Great to see everyone yesterday and what amazing weather!
Here are some of the photos I took during the day. Flickr appears to have scrambled them so they are all completely out of order:
Showing posts with label dartmoor. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dartmoor. Show all posts
Monday, 24 May 2010
Friday, 21 May 2010
Dartmoor Ordnance Survey Maps
There's no getting away from the fact that you'll need to know how to read and map and be able to navigate on this year's ShelterBox Dartmoor Challenge.The event this year will be based at the River Dart Country Park near Ashburton so if you'd like to start familiarising yourself with the location and terrain, purchasing an OS map of the area would be a good start.
The main map that covers the area is OL28 and can be bought in two versions from the Ordnance Survey website:
Dartmoor Ordnance Survey Explorer Map £7.99
Dartmoor Ordnance Survey Explorer Map - Active (waterproof version) - £13.99
Next Event - Sunday 23rd May 2010
Nik and Rob have organised the route for Sunday’s walk – see below for details.
We’re all looking forward to it. The main focus for the day is Leadership and you should have all received some information about Leadership for you to read and think about before Sunday. We decided that this was the best way to do the theory input as this will save time on the day and will allow you all to put it into practice in your teams.
You will need to decide who the team leader is for the Challenge itself, but what we want you to do on Sunday is take it in turns. We would like you to change your team leader every hour to give everyone the experience of leading a small team in that environment. We will be on hand to act as mentors and to answer any questions about leadership that arise during the day.
Could you also please let me know whether or not you will be attending.
Starting at 10am, we will be walking around the southernmost tip of Dartmoor (Ugborough Moor and Harford Moor) taking in at least one tor, lots of cairns and a couple of Beacons. We’ll be walking from Harford Moor Gate which is just north of Ivybridge.
It’s easily accessible from the A38 and there is a small car park at Harford Moor Gate which should be able to accommodate us. However if people could car share as much as possible that would definitely help.
This should be a good introduction to Dartmoor for everyone. There are plenty of paths, a few interesting navigational features and some amazing views down across the South Hams to the coast (if the sun’s out!)
You will need a packed lunch and drinks (and waterproofs!). You may also like to wear long trousers as there is Lyme’s disease on the moors which carried by ticks that attach themselves to unwary legs.
Google Map Location
OS Reference – SX643595
Directions from the Tamar Bridge
1. From Tamar Bridge follow A38 to Ivybridge (A38)
2. Leave A38 at Ivybridge. Merge onto the B3213 (signposted Ivybridge) (B3213)
3. At roundabout take the 3rd exit onto Western Road - B3213 (signposted Ivybridge, Bittaford, Ugborough) (B3213)
4. At roundabout take the 1st exit onto Marjorie Kelly Way - B3213 (signposted Bittaford, Station) (B3213)
5. At roundabout take the 2nd exit onto Leonards Road - B3213 (signposted Bittaford, Ugborough, Station) (B3213)
6. At roundabout take the 2nd exit onto Exeter Road - (B3213)
7. At roundabout take the 1st exit onto Harford Road (Harford Road)
8. Follow road for a couple of miles to Harford. At church follow road up the hill to the car park
Can we please meet at 9:30 for a 10:0am start?
We’re all looking forward to it. The main focus for the day is Leadership and you should have all received some information about Leadership for you to read and think about before Sunday. We decided that this was the best way to do the theory input as this will save time on the day and will allow you all to put it into practice in your teams.
You will need to decide who the team leader is for the Challenge itself, but what we want you to do on Sunday is take it in turns. We would like you to change your team leader every hour to give everyone the experience of leading a small team in that environment. We will be on hand to act as mentors and to answer any questions about leadership that arise during the day.
Could you also please let me know whether or not you will be attending.
Starting at 10am, we will be walking around the southernmost tip of Dartmoor (Ugborough Moor and Harford Moor) taking in at least one tor, lots of cairns and a couple of Beacons. We’ll be walking from Harford Moor Gate which is just north of Ivybridge.
It’s easily accessible from the A38 and there is a small car park at Harford Moor Gate which should be able to accommodate us. However if people could car share as much as possible that would definitely help.
