Chally writeup — finally finished!

Phew! I’ve finally finished writing it up. Hopefully somebody will enjoy it

If you take a look and find anything broken then please do let me know, so that I can fix it ♥

ZOMG…

Reading the 2010 Chally notes now available on the Chally site, I’ve just realised that I almost certainly forgot to sign out from Torridon last May… I have absolutely no recollection of having signed anything!

(Shhhh…. don’t tell Uncle Roger!)

*slinks away, embarrassed*

Ooooh… Chally application results on the way…

Eek!

Word on the street is that Challenge Application results are now making their way to successful applicants via email…

Fingers crossed, y’all!

Finished Day 9 — 5 more to go, plus intro and journey home…

Aagh… will it ever be finished?

(That’s not me, by the way…)

Going to watch some telly now

Lightweight v. Ultra-lightweight — Is there a point at which kit becomes unsafe?

LOL! I found this on ICanHasCheezburger, and couldn't resist adding it...

There’s been a big debate over on Andy Howell’s blog recently in relation to a comment made in the Challenge Final Report about the sort of kit that was required to cope with the conditions on the Chally this year.

The comment was:

“This was not a Challenge for the ultra-lightweight brigade; May in Scotland is now very unpredictable and you do need really good gear to help you through as well as a strong mental attitude.”

The implication is that ultra-lightweight gear isn’t ‘really good gear’, and quite a lot of people wondered what had provoked the comment, and reacted quite defensively to what they took to be a bit of an unfair pop at lightweight backpacking kit.

One of the things that I’ve found particularly interesting about the way the discussion evolved is that many of the responses didn’t draw a distinction between lightweight and ultra-lightweight camping kit. The comment in the Final Report didn’t refer to ‘lightweight’ kit, though: it referred to ‘ultra-lightweight’ kit. And difficult as it may be to know where to draw a line between the two categories, it’s clear that at some point a distinction does exist.

I’m sure the debate must have spawned many email discussions between people interested in the subject. What more interesting subject is there, after all, than how one puts together one’s backpacking kit? *g* I know I had quite a lively email exchange on the subject with a pal last week, and the thoughts I’m expressing here are a reflection of some of those that I expressed in the course of that discussion.

In the context of a debate about safety, it seems to me that it’s really clothing and warmth/shelter that we’re talking about. Obviously it’s possible to reduce weight by simply leaving behind things that aren’t actually necessary for a safe camp, but which add to the comfort and, for some of us, enjoyment of the experience. I’m thinking of stuff like books, dedicated pillows, camp shoes, evening clothes, MP3 players, the heavier/bulkier sorts of camping mattress, cameras, a wee dram, stuffed toys (!) and things of that nature. In order to be safe, though, as opposed to merely comfortable, we do need to equip ourselves with the means of remaining adequately warm and dry, and it seems to me that the comment in the Final Report must have been directed towards the kit choices that people make in order to fulfill that requirement.

Before going on I should say that I don’t know what provoked the comment in the report. It may be that one or more ultra-lightweight campers had a bad experience. Certainly the ultra-lightweight camper I walked with (Colin Ibbotson) had no problems of any sort (well, apart from his quite disgusting choice of food, that is *g*), but there were more than 350 people on the Challenge, and I only saw a small number of them, whereas the people at Challenge Control were in touch with all of them, more-or-less daily. I mention the comment, and the debate on Andy’s blog, simply because they seem to me to provide an interesting jumping off point for a discussion about how our choice of shelter impacts upon our safety.

So! Setting clothing on one side (for another day, perhaps), and simply focussing on shelter, in my mind one of the fundamental distinctions between the lightweight backpacker and the ultra-lightweight backpacker is that the UL backpacker will probably be carrying a tarp, rather than a tent.

What’s the difference between a tarp and a tent? Well I’ve long regarded Chris Townsend as the ultimate guru in relation to all things backpacking, and I hope he won’t mind if I set out the distinction as he describes it in his brilliant Backpacker’s Handbook: Third Edition, page 184.

“A tarp is a sheet of fabric that can be suspended from poles or trees to make a shelter. Once you add doors it becomes a tent, or at least a fly sheet.”

It seems to me that the relative safety of shelters lies along a spectrum, and that the sort of shelter which is permanently open at one end is always going to be more vulnerable to the elements than one that is enclosed. The reason for this is that wind can more easily get under an open structure and carry it away than it can with a shelter that is enclosed. We’ve seen hurricanes blowing houses down in other parts of the world, and so clearly it’s never possible to eliminate the risk, but the margin for error seems to me to be greater, the sturdier the shelter that we take with us.

