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A local 'character' has been persuaded to give us
an occasional observation about life here in the North Lake District.
He is often to be seen wandering around both town and countryside.
If you would like to add further comment to his then feel free,
a section has been opened on the message board just for that! |
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Thursday 29th January 2009
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A lot of rescues in 2008
The Keswick Mountain Rescue Team received 90 callouts last year. Now that is a lot, ranging from walkers lost in the dark in Whinlatter Forest, to helping the fire service tackle a fire on Grizedale Pike, to assisting fallers from Sharp Edge on Blencathra. Unfortunately there were several fatalities in the Lake District last year, probably related to the increasing numbers of people venturing out on the fells. These are mountains and should always be treated with respect.
The excellent TV series on Wainright walks with Julia Bradbury has no doubt had a great effect, showing more people than ever before the great beauty of the Lake District and the exhilarating views that can be seen from the fells. The popularity of walking in this area has been demonstrated by the enormous numbers of people taking part in the Keswick Moutain Festival events.
With increasing numbers of walkers on the Lakeland hills it follows that there are likely to be more accidents. Unfortunately too many of these will be related to failure to take simple precautions, such as checking the fell weather forecast immediately before setting off, ensuring that correct clothing for the conditions is worn and spare clothes carried, that map and compass (or GPRS) are carried and that someone in the party knows how to use them, and that emergeny rations, torch etc are tucked away in a rucksac pocket.
The fells are there to be walked and enjoyed, but not everybody is able or fit enough to climb high. There are so many low level walks, beside lakes, rivers and in valleys. Although a walk is at low level it is still advisable to take precautions to ensure safety. But above all, enjoy.
Old Fella
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Thursday 10th July 2008
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Get out and enjoy!
I must apologise for the delay in updating this page, but as many will know, I damaged my hip during my winter visit to New Zealand and ended up having surgery to fix it - then complications set in as often happens to me. Anyway I am out and about now, and have started to venture further each time I go out. I have read a library full of books these last few weeks, but now I feel the fells beckoning.
The other day I was down in Ambleside for the Mountain Rescue's 75th Anniversary celebration day. It was great fun and the Patterdale MR Team won the It's A Knockout Contest. The weather was not kind, with very heavy rain, but there was still a good turnout. Some of the visitors I spoke to had no idea how many people are involved in the teams, in support and fund raising, all giving their time freely.
I missed the long dry spell in the weather we had, it seems to have been quite serious for lake & river levels. The recent rains have restore the balance, although it must be a disappointment to many visitors who only have a week to spend here to see the rain falling. We residents know that next week it may well be dry, sunny and much to hot for fellwalking.
Keswick Convention is nearly upon us, so I have been doing as many of the things I need to do in town before the hoards appear. I do think they would enjoy their time here more if they all took time out to explore the fells. It does not have to be a 3000 footer - just to the top of Latrigg would be enough to fell the joy of looking down on our beautiful Derwent Water.
Old Fella
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