My initial intentions with the following posting was to put it up on the Trail forums, and discuss it with Graham Thompson. However I didn't fancy having to put up with the attacks and pettiness that would be posted, which would distract from the discussion.

And so there is no confusion on the subject these are my opinions/thoughts. I am in no way speaking on anyones behalf but my own.

So here goes...

A few days ago I read an article that Graham Thompson wrote for an Outdoors Industry magazine called Outdoori on the subject of lightweight and the people that follow it . It was not a flattering article.

Lets have a look at a quote made on the internet: 

"...the not so silent minority have now gained a voice in chat rooms and web sites that looks set to transform the workings of the world through the law of the few."

I love comments like that, it almost seems to be attacking the web for drowning out his voice, for giving others an equal footing to his. Unfortunately not everyone has a magazine to voice their point of view. And who is to say that Graham's opinion on kit, the outdoors or anything is any more valid than the guy sitting next to me or you? But that is where experience comes in. Graham and other gear reviewers get to see more kit than most of us would in a lifetime. It doesn't mean he is right, it just means we need to bare that in mind when he speaks.

Also I think Graham misses the point that the "main stream" are also very vocal in putting their point across, except that they have the majority of the print media AND the web as well. So I'm sorry if Graham begrudges the lightweight movement being able to read about themselves in a print magazine, and on the web. But  people interested in lightweight have as much right as everyone else to express themselves and to read about it. 

"Hysteria abounds among the righteous lightweight fanatics, that anyone wearing boots and a heavy rucksack should be taken to one side and taught how to buy proper gear."

I'm not really happy with the way Graham name calls those that promote going lightweight.  But if we are going to name call, can we have a bit of balance in the writing please? I suggest that when talking of convential/main stream backpacking and those that promote it they are refered to as "beasts of burden" or "mules". All in the interests of fairness I assure you.

But Graham and others in the "beasts of burden" movement always retort with something like the following quote of Grahams:

"However, what is so rarely discussed by the hysterical few are the skills required to survive in a lightweight world of walking. "

Oops there is that name calling again. Sticks and stones Graham. People may be more inclined to listen to your arguement without the name calling. But back to your point hidden behind the names,of not mentioning the skills required to use the kit. Yes you do need to understand how to use your kit and it's limitations, and I haven't come across the situation you are talking about. However I have seen lots of people that have been out on the hill dressed and kitted out like the "beasts of burden" movement that have not known how to use that kit. We also saw or was given that impression with Griff in Mountain last Sunday, did not know much about using his kit. And he was not going lightweight. So it is a charge that can be thrown back as well, this is not a lightweight issue, but a kit in general issue.

I could argue that Graham and Trail don't cover the mainstream either, as the mainstream is the festival/glam camper set. Those that only use a car, buy their tents from Tesco/Aldi/Millets/Blacks. And that the "beasts of burden" are also a very vocal minority that are guilty as charged of the charges they level at the lightweight movement.

I'll end with this final quote from Graham:  

"There are still those that want to simply travel far, travel safe and travel in comfort today, tomorrow and next year. "

Don't we all, Amen.

Of course Graham if you want to post a reply here please do, or you can email and I'll post your reply up for you.

For all those that enjoy a brew up while out on the hill, it appears you maybe doing yourself more good than you thought.

Over at the dvorak blog they are reporting the following story "Caffeine and exercise team up to prevent skin cancer".

Reading the original story, the researchers still need to do more research into why this seems to work. So far they have only tested this theory out on mice, and are at some point in the future looking to take this to human trials to see if it still holds true with mankind.

In the meantime sales of coffee and tea have risen sharply for the rodent population, with rumours that a certain famous mouse was seen walking out of a supermarket with trolley loads of coffee. 

For those that have run out of outdoor podcasts to listen to, why not pop on over to the Beeb website and have a look at their Excess Baggage pages where you will find one or two programs of interest related to the outdoors. Particularly look at the previous programs they have done. They have covered climbing, wilderness, Wainwright to name a few.

And from time to time another Saturday morning program of theirs also does the odd program that maybe of interest Open Country. Although the have reset the archive of old programs for this one ie removed them.

