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Main Boards => General Walking Discussion => Topic started by: BuzyG on 16:50:30, 27/02/18

Title: Planning to Head Out in Poor Weather.
Post by: BuzyG on 16:50:30, 27/02/18
I'm an experienced  hill walker,  But, living in the SW, I'm not very experienced in heavy snow. 


So looking at the weather charts, I've booked Thursday and Friday off to head up on to Dartmoor and hopefully learn a thing or two.   I walk the area, I am planning to head to, regularly, so Navigation and fitness are very low risk.  My thinking is I should take the opportunity to learn to cope with some new risks.  Ie the cold and the possible blizzard conditions. I'm a natural risk taker and I always try to balance that out with planning and sound decision making on the ground.


Just though I would but it out there and see what others think.  Is this a good idea?
Title: Re: Planning to Head Out in Poor Weather.
Post by: Hillhiker1 on 17:19:53, 27/02/18
Sounds like a reasonable plan, one thing I would say though; Don't overestimate how far you can travel through the snow. I usually shorten my winter routes
in snow to probably around half what I'd do in summer. Also it saps your strength. Big time!
Get out and enjoy it though!
Title: Re: Planning to Head Out in Poor Weather.
Post by: Murphy on 17:42:55, 27/02/18
I agree with Hillhiker......
Title: Re: Planning to Head Out in Poor Weather.
Post by: ninthace on 18:04:16, 27/02/18
If the forecast for Dartmoor is right you risk being out in high winds and snow which could means you could end up in a whiteout.  At this point you could be navigating by feel. I have done it on a few occasions and it is not fun.  Really sound windproof clothing, lavers and goggles are a must.  I would not dream of it on the moor without a pre-plotted route on the gps, preferably one using hand rails as walking on a bearing in those conditions on the moor will be a b*gg*r - and for heaven's sake leave a copy of your route behind and stick to it if you can.  Make sure you have an escape routes as well. Phone fully charged and if you have a signal and need to deviate tell someone.  Take a storm shelter too.
Good luck
Just seen the local forecast - you could also face freezing rain. Rather you than me.
Title: Re: Planning to Head Out in Poor Weather.
Post by: BuzyG on 18:53:39, 27/02/18
Ninthace, thanks for your candid reply.  It was after looking at the forecast that I choose those two days.  I haven't experienced a blizzard style white out.  But that is, perhaps rather perversely, what I am hoping to find and negotiate, to add to the learning bank. Hence I am trying to ensure I have all the bases covered before setting off.  I'm confident I have all the required skills.  I have just never had to use them in the sort of conditions that are forecast, for Thursday in particular. 


