Tuesday, November 18
Dawn, deer & damn the camera
The call came late last week. A chance to steal away from the daily work routines and meet up with fellow UK Outdoor Blogger Dawn Meeting up was uneventful so off to catch up with the usual gossip over a post journey coffee. Outspread map and our muddy boots, brought some glances from the patrons of the up-market establishment, as we sat happily looking at Dawn's options for her trip, based on my local knowledge.
Away then to a quieter part of the New Forest, to walked together up to a distant ridge before I turned back. Even in that brief a time two encounters with deer, one almost from beneath our feet as a fawn sprang clear, suddenly unfrozen for its hiding place deep amongst the dying bracken. The second - a full herd with four antlered stags standing guard.
Later as I returned another herd appeared on the horizon, silhouetted against a sun low in the sky. The pesky mobile telephone camera absolutely incapable of capturing the particular uniqueness of the moment.
(And the same it seems for photo editing package - you'll have to click on the picture below to see what I mean)
A good day, pleasant company; And a reminder to saviour the simple things that truly count.Labels: nature, New Forest, UK Outdoors Blogger
Saturday, November 15
Saturday morning - New Forest Dogging
On a whim today I decided to visit one of my regular circuits deep amongst woodland, south of Wilverley Plain. Luckily a track well known to me, as a mixture of sudden leaf drop & a period of wet and damp conditions, has altered the terrain sufficiently to obscure some of the side-tracks, leading from the main shale surfaced tourist paths - ones tend to keep well clear of wherever possible.
On the entry gate into the enclosure I'd spotted a new information sign advising of one of those New Forest events that appear out of the blue, and are always accompanied by a Caution & Care notice for regular NF users. And any concerned insurer, no doubt.
So no surprise then, on coning to cross one of the shale tracks, to find a couple of competitors busily working their dog teams in the ABSA Sleddog Championship 2008/09.
Unlike previous events I've met this time the teams were using only one dog per sled/musher. But, as usual, the dogs seem to be enjoying themselves tremendously, as the mushers did most of the sled pushing on a nearby uphill section.
If you've not encountered this sport before the sleds are lightweight frames mounted on large bicycle wheels. A sturdy build to take the knocks of travelling at speed over the hard & uneven forest tracks.
Later I moved from the dank woodland into the weak daylight of Wilverley Plain, and recalled my last visit here. That was back in October to cover the Forest Uprising Group's protests against the New Forest National Park's proposals.
Then it hit me.
On one hand the NFPA, talking up the tightening of dog access in the New Forest. The same authority today permitting a competitive dog centred event. One that results in some limitation of access in a popular area for the whole weekend (Not that I've any problem with the event or its organisers BTW)
A timely reminder that FUG presented their formal response on the NFPA's consultation draft yesterday, on the last day for submissions.
With around 9,000 responses to work through the NFPA is going to be rather busy trying to settle down the hornet's nest they've raised, ready for the formal submission to the full National Park Authority in summer 2009.
With further workgroups and public meetings in the pipeline expect sparks to continue to fly for some time yet.
Me, I went back to the sled race. It seemed to me that the dogs were getting the better of the deal today. And long may it stay so into the future.Labels: New Forest, walks
Tuesday, November 11
Numbering the days or Counting the cost
50
My age next year.
For those of you that have had the dubious distinction of meeting me in the flesh that's probably a hard fact to swallow. But a true one nevertheless. This lithe body, is a temple, testament to years of loose living & looser women (I remain ever hopeful - lol) Amazingly still unfettered by any short term leasing arrangement with certain Dark Forces.
Nope - its all my own work, as it were. For luckily I've inherited a simple healthiness with a level of natural fitness that becomes the envy of those tubby-tum middle-aged men I see amongst my age group these days.
360
The number of places available on the 2009 TGO Challenge, 60 up on the usual 300 limit, in recognition of the 30th anniversary of this event.
509
The number of applications received for 2009. With wider publicity of recent years the TGO continues to go from strength to strength as an internationally famous event, despite the physical and mental rigours required of those taking part, and the self reliant nature of the challenge.
149
The number of those initially listed on the short list.
40
Those on the short list who may be lucky enough, so I'm informed by those with experience of past events, to move over to the entrant list as some of the 2009 Challengers find themselves having to withdraw ahead of the event.
90
My short list number.
Well that's me buggered then.
