tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64095911953787579312024-03-13T20:50:39.278+00:00A Little Bit About Not A Lot.....camping wild in nice places with as little as I feel comfortable with!Marcushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01351297406970864492noreply@blogger.comBlogger175125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6409591195378757931.post-46987760038844250972014-11-07T21:21:00.001+00:002014-11-07T21:21:25.790+00:00Synthetic Insulated Jacket: Jack Wolfskin Thermosphere<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
At a time where I thought I had my gear pretty much sorted and I’d come to terms with my view on down versus synthetic, I was contacted by <a href="http://www.outdoorworlddirect.co.uk/" target="_blank">OutdoorWorldDirect</a> to see if I wanted to test the Thermosphere Jacket by Jack Wolfskin. At the time I had my doubts as to how and where this would have relevance to my kit.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-saWEVlYevqs/VF0zGebWdDI/AAAAAAAADgI/A-2iolO9OPk/s1600/Thermosphere-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-saWEVlYevqs/VF0zGebWdDI/AAAAAAAADgI/A-2iolO9OPk/s1600/Thermosphere-1.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">WEIGHT</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<u></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
First things first lets tackle the difficult issue of weight. The jacket in medium weighs 447g on my trusty scales. Not bad for a jacket not claiming to use superlight materials and with a hood. Up against my Western Mountaineering down jacket it will lose every time but for the money its certainly not ridiculous. JW have kept the weight down through minimal insulation, fairly light fabric and simple features – all outlined below.<u></u><u></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
FEATURES & PRICE<u></u><u></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
The jacket retails at £120 but can be found online for £100. This isn’t cheap as such but the item is well made and feels like a well-designed and made piece of kit.<u></u><u></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
The jacket could be described as part or semi-insulated and this is because it has stretch, articulating panels around the elbow area of the arms. This fabric is a fairly thick, stretchy material and in contrasting blue in my jacket which gives it a technical look and feel. <u></u><u></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
There is a very basic insulated hood but this can’t be adjusted. It has some volume and I suspect it would fit a climbing helmet under it but I’m not convinced it is designed for this.<u></u><u></u><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kJHetd-JNJ0/VF0zDUvA3VI/AAAAAAAADf4/s2Duoon825I/s1600/Thermosphere-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kJHetd-JNJ0/VF0zDUvA3VI/AAAAAAAADf4/s2Duoon825I/s1600/Thermosphere-5.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">There are two large, fleecy lined pockets that will hold a folded map and other assorted items but I found them to be shallow to the extent that things do fall out if you open the zip all the way down. Once you know it isn’t a problem but it’s something I immediately noticed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<u></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
There is only one type of adjustment on the jacket and this is at the hem in the form of the classic pull-cord elastic adjustment. As is fairly standard nowadays this is the type that is anchored and can be done with one hand whilst wearing gloves. There are no other adjustments on the cuffs or hood and as mentioned this is probably about weight and simplicity as well as the potential market this is aimed at. Having said that the cuffs are terminated in nice discreet elastic piping and there are thumb-loops using the same material as under the arms. This is nice and stops the arms from riding up if using as a belay piece. I’m still undecided on whether thumb-loops are for me so I was happy to see that if you choose not to park your thumbs like this then the jacket doesn’t bunch or look odd – it just works either way.<u></u><u></u><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uo3rnuclkx8/VF0zGebBM_I/AAAAAAAADgA/q7bHSQRkwN4/s1600/Thermosphere-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uo3rnuclkx8/VF0zGebBM_I/AAAAAAAADgA/q7bHSQRkwN4/s1600/Thermosphere-2.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">FORM & FIT</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<u></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
Without even looking for the Jack Wolfskin marketing blurb, its clear this is designed around alpine pursuits and by nature means that movement and fit are really nicely dialled in. I’m usually a small in European outdoor clothing but this medium fits just right whilst allowing room for a base layer and or mid layer underneath.<u></u><u></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
The stretch panels on the arms are a nice touch and add to the natural and unhindered fit you feel while wearing it – so much so you can easily forget you have it on and of course this is the idea! It seems all too often that you are either in a strait jacket or in a fabric box with insulating pieces so for me the fit is the stand out success of this item.<u></u><u></u><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zfxH4LZ1htM/VF0zGbnSpTI/AAAAAAAADgE/TIwhTpwzwz8/s1600/Thermosphere-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zfxH4LZ1htM/VF0zGbnSpTI/AAAAAAAADgE/TIwhTpwzwz8/s1600/Thermosphere-3.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
USE<u></u><u></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
I received this item in January this year (sorry for the extended review period David!) and have used it extensively and surprisingly this has been off and on the hill. The first trip was a slight cop-out as the jacket arrived in time for our yearly trip to the cabin in Wales where there’s lots of day walks directly from the door. I married the Thermosphere with a simple merino base layer and it worked perfectly. I was initially a bit paranoid at getting it wet and pulled on a waterproof when the heavens really opened. It took me a few downpours to get out of my down jacket mentality before allowing it to get wet and I’m glad I did. This is after all the jewel in the crown of synthetic insulation. I wouldn’t say it was just as warm when wet but when paired with a merino base layer and as long as you’re still moving about getting it wet isn’t the disaster I was expecting. Drying time is pretty good too and this is best done whilst still wearing it so your body heat helps it along a bit. I’ve not yet got it wet whilst having to dry it out under a tarp but as most of you will know this is isn’t really going to happen.<u></u><u></u><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9RTuO2vY-I8/VF0zG_aUoTI/AAAAAAAADgM/TKXin5eXCD4/s1600/Thermosphere-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9RTuO2vY-I8/VF0zG_aUoTI/AAAAAAAADgM/TKXin5eXCD4/s1600/Thermosphere-4.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
I used the jacket in ‘proper’ conditions in April on a one nighter in Wales. I was in two minds whether it would make my final kit choice depending on the temperatures. As the day loomed closer the forecast was for slightly warmer conditions but would be wet – perfect! Not wanting to chance being cold I brought along the trusty <a href="http://www.alittlebitaboutnotalot.co.uk/2012/06/gear-review-montane-volt-fleece-jacket.html" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Montane Volt</a> to layer underneath – just in case! In a slightly underwhelming scenario it just worked. The only time I wanted a bit more heat was whilst I was setting up the Trailstar in quite an exposed spot. The temperature got down to 6 degrees which I think was possibly the limit of use for me. <u></u><u></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
One bad point did emerge, which I’d started to notice during the first windy outing in January, and that is the stretch arm panels. There being no insulation here and the nature of the material means you do feel a noticeable difference in temperature around the panels and particularly in a chilly wind. There’s nothing you can do about it and I really only noticed it whilst still but when pitching a tent or tarp in cold, windy conditions the body tends to cool quite quickly.<u></u><u></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
The only other point to note is the bulk of the jacket when packed down. If you’re used to a down based insulation piece then the size when packed of the Thermosphere will disappoint. It only really bothered because I’m anal about packing my gear in the Gorilla pack and everything has a place. <u></u><u></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
SUMMARY<u></u><u></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
I didn’t really expect much from this jacket and had no prior experience of Jack Wolfskin before this. Having said that it has exceeded my expectations and I’d consider bringing it out on trips that I knew were going to be predominantly wet but not so cold. The fact is its my go-to jacket for walking the dog in a whole range of conditions and makes for a simple layering piece for longer day walks where 1 jacket is all you need.<u></u><u></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
The fit is excellent and the simple features work for me too. The stretch panels around the arms won’t suit everybody and neither will the bulk when packed down but when all is said and done the Thermosphere is warmer when wet making it a bit more flexible and it makes a better pillow than a superlight down jacket!<u></u><u></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
Marcushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01351297406970864492noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6409591195378757931.post-29476216952880967482014-02-14T18:13:00.000+00:002014-02-14T18:16:17.172+00:00Gear Review: Vango Venom 300 Sleeping Bag<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iDJuiQfO2L8/Uv5ZRYYOAJI/AAAAAAAADMU/HLvd9JxCmyo/s1600/Vango_venom_300-15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iDJuiQfO2L8/Uv5ZRYYOAJI/AAAAAAAADMU/HLvd9JxCmyo/s1600/Vango_venom_300-15.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="text-align: center;">I was contacted by </span><a href="http://www.traveloutdoors.co.uk/" style="text-align: center;">Silverfox Travel and Outdoors</a><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;">in August last year (I'm hoping the silver fox reference is purely coincidence), interested in a product review, who sent through the</span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><a href="http://www.traveloutdoors.co.uk/vango-venom-300-sleeping-bag/" style="text-align: center;">Vango Venom 300 Down Sleeping Bag</a><span style="text-align: center;">.</span><br />
<br />
When I was just getting starting in all this, I once considered the Vango as my way into a lightweight, down sleeping bag. What put me off back then was the negative reviews of people claiming the temperature rating was ludicrous and the basic build of the bag just wasn't suitable or 3 season camping.<br />
<br />
I opted to take the bag and test it, more out of curiosity than necessity, and decided I'd take the bag on wild camp with Paul in September and decide for myself. My thinking was that Charlotte might be able to use it if she fancied a summer wild camp or, more likely, I could and she could use my Cumulus bag.<br />
<br />
The bag arrived and I set about my usual obsessive ritual of weighing it and taking some photos. The bag retails at around £100-120, described as a 3 season down bag and it weighs in at 828g on the alittlebitaboutnotalot digital scales.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XOHm8aSBuo4/Uv5ZSgrMxQI/AAAAAAAADM0/brMlPZGtzpc/s1600/Vango_venom_300-19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XOHm8aSBuo4/Uv5ZSgrMxQI/AAAAAAAADM0/brMlPZGtzpc/s1600/Vango_venom_300-19.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I wasn't expecting much from this bag but have to say its pretty good on features at this price range and weight. There are shoulder baffles and a zip baffle for the 3/4 zip. I don't think the baffles are down filled as the fill feels too fluffy and synthetic but I'd be prepared to accept if I'm wrong here. As you might expect at this price level, the bag is simply constructed in a box wall fashion, no trapezoidal filled cavities here, and the first thing I noticed is how little the down seems to loft. This is generally a characteristic of cheaper down and will of course mean the bag isn't as light or warm as the more expensive bags in this weight range. It's no surprise then that, in my opinion, this bag wouldn't be suitable for 3 season high camping.<br />
<br />
A minor niggle was the loose threads and wonky stitching which serves to make this feel cheaper than it need be. In every other respect its of a fairly decent quality.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Viq8GV9WHlw/Uv5ZUg0KDhI/AAAAAAAADN0/aWpxn7lA_f4/s1600/Vango_venom_300-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Viq8GV9WHlw/Uv5ZUg0KDhI/AAAAAAAADN0/aWpxn7lA_f4/s1600/Vango_venom_300-8.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6ZWlQsSrSio/Uv5ZUI4xgkI/AAAAAAAADNQ/wZ6dC3jAsVE/s1600/Vango_venom_300-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6ZWlQsSrSio/Uv5ZUI4xgkI/AAAAAAAADNQ/wZ6dC3jAsVE/s1600/Vango_venom_300-6.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vrM4CT4KCQg/Uv5ZQB0C_II/AAAAAAAADMg/IeUAdX-fExE/s1600/Vango_venom_300-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vrM4CT4KCQg/Uv5ZQB0C_II/AAAAAAAADMg/IeUAdX-fExE/s1600/Vango_venom_300-11.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rubbish stitching</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Paul and I headed for the Lakes in September and at the last minute I decided I'd bring it on account of the forecast temperatures and the fact I was using the Trailstar and would therefore have my Borah Gear bivy bag to top things up.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uZ2DGq88ftU/Uv5ZS1oPnYI/AAAAAAAADNA/PPVgH1DeQ8o/s1600/Vango_venom_300-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uZ2DGq88ftU/Uv5ZS1oPnYI/AAAAAAAADNA/PPVgH1DeQ8o/s1600/Vango_venom_300-2.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The weather was overcast but fairly warm for the first night and although to cleared to leave us with a beautiful full moon, I was a little too warm when zipped inside my bivy. I'd guess the temperature was around 13-15 degrees that night so it was never going to be a problem for this bag, bivy or not. In a way its a shame the temperature was a bit lower or closer to the limit so I could make an assessment on what the real useable temperature (for me) would be.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bRYxK10sZ5Q/Uv5ZTdlNAuI/AAAAAAAADM8/LZxnI_N6KU8/s1600/Vango_venom_300-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bRYxK10sZ5Q/Uv5ZTdlNAuI/AAAAAAAADM8/LZxnI_N6KU8/s1600/Vango_venom_300-3.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The second evening, the weather was atrocious and luckily, owing to a slightly later then planned departure from the <a href="http://www.newfieldinn.co.uk/">Newfield Inn</a>, a our plans changed at the very last minute and we abandoned our planned evening at Blind Tarn. That night the temperatures were only slightly lower but the wind and low cloud made everything wet and neither of us were that excited about pissing around finding two pitches in the fog, wind and rain - I think we might be gong soft!<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vSjqfaIMxFk/Uv5ZPj5qstI/AAAAAAAADLk/zlNsJz__LCE/s1600/Vango_venom_300-1-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vSjqfaIMxFk/Uv5ZPj5qstI/AAAAAAAADLk/zlNsJz__LCE/s1600/Vango_venom_300-1-2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture courtesy of Paul Beeby</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Nevertheless, since this trip, Paul has found an incredible lady-friend and one which seems to happily head to hills with him for a wild camp! We agreed that she could take the Vango on their first wild-camping trip as she didn't have a down bag she could use. Sensibly, given that they ventured up there in November, she also took a spare synthetic bag which she then put over the top of the Vango. For us lightweight types this defeats the object but, I guess this situation probably optimises the potential use of this bag for most people: Its great as a starter bag thats light, packs small and is relatively cheap. It would work really well during the late spring and summer months, potentially stretching to autumn depending on the conditions and temperatures up top. Personally I find my Cumulus Quantum 350 a little warm for summer so it would service a purpose here and would make a good spare bag for occasional visits from non-wild-camping mates/lady-friends! Kudos to Paul for this.<br />
<br />
I think if you can find this bag for around £100, its certainly good as a light, packable bag for travelling, festival use and the occasional stopover where you wouldn't drag out your best Alpkit, Cumulus or Mountain Equipment bag.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RRNf819ZLaw/Uv5ZQXpRDiI/AAAAAAAADL4/oVmFQnNna78/s1600/Vango_venom_300-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RRNf819ZLaw/Uv5ZQXpRDiI/AAAAAAAADL4/oVmFQnNna78/s1600/Vango_venom_300-12.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
Now, if I could just get Charlotte to read this review, nurture the inter-girlfriend rivalry mechanism and get her to come wild-camping with me - this review could have much more far reaching implications than I ever imagined!<br />
<br />
P.S. As soon as I get my act together I'll post a couple of trip reports - one of which was absolutely stunning!Marcushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01351297406970864492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6409591195378757931.post-11984223849190938712013-07-21T19:48:00.001+01:002013-07-21T19:48:18.514+01:00Gear Review: Merrell Chameleon 5 GTX<p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Fpp-1v5Xfio/Uews2JfA0bI/AAAAAAAACyQ/4IqWLWbo8n0/s1600-h/Merrell%252520Chameleon%2525205-5%25255B23%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Merrell Chameleon 5-5" border="0" alt="Merrell Chameleon 5-5" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rXe0o2Rqfww/Uews2mBYDpI/AAAAAAAACyY/nMR6GXwHspg/Merrell%252520Chameleon%2525205-5_thumb%25255B21%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="270" /></a></p> <p align="left">Many moons ago, when I young, naive and inexperienced, I started my life in the hills with some expensive, heavy and blister-inducing walking boots. Some of that is documented <a href="http://www.alittlebitaboutnotalot.co.uk/2008/05/another-lesson-learned-this-time-its.html" target="_blank">here</a> and makes for some funny reading now! Luckily, I lived and learned a lot in short time (and spent a lot of money too) and I discovered trail shoes through the Merrell Chameleon Wrap Slam GTX. At the time these were an absolute revelation and I was over-whelmed by the lack of blisters, comfort and general feeling of freedom! Over time, as with most things, I started to notice some of the pitfalls and couldn’t get over the issues I had with grip over wet terrain. Back then I was gutted since I’d loved those damn shoes but our relationship reached its natural end when I got bored of picking myself up having slipped on wet rock! I since went on, as you all know, to Inov-8 un-lined trail shoes and have never really looked back - save for considering going back to a lined shoe for winter purposes.</p> <p>So….when Merrell contacted me to see if I wanted to try out the latest improved version of their Chameleon trail shoe, the <a href="http://www.fitnessfootwear.com/Merrell-Chameleon-5-Shoes/2087837ff.htm?colour=GoreTex+++Carbon" target="_blank">Chameleon 5 GTX</a>, I felt it only right, no – a duty, to try them out!</p> <p>It’s no secret that Merrell make a notoriously comfortable shoe in the Chameleon but I wanted to see how this new version stood up on the grip front….</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-kHGX7ieuVdc/Uews3iODadI/AAAAAAAACyg/XdqzZGS6Ofk/s1600-h/Merrell%252520Chameleon%2525205-1%25255B8%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Merrell Chameleon 5-1" border="0" alt="Merrell Chameleon 5-1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-psYkVWIbb7o/Uews4Fx5A-I/AAAAAAAACyo/eP07ea_xVMI/Merrell%252520Chameleon%2525205-1_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="530" /></a> </p> <p>Fit is as is always was and perfect for me in 7.5. The shoe’s appearance has clearly changed in that the toe area isn’t as rounded and goofy-looking as I used to find it in the old version. There’s also the addition of a beefier reinforced toe section that can only offer better protection and durability.</p> <p>On visual inspection I found that the Vibram sole has a slightly more aggressive pattern than the round bubble-shaped extrusions of old that would struggle on a damp man-hole cover – let alone wet terrain!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-XdpXqUoOu6Y/Uews4xlF2nI/AAAAAAAACyw/dA0LLeRZvoc/s1600-h/Merrell%252520Chameleon%2525205-3%25255B5%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Merrell Chameleon 5-3" border="0" alt="Merrell Chameleon 5-3" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-S0P1gokIWcU/Uews5emTuxI/AAAAAAAACy4/I1mQEA5B_S8/Merrell%252520Chameleon%2525205-3_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="529" /></a></p> <p>Merrell could only send my size in the tan colour, whereas I would have preferred black. For those who like to introduce colour into their footwear – there’s also a dark brown version.</p> <p>So, onto real world testing….</p> <p>I have had little opportunity to really abuse these shoes but in many ways this isn’t important. I’ve worn them over enough miles in my summer socks to know they are comfortable, waterproof (if not a little warm due to the Goretex lining) and durable. The shoe is available in an unlined version which will most likely offer better ventilation, is slightly cheaper and lighter. </p> <p>I found the shock absorption to be nothing short of amazing and such that there’s almost a slight spring that you often get from brand new trainers! This may well diminish as the insole sees more use but its a noticeable difference from my Innov-8 shoes which are built for speed and weight, rather than all-out comfort.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HEpkVyngnT0/Uews6NJQJZI/AAAAAAAACzA/z9wXvURTKdY/s1600-h/Merrell%252520Chameleon%2525205-4%25255B6%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Merrell Chameleon 5-4" border="0" alt="Merrell Chameleon 5-4" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DXHn4DCFZjA/Uews6-Lzu4I/AAAAAAAACzI/zffI8pMm77I/Merrell%252520Chameleon%2525205-4_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="270" /></a> </p> <p>Anyway, what I was really interested in was whether the sole compound and grip pattern offered any improvement over my previous, beloved Wrap Slam’s! I decided to head out on a wet Sunday morning with <a href="http://www.alittlebitaboutnotalot.co.uk/2012/04/meet-lolli.html" target="_blank">Lolli</a> to find out and donned the new Chameleon’s - expecting the worst. In the dry the grip is excellent, as you’d expect, but in the wet this sole seems far more capable than the last and there’s a definite improvement. I still need to do some real tests on the the rocks one only finds in deep, dark Cumbria (the ones that harvest moss and lichen and are akin to an ice rink) but I was impressed from the off. Lolli, being a bonkers Springer Spaniel, loves to pull on her lead like she’s Rudolph trying to get a sleigh airborne on Christmas eve! This can be tricky over rough, slippery terrain so I was pleased to find that I could anchor myself when needed. This could be down to a better pattern, better compound or a combo of both. Merrell say the sole is made up of TC5+ rubber and whatever this is, its a welcome improvement over the previous sole – to the point that its completely different in use.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-um0wCLo1SOY/Uews7mGyLVI/AAAAAAAACzQ/xtrR7LqspNo/s1600-h/Merrell%252520Chameleon%2525205-2%25255B5%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Merrell Chameleon 5-2" border="0" alt="Merrell Chameleon 5-2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-iY0mtEXZQkQ/Uews8DLXp1I/AAAAAAAACzY/o_CLcV0qBFI/Merrell%252520Chameleon%2525205-2_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="271" /></a> </p> <p>Whilst all of this is good, I’m still mindful of weight. I intend on using these more in the colder/wetter months when I just want convenience over my un-lined trail shoes, so weight isn’t a massive concern. However, there are lighter, Goretex lined trail shoes out there and my size 7.5s weigh in at 922g per pair.</p> <p>To my mind this shoe wins on durability and comfort, if not on weight and breathability. With the improved lug depth and pattern of the sole, along with stickier rubber, those wanting a durable, comfortable trail shoe could do a lot worse.</p> <p><a href="http://www.fitnessfootwear.com/Merrell~b289.htm" target="_blank">Click here</a> to find out more.</p> Marcushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01351297406970864492noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6409591195378757931.post-11553459318262760052012-10-20T11:28:00.001+01:002012-10-20T11:28:12.726+01:00Gear Review: Berghaus Freeflow 20<p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-OTBgYro-Srk/UIJ8arTrfPI/AAAAAAAACqg/SnIdppUQN8M/s1600-h/berghaus_freeflow74.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="berghaus_freeflow-7" border="0" alt="berghaus_freeflow-7" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-nuBDs7IUPf0/UIJ8b8p6ueI/AAAAAAAACqo/lXTxCuGd3h0/berghaus_freeflow7_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="284" height="424" /></a> </p> <p>I have to admit, when <a href="http://www.berghaus.com" target="_blank">Berghaus</a> first invited me to test some of their gear, I wasn’t immediately convinced there would be much on offer of interest to me.  After a few emails we agreed that the updated Freeflow 20 <a href="http://www.berghaus.com" target="_blank">Rucksack</a> might be most relevant and the instruction was to use it and give an honest review based on my experiences. So here we are! </p> <p>Straight out of the packaging its hard not to notice its quite……red! I have an old Freeflow backpack that I picked up on eBay many years ago but the colour was a rather dull shade of blue and didn’t really stand out. After the initial retina burn had subsided I began to quite like the colour! </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-P1lDB-Yr3gk/UIJ8dXoUAlI/AAAAAAAACqw/bTfgRGESTao/s1600-h/berghaus_freeflow54.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="berghaus_freeflow-5" border="0" alt="berghaus_freeflow-5" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0457uDQM1pM/UIJ8fYpIBVI/AAAAAAAACq4/8-jSb8PLbf8/berghaus_freeflow5_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="284" height="424" /></a> </p> <p>After an initial inspection of the bag the immediate response was that the bag was actually quite light considering it has the Freeflow frame supports to add bulk and a bit of weight. The material is very sturdy, and like my much used, 3rd hand Freeflow I can see this standing up to a lot a of abuse. For me, I’m not sure I need fabric this tough and with my weight-saving head on I was immediately thinking that a significant weight saving could be had by using a slightly less thick denier fabric – which would make a considerable dent in 874g on my scales. Still its not marketed at us ultra-light crowd so I vowed to use it commuting on my bike instead.</p> <p>Now, its been quiet on here for a while and that is mainly as I’ve been spending quite a lot of time on my road bike – I’ve been training for my first long distance sportive so I’ve been out in all weathers and on a daily basis. I usually use my Innov-8 Race Pro pack for cycling as it is light, has hip-belt pockets and sits quite nicely in terms of how ‘aero’ it is. I thought a good test of the Berghaus pack would be to see how easily it could replace the Innov-8…</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cn36RaLAyOA/UIJ8hrnVrDI/AAAAAAAACrA/7cEFwzbgeZA/s1600-h/berghaus_freeflow14.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="berghaus_freeflow-1" border="0" alt="berghaus_freeflow-1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qzboDaN0QTA/UIJ8jDkfG5I/AAAAAAAACrI/dx7JXJal3ds/berghaus_freeflow1_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="284" height="424" /></a> </p> <p>In terms of sizing this pack is described as having 20 litres, 5 smaller than my Race Pro. The most significant difference over my previous bag is the frame, which holds a taught layer of breathable plastic mesh, keeping a ventilation space between your sweaty back and the bag. This also adds structure so that on days when I’m carrying virtually nothing to work, it doesn’t flop about in the annoying way that the Race Pro does. It will stand up nicely against a wall without effort whereas the Race Po looks like a sack of spuds clad in black/green rip stop nylon! </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-snZkKsNkllo/UIJ8krJindI/AAAAAAAACrQ/Zl_mPfbucNI/s1600-h/berghaus_freeflow25.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="berghaus_freeflow-2" border="0" alt="berghaus_freeflow-2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lsC6oTPg4Fg/UIJ8l7Iq8oI/AAAAAAAACrY/ocRTwOaP0O4/berghaus_freeflow2_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="284" height="424" /></a> </p> <p>The first few days I used it I hardly noticed I was wearing it. It held my trousers and shirts in a decent crease-proof condition and its red colouring added to my visibility on the road. There is plenty of adjustment so you can easily get a good fit for cycling and walking though, at first, it often felt as though is was sitting a little high. In reality it isn’t and I’ve narrowed it down to hip-belt positioning.