I'm planing a shortish route 4-5 miles. That I have walked dozens of times. Never more that a mile from a military road.  Starting in the shelter of Meldon Quary East into the wind in the relative shelter of Red a van brook and then breaking off  right to Yes tor.  A horrid boggy piece of ground in the spring months, but frozen solid when I was up there on Sunday.  Then heading across to High Wiilhays before heading SW to fordlands ledge and dropping into the valley, to head back to Meldon.  An pretty simple route on most days.  But I am not kidding myself that it will be simple on Thursday.  Just getting the car to Meldon quary may not be possible for example.  So I do appreciate the knowledge of those who have more experience of such conditions. 
Title: Re: Planning to Head Out in Poor Weather.
Post by: ninthace on 19:39:04, 27/02/18
One caution from experience.
Track and paths can totally disappear in snow and drifting can change  the whole topography to the point where the line of the track itself is no longer detectable - I have lost whole roads in the past, never mind paths! Have confidence in your navigation - at least the brook and upslope should lead you to Yes Tor relatively easily.  The ridge to High Willhays and Fordlands  may be a problem in snow since the ridge line is not well defined when visibility is measured in yards but the drop off down slope should take you to another handrail. By the way, while streams are a useful handrail I did fall through the ice into one in a whiteout once (the outflow from Grisedale Tarn), I didn't even know I was walking on ice at the time but in retrospect the flatter going should have been a clue!
Enjoy!
Title: Re: Planning to Head Out in Poor Weather.
Post by: MichaelUK on 20:57:00, 27/02/18
All excellent advice. Dont forget GPS can be effected by adverse weather. My only concern is that you are knowingly going into a potential dangerous situation! If it goes tits up, and I hope it doesnt, you may need the assistance of the emergency services, hopefully not. You may be putting other lifes at risk. An extreme situation I know. Just be sensible and careful.
Title: Re: Planning to Head Out in Poor Weather.
Post by: sussamb on 21:14:13, 27/02/18
Has to be really adverse to affect GPS.  I've only had bad weather affect my GPS once in around 10 years, and that was a very large black storm cloud that passed directly above me.  Moved my position about 100 metres for around a couple of minutes.
Title: Re: Planning to Head Out in Poor Weather.
Post by: gunwharfman on 21:18:32, 27/02/18
I'm not keen on snow. When I was a young man in the late 60s I set off to work a night shift in my Morris Minor Traveller. It was already snowing when I left. I had to drive down a steep hilll to get over East Farleigh bridge, I kinda slid all the way down, got to the bottom just before the bridge and then got stuck. I decided to leave the car and walk back home. After a couple of miles in blinding large flakes I was so cold and exhauseted I just had the overwhelming desire to just lie down and have a sleep in the snow. I didn't because as I walked I was trying to thumb a lift as cars and lorries past by. A lorry stopped and took me home. I have never forgotten that, thats why I'm no longer keen on snow.
Title: Re: Planning to Head Out in Poor Weather.
Post by: Maggot on 21:24:43, 27/02/18
I know the moor well, and I can imagine the route you are planning.  If you are there for for two days, why not try Day one slightly easier and more easily navigated (there are great loop options south from Princetown) where, if it all goes a bit Pete Tong, may be a little extreme places to find you really don't like walking in a whiteout than High Willhayes, Dinger, Yes Tor etc.  When you have cut your teeth and got some confidence, then Day Two up the north area of the moor (obviously having checked the firing times  :o )
Title: Re: Planning to Head Out in Poor Weather.
Post by: BuzyG on 23:21:10, 27/02/18
Maggot, O0  So glad I posted.  I'm local to the moor.  But as I had put this idea together today, having seen the weather forecast I had forgotten to check the firing times.  Oakhampton rage is busy, so I need to head South and plan a new route.
Title: Re: Planning to Head Out in Poor Weather.
Post by: tonyk on 10:05:52, 28/02/18
 Read Slogger's blog report of the 2013 Spine race and you will get an idea of what its like to be caught out in white out.Instead of a walk it becomes a survival situation.
Title: Re: Planning to Head Out in Poor Weather.
Post by: Dyffryn Ardudwy on 12:05:13, 28/02/18
Good luck, its -4C here on the coast in NW Wales, its very uncommon for temperatures to reach that low on the Welsh coast,  heaven knows what conditions must be like on Dartmoor, rather you than me.
Title: Re: Planning to Head Out in Poor Weather.
Post by: Flanners on 13:04:05, 28/02/18
-6 in Kent, I did not fancy going in the car to a location to walk today as the roads were bad earlier, so basically walked from my home through my Town out into the countryside, walked about 6 miles and had a fantastic solo adventure. The snow and some unfamiliar paths caused some navigational issues but it was good fun, didn't see a soul either. O0
Title: Re: Planning to Head Out in Poor Weather.
Post by: Dyffryn Ardudwy on 16:36:10, 28/02/18
There has not been a lot of snowfall here in the Rhinogs, above my home in Dyffryn Ardudwy, but the temperature and windchill is savage.
I went for a walk of around seven miles on Monday afternoon, to have a look at the breathtakingly stunning views towards Snowdon and the Moelwyns, from the summit of Moelfre, the air clarity is incredible,  but even with the significant amounts of heavy winter clothing i was wearing, the wind was so bitter, that i never made the summit.

This kind of windchill is rare on the Western fringes of the Gulf stream coast of West Snowdonia, and because the humidity is very low, there is very little ice on the ground, but the ground is like concrete with the cold, but safe to walk on.

Without the wind, walking conditions would be almost ideal, cold but manageable, but its the severe windchill against my face that i find almost unbearable, and in the Rhinogs there's no shelter.


