Day 2 Pendeen to St Ives 14 Miles

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I woke up at sixish and I was ready to go by seven fifteen. The wind was still fierce but manageable, my wonderful tent had survived the night. I suspect at some point on this trip it will break or tear, it’ll  be like losing a friend.

Cliff edge near Zennor Head

Made my way across the fields back to the shore line, my heart already sinking as I could see my path descending to the sea before crossing a steam and going straight back up. Still with the eagerness of someone only on her second day I marched on. The climb left be gasping, I’m just not fit enough for them and I was forced to stop a number of times, pretending to enjoy the view and watching out for any other hikers who might shame me.

The weather was forever changing as rain clouds were blown through, after the downfall the sun and wind drying everything quickly. The more tired I got the more the wind became a nuisance , knocking me off balance continually. If nothing else the day showed just how ridiculous people that climb Everest and the Eiga are.
Anyway back to the complaining. The entire day consists of descending into galleys and the climbing out. Great views but hard terrain and no change to get a rhythm. I was comforted to discover that the guide book considers this section one of the toughest of the Southwest Coastal Path, so maybe I’m not such a wimp after all.

I did enjoy some of the views, although usually the ones across a short flat patch, mainly I found it all frustrating. The Pennine Way has hard climbs, larger than today’s but after an hour or two of hard walking your on top, so you take your medicine and soldier down. There’s none of this up down up down up down thing. Bloody nature.
It took nearly then hours to get to St Ives, my walking pace mostly 3km an hour. There was one section where I felt completely stuck. Massive boulders blocked the track. Without a backpack it might have been fun but while carrying 19 KG it was no picnic.
I ducked gratefully inland at River Cover and walked the last three or four miles across the fields. It was wonderful. I suddenly found I could walk again. My legs felt like led while climbing but on the flat they were fine. I past Trevalgan touring park (who’d kindly offered me a free pitch in support of the charity) and walked on to Ayr Campsite. This one is a lot closer to the town,  overlooking the harbor about fifteen minutes from the center.
It’s a wonderful campsite. Special area for backpackers, great shower rooms and toilets and cafe with a pool and lounging rooms. Everything is cared for and warm. The staff were friendly and even the wind couldn’t stop it from been a very cosy night.

Ayr Campsite looking over St Ives

Popped into the town to buy a few snacks for tomorrow, and something healthy for dinner- ended up with chips from a Fish and chip shop called the Albatross. Gentleman who served me did however sponsor me £5. I think I might walk inland tomorrow and avoid the coast as much as I can.

Day 1 – Land End to Pendeen 10 Miles

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Crossing the river Tamar to Cornwall on the train

I got to Plymouth at 5:15 and rushed across town to catch my 5:45 train to Penzance. Light was starting to seep across the city centre. The people I past were a mixture of those drifting along who’d woken up early for work and those who’d yet to go to sleep. I walked the first ten minutes with my shoelaces undone from the coach, sure I’d miss the train. I’d reserved advanced tickets, and I still needed to pick them up at the station before boarding. After nearly missing my megabus from London I was waiting for something else to go wrong. The idea that I was actually starting was staggering, I really couldn’t get my head around it. I’d not trained enough, I’d gone on one over night walk and was in general unfit. This was ridiculous.
Everything, however, went fine and I found myself on a charmingly retro train with wide arm chair style seats and sleeper compartments. While it seemed to travel incredibly slowly it was also wonderfully smooth and I dozed happily. Compared with the cramped knee crushing chairs in megabus these coaches were heaven.

