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