Let's hope this Beast from the East goes home pretty soon, its getting me down.
Title: Re: Planning to Head Out in Poor Weather.
Post by: BuzyG on 17:00:58, 28/02/18
Well we got our first dusting from the beast in Plymouth this morning.  We built a snowman out side the office window at lunch time.  Still not a spot of snow in the west side of the moor where I am planning to walk tomorrow.  The weather forecast still says that it is most certainly coming though. 


My new route will take me up from the Dartmoor Inn. Following the Doetor Brook, then up to Great Links Tor.  If I'm feeling comfortable, then I will head across to Kitty Tor and return Following the Lyd.  But that's not particularly easy to navigate in VP Visibility.  So I may well simply head down towards Great Nodan and then follow the Lyd back to the bridge from there.


Now were's all that snow?
Title: Re: Planning to Head Out in Poor Weather.
Post by: ninthace on 17:49:40, 28/02/18
Forecast wind chill -20, visibility very poor, wind 47mph gusting over 65, 90% chance of snow. You are a braver man than me. Good luck, let us no how you get on (if you can get there).
Please take a storm shelter and the means of sitting it out if necessary.
Title: Re: Planning to Head Out in Poor Weather.
Post by: Dyffryn Ardudwy on 18:06:26, 28/02/18
There is that old saying, that there is no such thing as adverse weather, just wrong choice of suitable clothing.
The last time i was out in conditions as severe as the current extreme weather, was way back in the early 1980s, when i was caught out in a blizzard on the ridge from the Gap towards Cribyn in the main Brecon Beacons.

I am not quite sure if the windchill was as nuts as it is this afternoon, because ive just returned from Deganwy on the coast, having collected a late delivery parcel from Queensferry for my friend whose thought it unwise to venture out in such conditions.

The last time it was anything like this on the sunny Welsh riviera, was back in the winter of 2010, and even then i doubt it was as cold as it is at the moment, bitter is not the word for it, this may be exceptional conditions that few of us have experienced.

Anyone attempting a walk in remote countryside in these type of conditions, should go fully prepared for the worst possible conditions.

Its strange, no news of casualties on Snowdon or Tryfan,  it must be so cold that not even the die hard walker is risking the elements.
Title: Re: Planning to Head Out in Poor Weather.
Post by: BuzyG on 18:36:20, 28/02/18
I'm packing plenty of kit. Hopefully far more than I will need for a 5 mile walk.  I'm doing this for the experience. As a type of personnel training exercise.  I've walked across the hart of the moor a number of times in mid winter, with severer wind chill -16 in the past.  I've walked across it in driving rain.  I've walked across it in the middle of the night in thick fog.  Tomorrow though, is the worst forecast I have set off into, so I am expecting and preparing for a hard day. 


When I write this up tomorrow evening, I will be more than happy, if we can all have a good laugh, when I have to report I didn't make it out of the car park.


Feel free to worry at my sanity.  But be sure I'm not daft or reckless.  O0
Title: Re: Planning to Head Out in Poor Weather.
Post by: Gadabout Bounder on 19:44:50, 28/02/18
There's a Google app called life 360


See link below -


https://www.life360.com/


You set it up on your phone and your families, basically a tracking device, tells them where you are through the app, maps your route.


I went up to the Lakes in January and downloaded it to mine and my wife's phone, reassurance if anything.


I can't say I've used it properly and cannot say how accurate it is but 10 million people have downloaded it so it must have something.


I also use Google Fit which records my walking activity and if Life 360 is as good as the Fit app it will work.


I don't like the idea of 'Big brother' Google keeping an eye on me but I'll make an exception if it allows my loved ones to be reassured if I don't make contact in good time.


Might be useful for some, not necessarily pointing at BuzyG.




Gad
Title: Re: Planning to Head Out in Poor Weather.
Post by: sussamb on 20:10:33, 28/02/18
I'm packing plenty of kit. Hopefully far more than I will need for a 5 mile walk.  I'm doing this for the experience. As a type of personnel training exercise.  I've walked across the hart of the moor a number of times in mid winter, with severer wind chill -16 in the past.  I've walked across it in driving rain.  I've walked across it in the middle of the night in thick fog.  Tomorrow though, is the worst forecast I have set off into, so I am expecting and preparing for a hard day. 


When I write this up tomorrow evening, I will be more than happy, if we can all have a good laugh, when I have to report I didn't make it out of the car park.