View from Penzance Train station back to St Michael’s Mount

Once at Penzance I searched for a cafe to have breakfast in while waiting for the bus. Straight outside the station is a wonderfully cheap and friendly greasy spoon called Sullivan’s Dinner. Fried egg sandwiches £1.20 and tea for £1. It’s not a stylish buildings, rather a rundown box but the foods good and quick.
  I could feel my heart beating a little faster on the bus. I couldn’t help fidget and check the straps on the backpack as if they’d suddenly break. Its a state of the art Deuter backpack, the straps are not going to break anytime soon. Although only a dozen or so miles away the bus was slow and wound around the town in zigzags taking nearly 50 minutes to complete the journey.
  Lands end was crowded with tourists, a large group of cyclists near the entrance balanced on their perches listening to their leaders instructions. Most of the people milling around were foreigner. I wondered past them feeling fooling with my backpack. I found a smaller sign than I’d expected and got a nice gentleman to take some pics of me grinning. I tried to hold up the banner but the wind wouldn’t let me. A weather warning had been issued for today’s winds and they were spot on.
Once I’d registered for the walk, had a toilet break, I finally set off. Walkers were everywhere, but none wearing the backpack and I stood out horribly. This became less conspicuous as I left Cowle and dropped down to Whitesand Bay.
The walking isn’t too steep but once off the beach the path is hard under foot, a few scrambles slowing me down and breaking my rhythm. Longer distance walkers wondered past here and there, more than I’ve ever seen. I seemed to have finally planned a walk during the hiking season.

Registration book at the start of Land’s End to John o’Groats

Freswick Beech

  It took quite a while to reach Cape Cornwall. Chimneys begin to speckle the landscape like silent wardens. Tin mining is evident but not in an ugly way, time making their ruins romantic. The idea of the labyrinth beneath my feet adds mystery to their shapes.
My new hat proved a major success, fitting perfectly and keeping the hair out of my face. I also figured I should get used to wearing it before the summer really begins.
Cutting across farm land I reached Pendeen and found North Inn where I camped. The wind was so strong I was seriously worried for my tent and spent nearly half an hour fastening it down. Even now sat in the pub I’m a little worried I’ll go back to find it gone. That would not be a good start. 

Showered I made myself dinner, couscous and tinned diced and beef in gravy. Dull food and a mistake. Also the tin cost £3 which is a tad pricy. If I get to St Ives early enough I’ll find a proper shop and do better. I’ve also promised myself a pasty before leaving Cornwall so that is also on the menu.
Only 13 miles tomorrow so another relatively easy day, and a chance to allow my body to adapt to the trail. First day done I feel slightly less scared, still don’t believe I’m actually doing though.

North Inn Campsite, Pendeen

Land’s End to John o’Groats! Ready? Steady? ….WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOUR NOT READY?!

I’m on my way. I’ve been sat on the coach now for the last next fifteen hours as I’m making my way down to Lands End. Judging from my sniffling as I watched a feel good film on my phone I’m more nervous than I’m letting on. It was good to have a few hours in London with some mates before catching the second coach to Plymouth. Might be a long winded journey but at nearly a hundred pounds cheaper than the train I wasn’t going to be too fussy. As it’s going to take me well over a month to make my way back I also need to stop thinking of time as an issue.

There’s been a weather warning issued in Cornwall for severe winds at the start of this week. Not a lot of rain but could be an interesting start to the trail.

Last night I packed one last time, listing everything and been as ruthless as I could possibly be. Charged all electronic and failed to sleep. I also used a tape measure to record my measurements, a before and after well let me know the affects the walk will have had on my body. I still feel like a fraud and am terrified of failing now that the charity is set up and depending on me. Fitness wise I’ve failed, hardly having gone on any walks before and ignoring my gym membership. Some of the guides go into some depth on different ways of training, a hiker stated on his blog that he walked two 30 mile day hikes every week for the three months preceding the walk. I walked the ten minutes to work everyday… Well too late to worry about it now.  Perhaps I could be a poster child for slightly obese people getting outdoors, whats the campaign called? Britain on Foot!

As I’m also a painter, and worked on a piece about body image, I added my measurements on top. After the walk I will measure myself again and see if there’s a change.

Body measurements before the walk overlaid on my painting ‘Taking Measure’

Hiking and Wilderness Films and Documentaries

   Below is a list of films I’ve seen over the last few years which inspire me to plan my next journey, or soothe my withdraw in winter when its too cold to camp out. Will add to this as I find new ones. They are in no particular order:

Wild (2014)7.3/10  IMBD Rating

A chronicle of one woman’s 1,100-mile solo hike undertaken as a way to recover from a recent catastrophe. (115 mins.)

