If this is the first time you are joining the Map Reading series, you should start from the first post. This time we are touching a slightly more complicated and technical subject: true north vs grid north vs magnetic north. The very fact that we have three different Norths is a hint to the problem […]
Winter blues and going outdoors
It’s cold outside, again, or should I say still? It is wet, too, and might freeze with how cold it is, but it will never turn into snow. Winter blues are a real pain. I’ve been craving some outdoors time for a while now, but winter and my daughter’s nursery blessed me with a truly […]
Map Reading – Common Terrain Features In A Topographic Map
If this is the first time you are joining the Map Reading series, you should start from the first post. In the last map reading post, we went over contour lines and their part in representing terrain on the map. To make map reading easier, some terrain features tend to appear more ofter than others […]
Cape Wrath update – parenting adjustment
The plans to go to Scotland and hike the Cape Wrath are going in full speed: time off was booked, gear adjustments are happening slowly (slower than I hoped) and training is ongoing. The big problem is the clash between my training program and the reality I need to deal with: I’m a father to […]
Foot care – Extra pair of socks
If you are active outdoors then you are abusing your feet, no doubt about it. Walking, running, climbing, cycling, skiing and anything else are activities that not only use the feet but rely on them more than anything and they are the easiest to neglect. Personally, I think my feet hate me, really hate me. […]
Map Reading – Contour Lines
If this is the first time you are joining the Map Reading series, you should start from the first post. Last time we covered symbols on a topographic map and I mentioned contour lines as a symbols on the map, but they are much much more than that. Contour lines are the heart of a […]
South Downs Way – not a 100 miles
The previous post was dedicated to showing you the process of creating a good gear list using the right resources. The case study I chose was my upcoming attempt to walk 100 miles of the South Downs Way (SDW) in south east England in one go. So first off – I didn’t make it, not […]
Gear list case study – 100 miles of SDW in one go
I’m planning to walk the whole length of the South Downs Way (100 miles/160km) in one go. No sleep and no big breaks but some food. This has been a planned challenge I gave myself quite a while ago and I think I finally reached the physical ability to pull it off. This is also […]
Map reading – map symbols
If this is the first time you are joining the Map Reading series, you should start from the first post. As I mentioned in the topo map post, every map has symbols: graphic representations of objects and features that exist in the maps’ area. Map symbols are split into 2 main categories – natural and […]
Conditions to consider when creating your gear list
Gear lists are a very fluid thing – they change and adapt for every single outdoor adventure. Even if you went to the same place last year, your fitness might be slightly different, or this year is colder/warmer/wetter. It is vital to keep your pre-adventure checklists adapted to the upcoming trip. Or in other words: […]