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3hILeRtv568/UIJ8nwCcHiI/AAAAAAAACrg/7zAlVw7KqDU/s1600-h/berghaus_freeflow44.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="berghaus_freeflow-4" border="0" alt="berghaus_freeflow-4" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HTGr128Fe4k/UIJ8pNBVH1I/AAAAAAAACro/nBdmYLiuqvc/berghaus_freeflow4_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="284" height="424" /></a> </p> <p>It’s the practicality tick box that remains empty for this pack – particularly was using it for commuting. That ventilation space is brill, and it works, but its means that the main compartment has a rather inflexible arch to the back panel meaning that anything other than soft items are a struggle to fit in. The most obvious example is my MacBook. I can slide it down inside but it isn’t the most natural feeling and means that use of the space at the bottom and top of the arc is then very limited. In reality, I only bring my laptop to work a couple of times a week but it does mean that you might want the Freeflow 25 if you intend to use this for anything other than a minimal day pack.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-R2iSe-0mKsM/UIJ8qypd75I/AAAAAAAACrw/Igrxx36fzRg/s1600-h/berghaus_freeflow64.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="berghaus_freeflow-6" border="0" alt="berghaus_freeflow-6" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-oFc7JE0ALJU/UIJ8rhoxytI/AAAAAAAACr0/qNL9ApKbh8U/berghaus_freeflow6_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="384" height="257" /></a> </p> <p>There are two mesh side pockets that hold a 500ml water bottle, a <a href="http://www.montane.co.uk/products/men/windproof/featherlite-velo-jacket/104" target="_blank">Montane Featherlite Velo</a> or waterproof etc. There is an outer pocket running down the centre of the rear of the pack. It has a water-resistant zip but this puzzles me a little as the useable space in here is tiny and gets worse if you are close to capacity in the main compartment - which sits directly behind it. I’ve not used this pocket at all and mainly as it’s a narrow space and the zip positioning means that any items you managed to squeeze in here would most likely fall straight out once the zip was opened! In other news the pack is hydration compatible with an internal sleeve and storm resistant flap for the tube. There are pole loops (fairly standard) and the usual grab handle. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1ZyR7bizPcw/UIJ8tOAeZoI/AAAAAAAACsA/7tFmo9GND1M/s1600-h/berghaus_freeflow36.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="berghaus_freeflow-3" border="0" alt="berghaus_freeflow-3" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-APkivFpHjro/UIJ8uZ_G35I/AAAAAAAACsI/f-PEsn0znM0/berghaus_freeflow3_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="384" height="258" /></a> </p> <p>Now, the Berghaus pack has no hip-belt pockets. This, in my opinion, is the biggest oversight in the design. To me its kind of irrelevant what activity you’re using an ‘outdoorsy’ rucksack for, in general hip-belt pockets are a minimum expectation. This means there is no handy access to my keys, phone or wallet without taking the bag off and is probably the most disappointing thing about the bag itself. </p> <p>However, the good news is the bag is quite weather-resistant and has been tested through a VERY wet summer. Whilst it isn’t waterproof, it kept my nicely folded shirt and trousers dry on very wet commutes (of around 20 minutes) on more occasions than I can remember.</p> <p>Overall I liked the updated version of the bag and the Freeflow frame with highly breathable foam shoulder straps work really well. For me, the pack is suited more to fast paced walking where it can be used as a day pack, rather than a cycling/commuting pack though it doesn’t really fail at anything in particular – you just have to consider exactly how you want to use it. The breathable foam padding in key areas really helps when I’m training after work and riding hard, where it doesn’t leave me feeling sweaty like the Race Pro. If Berghaus added weather-resistant zipped hip-belt pockets it would be a great all rounder – though I’d probably recommend the Freeflow 25 just to give a little more flexibility.</p> Marcushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01351297406970864492noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6409591195378757931.post-19423019831571343112012-07-18T22:08:00.001+01:002012-07-18T22:08:39.451+01:00Trip Report – 24 Hours: Rydal Ridge & Stone Arthur<p><em>Friday 10th- Saturday 11th July 2011</em></p> <p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Mm0tvOwi5bs/UAclLApDAzI/AAAAAAAACic/pjHwoGSpHUE/s1600-h/Nab_Scar6.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Nab_Scar" border="0" alt="Nab_Scar" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qKDiysRrEiQ/UAclMG1-qDI/AAAAAAAACik/eVkz-CqEXt8/Nab_Scar_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="414" height="277" /></a> </p> <p>Thursday had been one heck of a day in the office and so much so that I decided enough was enough. Only one thing could right this mess, redress the balance as it were and that was a night on a hill somewhere. I set the out of office auto-reply and headed home…</p> <p>I had no particular venue for this night on the hill I’d suddenly decided upon, but I liked the idea that it was completely up to me when and where and I pondered as I packed my bag ready for the early start in the morning. </p> <p>Unusually for me, there was a bit of a faff around how I was going to carry my new camera and lightweight tripod. How would I keep it dry and what lens should I bring? Owing to the fact that the weather didn’t look great anywhere, I chose to head to the Lakes with a view to making a bit of a video about getting out over 24 hours. Camera and tripod sorted, I fell asleep in bed visualising what scenes I would shoot whilst clutching a map!</p> <p>I decided on a slightly later start to try and avoid the worst of the M6 traffic so didn’t rush about as I normally would. This was a wise move as by the time I hit the usual busy spots most of the chaff had cleared.</p> <p>The weather wasn’t great but it wasn’t raining as I pulled up alongside the church close to Rydal Hall. There were a few cars around but it looked quiet in all other respects so I had little reservation about leaving the car overnight.</p> <p>I shouldered my pack and set up the tripod for a scene of me, locking up and walking away up the road to meet the track. Instead as I mounted the camera on the tripod head the heavens opened and I chucked everything back in the car until it passed over. Not the greatest of starts! Undeterred, I realised that through the magic of video I could film the scene tomorrow before I headed home and so stowed the camera gear and headed off up the track to Nab Scar. As there was no one around I decided to do a shaky piece-to-camera to use as part of the film. I didn’t feel comfortable doing this and constantly checked around for other walkers who might listen in and wonder what the hell I was banging on about! If I’d have seen me panting and talking gibberish whilst holding an SLR at arms length I’d have wanted to get as far away as possible and reported it to the local asylum. It felt as though the sky was about to open up at any minute but instead I was treated to short bursts of large heavy droplets of water at irregular intervals, usually just as I was setting up a shot!</p> <p>One thing is for sure the joys of walking don’t exactly tie-in nicely with amateur film-making (for me) and this I concluded after many failed attempts at setting up shot only to play it back to find the exposure was wrong or the composition distinctly ugly. I was quickly realising that more planning was required with more experience and definitely more patience.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-pCScUzDhGuI/UAclOuWa7hI/AAAAAAAACis/6fPgNyh0_H4/s1600-h/Grasmere_from_Great_Rigg4.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Grasmere_from_Great_Rigg" border="0" alt="Grasmere_from_Great_Rigg" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Dl5qnryimFM/UAclPi7y73I/AAAAAAAACi0/hTYs8kt8FLk/Grasmere_from_Great_Rigg_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="414" height="277" /></a> </p> <p>I captured a few scenes as I slowly trundled along the track. The ridge between Heron Pike and Great Rigg is quite pleasant with decent views on both sides. It was easy work and before I knew it I’d reached Fairfield far sooner than planned. It was still raining on and off so I decided I’d stop and have a tea, see what the clouds fancied doing to me and make a decision on my route afterwards because no serious decisions should ever be made without tea – fact.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-MEMpMV_9osA/UAclRYIUChI/AAAAAAAACi8/z87TzFVJjyg/s1600-h/windermere_from_HeronPike5.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="windermere_from_Heron Pike" border="0" alt="windermere_from_Heron Pike" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Dy1QTRVo4L4/UAclSJRkibI/AAAAAAAACjE/Soyi33R1zro/windermere_from_HeronPike_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="414" height="277" /></a> </p> <p>Finally I was enjoying the relative calmness of the whole affair. I wasn’t racing against anything and I had nowhere I wanted or had to be. Cut back to 24 hours earlier and I was enduring a pretty stressful afternoon in the office with still a few more hours of it to come! Today however, I just had to contend with wet skin, milk in small pouches and getting to grips with my new programmable timer release!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ivaso9Fnt2A/UAclUTdm3UI/AAAAAAAACjM/AQPCGd81m54/s1600-h/hikers5.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="hikers" border="0" alt="hikers" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-t2qUoynyy-4/UAclVXg62mI/AAAAAAAACjU/Yp6N3ppw7mM/hikers_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="414" height="277" /></a> </p> <p>As always, I’d taken it out of its packaging, discarded the instructions, with the rest of the card and plastic, and was now finding that I had no clue how to operate it - character building I say! Now, sat on Fairfield with a brooding sky and a gap in the weather, I was fumbling with buttons and settings like <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/16832378" target="_blank">Ayumu the chimp genius on his touch screen.</a> Only difference was I was getting it all wrong. Eventually I got the damn thing set as I’d like and went about my time-lapse business, recording of the clouds forming and rolling away below me in Deepdale. I hoped it would make a nice scene for use in the film but wasn’t expecting much when I had to cut it short as the wind kept upsetting the superlight (and supershizer) tripod.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4dUu97qEkPU/UAclW9gO3HI/AAAAAAAACjc/EWGhEsl4N-E/s1600-h/Deepdale5.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Deepdale" border="0" alt="Deepdale" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-WzA5gRx5NTk/UAclX8XBDvI/AAAAAAAACjk/imI8sIpeHFY/Deepdale_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="414" height="277" /></a> </p> <p>I was now a little damp and having stopped for the 25 minutes or so for the time-lapse had made me cold. I pulled the map out to decide on my next move. </p> <p>Grisdale Tarn was just below me and I wondered if there would be a decent pitch down there out of the wind. It didn’t seem overly flat or enticing in terms of views for the evening (or the morning) so with my videographer's head on I headed back south along the ridge to check out the shoulder of Stone Arthur. I’d passed by earlier and noticed it had a superb view of Grasmere and the surrounding hills and if I could find a pitch it would make a nice place to stay the night.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wB9wIBe3ZMk/UAclZYQyL-I/AAAAAAAACjs/VJV2b8Vejtk/s1600-h/Cairn_Heron_Pike5.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Cairn_Heron_Pike" border="0" alt="Cairn_Heron_Pike" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-DEcFYxbgjtQ/UAclaKh6NDI/AAAAAAAACj0/-fLeOXZHOII/Cairn_Heron_Pike_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="414" height="277" /></a> </p> <p>It rained a little as I bumbled along the track and passed by a couple who seemed intent on ignoring each other as they moved along at a pace. I was quite entertained by this and couldn’t help but wonder if they might be best off enjoying some time alone – like me.</p> <p>Before too long I was turning off and heading down the arm of the ridge toward Stone Arthur. This was until I suddenly realised I was out of water and felt a bit of panic as I started to wonder where I’d last seen any streams or water sources - other than back up at Grisdale. The fact was that I hadn’t and so once again the map came out and I prayed. My luck was in and the Gods on my side (for once) as Greenhead Gill seemed to kick off somewhere on the steep hillside to my left. I dropped my bag, grabbed the empty platypus and headed down a steep and slippery gradient. It took me a few moments to find it but it was there bubbling away with fresh, cold and perfectly clear water. My filter wouldn’t be making an appearance tonight!</p> <p>As soon as I stowed the heavy pouch of water and re-shouldered the pack it started to rain again. My dreams of a beautiful short film were fading fast and I started to accept that I would have to put this down to experience. It was a little miserable wondering down the increasingly muddy slope but it wasn’t an issue for long as I had ‘pitch finding mode’ fully engaged. I was on the hunt for a spot with a view east over Grasmere. Shelter wasn’t really an issue but if I could get it I’d take it. I went down as far as Stone Arthur and the rocky outcrops. This would undoubtedly make a nice place to stop and watch the sunset with a beer or whisky but it wasn’t really up to pitching a tent. For one, like me, it was a little short on height so I retraced my steps back up a little and then off the the northern side of the shoulder. Here I found a little spot that I liked and looked as though it would take Big Agi so I mentally marked it and carried on looking.</p> <p>20 minutes later I returned to the spot, damp but keen to get on with a potential time-lapse - if the sun made an appearance. It was still early but I was off the track and I doubted this would be a busy route up onto the ridge. I was wrong about this as two lads made their ascent to my left as I pitched the tent in silence. It was a good spot as even though they came within 15 metres of my position they didn’t spot me.</p> <p>It was spitting as I tightened the guy lines but I wasn’t happy with the tautness of the fly and the uneven pitch was making this even more difficult. Big Agi looks great when she’s pitched correctly but tonight she would just have to look a bit……..rough!</p> <p>I climbed into the tent and set about inflating the Neoair and lofting the sleeping bag. Big Agi is massive for one and if she was a bit lighter I’d happily take her out more often. She’s a heavy girl although perfectly proportioned! I sat on my mat, feet sticking out into the porch as the rain rolled in heavier than before. I decided that tea would probably help the situation enormously and so I fired up the Caldera cone for another brew. Dinner tonight was Kung Po Chicken by Fuizion and although I was hungry I wanted to wait and eat outside and enjoy the view, which, at this point was me being rather optimistic.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-GT2eiTorJPw/UAclbZz4XnI/AAAAAAAACj8/sxmG-QY-RWo/s1600-h/Brew5.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Brew" border="0" alt="Brew" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Zq6BCjUUrbc/UAclclrgxmI/AAAAAAAACkE/X20du-Q211o/Brew_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="284" height="424" /></a> </p> <p>I shot some more footage of the stove in action and drank my tea listening to rain. It’s never a chore sitting in a tent when its raining – the sound is calming and hypnotic – sometimes even sleep inducing for me. I organised my gear and got things ready for dinner whilst confined to the inner. In the distance it was brighter than before and I hoped it was coming my way. 20 mins later and it was almost like magic. The last of the grey, wispy clouds dispersed above and the sun came through like someone had flipped a switch. It was frickin brill!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Vc_T59l0RCA/UAcleVN6BXI/AAAAAAAACkM/f1sBx0BGGbI/s1600-h/grasmere_common5.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="grasmere_common" border="0" alt="grasmere_common" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YKctgxsPNmw/UAclfieuVOI/AAAAAAAACkU/4CQkHOqP9vo/grasmere_common_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="414" height="277" /></a>  </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-UoVIg9MKub4/UAclhccQlbI/AAAAAAAACkc/3GpSSBTZwso/s1600-h/IMG_08445.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_0844" border="0" alt="IMG_0844" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-E5WP6iHACI4/UAcliYmhphI/AAAAAAAACkk/y2PPnH2fm8A/IMG_0844_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="414" height="277" /></a> </p> <p>I jumped out with my pouch of food in one hand and the platy in the other and got a boil going for dinner. I sheepishly set up the camera on the tripod and filmed myself carrying on about camp - feeling like a prize twerp! I knew that some scenes were quite frankly poo but I was, by now, resigned to this just being a play around with the camera – a learning curve if you will.</p> <p>I filmed some scenes as I ate and it was amazing to be sat in the evening sun, despite the stiff breeze and the dropping temperature. I was finally settling down into my surroundings and soaking it all up. I ventured over to the east of the ridge to find the low sun casting a beautiful glow with ever increasing shadows. Time-lapse time!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-j445O0KtNhE/UAclj_hsYuI/AAAAAAAACks/MbI-D-5NtXA/s1600-h/sunset_ponder5.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="sunset_ponder" border="0" alt="sunset_ponder" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-68GhlV9vK3E/UAcllPjxogI/AAAAAAAACk0/O_dD5-4VDt8/sunset_ponder_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="414" height="277" /></a> </p> <p>I sat for an age just drinking whisky from my flask and listening to the rhythmic click of the shutter firing every few seconds. I started to think “I could get used to this”.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MY8IiNskvgA/UAclnCXPX5I/AAAAAAAACk8/q7StdaykXLA/s1600-h/Stone_arthur_timelapse5.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Stone_arthur_timelapse" border="0" alt="Stone_arthur_timelapse" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FC2WjlADWHs/UAcloPMIKOI/AAAAAAAAClE/ikZRSddhz8w/Stone_arthur_timelapse_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="414" height="277" /></a> </p> <p>I was soon starting to get cold again and I’d only brought along my PHD Minim Vest for insulation – seeing as it was supposed to be July after all. There wasn’t a part of me that wasn’t enjoying just being sat out with my camera and a whisky in the setting sun. Being able to sit above Grasmere and look out across the other small villages and adjacent hills was nothing short of a privilege.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-RDbCpUf_8f0/UAclqB37E9I/AAAAAAAAClM/M7nXxqoP1To/s1600-h/Timelapse5.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Time-lapse" border="0" alt="Time-lapse" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-eh3pd7Lt0Dk/UAclrGBoCzI/AAAAAAAAClU/-Pvn_gG7VT0/Timelapse_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="284" height="379" /></a> </p> <p>I was soon sitting with my calculator working out how many shutter actuations I needed for a few seconds of footage and worked out that I had enough for around 6 seconds! I made a mental note to look up the magic calculation of how many shots are required for a desired length at a particular frame-rate over any given duration. Magic.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-BXSyXv4YjVw/UAclsy3VLJI/AAAAAAAAClc/xnsd9b5vXjA/s1600-h/sheep_god5.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="sheep_god" border="0" alt="sheep_god" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-YXb-EVhDGzg/UAclt7wkvTI/AAAAAAAAClk/djEy67dL1t8/sheep_god_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="414" height="277" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-21SngjRBgzA/UAclvKvrU7I/AAAAAAAACls/I5d8BPcvbeE/s1600-h/sunset_pitch5.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="sunset_pitch" border="0" alt="sunset_pitch" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-t_IZxjYugvM/UAclwWgFZDI/AAAAAAAACl0/xF7CFr6jkFk/sunset_pitch_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="414" height="277" /></a>  </p> <p>The evening was shaping up to be a pleasant one and the memories of rain and wind of a few hours earlier were already beginning to fade. I decided I’d make the most of it and spend a bit more time out of the tent and capturing another time-lapse – the moon was out and begging to be photographed so it was just a shame I got cold before any decent amount of time had passed!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mSie0Ij8iXY/UAclxymU2OI/AAAAAAAACl8/HnJHPdQb0ZU/s1600-h/sunset5.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="sunset" border="0" alt="sunset" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6aZE2hSnDxc/UAclyuggELI/AAAAAAAACmE/IedMu_49VGI/sunset_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="284" height="424" /></a> </p> <p>I retired to the tent to settle down with the rest of my flask and the warm incredibleness of my sleeping bag. I left the door open a while to watch the hills across the valley lit by the bright moon. It had been a good day, stress-free and completely unplanned. A day ‘stolen’ from the machine of working life and I was all the better for it. Despite the fact that its easy to feel so tied down in the working week, this one day had been just the trip I needed to wind down and simplify things a little. Better still, tomorrow it would start again, to an extent, since I had no need to rush back and could choose my route and timing depending on the weather or frame of mind. It really did feel liberating and worth the effort. I popped my earphones in and drifted off to thoughts of other ‘24 hour’ jaunts I could just pack and set off on…..</p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-72GjIYjDSVM/UAclzzJHObI/AAAAAAAACmM/kRLoLjSxMSU/s1600-h/Tent_moon5.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Tent_moon" border="0" alt="Tent_moon" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-aCL0Nc5RO3U/UAcl1EISXvI/AAAAAAAACmU/1ZsHYARIdm4/Tent_moon_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="414" height="277" /></a></p> <p>For those that are interested or missed it the first time I inflicted it on the world, here is the video I stuck together from the footage on this trip. Sorry in advance!</p> <p><a title="https://vimeo.com/41253582" href="https://vimeo.com/41253582">https://vimeo.com/41253582</a></p> Marcushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01351297406970864492noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6409591195378757931.post-10288320390570395732012-07-16T13:54:00.001+01:002012-07-16T13:54:06.957+01:00Sleeping Bag Ponderings: Tundra Pure Sleeping Bag<p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-sy8A1Itg5jE/UAQO5w_FtdI/AAAAAAAACiE/JF6p7TI-LmQ/s1600-h/pure_15.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="pure_1" border="0" alt="pure_1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-y3mu1vnjY0U/UAQO6y3EMPI/AAAAAAAACiM/jcr3b3Tz6OE/pure_1_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="110" /></a> </p> <p>Whilst seemingly on another attempt to consume the internet in just one short evening, I came across the <a href="http://www.outdoorgb.com/p/tundra_warmthunlimited_pure_sleeping_bags/?utm_source=froogle&utm_medium=directory&utm_content=GBR&currency=GBP&country=GBR&SelectedBundle=133123" target="_blank">Tundra Pure</a> range of bags from <a href="http://warmthunlimited.com/" target="_blank">Warmth Unlimited</a> on the <a href="http://www.outdoorgb.com/" target="_blank">OutdoorGB</a> site. These bags caught my eye immediately as I’d never heard of the brand before and on paper they stood out in terms of the claims about quality, performance and ethical credentials. I’m seriously interested in these and wonder if anyone knows of them or has experience with one of the bags? They also seem to do a <a href="http://www.outdoorgb.com/p/tundra_warmthunlimited_pure_and_dry_sleeping_bags/" target="_blank">Pure and Dry</a> range but there is very little around about these too.</p> <p>For a while I’ve promised bring my Nephew out for a night in the hills and for even longer I’ve been trying to get Charl out sleep out high above the city lights too. The one thing that has ultimately put pay to my attempts so far (over and above Charl’s avoidance tactics and my own time constraints) has been the absence of a serious sleeping bag for my would-be guests. </p> <p>I’ve kept my eye out for the odd used bargain on eBay but I’m not really sure I’m comfortable spending a decent chunk of my cashola on down that I have no idea about how it may have been used and abused. I”m a bit picky about this and not sure its worth the risk.</p> <p>The company appear to be Polish and are completely new to me. The English website is far from finished and so the information I can go on is the product info from <a href="http://www.outdoorgb.com/" target="_blank">OutdoorGB</a> and the odd mention on Outdoors Magic and LFTO forums. <a href="http://www.tiso.com/shop/tundra/pure_-10/" target="_blank">Tiso</a> are listed as a distributor on the manufacturer’s site but they list the bags as discontinued. </p> <p>The prices seem reasonable for the spec with the Pure –5 coming in at 214 earth pounds:</p> <ul> <li>Temperature rating –5 </li> <li>Waterproofed foot box and hood </li> <li>Differential fill for foot and chest area </li> <li>Full length zip and baffle </li> <li>Fill power 860+ </li> <li>Fill weight: 400g </li> <li>Weight: 850g </li> </ul> <p>There is little on the net about the fabric (aside from a claimed weight of 30g sq meter) but it certainly looks to have some potential.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.alpkit.com" target="_blank">Alpkit</a> <a href="http://www.alpkit.com/shop/cart.php?target=product&product_id=16415&category_id=286" target="_blank">Pipedream 400</a> that is currently top of my list of options and is both cheaper and lighter. It does however use a lower fill power and is only rated to –3 but, as we all know, this is the stuff of great debate!</p> <p>The question is whether the Tundra bag is worth the additional cost for the higher fill power, waterproofing and ethical production. I do wonder how it would compare to my <a href="http://www.cumulus-sleepingbags.co.uk/CumulusQuantumSleepingBags.htm" target="_blank">Cumulus Quantum 350</a>, rated to -6, given that it has a higher fill power and fill weight and yet the rating seems more conservative for the Tundra bag.</p> <p>Actually, whilst sat here typing this post I’ve just had a eureka moment: There is always the option to upgrade my own bag (I’m tempted by the <a href="http://www.westernmountaineering.com/index.cfm?section=Products&page=Sleeping%20Bags&cat=ExtremeLite%20Series&ContentId=17" target="_blank">Western Mountaineering Ultralight</a>) and let my guests hang out in the Cumulus – now there’s an idea….</p> Marcushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01351297406970864492noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6409591195378757931.post-16299733463916252692012-07-04T21:43:00.001+01:002012-07-04T21:43:53.092+01:00Borah Gear – Side Zip Bivy – First Use<p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-V2AFrQyJjbA/T_Sq66CLyPI/AAAAAAAAChM/ciArPmVXWyw/s1600-h/Borah_gear_stuffed%25255B6%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Borah_gear_stuffed" border="0" alt="Borah_gear_stuffed" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NriXjYWaeMo/T_Sq8DBp0HI/AAAAAAAAChU/d1U75Vi-8qE/Borah_gear_stuffed_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="284" height="424" /></a> </p> <p>Following on from <a href="http://www.alittlebitaboutnotalot.co.uk/2012/05/borah-gear-side-zip-bivy-initial.html" target="_blank">this post</a> I’ve received a number of emails requesting additional information about the <a href="http://ulgear.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Borah Gear</a> <a href="http://ulgear.blogspot.co.uk/p/side-zip-bivy.html" target="_blank">bivy</a> and the answers to which may be useful to others so this is an update to that original post.</p> <p>I managed to get out and give the bivy a trial last weekend on a trip to Wales. The weekend was forecast to be wet, windy and fairly cool to boot and this prophesy turned out to be all too accurate on the day! A trip report will follow but in the meantime here are my experiences and a couple of answers to those questions.</p> <p>We arrived fairly late and as a consequence we ended up pitching quite low down off the main ridge. This was wise as the wind up there was fairly strong and the rain with it would have made for a miserable pitch considering our short time out there.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2Xw8EtO7cuM/T_Sq-JY6VeI/AAAAAAAAChc/e2MQxSEo5cA/s1600-h/Trailstar_borah_gear_bivy%25255B5%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Trailstar_borah_gear_bivy" border="0" alt="Trailstar_borah_gear_bivy" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gi2_22NjlpA/T_Sq_KX_okI/AAAAAAAAChk/4WhcxkDnfa4/Trailstar_borah_gear_bivy_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="414" height="312" /></a> </p> <p>I set up the Neoair and my sleeping bag in the bivy and with the side zip this was real simple to do. No faffing, just open up and slide it all in. I hooked the tie out on the mesh panel to one of the hooks on the Trailstar and this worked well, except for the fact that it highlighted just how much material there is!