Over on a certain forum Podcast Bob gives a two years on retrospecitive on what it has been like for him running an online outdoors retail business (thats www.backpackinglight.co.uk if you didn't know).

I wasn't going to comment on this at all but then Bob gave these two comments he had heard from the recent trade event in Germany.

"Two comments which struck us at Friedrichshafen this year was made by a European distributor. 'The British have an international reputation of not wanting to pay the full price for anything' and 'Many don't appreciate quality and the price associated with it'."

To the person(s) in the industry that said that, you are WRONG. The only international reputation that the British have is that of being a cash cow that the companies can milk to make excessive profits  to support them in the US and elsewhere where it is more competitive and they have to give better prices. End of story. What these people don't like is that the British people don't like being ripped off, and the advent of the interweb has given a transparency that shows these people for what they are.

Let's face it their production costs have gone down. And before they argue that they haven't, don't lie to us, we know they have. Most of the gear is now produced exploiting cheap labour in places like China. And let's face it, all those of us with kids, I bet you are glad your kids don't have to work in such places to bring in money to be able to just get enough food on the plate to live. So when was that cost saving passed onto the consumer? Err never, they just put prices up.

I'd gladly pay a fair price if that price also meant that the exploited work force got more money. But that would mean that the manufacturers profit margain wouldn't be so big, and they wouldn't be exploiting both ends of the chain.

And then the comment about not appreciating quality and the price that goes with it. Feck off, whatever. You are just trying to justify the high cost now. Frankly your argument stinks, your attitude stinks, just go back to the sewer where you came from.

On the bright side there are companies/retailers out there that do charge a fair price for their products and don't rip Joe Public off, Alpkit, Backpackinglight.co.uk for example. But these days they seem to be the odd ones out. Support those companies and tell the others where to sling their hooks.

How could I forget this yesterday (most unlike me to miss a bit of self promotion ^_^ )? The new columns went up over at The Outdoors Station after a week off.

The Bloggers Round Up can be found here

And the Podcast Round Up can be found here

Meanwhile Bob has also put up part 3 of this years TGOC podcasts. This covers day 3 of Bob and Andy's TGOC, and has some rather good interviews. One that particularly stands out is mine ^__^ Only joking, but you will hear me talk very briefly about my rescue, and I don't sound so bad this time (the OM Lakes podcast I sounded a right tit).

A Little Moan

Well it's nice outside, so just about to get up and get out with the muts. But it's typical the day planned to spend sometime with Nathan doing a film thing (Simpsons movie and Transformers movie with a pizza inbetween) it's good weather, and tomorrow is meant to be raining again! At least I won't feel guilty playing Pokemon Diamond tomorrow (Gotta Catch 'Em All ;) )

And for all those that missed it, Griff Rhys Jones was pimping his book - Mountains: Exploring Britain's High Places - that funnily enough goes along with the series Mountain, starting on Sunday, on the Simon Mayo radio program. You can catch it if you are quick by looking for the Daily Mayo podcast on itunes, and download it from there.

Here it is the final part of this "reprint" to our first visit to the Lakes some seven years ago now.

Walk Day 3 (30/7/2000) - Esk Pike and Bow Fell

Our final day of walking. After the disappointment of not being able to walk up a mountain the day before. Kate had planned a route up Bow Fell via Angle Tarn and Esk Pike. After a chat with a local who said that this was easily achieved in a day, we set off nice and early. The route took us along Mickledan Beck, and the Cumbria Way. When we started our ascent upto Angle Tarn via Rossette Gill, Kate went on ahead at her pace while I set my own slower pace.

This ascent really killed my legs. And after looking at the picture of me above I have started an exercise regime to improve my fitness. Boy I look fat in that picture.

Kate took the backpack from Angle Tarn, and we slowly made our way to Esk Pike, while also trying to practice our map and compass skills. By the time we were at Bow Fell, my legs were back to normal. I was content not to go to the summit, and let Kate do the final 20ft while I sat there and enjoyed the view I had of the world. Sitting there was awe inspiring, and made me feel small and insignificant. The peace of the moment was broken by the screams of Kate wanting me to do the final 20ft to take a picture of her on top of a mountain.

