Still planning

Just a little update.

I keep looking at my route, trying alternatives and returning to the original plan, so I suspect that's how it's going to stay.

I've tried to research a little more about the clothing I would like, by going to a large outdoor speciallist store. I was exceptionally disappointed with the stock they held and was very glad I'd had no intention of buying from them. I only wanted to feel and try on. However, there was a lot of mens kit, so David has a better idea of what he's looking for and I could get an idea from the feel of his choices. I can also get whatever he decides on cheaper online, so that particular store has had it!

Training. Well, erm, yes. Slow. That's the word for it.

I managed three walks last week, each of about 5-6 miles, one which was quite hilly, so that was a good start for me after the Christmas break.

Unfortunately, those of you that read the other one of my regular blogs will know our eldest son has been struck down with shingles, so has been off school this week. With David having been on day shift, I have been incarcerated and that has been frustrating. Next week, I'm hoping he'll be back at school, so although I can't walk Monday, I should fit in a couple later in the week and I have a training walk on Saturday for another challenge in the meantime.

I have been asked to participate in a sponsored walk on 20th June this year, walking the Dava Way, Forres to Grantown on Spey. David and I did this walk a couple of years ago but going the other way. Downhill. At least this time I won't be carrying a 24+ lb pack. That is what the training walk is for. It's going to 12 miles of varied landscape. I think Angela's trying to kill me! Anyway, I shall take this opportunity to practice carrying my pack whilst it's not so weighty, not least because my daysack can be a little uncomfortable with more than my inhaler and lip salve in. My pack is infinintly more comfy, even if I have to carry one or two items more than I normally would, just to pull it down onto my hips enough. Should be fine.

I'll let you know how the boots go over the extra little distance.

Books

David's getting really carried away now. Either that or my rather rusty navigation skills are concerning him somewhat! Anyway, he's ordered some books which have arrived this morning and they have already recieved a good thumbing. I still need to get on the hillside with a map and compass, but the clear instructions given should help.

So far, we have Navigation for Walkers by Julian Tippett and Hillwalking by Steve Long.

I've also been reassured somewhat on the matter of wild water. Carrying enough fresh water to avoid having to use wild water was going to be difficult for the odd wild camps I have planned (so far), but so long as we check the water supply upstream for a couple hundred yards, we should be safe enough, so that's another worry sorted. At the moment. Until I have nightmares!

My other skills aren't as bad as I thought, it's really a lot of common sense about what to carry, planning a route, picking the best path on the hillside, walking pace etc. and I can manage most of that. Where best to pitch a tent, cross a stream and things like that are the snippets I'm interested in. Lots of reading to do.

Will make a change from The Chronicles of Ancient Darkness and Harry Potter...

Planning and research

Still planning my route and researching equipment.

I don't know how many times I can review and tweek my route, but I've currently made alterations after my stop at Braemar by including Carn an t'Sagairt Mor, Carn a Choire Bhoideach and Lochnagar enroute to Glas-allt-Shiel bothy and then continue onto Clova the following day, as originally planned.

Mind you, I think at the moment it's just all what appeals. In the end, it will depend on my fitness and stamina, although my stamina is usually quite good. Perhaps my plans will even change as I go, if my feet get sore!

As to equipment, I want a Shewee, (said in hushed tones for the sake of propriety, yours, not mine!) and I'm going to have one with an extension pipe, so there!

'Nuff said about that.

I want a down jacket that I can stuff into small spaces that will keep me warm of an evening, post walk and before bed, so I've got my eyes on something by North Face, Mountain Equipment or Rab. They all have warm stuffability, it'll be the best bargain I can find in the end! I would have preferred something that wasn't black, but if I do need to wear it and be visible, I might have a hi-viz vest stashed away, (perhaps a bit too sad, even by my standards...) or if I have to remain in one position I can use the bright orange survival bag! Should do the trick.

I want new walking trousers and a trekking jacket of some variety and I've settled on my baselayer, I think, I've seen a recommendation for some from Millets, of all places. I good price clinched that one too.

What is it I say to my children? Oh yes. "I want never gets." We'll see about that!

A contribution

David's taking a little more interest now, getting a little more involved. I think he thought I was barking being so organised so far in advance, (especially when we might not even get on it next year!), but he's bought something for me.

A compass.

It's lovely and shiny and I'm sure it'll be very useful.

That's if I'm better using it 'in the field' than I am sitting in the lounge.

There's time.

Arrivals

Unfortunately, one of the main restrictions we have on the equipment we purchase is cost, so I am trying to buy the best we can afford.

The sleeping bags that fitted most of the criteria were Vango Venom 300, which should cope with the climate, with a comfort rating of 0c to +25c, are quite light at 880gr and compress to 22 x 14cm. I found them online at a very reasonable price and tried mine out, as soon as it arrived it was unpacked, fluffed and contained me!

I was snug, but then, I was lying on the bedroom floor, fully clothed, on a warm evening on my Thermarest Prolite 3 Womens Regular self-inflating mat. Sad. I am very excitable!

I got David the same sleeping bag and his own mat, because he didn't already have one. His is perhaps a little better than mine, a Thermarest Prolite 4 Regular, but I've used mine backpacking before and I know I'm quite comfortable on it, so I'm not jealous.

Better not start any more research now, I mustn't spend everynight doing this when I have nearly 20 months to plan it!