Left Turn, Martin

Off the Moor and into a Little Chef. More details and photos to follow. No trace left, but plenty of happy memories and thoughts to mull over and action. Job done.

==

The MiniBullDesign Blackfly3 meths stove works well. As ever, a high centre of gravity makes it very important that the base is stable or secured in place.

Gayle was taken by the GSI cup and bowl that I got from Sarah. I like it too. It stores the makings for tea and coffee, and the shape allows it to be wedges into spaces in my pack. I heard from the others that Mick had taken ill in the night, and that Gayle gone to get the car to drive him out (link). John H had headed out for a family commitment, and BPC John headed away early too.

Geoff soon packed up and headed out.

Leaving Martin, Martin, Alan, Darren and myself.

We left no trace of our being there.

We walked along the side of Great Nodden, Coombe Down, Lake Down and past the Sourton Tors before arriving at the West Devon Way.

But the cafe was closed, so we said farewell to Alan and Martin (who were staying out for another night), and we three headed back to Martin's car as he drove the long miles back east.

With an extra 11.6km (7 miles) under our belts that day, and some strange things to see on the way.

Dartmoor

So many similarities, so many differences. Wild ponies. Rocky outcrops on top of hills. Weather as changeable as back home. More info later.

==

Up into a damp day. I was using the OMM mat to save space in my pack, but some dampness formed under it.

Collected water from the river, and breakfasted as the early starts were heading out.

Gayle and Mick headed up the hill, whilst Alan and Martin went along the valley.

Later, we would head up the same valley. Some ponies would come into view just round the corner, and it was strange seeing them in places where I would expect to see sheep.

We reached the base of Black Tor, and Geoff and John parted company with us, after John examined my new TNF Hedgehog trail shoes, and then promptly dirtied them. This gave Darren a snap for his new caption competition.

We followed clear animal tracks up to the Tor. Swinging around the grazing ponies, it seemed strange that they did not start moving away from us. I'm not familiar with the behaviour of these fine-looking animals, so wondered if they were merely tame and used to humans.

Maybe they were, but it might be down to these two young 'uns hiding in the bracken, a short distance from the ponies.

After this, Martin blazed a trail up the shoulder of the Tor and we found shelter in the rocks to discuss the rest of the day's trek. I can't find some destinations on the map, and Martin points out that there is a different Black Tor near a different reservoir. With the right map section opened everything makes sense, and we head off towards Kitty Tor.

Darren and Martin head off Black Tor

We're heading to the ford and near where the sun is shining on the right side of the valley.

With the clouds coming in, we head off the hill and through a bracken-covered boulderfield. Trekking poles are useful to prod ahead and find out if there is any footing in front, or just a gap.

We get back down to the valley floor, and head to the Sandy Ford where we can cross the river. I use the lunchbreak in the rocks to dry my feet and socks after the river ran over the top of the shoes.

After examining the hi-tech military installation and weather reports at Kitty Tor, it is tracks almost all the way.

As we near the end of the day's walk, Darren goes crazy and takes an interest in the local produce.

Arriving at Nodden Gate, he goes off to find the pitch. As Martin and myself arrive, we see Mick, Gayle, Alan and Martin arriving from another direction. A comical race develops, refereed by Darren, who had started pitching his tarptent before coming back for us.

BPC John arrives, and lastly John and Geoff join us. Afterwards, FB and DW from OutdoorsMagic pop by.

A pleasant relaxing evening is enjoyed in the Fox & Hounds, and back at the pitch.

Taking the 'easy' route, we had only trekked 12km (7 1/2 miles).

Where do you want your henge?

Going west now.

==

After about 9 hours of travelling, I meet Darren at Farnborough train station. We haul Dawn's gift bag across town as aircraft practice for the weekend airshow overhead. What I thought was an F-22 was later identified by Martin as an F-18.

Shortly after I get changed, Darren's mate, Martin arrives and we head across country to Dartmoor. We arrive at 8 o'clock, and start heading along the length of Meldon Reservoir (maplink).

A shower starts, making me feel at home. It doesn't have the same effect on Darren.

A 2km trek along the reservoir finds us at Vellake Corner, where the others had already arrived.

We pitch our tents and tarp-tents and put on a brew in the dreich weather. I use the Blackfly3 meths stove. It works well. My snufr1.0 fails, as the heat is too much. I quickly invent snufr2.0 and the burning wicks are extinguished. Job done. Sleep.

Google Surprises Again

Just looking at feasibility of getting down to Backpackers Club AGM and Lightweight equipment and tent show (link) later this month in Derbyshire. When I saw that the train would come in at Matlock, I asked Google for directions to Ashford-in-the-water. It gave me the option to "take public transport". link Wow.

At £100 - £176 for a single train ticket, I think my original answer stands. Sorry, but too far to go this time.

Bennachie 290607

First time up Bennachie in at least 4 weeks and who do i meet? Some folk from the OM forum. Mike looked on bemused at the cant we spoke. Tried some shots with new camera, see how they turned out.

Lakes - Sunday am

And then he said, "How sweet it were
A fisher or a hunter there,
A gardener in the shade,
Still wandering with an easy mind
To build a household fire and find
A home in every glade.

What days and what sweet years! Ah me
Our life were life indeed, with thee
So pass'd in quiet bliss,
And all the while" said he "to know
That we were in a world of woe,
On such an earth as this!"

Text source: William Wordsworth "Ruth"