</p> <p>Unsurprisingly then there is ample room inside this version (size is Regular length, wide girth for the Neoair) and once inside I found that there was plenty of space for me to sleep on my side, store things inside with me and comfortably move about – as I do! On reflection I wouldn’t remove any fabric from this version as I think this affords more options in use and the weight is low enough for this to make an insignificant difference.</p> <p>I zipped myself in to the bivy on this first night as there were quite few bugs about and I also wanted to experience what it would be like to be within its confines! In use it was fine and I drifted off without issue. What I did notice after a time was that I was slipping down inside the bag whilst the bag inselft was also slipping! The solution would be simple: to add tie outs to the top corners of the bivy and some silicone spots on the base of the sil-nylon or my Neoair. My advice then is to opt for John to sew in some tie outs for you when ordering –this is an option and you just need to ask for it.</p> <p>By morning I woke with my body lower down inside the bivy than expected and on opening the zip to sit up and take in the view I found that there was a dampness between the momentum fabric and my sleeping bag. It soon dried once I’d opened the bivy but I can’t help but think that the damp, warm conditions, along with our sheltered pitch and water vapour in my breath had created ideal conditions for condensation. I’m not worried about this at all and in fact I think that with my modifications above I’ll not introduce so much warm moist air in the future and any ‘natural’ condensation is acceptable. Som have seam sealed their bivy’s and for a fully waterproof bag this would be advisable. However with this type of lightweight bivy seam sealing would simply further reduce breathability and isn’t required.</p> <p>Overall I really enjoyed using it and the weight is seriously impressive for the price. The service and ability to modify to your own design is another endorsement in favour of low volume, cottage manufacturers. This brings me nicely on to the last query I received regarding my modifications, which were quite simple. I asked John to replace the full net hood with a rectangular strip running horizontally across the hood at about face height and add a pull-out to the mesh. Picture below to illustrate (apologies for the thoughtless framing – I was in a rush!)</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-njF1amkZRVk/T_SrAyhCy5I/AAAAAAAAChs/tbk--8RfwzE/s1600-h/borah_gear_bivy_hood%25255B5%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="borah_gear_bivy_hood" border="0" alt="borah_gear_bivy_hood" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8IkVJF4AUA0/T_SrB7HvoRI/AAAAAAAACh0/AfrRCkJ8Hyk/borah_gear_bivy_hood_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="284" height="429" /></a> </p> <p> So then, after first use I’m still happy and very confident this will suit my needs perfectly. My advice, in summary, is to opt for the tie outs in the corners and drop a few spots of silicone onto the inside of the sil-nylon base to reduce slippage. Amen and happy bivvying!*</p> <p> </p> <p>*spelling?</p> Marcushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01351297406970864492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6409591195378757931.post-1283231682080342552012-06-28T21:20:00.000+01:002012-06-28T21:20:00.136+01:00Gear Review – Montane Volt Fleece Jacket<p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xnoreZcQBns/T-t_be85fdI/AAAAAAAACfI/caRmHYGJeBg/s1600-h/MontaneVolt225.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Montane Volt-2-2" border="0" alt="Montane Volt-2-2" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wJxqAEJR0LY/T-t_c32vmYI/AAAAAAAACfQ/Oq4rwH_fm04/MontaneVolt22_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="424" height="284" /></a> <br />Back in Norway in September things got pretty cold and so did I. Owing to the length of the trip and having to carry everything for 7 days I tried to balance an appropriate amount of clothing with a reasonable weight. On that score I failed slightly by being a little cold at times. Insulation was a <a href="http://rab.uk.com/products/mens-clothing/fleece/micro-pull-on.html" target="_blank">Rab Micro Pull-on</a> fleece and a <a href="http://www.westernmountaineering.com/index.cfm?section=products&page=Down%20Garments&cat=Jackets-and-Vests&ContentId=76" target="_blank">Western Mountaineering Flash Jacket</a> which I had hoped would be enough for most scenarios when worn with a merino base-layer. Sadly this wasn’t always the case and I started to take a look at my insulation more closely when I returned home and conceded that I probably needed more. It was research time! <br /></p> <p>I knew I wanted something that would be slightly warmer than a 100 weight micro-fleece but also something that wouldn’t add too much bulk. The Rab fleece weighs in at 274g for a medium so I wanted something that was warmer but not too heavy. I looked at a number of options, but settled on 3 that seemed to be pretty much in the ball-park: <a href="http://www.mountain-equipment.co.uk/the_gear/clothing/thermal/touchstone_jacket---515/" target="_blank">The Mountain Equipment Touchstone</a>, the <a href="http://www.mountainhardwear.com/Men's-Monkey-Man%E2%84%A2-Jacket/OM3344,default,pd.html" target="_blank">Mountain Hardwear Monkey Man</a> and the <a href="http://www.montane.co.uk/products/men/soft-shell-and-fleece/volt-jacket/421" target="_blank">Montane Volt</a>. <br /></p> <p>As you will have guessed (you intelligent people you) in the end I settled on the Volt. This was for a number of reasons but also owing to a bargain ‘price match’ deal I managed to haggle from a large outdoor retailer! <br /></p> <p>Montane say the Volt was designed with the full year in mind, as opposed to simply designing a summer or winter weight fleece. They claim that that the mixed use of Polartec Thermal Pro Honeycomb and Polertec Classic Micro make the jacket comfortable in a number of scenarios and climates. Polartec claim that the Thermal Pro Honeycomb “<em>creates air pockets, trapping, retaining body heat and endowing the Volt with outstanding warmth without weight</em>”. <br /></p> <p>This all sounds nice and fluffy but in all honesty it was none of this technical or marketing blurb that caught my eye initially – it was simply how incredible it looks! Without further ‘a-do’ here’s my thoughts (for what they’re worth) on this turbo-charged fleece: <br /></p> <strong></strong> <p><strong>What’s it got?</strong> <br />Well, it doesn’t have a hood (which I didn’t need or want) but does have a full zip, two large hand-warmer pockets (one which will handily hold a map) and a discrete chest pocket for smaller bits and bobs. The zips are all YKK and good quality and the pulls are very simple nylon with a small Montane motif – nice touch! All seams are sewn flat so no rubbing chaffing on harnesses or shoulder straps. Overall its simple but very well designed and technical enough to get most people excited.</p> <p> <br /></p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Ug5Q4ubG_OU/T-t_d70iIEI/AAAAAAAACfY/cdmG87_pxFQ/s1600-h/MontaneVolt16.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Montane Volt-1" border="0" alt="Montane Volt-1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-g4ICFTcSuDo/T-t_elUWkJI/AAAAAAAACfg/jICnou-9QK8/MontaneVolt1_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="529" /></a> <br /><strong>What’s it weigh?</strong> <br />I couldn’t help but worry that all of this would add unnecessary weight. Montane claim a medium weighs in at 470g and my size small weighs in at exactly 410g on my scales. This makes the Volt 140g heavier than my simple Rab fleece but would this equate to better warmth or just more technical faff – I was eager to find out. <br /><strong></strong> <p><strong>How does it look?</strong> <br />Incredible. <br />It takes the humble fleece to a whole new level of style and fit. It’s nothing like any of my other fleeces with a truly tailored look and beautiful contoured panels that follow the line of the body. Not just that but it feels as good to wear as it looks and Montane has successfully challenged the ‘boxyness’ of the traditional fleece to great effect.</p> <p> <br /></p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8F9j8v_P3lw/T-t_fWlNO9I/AAAAAAAACfo/fmAeslImSXk/s1600-h/MontaneVolt25.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Montane Volt-2" border="0" alt="Montane Volt-2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lim64eFx4Y8/T-t_gHUYwZI/AAAAAAAACfw/L3Z2DQQvkUE/MontaneVolt2_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="529" /></a>  <br />The flip side, of course, is that this extreme athletic cut won’t flatter everyone and could be quite unforgiving on anything other than an athletic shape. If you’re sleek then its fine but if, like me, you have a little paunch from too much cheese and wine…….and beer…..oh and curry then, like me, you’ll have to do a little breathing in when showing it off to all your mates and loved ones. Having said that (Curb Your Enthusiasm Season 7) the material has a nice stretch to it to ensure it doesn’t feel uncomfortably tight which,importantly, also allows perfect freedom of movement. <p> <br /><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kKv5ejxKFPo/T-t_hC8nX_I/AAAAAAAACf4/8ratqLjPaAE/s1600-h/MontaneVolt35.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Montane Volt-3" border="0" alt="Montane Volt-3" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KaYu-dSnVCU/T-t_h6DmFdI/AAAAAAAACgA/b6hBYJ9KhgM/MontaneVolt3_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="424" height="284" /></a> <br />Like most of Montane’s clothing, the quality of the finish and features are all very good. It looks extremely well made and the fabric seems of the type that will take a bit of wear – perhaps more so than a normal fleece which, for me at least, tends to go a bit ‘bobbley’ after a handful of washes. <br />The cuffs are simply finished in a non-adjustable elasticated band.  All of my current fleeces tend to terminate cuff and waist hems in just the fleece itself. The waist is finished in a similar way which tends to be a bit tighter than the cuffs and should keep out any unwanted drafts up the back – or the front for that matter, provided your tum isn’t too big! <br /></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FX82U8LXTkA/T-y4Vyt3ZkI/AAAAAAAACgw/sr7n8foqvqc/s1600-h/Montane%252520Volt-4.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Montane Volt-4" border="0" alt="Montane Volt-4" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dKWSKD8hPaE/T-t_jolcJaI/AAAAAAAACg4/CCcaR03JjKg/Montane%252520Volt-4_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="424" height="284" /></a> <br /><strong>How does it perform then?</strong> <br /></p> <p>I wore this bad boy out on the hills in a cold and snowy February in Buttermere for the first time. It was an extremely hostile day up on Fleetwith Pike, with strong icy winds and driving snow creating white-out conditions at times. I wore this over a merino base layer and under my Marmot Mica. Despite moving slowly (with inexperienced friends) I never felt cold and it was reassuring to feel that I could come to a stop and not feel that familiar chill begin to take hold the moment I stopped.</p> <p> <br /></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DxqYKCxFc5o/T-t_kFErvGI/AAAAAAAACg8/MO_ZVTtUHTI/s1600-h/Fleetwith%252520Pike%252520whiteout%252520Feb%2525202012.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Fleetwith Pike whiteout Feb 2012" border="0" alt="Fleetwith Pike whiteout Feb 2012" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-GwkD0O1qqAY/T-t_k2r2A0I/AAAAAAAAChA/0x_2kduCnok/Fleetwith%252520Pike%252520whiteout%252520Feb%2525202012_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="471" /></a> <br />Unusually I’ve been using it when I take <a href="http://www.alittlebitaboutnotalot.co.uk/2012/04/meet-lolli.html" target="_blank">Lolli</a> out for walks in terrible weather and even when moving fast there are lots of options for venting if necessary but the fabric is permeable enough that a stiff breeze will get through without a wind barrier. <br />I thought about removing this paragraph from the review but what the heck: I actually think that this looks and feels so nice that its in real danger of being worn quite a lot out of an outdoors scenario. I should point out that this is not something I would normally endorse  nor even see myself doing! <br /></p> <p>I plan to continue to wear this under a shell or wind proof  for walking in the hills and expect that it will be perfect for autumn, winter and early spring with the layering approach. <br />I have to admit I was reluctant to have to change my proven layering system and even perhaps to concede that I do sometimes need more warmth than I have prepared myself for. With this in mind I’m pretty happy that this serve me across a number of seasons and give me more flexibility in colder conditions. If nothing else it will simply mean I can spend a bit more time drinking whisky and watching the sun go down whilst not being confined to my sleeping bag! <br />I’ll post back on how it performs during the course of the year and feedback any further findings. <br /><strong></strong></p> <p><strong>Conclusion</strong> <br />Historically the humble fleece has really been that interesting to me, but the Montane Volt has probably just changed the ball game somewhat and hopefully it will be a winner from the off with no chance of going to penalties….. </p> Marcushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01351297406970864492noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6409591195378757931.post-82136988312189243692012-06-24T18:11:00.001+01:002012-06-24T18:11:18.946+01:00MLD Trailstar – First Pitch Hysteria<p>I’ve been on holiday for two weeks but, in a cruel twist delivered by the Gods, my Trailstar arrived super early from <a href="www.mountainlaureldesigns.com/" target="_blank">MLD</a> – 4 weeks early. This might not seem like that cruel an act at all, but it might be considered a little so when I tell you it arrived the day before I flew out! </p> <p>It arrived and I was excited. I packed it in my case (we were renting a rather large house in the hills of the Costa Brava) and got even more exited. Then I tried to fit my poles in my case too which was swiftly followed by some swearing.</p> <p>In any case I’m back now and today I found a recreational ground big enough to pitch it on for the first time. I know there are lots of words written all over the internet about first impressions and how to pitch the thing so I’ll keep this brief. </p> <p>I pitched it.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-EjqNgVDUzt4/T-dKIl_tgVI/AAAAAAAACeQ/UARxYlFb9Uk/s1600-h/Trailstar%252520pitch%2525201%25255B5%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Trailstar pitch 1" border="0" alt="Trailstar pitch 1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_7aVmTnlvlI/T-dKJUGwubI/AAAAAAAACeY/wD7FZUmzA08/Trailstar%252520pitch%2525201_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="414" height="310" /></a> </p> <p>It was cheesy peas to pitch and even a twerp like me managed to do it quite well first time and in a stiff breeze too. I certainly think I can cope with the space available! I still need to seam seal it but again I’m going to have to hire a festival size field to do this and allow drying time. Question is: Do I take it out with me to Wales this Friday, pitch it, seal and sleep in it all at the same time? Do I dare?</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-KQwg7fpKzFg/T-dKKi7xEgI/AAAAAAAACeg/wbODFw7CSYA/s1600-h/Trailstar%252520pitch%2525202%25255B5%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Trailstar pitch 2" border="0" alt="Trailstar pitch 2" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-O089L_0lQeA/T-dKLXbOsuI/AAAAAAAACeo/ZQhTOSPnmTI/Trailstar%252520pitch%2525202_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="424" height="252" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-afJ2SJCDCCY/T-dKMvm1a6I/AAAAAAAACew/8Mjz1Tdw_wA/s1600-h/Trailstar%252520pitch%2525203%25255B5%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Trailstar pitch 3" border="0" alt="Trailstar pitch 3" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-iLUPS_iwjA4/T-dKNVNG9eI/AAAAAAAACe4/pamu-eULdQw/Trailstar%252520pitch%2525203_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="424" height="317" /></a> </p> <p>Overall I’m really pleased with it, even with the high pitch I ended up with here (I forgot to measure pole height before I set out and later found the height was nearly 50 inches). Its a really nice looking shelter and was feeling pretty weather-ready with just 6 tie-outs anchored down.</p> <p>More on my actual experience of it, along with my <a href="http://ulgear.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Borah Gear</a> Bivy after next weekend.</p> Marcushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01351297406970864492noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6409591195378757931.post-81823548935022883102012-05-29T21:12:00.001+01:002012-05-31T13:19:43.879+01:00Borah Gear – Side Zip Bivy: Initial ImpressionsI was at home one lunchtime with <a href="http://www.alittlebitaboutnotalot.co.uk/2012/04/meet-lolli.html" target="_blank">Lolli</a> when the package arrived. It spelled good things the moment I saw the stupidly small (and seemingly empty) box land on the door mat. John from <a href="http://ulgear.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Borah Gear</a> had emailed a week earlier to confirm it had been dispatched and I was pleased it had taken less than the 10 days John had estimated to arrive.<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wkVjd0mYRzg/T8Utd98tWpI/AAAAAAAACck/kudiN1XEIaY/s1600-h/Borah_gear_stuffed%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Borah_gear_stuffed" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-FCXzFv0Stdg/T8UtfbZTXYI/AAAAAAAACco/WieDCPczoWk/Borah_gear_stuffed_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Borah_gear_stuffed" width="324" /></a><br />
I’ve been on the look out for a ultralight bivy for some time but the expense of the most popular options coupled with the lack of a real need for one held off the purchase – until now. <br />
Since Lolli’s arrival I’ve been thinking a lot about how my shelter needs will need to change, which, has seen me move over to an <a href="http://www.mountainlaureldesigns.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=21&products_id=102" target="_blank">MLD Trailstar</a>. I knew I’d need some sort of inner/bivy as a result but considering how I envisage using it I couldn’t decide which. The <a href="http://oookworks.com/OookStar.html" target="_blank">Oookstar</a> from <a href="http://oookworks.com/" target="_blank">Oookworks</a> would be ideal but it was a bit more of an investment than I wanted to commit initially and the inner is then also specific to the Trailstar. I needed more flexibility and went with the Bivy. I got hold of some decent fabric to make two of my own (one is for Paul but don’t tell him) but then lost motivation and decided that having one would probably how I would design and make my own. <br />
I came across Borah Gear whilst perusing the interweb one night and was immediately drawn in. This was clearly a cottage manufacturer and the site itself was set up as a blog as opposed to a full custom website. I searched a bit more and found that the blog’s owner was John West who hung about the BPL forums quite a bit. From the off I had read that John was making very small numbers of his bivies and so I wasn’t even certain that I could get my hands on one even if I wanted to.<br />
There wasn’t much around in terms of reviews of John’s products but on finding a few images and considering the prices I felt compelled to give him a try. This was particularly true when I found out that he’ll make you a bivy to spec - “sign me up”…..<br />
John sells a small range of very reasonably priced products but primarily these consist of ultralight bivy bags and sil-nylon tarps. The range has recently been updated to include a cuben bivy for the ultra-light aficionados' out there, specifically those with big pockets. <br />
I’m a bit less excited about cuben (for the time being) and primarily I wanted a custom bivy for the right price and so opted for a <a href="http://ulgear.blogspot.co.uk/p/side-zip-bivy.html" target="_blank">Side Zip Bivy</a>, in M50, wide to accommodate a regular Neoair and with a hood modification. The standard side zip comes with a full net hood and a zip that goes across the face and then down to around the abdomen area (depending on your size). I wanted something with less netting for UK use and better suited to horizontal rain/spray.<br />
I emailed John with my request and he quickly provided an image of a previous job for me to compare. The whole process was hassle-free and the modifications cost me a teenie weenie $5!<br />
Two weeks later my bivy was ready to shipped and here she is:<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VnNjL0MQmvo/T8UtgsjPpdI/AAAAAAAACc0/VRJDhXGjz-Y/s1600-h/Borah%252520gear%252520side%252520zip%25255B9%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Borah gear side zip" border="0" height="442" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1MXmAb5H0C8/T8UthcCAeSI/AAAAAAAACc8/owjVynoxcuM/Borah%252520gear%252520side%252520zip_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Borah gear side zip" width="424" /></a>The base is silnylon and the top is M50 fabric. You can opt for M90 or 1.1DWR if you wish and the prices drop whilst the weight increases accordingly. The all up weight (including the stuff sack) is 171g. With a Trailstar this will bring the weight carried for my shelter (not including walking poles) in at around 700g – peg choice pending.<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-eeTodcCW8IE/T8UtiUFFqdI/AAAAAAAACdE/ZOHQhUqoqQY/s1600-h/Borah%252520gear%252520zip%2525202%25255B10%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Borah gear zip 2" border="0" height="284" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-R2rc7x0nLoY/T8Uti19RVsI/AAAAAAAACdM/KvElDVWC_wI/Borah%252520gear%252520zip%2525202_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Borah gear zip 2" width="424" /></a>My first impressions of the bag are good. Its a simple design that is well made and offers ample room for a regular Neoair with a –6 sleeping bag. Having climbed in with the Neoair and my sleeping bag there is almost too much fabric and if I was being anal I’d probably remove some.<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-jAjuyAVLIWY/T8Utj72P7JI/AAAAAAAACdU/IIfQJvBZa8A/s1600-h/Borah%252520gear%252520zip%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Borah gear zip" border="0" height="284" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7oimpM313rw/T8UtkQ62RPI/AAAAAAAACdc/FJKtcvfP2l4/Borah%252520gear%252520zip_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Borah gear zip" width="424" /></a>The seams aren’t sealed but I think the M50 fabric would give far before I got to the stage of worrying about the seams!<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-lHAv0qXrQkA/T8UtlmPCLjI/AAAAAAAACdk/IsPZ-M78Cwc/s1600-h/Borah%252520gear%252520bivy%252520tie-out%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Borah gear bivy tie-out" border="0" height="524" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1ZlmYlgquFk/T8Utmd2X0vI/AAAAAAAACds/6GlbSCesfUQ/Borah%252520gear%252520bivy%252520tie-out_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="Borah gear bivy tie-out" width="424" /></a> <br />
There is a small pull-out sewn into the mesh to allow the hood to be pulled away from the face and the zip is a high quality YKK. This is sewn in perfectly to give a smooth curve as not to over-stress teeth. All in all its nicely and simply done and will be perfect in theory for what I need.<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PAYc5F84dqs/T8UtngzLQZI/AAAAAAAACd0/eLVbZANBgI8/s1600-h/Borah%252520gear%252520bivy%252520unzipped%25255B5%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Borah gear bivy unzipped" border="0" height="284" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-u5zmlmWclao/T8UtqaUv_8I/AAAAAAAACd8/FXoLy2q_4SM/Borah%252520gear%252520bivy%252520unzipped_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Borah gear bivy unzipped" width="424" /></a> I plan on doing a thorough review once I’ve had chance to use it but all accounts from I what I’m seeing out of the box, this should be an excellent alternative to the more obvious options.<br />
Watch this space….Marcushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01351297406970864492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6409591195378757931.post-63524600219324207842012-04-30T18:37:00.000+01:002012-04-30T18:37:00.130+01:0024 Hours – A short film what I did make….<p>Tis true. This here twerp tried to make a short film and the amateurish (or just terrible) result of this can be found <a href="http://vimeo.com/41253582" target="_blank">here</a> and below.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZFzMMWbYTMk/T555J9NbP3I/AAAAAAAACag/9mnM1EaGl8w/s1600-h/Timelapse4.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Time-lapse" border="0" alt="Time-lapse" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vHe7jgnXBwA/T555LBHj7mI/AAAAAAAACao/E83dSgQchqY/Timelapse_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="294" height="393" /></a> <font size="1">Capturing a time-lapse on Stone Arthur</font></p> <p>I took myself off to the Lakes in July last year with aim of filming and putting together a short film on wild-camping that would be beautiful and engaging but sadly my lack of planning, camera skills and the weather meant we have this to endure instead! My plan was for this to be more documentary style but the weather and poor sound meant all of my piece to camera segments had to be abandoned. I managed to get a couple of time-lapses and some set pieces that I have tried to cobble together but my next attempt will be much better – promise!</p> <p>I wanted to learn a bit about filming and and editing and to that end I guess I’m better informed but there is clearly a long way to go! I do think I’m better informed now and will approach my next trip slightly differently with a view to getting the shots I need rather than the ones I can. I have been experimenting with time-lapse photography since Norway and I hope to incorporate a few more of these in future shorts.</p> <p> </p> <p align="center"><iframe height="230" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/41253582" frameborder="0" width="410" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" mozallowfullscreen="mozallowfullscreen" webkitallowfullscreen="webkitallowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p><a href="http://vimeo.com/41253582">24 Hours - A Micro-Adventure In The Lake District</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user6098240">Marcus Gough</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p> <p></p> <p><a></a></p> Marcushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01351297406970864492noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6409591195378757931.post-16016246536202650042012-04-14T10:16:00.001+01:002012-04-14T10:16:16.597+01:00Meet Lolli<p align="center">A Trail…Star In the Making?</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-LSgD-6IKz_Q/T4lAQrucVoI/AAAAAAAACZI/sZeGgw8Znis/s1600-h/lolli_garden5.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="404" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-m7LtRNZ0ME0/T4lASBC1eDI/AAAAAAAACZQ/FTYAlAHeACw/lolli_garden_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>Guys, this is Lolli our 16 week old English Springer Spaniel. She’s a darl but incredibly hard work! I’ve wanted a puppy since I was a child but never really thought it would be possible for us to own one given our hectic lifestyles and heavy workloads. Nevertheless an opportunity came up and it was impossible to resist!</p> <p>In the short time we have had her she’s grown an awful lot and changed dramatically, its been hard to keep up:</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cUMqwG6bhIM/T4lATZ1kQQI/AAAAAAAACZY/ly2Vl6std3Q/s1600-h/Lolli_wants_food5.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="Lolli_wants_food" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="454" alt="Lolli_wants_food" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NO7KYAIB-to/T4lAUQpFqJI/AAAAAAAACZg/r0QZPxQixVA/Lolli_wants_food_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" border="0" /></a><font size="1"> Lolli’s first day with her new humans.</font></p> <p></p> <p>Its all a steep learning curve but I think for our first dog we’re doing pretty well and Lolli seems eager to learn new things.</p> <p>3 weeks ago Lolli had her final jab and we went walking together for the first time. It’s early days by all accounts but I have no doubts that she will love joining me on some long day walks and eventually some wild-camps. Her breed is an energetic one and I’m told she will go for miles. I cannot wait! </p> <p>Obviously we’ll need some new gear (crying shame) and needless to say preparations are already underway with the purchase of <em>‘our’</em> new shelter – the <a href="http://www.mountainlaureldesigns.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=102" target="_blank">MLD Trailstar</a>. Lolli loved the photos on the website and made it perfectly celar that she just had to have one! She fell in love with Orikaso fold flat bowls so I subbed her on those whilst <em>her</em> new shelter also means I needed a replacement walking pole to erect it <a href="http://www.alittlebitaboutnotalot.co.uk/2012/02/norway-hardangerjokulen-day-5.html" target="_blank">(see this post for why)</a> from <a href="http://www.rutalocura.com/trekking_poles.html" target="_blank">Rotalocura</a>.</p> <p>I’ve got a head full of ideas for some custom gear: ultralight dog blanket, sleep mat and backpack. There’s a whole new world of gear to research so I’d better get on….</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3wItq0dwme4/T4lAWdRrQkI/AAAAAAAACZo/uGyeyNcaJbU/s1600-h/lolli_stare_garden6.