Originally, this was to be a blog about my preparations to enter the TGO Challenge in 2012. For a variety of reasons that didn't happen, so this has now become the repository for my outdoor musings.


Thursday 31 March 2011

Acquisition - Part Three



The plan is that Pete, Chris and me will head up to Braemar on the 19th of May to do 3-4 days backpacking in the Cairngorms. This is part of the preperation for our tilt at the TGOC the following year, and will (hopefully) mean that when asked the question "You're not first time Scottish backpackers are you?" on the entry form, we can say with a clear conscience "Why no, we are not". There are also plans for a late September/early October trip too.

Anyway, to that end, I have also been accruing other bits and bobs that will be useful. First up, a Pico Freeloader. I am wondering about the viability of using one device for all my electronic needs on the trip: camera, gps, diary, mp3 player etc. I have an HTC Desire HD which is a fantastic phone, but a little battery hungry. Hopefully, by switching a number of the functions off, and using the Pico I might be able to get it last between charging opportunities. We'll see. It's a neat little unit, about 50 grams, so even if it's not wonderfully effective it won't be too much of a burden.



Next, feet. More accurately, things to go on feet. This topic caused some discussiom when I posted a query on the TGO message board. I have since then ummed and also ahhed, looked at options, read more stuff, mulled and mused. In the end I went with some Inov-8 Terroc 330s, bought from Up and Running in Cheltenham. Having weighed them, and my Scarpa ZG10 boots, the Terrocs give me a weight saving of a kilo for the pair. I'm sure there will still be some last minute decisions being made in May as to which footwear gets the nod, but after a walk from Cheltenham to Elkstone last Friday wearing the Terrocs I have to say I am very impressed by them. I need to fine tune my sock choice, and make sure they are broken in completely before we head off to the Cairngorms, but initial thoughts are positive.


Anyway, that's it for now, although I fear there may be more to come soon...

Acquisition - Part Two (b)

It's here!

I missed the postman yesterday, so I had to nip to the sorting office this morning. I didn't have any idea what I was going to collect, as far as I knew my MLD Trailstar was still a couple of weeks away, and the card left by the postie didn't make mention of any duties or taxes that needed to be paid.

Imagine my delight when the sorting office guy handed over a parcel from the States and didn't ask me for any cash in return. Yep, that's right, no import duty for me! I snicked the envelope open as soon as poss to reveal a yellow stuffsac containing an olive brown Trailstar, a tube of sealant and a bag of tent pegs (5 bombproof ali ones, and 5 v lightweight titanium ones).

Sadly I haven't had an opportunity to set it up yet, I need to sort out the guylines and so forth. Hopefully I'll get a chance tomorrow if things work out, and I'll stick a pic or two up.