Director: Jean-Marc Vallée

Stars: Reese Witherspoon, Laura Dern, Gaby Hoffmann, Michiel Huisman

I rather love this film but I’m not sure how much you would unless you’ve experienced some of the things she did while hiking. The aching feet, trail food and the suspicions that your completely over you’re head and on the ledge are captured perfectly. Reese Witherspoon is wonderful, and captured the spirit of the novel. A few characters and events in the book are left out of the film, things are moved around a little but the essence is there and the film shines through as the books equal. Its largely about Cheryl Strayed spiritual journey, and while I was captivated by her story, what I adored was watching the physical aspects of the hike and the scenery she past through. All this on top of a good script, good directing and atmospheric music makes a must see film for any outdoor enthusiast.

Tracks (2013)

A young woman goes on a 1,700-mile trek across the deserts of West Australia with four camels and her faithful dog. (112 mins.)

Director: John Curran

Stars: Mia Wasikowska, Adam Driver, Lily Pearl, Philip Dodd

 

7.2/10

This woman is very different from Cheryl Strayed in ‘Wild’. Her need for solitude stems from a loss of faith in other people rather than a loss of faith in herself. The film explored more the environment she goes through, the state of mind she’s in and the political and social debates surrounding the aborigine people and their territories in 1970s Australia.  You see her tired and sunburned but at no point does the film focus on the physicality of the expedition.  Neither does it try to make her too likeable or open character, which is something I like. Its an intriguing film and well worth a watch. The moment I finished it I began the book.

127 Hours (2010)

  7.7/10

A mountain climber becomes trapped under a boulder while canyoneering alone near Moab, Utah and resorts to desperate measures in order to survive. (94 mins.)

Director: Danny Boyle

Stars: James Franco, Amber Tamblyn, Kate Mara, Sean Bott

   Out of all the films this is probably the most artistically shot and creative. I watched it the first time on the steps outside the kibbutz dorm . I needed to since I shared a room with two other girls and didn’t want to disturb them as I shouted and screamed at the screen. Never will you feel more involved in a characters plight. The story plot it well known and I watched it expecting a dark and gritty film . In fact, while everything bad you know is going to happen is gone through with gory and excruciating artistry, your left feeling incredibly optimistic about life. Like a lot of these films its focus isn’t pain and disaster but the strength of will and drive to survive of the main character. James Franco performed exquisitely and the music, and affects all serve to make a poetic and poignant film

Walking the Nile (2015 TV Series)

  10/10

Documentary about Ex-soldier and explorer Levison Wood who embarks on a quest to walk the entire length of the River Nile.

Director: Jamie Berry

Stars: Levison Wood

  Watched this last night…quite incredible a person and project. The pure determination really inspires you, plus makes any poultry adventure you have planned look doable no matter how hard you struggle to complete it. The millage this man covers! Well shot, informative and a wonderfully nonjudgmental open look at the people that live around the Nile. Through his journey you see the generosity and intricacy of different cultures, as well as the strife and horrors which war torn countries are faced with. Levison Wood came across as the most open, patient and energetic travel companion I’ve ever seen in my life. At no point during thirty mile plus days did he seem to turn on anyone. Half way through the desert I would have been horrible to whom ever came close. I found him charming, engaging and funny. Really blown away by the entire series and can’t way to read the book- although I might save it for when I go on my next long walk. And he listens to audiobooks when he walks!!!! My kind of chap.

The Way (2010)

  7.4/10

A father heads overseas to recover the body of his estranged son who died while traveling the “El camino de Santiago,” and decides to take the pilgrimage himself. (123 mins.)