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="289" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-M7Jk2ye6wmE/T4lAXpP4v0I/AAAAAAAACZw/VgAAPYlhNEc/lolli_stare_garden_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="384" border="0" /></a><font size="1"> Lolli wondering why she can’t eat grass</font></p> <p>Seriously though guys, any advice on lightweight doggy gear will always be gratefully received and <a href="http://backpackingbongos.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">James</a> I’m looking at you here for some guidance too!</p> Marcushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01351297406970864492noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6409591195378757931.post-32846809462294981202012-04-10T16:55:00.001+01:002012-04-10T16:55:56.871+01:00Norway, HardangerJokulen: Day 7<p>Saturday – our last day out in the wilds of Norway….</p> <p>By 5.30am I had given up on getting back to sleep. I had woken  feeling cold at 2am and wishing it was morning already. Paul was snoring away and didn’t seem like he was remotely cold – I was jealous. I’d made the mistake of just sleeping in my thin Embers base layer and a 100 weight micro fleece and, given the amount of ice crystals on the fly sheet, this just wasn’t enough. Paul had slept in his down jacket but I’d not wanted to do this until I absolutely had to. The problem is I find myself unwilling to move out of the foetal position and desperately trying to maintain heat inside my sleeping bag! Reaching out for my jacket didn’t feature in this plan and this meant I hadn’t made the sensible move to put it on – twerp. I could stand it no longer - the jacket went on and I scoffed a boost bar!</p> <p>By now it was only just getting lighter, although it had not been totally dark during the night owing to the bright moonlight. I reached over, put some music on and began thinking about all of the missed photo opportunities I'd suffered whilst wondering just how doomed my camera really was. I tried to block this last bit out by concentrating instead on eating and drinking hot things! By 6.30 I caved and started to make a brew.</p> <p>Opening the fly revealed a rather crispy, fresh topping to the undergrowth – like a nice salad. The subtle blast of the JetBoil igniting woke Paul with a bit of start *grins*. I barely had time to fetch Paul’s coveted Hurtigruten mug before boiling water was being spat and sprayed all over the porch. That bloody JetBoil always makes for a rude awakening.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MUpLllc4Vps/T4RN9wY7V7I/AAAAAAAACWc/pQEzxhSASOc/s1600-h/sunrise_middalen26.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="sunrise_middalen2" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="288" alt="sunrise_middalen2" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-BOM1MGCibCA/T4RN-hN8_TI/AAAAAAAACWk/sdF_fKwXgDA/sunrise_middalen2_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="384" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>As soon as the water was in my mug and the teabag stewing I made the move to don my trousers, wet socks and ice-cold shoes and went and stood outside to take in the last sights of the trip. I wasn’t disappointed by what I found and I just stood listening to the rushing water and watching the light slowly reaching over Middalen across the river. It looked like another clear day and would be a nice one to finish on, especially if it warmed up a bit! The tent was literally covered in a thin layer of sparkling bling and I felt better that I it was indeed a cold night – as opposed to me just being a big wet fish.</p> <p>My iPhone was my only camera now and I had to take whatever I could get out of it. Never mind.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Sc3WNLT2R58/T4RXkye78gI/AAAAAAAACWs/azOnH1RQzD0/s1600-h/sunrise_middalen6.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="sunrise_middalen" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="404" alt="sunrise_middalen" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HxNK6-5Fiu4/T4RXmC3tUNI/AAAAAAAACW0/ILPhp9LEM5E/sunrise_middalen_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>We had a few hours to kill before our train was due in Finse so there was no rush to move on but Paul was packing away with gay abandon, which I noticed by the sheer noise of him scuffling about. I didn’t want to rushed by this so went off to try and get some more photos whilst absorbing every last sense of the place whilst I still could. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VqXOv7jO704/T4RXpAHD87I/AAAAAAAACW8/GmHmF9jyIuw/s1600-h/pitch_finse_fetene4.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="pitch_finse_fetene" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="287" alt="pitch_finse_fetene" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KAf6essBAiw/T4RXqMuji3I/AAAAAAAACXE/G271lkLBxtA/pitch_finse_fetene_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="384" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>It became apparent that the clear sky wasn’t going to remain for much longer. To the west the clouds seemed to appear from nowhere and were heading at us with some speed. It made for a nice photo but that was about all the good I could find in it.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5BvmvMJp3nQ/T4RXsHDzFFI/AAAAAAAACXM/u24OUXnnZNM/s1600-h/Middalen_Blaisen7.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="Middalen_Blaisen" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="284" alt="Middalen_Blaisen" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-q2VpPhxdKeQ/T4RXtbxExPI/AAAAAAAACXU/Qn0Hug3t4iw/Middalen_Blaisen_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="384" border="0" /></a></p> <p>The wind was definitely picking up and beginning to gust a little so naturally packing away  now seemed like a grand idea! Seconds later I joined Paul in the tent who, by now, was all packed up and exiting! He was as surprised as me to see the clouds rolling in and was as keen as I to make it to Finse in dry clothes! It would also be nice to remember our last morning on the trail as it was now as opposed to the thick clag that we had started out in 7 days earlier.</p> <p>Once again it was no time all before the tent was down and bags were shouldered. Whilst I took a few more photos Paul wandered off in the direction of the high wooden bridge over the river. By the time I was ready to leave I couldn’t even see his dark shape on the landscape.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pMSB5wLN2CM/T4RXwAk80gI/AAAAAAAACXc/kBwgFwzf_og/s1600-h/rain_clouds_finse_fetene5.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="rain_clouds_finse_fetene" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="289" alt="rain_clouds_finse_fetene" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wkcvkjIwmI0/T4RXxXdAjyI/AAAAAAAACXk/LRFomRGr_GY/rain_clouds_finse_fetene_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="384" border="0" /></a></p> <p>As I walked on with increasing pace it really did feel a bit gut-wrenching to be leaving this all behind. There’s something about self-reliance that instills a feeling of strength and pride as though you’re basking in your own independence.</p> <p>I paused to look back at our abandoned pitch spot to see the cloud had made good progress in taking over the entire blue space above me in just a matter of minutes. I couldn’t tell if it meant rain or snow but it felt cold enough to be the latter – which I secretly didn’t mind hanging around for. That would be an epic way to end the trip.</p> <p>I followed the tussocky and rocky river bank to the bridge where Paul was waiting patiently. We took a few more photos before agreeing that this was now well and truly over and this last few miles would most likely end in us getting wet. Nevertheless this wasn’t a problem as by now we were seasoned pro’s at being wet and uncomfortable but it would be nice to arrive in Finse and not have to get changed. This was particularly the case for me as I had taken the gamble at putting on clean trousers and base layers for the benefit of our fellow train travelers later that day. If they ended up wet I’d be slightly unhappy!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-o_agCo4Kh0k/T4RXzaZimzI/AAAAAAAACXs/P1dQaCYoEaU/s1600-h/finse_from_fetene4.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="finse_from_fetene" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="404" alt="finse_from_fetene" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-AyMAed4-mW4/T4RX0tkGwoI/AAAAAAAACX0/ukr7Ucr07MU/finse_from_fetene_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>We walked on along the track at a pace that was fast but comfortable. From here Finse was clearly visible on the opposite bank of Finsevatnet. Seeing it getting gradually closer was somehow crap but good all at the same time.</p> <p>The southern bank seemed popular with other campers who had come in a group with bomb-proof tents and gear. We wondered what they might make of our lightweight approach, given that a hunter passed us by showing a face that was showing us nothing short of contempt!</p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>The group of campers were clearly feeling the cold and they milled about camp, walking on the spot on tip-toes. There were quite a few of them and we could only assume that the they were ‘conserving heat’ with so many bodies inside so few tents…</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-BgLE10JWoWg/T4RX2dWBArI/AAAAAAAACX8/a6hxVblx5Js/s1600-h/finsebergvatnet5.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="finsebergvatnet" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="287" alt="finsebergvatnet" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tjeTPzMvbLc/T4RX3aSUsaI/AAAAAAAACYE/fOPU8ddur-4/finsebergvatnet_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="384" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>By now we were approaching the dam wall on the south east side of the vatnet with the wooden face of the hotel staring right back at us. There were more groups on the dam wall heading our way and it looked as though they were in the for the same start as Paul and I had experiences almost a week ago. Poor little sods!</p> <p>This was not how I envisaged the end of this epic trip would be. I don’t know what I expected but this felt numb and almost senseless. We nodded as we passed the young looking group who all wore smirks as we did so. I was confused by this. It could have been the stench or our gear but either way we were entertaining for some reason. I made a vow to check my face when I got to a mirror but was 99% sure it was a response to Paul – which is quite normal. </p> <p>Once across the dam wall the track turns to a wider gravel path for pedestrians and cyclists, of which we saw plenty starting out on the route from Finse on the Navvies Road (Rallarvegen) to Flam. The Norwegian flag was flying high at the colossal DNT hut on the peninsula of the lake and our decision to stay out last night seemed like a good one as scores of people poured out of it’s doors. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vNTs2RORxuc/T4RX5xgzo-I/AAAAAAAACYM/I9paEQYtlYc/s1600-h/finse_from_vatnet5.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="finse_from_vatnet" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="287" alt="finse_from_vatnet" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lL3eaVN8jRs/T4RX88PldrI/AAAAAAAACYU/EUTqLjn7RFk/finse_from_vatnet_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="384" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>By now it was around 9.30am and we slowed our pace as we walked along the small breezeblock apartments that lined the track. Life would be hard out here in winter but its something I’d love to experience just once at very least.</p> <p>Thoughts soon turned to our large suitcase that we’d pretty much abandoned in the drying room of the hotel. We hoped it would be there, primarily as the thought of a night out in Bergen with walking shoes, trousers and a merino base-layer seemed a little off to us! The track began to climb up to the long train platform and the signpost we’d taken photographs of at the beginning of the trip came into view. The place was fairly empty with only a few people inside the station and a small group of cyclists about to set out. They were embarking on their journey as we were just finishing ours. It hadn’t rained and we were dry so the Gods would not win today. There was nothing to say to each other that hadn't already been said so we extended arms, firmly shook hands and turned and headed for the bar!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-05lLIjMe8gI/T4RX-mXAQEI/AAAAAAAACYc/pZJzHULrFpU/s1600-h/finse_hotel_pint6.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="finse_hotel_pint" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="406" alt="finse_hotel_pint" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-CVVDyKhgInk/T4RX_3KWGPI/AAAAAAAACYg/nhUfqAl4GJI/finse_hotel_pint_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>The hotel was busy with people eating breakfast or preparing to leave for their own adventures. It was a little early for a beer so we waiting 5 minutes before flipping a coin to see who would go get them in. I lost (as usual) so went off to do the honours whilst Paul found window seats looking out across the lake and the glacier.</p> <p>It was the sweetest beer we’d tasted and despite Paul’s dismay at the absence of cider, he seemed to find it agreeable too. The suitcase was exactly where we left it so there nothing left to do other than stow our packs, change our shoes and socks and board the train. </p> <p>As the big red carriages drew to a stop on the platform we took one last pause to look around and wave to the webcam before the whistle was being blown and the doors closing behind us.</p> <p>It had all started here when we stepped onto this platform 7 days ago and now it was over. We’d had such a great many laughs, mini-adventures and soakings! More importantly we had some stories to tell and we’d start by finding some poor Norwegian buggers once we arrived in Bergen!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-h3TqQAw8e_A/T4RYBvOyWEI/AAAAAAAACYo/MjVnoVXa22k/s1600-h/train_to_bergen6.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="train_to_bergen" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="287" alt="train_to_bergen" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hjJDPyInfxs/T4RYCnXOwAI/AAAAAAAACYw/VrOxLnyP7Oc/train_to_bergen_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="384" border="0" /></a></p> Marcushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01351297406970864492noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6409591195378757931.post-80422638741425468642012-04-09T10:14:00.001+01:002012-04-09T10:24:48.438+01:00Norway, HardangerJokulen: Day 6<img alt="Finnsbergvatnet morning tent" border="0" height="307" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zvI5MCJbh9E/T4Kn6OM98aI/AAAAAAAACTo/LahTfdtDQuU/finnsbergvatnet_morning_tent.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="finnsbergvatnet_morning_tent.jpg" width="410" /><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Friday, and an absolutely incredible Friday it was too. We'd been in the wilds of Norway for 5 full days and living the dream. Yes, home had seemed far away and an absent comfort at times but there was no denying that it had been an absolute privilege to be here. The freedom of wild camping in Norway was refreshing and almost alien to us. Despite being in charge of our own destiny it felt as though we should be up and moving once we'd eaten and had the first cuppa of the day - it took some effort to shake this feeling and we were envious of the Norwegians and their utopian outdoors world!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Whilst perfectly clear it was also incredibly cold and overnight the temperature had dropped considerably leaving a shimmering layer of frost all over the tent fly. I had a bad back from too many hours on my Neoair and needed to get up to stretch a little and was almost frantic with the need of some toilet relief! Exiting my bag was shiver inducing and I bounced about on my mat trying to get my trousers on whilst making a right old racket. Paul soon stirred and we both exchanged grunts as I unzipped the fly, donned my cold shoes and headed on out to a brisk but bright paradise.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The small tarn next to the tent had a good layer of ice all over it which gave a good indication of how low the temperature had dropped over night.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<img alt="Frozen bog" border="0" height="306" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-TWJ_nzQ2zSk/T4Kn7xPxQRI/AAAAAAAACTw/q9xZ84FjWI4/frozen_bog.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="frozen_bog.jpg" width="410" /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">It was glorious - Nuff said. Not a cloud to be seen, the sun just popping over the shoulder of Finnsberg and casting long distorted shadows across our soft, flat, green mattress. I turned to look at the lake and listen to the sounds of the cascades as the sun tried to warm my back. The sun was neve goig to be enough however, so I was still relying heavily on my Flash jacket. Did I mention I love my down jacket?</span></div>
<div>
<img alt="Frozen bog flora" border="0" height="410" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wDcZ1UJ0XJI/T4Kn-jjldcI/AAAAAAAACT4/YNRSkpJa2NI/frozen_bog_flora.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="frozen_bog_flora.jpg" width="307" /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I fetched my sleeping bag and draped it across a large boulder to take advantage of the sun and light breeze. Whilst back at the tent I'd tried hard to disturb Paul's sleep but it was a wasted attempt at evil. I decided I'd make the most of the tranquility and wandered over to the shoreline to skim stones. This was nice but quite difficult, as the wind whipped up the waves which would swallow (what I considered to be) my greatest ever skims.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<img alt="Bog flora" border="0" height="414" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3XNTIV8FeNI/T4KoAUZCLUI/AAAAAAAACUA/IymFiW2F9cc/bog_flora.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="bog_flora.jpg" width="310" /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I sat for a while wondering what was happening back home and specifically what were people doing instead of this? Most likely colleagues would be making their various ways to work, probably stuck in traffic and counting the hours for the weekend to begin. My weekend had began six days ago when we flew out to Olso, had an epic night out with some incredibly hospitable locals and now was sat enjoying day seven at the shore of a remote lake at around 1200 metres.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Then my thoughts swung to Charl, what was she doing and what about friends? It's very easy to get lost out in a place like this - mentally rather than physically that is. At first apprehension and excitement combine to leave a mindset that is cautious and aware, whilst prolonged thoughts for loved ones and home are ever present in the background. Then instinct kicks in and thoughts of home become concentrated towards the end of each long day. I'm not normally an emotional character but out here I wasn't just treasuring the freedom, beauty and experience of each passing day - I was truly appreciating what love, friendship and companionship really meant. What is was to understand how it feels to need something and more importantly <em>someone. </em>Make no mistake, being out here was a dream come true. However, I couldn't stay here indefinitely regardless of how much food or equipment I had. Survival is but one facet to human life and I hadn't been able to bring the one thing that I needed just as much as the essentials……Charlotte. If I cold get Charl out here doing this, I'd be made and I set about the impossible task of working out how I could make this incredibly unlikely scenario a reality - whilst firing up the JetBoil.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">With the blast of pressurised gas igniting my thoughts were returned to the 'here and now' and I wondered how far we might travel today bearing in mind how close to Finse we now were. Paul must have tuned in to my frequency as he emerged from silnylon grunting and scratching. We drank some tea, checked out the map and, with our routine now at military precision, packed away with effortless speed. We decided we'd take a nice stroll north, enjoy the weather and make the most of the chance to stop and drink tea out of the rain. The option was there to continue on to Finse which was more than reachable before sun-down but this wouldn't be necessary or worthwhile considering out train wasn't due until 12 the following day.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<img alt="Clear blue" border="0" height="306" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wAwA0ywlbQ8/T4KoCe2G0UI/AAAAAAAACUI/WcdeJKA5oe8/clear_blue.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="clear_blue.jpg" width="410" /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I was now using only one pole and it must of been a sorrowful but entertaining sight for anyone watching - my splintered pole hitching a ride in my pack! I wondered whether this was a sign from the Gods that new poles were available and waiting to be tested. You never can tell the true message of the Gods at times but I was certain that I was on the right track this time!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">We passed a raft of clear, dark blue tarns as the track weaved its way north. It was roasting in the sun and starting out in two layers quickly became very unnecessary. We stopped to take photos every few hundred metres and the irresistible urge to drink tea by the water got the better of us.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<img alt="Calm vatnet" border="0" height="413" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-TmafIYiQVgw/T4KoD1WOPNI/AAAAAAAACUQ/1oGLenDsf24/calm_vatnet.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="calm_vatnet.jpg" width="310" /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">We remembered our adventurous but miserable first days out on the track and praised the DNY hut system like a biased parent or lover! It was all going to work out OK this walking in the wilderness lark. We'd came with an open mind and would leave with it full of experience, memories and aspirations. Paul wanted to come back in winter and we tried to picture how very different and hostile this place would be. There was no way we had the skills to tackle something like that but we never say never any more and we promised to look at winter skills courses and weigh up the possibilities over a beer in due course.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<img alt="Base layer time" border="0" height="414" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-42YTKyjI70M/T4KoF2B-RfI/AAAAAAAACUY/pd3Y-0Vhjvc/base_layer_time.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="base_layer_time.jpg" width="310" /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Anyways, we quickly blocked the thought of sipping on an ice cold beer and concentrated instead on lunch. I attempted to record some audio of us reviewing some gear and talking about our experiences thus far but we quickly found this to a painful and unwarranted assault on a potential listener. Delete.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<img alt="Lunch panorama" border="0" height="90" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7HuFTlLrNAw/T4KoQjK6kzI/AAAAAAAACVI/oeIRCy5tYiE/lunch_panorama.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="lunch_panorama.jpg" width="410" /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">We were climbing up gradually now and we agreed that a bite to eat would be our reward for reaching the high-point and with any luck we'd be able to see the glacier whilst we ate. This prophecy came true and we were soon boiling water next to the clearest, coldest mountain tarn we'd seen - at least since the last one! It was couscous and chorizo for me whilst Paul lived another dream with a Fuizion meal and didn't he let me know it! There were groans and sighs of enjoyment which I easily ignored by talking over them and giving the impression I hadn't heard them over all of the other noises like the……..er……noises - all of the wild noises!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<img alt="Blue tundra" border="0" height="413" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-GcoPphFFD7E/T4KoHwVw3FI/AAAAAAAACUg/iOJGMDhylq8/blue_tundra.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="blue_tundra.jpg" width="310" /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The reality was it was quiet. It was peaceful, warm (provided we kept out of the breeze) and most of all it was a great vantage point to look out across where we'd been and where we were headed. From here we could see endless crevasses like deep cut wounds on the blue/white glacier. The map showed there was a hut out there somewhere and from here we knew the trip to that hut would be epic. This gave way to the (quite obvious but better avoided) observations that we'd seen nothing of what this small corner of a beautiful country had to offer. There was nothing for it - we'd have to come back and purely in the interests of……..science??</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<img alt="Tarn glacier" border="0" height="414" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-eyZ9-9HisHY/T4KoKMzMhmI/AAAAAAAACUo/QUtG6MiKzOM/tarn_glacier.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="tarn_glacier.jpg" width="310" /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">We soon started to feel the cold having been stopped in just our base layers so it was nice to stow everything away and get back to walking in the warm sun again. From here we had a short, easy decent but made difficult by our eyes always being distracted by the jokulen to our left. We'd both wanted to get up close and had originally hoped to do so via and outlet to the north east called Blaisen. Our last minute decision to take an anti clockwise route had meant that we'd not had that opportunity when we'd first envisaged. Looking back it would have been miserable but in these conditions it would be incredible.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<img alt="Tarn glacier2" border="0" height="307" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-PUjrc1ICrYM/T4KoLuSVCEI/AAAAAAAACUw/hYYu1ZlwvQE/tarn_glacier2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="tarn_glacier2.jpg" width="410" /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Even if we had the time, it was quite a way from our current position so we trundled on talking about the possibility of camping just below it - weather, time and suitability of a pitch permitting. The landscape was easing up a bit now and climbs or descents became less obvious and smaller bodies of water seemed to open up everywhere. Most of the route had now become almost exclusively rock with the track staying hard and dry nearly all of the way. Had the weather in the east been like this the whole time whilst we'd been punished over in the west day after day?We decided it was best left unanswered and continued our way along in relative silence. Feet were beginning show signs of fatigue and the unfamiliar hard ground wasn't helping at this stage in the game.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">A larger body of water opened out upon what had started to be termed the 'moonscape' and we saw two men in the distance fishing off the rocky outcrops of the vatnet. It was odd to see other human's again but nice to know there hadn't been an apocalypse in the 5 days since we'd seen another soul. Perhaps there had but nobody had told these two dudes fishing like they hadn't a care if they caught anything or not!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<img alt="Paul on moon" border="0" height="307" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-98tqjuCLxx8/T4KoNMEzNHI/AAAAAAAACU4/2eJuv8fsp9w/paul_on_moon.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="paul_on_moon.jpg" width="410" /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Given that we were still a ways out from Finse, we wondered if these two had come from a private hut nearby but we soon spotted their shelter off in the distance on a dead-flat silt marsh just below Blaisen. It was so flat and green we made a bee-line both thinking (but never saying) that this would make an incredible pitch. The area was massive and was showing all of the signs of being soft if not a little damp! Jumping the river at its narrowest point I ventured on to find it exactly as expected - bouncy, a little water-logged but almost measurably flat. It seemed to hold a peg well but for some reason Paul hung back taking photos and didn't seem too interested in stopping. I rejoined the path where Paul then decided he might want to take look himself - how very rude! I decided to stand my ground and dropped my pack, pulled out a jelly baby and propped myself against a perfectly shaped rock. As Paul began to make his way onto the silty bed it became apparent how easy it was to lose sight of the sheer size of this place.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<img alt="Paul siltmarsh" border="0" height="307" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-OPGpxzKYrlA/T4KoPLVU3fI/AAAAAAAACVA/ouHE9CcerF0/paul_siltmarsh.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="paul_siltmarsh.jpg" width="410" /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">We pondered making our way over to Blaisen but also liked the idea of a pitch that could see the glacier and Finse from the same spot whilst making for an easier departure in the morning. The map suggested that the river weaved its way down to a flat area about a kilometre further along. It was indicated as marsh but we decided to take the risk anyway. We'd have a shorter trip in the morning to catch our train and it would have the views we wanted - provided we could find a decent spot.