Feel free to worry at my sanity.  But be sure I'm not daft or reckless.  O0


Wish I was closer as I'd join you! 
Title: Re: Planning to Head Out in Poor Weather.
Post by: pdstsp on 22:51:49, 28/02/18
Enjoy - if that's the right word.   O0
Title: Re: Planning to Head Out in Poor Weather.
Post by: Mel on 23:06:19, 28/02/18
I'm envious.  Enjoy.   O0
Title: Re: Planning to Head Out in Poor Weather.
Post by: Maggot on 09:17:10, 01/03/18
I hope he is having a good time.


He has me convinced too, I am going to have a walk up the Gorge later.
Title: Re: Planning to Head Out in Poor Weather.
Post by: Mel on 12:32:11, 01/03/18
After seeing the red warning for the south west and Wales, I'm no longer envious  ;D

Title: Re: Planning to Head Out in Poor Weather.
Post by: ninthace on 12:52:46, 01/03/18
After seeing the red warning for the south west and Wales, I'm no longer envious  ;D
Looking at the webcam - there is still not a lot of snow on Dartmoor at present - still cold though,
Title: Re: Planning to Head Out in Poor Weather.
Post by: Dyffryn Ardudwy on 12:54:12, 01/03/18
Ive just come off the phone to friends living in Llanbradach, just a few miles north of Caerphilly, in the Rhymney Valley in South Wales.
Up until yesterday morning, the area had escaped the snow, but the area has received considerable snowfall last night and this morning, enough to make taking the car out an impossibility.

Unless the roads are clear, its a bit unwise to venture out to the wilder areas, especially the Beacons, or any area in the Southern areas of Wales and the SW.

When can anyone remember a RED weather warning being issued last, the poor souls in the NE of Scotland have seen the brunt of The Beast from the East, and it looks like his relative is having a shuffty at the South west.

Its always tempting to enjoy the severe weather, but with the forecast for more fresh snowfall, venture out only if its absolutely necessary.
Title: Re: Planning to Head Out in Poor Weather.
Post by: Mel on 13:22:49, 01/03/18
Looking at the webcam - there is still not a lot of snow on Dartmoor at present - still cold though,


I hope BuzyG isn't feeling too cheated out of the full on winter experience he was hoping for then.



 
Title: Re: Planning to Head Out in Poor Weather.
Post by: Mel on 13:35:07, 01/03/18
....When can anyone remember a RED weather warning being issued last....


According to the weather lady just now on the beeb it was 2013.
Title: Re: Planning to Head Out in Poor Weather.
Post by: Gadabout Bounder on 13:40:02, 01/03/18
Sorry if this sounds antagonistic, it isn't meant to be but I am interested in peoples views.


Using the OP's desire to go out overnight this weekend - severe weather warnings in place and plenty of notice of how bad it is going to be - Is the attitude of "I'm capable, feel confident in my own abilities and have the right kit for the job'


1- acceptable because it goes with testing yourself against the worse weather that can be thrown at you.
2 - Reckless & irresponsible
3 - perfectly fine, it's part & parcel of the hobby & goes with the territory
4 - Another answer


People have been warned not to drive but they are still driving, people have been told to stay indoors but they are still going out (i've done 8 miles myself this morning),

Reports of being stuck on major arterial routes for 15 hours when you were told not to drive, who's to blame?
Only drive if absolutely necessary - how do you say what is absolutely necessary, work? a trip camping?, seeing an elderly relative?

I go on holiday tomorrow, planned and paid for 12 months ago, is it absolutely necessary that I drive to Manchester airport to get my flight, if I have an accident is that my fault for driving anyway, what constitutes absolutely necessary?

I called the weather 'a flurry with no worry' but it has arrived and could be pretty horrendous over the weekend.

Is it ok to make decisions with the best intention but when it goes wrong rely on the rescue services to bail us out, because we have a safety net are the wrong decisions easier to make?
Title: Re: Planning to Head Out in Poor Weather.
Post by: Dyffryn Ardudwy on 13:44:15, 01/03/18
Thank you for the info, i did not realise the Uk had received a severe RED weather warning as recently as 2013, its a rare event, more associated with the wilds of the Scottish Highlands, than SW Wales and England.
I wonder what the RED warning covers, high winds, rainfall, snow or just very severe weather.