Director: Emilio Estevez

Stars: Martin Sheen, Emilio Estevez, Deborah Kara Unger, Yorick van Wageningen

    The Way is a sweet film but as far as filmography, originality and script its not in the same league as the ones above. I love Martin Sheen and all the other characters are believable and charming but there’s nothing much more to it and my affection for the film stems from the fact that the plot follow the characters through Spain on foot. It has made me put Camino de Santiago on my to do list and captures the feel and vibrancy of the pilgrimage.

5. Mile… Mile & a Half (2013 Documentary)

  8/10

In an epic snow year, five friends leave their daily lives behind to hike California’s historic John Muir Trail… (87 mins.)

Director: Jason M. Fitzpatrick, Ric Serena

Stunning footage and nicely edited with care and love taken with the details. A lovely documentary for hikers. While I would never have the strength to drag all that equipment with me when I go out walking watching this I was tempted. The people walking it are likeable, and seem wonderfully inclusive. I’d love to encounter them on a trail.

Cast Away (2000)

  7.7/10

A FedEx executive must transform himself physically and emotionally to survive a crash landing on a deserted island. (143 mins.)

Director: Robert Zemeckis

Stars: Tom Hanks, Helen Hunt, Paul Sanchez, Lari White

  Everyone knows this film, and a review seems a tad unneeded. Tom Hanks is great and while its more about survival than adventure it still stimulated the imagination. Its a wonderfully silent film, the lack of music and speech serves to emphasize his isolation and loveliness. Tom Hank’s transformation through the film is believable and captivating. Every year or so I find myself watching it at least once.

Touching the Void (2003 Documentary)

  8.1/10

The true story of two climbers and their perilous journey up the west face of Siula Grande in the Peruvian Andes in 1985. (106 mins.)

Director: Kevin Macdonald

Stars: Simon Yates, Joe Simpson, Brendan Mackey, Nicholas Aaron

 

  

I read ‘Touching the Void’ quite recently and Joe Simpson had me wrapped in a duvet in defense. The tension and  descriptive nature of the narration had me instantly. After I’d finished I both wanted to climb a mountain and stay as far as I could from them. The film/documentary isn’t the books equal but its beautifully done and allows you to understand and visualize his experiences the better. Part of me wanted an Americanized version, camera up close in an actors face but it would have lacked the honesty and grittiness of these reenactments and interviews. It does, as the book, come across as a wonderful defense of Simon Yates, and an expression of the friendship and loyalty they have for one another.

 

Into the Wild (2007)

  8.2/10

After graduating from Emory University, top student and athlete Christopher McCandless abandons his possessions, gives his entire $24,000 savings account to charity and hitchhikes to Alaska to live in the wilderness. Along the way, Christopher encounters a series of characters that shape his life. (148 mins.)

Director: Sean Penn

Stars: Emile Hirsch, Vince Vaughn, Catherine Keener, Marcia Gay Harden

  This is a film which made me so so cross, and simultaneously sad. I find the main character naive, indulgent and self absorbed. I suspect people watch this in a variety of perspectives. I saw this journey through his mothers eyes and felt her pain and sense of abandonment, I also felt that he was the cause. This prejudiced me against the entire film although I confess its flawlessly shot and scripted- I appreciate that its a beautifully made film that drew really strong emotions from me but I plan to avoid any re-watching. If nothing else it serves as a reminder to really prep, not be too full hardy, and for god sake tell people where your going.

Swiss Family Robinson (1960)

  7.2/10

A Swiss family must survive being shipwrecked on a deserted island. (126 mins.)

Director: Ken Annakin

Stars: John Mills, Dorothy McGuire, James MacArthur, Janet Munro

  Who didn’t love this while growing up? The girl disguised as a boy, the pirates and the instantly tame assortment of animals which surrounded them. Even now it is a charming film which makes you want to build a tree house and live in the midst of the woods.

The Snow Walker (2003)

  7.4/10

A pilot and his passenger struggle for survival after crashing in the Arctic tundra. (103 mins.)