I thought something suitably emphatic was called for in 2009. A symbolic achievement on passing my half century mark. An age that many years ago I wouldn't have seriously expected to reach, such was my lifestyle and its associated high risk activities (Lots of fun along the way though)
So that leaves me with a quandary. What else to do with the 2 week break from work that is already booked?
Too short a time to wildcamp the SW Coastal Footpath, one of my long term ambitions. All too easily 'squandered' on challenging, but potentially unmemorable, wildcamping weeks of my own design. Definitely too disinterested in the usual fall backs such as Coast to Coast, Pennine Way, Offa Dyke etc. All undoubtedly superb end to end journeys in themselves, but not that ....... well ..........different ....... to be honest.
Hmm. I guess that's what I'm looking for. A trip that delivers the chance for my steady movement across this land of ours. A point to point challenge with a recognisable aim, even to a non walker, but with that special something that I can look back at in the years ahead, and grin at having done it.
Any ideas folks?
All comments count. Naturally.Labels: TGO Challenge, walks
Sunday, November 9
Changes
As I write this glancing down into the garden, the leaves are relinquishing their increasingly tenuous hold high amongst the old oak tree. It should be a gentle slip-sliding to the ground, to drift gracefully atop a carpet of golden brown. Instead the scene more closely resembles an artillery barrage of wind and rain driven missiles plummeting earthwards, such that each morning our cars, parked beneath the tree, are coming to resemble some hallucinogenic stoked perversion of a pimp-my-ride TV collaboration.
I used to love Autumnal days. Mysterious wispy tendrils of fog & mist with that heightened awareness of smell that seemed to hang in the chilling evening air, especially around this time of year - bonfire night.
But since my move to the south coast, so many years ago, Spring, that season of lengthening days and its air of renewal and hope has replaced Autumn in my affections. And much like a born again non-smoker, my spirit is now slightly vengeful towards these laggard and shortening days late in the year. Even more so this year after a brief respite on a sun kissed shore where the word frost is not in the local language, and the sun's warmth predictable and assumed on a daily basis.
During the past few years my plans and promises dwindle, reflective of an inward withdrawal. And with it the quantity of published material falls away for a time, a trait I've recognised amongst others of my ilk this year.
For me these dog days are a chore. Something to be endured until the Winter solstice marks the return of warming days and light filled evenings.
I'm not someone who greets the appearance of snow and ice conditions with glee. My own winter walking plans are somewhat limited, despite the bonus of a more inclement southern climate. I wildcamp & backpack for enjoyment rather than as a challenge of endurance or discomfort. Others I know feel the opposite.
We each do what we feel is necessary to get us through these darkening days. And I know that for a few of you reading these words these days may be feeling much darker than in past years.
Each year the solstice brings with it a feeling of renewing freshness and that promise of new growth and refreshed vigour. A new start.
So here's to the Spring. And whatever the dark and difficult periods - things will get better as time passes. As it always does. Labels: blog media, nature
Wednesday, November 5
Its gone a bit quiet recently
Without wishing to come across as over mysterious, various anticipated live events have finally been coming to a head recently. Nothing too scary in themselves, and happily largely unrelated to family/friends & those things that really count in living a normal existence.
What, JH normal?
(Blimey - things must be worse than I thought if these fingers unconsciously tapped out that array of characters as a description of the meandering multi faceted path that explains my particular version of The Game of Life)
But let's back to the plot.
Currently most of my spare energy and waking hours, is being diverted by the effects of these events. So whilst I continue to keep a weather eye on matters outdoor, the process of writing a few words here, on a regular basis, has been feeling the pinch. And as I said back at the start of the year, I won't be blogging mundane stuff, or my definition of it at least, just for the sake of making a post.
So some current projects, such as the Furtech sleeping bag report, continue to take a back seat for the present.
Normal service, you are assured, will be resumed, as things start to lighten up.Labels: blog media
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
Away then to a quieter part of the New Forest, to walked together up to a distant ridge before I turned back. Even in that brief a time two encounters with deer, one almost from beneath our feet as a fawn sprang clear, suddenly unfrozen for its hiding place deep amongst the dying bracken. The second - a full herd with four antlered stags standing guard.
Later as I returned another herd appeared on the horizon, silhouetted against a sun low in the sky. The pesky mobile telephone camera absolutely incapable of capturing the particular uniqueness of the moment.
(And the same it seems for photo editing package - you'll have to click on the picture below to see what I mean)
A good day, pleasant company; And a reminder to saviour the simple things that truly count.
