Wednesday, February 28, 2007

Losing the Plot?



What's it all about...Sturdy??!!
(To be sung to the tune of 'Alfie'..)





Was back to walking on my own again at the weekend and enjoyed a lovely 3 hour jaunt on Saturday morning around my 'usual' route. Had to play taxi service on Sunday but whilst waiting for mum and co to take in the delights of a craft fair, I headed up the road and took a scenic walk around Mersea Island. Last visit to this site was when I was about 9 - first camping trip and it was awful. Our teacher wanted us to eat these horrible slimy things that looked like somebody had sneezed on a shell - think they called them oysters! A few years later(!) and this time around I could appreciate the beauty of the mudflats, the lovely old houses and the relative serenity of the island - and the oysters! Well, if I have to play taxi service I have to treat myself at the same time - don't I?
Last Wednesday I joined a local council walking group, part of the 'Walk For Life' scheme. Now it was only about a mile or so and lasted about 40 minutes but it was probably one of the most rewarding things I've done since I've been on the hill-walking path (pun intended!). The purpose of the group is to encourage the elderly and the infirm to take up walking, get out in the fresh air and enjoy the socialising. In our small group there were those suffering from chronic arthritis, heart problems, walking disabilities - just about everything - but the one thing they all shared was a good sense of humour and a desire to get outside. And that's what it's all about to me. Walking is - or should be - for everyone. I remember how I felt not so long ago when I wanted to take up 'proper' walking. Being overweight and with an injury I wasn't exactly made to feel welcome and, to be honest, was quite embarrassed to even approach some groups. So if I felt like that, I wonder how many other would be walkers are out there feeling the same - thinking they won't be welcome or don't belong.
Thing is, somewhere along the way, over the past 4 months, I seem to have lost the plot a bit. I've started to suffer from my own king of summit fever - walking fever! The feeling that I have to keep pushing myself further and higher, walking more and more but for what? What am I trying to prove and to whom? I've found myself constantly worrying about where I'm going to walk, is it far enough, is it challenging enough and forgotten the very essence of why I started out and what I keep knocking others for. Walking should be about fun, fitness and being with and appreciating nature and our beautiful surroundings. It's not about ego. Only mine seems to have been getting in the way. It came to a head last week when I was offered the opportunity to take up a mega-walk, over several days in an unknown area and with the possibility to lead others. This is, if not technically then physically beyond me at the moment - but I was actually considering it. Why? Is it because I want to be like those I admire - strong, determined, adventurous, respected (well, that's my perception) but let's face it, I'm not a Ray Mears (couldn't kill anything resembling a living creature for a start) and I'm not a Joe Simpson (although with the number of times I seem to have ended up falling over, slipping down or getting lost I may not be far off - oops - sorry Joe - just kidding!). I may have the name 'Sturdy Girl' but in reality I'm a casual walker who takes enjoyment from being with and around nature, appreciating the history and beauty of a place and with an unexplainable love of mountains - I'm a poet and a romantic at heart - not a hard-core mountaineer type. So why am I trying to be? Thankfully, my inner voice and the outer voices of family and friends finally made themselves heard and after my session with the council team I am firmly back in the real world and being true to my own values and desires. Of course, you know that I'm still going to be walking and exploring my precious mountains - including completing my quest to the summit of Ben Nevis - but I'm going to do it my way and via those places that I want to walk in, not those that I think I should. I'm not going to walk routes just because they are the ones people expect me to do or because they have 'credibility'. I'm going to do them because something deep within draws me to them. That might mean I don't 'bag' the usual peaks but hey - who cares?? So, ranting over, time to reconsider my next adventure.....
All for now

Not so Sturdy Girl

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Monday, February 19, 2007

Cotswold Capers



Is this a map I see before me? Er.....no!





Well, headed off to Warwick at the weekend to meet up with a fellow walker I met on my recent Poland trip. Wasn't quite sure what to expect but in the true spirit of adventure jumped on the train Friday night and headed off for what turned out to be a fantastic weekend.