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<img alt="Blaisen pitch dilemma" border="0" height="307" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-j9tdS4yW_Kk/T4KoSN0S1TI/AAAAAAAACVQ/HZms1cObVmc/blaisen_pitch_dilemma.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="blaisen_pitch_dilemma.jpg" width="410" /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">From here Finse was just visible with the railway tracks carving a clear scar on the landscape. It really was blue as far as the eye could see with no signs of any changes on the horizon. We dropped down passing tarn after tarn - each as pristine as the next. Paul walked on ahead as I stayed back at a gushing stream to record some audio on my zoom H1. There wasn't an awful lot of point in this but at the time it seemed like a great idea!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<img alt="Finsevatnet finse" border="0" height="307" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_Ow6Fe57peI/T4KoUFSUKkI/AAAAAAAACVY/tNJHEUEt8Mc/finsevatnet_finse.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="finsevatnet_finse.jpg" width="410" /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I caught up to Paul who was now traipsing around in tall, almost orange, grass but not looking satisfied. Paul's pitch finding face and stance is really quite a beautiful thing and should be witnessed at least once! Its beautiful because he's bloody good at it. He can spot a patch at just the right size for a Scarp II from a remarkable distance. It's not just that but his hit rate for a spot that is level, has views and will be remembered is commendable.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Paul, I hereby salute you. For this…and only this. Oh and your incessant pestering that I should come to Norway with you for a wonder. I understand that this is partly because you wanted to share this incredible place and the experience and partly because the last time you came here alone you nearly died and might have made a few silly mistakes in your calculations.We'll say no more about this as not to detract from the praise I've just given only a few sentences earlier! Moving on.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">It was now 3.45 and the sun, although still definitely up, was making a rapid descent in the direction of the hills to the west. Even now the temperature was noticeably lower then just 3 hours earlier and we both wanted the tent up and a chance to relax and watch the sunset over the Jokulen one last time. By 4.03pm the tent was up on a spot that can only be described as 'money'* by all accounts. It was the only soft, flat spot on the bend of a fast flowing river of rapids and only around a metre or so higher than it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<img alt="Blaisen sun" border="0" height="466" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--_8tu5abEyU/T4KoaveHrWI/AAAAAAAACV4/bUDyEqPE6Yg/blaisen_sun.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="blaisen_sun.jpg" width="350" /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">To the west was the glacier and to the north-east was Finse. To say we were connected with the surroundings wouldn't do it justice and needless to say there was no petty squabbling about sides this evening.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<img alt="Final pitch finse fetene" border="0" height="306" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-v4hV3PS9GNU/T4KoVhQUC0I/AAAAAAAACVg/S_g1XEL6v48/Final%252520pitch_finse-fetene.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Final pitch_finse-fetene.jpg" width="410" /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">We sat around by the river washing socks and feet but the grey, silt-heavy water was <span style="text-decoration: line-through;">genital shrinking</span> cold so we soon thought better of that and cooked food instead whilst watching the sun sink lower behind the hills to west. For a brief moment the wind died down and everything was bathed in a silent cast of orange.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<img alt="Dinner styygelvane" border="0" height="306" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3GmKHYcEayU/T4KoXhNbePI/AAAAAAAACVo/YiGUm5cRboc/dinner_styygelvane.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="dinner_styygelvane.jpg" width="410" /><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<img alt="Sunset middalen" border="0" height="307" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-iQ1KlLE3LuY/T4KoZOdL-zI/AAAAAAAACVw/rwvo2tn1-9Q/sunset_middalen.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="sunset_middalen.jpg" width="410" /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">We looked back over to Finse and from here there were no signs of life, no sounds, no movement and very much like an abandoned mountain village. We sat out in down jackets until the sun totally disappeared at 7.09pm. Then, something really cold happened, and we retreated to our sleeping bags like a proper pair of girls! Out here there is no hiding from the cold or the wind. It finds you wherever you hide - except of course inside a cumulus sleeping bag and topped with a Western Mountaineering Flash down jacket - seemingly.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">For some reason Paul was eager to do some more sound recording so I pulled out the H1 and Paul lay there just talking at it - summarising the high and lows of the trip. It made for a monotonous hour or so of recording but I let him carry on seeing as he was so content just muttering away - poor little sod!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">It was hard to accept or comprehend that we'd spent the last 6 days wondering about in the Norwegian wilderness and even harder to think that by this time tomorrow evening we'd (most likely) be drunk in a Bergen bar regaling some polite, but clearly unimpressed, Norwegian folk about our trip. We lay in our bags talking through the days and nights and vowing that we'd be back. Paul likes to look forward a little more so than me and he masked his sentimental thoughts by banging on about an Epic night still to be had in Bergen. To be fair I was looking forward to it too but I find it harder to re-adjust when faced with the bold assertiveness of civilisation. My thoughts were far from Bergen and were, once again, back home and looking forward to seeing Charlotte.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I caved before Paul and had to make a hot drink. Paul tried (and failed) to take a decent shot of Finse which by now was well lit and looking very appealing. They had beer over there for christ's sake and we were freezing our nuts off making hot chocolate! We must have been mad just sitting there watching the lights whilst sipping on our drinks in the freezing air when, just 30 mins or so away was a small place serving beer in glasses!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">By 9pm it was already frosty out and I opted for one last toilet break before hitting the sack for the last time. Earphones were pressed into place and I hit play on Bob Marley's 'Legend' album before realising that it wasn't fitting of my mood or the place and opted instead for Lykke Li. I found it hard to settle even with a soft voice to send me off. Paul, on the other hand, had peaked a little early with his sound recording efforts and was already curled up in a ball and starting to impinge on my tent space. I decided to stay away a little longer to ensure there would be no spooning!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The wind was picking up again and it was getting colder at an astonishing rate. Arms were moved inside the sleeping bag and the draw cord cinched down nice and tight to avoid any drafts. This was clearly what was needed as the next time I woke was to the sound of a small bear snoring…..</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">*google it.</span></div>Marcushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01351297406970864492noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6409591195378757931.post-59869807470271572582012-02-21T21:40:00.001+00:002012-02-21T21:40:44.381+00:00Norway, HardangerJokulen: Day 5<p style="font-size: 13px;">It was quite a windy and cold night, most likely it felt more so than it really was since we'd gone a bit 'soft' from the hut experience. I removed my ear plugs once it got light and just lay there snoozing to the sound of the water lapping up on to the rocky shore. The wind was still there but there was certainly no rain this morning and for that I thanked the Gods and offered Paul as a sacrifice in the hope that it would continue.</p>
<p style="font-size: 13px;">Soon, there was a soft warm glow through the tent fabric, casting a strange hue inside the tent making all of our clothes look aubergine in colour. It was the tell tale sign of the low sun on a clear morning. The tall slope rising up from the shore of the fjord meant that we'd not see it and nor would it super-heat the tent until much later. Neverthless the prospect of both was enough for us and we both just lazed around in our bags, being immature and generally yawning a lot. This ritual happens most mornings when Paul and I go away and its more about who will crack and make the mornings tea rather than our enjoyment of lazing around on our Neoairs. I generally find that its nothing to do stubborness either and more about how desperate you are for that morning wee!</p>
<p style="font-size: 13px;"><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Drag_tent_sunrise.jpg" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sb0wSL3Umeg/T0QPD4b6akI/AAAAAAAACKk/OT9KgpsEOuw/Drag_tent_sunrise.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="Drag tent sunrise" width="395" height="296" /></p>
<p style="font-size: 13px;">As usual I caved first because the feeling of kidneys and bladder aching in protest isn't something I enjoy, whereas Paul does this sort of perverse thing for fun. I didn't mind really as I wanted to get out and take a look around and do a weather 'reccy' as it were. What I did mind was cold, wet shoes...</p>
<p style="font-size: 13px;">On the way out of the tent I passed a strange looking spider just on his (or her) way in. Since I didn't want Paul to be too lonely in the tent I left the mesh open a bit so he could have some company. I obviously didn't make the entrance obvious enough as it clearly never made it into the inner tent owing to the distinct lack of dramas or sounds of Paul scrambling around inside trying to get out. Shame really, it might have been a beautiful friendship but now we'll never know.</p>
<p style="font-size: 13px;"><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="me_dragiedfjorden.jpg" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4lpDWD9ccvk/T0QPF_wFI4I/AAAAAAAACKs/EYHI4cy8t6I/me_dragiedfjorden.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="Me dragiedfjorden" width="395" height="295" /></p>
<p style="font-size: 13px;">It was pretty damn cold and the clear air seemed to nibble at every bit of bare skin. My <a href="http://www.westernmountaineering.com/index.cfm?section=products&page=Down%20Garments&cat=Jackets-and-Vests&ContentId=76">Western Mountaineering Flash Jacket</a> was proving to be an incredible addition to my kit list and the hood (though making me look 'special') was needed and very welcome this morning. It really is incredibly light and warm (considering its weight) and is thoroughly recommended.</p>
<p style="font-size: 13px;">The Jetboil Sol Ti took no time at all to boil some water for tea and was already boiling itself to oblivion by the time I returned with another full platypus from the nearby stream. Paul hadn't moved and he complained that his legs were still aching from our pilgrimage on day 3. Eventually he found the energy to raise a hand from within his bag and take ownership of his cup of tea. My new insulated aluminium mug was working a treat and causing burns to my lips way after I ever expected. Paul likes to point out that it isn't as pretty or technical as his insulated Hurtigruten mug, complete with lip guard and lid, but I like to remind him just how much he paid for that mug and so it can be as technical as he needs it to be to justify the enormous expense! I'm not at all jealous of it you understand and nor have spent hours on eBay trying to find one before the trip. That didn't happen*</p>
<p style="font-size: 13px;"><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="pitch_dragiedfjorden-2.jpg" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3wt9ILJMhaU/T0QPISQDX0I/AAAAAAAACK0/HbucL55lzqM/pitch_dragiedfjorden-2.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="Pitch dragiedfjorden 2" width="395" height="263" /></p>
<p style="font-size: 13px;">The sun was just peeping over the top of the hill behind us now and we were feeling the warmth spreading through the tent until the wind would come along and replace it with a fresh, cold air. Whilst we sat and ate breakfast and drank numerous teas, we decided that today we could probably just sit tight and spend two nights here. It was a nice spot, the weather looked good and we could spare the time. In the end we couldn't commit so decided to see what the morning would bring and how we felt before writing up the minutes and finalising the whole deal.</p>
<p style="font-size: 13px;">I, for some reason, decided that I would go for a swim and a wash, you know, seeing as it was soooo nice out. The problem, as I quickly discovered, was that bare skin was like a meal to the cold wind and as such as I stepped out in Icebreaker boxers I immediately regretted it! Cut back to minutes earlier when I'd shaken off Paul's (now quite wise) words of discouragement thinking I was the bigger man. At the waters edge I was suddenly feeling a bit sheepish. It wasn't that I was bothered so much about the imminent cold that the water would bring to my goose-pimpled skin but more the issue of getting warm afterwards. Paul and I had struggled to get warm in the tent in the early part of the morning and I could see that 'x10' happening after this little adventure. Soon I got bored of procrastination and just got in.</p>
<p style="font-size: 13px;">Shivering, back at the tent, I sold Paul the dream that it had been a life changing experience, the freedom, the freshness and most all the thrill - whilst he played back the video he had taken of me and laughed like a girl. He was right, it was a bit ridiculous, but I took smugness out of the fact that I wouldn't be using wet wipes today, oh no sireee Bob. "Only fresh vatnet water for me these days Paul. Im all about luxury my alcohol-wipe-dependant friend"!</p>
<p style="font-size: 13px;">After my little dip I proceeded to put on all of my clothes. All of them. Not for any reason and definitely not because I was feeling hyperthermic - just because I could. We lazed around for a few hours, listening to iPods and enjoying the warmth of the tent. I came around from my snooze to see Paul sat up with the map. "What dya reckon? Lunch and then back on it?" he said. I nodded and before we new it we'd eaten lunch and the tent was back in the bag. It had been amazing to leave the tent up until gone midday and just take the decision to move whenever we liked. No people passing by, no fear of angry land owners popping up out of nowhere. We <em>were</em> literally nowhere and we were kings!</p>
<p style="font-size: 13px;"><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="dragiedfjorden_panorama.jpg" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-E-M7bc04k6s/T0QPN7PDQnI/AAAAAAAACLM/q1yhFQB_CJo/dragiedfjorden_panorama.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="Dragiedfjorden panorama" width="400" height="87" /></p>
<p style="font-size: 13px;">We decided that we'd just walk north along the rest of shore and then head north-east along the trail to Finnsbergvatnet below the peak of Finnsberg. It looked like a great spot, nice and sheltered and may even get a view of the Jokulen from the top of Finnsberg. The distance was a approx 3 miles and was an easy walk over nice terrain.</p>
<p style="font-size: 13px;">It was all going well along the trail as we approached the falls and the bridge near the hut at Larsbu so it was nice when things got mixed up a bit as I slipped, got my pole wedged in a rocky crevice and hit the ground to the sound of splintering carbon fibre. The casualties were adding up on this trip. and for those who may need a reminder, the things broken so far are:</p>
<ul style="font-size: 13px;">
<li>Expensive Lightweight Tripod</li>
<li>Expensive DSLR Camera</li>
<li>Expensive Carbon Fibre (Titanium Goat) Walking Pole</li>
</ul>
<p style="font-size: 13px;">Now lets move on…..</p>
<p style="font-size: 13px;"><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="afternoon_trail.jpg" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZpYP0XkuM98/T0QPKKfh2ZI/AAAAAAAACK8/A482NhX9VsI/afternoon_trail.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="Afternoon trail" width="395" height="296" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center; font-size: 13px;">Me, storming off in a mood, having broken my pole!</p>
<p style="text-align: center; font-size: 13px;">I wasn't happy about this but nonetheless took comfort in knowing that this incident was probably the end of failures or breakages for me. Thing come in threes and as far as I was concerned that was me done. I cursed the Gods and vowed to get my revenge and walked on in silence trying to work out just how and what it would be.</p>
<p style="font-size: 13px;"><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="approaching_falls.jpg" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-RP1-3JUgjdk/T0QPLz84tKI/AAAAAAAACLE/GN-M46hRV1c/approaching_falls.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="Approaching falls" width="395" height="296" /></p>
<p style="font-size: 13px;">The trail crossed the bridge, passed by a number of unnamed vatnets and climbed up to cut the eastern shoulder off of Finnsberg. We were now walking in base layers and celebrating with some mountain beat-boxing and odd musical improvisation. Our pace was slow and relaxed as we knew we'd be at our planned spot in no time. Standing at the crest of mild climb, next to a large salt-lick, we could see wild-camping paradise below. Next to the lake was a large, reddish, flat area just perfect for a tent. Provided it wasn't a bog it would most certainly be spongy and flat and lovely and lots of other adjectives to help visualise the scene.</p>
<p style="font-size: 13px;"><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="finnsbergvatnet_tent.jpg" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-EwJCy859kvE/T0QPUatlQVI/AAAAAAAACLk/9XNr1unfAcw/finnsbergvatnet_tent.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="Finnsbergvatnet tent" width="395" height="295" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center; font-size: 13px;">Spot the tent</p>
<p style="font-size: 13px;">We dropped down along a rocky path heading straight for the small stream as it met the trail. Jumping across it told us everything we needed to know and we just dropped the packs and out came the Scarp II. The only distraction from our tent erecting objectives was the argument about who was sleeping on which side. This was important, you see, because Paul had made it so when he 'bagsied' a particular side on the first night - claiming it was a 'preference thing' and nothing to do with the view or wind direction at all. I thought it was rather unfortunate that Paul's preferred side faced away from the late afternoon sun and into a slight wind - and so did Paul! So much so that when I stood my ground and explained the principal of why I wasn't swapping, Paul threatened to allow me to keep my side but would unpeg the tent and rotate it 180 degrees so he could have the view and I the wind. As tempted as I was to let him do this, I walked to the water's edge for some quiet time! When I got back there was an apologetic tea waiting - which I drank with a smug grin on my face until we both just creased over in laughter!</p>
<p style="font-size: 13px;"><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="early_pitch_finnsbergvatnet.jpg" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-phHjbf8DMLo/T0QPPaMdriI/AAAAAAAACLU/tBeo4mxJSjE/early_pitch_finnsbergvatnet.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="Early pitch finnsbergvatnet" width="395" height="296" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center; font-size: 13px;">Paul enjoying the view from 'my' side</p>
<p style="font-size: 13px;">We sat on a some large rocks listening to and watching the nearby falls, chatting and taking photos (with my flippin iPhone) and just relaxing in the evening sun. I sat in the tent and called Charl (I still had a mobile signal!) and Paul scrambled up Finnsberg to see if the Glacier was visible and to watch the sun disappear over Helvetashorga.</p>
<p style="font-size: 13px;"><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="finnsberg_boulder.jpg" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HjFyWvEIO9U/T0QPSb23w5I/AAAAAAAACLc/SWELI9mBeoQ/finnsberg_boulder.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="Finnsberg boulder" width="395" height="528" /></p>
<p style="font-size: 13px;">I noticed as soon as the sun went down by the plummetting temperatures inside the tent. It was such a strange feeling to be away so long and be so far away in the wilderness and still be able to call Charlotte. It made me homesick and I missed her. It's strange how you can be having the time of your life but yet it doesn't seem 100% complete without loved ones to experience it with - No offence Paul.</p>
<p style="font-size: 13px;">It was about 40 mins after leaving for the ridge line that Paul returned out of breath and looking cold. He was happy he'd been but admitted he was chilled to the core. There was only one thing to do and that was to cook and eat - which we did and then proceeded to climb into our Cumulus sleeping bags and pondered the map to work out a plan for the morning. It had been an easy day with a total result with the weather and the pitch so there was nothing left to do to complete such an awesome day other than to drift off listening to Phantogram (mixed in skilfully with Paul's snoring) followed by about 12 hours sleep. "Goodnight Norway".</p>
<p style="font-size: 13px;"><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="finnsbergvatnet_dusk.jpg" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QD5_upi3IWQ/T0QPV6WY4sI/AAAAAAAACLs/me3tQW1J2ZQ/finnsbergvatnet_dusk.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="Finnsbergvatnet dusk" width="395" height="296" /></p>
<p>*It did.</p>Marcushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01351297406970864492noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6409591195378757931.post-41299527859634301192012-02-19T22:03:00.001+00:002012-02-19T22:03:07.094+00:00Norway, HardangerJokulen: Day 4<p>I slept right through so assumed that the night was uneventful but woke with a start wondering where the hell I was. My body still ached and outside my sleeping bag the room was cold. I enjoyed the silence for a while before venturing out of the bag and over to the window to check out the weather and was 'surprised' to learn that it was still raining!</p>
<p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="kjeldebu_view_2.jpg" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ALcqiacAF7s/T0FxRyr89oI/AAAAAAAACJI/U5NYR361_Gs/kjeldebu_view_2.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="Kjeldebu view 2" width="395" height="263" /></p>
<p>Paul's night had been uneventful too but the leaky window had caused him to have to move a couple of times to avoid damp cushions as the water seeped closer and closer - sweet justice!</p>
<p>The clothes and other items we'd set out to dry were all good to go, except my new SLR which had taken on more water than an SLR really should and was still acting up. It was not a good situation since I'd carried it all this way and now it seemed as though it was giving up the ghost. Photographically this trip was just not meant to be! My big ideas of a mountain movie about two mates escaping the traps of city life had been hampered by tripod issues and and the latest disaster meant that was now just a romantic dream.</p>
<p>We got dressed into warm dry clothes (a pure luxury), ate breakfast and drank tea whilst we lazed about the hut deciding on our next move.</p>
<p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="late_start_kjeldebu.jpg" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-JfS53HBjtoM/T0FxTlFAmQI/AAAAAAAACJQ/6xno5ER0Vx4/late_start_kjeldebu.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="Late start kjeldebu" width="395" height="296" /></p>
<p>The rain was still coming and we decided that we had time to wait and see what the afternoon would deliver. We sat around just perusing the map and deciding what Fuizion meal we would have for lunch - owing to fact that we had a spare following yesterday's missed lunch and last night's tinned balls! Paul was working his way to eating two meals for lunch whereas I was simply happy to eat food out of the rain and look forward to a future glutinous evening - should I be with a ravenous hunger.</p>
<p>We were soon getting restless, so we ate, packed our bags, put the last of the fire out, restored order to the hut and ventured out. The wind was still pretty strong but the rain had stopped so we took our chances back on the trail.</p>
<p>Rather than retrace our steps to reach the junction, we decided to head due east and pick up the trail after it passes the north shore of Fisketjorna - a smallish vatnet to the north east of the hut. We stopped for one last luxury poo in the toilet block and we were back on it!</p>
<p>The feeling of warm dry clothes was incredible and we both fully appreciated the good fortune. Mine was short-lived, at least in the foot department, as the waterlogged ground made friends with my socks. We'd seen the first river crossing on the map and I decided that it was just not worth risking my dry Sealskin socks within minutes of leaving the hut. Moments later I was loving this decision.</p>
<p>Once again the sound of the river reached us before we saw it and the track we'd been following faded away at almost the same time. We trudged on waterlogged moss to find that once again we'd under-estimated the width and pace of the river. In fairness to us tough, the rain had dumped a whole lot of water into the table over the least few days and it was almost impossible to gauge how swollen the river would be. There were no two ways about it, this was going to be another epic crossing.</p>
<p>As before we headed upstream to begin our sweep of the options.The steep gradient meant fast water and a LOT of noise. Looking back down to the vatnet it was clear that it looked shallower further down if not a bit wider, so we headed down to take a look. In some ways it was riskier because the river had split into two defined strands and each of these was seemingly broken up by rocky outcrops. This temped us into thinking that the sectioned approach was safer when in fact it turned out the sections in between were deep, and almost silent, as the water rushed past. With wet feet and poles I ventured in where I thought was a good entry point and immediately found the water up to my knees. Ahead was a bushy embankment and with this target in mind I spread out using my poles (far more than I should) to give 4 contact points with the ground. The rocks moved with my weight and soon it was all I could do to keep myself from laughing. In my minds eye I was looking down on myself - a bambi-like creature looking quite pathetic trying to cross the river.</p>
<p>My feet were now really cold and this was beginning to move up my legs with shocking speed. I found a large slab and stepped up onto it and another large step later I was on the bushy island as the water tried to reach up and pull me back in. I looked back at Paul who hadn't entered the water but was looking a little apprehensive. I realised that I had selfishly used both poles where one might have sufficed and I quickly threw one back over - despite Paul's protests. Soon Paul was stepping and wobbling like a drunk leaning on a stick, the sight of which I could only respond to by creasing over with laughter. I like to think it was just this type of encouragement is what got him across in the end.</p>
<p>There was barely enough room for two on the small island and Paul being Paul decided not to bother stopping and carefully passed me by. It got deeper and deeper and looked like it was going to be filling Paul's trouser pockets if it had carried on. Out of nowhere Paul found what must have been stepping stones but were now below the water level by a few inches, which meant on stepping up he was well out of danger. I ventured over but the feeling of ice cold water creeping up my thighs threatened to bring on panic. On reaching Paul's position we both stepped over the large submerged boulders until we were half way across. Once again the sound of our panting was the only sound we heard above the river! We were having to shout to hear each other but eventually I understood what Paul was saying and pointing at as I looked upstream at the epic scene ahead. We were standing ahead of huge foaming rapids and if there was ever a photo I should have taken it was then. Sadly my SLR had killed three of my four batteries and was safely inside a dry bag in the bottom of my pack. I just hope my memory of this scene is never lost from my mind.</p>
<p>We still had another 10 metres or so to go and after that it just looked like ankle deep watershed. We moved quickly along with a pole each until we finally reached the soggy bank on the opposite side. Feet and shins were well and truly numb and wet and neither of us hung around to reflect on the crossing, we just moved on in the direction of the track.</p>
<p>We soon warmed up and our pointless conversations started up again but in the main the weather was the recurring topic. The rain came and went but most of the time is was behind us which meant for much easier walking. We crossed many</p>