Labels: nature, New Forest, UK Outdoors Blogger
Saturday morning - New Forest Dogging
On a whim today I decided to visit one of my regular circuits deep amongst woodland, south of Wilverley Plain. Luckily a track well known to me, as a mixture of sudden leaf drop & a period of wet and damp conditions, has altered the terrain sufficiently to obscure some of the side-tracks, leading from the main shale surfaced tourist paths - ones tend to keep well clear of wherever possible.
On the entry gate into the enclosure I'd spotted a new information sign advising of one of those New Forest events that appear out of the blue, and are always accompanied by a Caution & Care notice for regular NF users. And any concerned insurer, no doubt.
So no surprise then, on coning to cross one of the shale tracks, to find a couple of competitors busily working their dog teams in the ABSA Sleddog Championship 2008/09.
Unlike previous events I've met this time the teams were using only one dog per sled/musher. But, as usual, the dogs seem to be enjoying themselves tremendously, as the mushers did most of the sled pushing on a nearby uphill section.
If you've not encountered this sport before the sleds are lightweight frames mounted on large bicycle wheels. A sturdy build to take the knocks of travelling at speed over the hard & uneven forest tracks.
Later I moved from the dank woodland into the weak daylight of Wilverley Plain, and recalled my last visit here. That was back in October to cover the Forest Uprising Group's protests against the New Forest National Park's proposals.
Then it hit me.
On one hand the NFPA, talking up the tightening of dog access in the New Forest. The same authority today permitting a competitive dog centred event. One that results in some limitation of access in a popular area for the whole weekend (Not that I've any problem with the event or its organisers BTW)
A timely reminder that FUG presented their formal response on the NFPA's consultation draft yesterday, on the last day for submissions.
With around 9,000 responses to work through the NFPA is going to be rather busy trying to settle down the hornet's nest they've raised, ready for the formal submission to the full National Park Authority in summer 2009.
With further workgroups and public meetings in the pipeline expect sparks to continue to fly for some time yet.
Me, I went back to the sled race. It seemed to me that the dogs were getting the better of the deal today. And long may it stay so into the future.Labels: New Forest, walks
Tuesday, November 11
Numbering the days or Counting the cost
50
My age next year.
For those of you that have had the dubious distinction of meeting me in the flesh that's probably a hard fact to swallow. But a true one nevertheless. This lithe body, is a temple, testament to years of loose living & looser women (I remain ever hopeful - lol) Amazingly still unfettered by any short term leasing arrangement with certain Dark Forces.
Nope - its all my own work, as it were. For luckily I've inherited a simple healthiness with a level of natural fitness that becomes the envy of those tubby-tum middle-aged men I see amongst my age group these days.
360
The number of places available on the 2009 TGO Challenge, 60 up on the usual 300 limit, in recognition of the 30th anniversary of this event.
509
The number of applications received for 2009. With wider publicity of recent years the TGO continues to go from strength to strength as an internationally famous event, despite the physical and mental rigours required of those taking part, and the self reliant nature of the challenge.
149
The number of those initially listed on the short list.
40
Those on the short list who may be lucky enough, so I'm informed by those with experience of past events, to move over to the entrant list as some of the 2009 Challengers find themselves having to withdraw ahead of the event.
90
My short list number.
Well that's me buggered then.
I thought something suitably emphatic was called for in 2009. A symbolic achievement on passing my half century mark. An age that many years ago I wouldn't have seriously expected to reach, such was my lifestyle and its associated high risk activities (Lots of fun along the way though)
So that leaves me with a quandary. What else to do with the 2 week break from work that is already booked?
Too short a time to wildcamp the SW Coastal Footpath, one of my long term ambitions. All too easily 'squandered' on challenging, but potentially unmemorable, wildcamping weeks of my own design. Definitely too disinterested in the usual fall backs such as Coast to Coast, Pennine Way, Offa Dyke etc. All undoubtedly superb end to end journeys in themselves, but not that ....... well ..........different ....... to be honest.
Hmm. I guess that's what I'm looking for. A trip that delivers the chance for my steady movement across this land of ours. A point to point challenge with a recognisable aim, even to a non walker, but with that special something that I can look back at in the years ahead, and grin at having done it.
Any ideas folks?