Director: Charles Martin Smith

Stars: Barry Pepper, Annabella Piugattuk, James Cromwell, Kiersten Warren

  This film holds the quiet intensity of Tracks, as well as the conflict and relationship between the ‘civilized’ world and the natives’ more ‘primitive’. By placing a racist and self serving pilot in the middle of a foreign and fierce environment the viewer learns to appreciate a different type of society where the value of the education receives is altered by what environment they are in. The learned pilot becomes as vulnerable and ignorant as a child while her skills allow them t survive. The relationship between the two main characters is stunning, and subtle. Its another gritty survival film, a drama rather than an adventure, but I love it all the same.

End to End – Lands End to O’Groats on Foot, Route planned on Bing’s Free Ordnance Survey Maps

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Possible route from Lands End to O’Groats on Foot. Just spent the last three days plotting it across Bings Ordnance Survey Maps- did you know they had them free across the whole of England!!!! This has definitely earned them my love.
Does anyone know an easy way to avoid trudging up the A roads at the end? I’m trying to navigate a different route but I suspect it’ll be me lost in moor land swearing and daydreaming about passing cars and tarmac.
Over the next few weeks I’ll be breaking down the walk into smaller sections and playing around with possible alternatives but I wanted to get a better idea of the distances and terrain first. Boy is it daunting. Any advice PLEASE email.

  Route tracked a mixture of Andy Robinson’s route in ‘The End to End Trail’ (books bloody heavy, no way I’d carry that with me and the maps are a little confusing but it is helpful) and  ‘When I Walk, I Bounce: Walking from Land’s End to John o’Groats ‘ by Mark Maxon (personal account of the walk, not guide, but funny and engaging)

This route partly goes along the following National Trails:

South West Coastal Path
Offa’s Dyke Path
Pennine Way
West Highland Way
Great Glenn Trail

I’ve partly chosen it because it covers half of Offa’s Dyke instead of remaining more central and walking up the Cotswold Way. I’ve done the majority of the Cotswold Way already and find open moors more more appealing than a long stream of golf courses.

DISCLAIMER – other peoples routes and I’ve yet to walk them. All this is is a very carefully plotted trail based on their instructions.

50 Miles Along the Cotswold Way

Day 1- Chipping Campden to Hailes (16 Miles)

I’d stayed in Stratford-upon-Avon last night, in a hostel, worrying about this morning. The hour it had taken me to walk between the center of town and the hostel has pulled something in my back. Such a wimp so early in the walk. Then next day I wondered back into town, caught a bus and made my way to Chipping Campden and the start of the Cotswold Way.
I passed through Chipping Campden quickly, patting the sign on the Town Hall which marks the beginning or the end of the hike. The town is dates back to the 14th 15th Century, the home of the successful wool merchant William Grevel. Rather fitting for me, an artist, that I set off from a town where Arts and Crafts helped save this town from decline after years of agricultural doldrums.The gravel path rises up into the hills, past a farm or two and towards Dover’s Hillat 225 Meters.
The land here seems straight from Milton’s Jerusalem Hymn by William Blake:

And did those feet in ancient time
Walk upon England’s mountains green?
And was the holy Lamb of God
On England’s pleasant pastures seen?

 Approaching Broadway Tower

  The climb, quite gentle in nature, takes you up to Broadway Tower, a very fine looking building from 1799 for Lady Coventry by the 6th Earl of Coventry. Its on Beacon Hill 312 Miles above sea level and the second highest point on the Cotswold Way. Its then straight down over farm fields to Broadway. Broadway is a lovely town, bustling with people and little privately owned cafes. I stopped and bought myself an orange, found a bench and stopped for lunch. A perched pigeon promptly pooed on my brand new shorts on the branch above.

 

  I met another hiker later on that day and attempting to match his pace we walked together the rest of the way indulging in a quite wonderfully nerdy debate on equipment, walking boots and other walks we’d been on. I know no other hikers and been able to go on like this was quite a treat. He was a much more experienced hiker, on his way to completing all the national trails in England. Not that I’d confess it out loud but I was walking faster than I had before and I felt it the next day. I got into camp so much earlier though and lay around reading and eating grapes that I’d bought from farm shop, resting my limbs and enjoying the unexpected warm of the Spring sun.

