it was about time i got back in the game and updated the post. I've managed to achieve a great deal in the last year, including the three peaks for Martin House Childrens hospice, and once again thank you to all the people who donated to that wonderful cause. I also attended Masham beer festival with Mr Spencer and Miss Theakston, in what was certainly a very eventful weekend.

Then there's little Snoop Dog who ain't so little anymore, but is just as gorgeous and fun as the day i got him. He still hasn't been on a shoot yet because we have to wait until he's stopped growing, because he unfortunately has hip dysplasia. I'm still enjoying doing a great deal of fishing, and have had a number of personal best carp this year. Then in 5 weeks i am going skiing to Risoul in France which i am really looking forward to its been too long since i last went skiing.

Im hoping to keep my blog updated as often as possible including new reviews on other equipment i have purchased for hiking, including my hydration systems, tents and sleeping bags i use for days out trekking, i will also be adding fishing tackle reviews in future.

 

 

Deer Stalking

 

Takeoff

 

 

 

Tornado and Seal Colony

 

Leuchars

 

Snoop Dog

On Wednesday i picked up my dog Snoop whos a black labrador pup at 8 weeks old....he's gorgeous. I got him from a local breeder who had a litter of 11 puupies. I decided that it was time i had a dog to train so i could train him as a gundog. He is a very healthy pup and of a pedigree. Im currently struggling to stay awake because he is whining every night, obviously missing his mother but im hoping this will stop in a couple of weeks.

I chose the name Snoop because when i had been to collect him i was wondering what on earth i was going to call him, when on the radio What's my name by Snoop Dogg was played. I thought this had to be fate and therefore i had no choice to name him Snoop. It was either that or my Dad's suggestion of naming him 'Defer'....as in D for Dog.

[Review] Tracpac AirJet 35ltr Backpack

The rucksack has been designed for use by the military but is perfect for hikers. The AirJet rucksack comes in different sizes ranging from 25 - 85 litres. I bought the 35ltr version which is perfect size for a day bag. Overall it is an outstanding rucksack, providing comfort and value for money. The AirJet 35 can be bought for around £24 which i think is excellent value. The feature i like the most is the AirJet Back System, a cushioned back with built-in ventilation mesh for added comfort. This really does help reduce sweat where the rucksack is in contact with your body. The other specifications are listed below:

• 2 zipped side pockets with storm flap protection for zips
• zipped top pocket
• 33mm quickrelease waist belt
• 25mm quickrelease chest strap
• 2x6mm carabinas
• two rows of web loops for attaching external equipment
• Fully adjustable shoulder and waist straps

Once your wearing the rucksack even when fully laden, comfort is outstanding, so much so you don't really notice that you are wearing it. This is helped by the waist and chest straps which prevent any movement and provide the feeling that the rucksack is part of your body. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

Below is a link to images and other information relating to the rucksack.

http://www.surplusandadventure.com/shopscr1733.html

[Walking] Equipment Reviews

Recently ive been taking my hiking more seriously so im gradually purchasing more and more equipment. This made me think that once i have been out and tested it i should write a review about each of the items. It may help other walkers and people who purchase similar equipment make up their mind on what they need and what the best items are. So from now on keep an eye out for my equipment reviews.

[Walking] Skelton's Tower and the Hole of Horcum

Today i managed to get out for a walk, id bought some new equipment like rucksacks and others items which i wanted to test. The main thing i wanted to test though was the GPS software that i mentioned before. Its brilliant it did exactly what i wanted it to do, tracked my every move including average speed distance, time, and altitude, so all i had to do when i got home was to upload the data to my PC and it was all there for me. The walk was excellent aswell i managed to do 6 miles in 1 hour 42 minutes which is fairly good going. Once again i took my camera, you can see the images in the Skeltons Tower album on the right hand side of the page. The weather today was absolutely wonderful, spring is finally on its way around i think. Thats probably why there were so many other people out and about today, i only just managed to get a parking space at the top of the hole of horcum it was that busy.



Im out again for another walk tomorrow, im not sure where at the minute but it will be around eight miles, im planning the route this very minute.

[Walking] Memory-Map

Back to the subject of hiking, ive just got some software by memory-map (http://www.memory-map.co.uk/) which is amazing. Its essentially ordanance survey maps in electronic form. This allows you to plan routes by drawing on the maps where you want to go adding waypoints and other relative information. Once you have planned a route you then upload it to your PDA which also has the software installed so you can see the route on the PDA. The PDA is then connected to a GPS receiver, so when your walking you can see your position on the map. Its satellite navigation for hiking, very very useful software and highly recommended for walkers. I haven't taken my PDA out for a trial run yet, and i haven't discovered all the features, the one feature i am hoping for is that if i walk a route which i haven't planned then im hoping the software will track and plot my route so when i get home i can review my path.
The picture above is a screenshot of Memory-Map on my PC. The red path in the one which i drew on, the map is North Yorkshire Moors OS, it shows Skelton's Tower near Levisham a very pleasant walk.

[Coins] 1832 Miraculous Medal

I was also given a gift from my mother the other day that has been passed through the family for many years. Its is 'supposedly' an original 1832 Miraculous Medal made in France and designed by the Virgin Mary herself. The story goes that in 1830 the Virgin Mary appeared on three separate occasions standing on a globe to a woman called Zoe Labore where she was instructed to have the medal struck and distributed. The medal quickly spread as people who wore it were each having visions of the Virgin Mary. My mum had the medal passed down from her from my grandma who in turn had it passed down from her mum and her mother before that ( my great, great, great grandma), that does bring the date to the mid 1800's but whether it is an original will probably never be determined. Im currently wearing it so i hope i don't lose it otherwise there will be a few unhappy people in my family :).