Companies that have helped me on my journey
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Foolproof Fire Starter
A cotton ball impregnated with petroleum jelly (Vaseline) makes an outstanding Safe, Lightweight Fire Lighter; practical addition in your Survival Kit Ingredients Cotton Wool Balls Tub of petroleum jelly Ziplock bag / Grip seal bag How to make a ‘Cotton Ball’ Fire Lighter Open your ziplock bag Spoon in your petroleum jelly Add some cotton balls Zip and seal bag Gently squish and kneading the jelly into the cotton balls Don’t saturate the balls, you need dry cotton fibres Petroleum jelly in its normal solid state is ‘Not’ flammable but Cotton fibres are. The combination works on the same principle as a candle –you ignite the dry fibres of the…
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Etiquette on the Trail
My, not so secret tips on Tent Etiquette Keep the inside your tent clean and tidy, OCD works! Take your shoes/boots off before you get in the tent Change your socks daily Respecting personal space and quiet times Establish a routine to share tent tasks Personal hygiene; breathe, pits and private bits!!! Weakest bladder nearest the door/flap My, not so secret tips on the Trail Etiquette Leave No trace, only footprints Be prepared to share Make an effort to be friendly and talk to everybody Dispose of all trash properly If nature calls – leave the trail & bury Paper, grass or leaves for hygiene What to bring when hiking…
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FOOD… is Fuel
An average person can survive up to 3 Weeks without Food Our body and brain require a steady supply of food and nutrients: without the body’s many systems will begin to deteriorate. The effects may include you feeling tired, weak, cognitive changes and ultimately organ failure. When on an Adventure – I recommend freeze dried meals for your health, enjoyment and survival. I have eaten freeze dried meals on many adventures and climates; including trekking to the North Pole , climbing Mountains and rowing the Atlantic; they are quick and easy to prepare, high in energy, carbohydrates, protein and other essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals. Firepot has a delicious selection of dehydrated meals: meat,…
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Survival…Finding your way
Adventure start here …. Always carry a Compass and Map as backup It is essential to know how to use a compass, it is a skill that everyone who enjoys the outdoors; trekkers, orienteers, kayakers and sailors will find indispensable. A map and a compass are still my basics for navigating and locating my position with confidence and ultimately surviving the wilderness. My favourite is the navigation Suunto MC-2 G Mirror Compass, and a great sighting compass for global mountaineers; insensitive to water pressure, handy for sailor and adventurous kayakers. It is accurate, durable and able to handle the difficult conditions encountered in our changing world….
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Acclimatising in the Mountains My ‘not so’ secret Tips to help…
Training helps to increase your VO2 max (maximal oxygen consumption) Climb at a pace that’s comfortable for you. (poli, poli / slowly, slowly..) it’s a marathon not a race Climb high, 300-400 meters a day and descend to a lower altitude to sleep. Never ascend to sleep at a higher elevation when experiencing symptoms of altitude illness. Difficulty sleeping, feeling short of breath? Propping yourself up will help with your breathing. Get enough sleep and take opportunities to rest whenever you can Stay well hydrated, drink lots of water 4-5 litres per day Take regular sips of water during your climb. Carb-loading – Cut back on foods high in fat.…
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“If you get lost”
My, not so secret, simple but basic advice Your 3 immediate Priorities for survival are Shelter, Water and Fire. Tips on Shade Shelter …. Protection from Heat • Dig or rake the surface too uncovered cooler ground and build a lean-to shelter of sticks and branches over it• Since, the purpose of this shelter is to create shade use any available fabric or natural foliage to cover the sunny side.• Chill out in the cool soil beneath the shade. Tips on an Insulated Shelter that can help protect you from the cold, the wet and Hypothermia. If you’re on your own, your body heat will be the main source of warmth, so build your shelter…
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Why do I put up with discomfort – or good pain!
If I stopped, playing a sport or working out at the first sign of discomfort I’d probably never do any exercise. What if I’d listened and meekly accepted what the surgeon told me over 60 years ago; think of all those amazing adventures and life changing experiences I would have missed! All in return for a little discomfort…. Discomfort due to bad weather, probably means you haven’t got the right gear on. Trekking, running or rowing: a good training program will thwart a plunge into discomfort. Tolerance to pain and discomfort is trainable. Exposure to pain tends to increase your tolerance for pain and discomfort. Did the beatings I received as…
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Tips on building a Campfire
Make a clearing for the fire pit, ideally, on bare dirt. Create a shallow dish/fire pit into the ground where you have chosen to build your campfire. Position stones in a circle around the fire pit to keep your fire contained Gather your Tinder: dry leaves, dry bark, dry glass and any dry twigs Collect your kindling; dry and dead wood and small dry branches Stack the kindling in the shape of a tepee over the tinder Leave a space in the wind’s direction so air can flow! Ignite your tinder; using Fire-Rod, Storm Matches or lighter. Strike fire tinder cards are waxed to cope with low levels of moisture Keep adding…
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My not so secret tips ‘Before’ Coastal Rowing or More!
I strongly suggest enrolling in formal training RYA Courses – (Royal Yachting Assoc.) Useful Practical Skills – best learnt on the Water.
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My not so secret ‘On the trail’ cooking tips
Our Kitchen , North Pole 2009 **Spoil yourself, you’re worth it!