<p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="langehaugen_panarama.jpg" src="marsedit://pending/97DB2C00-3EFF-48EB-BB9F-3F4FC295206C/" border="0" alt="Langehaugen panarama" width="410" height="90" /></p>
<p>more rivers (from streams to shallow rivers) with striking confidence and eventually the sun threatened to break through the thick rolling clouds.</p>
<p>The open vistas were just massive and especially so now that we were beginning to climb up to Langehaugen and leaving the windy shores of Heimsta Olavsbuvatnet behind. The route from here was undulating and mainly covered in low cloud. We had all but given up hope of seeing the sun and even more so when we looked back to see a hint of blue opening up back out west! We plodded on discussing how far we might go today and whether the opportunity of a great pitch was more important than distance. We'd spotted signs from the hut that the next set of huts were along this trail but had no intention of reaching them and definitely no intention of staying. Provided that we could stay dry we were craving a night under sil nylon again!</p>
<p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="fauna.jpg" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-f7ASCKAGcG0/T0FxXb7OT7I/AAAAAAAACJg/5ThDNGcbj2M/fauna.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="Fauna" width="395" height="592" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>We dropped down into a small basin and passed by a very atmostpheric unnamed vatnet which would have made a great pitch. Sadly it was doused in low cloud and, besides, it was too early to stop. The track began to climb out of the bowl gradually over the next few 500 metres or so and then our trip changed for the better as Dragiedfjorden came into view when we crested the hill. I've never been so emotional to see such a small patch of blue sky! I was so overcome I dropped by pack and dug out my camera just hoping it would work…..thankfully it did.</p>
<p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="vista_dragiedfjorden.jpg" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7q-QK_vkwOg/T0FxZnrBTaI/AAAAAAAACJo/sNSfC_dOY7M/vista_dragiedfjorden.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="Vista dragiedfjorden" width="400" height="600" /></p>
<p>We both just stopped and took in the view which were just amazing but with no sense of scale to help put it all into perspective. I tried and just decided it was…..well…….VAST! We hung about taking photos of the views and each other with me having to remove the battery after every photo - which I enjoyed immensely.</p>
<p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="paul_dragiedfjorden.jpg" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-fEvB-3Sx8S0/T0FxboBhIpI/AAAAAAAACJw/-eJBIShxy-0/paul_dragiedfjorden.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="Paul dragiedfjorden" width="395" height="592" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>The low, dark grey cloud fired on past overhead and just seemed to get thinner and thinner before our eyes. We fired off shot after shot just to make sure that if this didn't last we'd have proof that the sun still existed and had shown itself on the trip! At one point we were even treated to a shadow.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Beeb_dragiedfjorden.jpg" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tjnbqpIi_tM/T0FxdAe4QtI/AAAAAAAACJ4/xYjNCIDNX-s/Beeb_dragiedfjorden.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="Beeb dragiedfjorden" width="395" height="263" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>We decided to check out the map from here to try and work out a pitch point using the view to help us make out the distant terrain. Suddenly the light changed completely and huge patch of clear sky drifted overhead and moved quickly into the distance. I nearly wept.</p>
<p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="blue_sky_glimpse.jpg" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Pz2hI3EKfGs/T0Fxe_5Jg2I/AAAAAAAACKA/sEyFRnoek2o/blue_sky_glimpse.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="Blue sky glimpse" width="395" height="528" /></p>
<p>We got over our emotions (just) and carried on descending south west towards the next junction. Here was a signpost for two huts: Kreakkjahytta and Halne fjellstova. It occurred to us that we should be able to see Kreakkjahytta and sure enough on closer inspection - we could. It certainly looked completely different to the other two huts we'd been used to and even from here we both thought it looked like a huge complex. It was literally in the middle of nowhere but we could make out a Caterpillar snow plough and some boats near the shore.</p>
<p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="kreakkjahytta_hut.jpg" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-isUvS9Vf8lc/T0FxhDfTzfI/AAAAAAAACKI/GpQlMrfmbLg/kreakkjahytta_hut.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="Kreakkjahytta hut" width="395" height="263" /></p>
<p>We rambled on down and Paul talked about moving back into his house following some bad times that we don't talk about on blogs. He seemed quite excited about the prospect and for some reason was banging on about Bosch appliances! Had the clear sky had some sort of strange affect on his mental well-being?</p>
<p>It seemed like no time at all had passed and suddenly we were heading north to the huts. We had decided that the site was so massive that they must sell beer and have showers and it was the least we could do to drop by and be sociable. You know, rock up and say 'Hi' to the lovely Norwegian peeps and regail them with our stories of drunken Oslo nights, water-damaged SLRs and lighting fires with Jetboils. It was only fair…we thought.</p>
<p>As we got closer to the complex the scale of the place became apparent. We could hear the distant sound of an outboard engine but pretty much nothing else. It didn't look particularly busy and as we entered the rear courtyard it was looking a lot like we might be the only guests tonight. We'd have to just tell the warden our entertaining and educating stories instead. The outside lights were on but we could see no other signs of life. We knocked the door and looked through the window of the main building but all that presented itself was a dry-suit and some hefty boots. It wasn't looking good. On the western edge of the building there was a tall cage and upon spotting this the largest dog I've ever seen presented itself by jumping up onto it's large kennel. The sound of air entering and leaving its lungs was enough to rattle my rib cage and I kept back in case it decided to make the most of two unexpected visitors.</p>
<p>We tried a few other doors, which were open, but nobody was around. Paul was gutted that his shower and beer prospects (or should that be beer shower) were rapidly demishing and said as much just as a tall, bearded, grey-haired man emerged from the rear door of the main building. He explained (in a very serious tone) that the hut had closed for the season just yesterday but the next hut along would be open for a few more days if we wanted to head over there instead.</p>
<p>We didn't.</p>
<p>Dejected, we said our farewells and pulled out the map to spread it across one of the picnic benches. From here our route would follow the eastern shore of Dragiedfjorden so it seemed a no-brainer to head off over in that direction and see if we happened to come across a dream pitch. Paul's idea was to simply pitch the tent by the hut but this idea wore off once I reminded him of the dog and the warden's fairly harsh tone. There was nothing left to do but walk on and head north before the sun went down.</p>
<p>As always with these things, you see a spot, walk to it, find it isn't in fact even close to being flat and rejoin the path and the process starts all over again. There was a small and quite nice looking island on the southern tail of the Fjord so we found a dry way across only to be denied a worthy pitch once again. The sky was getting moody and the sun was dipping lower and the race was on to find a pitch without having to don a head torch. We pulled out the map and decided to head for the small peninsula that might give us more options on the north east shore so with head's down our pace quickened and we soon began to find some 'flattish' options. Paul took a gamble and wondered off onto the peninsula and a moment later I could just make out the sound of his voice before the landscape swallowed it up. I couldn't make out the words so I just headed on down to where Paul stood right on the edge of the water. It was soft with a bouncy undergrowth and just large enough to take the Scarp II. It was on.</p>
<p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="shore_dragfjord.jpg" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-masqeVwM4E8/T0FxjdOJjOI/AAAAAAAACKQ/Onl2R7IUPmg/shore_dragfjord.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="Shore dragfjord" width="395" height="592" /></p>
<p>It rained lightly as we pitched the tent but, as usual, it was up in no time at all. Neoairs were inflated and sleeping bags lofted whilst we got the jetboil on for dinner. The rain gradually faded completely and even though we'd started late it had felt like quite a long day on the legs. It was all good though, we had a flat pitch and we just stood examining the views whilst the light faded and were grateful in the end for the opportunity to pitch the tent and sleep outside. I turned on my phone to find I had a signal (Un.be.lievable) and Charl had sent through news of an improved forecast for the next few days. Clear with temperatures dropping gradually it looked like a period of high pressure was winning through. Did this mean we'd have a few days of sunshine and views - we didn't want to let our thoughts run wild only to be disappointed, but couldn't help doing so all the same.</p>
<p>Would we wake tomorrow to an incredible sunrise? Would it be a base-layer only day? What else would our route have in store? I went to sleep listening to Edward Sharpe, eager to find out.</p>
<p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="late_pitch_dragfjord.jpg" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VsGK_-xn-bA/T0Fxk4gCnsI/AAAAAAAACKY/GnoUWXi_vag/late_pitch_dragfjord.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" alt="Late pitch dragfjord" width="395" height="263" /></p>
<p> </p>Marcushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01351297406970864492noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6409591195378757931.post-45132598907471356222011-11-20T20:11:00.001+00:002012-02-20T10:18:22.426+00:00Norway, HardangerJokulen: Day 3 Part 2<em><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Really sorry about the delay in getting this Part 2 out guys. The dislocated shoulder debarkle has left some nerve problems which meant I’ve been pretty much unable to type with any efficiency for weeks.</span></em> <br />
<a href="http://www.alittlebitaboutnotalot.co.uk/2011/10/norway-hardangerjokulen-day-3-part-1.html">Continued from Part 1…….</a><br />
It was beginning to feel as though there had been a nuclear blast and we would never see the sun again. It was simply claggy and flat and there was no view at all of the surrounding mountains as we moved along the track. My feet were cold and though we were moving with pace I was feeling colder all of the time. Paul confessed to feeling the same so we made some corrections with jelly babies, chocolate fudge and sickeningly buttery flapjacks. <br />
Soon the terrain changed to a green, boggy and undulating environment and the cloud showed signs of weakness in the distance, allowing a little more light through than we had been used to all day. Suddenly we spotted movement ahead as small black blobs below us and as they approached we all exchanged greetings in English and discreetly checked out each other’s kit. I'm sure they thought we were mad with our strange, small bags and flimsy shoes. These four guys were literally carrying enough to re-stock an entire DNT hut for the winter - perhaps they were? <br />
We reached a wide, deep but rapid-free river crossing at the end of the long steady descent but there was no procrastination this time. We just waded on in, deeper than before, just getting on with it. We were now tuned to the environment and I like to think it was playing AC/DC.<br />
It was quite a chore with all of the swapping through descents then ascents and time felt as though it had stood still. There wasn’t much to see, the wind was picking up and we were hungry beyond belief. This continued for a while longer until we crested the next climb to catch a glimpse of Sysenvatnet through a cleft to our right. <br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Z7DiGxLTAt8/Tslemn8XOuI/AAAAAAAACEg/6oWFvzk0Vzg/s1600-h/sysenvatnet_cleft%25255B1%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="sysenvatnet_cleft" border="0" height="274" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lI6iCoTC8XY/TslenYQgzlI/AAAAAAAACEo/pIgVDZ9UF8M/sysenvatnet_cleft_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="sysenvatnet_cleft" width="364" /></a><br />
On the map this had looked like an impressive body of water but from our position looking down across the lake to the opposite shore and beyond, it felt much larger. From here the view was impressive and full of drama. We could see the next micro weather system rolling in, sometimes giving way to short blasts of sunlight through the cloud cover as it blew on in closer towards us. The hazy, blurring signs of rain could be seen sweeping across the lake among the low cloud so another drenching was inevitable.<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-K7jI5q8KPw8/TslepDPoZ1I/AAAAAAAACEw/0iphUcMSzoE/s1600-h/sysenvatnet_weather%25255B1%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="sysenvatnet_weather" border="0" height="364" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-26BDsLaQ7Dk/Tslepu6FNKI/AAAAAAAACE4/tn5SpPgkcSw/sysenvatnet_weather_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="sysenvatnet_weather" width="274" /></a><br />
The thought of more wasn’t at all threatening now, we couldn’t get more wet or cold and on the other side of this hill was our saviour, a beacon of warmth, safety and self-service hospitality. Somewhere down there was a group of huts, or even just one, and all we had to do now was locate it and follow the red T’s for our reward! <br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-MGBGCbRX9fA/TslergDEUhI/AAAAAAAACFA/oaZrp26bG0c/s1600-h/glacial_tarns%25255B1%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="glacial_tarns" border="0" height="274" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-N60fx_pGvLQ/TslesC41j8I/AAAAAAAACFI/ScV6JksmbmU/glacial_tarns_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="glacial_tarns" width="364" /></a><br />
We took the advantage of our elevated position to scan the landscape but neither of us could set our eyes on anything resembling the wooden huts of Kjeldebu. Both trying to recall the mental image of the map we just kept moving whilst looking out into the distance. The problem, you see, with this landscape (as we’d quickly realised on day 1) is there isn’t a lot to enable the mind to put a perspective on the size or distances when just looking out into the vista. We knew the hut could be right in front of us and we’d easily miss it with the naked eye. <br />
We pressed on and over the summit which quickly turned into a cartilage-crushing, muddy descent - though this didn’t bother us any more as we both agreed it was just a case of putting one foot in front of the other. We were so in tune and adapted that we were on autopilot and able to take in the views whilst scanning for dark square shapes in the distance.<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2vUwDV92hhA/Tsleuu3lXTI/AAAAAAAACFQ/gjkeGIjemso/s1600-h/sodden_tundra%25255B1%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="sodden_tundra" border="0" height="274" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-BNNPLW41pMI/TslevQSWUoI/AAAAAAAACFY/uYK4U8RaOlw/sodden_tundra_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="sodden_tundra" width="364" /></a><br />
Our knees hurt, our inner cores shivered and the day had turned into an epic - Not just in terms of distance and terrain but experiences and feelings, which had left us both mentally tired. The route down was quite difficult with water making any indent into a bubble-rimmed puddle and every rock a slippery gamble.<br />
It was soon after this that I caved and pulled the map from Paul’s rucksack as the suspense of the huts got too much. As soon as I opened and oriented the map I knew. We were a long way off the huts yet, perhaps another 3-4 miles at least, but distance wasn’t my biggest issue. It was the unforgiving terrain ahead and the start of yet another heavy downpour from above - we were being screwed every way we looked and it was obvious by now that we were being tested. Paul wasn’t happy and let the world know as he shouted a heartfelt “B*LL*OCKS”! I returned the map and picked up where I’d left off, hysteria now very much kicking in as I walked off giggling (in the same way you do when you’ve hit your funny bone) for reasons I still can’t explain.<br />
The recent blow had left a stench of doubt around us and now we started to prophesise about the huts being closed or full. We both agreed a night in the tent tonight would be damp and miserable but I’d already resigned myself to this as a worst case scenario and to be fair it wouldn’t be all bad once we’d gotten into our dry clothes. It would be getting dressed in cold, wet clothes the next day that would be the test of our metal!<br />
Oddly, despite our current disposition we started to muck about and ramble on about childish but quite funny scenarios as we ‘worked’ along. Paul took great pleasure in recounting our meeting with the German lorry driver as we both bumbled down the track in hysterics! Odd how the mind reacts to raise the spirits and despite its random content was welcome all the same. <br />
It felt like we’d never reach the next junction which would indicate a mere 2 or so miles to the huts. We were reminded of the true scale of the environment we were in as we approached the next bridge which wasn’t far from bring engulfed by the ferocious falls.<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-k_Agu-tiYS4/Tslexe7Eh3I/AAAAAAAACFg/sHknPDB5PfI/s1600-h/angry_falls3.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="angry_falls" border="0" height="274" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lHIbM8wA8Y4/TsleyOWbcII/AAAAAAAACFo/CvGKv0KBorI/angry_falls_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="angry_falls" width="364" /></a><br />
The soundtrack was loud and relentless and we just stood and stared in amazement as the water began to reach up on the rock steps leading to the bridge. We crossed as slowly as we dared and watched as the white water threw up clouds of cool mist into our already soaked bodies. Had we had enough energy and inclination left we would have loved to have waited to see if the water level would actually reach the bridge.<br />
After this the next half an hour passed without too much effort and the terrain seemed to gently rise upwards though the ground got soggier. As we rounded a cleft to the left a small, obviously private, hut clung to the hillside. It was small and painted dark blue and came so close to being occupied by two cold, dejected Brits and it doesn’t even know it! Trudging onwards the waves of self-pity returned with the tailwind, which by now was almost pushing us along to the huts. Still invisible though, they seemed to want to leave it until the last minute before revealing themselves and at was looking as though the tent could make an appearance after all. <br />
The Gods weren’t finished with this day’s walk just yet and we were then presented with another high bridge to cross the small ‘vatnet’ to our left. Suddenly Paul stopped without warning and was fiddling around trying to find his camera. I had no idea why he wanted a photo at that point as raining, windy, cold and exposed it wasn’t really time for photo in my view.<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vK3JPH4jnxU/TslezTPY_rI/AAAAAAAACFw/r8W2dCu4rSE/s1600-h/Kjeldebu_huts%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Kjeldebu_huts" border="0" height="274" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0MgOZApRzxQ/Tsle0DxGqkI/AAAAAAAACF0/HtRRTyaxNHQ/Kjeldebu_huts_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Kjeldebu_huts" width="364" /></a><br />
It wasn’t until I reached the top of the steps on the bridge that I noticed the huts and turned back to see Paul, now grinning and with a skip in his step. “Mate, its on, its properly on. Can you see any sign of smoke from the chimneys?”. I stopped half way across and squinted to see if there were any signs of life. There was nothing and even if there was the stiff wind would disperse any smoke in an instant. The only thing that stood out for me was the sheer size of the buildings and the fact that there appeared to be a complex of huts ahead – not at all what we were expecting.<br />
Our day’s walk still wasn’t over just with two more river crossings to negotiate as the track doubled back twice, worryingly taking us away from the huts for a time. We both said very little during the next 5 minutes as we followed the river towards the huts trying to avoid the extensive boggy areas as they tried to provide one last unrewarding challenge. <br />
Passing the large hut on our left, we were faced with some choices. There were 3 more large huts and a toilet/storage block which was quite over-whelming after our fairly wild and isolated day. Water squelching off our shoes and water dripping from our chins and clothes, we located the main hut, signed in and were half way through completing the payment form when a young, female and wind-swept face appeared from the the communal living area door. She spoke no English and on further investigation was with a young man so (grinning) we made our excuses with pigeon English and hand gestures and moved to the next hut. We weren’t sure if that was the right thing to do but it seemed a little awkward and they had made themselves right at home and so much so that it felt as though we were disturbing them. After all, a secluded mountain hut with only a wood burner and candle-lights would fit my bill for a romantic hideaway any day of the week*.<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mPcWibzy-hc/Tsle1t-jq4I/AAAAAAAACGA/4G1JpkaJT78/s1600-h/Kjeldbu_hut%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Kjeldbu_hut" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-b84u3wIBhu8/Tsle2W2HFOI/AAAAAAAACGI/H6JkriFMpsA/Kjeldbu_hut_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Kjeldbu_hut" width="364" /></a><br />
On reaching the first hut we decided this was the one for us as this had the best view and a large dedicated drying room - with its own stove! After doing a quick sweep and general assessment we dumped our wet gear and set about lighting the stoves. There were only a few matches in the box on the shelf and having exhausted those I resorted to using the Jetboil to get mine going**. I was cold and ridiculously hungry and fire lighting was not on my list of fun things to do before feeling comfortable. Stoves lit we hung up the wet gear and ventured back out to see what delights the store room had to offer as a supplement to our only meal of the day! Never have two people been so pleased to return with a huge tin of Reindeer balls (not literally) in thick gravy with a pouch of jasmine rice. A ‘Come Dine With Me: Mountain Hut Special’.<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-n7qhyxpLGaM/Tsle3eUwITI/AAAAAAAACGQ/P6kKH9Uciy4/s1600-h/candle_lit_Kjeldebu%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="candle_lit_Kjeldebu" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hZPRk4Ug5s4/Tsle34SYIRI/AAAAAAAACGU/XvqPcC6Z0hE/candle_lit_Kjeldebu_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="candle_lit_Kjeldebu" width="364" /></a><br />
Sitting down at the table and reviewing the map, it became apparent how tired my body was and it ached until we’d cooked and eaten. We lit the remains of a few candles and just sat reviewing the day. It had been huge both in terms of terrain, distance and experiences and as tough as it was out there we both agreed we’d do it again in an instant – what idiots!<br />
We made the hut our home and laid everything out to dry or to air and sat looking out into the darkness as the wind and rain pounded the windows in a relentless display. The hut had two wash rooms, a drying room and three separate dorms with bunks and thus positively a mansion for two! To take advantage of the palatial space over the tent, I left Paul in the lounge/diner (where he slept below a leaky window) and slept in a dorm for 8! I barely had chance to get myself horizontal before falling asleep to the sounds of the outside trying, quite literally, to get in!<br />
*Not today, you understand? Any date with stubble is a big “no, no”!<br />
**God bless you Alan Sloman.Marcushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01351297406970864492noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6409591195378757931.post-36084931929629229172011-10-08T17:07:00.001+01:002012-02-20T10:17:41.427+00:00Norway, Hardangerjokulen: Day 3 Part 1<em>This is another long post folks as this day really was an epic. Its in two parts so get a tea and a scone and get comfy….</em><br />
I woke at various points throughout the night, hot and sweaty each time. Not only was it toasty in the hut the my Cumulus Quantum sleeping bag was just too much even when opened out and draped over me. I had to think it was made worse by the fact that we had been slowly getting used to the colder conditions in the hills over the past two days but whatever it was I ended up sleeping in base layers until 7am the next morning.<br />
I hopped out of the bunk and off to make tea while Paul dozed, listening to his iPod. Looking out of the window it initially seemed to be damp but not raining and I watched the thinning remnants of an inversion rising up from Eidfjord, over the dam wall and eventually dissipating into nothing. I pondered the map while the large steel kettle came to the boil on the gas hob. We had some options today and could take some time to explore the glacier before heading off on our way south-east, though where to we hadn't yet decided. <br />
We pottered about gathering our things from the various hanging places and once again breakfast was eaten out of a real bowl - though the Spork made an appearance to keep it all real! My camera had a new friend in the form of a modified zip-lock bag that allowed the camera to be clipped to my chest pouch harness (used by my OMM chest-pouch) but be relatively free from light rain whilst taking the odd photo. If it rained all day again then it would have be stowed in the dry-bag and back in the pack but this at least afforded the opportunity to have it out in between showers.<br />
By 9am we were packed, the hut tidy and the map stowed having decided we would just saunter on along the trail and see where we got. In reality we wanted to reach the junction at just south-east of Leirhalsen before the track turned east to give us some more choices on day 4. With this in mind we tightened our shoes clipped on our gaiters and left the hut behind. I stepped out with high hopes for the weather as the stable door was thrust back at me in the wind and after fighting to get it open again was met with a nice fine drizzle. Excellent I thought.<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_VeW74rqWZg/TpB0pCZoJVI/AAAAAAAACAI/8BZDA6JZmkI/s1600-h/leaving_rembesdalsetter%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="leaving_rembesdalsetter" border="0" height="274" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hOkoVN4Jcp8/TpB0pkBBDxI/AAAAAAAACAM/ZP1508vTwH4/leaving_rembesdalsetter_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="leaving_rembesdalsetter" width="364" /></a><br />
It became apparent just how much water had fallen overnight when we stepped off the wooden deck and onto completely waterlogged ground surrounding the hut but we didn't really care and headed off chatting taking photos and drinking from the many newborn streams cascading down from the high rocky cliffs above. The trail was all over the place today, seemingly taking us up to go down and vice versa when a perfectly good natural level route seemed to exist each time. I got over it but Paul was particularly annoyed and confused by this which entertained me no end after a while!<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-SsuiKUP7-fE/TpB0q2qZRGI/AAAAAAAACAQ/GoNSlmpAjgI/s1600-h/paul_camera%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="paul_camera" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-aKPCztSaX-A/TpB0rVGK5QI/AAAAAAAACAU/c8BQ_za6sCA/paul_camera_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="paul_camera" width="364" /></a><br />
Irrelevant of general moods, it was a shame to have to walk with hoods up and restricted views - not that there was much to see. The cloud was low and heavy with moisture and it was fairly cold in the mix so we moved quickly until the glacier opened up into full view on our left. It was immensely impressive but it was virtually impossible to gauge the scales from our position and no reference points. Despite the rain we were both excited to explore so turned east off the track and headed up the steep, rocky ascent to meet Mr Rembesdalskaka and see what delights he had in store for us. <br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-EyqDglmlJAc/TpB0tZJMkrI/AAAAAAAACAY/t0-A9bHReBM/s1600-h/trail_day3%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="trail_day3" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cqQfiR1oBrY/TpB0uKpp3qI/AAAAAAAACAc/w8AGH9SAFaQ/trail_day3_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="trail_day3" width="364" /></a><br />
