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Common range of Knife Blade Shapes and what tasks they are best suited…
Drop-point : good compromise between strength and utility Sheepsfoot : no-nonsense utility knife – slicing, whittling & ideal to cut rope Lambsfoot : popular with farmers, amongst its many uses is the trimming of lambs’ hooves! Wharncliffe : ideal for slicing, minimizing an accidental puncture with the tip Clip-point : for more delicate and precision work Straight Back : sturdy,…
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Boxers, Thongs or Briefs?
Boxer shorts are breathable, with plenty of ball room, but rather lacking in support, best for casual wear. Thongs, also known as ‘cheese cutters’, may look good on some, some of the time: they may look good on others all of the time, but they never look good on me at any time. Practically speaking, they are not designed to…
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Footwear…Socks
Footwear is an important item on your kit list… Socks The essential but often ‘overlooked’ Socks can make or break your adventure. A suitable pair of socks are a must have for any hiker, runner, climber or outdoor enthusiast. Over many years and on many adventures, inc. Everest BC and Mt Kilimanjaro, I discovered that 1000 Mile Socks are so…
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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…
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Footwear is the most important item on your kit list… Socks
The essential but often ignored Socks can make or break your adventure. A suitable pair of socks are a must have for any hiker, runner, climber or outdoor enthusiast. Over many years and on many adventures, inc. Everest BC and Mt Kilimanjaro, I discovered that 1000 Mile Socks are so comfortable, durable and cool; they feel like I’m walking on…
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Adventure Starts Here…Finding your way – always carry a Compass and a Map as a 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;…
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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…
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“If you get lost”
My, not so secret, simple but basic advice Firstly – get your head in the right place Face your fears: challenge your fears Do not panic, stay calm S.T.O.P. (Stop- Think – Observe – Plan) Stay put. … Don’t wander!!! Take a good look around, pinpoint your location, identify landmarks Shout, blow your Acme survival whistle Flash your mirror to attract attention Look…
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Recovery – My whole life was hanging by a thread!
In 1983 after being clean and sober for 2 years I was still holding on tightly to the old ways. My reaction to most situations was to attack first. I had yet another fight or rather I had exploded and inflicted unnecessary pain spilling the blood of a fellow member of a 12-step group that was helping me better my…
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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…