Gear Review – Scarpa Ranger II ActTX Womens Walking Boots

 Bought – May 2013 

Distance – 300 Miles

 Price – 160.00

  Shoe Size – 7 

PROS

As advertised they are waterproof and insulating, protecting you from the path with impressively thick and hard soles. These boots are hard and built to last. They look like they’ve been taken a strolls over the fields not 300 miles over moor land, through marshlands and gravel lanes and roads. Scarpa boots are designed to survive pretty much everything. The only problem is my feet might not survive them over the course of another walk.

 CONS

I bought these in preparation for the Pennine Way. They are heavy boots, the ankles cushioned and very well padded fixing your foot in place. They advertise that “Auto-fit foam inserts in heel area provide perfect foot hold and increased comfort” and for the first twenty miles this is fine, and while they aren’t as cushy as they appear in the shop they seem fit for the job. By the fortieth mile however things go down hill. First its important to note that I have wide feet and not dainty skinny ankles. I suspect shoes are like a kiss and its not about how skilled one person is but how they fit together. These boots and I were never meant to be. For the entire Pennine Way, 250 Miles, they game me hell blistered my left heel and compressed it so that it could hardly carry any weight. I only carried on my heavily plastering it and wearing a supportive bandage. I assumed I’d just not broken them in enough, that my feet had just not hardened to the trail, but since then I’ve come to realize that it wasn’t me it what the boots. On the Cotswold Way, a 100 mile walk, they’d given me five blisters on one foot and three on the other by the second day, and soon after my heel began to hurt for the first time since the Pennines. I’ve concluded that the constraints around the heel compressed my ankle too much, as my feet were simply too wide. Even if they did fit well its also worth noting just how heavy these boots are, and once they’re wet they drag.

Upper Material:	Leather
Waterproof:	Yes
Waterproof Technology:	GORE-TEX®
Height:	Boot Cut
Insole:	Viscoflex Activ fit insole with memory foam
Midsole:	Hi-Flex
Sole Type:	Vibram®
Stiffness:	Soft, for low level walks on defined trials
Lacing Type:	Standard Lace Up
Boot Grade:	B0 – not suitable for crampons
Ideal Crampon Rating:	Not Crampon Compatible

CONCLUSION

I wouldn’t buy another Scarpa boot. In fact I took quite a lot of pleasure in selling them on ebay and using the money to buy myself a forty pound pair of Trespass walking boots. These Trespass boots are light, waterproof and an instant match. I took them on a thirty mile hike and didn’t get a single blister. I hated how heavy Scarpa boots were, hated putting them on in the morning and there are simply not enough plasters in the world to make them comfortable.

Gear Review – Black Diamond Trail Women’s Trekking Poles – Pair

Last day on the Pennine Way, England, during a 28 Mile stint 2013

Bought: November 2012

Miles Covered: 500+ Miles
My height: 5 foot 5  

My Weight : 15 Stone + backpack

• 3-section poles provide patented FlickLock adjustability and solid, slip-free security
• Simply flick the lock open, set the length and flick the lock closed—a quick, tight, and easily accomplished task, even with gloved hands
• Soft, dual-density foam grips and extensions have padded wrist straps for security
• Poles extend from 23 to 49 in.
• The Black Diamond Trail trekking poles include low profile baskets for general use and powder baskets for use in the snow