We had planned to go walking in the Peak District on Saturday but the weather wasn't great and with a two hour drive each way we thought better of it and headed into the Cotsworlds instead. Didn't mind as I haven't walked in either place before. We were joined by another of Emma's friends and headed off, route details in hand, to Ilmington for a gentle 8 mile stroll. And therein lies the fundamental flaw in our plans. We'd found the walk details on the Internet (route 2408 on the Walking Britain site) but didn't have an OS map to accompany it. I had my compass and we had our enthusiasm and optimism and undeterred we made it to the start point, pulled on the boots and headed off.....in the wrong direction. Half an hour later and we were back where we started, well, almost but at least we did, eventually find the first elusive gate. Rejoicing, we strolled across the fields taking in the scenic views or, rather, the mists. We managed the first part of the route surprisingly well from here although I was being taunted in true Pythonesque style by Emma's friend, Neil, who decided he was going to be 'the worst walking group member' he could be, challenging my would-be-walking-leader skills to the max. Thankfully, I knew he was only teasing and the hills were only alive with the sound of laughing for most of the way. We had a great lunch in Ebrington where the local pub is very welcoming to walkers and muddy boots (can recommend the local beer and cheese ploughmans!) and then we headed off once more. The second part of the route took us to Hidcote Manor then up onto the hills and close to the highest point in Warwickshire. Shame the directions weren't exactly clear as we seemed to lose the plot at bit looking for Hidcote Bartrim, which turned out to be a lot further down the road then we had thought. Still, we found the Manor House and other key sites and I learnt a useful skill in navigating with a compass and a dodgy, hand-drawn vague route but with a direction marker, thanks the useful(!) comments of my 'demanding walker'. Mind you, I'm a believer in Karma and later in the day, as we made our way across a very, very muddy bridleway, said walker had close encounter with the clay - in a gentle fashion and without injury, and if we hadn't been incapacitated by our laughter we would have run to his aid - honest! Mind you, Emma and I were starting to resemble hairy footed Dutch Bantams (cute chickens with fairy feet) due to the amount of mud sticky to our boots! As evening began to close in we eventually made it back to our car after resorting to heading for the nearby road and walking back into Ilmington. Somewhere along the last section we had lost it completely and without a map we could only really tell we were heading in vaguely the right direction.

So, what did I learn? First and foremost, that it's great walking with others - haven't laughed so much for ages. And when things go wrong it's great to be able to share the blame - er - work things out together. Second of all, don't try to follow route cards without a proper map BUT if you do have to, as long is there is a directional marker you can still figure out roughly which way you should be heading as long as you have a descent compass and know how to use it. If we had been on the Peaks I would never have attempted to walk without the map but, as it was, we were never far from a road with clear signposts back to town. Thirdly, that routes change. On a couple of occasions we found warning signs warning us to 'stay out', including one very strongly worded and rather scarey notice on what was obviously the footpath - which was why we ended up on the muddy bridleway playing in the mud.

All in all we estimate that we covered closer to 10 miles on Saturday and by the end of it we were happy to head back home ready for a nice meal out in Warwick. Thanks to Emma and Neil for their company, their humour and the occasional bit of help! Looking forward to taking you out on some of my routes! Hee, hee, hee!!!



All for now.



Sturdy Girl

Posted by Admin @ 12:59 pm :: (0) comments

Monday, February 12, 2007

Beach Bums and Barometers....

Look away from the surfers and concentrate...now, how does this thing work?

Had a bit of a busy weekend but finally managed to squeeze in a couple of hours walking on Sunday. Fancied a change from my normal route so opted for the beach instead. Not only did that mean I could watch the kite-surfers (gosh...they do look good in their wetsuits and it look such fun..!) but I could also challenge myself a bit more by deliberately walking on the soft sand and shingle. There is method to the madness...honest. The theory is, it's harder to walk on these surfaces than on good hard earth/paths, therefore, I'll be working my leg muscles more, increasing my general stamina and improving my ascent/decent strength. Well, that's the theory. Mind you, it was hard work! After two hours I was ready to stop and pass the time gazing out to sea.

Whilst out I thought it would be an ideal opportunity to play with my new gadget - the digital barometer. You know, the one that's supposed to warm me about storms brewing and general bad weather. As I stood pulling on my rain coat as an energetic squall hit me, I wondered just why my lovely yellow gadget was trying to convince me that it was sunny with no change forecast! Hmm, either I'm not using this thing properly or it was a wee waste of money! Will have another look at the instructions and give it the benefit of the doubt - for now. Guess it just goes to show that there is no substitute for good basic knowledge. I'll dig out the weather books again and whilst I'm at it, dust off the navigation books and start getting some practise in. I did glance quickly at my 'Mountain Navigation' book, by the aptly named Peter Cliff (no, seriously) and am planning on taking my improver's navigation course sometime soon. At least walking on the beach is easy - out with sea on right, back with sea on left - if suddenly surrounded by water - I'm in the paddling pool! Seriously though, was following the news of the missing walkers and climbers in Scotland at the weekend and was glad to hear they were all found and made it back safely. Does make you stop and think though - about general skills and preparation and the whole debate about not relying on gadgets and gizmos but good old-fashioned knowledge, maps and compass. Seems the walkers were 'saved' by using their low cost survival bags - definately worth a fiver of anybodies money. I've got one in my kit - have you??