The reason I refer to ‘margin for error’ is that the most important element in the equation appears to me to be the level of experience of the person using the kit. In warm, dry and windless conditions it’s not difficult for a novice to get through a night out in the hills. In foul conditions, though, it seems to me that an experienced UL camper is always going to be safer with his or her tarp than an inexperienced person using a tent.

Being and remaining safe isn’t simply about knowing how to put the shelter up, of course. In order to stay safe in bad conditions, it’s also necessary to know how best to move the shelter during the night if a change in wind direction renders that necessary, or (heaven forbid) re-erect it if it blows down. Most importantly of all, IMO, it’s necessary to know when it isn’t safe to go out with the available kit, or, if already out, when to go home.

Part of the way in which we develop the experience necessary to help us through difficult conditions is in meeting such conditions unexpectedly, and surviving them. If we’re honest, I suspect that quite a number of us secretly enjoy the frisson of nervous excitement that comes with exposing ourselves to the worst that nature can throw at us, and living to tell the story over a pint or around a camping stove another day. I know it’s part of why I started camping solo with a tent. There’s no doubt that I, for one, am much less likely to worry these days if a storm blows up during the night than I would have been when I first started going out. Panicked people are more likely than calm people to make bad decisions, and a novice is more likely than an experienced person to panic, since he or she doesn’t have a bank of earlier experiences to help him or her assess the level of risk created by the conditions, and decide how best to deal with it. We all know that a bad decision made in potentially life-threatening conditions can have tragic consequences, and it’s easier to make a bad decision when we’re unfamiliar with the kit we’re using.

Ultimately, though, it seems to me that there’s no getting away from the fact that some forms of shelter are inherently safer than others. If an experienced camper is backpacking in Scotland when a foul blizzard blows up and hangs around for 36 hours, with nil visibility, wind speeds of 70 mph and gusts of up to 90 mph, then I reckon that he/she is likely to be safer trying to see it out in a decent bothy than in a tent. If there isn’t a bothy available then a well made semi-geodesic tent would probably be the next safest thing. If there isn’t such a tent then something like an Akto (or a Laser Competition! *g*) would probably be the best choice. If there isn’t a tent then a tarp would certainly provide some shelter from the storm, but by virtue of its design it’s the least secure of the shelters listed above. Nobody could be absolutely sure of emerging unscathed from the experience, but the person who has access to the strongest shelter is least at risk.

Looking at it all in the round, then, what do my views on this subject amount to? It seems to me that they add up to the following.

1. Is there a point at which our choice of kit can render us unsafe in the given conditions? In my opinion, the answer is definitely “Yes!” As appears from what I’ve written above, though, I feel that the specific items of kit involved paint only part of the picture. Our degree of experience with that kit paints the rest of it.

2. Secondly, is there a necessary distinction to be drawn, when considering the relative safety of kit, between lightweight and ultra-lightweight? When we’re talking about shelters then my answer would certainly be “Yes!” Once again, though, I consider the most important factor to be the extent to which the user is experienced in the use of the kit that he or she decides to carry.

3. Finally, is it legitimate for those charged with the responsibility for monitoring our progress in potentially dangerous conditions to be aware of those distinctions, and even to experience some anxiety lest our choices lead us into danger? My feeling is “Of course!” In fact, I’d say it was inevitable. I’d hope, though, that a knowledge of the degree of experience the particular user has with the kit involved would inform the level of concern experienced by those who have to watch anxiously from a distance.

Caption competition – 1

Okay, peeps! Can anyone suggest something for this picture of Andy Howell and Colin Ibbotson?

Your reward will be my undying gratitude, and I’ll stick my favourite in my write-up

Groan… endless re-sizing and scribbling!

TGO 2009 -- On the Cairngorm Plateau

Well, I’ve started Day 5. Wow, it takes me ages to write these blasted things! 12 more pages to write…

Mired in TGO write-up, but in the meantime… the Piglet Filez!

Piglet Monster with Dee

Aaagh… I’m bored with all this re-sizing of pictures, and so I’ve spent an hour or so writing up a slightly different aspect of this year’s Challenge

While I was in Scotland my little 6 months old Border Terrier puppy, Piglet, stayed in Birmingham with my friend Dee, her long-suffering husband, John, and their two Cairn terriers, Blink and Buster.

The plan was that Piglet would stay with Dee and John for all but the last night, and she’d then go with Blink and Buster to the house of Dee’s friend, Chris, as Dee had to travel to France for the weekend to sing with the Deadly Choral Society.