I found the straps annoying so chopped them off in a fit of ultra-lite hiking verve. Apart from that there’s nothing negative to say about them, they support my weight reliably and have never let me down. I’m quite a heavy girl, especially while carrying a backpack and not once did the extensions collapse on themselves and I’ve barely walked a mile without their help. On a number of occasions I’ve nearly fallen and placed all my weight on one of them, they bent slightly but held. The handles allow you to grip securely and in varied grips while the textured foam handles prevent you from slipping from sweat.The heights are easily adjustable and show no sign of failing, and make it easy to pack them away once they’ve been used.There is no shock absorption but I’ve never felt jarred by them, perhaps this would not be the case if I were walking a long distance on tarmac or concrete.
I bought these poles because a shop keeper had told me they’d be needed in the Blue Mountains. Before I used them I suspected they were either for the wimpy of elderly but not strong hikers such as I’d be…eventually. Within half an hour of been dropped off on Morton Island I’d changed my mind and relied on them on every hike since in England and Australia. They are essential when crossing difficult or slippy land, they are also very useful in relieving you of some of the weight of the rucksack. They can pull you up a hill and assist when your trying to descend one safely. More that that, when your in Australia or anywhere else that’s inhabited with poisonous snakes, they provide a barrier and protected obstruction which might make all the difference on either side of your legs.As for picking up a stick from the bush instead…why would you when both poles together weight only 1oz and can be packed away when not needed?

Descending down into the valley in the Blue Mountains 2013

Specification	Description
Best use	Hiking
Shaft material	Aluminum
Grip material	Foam
Adjustable	Yes
Maximum length (in.)	49 inches
Minimum length (in.)	23 inches
Maximum length (cm)	125 centimeters
Minimum length (cm)	59 centimeters
Locking mechanism	External lever lock
Shock absorbing	No
Camera mount	No
Weight per pair	1 lb. 1 oz.
Gender	Women’s

Crossing a shallow creeks in the Australian bush 2012

Gear Review – BlackWolf Mantis 1 Person Hiking Adventure Tent

On the first campsite along the 6 Foot Track in the Blue Mountains, Australia 2013

Tent in the middle of the Australian Outback, along the Sunshine Hinterland 2012

The Lizard, Cornwall, England 2013

RRP $269.00

Sleeps: 1
Dimensions: 255 x 220 x 80cm
Weight: 1.9kg
Floor: Polyester 5000 PU coating
Fly: Ripstop polyester 3000mm water column
Poles: (2) 8.5mm premium T6 alloy 

Features:

• 2-pole tapered rectangular design
• Spacious & lightweight
• Dual side entry
• Dual side vestibules
• Gear hammock
• Head & foot vents
• 4 guy rope points
• Ring ‘n’ pin colour-coded flexi poles
• Heat taped seams
• Waterproofpacked size 40cm x Φ15 cm  

Bought: November 2012

Miles Covered: 500+ Miles
Height: 5 foot 5 

Tan Hill, Along the Pennine Way, England 2013

I bought this as my first hiking tent while I was in Australia – since then its sheltered me along the Sunshine Hinterland Great walk (four night- 60 odd kms), Great Ocean Road (six days 100kms), Six Foot Track (3 days 40 odd kms), and god knows how many weekend exertions- one during the floods. Now I’m back from Australia it has braved the considerably less mild weather of rainy England where I’ve walked the Pennine Way (450 plus kilometers over 15 days along the spine of England into Scotland)- during this trip it rained the majority of the time but sleeping in this tent meant a snug and dry sleep every night no matter what. I’ve bought a few sets of new tent pegs for it, but other than that it is barely marked. Considering its been put up and taking down every day, stuffed wet back into the rucksack, rolled quickly and badly in winds, and all in all treated quite roughly,  the fact that its in such good order is a testament to just how high quality this tent it. Other basic points- the porch space is very spacious, ventilation is great and although condensation collects on the inside of the tent the material dries very quickly, strong in high winds, no problems with the zips, packs up into a great size, and has WONDERFUL tent poles that seem to magnetically connect together and can almost be flicked into place with your wrist. No sign of the string joining the tent poles snapping. Its quick to assemble if slightly tricky to put up in rain, not high enough to sit up in but material does give a little so that you can move around happily. Be aware that I am a medium to short woman, and a tall man might find this tent somewhat short: my feet do touch the roof but that’s because I like plenty of space above my head. As I said this is my first hiking tent so I’m no expert but I can say its been superb every time I’ve put it up, its durable and has survived me which is something that few other things have managed.  When my friend asked to borrow it I felt she’d asked for my child. I have absolutely no qualms in recommending this tent, its worth every penny been charged.