On the descent to Three Tarns my knees started to go. It then took me nearly two hours of agony to decend via The Band back to camp!! Every step was agony. I swore next time I would be better prepared, and fitter.

The photo I most hate in the world is on this entry. I really do hate that picture of me. One of the things I do remember from my "descent of pain", after kate had stormed off with the dogs was the following thought going my head "I'll fall and break a leg that'll teacher her". How I ever thought it would teach Kate I don't know, it makes no sense what-so-ever.

There you have it I hope you enjoyed the three postings. Normal service will now be resumed.

Welcome to day two of this retro account of our first trip to the Lakes. For those that haven't been following this blog and just stumbled across this entry, I'm doing this to celebrate our tenth wedding anniversary which is tomorrow.

Walk Day 2 (29/7/2000) - Pillar and Great Gable

During the evening Kate decided that she must walk up a mountain while we were in the Lakes. After looking through our books we had bought before coming to the Lakes for a suitable walk, Kate decided that we would tackle Great Gable via Pillar from the Lakeland top ten book!!!!

It was about 11:00 by the time we had found our way to the start point at Wasdale. But off we set towards Pillar, at the base of Pillar we looked up and saw that it was covered in cloud.

Not having much experience with a compass and map(oh and the map with Pillar on was back at the car doh!!), we decided to have something to eat, and see if the cloud was clearing. But after a while it didn't look like the cloud was going to move. But before we made our way back to the car along the opposite side of the valley that we had just come up, Kate had a little excursion up the side of Pillar. On her return Kate reported it was easier than it looked, even though she only went half way up! Once more Kate couldn't pass by the opportunity to go paddling!

On the return leg to Wasdale, about 5-10 minutes from Wasdale, we came across a brilliant little picnic spot, that we had a snack and drink at. And took these pictures.

At Wasdale, we stopped in the camping/equipment shop there, and a look around. We decided to buy a new day sack, as ours was too small. But also while the shop owner was talking to my wife, we were given a quick lesson on compass work. At last somethings were very clear!!!

On our return journey to the camp site we stopped off at Wast Water to admire this wonder of nature. Here are some of the pictures I took at Wast Water.

Here are two pictures I took along Wast Water showing Great Gable in the middle, Yewbarrow on the left and Lingmell on the right. I've included both here as I'm undecided which one I prefer!

In all a disappointing day that we didn't make it up our first mountains. But more than compensated for by the waterfall found and Wast Water.

Well I hoped you enjoyed that. The thing that comes across to me is just how little Kate and I knew, how we had no confidence, and wow was that really me? Reading it now, it seems like I'm reading about a stranger.

Final part tomorrow and then normal service will be resumed.

What follows is the account of our first every visit to the Lakes some seven years ago now. Enjoy.

At the end of July Kate and I found ourselves without any kids for 5 days. So to celebrate our 3rd Wedding Anniversary we decided to have a walking holiday in the Lake District. This was to be our first visit to the Lakes and also the first time we had been camping together. The weather prediction on the Met Office site for the 5 days we were going was good, so with a fully loaded car and our dogs Bud and Barney we headed up to the Lakes.

It was about 5pm when we arrived at the campsite at Great Langdale. We quickly set up camp with our tent entrance allowing us to wake up and view the Langdale Pikes each morning.

Above: View from tent

Below:We were also able to see The Band from our tent.

Walk Day 1 (28/7/2000) - Elterwater and Skelwith Bridge

The day started wet. Kate had gone to the camp site shop to get some bread, and there she had a talk with a local who worked in the shop. From this discussion Kate had been told that the rain would stop by 11:45!

Armed with this inside knowledge we packed up ready to do our first Lakeland walk. We had decided to do the walk from the Pathefinder Guide (#13) lake District, walk 7 Elterwater and Skelwith Bridge, a distance of 6 miles, as a gentle introduction to the Lakes. It was 11:00 when we arrived at the start point, and by the time we had put boots on, waterproofs etc it was more like 11:30 before we started the walk.

Some pictures from the walk.

It was so spooky, the local at the campsite was about 10 minutes out with his prediction for the weather. It was 12:00 when the rain stopped. Just as we reached the first view of the walk (IMHO), at Howe Banks (see picture above). Kate wanted me to take so many pictures here, I had to hold back to save some for the rest of the walk.