We have had several of those silly named hurricanes over the past two years, and a RED weather warning was not issued, so i recon its got more to do with severe windchill and heavy snow.

Lets hope the punters in Tan Hill are warm as toast, and even though they have not been mentioned on the news, its the only place ive visited where a Snow mobile is stationed there 24/7 12months of the year,  I wonder why ?
Title: Re: Planning to Head Out in Poor Weather.
Post by: ninthace on 13:50:28, 01/03/18
.

Lets hope the punters in Tan Hill are warm as toast, and even though they have not been mentioned on the news, its the only place ive visited where a Snow mobile is stationed there 24/7 12months of the year,  I wonder why ?


The snow cat belongs to the pub, they used to have a piste basher at one time. It is not unknown for the snow to reach up to the eaves there and it is their main means of resupply in bad weather.  I have even nipped into there for a pint in May only to find my car plated by snow.  If you are looking for a 3 day lock-in, it is one of the best places to go.
Title: Re: Planning to Head Out in Poor Weather.
Post by: tonyk on 14:00:10, 01/03/18
be - Is the attitude of "I'm capable, feel confident in my own abilities and have the right kit for the job'


1- acceptable because it goes with testing yourself against the worse weather that can be thrown at you.
2 - Reckless & irresponsible
3 - perfectly fine, it's part & parcel of the hobby & goes with the territory
4 - Another answer






  Provided they realise that death could come within the hour if they get caught in white out and lose all sense of direction.Rescue in those circumstances would most likely be impossible so the chances of survival would be quite slim.I don't know how tough the OP is but if he has got a good tolerance of the cold,no obvious health issues,is physical fit and trusts his experience then why not go for it?
Title: Re: Planning to Head Out in Poor Weather.
Post by: happyhiker on 14:32:30, 01/03/18
Ninthace, thanks for your candid reply.  It was after looking at the forecast that I choose those two days.  I haven't experienced a blizzard style white out.  But that is, perhaps rather perversely, what I am hoping to find and negotiate, to add to the learning bank. Hence I am trying to ensure I have all the bases covered before setting off.  I'm confident I have all the required skills.  I have just never had to use them in the sort of conditions that are forecast, for Thursday in particular. 


I'm planing a shortish route 4-5 miles. That I have walked dozens of times. Never more that a mile from a military road.  Starting in the shelter of Meldon Quary East into the wind in the relative shelter of Red a van brook and then breaking off  right to Yes tor.  A horrid boggy piece of ground in the spring months, but frozen solid when I was up there on Sunday.  Then heading across to High Wiilhays before heading SW to fordlands ledge and dropping into the valley, to head back to Meldon.  An pretty simple route on most days.  But I am not kidding myself that it will be simple on Thursday.  Just getting the car to Meldon quary may not be possible for example.  So I do appreciate the knowledge of those who have more experience of such conditions.


Personally, I think to deliberately put yourself in a known risk situation, just for the experience is bonkers. If you cannot tell where the path is visually, even an accurate GPS receiver will not stop you straying a yard or two into holes/ditches either side.


Having accidentally experienced a couple of white outs, notably on Cross Fell, it is frightening. You cannot see more than a few yards ahead, even with goggles which can also steam up. You cannot retract your steps because other than for a few feet, the snow will have obliterated them. My experience was pre GPS and I had to rely on compass readings. Obviously GPS is valuable in these circumstances but what if it fails.


The conditions being forecast for the SW over the next couple of days are dire and I really think the expedition unwise and may end up jeopardising MRTs.
Title: Re: Planning to Head Out in Poor Weather.
Post by: sussamb on 15:06:30, 01/03/18
1- acceptable because it goes with testing yourself against the worse weather that can be thrown at you.
2 - Reckless & irresponsible
3 - perfectly fine, it's part & parcel of the hobby & goes with the territory
4 - Another answer


1 and 3 if you have the necessary experience, which I believe the OP has, otherwise 2  O0
Title: Re: Planning to Head Out in Poor Weather.
Post by: Jac on 15:36:06, 01/03/18
It is not unknown for the sow ............. .   ..............only to find my cat plated by snow. 