Off to Warwickshire this weekend - really looking forward to it. Am also planning an Easter break to Yorkshire so if anybody out there has some suggestions of nice places to walk please let me know. I quite fancy going over to the North Yorks Moors as well as the usual places (Wuthering Heights etc).

Finally, has anybody any suggestions on how to easy a rather tight Achilles heal, tendon thingy? Started to find my left tendon (including behind the knee) is a little tight - worry, but not serious. Any helpful tips on how to stretch this area out (and no, I don't mean 'stop walking' - that's not an option!) - thanks.

All for now.

Sturdy

Posted by Admin @ 6:41 am :: (0) comments

Tuesday, February 06, 2007

Anti Climax

Feeling a bit low this week as didn't get to go out walking at the weekend. Very frustrating being so close to the beautiful rolling hills of the South Downs but not able to set foot on them. Missing the fun and excitement of the snow and my Polish adventure, as well as my fellow walking chums, which didn't help things at the weekend. Great to catch up with my friend and her new baby daughter but missing the open air.

Have started reading my 'Hillwalking Manual' with earnest, preparing for the spring/summer season to come and am in the process of working out some walks over Easter on the stunning North Yorkshire Moors. Bought a hand held/digital barometer at the weekend as my weather reading skills are not as good as they could be and this handy gadget has a built in storm warning. In theory, I can get an up-to-date weather forecast each day when I'm walking and be forewarned if the storm clouds close in on me. Wonder if I can walk in time to the warning alarm and make it to the nearest pub or cafe before the rain comes in - guess they'll be one way to find out!

Hoping to get in a sprint around my 'training' route this weekend. Have some other commitments which will prevent me from heading off anywhere serious but at least this route is good for building general stamina and will get me out in the open air. Also, if we get the snow that's been forecast I can practise my winter walking skills, get out the new ski goggles I couldn't resist buying and dream of far away places......or Scotland next season!

Glad to find I've had an invite to take my first walk in the Peak District week after next. One of my group members from Poland has invited me up for a wonder over the hills - can't wait.

All for now.

Sturdy Girl

Posted by Admin @ 1:35 pm :: (0) comments

Thursday, February 01, 2007

Walking in Narnia.

'And huddled in their warmest coats, they stepped from the back of the bus and gazed upon the magical, enchanted land of Narnia...erm...I mean Szczawnica!'

What an amazing five days I've just had. Leaving a snowy Heathrow last Thursday I had no idea what lay in store for me. I've never been winter walking at home, never mind somewhere like Poland and so I've spent the past week in a constant state of awe, surprise and reverie. The very long journey there and back (don't mention the delays!) was worth it.

Day One - Walking in the Dunajec Gorge and Snow Shoeing
We traveled by bus over the border into Slovakia and then walked back to Poland via the Dunajec Gorge, part of the Pieniny Way and a conservation area. I have never seen so much snow and walking along with the river gently flowing, trees heavy with their diamond encrusted jackets, iridescent in the sunlight and with a small, friendly group of fellow walkers I felt so happy and alive! It took a while to get used to walking on the snow and I soon learnt not to be complacent; the Karrimor's have started to bed in and the grip on them was fantastic. Our guide, Andre, was a wealth of information and very knowledgeable about local wildlife and pointed out different animal tracks in the snow. I can now confidently identify fox, squirrel, wild boar, roe deer, red deer and duck. So, in the unlikely event of being stranded in a snow bound gorge, I should be able to locate the local inhabitants and take lots of pretty pictures whilst I wait for mountain rescue - not capable of anything else, no matter how many Ray Mears programmes I watch! We were walking for about 2 1/2 hours, around 8km and for me it was over far too soon. In the afternoon we donned the snow shoes and headed for the summit of Palenica just on the outskirts of town. At 722m this would be my highest point so far. I was feeling rather nervous about the excursion as the idea of anything remotely like skiing has always terrified me, but as soon as we got the kit and started to sort ourselves out I felt the excitement growing and once I'd managed to strap myself in I found the walking incredibly easy. There wasn't really enough snow to walk properly but we did it anyway and it was great fun. To be able to tackle icy paths without the fear of sliding back down meant we could actually enjoy the stunning scenery. It was late afternoon, the sun cast a deep golden glow on the distant mountains and below, the lights in the town twinkled in the haze of the frosty air. Amazing. On reaching the summit there was no time to pause for thought as the plan was to take the ski lift back down and it was about to close. Not being fond of heights I was dreading this - really dreading it, but one of my fellow group members came to my rescue and accompanied me down, calming me and focusing me until I accepted that we weren't going to plummet to our deaths, once we got the safety bar down of course! I finally relaxed, much to the relief of my companion, and then actually quite enjoyed it - but glad to get off again. In the evening we were taken for a sleigh ride in the forest - Narnia style, with horse drawn sleighs, jingling through the icy waste, lit by burning torches, swishing along paths, through streams until turning around in a star-lit clearing where we stopped for some very welcome hot spiced wine. After the ride we had a BBQ. Yep, in the outside. It's O.K. - it was only -12! Quite exhilarating. When we finaly got back to the hotel I was still too full of puppy energy to sleep and so went for another walk back into the town and along the river, watching the moonbeams dancing on the crystallised water. Walking along, listening to the sound of my own breathing and the soft crunch of foot on snow was quite something.