Before this walk Kate had always expressed a desire to either roll naked in mud, or to run naked through the woods. Colwith Force was to see Kate live this desire. After this Kate found every opportunity she could to go in the water!

About half way there is a nice stop for a cup of tea/coffee and a slice of cake at the Kirkstone Slate Galleries. And what a find this was, with our tea and coffee we had the most amazing bannofee pie ever. When we are next in the Lakes we will definitely be revisiting here. But while we were having our refreshments Kate managed to attract some birds down to the table to eat crumbs.

This has to be one of my favourite pictures, it was taken about three quarters of the way round the walk. It is of Kate sitting on a bench over looking Elter Water with the Langdale Pikes in the distance.

This was a great introductory walk to the Lakes, which we both enjoyed a lot.

After the walk Kate and I headed off for a drive and to get some provisions for our evening meal. Eventually we ended up in Coniston, and decided to drive round Coniston Water, which took our breathe away with the views there. On the east side of Coniston Water we parked the car, and walked along the shore for a while.

On the way back from Coniston to the camp site we had a little detour that took us up Wrynose Pass, the picture here was taken at the top (near Widdy Gill I think) looking back down onto Little Langdale Tarn.

There you have it part one of the look back to our first visit. It really was a great introduction to the Lakes. And this Elterwater walk has been a favourite that we have done a couple of times since. And it really has given me one of my all time favourite snaps from anywhere.

With Kate going off with her friend Anne yesterday to spend a couple of days camping in Cornwall, I'm left at home chuckling about the weather.
When I was packing Kate's gear to take, I offered to put in the whizaway and a pee bottle. But Kate said she didn't want it this time. Mainly because she would feel embarrassed using it around company. Bet she wishes she had it now.

Yesterday I had a really good couple of hours wondering around the tank ranges with the dogs, enjoying the good weather. You could tell it had been raining recently as the number of large puddles to negoiate had increased. When I say large it doesn't really describe them that well, they are more like ponds that are the width of the track walking along. So we are looking at puddles easily upto 12 feet wide or more.
The depressing thing about these walks is that there are some really great wooded wild camp spots round here, that would be great to just spend a night out testing gear, or enjoy being out under the night sky. That has to be the next big step in this country to give us the same rights as those enjoyed North of the border when it comes to wild camping. Although would it extend to Army land like the tank ranges? I know the Army allow/tolerate it on Dartmoor.

From tomorrow for three days I will be posting the pictures and text from Kate and mine first ever trip to the Lakes. This was from our third wedding anniversary, and I find it incredible that we have only been visiting the mountains for seven years. It seems so much longer than that. But we have managed to cram in a lot for a couple with family commitments in that time. I bet Kate is regretting introducing me to them now.
The reason I'm doing these posts is that on Thursday it will be our tenth wedding anniversary, and I wanted to mark it in some special way on the blog.

After wisely taking the wolf pack out this morning to enjoy the sunshine, I had to go food shopping. This time at our regular haunt of Tescos. Who happen to sell dried eggs!!! So now I have all the ingredients for trying to make an omelette that can be taken on a trip.

Now I have to make some pot cozies to try the recipe out with. If I can get this off to a fine art, then I think the guys at the next bloggers camp will be suitably impressed and jealous.

But hey why am I telling you this, it's not as if any of the blogs will be read this weekend. Why? Derr! Considering the new Harry Potter book hit the shops today I expect everyone is busy reading the book to find out who dies, what happens in the end etc etc. I think the whole of the world has come to a stand still while they read the final few pages of this book.

What a day of contrasts. Raining so hard in Surbiton before lunchtime it was like a river flowing down St Mark's Hill, now this afternoon blue skies and sun behind broken clouds.
But today I was very kindly offered a Golite Hex and also a Therm-a-rest 3/4 length ultralight sleeping mat. Was very interested in the Hex as a possible option for Kate and myself, but as always the thing that stops me and I would imagine most people trying things is that you have to buy the kit in the first place. So if it doesn't work out, or that you decide it's not for you, then you end up having wasted your hard earned money. That's why when kit is going cheap I jump on the chance to get it. It means I can play around, try out ideas, work out what I really want or how I can fit it into my "style" of doing things.
The Therm-a-rest, well what can I say? It's the ultralight, not as light as the prolite 3 that replaced it. But according to public opinion and the reviews, it performs better. So I'm glad I'm getting this. Kate or Nathan can use it if and when they come out hiking with me.
Of course I love to rub salt into wounds, or it feels that way listening to the podcasts from Bob and Andy for this years TGOC. Oh well I need to deal with it, and move on. But still I liked episode 2 that went up (see yesterdays blog).