pigs? cats on plates? ...... ?  has cabin fever set in?
Title: Re: Planning to Head Out in Poor Weather.
Post by: ninthace on 16:35:45, 01/03/18
pigs? cats on plates? ...... ?  has cabin fever set in?
  oops ------------------car! Changing it now ta! I blame cabin fever; I'm snowed in now.
Title: Re: Planning to Head Out in Poor Weather.
Post by: Dyffryn Ardudwy on 17:01:54, 01/03/18
The temperature has now touched -6C outside my home at 3-27pm, and that's out of the wind and in the shade facing North.
Thankfully little snow has fallen here on the North Wales coast, but even for this part of Snowdonia, regarded for his higher than average temperatures, that is pretty cold.
I will have to check the average seasonal temperatures for Dyffryn, but -6C away from the main summits of the Rhinogs, is quite rare.


Iolo's last episode on Snowdonia is well worth catching, as he highlight's the severe winter conditions associated in the Northern Carneddau.


He does an epic traverse of the Northern Carneddau from Gerlan, eventually reaching the Foel Grach hut for a quiet break away from the artic conditions, even he thought conditions were bad, so top marks for the cameramen braving such weather.


His camera men must have had hard time of it.


I just cannot imagine what conditions must be like there this week, a shame nobody has left a hi/low thermometer to record the lowest temperature.


If its -6C here on the coast, 3400ft above sea level, does not bare thinking about-- BRASS MONKEY"S.


Nothing has so far been reported on the news regarding this Beast from the East climatic conditions, but it may set a few early March records for unseasonably low temperatures, and its not done with us as yet.
Title: Re: Planning to Head Out in Poor Weather.
Post by: BuzyG on 19:06:00, 01/03/18
Still here.  ;)   Enjoyed a good walk today.   Not much snow, but what there was was travelling rather quickly. O0   The route planning paid dividends.   I doubt I could have taken that wind chill for a straight walk up, my upper lip was numb with cold until I got past the saddle of Doe Tor and dropped in, tucked under, the right hand bank of the brook.  The top of Great Links Tor was a no stopping zone too.  I'm not sure what the wind speed was, but I could not stand up.  So carried on to little Links for my lunch stop. Last tea stop was down at the bridge not far from the car.  Thoroughly enjoyed the day, so what did I learn?

Micro spikes work really well on properly frozen bogs.  Without them I would have struggled and had to walk a different, far more exposed, route up

My £2 mitts and £2.49, gardening glove still do a fine job in pretty extreme wind chill.

I need a balaclava next time it's that cold.

Planning the right route for the forecast conditions and sticking to it, pays dividends.

Another great day in the hills ticked off today and as an added bonus I didn't need my shovel to dig the car out.  ;)

Took loads of photos, but can never seem to uploads them to this sight.



Title: Re: Planning to Head Out in Poor Weather.
Post by: Tin on 19:17:59, 01/03/18
Still here.  ;)   Enjoyed a good walk today.   Not much snow, but what there was was travelling rather quickly. O0   The route planning paid dividends.   I doubt I could have taken that wind chill for a straight walk up, my upper lip was numb with cold until I got past the saddle of Doe Tor and dropped in, tucked under, the right hand bank of the brook.  The top of Great Links Tor was a no stopping zone too.  I'm not sure what the wind speed was, but I could not stand up.  So carried on to little Links for my lunch stop. Last tea stop was down at the bridge not far from the car.  Thoroughly enjoyed the day, so what did I learn?

Micro spikes work really well on properly frozen bogs.  Without them I would have struggled and had to walk a different, far more exposed, route up

My £2 mitts and £2.49, gardening glove still do a fine job in pretty extreme wind chill.

I need a balaclava next time it's that cold.

Planning the right route for the forecast conditions and sticking to it, pays dividends.

Another great day in the hills ticked off today and as an added bonus I didn't need my shovel to dig the car out.  ;)

Took loads of photos, but can never seem to uploads them to this sight.


Glad to hear you made it back okay and also that you enjoyed it O0
Title: Re: Planning to Head Out in Poor Weather.
Post by: lostme1 on 19:19:08, 01/03/18
Pleased to hear you are safely home.
Title: Re: Planning to Head Out in Poor Weather.
Post by: fernman on 20:03:21, 01/03/18
I need a balaclava next time it's that cold.