All comments count. Naturally.Labels: TGO Challenge, walks
Sunday, November 9
Changes
As I write this glancing down into the garden, the leaves are relinquishing their increasingly tenuous hold high amongst the old oak tree. It should be a gentle slip-sliding to the ground, to drift gracefully atop a carpet of golden brown. Instead the scene more closely resembles an artillery barrage of wind and rain driven missiles plummeting earthwards, such that each morning our cars, parked beneath the tree, are coming to resemble some hallucinogenic stoked perversion of a pimp-my-ride TV collaboration.
I used to love Autumnal days. Mysterious wispy tendrils of fog & mist with that heightened awareness of smell that seemed to hang in the chilling evening air, especially around this time of year - bonfire night.
But since my move to the south coast, so many years ago, Spring, that season of lengthening days and its air of renewal and hope has replaced Autumn in my affections. And much like a born again non-smoker, my spirit is now slightly vengeful towards these laggard and shortening days late in the year. Even more so this year after a brief respite on a sun kissed shore where the word frost is not in the local language, and the sun's warmth predictable and assumed on a daily basis.
During the past few years my plans and promises dwindle, reflective of an inward withdrawal. And with it the quantity of published material falls away for a time, a trait I've recognised amongst others of my ilk this year.
For me these dog days are a chore. Something to be endured until the Winter solstice marks the return of warming days and light filled evenings.
I'm not someone who greets the appearance of snow and ice conditions with glee. My own winter walking plans are somewhat limited, despite the bonus of a more inclement southern climate. I wildcamp & backpack for enjoyment rather than as a challenge of endurance or discomfort. Others I know feel the opposite.
We each do what we feel is necessary to get us through these darkening days. And I know that for a few of you reading these words these days may be feeling much darker than in past years.
Each year the solstice brings with it a feeling of renewing freshness and that promise of new growth and refreshed vigour. A new start.
So here's to the Spring. And whatever the dark and difficult periods - things will get better as time passes. As it always does. Labels: blog media, nature
Wednesday, November 5
Its gone a bit quiet recently
Without wishing to come across as over mysterious, various anticipated live events have finally been coming to a head recently. Nothing too scary in themselves, and happily largely unrelated to family/friends & those things that really count in living a normal existence.
What, JH normal?
(Blimey - things must be worse than I thought if these fingers unconsciously tapped out that array of characters as a description of the meandering multi faceted path that explains my particular version of The Game of Life)
But let's back to the plot.
Currently most of my spare energy and waking hours, is being diverted by the effects of these events. So whilst I continue to keep a weather eye on matters outdoor, the process of writing a few words here, on a regular basis, has been feeling the pinch. And as I said back at the start of the year, I won't be blogging mundane stuff, or my definition of it at least, just for the sake of making a post.
So some current projects, such as the Furtech sleeping bag report, continue to take a back seat for the present.
Normal service, you are assured, will be resumed, as things start to lighten up.Labels: blog media
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
On the entry gate into the enclosure I'd spotted a new information sign advising of one of those New Forest events that appear out of the blue, and are always accompanied by a Caution & Care notice for regular NF users. And any concerned insurer, no doubt.
So no surprise then, on coning to cross one of the shale tracks, to find a couple of competitors busily working their dog teams in the ABSA Sleddog Championship 2008/09.
Unlike previous events I've met this time the teams were using only one dog per sled/musher. But, as usual, the dogs seem to be enjoying themselves tremendously, as the mushers did most of the sled pushing on a nearby uphill section.
If you've not encountered this sport before the sleds are lightweight frames mounted on large bicycle wheels. A sturdy build to take the knocks of travelling at speed over the hard & uneven forest tracks.
Later I moved from the dank woodland into the weak daylight of Wilverley Plain, and recalled my last visit here. That was back in October to cover the Forest Uprising Group's protests against the New Forest National Park's proposals.
Then it hit me.
On one hand the NFPA, talking up the tightening of dog access in the New Forest. The same authority today permitting a competitive dog centred event. One that results in some limitation of access in a popular area for the whole weekend (Not that I've any problem with the event or its organisers BTW)
A timely reminder that FUG presented their formal response on the NFPA's consultation draft yesterday, on the last day for submissions.
With around 9,000 responses to work through the NFPA is going to be rather busy trying to settle down the hornet's nest they've raised, ready for the formal submission to the full National Park Authority in summer 2009.
With further workgroups and public meetings in the pipeline expect sparks to continue to fly for some time yet.