In the meantime plans are in motion to try out the Hunka.

Over at The Outdoors Station Podcast Bob has put up two new podcasts for us to listen to.

They are "2007 TGO Challenge Part 2" which is the second part in Bob and Andy's audio diaries whilst doing the TGO Challenge this year.

Followed by "Bob and Andy's Seaside Adventure", the podcast of their little trip out to the beach last weekend. Which you can also read about on Andy's blog.

Also Bob has said due to the big gear fest going on in Germany at the mo, he will be putting up the blog and podcast round up once he gets back.

Well the Hunka arrived today, as expected. Alpkit are one of those rare interweb type companies that actually offer good customer service. They respond to emails, the answer their phone, you used to be able to instant message them as well (don't know why they stopped that one).

Initial impressions are it looks good, and can't wait to try it out. I have one tripped planned soon which I most definitely will give it an outing with. But before then it would be nice to give it a whirl.

Last night whilst walking the mutts, the area I had selected had also been chosen by the Army to do some training exercises. One day I may get the nerve up and copy the soldiers on exercise and camp out for the night in a quiet spot locally.

My only problem now is how do I get the Hunka into it's inbuilt storage pouch! 

What a voyage of discovery today has been.
Lunchtime I was dragged in to the health food shop opposite where I work by a friend and work colleague FT or Fat Tony as he is known. FT was in there to buy some of this pro-biotic farting stuff for babies for his daughter. As if babies need any additional help to produce stuff out of their bottoms. But hey if FT wants to add to global warming who am I to condemn him for being so selfish and using his daughter that way.
Anyway whilst FT was looking for this super WMD farting stuff, I was looking round the shop and found these "Energy powders" to mix with water.

At 59p each not bad and useful to keep in the first aid kit, next hill day I'll give them a field test. How they compare to the ones sold in outdoor retail outlets I don't know, but I'll try and get hold of some and compare them.
The other great discovery today was that my phone takes 2M pixel photos! There I was snapping away at 640x480 or the old VGA resolution as it was known. So from today my camera phone snaps should be of a better quality image wise, can't vouch for the content though.

I did try ordering one of the Alpkit Hunkas last night but my gift certificate had expired. After emailing Alpkit they have issued me with a new gift certificate. The problem is they have a year life on the gift certificates, unfortunately the email from them that I received never stated this. So I was just waiting until they had something in I wanted. Oh well sorted promptly (as usual great customer service from the guys at Alpkit). So now I have ordered a Hunka, and awaiting delivery. I expect it Thursday because I think I would of missed the last delivery cut off when I ordered it.

Took the picture below while walking the dogs this evening. Each year this happens, not sure what tree they are from. But the share number make the whole seen look something out of this world, or that giant worms are attacking.

Finally the Alpkit Bivy Bag has arrived in the shop. Great price, not so sure about the name. Hunka?!!! As soon as I can get my hands on one I'll let you know.

Anyway pop on over to their site (click here) to get one while stocks last.

Well the title says it all really. Today saw us over to Frensham Little Pond with the wolf pack. We hadn't been there for a little while, so it was long over due a visit.

Above:Close up showing the area of todays walk.

Above: The mutts playing in the water. What is most astonishing is that Strider was in the water!

Below: View from the ridge.

The planned walk had been to take in the King's Ridge as well, but due to Kate not having a coat and an approaching thunder storm and the heavy rain that went with it we cut the route down.

It's a shame we aren't allowed to wild camp lawfully, as I think round here would be one of the spots I would choose to camp.

Did anyone get the Guardian's booklet on UK Beaches yesterday? It was done in the same style as the walking one they did a little while back (I blogged it at the time). Not badly put together. Will prove useful during the Summer holidays (hopefully).