Plenty of Highlander Thinsulate-lined ones available cheaply on Amazon and eBay.
I bought one in November and I'm quite pleased with it. I've found I can alternatively wear it as a thick beanie hat if I push the neck part up inside the head part.
Title: Re: Planning to Head Out in Poor Weather.
Post by: Maggot on 20:30:09, 01/03/18
I would not bother with a balaclava, Buffs are the answer!  I always have about 8 in my bag, one as a snood, one as a face mask, one as a hat.....the possibilities are truly endless  O0


6 for £8.99 here  (https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01I1EBVXG/ref=s9_acsd_top_hd_bw_b3MCnjz_c_x_w?pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-3&pf_rd_r=JKCBA322WMCBPYVPCF5H&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=b627783c-77b1-5411-8667-e330496e17e3&pf_rd_i=3076529031)
Title: Re: Planning to Head Out in Poor Weather.
Post by: sussamb on 21:38:16, 01/03/18
Only piece of army kit I have left is my 'hoodover', not sure what it's really called but basically it's a tube of material.  You shove your head through it and it sits around your neck.  You can then pull it up from the back so it covers back and top of your head, and your ears, and also pull it up at the front if needed to cover as much of your face as you want.  Brilliant piece of kit, better than a balaclava and I guess similar to a buff  :-\
Title: Re: Planning to Head Out in Poor Weather.
Post by: jimbob on 21:45:44, 01/03/18
Mrs jimbob knit me a very very fine merino wool buff but with a good few extra inches. She said that the wool was very cheap off the interweb and it only took her about 15 minutes to knit the tube.  It is truly great in this type of weather. A bit too warm for spring simmer or autumn. I use it just like Sussamb  describes his army thingy.
Title: Re: Planning to Head Out in Poor Weather.
Post by: BuzyG on 22:25:07, 01/03/18
I had my wool scarf wrapped around my face at first today, but after breathing through it, it froze solid. So I could not breath properly.  Never had that happen before.
Title: Re: Planning to Head Out in Poor Weather.
Post by: Owen on 22:27:38, 01/03/18
Only piece of army kit I have left is my 'hoodover', not sure what it's really called but basically it's a tube of material. 


  Brilliant piece of kit, better than a balaclava and I guess similar to a buff  :-\


Yes, I remember the old headovers, first came across them back in 1980. It came as a surprise when buffs came out and said on the label that they'd been "invented" in the USA in 1994.   
Title: Re: Planning to Head Out in Poor Weather.
Post by: sussamb on 06:45:44, 02/03/18
Yep, after the posts above I looked at some sites and thought the same!  Army ahead of the game as usual.  Mine is showing no signs of wear even though I must have had it over 30 years! (Apologies, sounding like DA now  ;D)
Title: Re: Planning to Head Out in Poor Weather.
Post by: phil1960 on 12:43:34, 02/03/18
Yep, after the posts above I looked at some sites and thought the same!  Army ahead of the game as usual.  Mine is showing no signs of wear even though I must have had it over 30 years! (Apologies, sounding like DA now  ;D )
Jon I had shivers down my spine then  ;D
Title: Re: Planning to Head Out in Poor Weather.
Post by: Dyffryn Ardudwy on 13:37:11, 02/03/18
According to Derek Brockway, the weather man on BBC Wales, yesterday was the coldest March day ever recorded in Wales.


My high quality thermometer was registering -6C yesterday afternoon, so it looks like the whole of Wales was well below freezing.
Areas of the Brecon Beacons went as low as -7C without the added windchill, which is a record for the start of March, and some parts of Northumberland have seen the heaviest snow drifts in decades.

Here we are discussing this cold snap, and without realising it, records are being set for extreme weather.