Me, I went back to the sled race. It seemed to me that the dogs were getting the better of the deal today. And long may it stay so into the future.
Labels: New Forest, walks
Numbering the days or Counting the cost
50
My age next year.
For those of you that have had the dubious distinction of meeting me in the flesh that's probably a hard fact to swallow. But a true one nevertheless. This lithe body, is a temple, testament to years of loose living & looser women (I remain ever hopeful - lol) Amazingly still unfettered by any short term leasing arrangement with certain Dark Forces.
Nope - its all my own work, as it were. For luckily I've inherited a simple healthiness with a level of natural fitness that becomes the envy of those tubby-tum middle-aged men I see amongst my age group these days.
360
The number of places available on the 2009 TGO Challenge, 60 up on the usual 300 limit, in recognition of the 30th anniversary of this event.
509
The number of applications received for 2009. With wider publicity of recent years the TGO continues to go from strength to strength as an internationally famous event, despite the physical and mental rigours required of those taking part, and the self reliant nature of the challenge.
149
The number of those initially listed on the short list.
40
Those on the short list who may be lucky enough, so I'm informed by those with experience of past events, to move over to the entrant list as some of the 2009 Challengers find themselves having to withdraw ahead of the event.
90
My short list number.
Well that's me buggered then.
I thought something suitably emphatic was called for in 2009. A symbolic achievement on passing my half century mark. An age that many years ago I wouldn't have seriously expected to reach, such was my lifestyle and its associated high risk activities (Lots of fun along the way though)
So that leaves me with a quandary. What else to do with the 2 week break from work that is already booked?
Too short a time to wildcamp the SW Coastal Footpath, one of my long term ambitions. All too easily 'squandered' on challenging, but potentially unmemorable, wildcamping weeks of my own design. Definitely too disinterested in the usual fall backs such as Coast to Coast, Pennine Way, Offa Dyke etc. All undoubtedly superb end to end journeys in themselves, but not that ....... well ..........different ....... to be honest.
Hmm. I guess that's what I'm looking for. A trip that delivers the chance for my steady movement across this land of ours. A point to point challenge with a recognisable aim, even to a non walker, but with that special something that I can look back at in the years ahead, and grin at having done it.
Any ideas folks?
All comments count. Naturally.Labels: TGO Challenge, walks
Sunday, November 9
Changes
As I write this glancing down into the garden, the leaves are relinquishing their increasingly tenuous hold high amongst the old oak tree. It should be a gentle slip-sliding to the ground, to drift gracefully atop a carpet of golden brown. Instead the scene more closely resembles an artillery barrage of wind and rain driven missiles plummeting earthwards, such that each morning our cars, parked beneath the tree, are coming to resemble some hallucinogenic stoked perversion of a pimp-my-ride TV collaboration.
I used to love Autumnal days. Mysterious wispy tendrils of fog & mist with that heightened awareness of smell that seemed to hang in the chilling evening air, especially around this time of year - bonfire night.
But since my move to the south coast, so many years ago, Spring, that season of lengthening days and its air of renewal and hope has replaced Autumn in my affections. And much like a born again non-smoker, my spirit is now slightly vengeful towards these laggard and shortening days late in the year. Even more so this year after a brief respite on a sun kissed shore where the word frost is not in the local language, and the sun's warmth predictable and assumed on a daily basis.
During the past few years my plans and promises dwindle, reflective of an inward withdrawal. And with it the quantity of published material falls away for a time, a trait I've recognised amongst others of my ilk this year.
For me these dog days are a chore. Something to be endured until the Winter solstice marks the return of warming days and light filled evenings.
I'm not someone who greets the appearance of snow and ice conditions with glee. My own winter walking plans are somewhat limited, despite the bonus of a more inclement southern climate. I wildcamp & backpack for enjoyment rather than as a challenge of endurance or discomfort. Others I know feel the opposite.
We each do what we feel is necessary to get us through these darkening days. And I know that for a few of you reading these words these days may be feeling much darker than in past years.
Each year the solstice brings with it a feeling of renewing freshness and that promise of new growth and refreshed vigour. A new start.
So here's to the Spring. And whatever the dark and difficult periods - things will get better as time passes. As it always does. Labels: blog media, nature
Wednesday, November 5
Its gone a bit quiet recently
Without wishing to come across as over mysterious, various anticipated live events have finally been coming to a head recently. Nothing too scary in themselves, and happily largely unrelated to family/friends & those things that really count in living a normal existence.