This should be a good introduction to Dartmoor for everyone. There are plenty of paths, a few interesting navigational features and some amazing views down across the South Hams to the coast (if the sun’s out!)
You will need a packed lunch and drinks (and waterproofs!). You may also like to wear long trousers as there is Lyme’s disease on the moors which carried by ticks that attach themselves to unwary legs.
Google Map Location
OS Reference – SX643595
Directions from the Tamar Bridge
1. From Tamar Bridge follow A38 to Ivybridge (A38)
2. Leave A38 at Ivybridge. Merge onto the B3213 (signposted Ivybridge) (B3213)
3. At roundabout take the 3rd exit onto Western Road - B3213 (signposted Ivybridge, Bittaford, Ugborough) (B3213)
4. At roundabout take the 1st exit onto Marjorie Kelly Way - B3213 (signposted Bittaford, Station) (B3213)
5. At roundabout take the 2nd exit onto Leonards Road - B3213 (signposted Bittaford, Ugborough, Station) (B3213)
6. At roundabout take the 2nd exit onto Exeter Road - (B3213)
7. At roundabout take the 1st exit onto Harford Road (Harford Road)
8. Follow road for a couple of miles to Harford. At church follow road up the hill to the car park
Can we please meet at 9:30 for a 10:0am start?
Wednesday, 17 March 2010
Fund Raising
Below are a few notes on fund raising to help kick start your efforts. We suggest that everyone uses this blog to discuss what they are doing and offer each other help and support.Team or Individual Fund Raising
You will need to raise a minimum of £1000 per team of 3 or 4 people (the evolution facilitators will also raise funds but we want this to be in addition to your money).
It is entirely up to each team whether they split this three ways to ensure that each person raises their quota (£250 or £333) or whether you pool your efforts and raise funds as a team.
If you choose the latter be aware that there is potential for conflict if you feel that someone hasn’t pulled their weight. However, there is massive learning available to you about how you communicate your concerns and resolve these team issues so please don’t feel you need to shy away from taking the difficult option.
Bank Accounts
Consider whether, as a team, you want to open a bank account specifically for the purposes of banking any money raised. In the interests of transparency we would advise that you take this option rather than put the money through your own personal bank accounts.
Just Giving
It is useful to open a just giving account – either as a team or as individuals.
Go to http://www.justgiving.com/ and follow the instructions to set up your own page. Shelterbox are registered with just giving so it should be easy.
Once you have set your page up you can email the link to anyone and everyone and ask them to donate on line. This route has the additional benefit of allowing people to gift aid their donations. Research has shown that people tend to donate more when paying by debit card than they would in cash.
Events
You may wish to run some events to raise funds – below are some ideas but this is not a definitive list – the potential for ideas is limitless:
• Charity Auctions – scrounge gifts from businesses and auction them off in your local hostelry.
• Raffles – as above but with raffle tickets.
• Cake sales, coffee mornings or tea parties – ask your mum to run one for you with her friends.
• Music night at your local – ask if you can sell tickets to see a band – persuade the band to play for free.
• Be brave and set up a full charity dinner / dance night – give it a theme.
• Book swap – invite people to your house / office ask them to bring 3 books, £5 and a bottle of wine. They swap books and leave with 3 new books for £5, you all drink the wine and you keep the money.
• Have a car boot sale and clear out all your junk.
• Sell stuff on ebay – ask friends for donations of items to sell.
• Make things to sell – if you are artistic make jewellery, paint, take photographs etc.
• Persuade people at work to pay to come in dressed up as...... whatever you like.
• Wash cars at work.
There are millions of ideas – just get out there and have fun with them – and make lots of money. Please make sure that you share your ideas and your successes and failures with each other on the blog.
Wednesday, 10 March 2010
Choosing Your Walking Boots
Hopefully you've all had time to read through the information in the kit guide.
The main thing to get right is your boots. During last year's challenge we encountered tarmac, rough tracks, grassland, bogs, streams, rocks & moltern lava (well maybe not the last one!). Whichever way you look at it your feet will get a pounding. Ideally your boots need to be comfortable, supportive, waterproof and breathable. Over 30 miles you will really appreciate how good or bad your boots are!