Devil’s Kitchen Campsite along the Great Ocean Walk, Australia 2013

Mankinhole, 3rd Day of the Pennine Way, England

Flaxton Camp Ground, Queensland

Gear Review – The Jetboil Zip Cooking System

• Drink-through lid with pour spout & strainer
• Bottom cover doubles as a measuring cup and bowl
• Compatible with all Jetboil accessories
• Weight: 12oz (345g)
• Volume: 27oz (0.8 litre)
• Boil Time for 16oz (0.5 litre) = 2 minutes, 30 seconds (avg over life of Jetpower canister)
• Water Boiled: 12 Litres per 100g Jetpower canister
• Dimensions: 4.1” x 6.5” (104mm x 165mm)

Bought : October 2013 

Cost : £71.95

Meals cooked : 100+   

 PROS

I’ve just finished reading ‘Wild, From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail’ by Cheryl Strayed and while  I appreciate that it was written about equipment in 1995, descriptions of her stove make me appreciate just how clever this device is. I’ve so far used it in the monsoon season of Australia, in heavy rain, open moor land, sandy and windy beaches as well as the occasional backyard gardens. It has never faltered, possibly because in its design and manufacture its wonderful simple with very few parts that might go wrong. The materials are light and durable, and easily packed away. The insulation Cargo Cozy on the main cup means that the water heats quickly, and stays warm for a while after which means you use very little fuel. Also allows you to handle it without scorching yourself. On my week long hikes where I cooked at least twice a day I’d end with plenty of fuel left in my 100G cans.  I generally ate straight from the main cup, using the measuring cup to drink out of. When I pack things away they all fit together and I slip the matches or lighter between the heating coils at the bottom, trapping them in with the measuring cup. It means my entire cooking system can fit into the side pocket of your bag weighing only 12 oz, I don’t understand why people would bring much else if only cooking for yourself.
While your restricted to single pan meals there is some leave-way since it brings the water to boil so quickly. I was able to heat water for instant mash which I made in the measuring cup before heating the sauce and pouring it on top. Since the whole operation was completed in ten minutes nothing was too cool by the time I got to eat it.

 CONS

I stopped bringing the locking pot support very quickly as it made packing things away hard and served absalutely no use unless you’re bringing another pot, which in turn makes the whole system pointless. That said is allows you to adapt the jet boil to accomodate more if you go on a trip with friends. It is simple enough to leave behind and while it hasn’t served me any use at all its cetrainly not ruined the devide.
The ground stabaliser is also a little tricky and unreliably, which is important when you’re cooking in the middle of the dry season in Australia and bush fired are a real danger. Again I must temper my criticism since the twice the stove fell it was at least in equal measure my own stupidity and clumsiness.
I remember the first time I used it I found the temperature knob very sensitive and hard to use. Since the cup it insulated its hard to have the hob low enough that the contents is allowed to stew. I found I needed to turn it off once in a while to prevent it overflowing, and then you need unscrew the pan to relight it. When it did occasionally overflow its not simply a pan covered in muck but also the insulating material, and if you have a limited water supply (as in parts of Australia) you want stuff to be as easily washable as possible. The heating system, on the subject of cleaning, is also very tricky. Moreover the lid is black and while it may increase cooking speed makes it impossible to monitor any approaching overflows. I see on their website that they have made the lids see through now which would mediate this problem considerably.

Conclusion

Cooking lunch in the Australian Bush

  I’ve ended up listing quite a lot of faults but they are all with the accessories, and on the whole the Jet Boil is well worth the money. Its durable and reliable. I don’t cook elaborate meals on a trail, in fact I limit myself to ten minutes cooking time, often simply mixing cuscus and stock or soup powder and instant mash. What I need is something to heat water quickly, use only a little fuel and provide me with hot chocolate after. For these uses Jet Boil is wonderful and after using it the idea of bringing pans and plates seems ridiculous. I guess the best test of a product is would you be willing to spend the same again on the product after yours breaks. I most definitely would.