During the progressive ascent there were two immediate observations: 1) the icy cold breeze falling down off the glacier and into our pale, wet faces and 2) the deafening roar of the falls above and blasting on by to our left. Initially we had some reservations about getting too close as we could see large boulders of pale blue ice had recently separated from the front of the ice shelf. Unusually though I insisted we press on and get up close as this was an opportunity not to be missed. The route up was predominately rocky and very slippery with lots of moss and algae making for a nerve wrecking climb at points. There really is nothing but rock, small shrubs, pools of water, moss and more rock. <br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-D8HvLglL2s8/TpB0wEUg5KI/AAAAAAAACAg/5oYRrj0I62Y/s1600-h/rembesdalskaka_far%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="rembesdalskaka_far" border="0" height="364" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-bf64UKp1Kb8/TpB0wrmDeRI/AAAAAAAACAk/XcAAuwt0Am4/rembesdalskaka_far_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="rembesdalskaka_far" width="274" /></a><br />
It was clear that this place was rarely dry and with the huge volume of water gushing out beneath the glacier it was no surprise that each flat, sloping slab of granite was like a skating rink (only without the crash barrier or the show-off spraying you with ice). It wasn't a matter of <i>if</i> you'd face-plant or coccyx crush but <i>when</i>! I was consciously trying to take as many photos as possible but the spray from the falls along with the rain just soaked the lens despite my attempts at drying and shielding. I wish someone could have filmed the scene as I lost my patience after a few cycles of this and just waved my hands in the air, shouting obscenities at the Gods. I was starting to get the hint that they weren't happy with my photographic intentions and at one point I contemplated asking Satan for help – it was <i>that</i> frustrating.<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ziaTeaeuRtk/TpB0yEfVfxI/AAAAAAAACAo/hdCTbL4FDls/s1600-h/rembesdalskaka_zoom%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="rembesdalskaka_zoom" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4oB_eAzNeVk/TpB0ynltoxI/AAAAAAAACAs/lpiBnrRrLY0/rembesdalskaka_zoom_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="rembesdalskaka_zoom" width="364" /></a><br />
We continued climbing and slipping and negotiating short scrambling sections until it was literally towering above us. At this distance the scale of the glacier is acutely clear and its gives off a graduated blue-white colour that is nothing short of amazing.<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yG9SNAl_aMw/TpB01k50pII/AAAAAAAACAw/pBZse1xl6iQ/s1600-h/rembesdalskaka_close%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="rembesdalskaka_close" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3lee_3S0NJI/TpB02f_FtlI/AAAAAAAACA0/vNyi_uURFvQ/rembesdalskaka_close_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="rembesdalskaka_close" width="364" /></a><br />
The effort had been worth it though and we explored the cavernous ice caves as they glistened in a deep blue mirror effect and the sound of water echoed all around. <br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4p8o697-oP0/TpB03wT8FJI/AAAAAAAACA4/Gcpx-H9XW9w/s1600-h/ice_tunnel%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="ice_tunnel" border="0" height="364" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tuFh_5Wg2C4/TpB04l_nZAI/AAAAAAAACA8/Wh-3ypomP1Y/ice_tunnel_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="ice_tunnel" width="274" /></a><br />
At this distance we could feel the sheer force of the water undercutting the glacier and exiting with a relentless violence as the sound thundered through our rib cages. The water was carrying heavy loads of silt which left it a cloudy brown with just a hint of that glacial blue-grey that almost begs to be touched as though it has some sort of healing power.<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xI7-ED3X6fo/TpB06iKgqTI/AAAAAAAACBA/CrRotkTcRC0/s1600-h/rembesdalskaka_marcus%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="rembesdalskaka_marcus" border="0" height="274" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Dyd7qJxe7yk/TpB07D4NlnI/AAAAAAAACBE/TlkFN0PTZZI/rembesdalskaka_marcus_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="rembesdalskaka_marcus" width="364" /></a><br />
I hadn't seen anything like that in my tiny life and I took it all in as best I could, even closing my eyes at one point to try and somehow concentrate harder! The landscape is harsh, unforgiving – its freakin prehistoric - and it shows its teeth as it gnarls at you and tries to force you into turning and running away. It's the senses that keep you there and gobble it all up like a forbidden fruit – an addictive natural narcotic.** Moving on............<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-g5G17rjxazc/TpB08_OTFLI/AAAAAAAACBI/R_5aSS80nBM/s1600-h/rembesdalskaka_marcus_2%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="rembesdalskaka_marcus_2" border="0" height="274" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-48TxuXI1Y2E/TpB09jEyDeI/AAAAAAAACBM/Sq_gMheu2GI/rembesdalskaka_marcus_2_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="rembesdalskaka_marcus_2" width="364" /></a><br />
Needless to say, Pauls ridiculous idea that there would surely be a place to cross further up the falls turned out to be, well ridiculous, and the feeling of slowly soaking through was starting to take hold and deliver the odd shiver - since we were hardly moving . It was slightly annoying to have to back-track all the way down so we could cross the bridge which, from here, seemed like it was made for <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Borrowers">Borrowers</a>. As usual we weren't entirely resigned to our fate and wasted far too much time looking for any 'leap of faith' that might be vaguely achievable but our arch-enemy Scale caught us out every time as we approached each 'possibility' to find even a gargantuan leap of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neil_Fingleton">Neil Finglegton</a> would struggle to make it let alone our hobbit like dimensions. Wet and just a little dejected we made the treacherous descent to the bridge, nearly losing Paul to the falls along the way as he slid, seemingly in slow-motion, down a huge stretch of granite rock and only just stopping short with his feet literally being licked by the foaming rapids. In hindsight its funny but there and then we both just exchanged the acknowledging look that we needed to be mindful of our situation and caution was a good friend to hang out with - sometimes.<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XEtkbzEclW0/TpB0_vA7WFI/AAAAAAAACBQ/zaDayLSqh8g/s1600-h/rembesdalskaka_falls%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="rembesdalskaka_falls" border="0" height="274" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-RwlodsQcH_w/TpB1AYK5-BI/AAAAAAAACBU/Fo_566UKZ3Q/rembesdalskaka_falls_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="rembesdalskaka_falls" width="364" /></a><br />
Reaching the bridge we then began a just as treacherous climb back up the opposite side of the valley in the cold, fine mist that cooled and drenched our universe. There was a lot of banter prior to this point but I was certainly not feeling in a jovial mood. Out of the mist a sign-post appeared pointing west to Eidfjorden, North to the hut we had just left and south to Kjeldebu – another hut but gave no distances (this is normal). We pondered whether or not our detour to take in a view above Eidfjorden was worthwhile considering the conditions but despite agreeing it was pointless we pursued it anyway. A couple of miles further in the increasing rain we stopped and made eye contact, shook our heads disapprovingly and turned 180 degrees to rejoin our original route back on the main trail.<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qttClaCAHQI/TpB1CA_JVpI/AAAAAAAACBY/aOApFd5tFAU/s1600-h/rembesdalskaka_full%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="rembesdalskaka_full" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZLi4e8hpb-s/TpB1CxE6aOI/AAAAAAAACBc/5ZcOTBNS-nY/rembesdalskaka_full_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="rembesdalskaka_full" width="364" /></a><br />
It was lunch time and we were both hungry but we weren’t stopping now that we were wet, cold and feeling just a little sorry for ourselves. The executive decision was taken there and then with no debate. We'd head to Kjeldebu hut and despite the distance and cost, stay another night and take the opportunity to dry out. As we walked heads down and increased pace we tried to recall the route and the junctions from the map and from our collective memories felt we had a good chance of making the hut by late afternoon. We might have been a little down but now we had an aim, a target and that target ended with a wood-burning stove and a real seat for a poo – we hoped at least! <br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-c0qDR2Na0Dc/TpB1FMeBy5I/AAAAAAAACBg/mGNeKRusbMs/s1600-h/norwegian_tundra%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="norwegian_tundra" border="0" height="274" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ctSzeDriDTo/TpB1F_by8rI/AAAAAAAACBk/BD9uAee3E8k/norwegian_tundra_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="norwegian_tundra" width="364" /></a><br />
The terrain was now more grassy with lots of small unnamed 'vatnets' (tarns) scattered along the way and even in the poor conditions we both commented with some frequency just how good some of the spots would be to pitch a tent. In good weather they would all have been sublime.<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XQG5hyqZKGg/TpB1H1nfFKI/AAAAAAAACBo/VMDOZKyxt_4/s1600-h/tundra%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="tundra" border="0" height="274" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5WfRMCtT1Qg/TpB1IrvxYPI/AAAAAAAACBs/J7xxGizQHcQ/tundra_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="tundra" width="364" /></a><br />
We trudged away the hours putting one inov-8 in front the other and ascended a bit, then dropped some, then ascended a lot, crossed some bridges over furiously fast water and then suddenly it got more interesting. We were in a bowl, surrounding by high rising rock faces, small tarns and our familiar friends the red 'T's. This itself wasn't any more or less interesting than normal but what raised the game slightly was one red T stopping dead at the edge of a swollen river which was almost exclusively white water and then just making out the familiar red blurriness of another T a good twenty meters away on the opposite bank. Neither of us had logged this in memory from our time gazing down at the map! Paul made it all better by shouting 'boll@cks' at the top of his voice (mimicking the greeting we had received from a German lorry driver we'd met at Stansted airport 3days earlier) and proceeded to make his way upstream hopping with purpose across the boulders with a view to finding an alternative crossing point. I was slightly perturbed by this obstacle because through the mist all I could see upstream was steeper, faster white-water and it was clear that this was the preferred place to cross. Under normal conditions this might be a fairly normal ankle high wade to the other side but with the sheer amount of rain and run-off, this was now a very different river and I was honestly frightened to cross. This fear marked a turning point in my mindset and confidence on the trip, where I'd let Paul lead on such obstacles and I'd just hang back and be typically risk averse when it came to water.<br />
It was deep. I didn't need to test it with my pole to see this but did and the force of the water grabbed at the pole and I imagined what that would be like dragging on my legs and feet. How high would it come up and would it stay that high or get worse in the middle? The unknown was exciting and head-shrinking in equal measure and all that went through my mind was that we had never encountered a crossing like this and an error in judgement or otherwise would bring less than desirable consequences to an already tough day! I joined Paul further up the falls.<br />
The noise was amazing and the atmosphere was thick with spray and mist. Each rock we tested was either unstable or offered no traction and the only chance at a jump was asking for trouble since there was no telling what lay in wait at the next hurdle. My mind was made up and I knew I didn't have the metal to risk it higher up and returned to the red T as my H&S head took control. I wasn't entirely confident that Paul would make the same decision so I constantly stopped and gestured for him to follow and he successfully avoided each attempt as he concentrated hard on calculating the risks. Paul is amazingly good on his feet but I wasn't so sure he had the legs for any of the opportunities I'd seen upstream. 5 minutes later I was stood at the same position as before and just staring across to the other side. Suddenly my right foot was in the shockingly cold water albeit not where I'd intended as the flow pushed hard against my shins. It was suddenly up my knees and with the shock of the cold water surrounding my lower body and the sheer force of the water pushing against my best efforts I was aware that panic was just a neural pathway away. Amazingly my body just sucked it up and I went at it with gusto - almost accepting whatever fate the Gods had in store. Displaying absolutely no poise, little balance and clenched glutes, I edged further in as rocks tipped under my weight and the white water disorientated my every sense in an attempt at delivering some proper misery. I was now half-way and worked out that the stepping stones that once offered safe passage had been shifted and offset in the deepest section but the latter third was still in-tact and walking diagonally up-stream I met them and clambered up so only ankles were submerged. A short few hops later and I was on the other side to the sound of a deep, dog-esque panting sound. Turns out it was me.<br />
Looking back across it looked every bit of the undertaking it had been and from this vantage point it looked worse! It genuinely <i>was</i> bad and I knew this because of the caution Paul was displaying as he crossed. I was quietly worried that Paul would suffer for my success - as is the nature Karma. Nevertheless it was an identical crossing to mine complete with stumbles, wobbles and elation at reaching the other side. We gripped gloved hands in a victory shake, brothers in arms style, and continued on as though we'd taken it all in our stride. I guess in a way we had and it was exhilarating. More deep glacial white water for us please!<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">** something clearly happened to me out there, I now appear to be writing like Nigel flippin Slater***</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">***No offence Nige.</span><br />
To be continued.....Marcushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01351297406970864492noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6409591195378757931.post-1238939881262830572011-10-03T07:15:00.001+01:002012-02-20T10:17:02.357+00:00Norway, HardangerJokulen: Day 2I woke a little confused of my whereabouts until the sound of Paul snoring and rain crashing into the fly-sheet put my mind in order. I sat up and looked around to find the moon still toying with me outside, arching across the sky and occasionally being swamped by thick clouds. The sound of rushing water was almost deafening and feeling just a little paranoid I unzipped, an annoying series of zips, to check we hadn't been washed downstream and onto the open water of Finsevatnet. I untangled my earphones and moved my iPhone to the pocket in my sleeping bag and the next thing I knew it was morning. Apparently the sun was up but that was debatable and the familiar sound of rain and running water was dominant. It was fairly cool in the tent and once out of my sleeping bag it was hard to resist the lure of my down jacket. The Western Mountaineering Flash is hard to resist at the best of times let alone first thing in the morning in a cold, slightly damp, tent. <br />
Paul was doing his best to ignore my incessant faffing but failed miserably when he heard the sound of the Jetboil blasting into action. He set about trying to escape his sleeping bag whilst looking around frantically to locate his cup. In my view simply no amount of warning can prepare you for the speed at which this fiery little beast can boil water. It’s too bloody fast in fact because it boiled around 500ml of water before I could even think about getting my cup and teabag ready. There and then I decided that there is absolutely nothing relaxing or gentle about 'Jetboil mornings'. They are simply an abrupt, brash affair starting with a butt clenching “BUUUUFF” as it ignites, then the loud hissing thrash of the burner and culminating in the dull rumbling and chaotic gaggling sound as it lets you know how happy it is to be evaporating your precious water. Moaning aside, I don't often sing praises about the Jetboil but for a one trick pony it does that one trick very well indeed and this titanium version is almost light enough to justify its place on the team.<br />
Coffee, tea, and muesli eaten (oh and a protein shake for Paul) and we were ready for action. We checked the map, began the great re-packing effort and headed out into what was now a fine drizzle. The Scarp II went down as easy as it always does and we were soon on our way to re-join the track heading south towards the Rembesdalsseter hut and beyond towards the head of Eidfjorden. We had seen from the map that the terrain and scenery had great potential for drama and we would be passing very close to the outlet glacier of Rembesdalskaka and hopefully some decent photos. Paul was unaware of how jealous I was each time he pulled his camera from his hip belt in the drizzle whilst I had to resort to my iPhone to avoid repeatedly stopping to retrieve or stow my SLR.<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KlvdsFo1IYc/TolSZaxBZtI/AAAAAAAAB9I/RtM0M5qRsBA/s1600-h/trail_marker%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="trail_marker" border="0" height="274" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3XMdeR8shJg/TolSaM-81JI/AAAAAAAAB9M/0L-43dUmLvM/trail_marker_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="trail_marker" width="364" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Lx5NCaOfRdk/TolScrsnaII/AAAAAAAAB9Q/7Mqx1nJGuQ4/s1600-h/paul_stream_walk%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="paul_stream_walk" border="0" height="273" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hPtX2UkwMvg/TolSdbajAJI/AAAAAAAAB9U/MVJ_MUFmyW8/paul_stream_walk_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="paul_stream_walk" width="364" /></a><br />
Nevertheless, the going was good, we we're on our adventure and I soon forgot my camera envy and lust for my Ixus and just soaked up the freedom as though it would be my last. The colours and formations of the landscape seemed to change at every glance and left no doubt as to who was in charge around here. Each time we got comfortable the rain would roll on in and just as we got used to that it would stop and throw a bit of wind into the mix. It was like some sort of melting pot of experiences, an assault on the senses and, ready or not, our bodies and minds were adapting quite readily - almost instinctively, to our new environment. We were slowly finding a certain Zen and things started to step up as we climbed higher and increasingly further away from the daily grind. <br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-YGSbWBIqYdI/TolSfa-r1ZI/AAAAAAAAB9Y/04CYboyGRik/s1600-h/Trail%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Trail" border="0" height="274" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-WTM6kgiBx78/TolSf2bKMaI/AAAAAAAAB9c/0bt75eZjSqA/Trail_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Trail" width="364" /></a><br />
The trail was still very well marked but we had to laugh when we found the trail simply stopped beneath a great hunk of sheer vertical rock and then just continued at the top! This was also yet another example of how hard it was to get a perspective on the land and the sheer scale of our surroundings as what looked like miniature snow banks from a distance became impressive towers of stubborn ice, laughing in the face of 7 degrees Celsius! We looked back at the top of a short climb up through a wide but steep, babbling stream to see the last of Finse and its symbolism of civilisation for another 4 days – it was an absolute joy.<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-w-B5N9oGI_I/TolShvdlChI/AAAAAAAAB9g/Xuzg5t4fGbc/s1600-h/Finse_huts%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Finse_huts" border="0" height="274" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3hUNu9TPv_U/TolSiOMcERI/AAAAAAAAB9k/f1F6sRI6P5w/Finse_huts_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Finse_huts" width="364" /></a><br />
We decided that we should celebrate with a cup of tea and a chocolaty snack (rock and roll) and we sat sipping our drinks whilst watching the dark heavy clouds moving away in the distance, thankful for a break in the rain. We sat in relative silence just absorbing the view and (in my pathetic romanticising mind) I like to think we were both reflecting on the trip so far, relishing the experience and fortune and wondering what delights and challenges lay ahead of us – I certainly was. <br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DBbUP834JiQ/TolSkSy5DDI/AAAAAAAAB9o/tO_i_L2qpZY/s1600-h/t_break%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="t_break" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-sjdmEAzNLFw/TolSlBtDmdI/AAAAAAAAB9s/CGJpVC-Ob3s/t_break_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="t_break" width="364" /></a><br />
Here it didn't matter about financial reporting, intellectual property rights management or whether you want muscavado or Demerara sugar in your double-shot, skinny latte. Here, it was about agility, self reliance, stamina and camaraderie. It was almost primal and the more we lived it the more the senses heightened and our bodies and minds tuned in. Despite its proximity to Finse (and perhaps with the help of the weather) it felt quite remote already and it was hard to ignore the excitement and fortune - as the adventure took hold and swept us along. <br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-TUjZ-GAHwWE/TolSnRC-ehI/AAAAAAAAB9w/Ak9jOCqUf2A/s1600-h/marcus_icecap%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="marcus_icecap" border="0" height="274" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_Li02UICEMU/TolSnxlPBkI/AAAAAAAAB90/Z7sXtwn0XWc/marcus_icecap_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="marcus_icecap" width="364" /></a><br />
After the break we practically bounced along, exploring last seasons cornices and snow banks with gay abandon. My feet were damp but warm and even a dip in an icy stream for a photo didn't damage the spirits so I was loving the freedom of unlined shoes – for now at least.<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-lyhDHZHjIJM/TolSptOK0fI/AAAAAAAAB94/Qg_93v80Xq8/s1600-h/ice-cap_undercut%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="ice-cap_undercut" border="0" height="274" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-LG6cfADQ5gc/TolSqB2x-DI/AAAAAAAAB98/JAxwBulkX54/ice-cap_undercut_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="ice-cap_undercut" width="364" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mR2KTfX1vN0/TolSsJ2PqPI/AAAAAAAAB-A/6_MlvJlYUWI/s1600-h/marcus_snow_bank%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="marcus_snow_bank" border="0" height="274" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-uG4upbS5rZI/TolSs4S0fwI/AAAAAAAAB-E/PaIVIIxsPS4/marcus_snow_bank_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="marcus_snow_bank" width="364" /></a><br />
The morning was full of adventure with river crossings and bridges of varying drama, distant views of the glacier as it met its glacial lake, and large expansive outcrops on the ridge above. Probably the highlight of the morning for me was the frequent waterfalls that thundered down off the glacier above and into the surrounding lakes – it was nothing short of a privilege to be there watching in absolute delight as my eyes tried to soak it all up and store it in my awful, floppy disc-like memory.<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Tu5sNaxBfyA/TolSunX6EbI/AAAAAAAAB-I/PiJTDuhIkPc/s1600-h/glacial_lake_full%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="glacial_lake_full" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-GCTcreyPagQ/TolSvBw4AzI/AAAAAAAAB-M/sV8ceP_Erpg/glacial_lake_full_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="glacial_lake_full" width="364" /></a><br />
We were making good time as usual and Paul was hinting about having lunch right there and then. I mean, what else were we going to do, we had huge towering rock faces, waterfalls, lakes and boulders for chairs so it was a no-brainer to stop a little early. Once again the jet boil did its thing (almost blocking out the sound of the waterfall just 300m away) and, once again, I wasn't ready for it. I had a mountain dilemma here people – to eat the Fuizion main meal I saved from last night or opt for a mug shot and save the Fuizion for lunch later on in the trip. The stress out there was unbearable at times! Just as I decided on the mug-shot rain invaded our quiet little spot and the result was a miserable scene of two twerps sat on rocks eating semi-rehydrated food in a downpour. We ate then packed away and didn't say an awful lot until we'd warmed up a few hundred meters down the track. No matter how much experience I stack up outside I'm always surprised at how quickly you lose body heat when stopped and conversely how quickly you warm up on the move having eaten.<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gJvVoI9WbKk/TolSxBPa5bI/AAAAAAAAB-Q/XPdlGlPaQvc/s1600-h/Paul_landscape%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Paul_landscape" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vkqqlL_oW-A/TolSx8g6LKI/AAAAAAAAB-U/Xy_sr6Glkxo/Paul_landscape_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Paul_landscape" width="364" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0iqTkcXsS_E/TolSzp2jerI/AAAAAAAAB-Y/0ba3HVzI4v4/s1600-h/ice_cap%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="ice_cap" border="0" height="273" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-00fIH92dDr4/TolS0QuzydI/AAAAAAAAB-c/Ubpt5lpJz6M/ice_cap_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="ice_cap" width="364" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2npYf0CS_Ik/TolS2KOXDcI/AAAAAAAAB-g/nVH-2DaRmGc/s1600-h/jokulen_rays%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="jokulen_rays" border="0" height="273" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Vna23v80Xns/TolS26V4rHI/AAAAAAAAB-k/vrL7Njl8xSQ/jokulen_rays_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="jokulen_rays" width="364" /></a><br />
The trail was getting less less forgiving and after a long, flat, hour of walking it was clear that from here on in it was a knee crushing descent from here at the peak of Lureggane down to Rembesdalsvatnet. Not only was it a test of knees and thighs, every step on the steep slippery marbled slabs tested poise and balance and it made for some interesting waling techniques in attempt to stay vertical!<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-F7iP_ELIYpE/TolS4nimj_I/AAAAAAAAB-o/vhVYT0QuAWo/s1600-h/marcus_landscape%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="marcus_landscape" border="0" height="274" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-InLGQaFn1gc/TolS5G80UJI/AAAAAAAAB-s/C4_B7ZQVIzI/marcus_landscape_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="marcus_landscape" width="364" /></a><br />
The amount of water coming down off the surrounding hills was astonishing and everything within few meters just seems to be moving or rushing or dripping with it – including us, and by now we were both thoroughly wet through a base layers. We'd both chosen not to bring over-trousers as we rarely, if ever, put them on so it seems a bit pointless to bring them and today was the same since we both appeared to get wet from wind driven rain entering our hoods and running down our backs and into our trousers.<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-quJikRb3n0Q/TolS6tPSL3I/AAAAAAAAB-w/G1hanMVi13E/s1600-h/bridges%25255B6%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="bridges" border="0" height="364" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DkvDZYYgzHg/TolS7AdhI7I/AAAAAAAAB-0/zgrcH8tFVO0/bridges_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="bridges" width="244" /></a><br />
The descent was hard enough on the body without the minds taking a beating from the miserable conditions that seemed to have set in for the day with no intention of respite. By the time the trail turned back south again after a short westward stint everything was wet – even Paul's lined shoes which made for interesting outbursts from Paul as they got heavier and more uncomfortable! The Gods must have sensed our wretchedly unhappy tone and suddenly out of nowhere we caught a glimpse of 3 dark solid shapes off in the distance below – the DNT huts! With renewed vigour our pace increased and we both speculated whether as to whether it would be open and if it was would someone have the fire on so we could warm up and dry out? Once again, we were ahead of our planned schedule and we decided we would at least check it out before moving on back up the other side of the valley and onto the start of Eidfjorden. Once we’d started the wildly exaggerated speculations on what awaited us at the hut (Paul’s recurring idea seemed to start and finish with a group of friendly Norwegian women) it seemed to take an age to get there. The closer we got the longer it took and it was soon obvious that no-one was home and if they were they didn’t much for the wood burner- bummer. <br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jep21ld4cgM/TolS8zqlrUI/AAAAAAAAB-4/9cXUfLESzvI/s1600-h/rembesdalseter_glacier%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="rembesdalseter_glacier" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZputZVv5s2g/TolS9Qkxn3I/AAAAAAAAB-8/Ftg8swMlxTk/rembesdalseter_glacier_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="rembesdalseter_glacier" width="364" /></a><br />