The following information is taken from the Tiso Website...
Choosing Your Walking Boots
Your new boots are one of the most important items you can buy for hill walking. Choose your boots carefully, ensure they fit you correctly, look after them properly and they will serve you well. The boots you choose must be comfortable, supportive and suited to your chosen activity in order for you to get the most out of them and your activity.
Quick tips
• Consider what type of boots will best suit your activity. There is a baffling variety of boots so narrowing your choice according to activity will make buying boots an easier task. Mountaineering boots will be too stiff and heavy for trail walking and vice versa.
• What materials will you need? What are the most important features for your end use - durable, waterproof, breathable, lightweight etc?
• Try on your new boots with the socks you will be wearing whilst walking. Walk around at home for as long as possible to get a better feel for the fit.
Which type is for you?
Boots can be divided into 3 broad categories:
• Lightweight Walking – These boots are designed for general day walking and therefore are made for comfort, normally have cushioning and generally have a waterproof membrane for wet weather protection. However, they are less supportive and durable than the following and designed primarily for use on easy terrain, like trails and easier hills.
• Mid-weight Walking/Backpacking – When carrying a heavier (multi-day) load, it is essential that your boots can support the extra weight and pressure. These type of boots are designed to be more durable and supportive (and are therefore heavier) than lightweight boots and are intended for shorter trips over moderate terrain. They are suitable for going cross country and venturing onto steeper and more rugged terrain.
• Mountaineering – Top end boots are designed for extended trips or specialist activities. They are therefore generally heavier, more rigid, more supportive and durable than any of the above types of boots. The majority of these types of boots are suitable for use with crampons. Use these for scrambling, via ferrata, mountaineering or climbing.
Materials
Leather - Leather is still the principal material used to make boots. It is available in 3 main types - full grain, nubuck and suede/split. Depending on the combination of the thickness and the tanning process the suppleness, support, durability and water resistance of the uppers will all vary. Lightweight boots utilise softer leather to give instant comfort and performance. In conjunction with the uppers the foam, stiffeners and lining fabrics in a boot will all vary according to end use.
Full grain leather is used in footwear for its durability, support and water resistance. It is generally used in boots designed for lengthy trips, tough terrain and when support and protection are paramount. Full grain leather boots are heavier than those made with fabric or split leather and are therefore more durable and suited to regular use. They will tend to need some breaking in.
Fabric/Split leather - Boots made with split leather, suede, nubuck and/or nylon tend to be softer, lighter and easier on your feet than full grain leather boots. They are therefore more suited to day trips and shorter overnight trips. They generally come with a waterproof membrane such as Gore-Tex or Sympatex and are therefore guaranteed waterproof*.
*The waterproofness of your boots is dependant on how well you look after them.
Quick tips
• Consider what type of boots will best suit your activity. There is a baffling variety of boots so narrowing your choice according to activity will make buying boots an easier task. Mountaineering boots will be too stiff and heavy for trail walking and vice versa.
• What materials will you need? What are the most important features for your end use - durable, waterproof, breathable, lightweight etc?
• Try on your new boots with the socks you will be wearing whilst walking. Walk around at home for as long as possible to get a better feel for the fit.
Which type is for you?
Boots can be divided into 3 broad categories:
• Lightweight Walking – These boots are designed for general day walking and therefore are made for comfort, normally have cushioning and generally have a waterproof membrane for wet weather protection. However, they are less supportive and durable than the following and designed primarily for use on easy terrain, like trails and easier hills.
• Mid-weight Walking/Backpacking – When carrying a heavier (multi-day) load, it is essential that your boots can support the extra weight and pressure. These type of boots are designed to be more durable and supportive (and are therefore heavier) than lightweight boots and are intended for shorter trips over moderate terrain. They are suitable for going cross country and venturing onto steeper and more rugged terrain.
• Mountaineering – Top end boots are designed for extended trips or specialist activities. They are therefore generally heavier, more rigid, more supportive and durable than any of the above types of boots. The majority of these types of boots are suitable for use with crampons. Use these for scrambling, via ferrata, mountaineering or climbing.