What, JH normal?
(Blimey - things must be worse than I thought if these fingers unconsciously tapped out that array of characters as a description of the meandering multi faceted path that explains my particular version of The Game of Life)
But let's back to the plot.
Currently most of my spare energy and waking hours, is being diverted by the effects of these events. So whilst I continue to keep a weather eye on matters outdoor, the process of writing a few words here, on a regular basis, has been feeling the pinch. And as I said back at the start of the year, I won't be blogging mundane stuff, or my definition of it at least, just for the sake of making a post.
So some current projects, such as the Furtech sleeping bag report, continue to take a back seat for the present.
Normal service, you are assured, will be resumed, as things start to lighten up.Labels: blog media
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
My age next year.
For those of you that have had the dubious distinction of meeting me in the flesh that's probably a hard fact to swallow. But a true one nevertheless. This lithe body, is a temple, testament to years of loose living & looser women (I remain ever hopeful - lol) Amazingly still unfettered by any short term leasing arrangement with certain Dark Forces.
Nope - its all my own work, as it were. For luckily I've inherited a simple healthiness with a level of natural fitness that becomes the envy of those tubby-tum middle-aged men I see amongst my age group these days.
360
The number of places available on the 2009 TGO Challenge, 60 up on the usual 300 limit, in recognition of the 30th anniversary of this event.
509
The number of applications received for 2009. With wider publicity of recent years the TGO continues to go from strength to strength as an internationally famous event, despite the physical and mental rigours required of those taking part, and the self reliant nature of the challenge.
149
The number of those initially listed on the short list.
40
Those on the short list who may be lucky enough, so I'm informed by those with experience of past events, to move over to the entrant list as some of the 2009 Challengers find themselves having to withdraw ahead of the event.
90
My short list number.
Well that's me buggered then.
I thought something suitably emphatic was called for in 2009. A symbolic achievement on passing my half century mark. An age that many years ago I wouldn't have seriously expected to reach, such was my lifestyle and its associated high risk activities (Lots of fun along the way though)
So that leaves me with a quandary. What else to do with the 2 week break from work that is already booked?
Too short a time to wildcamp the SW Coastal Footpath, one of my long term ambitions. All too easily 'squandered' on challenging, but potentially unmemorable, wildcamping weeks of my own design. Definitely too disinterested in the usual fall backs such as Coast to Coast, Pennine Way, Offa Dyke etc. All undoubtedly superb end to end journeys in themselves, but not that ....... well ..........different ....... to be honest.
Hmm. I guess that's what I'm looking for. A trip that delivers the chance for my steady movement across this land of ours. A point to point challenge with a recognisable aim, even to a non walker, but with that special something that I can look back at in the years ahead, and grin at having done it.
Any ideas folks?
All comments count. Naturally.
Labels: TGO Challenge, walks
Changes
As I write this glancing down into the garden, the leaves are relinquishing their increasingly tenuous hold high amongst the old oak tree. It should be a gentle slip-sliding to the ground, to drift gracefully atop a carpet of golden brown. Instead the scene more closely resembles an artillery barrage of wind and rain driven missiles plummeting earthwards, such that each morning our cars, parked beneath the tree, are coming to resemble some hallucinogenic stoked perversion of a pimp-my-ride TV collaboration.
I used to love Autumnal days. Mysterious wispy tendrils of fog & mist with that heightened awareness of smell that seemed to hang in the chilling evening air, especially around this time of year - bonfire night.
But since my move to the south coast, so many years ago, Spring, that season of lengthening days and its air of renewal and hope has replaced Autumn in my affections. And much like a born again non-smoker, my spirit is now slightly vengeful towards these laggard and shortening days late in the year. Even more so this year after a brief respite on a sun kissed shore where the word frost is not in the local language, and the sun's warmth predictable and assumed on a daily basis.
During the past few years my plans and promises dwindle, reflective of an inward withdrawal. And with it the quantity of published material falls away for a time, a trait I've recognised amongst others of my ilk this year.
For me these dog days are a chore. Something to be endured until the Winter solstice marks the return of warming days and light filled evenings.
I'm not someone who greets the appearance of snow and ice conditions with glee. My own winter walking plans are somewhat limited, despite the bonus of a more inclement southern climate. I wildcamp & backpack for enjoyment rather than as a challenge of endurance or discomfort. Others I know feel the opposite.