Would it be locked, would it be full (we very much doubted it) or would it offer itself as a comfortable pit-stop to dry our clothes and enjoy a hot drink before setting off again? Eventually it was time to to find out and we both set off in a surrounding pattern to assess the situation. All was quiet and both of the larger huts were open and well stocked with firewood, food and bedding. Choosing the larger hut of the two we entered the stable-style door dripping from head to toe as we read the instructions and checked for further signs of life.<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9WnjbNqbfnY/TolS-sLzw8I/AAAAAAAAB_A/dGTB8u2kRFg/s1600-h/rembesdalsete_hut%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="rembesdalsete_hut" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-XDtdSM7J1y0/TolS-7vwNVI/AAAAAAAAB_E/qYjor6xD0KU/rembesdalsete_hut_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="rembesdalsete_hut" width="364" /></a><br />
It was pretty nice to see that we were the only ones around and we dropped our bags, kicked off our shoes and headed into the main room. It was quite frankly amazing in there and there was a large wood burner, a sink, a gas hob, a large cupboard of tinned and packet food and two large bedrooms with a total of 10 bunks.<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-fU1aPCB4unY/TolTAb4xgXI/AAAAAAAAB_I/PlRL5R2bHmY/s1600-h/rembesdalseter_room%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="rembesdalseter_room" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6-7HE1qJa9M/TolTA1TbjNI/AAAAAAAAB_M/3ianrTkQzps/rembesdalseter_room_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="rembesdalseter_room" width="364" /></a><br />
We both just stood there laughing at the incredible good fortune this provided and took no time in getting the fire going and hanging up wet clothes. Reading the visitors’ book it appeared we had two options: we could either pay the 70Kr. camping fee and use the facilities provided we had vacated by the property by 6pm or we could kick back and stay the whole night in the hut for 290Kr. This was truly cool beans and with just under a couple of hours until 6 we had a chance at getting warm and dry before heading off.<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XS_pPg8teqM/TolTCeGh2KI/AAAAAAAAB_Q/7nhtJLLnBA0/s1600-h/wood_burner%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="wood_burner" border="0" height="364" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-r5iFa6fMGkw/TolTC0ELuWI/AAAAAAAAB_U/2XCHP6nX7gk/wood_burner_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="wood_burner" width="244" /></a><br />
With the stove roaring away in the centre of the room, the hut was incredibly cosy and with its view over the large, the large frothing waterfall coming down the opposite slopes oh and the whopping great glacier above to the left you’d have to pay hundreds of pounds for week in this setting. It comes as no surprise then that we decided to stay the night and got comfortable reading the books, taking photos and just listening to the wind and rain howling away outside. An incredibly pleasant finish to a challenging day – fact.<br />
The time flew by and we seemed to just occupy ourselves for hours, just pottering away doing nothing in particular at all. The hut was now very warm and stepping outside for water and a wee reminded you instantly what a good idea it was to stay until morning. We hoped that by then the weather might be showing signs of improvement so we could able along nicely and explore the glacier before moving on up to Eidfjorden in the afternoon and hopefully an incredible view by which to pitch the tent. Fetching water from the fast flowing stream below the hut, I almost found myself in a bad place as a gust of wind knocked me off my delicate balance whilst wearing Paul’s ridiculous flip-flops. It felt as though the weather was seriously moving in and I returned to the hut and sat by the window in candle light to watch the sheets of rain move across the bloated lake below. <br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-N44PDruSUtg/TolTECMzwxI/AAAAAAAAB_Y/p53kDu-G5gA/s1600-h/fuizion_food%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="fuizion_food" border="0" height="364" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-K1yqROYMGzE/TolTEhbwWjI/AAAAAAAAB_c/8sfv9XPeYmQ/fuizion_food_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="fuizion_food" width="244" /></a><br />
With bowls and cutlery there for the taking we smuggishly ate our Fuizion meals at the table, discussing how simply amazing the recipes are and were glad we hadn’t opted for the cheaper offerings available – there simply is no better freeze-dried food available – factoid.<br />
It had been another eventful day but despite the weather, the tough terrain and the fact this was only the first full day - it was starting to feel like a real adventure. Admittedly though adventure is blinking-well tiring and after selecting our bunks we hit the iPods once again, but I know I was out cold before the 15 minute sleep timer kicked in....Marcushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01351297406970864492noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6409591195378757931.post-46746656928259916242011-09-27T06:30:00.002+01:002011-09-27T09:38:17.107+01:00Norway, Hardangerjokulen: Day 1<div align="justify"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Here it is folks, and you can be forgiven for thinking that this is an unbelievably long post for what is effectively 2 hours of relatively easy walking and that would be because it is! My solution to this is to grab a beer, wine, Gin or (really get into the spirit of it with) a White Russian and get comfortable before reading on.....</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br />
</span></i></div><div align="justify"><u>Sunday 11th September 2011</u></div><div align="justify">With heavy heads, a rather large red suitcase and Paul's home-made, garlic-ridden salami pitta sandwiches, we left Oslo behind on a 5 hour train journey. This was the Bergensbanen people, we were headed to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Finse">Finse</a> – it was <i>on</i>.<br />
<br />
</div><div align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gnvThl05pts/ToDzgQn9ZdI/AAAAAAAAB64/LhsKnF4IVC8/s1600-h/Bergensbanen%25255B9%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Bergensbanen" border="0" height="364" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0s48TaLhkxU/ToDzgzTpunI/AAAAAAAAB68/OwYiQtOZXCs/Bergensbanen_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Bergensbanen" width="273" /></a></div><div align="justify"><br />
Thanks to Paul's obsessive compulsive disorder (days and days of revisiting the NSB booking site) we had first class seats (facing the direction of travel I might add) with free tea, coffee or hot chocolate for the entire journey – rumour has it that I had more of this than NSB had ever accounted for but I can say this: I touched heaven's gates that day.</div><div align="justify">Apart from the fact that this journey is one of the most picturesque train journeys in the world, it was fairly uneventful on the whole and before long we were hearing announcements for Finse (pronounced Finseh) over the train's intercom. Still feeling a little rough, it suddenly dawned on me that we would step off the train and onto a platform and have to embark upon this adventure we had organised for ourselves for 6 whole days. Leaving the free hot drinks behind was bad enough but I could already sense the isolation that would ensue from the scenery flashing by the large window to my left and it had been a while to say the least.<br />
<br />
</div><div align="justify">As we got closer to Finse, it seemed as though the whole train became more and more excited and rightly so as you leave lush green rolling hills and fjords at the entrance of the tunnel and exit to a large mountainous expanse with views over the giant <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hardangerjokulen">Hardangerjokulen</a> glacier. As the train slowed people flocked to the windows, pushing and leaning over for a glimpse or a precious photo. The view was impressive, dark and foreboding and the thought that we would absorbed by this landscape in a matter hours had my skin tingling and my mind racing with excitement – and maybe a little trepidation. The train stopped, the doors opened and we stepped off into a noticeably cool wind looking at each other in acknowledgement. Within the seconds the train was heading off towards the exit tunnel and we just stood and watched for a moment trying to take it all in. I felt like I'd been there :before and my unhealthy obsession with the live webcam might explain this...<br />
<br />
</div><div align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--Ep_0MmTPEI/ToDzj3USjnI/AAAAAAAAB7A/ZaSXUuDNexs/s1600-h/Finse_station_2%25255B7%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Finse_station_2" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-CevEB5eLls8/ToDzkkgWVaI/AAAAAAAAB7E/xBa1gdx48og/Finse_station_2_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Finse_station_2" width="364" /></a></div><div align="justify"><br />
As always, it isn't long before the brain kicks into auto and we both headed immediately to the ticket office to make the final preparations and drop off the case as planned. To our disappointment the office was closed until 5.30 so we set about packing and getting ourselves 'trail ready' whilst we worked out what to do. I had rang ahead a few weeks before and was told the only place to leave a bag during this “busy time” was the ticket office and for a small charge (50Kr). However, upon my enquiry at the <a href="http://www.finse1222.no/en">Finse 1222 hotel</a> I was surprised to learn that the large drying room off the main seating area and bar would easily accommodate our clumsy red suitcase for the week and free of charge to boot. “IN YOUR FACE LEFT LUGGAGE FACILITY, IN YOUR FACE”. Dropping off that case, walking out of the hotel and into the wind and heavy rain was pertinent – It was finally, well and truly, undeniably '<i>on</i>'.<br />
<br />
</div><div align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8WUsEjEf-6I/ToDzmFRSODI/AAAAAAAAB7I/43dMeEpqkEA/s1600-h/Finse_glacier_1%25255B8%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Finse_glacier_1" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DlPlwFZcVlY/ToDzmmeAHfI/AAAAAAAAB7M/a0rCYj9iEpw/Finse_glacier_1_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Finse_glacier_1" width="364" /></a></div><div align="justify"><br />
Shouldering the packs felt worryingly unnatural and revealed two things: 1) it had been a while; and 2) they were heavy and we both noted, with some regularity during those first few hundred meters, just how heavy we found them. I had an excuse (and a valid one in my mind) since I was carrying a fixed 1.6kg of camera equipment, whereas I think Paul's problem was the sheer number of flapjacks and home-made Rice Krispie cakes he had been 'forced' to bring should things go badly wrong. In reality though it takes at least one large hunk of Rice Krispie cake to get him out of bed in the morning!<br />
<br />
</div><div align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZxRdiin1f8c/ToDzoVT_J9I/AAAAAAAAB7Q/ktk22BBNtR0/s1600-h/Finse_station%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Finse_station" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-D4iOu8ZmFHM/ToDzpjUH71I/AAAAAAAAB7U/MJnozMVkSoc/Finse_station_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Finse_station" width="364" /></a></div><div align="justify"><br />
Paul wanted to record the actual track data on his GPS so he set about playing with that as I locked my poles into position and made a hash at adjusting the hood on my Mica. A quick photo and we finally set off heading west alongside the train tracks. <br />
<br />
</div><div align="justify"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-WeMBddeNL8I/ToDzrTcm0uI/AAAAAAAAB7Y/QIrc1TyO69Y/s1600-h/farewell_finse%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="farewell_finse" border="0" height="274" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9QFzowjoLqg/ToDzr7XvY-I/AAAAAAAAB7c/Uk4CT7nM3wA/farewell_finse_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="farewell_finse" width="364" /></a></div><div align="justify"><br />
Earlier on the train, Paul had suggested the crazy idea of changing our route to take an anti-clockwise direction and so instead of heading south towards Blåisen (an outlet glacier just south of Finse) we would be heading out west along the open shores of Finsevatnet. We didn't plan to walk very long today, primarily as we had little daylight left and tomorrow we'd hit the route with some gusto after we'd got some sleep following our antics in Oslo. Whilst this was meant to be an easy first foray into the Norwegian wilderness, the rain had something to prove and it joined the wind to pelt our faces and exposed hands. The views across the lake looked bleak and moody and were enough to ensure that we never felt comfortable in the first hour on the trail. It quickly became apparent that there was no need for the map since there are large red T marks all along the main trails and having already picked an area for a potential pitch we simply followed these across slippery rocks and boggy pockets of land, passing lots of privately owned huts along the way.<br />
<br />
</div><div align="justify"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Mu0Ja3CFSbs/ToDzt4d4ZhI/AAAAAAAAB7g/1UgEMvrAuP0/s1600-h/finsevatnet_bridge%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="finsevatnet_bridge" border="0" height="274" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2-D9SuqqnMU/ToDzuq6pFSI/AAAAAAAAB7k/kzez45ts1ck/finsevatnet_bridge_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="finsevatnet_bridge" width="364" /></a></div><div align="justify"><br />
My camera was confined to its dry bag in my pack and I was a little gutted that I was unable to use it in the conditions. I told myself to be patient and just looked on as Paul snapped away with this Cybershot, shielding the lens from wind driven rain in all directions. Soon we passed the last of the huts and we were left with just ourselves and edges of the Jokulen for company. Suddenly we could just hear a dull but constant thrashing noise above loud patters of rain on our hoods. We both knew this was the river crossing before our eyes confirmed it but nothing really prepared us for the sheer volume of water rushing within it. The bridge was in great condition and very sturdy but it was still exhilarating to climb the steps and walk across for the first time. Looking down released a dose of adrenaline as heavily sedimented green-white water thundered through a natural granite bottleneck. The bridge bounced and swayed as I carefully crossed, always keeping one had on the thick, cold cable handrail. Exiting the bridge and leaving the river behind the constant patter of rain returned to our ears and an expanse of boulder and bog opened out ahead. <br />
<br />
</div><div align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_RwsYMM4VIU/ToDzyWjoDyI/AAAAAAAAB7o/h72yp_ydC4A/s1600-h/finsevatnet_bridge_wide%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="finsevatnet_bridge_wide" border="0" height="274" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-89fF9dzbeNs/ToDzzJtFh5I/AAAAAAAAB7s/XL83dNrRGJE/finsevatnet_bridge_wide_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="finsevatnet_bridge_wide" width="364" /></a></div><div align="justify"><br />
We'd been walking for just over an hour and decided that we should look for a spot to pitch the tent before it got too late. The only issue with that was the sheer amount of bare rock that lay in every direction and the chance of shelter from the wind seemed to diminish with every step. Paul spotted a flat area off to our left and quite a way off the trail but to me it just looked like wet grassy silt deposit between two spurs of the river above. Nevertheless I headed over to investigate to find it was dry and spongy and would hold an Easton peg quite nicely. It was going to be tight with the Scarp II though as the footprint is quite large and a boggy section to the south and a moderate waterfall to the north demanded care around camp. <br />
<br />
</div><div align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Z8s0LVIk4_Q/ToDz1GwQvlI/AAAAAAAAB7w/3ycDPtzx700/s1600-h/wet_pitch%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="wet_pitch" border="0" height="274" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-r7A1UN0_I6s/ToDz1xr5l0I/AAAAAAAAB70/mzQAAN9HlTw/wet_pitch_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="wet_pitch" width="364" /></a></div><div align="justify"><br />
Within minutes of laying down our packs, the tent was up, NeoAirs inflated and down garments lofting nicely. The ritual and ordering of setting up camp was set and things became more relaxed as the rain eased and the clouds began to disperse. It wasn't long before the rain had stopped completely and the late evening sun made a brief appearance for photos and a quick recce of our temporary home. We had around a 30 minute window before the sun disappeared behind the peaks to the west and when it did, by golly the cold moved in. It was like somebody had opened the freezer door as icy-cold air tumbled down from the jagged plateau above.<br />
<br />
</div><div align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-q8Y9FYt_pYg/ToDz4f0sllI/AAAAAAAAB74/vi2-YKtgpjw/s1600-h/sun_after_rain%25255B5%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="sun_after_rain" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--o3iMX-RGWY/ToDz5C9VahI/AAAAAAAAB78/ShhaPqRwoP8/sun_after_rain_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="sun_after_rain" width="364" /></a></div><div align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-AR2rwplQv1o/ToDz7iUayuI/AAAAAAAAB8A/zHkCiXJEAX4/s1600-h/sun_after_rain_2%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="sun_after_rain_2" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-dHAPQM9ajdY/ToDz8drCZiI/AAAAAAAAB8E/OhbL_IbtMVM/sun_after_rain_2_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="sun_after_rain_2" width="364" /></a></div><div align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-M8LFtxH_jx8/ToDz-mVLTTI/AAAAAAAAB8I/w1j-EwmUmjs/s1600-h/first_pitch_hardangerjokulen%25255B9%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="first_pitch_hardangerjokulen" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Mkta4T1Oei4/ToDz_YKITZI/AAAAAAAAB8M/Jx2U9Mo5AdE/first_pitch_hardangerjokulen_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="first_pitch_hardangerjokulen" width="364" /></a></div><div align="justify"><br />
We retreated to the tent in down clothing and we set the new Jetboil Sol Ti going for the first time. It was decided that since food was likely to be short on this trip that we would save our Fuizion meals and opt for a lunch in light of our short 'easy' day and within minutes we were consuming Mugshots and Peperami with hot chocolate to finish. Astonishingly I had a phone signal (God bless those crazy Norwegians) and I checked in with Charl by text as the trials of the day got the better of Paul who zonked out instantly after eating – poor little sod.<br />
<br />
</div><div align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lx5JkiJ70e0/ToD0BU5hFeI/AAAAAAAAB8Q/aXZGg-CKhrk/s1600-h/first_pitch_sunset%25255B13%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="first_pitch_sunset" border="0" height="364" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LZOKpmtg8E0/ToD0CAQgbXI/AAAAAAAAB8U/8SC5BElPZqI/first_pitch_sunset_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="first_pitch_sunset" width="244" /></a></div><div align="justify"><br />
With hot food goodness pulsing through my veins I decided I'd head out and check out the potential for some night photography. I mean, I'd lugged a 330g Tamrac Zipshot tripod up here so I may as well get some use out of it hey? I gathered my camera bag, remote timer, head-torch and gloves and shuffled out of the tent and into the cold, bluey darkness. The sun was just losing the battle with the horizon to the west but to the east the moon was blazing a trail across the late evening sky. It glistened brightly in the still, shallow pool below me and my mind saw a time-lapse series right there. I framed up and experimented with a few shots to determine my exposure before reaching for my tripod and letting its lightweight, tent-pole legs open themselves out. My experiments at home had taught me that this tripod is really only an emergency tool but its uses can be expanded when combined with a taught-line hitch knot, some bungee cord and a tent peg to prevent it from moving in the wind. The light wind was super-cold and I worked quickly by the moonlight to get the tripod secured to the ground. Excited thoughts of the converted sequence passed through my mind as I set up the remote timer with the camera and then I reached for the camera to attach it to the mounting plate. It was difficult in the dark to line everything up so the head-torch had to come out and I cursed as it ruined my night vision. However, the head-torch was not going to help find what wasn't there (short of a frickin miracle) and it was clear that the threaded nipple had fallen out of the tripod head and was apparently lost forever. Whilst disappointment kicked in about all of my great idea's for wide angle panning scenes in HD video, time-lapses and long exposures over Norway's incredible vistas, my heart sank even more at the thought that I'd be lugging a completely useless 330 gram tripod around Norway for six frickin days for no reason whatsoever! I'd sacrificed my lightweight principals for my photographic dreams and felt betrayed by the Gods who now seemed to be laughing as they looked down at my pathetic time-lapse failure. Without this double ended screw the tripod is even more of a useless pile of scheiße (if that's possible) and I had to resist the urge in the ensuing mountain tantrum to simply launch it into the river below. I literally had to go for a walk in the eerie, slippery granite darkness to calm down before returning to my camera and the well-anchored tripod - having had a little word with myself. Still not completely free of my mood I took a few high ISO hand-held shots before returning to the tent to escape the increasingly cold wind. Dejected, I climbed into my blue bag of feathery joy did the only thing I could do given the circumstances and the lack of any booze – I reached for the iPod and rocked myself to sleep.<br />
<br />
</div><div align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kkwRL8iewvw/ToD0DoEE5tI/AAAAAAAAB8Y/EF2plQrS6jE/s1600-h/first_pitch_moonscape%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="first_pitch_moonscape" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3m0qmvVgefE/ToD0EXWUoUI/AAAAAAAAB8c/XpLTLoCPIAA/first_pitch_moonscape_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="first_pitch_moonscape" width="364" /></a></div><div align="justify"><br />
I want to say a special thanks to Elbow for getting me through that long night and you guys should know that there's a Tamrac Zipshot tripod in my cupboard which owes its miserable life to the sonic beauty of The Bones of You.* Needless to say this was not the end I had in mind for that first day and now the pressure was on for some good Karma to come my way**<br />
<br />
</div><span style="font-size: xx-small;">*with maybe just a little help from my <a href="http://www.audeoworld.com/en/GB/Products/PFEwithMicrophone/AudeoPFE12.htm" target="_blank">Phonak Audio 122s</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">**most preferred in the form of flapjacks and home-made Rice Krispie cakes....</span>Marcushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01351297406970864492noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6409591195378757931.post-62710253710939966882011-09-21T07:46:00.000+01:002011-09-21T07:47:00.521+01:00ipadio: Hardangerjokulen - We're Back And Trip Reports Are Coming Soon<object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=8,0,0,0" width="352" height="200" id="embed-352x200" align="middle"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="false"></param><param name="movie" value="http://www.ipadio.com/embed/v1/embed-352x200.swf?phlogId=33835&phonecastId=98690&channelInView=WEBSITE_CHANNEL_33835&callInView=1488500000040300320110921074654"></param><param name="scale" value="exactfit" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#ffffff"></param><embed src="http://www.ipadio.com/embed/v1/embed-352x200.swf?phlogId=33835&phonecastId=98690&channelInView=WEBSITE_CHANNEL_33835&callInView=1488500000040300320110921074654" quality="high" bgcolor="#ffffff" width="352" height="200" name="embed-352x200" align="middle" allowScriptAccess="always" allowFullScreen="false" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" scale="exactfit" /></embed></object>Marcushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01351297406970864492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6409591195378757931.post-63539753096747740842011-05-25T13:30:00.000+01:002011-05-25T13:30:21.623+01:00Review: Kudrati Naturally - Freeze-Dried Vegetarian Curries<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Right guys, I know its been a while but I hope you can all forgive me - not least because most of you lucky b*ggers have been enjoying two weeks of backpacking 'heaven' on the Challenge!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Anyhoot, this ere' twerp hasn't been out since the abandoned Lakes trip in March so I'm going stir crazy for a wild camp. I have been looking at various things though, mainly for our 7 day trek in Norway in September around the Hardangerjokulen glacier - serweeet!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One of the issues for any unsupported trek is the need to carry all food and so I've been looking quite closely at food options. Clearly I'll be taking a lot of meals from <a href="https://www.fuizionfreezedriedfood.com/">Fuizion Foods</a> but I also came across the <a href="http://www.kudrati.com/">Kudrati Naturally</a> range of vegetarian curries. For the record I'm no vegetarian, but many of my favourite curries tend to be the meat free so I thought I'd give them a bash.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Rather than ramble on here, you can watch my ugly mug chomping on some of it here:</span></div><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/tWQJ-wKXOQw" width="560"></iframe>Marcushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01351297406970864492noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6409591195378757931.post-75211848478507149322011-05-21T08:44:00.001+01:002011-05-21T08:44:42.186+01:00ipadio: Early Start In The Cotswolds<object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=8,0,0,0" width="352" height="200" id="embed-352x200" align="middle"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="false"></param><param name="movie" value="http://www.ipadio.com/embed/v1/embed-352x200.swf?phlogId=33835&phonecastId=79573&channelInView=WEBSITE_CHANNEL_33835&callInView=1488500000022488620110521084431"></param><param name="scale" value="exactfit" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#ffffff"></param><embed src="http://www.ipadio.com/embed/v1/embed-352x200.swf?phlogId=33835&phonecastId=79573&channelInView=WEBSITE_CHANNEL_33835&callInView=1488500000022488620110521084431" quality="high" bgcolor="#ffffff" width="352" height="200" name="embed-352x200" align="middle" allowScriptAccess="always" allowFullScreen="false" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" scale="exactfit" /></embed></object>Marcushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01351297406970864492noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6409591195378757931.post-40341872076752800682011-03-08T13:16:00.001+00:002011-03-08T13:16:53.503+00:00Test post - Blogilo<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p>Just a quick test for Blogilo on Ubuntu (Linux), as always to prompt a move away from windows for updating the blog.</p><p align='center'><a title='Blogilo test by www.alittlebitaboutnotalot.co.uk, on Flickr' href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/alittlebitaboutnotalot/5509232052/'><img height='179' width='240' alt='Blogilo test' src='http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5178/5509232052_f0fc2d5299_m.jpg'/></a></p><p align='center'><span style=' font-size:small;'>Picture title</span></p><p align='left'>If the picture above is central and the text a reasonable size in verdana, this is probably working. If it is, stay tuned for a review of the <a target='_blank' title='Delios' href='http://www.delios.co.uk/'>Delios water filter.</a></p></div>Marcushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01351297406970864492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6409591195378757931.post-89742464287237061852011-02-19T09:38:00.000+00:002011-02-19T09:39:01.255+00:00ipadio: ....Let's Call The Whole Thing Off<object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=8,0,0,0" width="352" height="200" id="embed-352x200" align="middle"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="false"></param><param name="movie" value="http://www.ipadio.com/embed/v1/embed-352x200.swf?phlogId=33835&phonecastId=60442&channelInView=WEBSITE_CHANNEL_33835&callInView=1488500000021777720110219093848"></param><param name="scale" value="exactfit" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#ffffff"></param><embed src="http://www.ipadio.com/embed/v1/embed-352x200.swf?phlogId=33835&phonecastId=60442&channelInView=WEBSITE_CHANNEL_33835&callInView=1488500000021777720110219093848" quality="high" bgcolor="#ffffff" width="352" height="200" name="embed-352x200" align="middle" allowScriptAccess="always" allowFullScreen="false" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" scale="exactfit" /></embed></object>Marcushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01351297406970864492noreply@blogger.com1