Materials
Leather - Leather is still the principal material used to make boots. It is available in 3 main types - full grain, nubuck and suede/split. Depending on the combination of the thickness and the tanning process the suppleness, support, durability and water resistance of the uppers will all vary. Lightweight boots utilise softer leather to give instant comfort and performance. In conjunction with the uppers the foam, stiffeners and lining fabrics in a boot will all vary according to end use.
Full grain leather is used in footwear for its durability, support and water resistance. It is generally used in boots designed for lengthy trips, tough terrain and when support and protection are paramount. Full grain leather boots are heavier than those made with fabric or split leather and are therefore more durable and suited to regular use. They will tend to need some breaking in.
Fabric/Split leather - Boots made with split leather, suede, nubuck and/or nylon tend to be softer, lighter and easier on your feet than full grain leather boots. They are therefore more suited to day trips and shorter overnight trips. They generally come with a waterproof membrane such as Gore-Tex or Sympatex and are therefore guaranteed waterproof*.
*The waterproofness of your boots is dependant on how well you look after them.
Socks
An often overlooked (but important) part of boot fitting is ensuring you wear a suitable pair of well fitting socks. Socks can greatly alter the fit and comfort of you boots. Ensure they are well matched to your boots and activity. They can be made from a number of different materials including wool, nylon, polyester or a combination of these and others. The material will have an effect on the warmth, comfort, fit and cushioning of the socks and can be the difference between happy feet and uncomfortable walking.
Fitting
When trying on boots (the later in the day the better to mimic the swell that occurs when walking) ensure they fit snugly around the heel and ankle, but leave ample room to wiggle your toes and curl them without restriction.
An often overlooked (but important) part of boot fitting is ensuring you wear a suitable pair of well fitting socks. Socks can greatly alter the fit and comfort of you boots. Ensure they are well matched to your boots and activity. They can be made from a number of different materials including wool, nylon, polyester or a combination of these and others. The material will have an effect on the warmth, comfort, fit and cushioning of the socks and can be the difference between happy feet and uncomfortable walking.
Fitting
When trying on boots (the later in the day the better to mimic the swell that occurs when walking) ensure they fit snugly around the heel and ankle, but leave ample room to wiggle your toes and curl them without restriction.
When you first try on your boots don’t worry about a little heel lift of a few millimetres; as the boots break-in and mould to your feet, this will decrease and disappear. A boot which is too large can, if necessary, be adjusted with a thicker sock, volume reducer or footbed, but a boot which is too small will cause blisters and discomfort and can never be made to fit.
Even the way the boots are laced can have a dramatic impact on their fit. Try on both boots (most people have one foot slightly bigger than the other) and take a walk around indoors. Try to walk on an incline (such as up and down the stairs) if possible.
If the boots feel comfortable, keep them on for a couple of hours to allow your feet to settle into them and warm up. If the boots do not feel comfortable after this period or it is a great relief to take them off, do not wear them outdoors, return them to the shop and try again. You may need to try a different size, or a different model, or even both. If necessary we encourage you to keep repeating this exercise until you find boots which are comfortable and compatible with your feet.
No matter how good the footwear is, if the fit is bad the boots will not meet your expectations.
Breaking in new boots
Modern technology and designs have virtually eliminated the traditional discomfort of breaking in new boots. You should not need to suffer any agonies! However, a few simple precautions are well worth taking when wearing your boots outdoors for the first time. Wear a pair of good quality, well fitting socks and start by going for a short walk in your new boots. A long day in a pair of brand new boots may lead to some discomfort but if a long walk is unavoidable, take alternative footwear with you in case of problems.
If the boots feel comfortable, keep them on for a couple of hours to allow your feet to settle into them and warm up. If the boots do not feel comfortable after this period or it is a great relief to take them off, do not wear them outdoors, return them to the shop and try again. You may need to try a different size, or a different model, or even both. If necessary we encourage you to keep repeating this exercise until you find boots which are comfortable and compatible with your feet.
No matter how good the footwear is, if the fit is bad the boots will not meet your expectations.