Day Two - A change of plan!
We had hoped to walk to the summit of 'The Three Crowns' which stands just over 900m high. Unfortunately, the weather had closed in and there was heavy snow. Andre had no choice but to abandon this plan as, with a mixed ability group, we could end up in risky situations and not having a terribly good time. No problem with that in my mind and the rest of the group were also happy with this decision. It was, afterall, the sensible one. I was disappointed on one level but was just as happy with the idea of another valley walk. Andre promised it would be beautiful with stunning views and he wasn't fibbing! From the minute we got off of the bus at the start of the route I was speechless (yes...really!) and spent the next couple of hours walking in another world. A silent, peaceful, beautiful world. It was one of the most exciting and breathtaking things I have done so far. And that's when I knew I was hooked. On snow, on winter walking, on all things icy and on the mountains. I'm going to have to develop some winter walking skills as the apparent risks are multitude but wow - what a feeling. We ascended quite a few wooden steps and rocky slopes so coming back down was great fun - slip sliding around, the sound of giggles echoing through the valley every now and again followed by a call of 'Uwaga' (which generally means something along the lines of 'look out', 'warning' 'avalanche' etc) and the occasional 'Um Bongo' - snow madness I think! I did manage to execute an amazing 360 degree turn at one point on some hidden ice and if it hadn't been for the pair of walking poles I'd been loaned (we all had) I would probably have gone for a nice, icy slide down the path. Best couple of hours walking so far.

In the afternoon we had some free time. Not enough snow for snowmobiling so was convinced to have a go at skiing. Yes, despite the fear I rose to the challenge, hired an instructor and took to the slopes. Spent the next hour in agony, falling over quite a lot and laughing hysterically. I did eventually learn how to stop, when I could be convinced to move in the first place, and could turn to the right but failed miserably to turn to the left, ending up instead lying on the snow giggling. The lesson over I went for a hot beer (great stuff) and watched Will, my play mate for the afternoon and fellow walker, swishing down the slopes. He seemed to make it look easy - quite envious! I did have another little go on my own whilst I was waiting for him to finish his runs and did manage to move, fall over, end up in the netting and the finally, finally, go in the right direction and turn a couple of times. Do I dare confess this....I actually enjoyed it. And it was nice to have someone to chat about it with afterwards while enjoying another beer. Thanks to all in the group for encouraging me and for Will for putting up with me and keeping me company - great fun.

Sadly, that was it for proper walking and activities, the rest of the trip was a bit of cultural sightseeing and then home but I'd accomplished my mission. I'd gone on this trip as an introduction to snowy, winter walking activities to see if I actually enjoyed them and had the fitness and ability to cope with them. I now know that I love playing in the snow, that I'm fitter than I thought I was and that my kit is now doing exactly what I want it to. This is definitely an aspect of hill walking that I want to develop and hope to visit some other mountain ranges over time, including the Tatras, but no rush - as and when I'm ready and can afford it. I also really enjoyed walking in a small group, which is something I'm not used to. Being with like minded people, each with their own particular interests, qualities, experience and dreams was really lovely. I've already said before how I know I'm going to meet some special people on my journey over the coming year and this trip was no exception. I did meet some very, very special people and I hope we'll stay in touch and maybe even go out walking and playing. It was quite sad saying goodbye to them all at the airport and a part of me wonders if I will ever see them again. I hope so - I really do.


So, January started off pretty appallingly for me but I've been able to get in some great training walks, work out some equipment problems, share my local route with my best friend, be blown away by my Polish adventure and met some potential new friends and playmates. What more could I want - apart from more walking opportunities. February is upon us and I'm off to Sussex this weekend to catch up with an old friend. Hope to take in at least one walk whilst I'm there but will probably return later in the month to do a couple of days on the South Downs. The adventure continues......

All for now.

Sturdy Girl

Posted by Admin @ 7:24 am :: (0) comments