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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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Wednesday 20th February 2008
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Winter is nearly over
I recently returned from 4 months travelling around New Zealand. Having spent a couple of months with family I then went walkabout with an old pal who emigrated from Cumbria about 15 years ago. For anyone who has the opportunity I'd recommend going out there. The scenery is like the lakes, but on a much larger scale with big distances between places to stay. They have a Youth Hostelling system which is mainly based on privately owned hostels, but all those we used were welcoming, as were almost all the other travellers we met. I was really pleased to get back home, though. Good though it was I missed the local crack and that great and familiar feeling of looking down over Keswick from the top of Skiddaw.
I was saddened to hear of the people who have lost their lives on the fells over this last winter. Even those who wear and carry the right kit for winter conditions have been caught out by extremes of weather and unusual conditions. The mountains can be dangerous places, but also very exciting and exhilarating. They are there to be enjoyed at all times of the year, and the Lake District fells are really accessible to all.
I have been told that more people than ever before are venturing onto the fells without being fully aware of the risks that they may encounter, and carrying just a mobile phone in case they get into trouble. Then they are surprised to find that mobile coverage within the fells is patchy and often non-existent. The rules are simple. Check the fell forecast before you start, wear the right clothes for the weather conditions and carry extra just in case. Carry emergency food and water. Always take map and compass, and know how to use them. Some now carry one of those GPS systems, but these are no good without having a map as well. They may be able to tell you where you are, but cannot tell you the way to get off a fell.
I have a full week of walks planned with some old pals. Having been away I need to get my hands on some familar rocks!
Old Fella
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