Breaking in new boots
Modern technology and designs have virtually eliminated the traditional discomfort of breaking in new boots. You should not need to suffer any agonies! However, a few simple precautions are well worth taking when wearing your boots outdoors for the first time. Wear a pair of good quality, well fitting socks and start by going for a short walk in your new boots. A long day in a pair of brand new boots may lead to some discomfort but if a long walk is unavoidable, take alternative footwear with you in case of problems.
Thursday, 4 March 2010
Evolution Launches its ShelterBox Challenge
Last night saw a superb turn-out for the launch of the 2010 Evolution-ShelterBox Dartmoor Challenge at Evolution's headquarters in St Agnes.
The aim of the evening was to attract would-be adventurers and fundraisers to take part in the 2010 ShelterBox Dartmoor Challenge.
We were extremely lucky to have Becky Maynard from ShelterBox on hand to present a short film on the work of ShelterBox and explain a little about her fundraising role. With ShelterBox currently deployed in major disaster areas Haiti and Chile (amongst others) the sheer scale of the fundraising effort is quite awesome.
A live link-up with Ben Spurway from ShelterBox, who is currently on the ground on Haiti, further reinforced the invaluable work that this organisation does in providing immediate aid to disaster zones.
Following Becky's presentation, Martin Crump from Evolution, gave an insight into last year's Dartmoor ShelterBox challenge and the rationale behind Evolution's involvement in this year's event...
Put simply, Evolution are looking to raise money for ShelterBox by facilitating a number of teams to enter the ShelterBox Challenge. The Challenge is a great opportunity to raise funds but it also represents a fantastic opportunity for participants to challenge themselves.
The Dartmoor Challenge isn't easy - participants will be carrying an actual ShelterBox full of equipment 30 miles across some unforgiving terrain. Recognising that for many this is quite a duanting task, the Evolution team have put together a program of events that will help develop participants fitness and skills so they feel prepared to tackle the challenge.
Aiding and abetting Martin this year will be former ShelterBox Challenge team members James Hampton, brothers Rob & Nik Green and joining the challenge this year, Martin's wife Fiona. The whole team are hugely excited about the prospect of raising funds for ShelterBox and encouraging participants to challenge themslves.
Thank you for all those who attended last night and expressed an interest. We would be grateful if you could return your forms as soon as possible. If you weren't able to attend last night but are still interested please contact Evolution as soon as possible - Tel 01872 555 939
The aim of the evening was to attract would-be adventurers and fundraisers to take part in the 2010 ShelterBox Dartmoor Challenge.
We were extremely lucky to have Becky Maynard from ShelterBox on hand to present a short film on the work of ShelterBox and explain a little about her fundraising role. With ShelterBox currently deployed in major disaster areas Haiti and Chile (amongst others) the sheer scale of the fundraising effort is quite awesome.
A live link-up with Ben Spurway from ShelterBox, who is currently on the ground on Haiti, further reinforced the invaluable work that this organisation does in providing immediate aid to disaster zones.
Following Becky's presentation, Martin Crump from Evolution, gave an insight into last year's Dartmoor ShelterBox challenge and the rationale behind Evolution's involvement in this year's event...
Put simply, Evolution are looking to raise money for ShelterBox by facilitating a number of teams to enter the ShelterBox Challenge. The Challenge is a great opportunity to raise funds but it also represents a fantastic opportunity for participants to challenge themselves.
The Dartmoor Challenge isn't easy - participants will be carrying an actual ShelterBox full of equipment 30 miles across some unforgiving terrain. Recognising that for many this is quite a duanting task, the Evolution team have put together a program of events that will help develop participants fitness and skills so they feel prepared to tackle the challenge.
Aiding and abetting Martin this year will be former ShelterBox Challenge team members James Hampton, brothers Rob & Nik Green and joining the challenge this year, Martin's wife Fiona. The whole team are hugely excited about the prospect of raising funds for ShelterBox and encouraging participants to challenge themslves.
Thank you for all those who attended last night and expressed an interest. We would be grateful if you could return your forms as soon as possible. If you weren't able to attend last night but are still interested please contact Evolution as soon as possible - Tel 01872 555 939
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