At six months, it was possible that wee Piggly might have her first season while I was away. She was more-or-less house-trained, but at home there was still the occasional accident… Dee and John promised to teach her to kiss my nose–both Buster and Blink can do it–before I got back. (They failed, BTW… *g*)

For a puppy, Piglet’s pretty good at texting (although she still only uses one claw), and so she, Dee and I were able to stay in touch throughout the Challenge, reception permitting. Here are some extracts from our exchanges, just in case there’s anyone else out there who might enjoy them

(BTW, Dee feels that ‘Scout’ would be a better name for little Piglet. John prefers ‘Dibley’. I generally refer to her as Piglet Monster

Thursday 7th May — En route to Torridon

Me: How is my wee darling?

Dee: Who? Oh, you mean MY new babe! Dibley-Scout is a happy little bunny! Major prob at feeding time — B&B wanted Burns and PM wanted Bakers! Will feed at separate times tomorrow, or maybe give my two sardines too!

Me: Poor wee Dibley Scout! Pls give her a kiss from me and a wee smack of her little bum (she enjoys that). On train to Strathcarron now. Kissy kissy to B&B.

Thurday 7th May — Arrived at Torridon

Dee: PM now back to being your babe — she keeps weeing on the bath mat — at least it’s in the bathroom. Have you told her she’s an ‘uman beink?

Me: Eep… Sorry about the weeing on the nar…

Me: Oops meant to type something else there. Have been soaked and am now eating chocu kate. I am so tired fell asleep texting you! Kiss for monster xxx

Dee: No probs! She’s probably picked up the habit from you… since you piddle in strange places too! She’s asleep on my feet under the desk! Hope the weather’s not too bad and the mountain range doesn’t scream too much!

Dee: PM says “Night-night Mummy!”

Me: Night-night Piglet xxx

Friday 8th May–Craig

Me: Dear PM I hear you’ve been peeing on the bath mat. Naughty wee monster. I wish to hear of no further such behaviour. If it continues we may need to stop your rusk ration Mummy sends kiss and cuddle and also for B&B xxx

Piglet: Dear Mummy. I’m trying to be very good. But it’s hard when B&B are leading me astray! I am ingratiating myself with Aunty Dee just like you said–it’s working! Your loving puppy PM xxx

Me: Dearest PM. Mummy sends kiss and a wee smack, feeling sure you’ll benefit from one. Have you stolen all of B&B’s toys yet? I hope you’re eating all your greens and drinking plenty of water. No peeing indoors or else… xxx xxx xxx Mummy xxx xxx xxx

Dee: It’s official–PM loves Buster! It’s an all consuming sexual, passionate longing: Buster, in keeping with most males, doesn’t give a toss! P.S. John’s having a bit of a nervous breakdown… not to worry…

Me: Oh noes! What’s John worrying about? Is it the peeing? Not surprised PM loves Buster: strong silent dog that he is. Um… She’s not in heat is she? Eep…

Dee: Well there is the peeing, and the stealing, and the mess she leaves in her wake from the stealing… but PM loves him. If she has a period I’ll get her some Tampax.

Me: Dearest PM. Try to be a good dog for Aunty Dee and Uncle John and leave Buster’s truncated bits alone. Spend time with Blink. Mummy loves you and will beat you if you don’t behave xxx kissy to Aunty Dee xxx

Sunday 10th May: Cannich

Me: How’s me monster? First reception for 36 hrs. Hope all ok…? xxx

Piglet: Dear Mummy. Having a ball! How do you have safe sex? Will the fact that Buster has no testicles make any difference?

Dee: Where do I begin? But as I text they’re asleep together–snuggled up in the duvet! After sex with Buster her main aim in life is not sleeping in her crate!

Me: Eep… I am horrified but not altogether surprised to hear that PM has taken control of the house. She’s done the same to me: did U imagine the name ‘Piglet Monster’ was a joke? I think U should bannish her to kitchen with crate at night, little monster… xxx Moi

Me: She is precocious monster! *indulgent smirk* Weather amazing. Y/day climbed 2 Munros in snow, sleet and hail. Oh, and rain. Today about 70 degrees. Amazingly beautiful. Too ducking hot! Tonight on camp at Cannich and tomorrow cross Loch Ness. Rain killed camera and MP3 player. Pack uncomfy. Now have Aviemore shops plan Hope y’all okay. Eep House tomorrow! xxx

Me: Dear PM. Pls text Aunty Dee’s addy so Mummy can send postcard xxx

Monday 11th May: Erogie

Piglet: Mummy Dearest. Aunty Dee thrashes me at least twice a day. I enjoy the pain–is that so wrong? Can’t stop: going out for tat-tas, which frankly is more enjoyable than texting! Love and kisses xxxx PS: have learned to kiss Uncle John to help with his mental health…

Dee: The doctor said that given time John and I should recover! Buster is leaving home to live with a homeless man and Blink is going to live in a shelter! PM, on the other hand, is absolutely fine… we really don’t mind sleeping in the crate as PM prefers our bed! I have to be careful–PM doesn’t know I’m using the mobile… Bye xxx

Dee: She told me to tell you that I lied… she found the text I’d sent. On the plus side… errr… there is no plus side.