We each do what we feel is necessary to get us through these darkening days. And I know that for a few of you reading these words these days may be feeling much darker than in past years.
Each year the solstice brings with it a feeling of renewing freshness and that promise of new growth and refreshed vigour. A new start.
So here's to the Spring. And whatever the dark and difficult periods - things will get better as time passes. As it always does. Labels: blog media, nature
Wednesday, November 5
Its gone a bit quiet recently
Without wishing to come across as over mysterious, various anticipated live events have finally been coming to a head recently. Nothing too scary in themselves, and happily largely unrelated to family/friends & those things that really count in living a normal existence.
What, JH normal?
(Blimey - things must be worse than I thought if these fingers unconsciously tapped out that array of characters as a description of the meandering multi faceted path that explains my particular version of The Game of Life)
But let's back to the plot.
Currently most of my spare energy and waking hours, is being diverted by the effects of these events. So whilst I continue to keep a weather eye on matters outdoor, the process of writing a few words here, on a regular basis, has been feeling the pinch. And as I said back at the start of the year, I won't be blogging mundane stuff, or my definition of it at least, just for the sake of making a post.
So some current projects, such as the Furtech sleeping bag report, continue to take a back seat for the present.
Normal service, you are assured, will be resumed, as things start to lighten up.Labels: blog media
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
I used to love Autumnal days. Mysterious wispy tendrils of fog & mist with that heightened awareness of smell that seemed to hang in the chilling evening air, especially around this time of year - bonfire night.
But since my move to the south coast, so many years ago, Spring, that season of lengthening days and its air of renewal and hope has replaced Autumn in my affections. And much like a born again non-smoker, my spirit is now slightly vengeful towards these laggard and shortening days late in the year. Even more so this year after a brief respite on a sun kissed shore where the word frost is not in the local language, and the sun's warmth predictable and assumed on a daily basis.
During the past few years my plans and promises dwindle, reflective of an inward withdrawal. And with it the quantity of published material falls away for a time, a trait I've recognised amongst others of my ilk this year.
For me these dog days are a chore. Something to be endured until the Winter solstice marks the return of warming days and light filled evenings.
I'm not someone who greets the appearance of snow and ice conditions with glee. My own winter walking plans are somewhat limited, despite the bonus of a more inclement southern climate. I wildcamp & backpack for enjoyment rather than as a challenge of endurance or discomfort. Others I know feel the opposite.
We each do what we feel is necessary to get us through these darkening days. And I know that for a few of you reading these words these days may be feeling much darker than in past years.
Each year the solstice brings with it a feeling of renewing freshness and that promise of new growth and refreshed vigour. A new start.
So here's to the Spring. And whatever the dark and difficult periods - things will get better as time passes. As it always does.
Labels: blog media, nature
Its gone a bit quiet recently
Without wishing to come across as over mysterious, various anticipated live events have finally been coming to a head recently. Nothing too scary in themselves, and happily largely unrelated to family/friends & those things that really count in living a normal existence.
What, JH normal?
(Blimey - things must be worse than I thought if these fingers unconsciously tapped out that array of characters as a description of the meandering multi faceted path that explains my particular version of The Game of Life)
But let's back to the plot.
Currently most of my spare energy and waking hours, is being diverted by the effects of these events. So whilst I continue to keep a weather eye on matters outdoor, the process of writing a few words here, on a regular basis, has been feeling the pinch. And as I said back at the start of the year, I won't be blogging mundane stuff, or my definition of it at least, just for the sake of making a post.
So some current projects, such as the Furtech sleeping bag report, continue to take a back seat for the present.
Normal service, you are assured, will be resumed, as things start to lighten up.Labels: blog media
What, JH normal?
(Blimey - things must be worse than I thought if these fingers unconsciously tapped out that array of characters as a description of the meandering multi faceted path that explains my particular version of The Game of Life)
But let's back to the plot.
Currently most of my spare energy and waking hours, is being diverted by the effects of these events. So whilst I continue to keep a weather eye on matters outdoor, the process of writing a few words here, on a regular basis, has been feeling the pinch. And as I said back at the start of the year, I won't be blogging mundane stuff, or my definition of it at least, just for the sake of making a post.
So some current projects, such as the Furtech sleeping bag report, continue to take a back seat for the present.
Normal service, you are assured, will be resumed, as things start to lighten up.
Labels: blog media
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