It's my Birthday, It's my Birthday!!!!

Actually it's not mine.

But this blog has been going a year today, I can't believe that I`ve managed to keep it running for a year and that people at still coming by to read this.

In the beginning I didn't bother with visit stats but since October 06 the site has had over 2500 visits.

So happy birthday blog :-)

Something for the weekend

If you have digital TV; you are in for a treat this weekend.

BBC Four are running a series about the Edwardians and are showing the following programmes which maybe be of interest.

The Worst Journey in the World

The little known story of Apsley Cherry-Garrard's epic hunt for penguin eggs during Captain Scott's polar expedition of 1910–1913.

Sunday 29 April 2007 9pm-10pm

Following this is the 1948 film

Scott of the Antarctic

British explorer Captain Robert Falcon Scott and his expedition to attempt to be the first man to discover the South Pole.

Sunday 29 April 10pm-11:45pm

and if that is not enough, there is

Frank Hurley: The Man Who Made History

The life of Australian photographer Frank Hurley who worked on many Antarctic expeditions including Ernest Shackleton's South Pole voyage.

Sunday 29 April 11:45pm-12:45am

The Hurley programme is a repeat, but well worth a second viewing as it has some stunning pictures from Shackleton's ill fated Endurnace Expedition.

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Also included in this series; is probably the first blogger

With the internet enabling anyone to set down their daily thoughts for the whole world to read, the classic 1892 satire The Diary of a Nobody now seems like a startlingly prescient mickey-take of the self-importance of today's bloggers.

Bob's latest podcast is about some of the equipment, he will be taking with him to the Backpackers Club Show and AGM at Bellingham.

There is also an interview with Bill Ballowe the maker of the White Box Stoves.

Download MP3 File

I was interested to see what this stove was like, so had a look around the 'net and found this review of the White Box Stove by Tinny at www.minibulldesign.com.

I`ve used an alcohol Pepsi stove before, my friend Keith (who made my G4) made quite a few of these and used them before going over to a brasslite stove..

The White Box Stove looks to be a much stronger stove than the Pepsi stove and a lot more durable.

I`m not sure how much fuel would be needed for a 10-day trip and whether the weight would work out more than a Pocket Rocket and a 250 canister.

Doctor,Doctor; My foot hurts

I`ve had a terrible last few days. I planned at the weekend to get out a do some more of the London Loop, in an effort to get a bit of fitness for my Dales Way walk in a few weeks. But I woke with a pain in my right foot; along the sole and in the second toe.

I do occasionally get bruised feet but this normally when, I`ve been out backpacking for a long period, all weekend the pain has been there, I`ve been unable to walk properly around the house nevermind 8-10 miles.

I managed to get an appointment with the Doctor tonight and the problem is I have:

ARTHRITIS!!!!!!!!!!

I have no idea how I`ve got this neither has the Doc. He has prescribed some drugs (Diclofenac) which he said should clear the problem up, hopefully in the next couple of weeks.

I do hope he is right as my whole holiday is in the balance.

New Podcasts

Bob has been busy uploading some new podcasts over the last few days.

The first, four are about the OS Outdoors Show, with interviews with Minister of Sport, Richard Caborn MP, Paramo and their new range.
Outdoors Show Part 1

An interesting inteview with Sue Harvey about Harvey's maps and what's new, X-socks, and Shewee.

Outdoors Show Part 2

Outdoor careers – Mountain Leader Training Board; Pete Ellis – walking holiday leader; news from Nikwax; Doune – wildereness and luxury in the Knoydart.

Outdoors Show Part 3

Rab’s new range for 2007; Agrofarm – natural protection against midgies and mosquitos; and catching-up with Kev Reynolds.

Outdoors Show Part 4

The Fifth and final one; at present. Is an interview Andy Howell has done with Ronald Turnbull about his new book; Three Peaks, Ten Tors.

Ronald does seem to have a quirky sense of humour when it comes to hillwalking and long distance walks. Overall this is a really enjoyable interview, so much so; that I have ordered the new book and his 'Book of the bivvy' Book.

The Podzine #10

Ronald Turnbull


Download MP3 File