Dee: No! Give me that phone, you little brat! No, catch me if you can, ..aaaggghhh… Hey, these stun guns really work!

Tuesday 12th May: Somewhere in the Monadhliath

Dee: OMG…HOUSE!!! Wilsie’s eye v. nearly and an epi to itself. PM told me to tell you that she’s being a v.g. girl now and everyone loves her!

Me: ZOMG can hardly wait for House! Relieved to hear PM less monstrous now. Will reward her with shorter beating when I get home. Heh… xxx

Wednesday 13th Aviemore

Dee: It says on the news that you’re having blizzards! PM is v. well and wishes to be remembered to you, but then she said, “I haven’t got time to chat, I have to…”

Thursday 14th: Corrour Bothy

Piglet: I love Buster and yesterday and today he has played with me and has hardly growled at me since Aunty Dee thrashed him! Talking about thrashing, I did deserve it…

Piglet: P.S. I do miss you when I have time! However, I’m spending so much time wreaking havoc and causing mayhem that I don’t have much time for anything else… except pooing in the back bedroom. I mentioned the thrashing, didn’t I? Hugs PM xxxx

Sunday 17th May: En route to Ballater

Me: Piggly darling. Mummy misses you and sends a hug and a tickle. Pls say hello to Dee for me and put her phone down. Wet here and exhausting. Ugh.

Tuesday 19th May: Tarfside

Me: ZOMG! This is Piglet’s half-birthday. Born 19th Nov last year. Needs cake!

Dee: PM doesn’t want to be reminded of her age. She just wants to know if she’s old enough to have sex with Buster. I haven’t broken the news about his balls yet–I didn’t want to break her heart!

Wednesday 20th May: North Water Bridge

Me: Penultimate day of walking. Sunny and fun. Met wee Border on hills y/day. Wanted to grab him and take him home for PM, the tart. Kissies to all the wee doglets xxx

Dee: Late walk tonight. It’s been pissing down all day! I wouldn’t call France a holiday–more like a living nightmare! Whoops… Blink got lost in the grass! Panic!

Dee: She’s used to the thrashings now–in fact she may be a masochist! Kitchen is finished…

Thursday 21st May: Montrose

Me: Dear Piglet, darling. See if you can sneak upstairs while Aunty Dee is cooking and watch House for me. Then get train to Montrose and come and tell me all about it. Mummy will give you kiss and gravy bones xxx Mummy xxx

Piglet: Tough shit! I can steal gravy bones anytime the cupboard’s open and I’ve got Buster and Uncle John to kiss! You’ve got to do better than that… I’m savvy to some life skillz now!

Dee: Oh bless… they’re all playing together in the field!

Me: Wee darlings

Dee: Little ratbags more likely!

Friday 22nd May: Dee now en route to France

Dee: Oh noes… forgot to take mem stick and PM’s collar and lead to Chris’s. House is still on DH and my friend (over the road) will send the lead in the post. Sorry!! Btw… PM settled in at Chris’s without a backward glance!

And that was more-or-less that Well, back to the write-up…

Friday morning again: TGO write-up, House and Master & Commander :)

Wow, that week went fast! Only this time last week I was eagerly anticipating my trip to the Lakes with Piglet, Alan and Phil. Piglet and I should probably get out and do something interesting tomorrow. I’ll have a little think about it later on this afternoon.

I’ve finally got started on my TGO write-up, and have completed one whole page. Phew! I’m always very pleased to have finished them, but writing them up is a bit of a slog, what with all the resizing of pictures and stuff. I’ve learned from my mistake with the Coast to Coast, though, so I’m not going to post any until I’ve finished it all. Only 16 more pages to go…

I know there’s at least one other House fan out there, and, in line with our recent discussion, this is for you

Has anyone out there read the wonderful Patrick O’Brian books that formed the basis for the film, Master & Commander? If not, y’all should dash out and read them RIGHT NOW because they’re brilliant.

In the meantime, here’s a v. funny precis put together by Swisskun. It’s a bit fuzzy, unfortunately, but well worth sticking with. Particularly for those who’ve read the books and so know what it’s all about

And finally for now, from this morning’s I Can Has Cheezburger?

see more Lolcats and funny pictures

Right. One last music vid and then I’m off to collect the puppy.

Here’s a tune I did manage to listen to during the Challenge. It was playing on my wee thingy as I climbed Munros in unfeasibly blizzardy weather with Caburn on day 2, and I spent quite a long time after that trying, unsuccessfully, to find it again. I found it this morning, though. Here’s a random recording of it, culled from the ever-wonderful YouTube.

xxx PW xxx