Global Warming ?  something is happening, not quite sure what.
Title: Re: Planning to Head Out in Poor Weather.
Post by: sussamb on 13:45:46, 02/03/18
Jon I had shivers down my spine then  ;D


 ;D ;)
Title: Re: Planning to Head Out in Poor Weather.
Post by: Maggot on 14:21:55, 02/03/18
Yep, after the posts above I looked at some sites and thought the same!  Army ahead of the game as usual.  Mine is showing no signs of wear even though I must have had it over 30 years! (Apologies, sounding like DA now  ;D )


I got issued one on the way to an exercise in Germany in late 1983, it is kicking around somewhere, with some combats that appear to have shrunk, a kit bag, some braces that have lost their elastic qualities and a copy of 'Survive to Fight' ;D   Putin would be a fool to attack with so many of us in such a state of readiness  ;D ;D
Title: Re: Planning to Head Out in Poor Weather.
Post by: sussamb on 15:12:23, 02/03/18
Ah German exercises ... revives old memories ...  O0
Title: Re: Planning to Head Out in Poor Weather.
Post by: ninthace on 16:13:49, 02/03/18
Ah German exercises ... revives old memories ...  O0


Ah yes - the delights of call outs, Station Minivals and NATO Tacevals.  A particular favourite was Active Edge, the Army used to get excited but the RAF just came to work at the normal time - job done. Did you get Endex doughnuts too?


Back to the thread,  I went out again this afternoon across the fields leaving some tracks that will get them talking - each footprint 2ft long by 10" wide.  Wore my buff to keep the wind off, only one drawback to them though; I haven't found a way of keeping my face warm without my glasses fogging up.
Title: Re: Planning to Head Out in Poor Weather.
Post by: BuzyG on 16:26:09, 02/03/18

Ah yes - the delights of call outs, Station Minivals and NATO Tacevals.  A particular favourite was Active Edge, the Army used to get excited but the RAF just came to work at the normal time - job done. Did you get Endex doughnuts too?


Back to the thread,  I went out again this afternoon across the fields leaving some tracks that will get them talking - each footprint 2ft long by 10" wide.  Wore my buff to keep the wind off, only one drawback to them though; I haven't found a way of keeping my face warm without my glasses fogging up.


Now now, as an ex member of the senior service, it grieves me to hear these petty diggs.   ;)

Funnily enough though, the hard nut's up at Okehampton camp, appeared to have cancelled their exercises yesterday. Judging from the lack of any red flags flying on the ranges I walked close to.

I stuck to the local fields today too.  No yetti tracks spotted though.  O0
Title: Re: Planning to Head Out in Poor Weather.
Post by: fernman on 16:39:57, 02/03/18
I stuck to the local fields today too.  No yetti tracks spotted though.  O0

Never mind the Beast from the East, what about the Dartmoor Beast? A black panther if I remember correctly. You might see its tracks if it's still about.
Title: Re: Planning to Head Out in Poor Weather.
Post by: ninthace on 17:23:34, 02/03/18

Now now, as an ex member of the senior service, it grieves me to hear these petty diggs.   ;)



I did 5 years in dark blue before I did 25 in a more becoming shade so I sympathize with your view.
Here's one for you:
How to the 3 services use the stars?  The RN navigate by them, the Army sleep under them and RAF use them to rate hotels.
Title: Re: Planning to Head Out in Poor Weather.
Post by: sussamb on 17:29:09, 02/03/18
Ah yes - the delights of call outs, Station Minivals and NATO Tacevals.  A particular favourite was Active Edge, the Army used to get excited but the RAF just came to work at the normal time - job done. Did you get Endex doughnuts too?


Yep, couldn't expect you lot to do any real work  ;D
Title: Re: Planning to Head Out in Poor Weather.
Post by: Dyffryn Ardudwy on 17:30:24, 02/03/18
There was one on Bodmin Moore in Cornwall as well.
Back in the very late 1960s and early 70s, it was possibly to walk into Harrods of Knightsbridge, and buy some very exotic animals, lions, tigers, leopards, within reason anything was available for the wealthy clients wanting an exotic pet.
Thankfully such poor regard for exotic creatures, is a thing of the past, but there is a very good chance that a very small number of these unwanted pets were released into the wild.

Back in the 1990s, there were a number of sightings, and possible photographs of large cats, particularly panthers, in the South of England, Dartmoor and Bodmin due to their size and remoteness, were known hot spots.

Nothing recently has been reported, so the number of creatures must have been very small indeed, but there's a good chance one or two of these wild cats still roam the English countryside.
Title: Re: Planning to Head Out in Poor Weather.
Post by: Tin on 17:34:27, 02/03/18

I did 5 years in dark blue before I did 25 in a more becoming shade so I sympathize with your view.
Here's one for you:
How to the 3 services use the stars?  The RN navigate by them, the Army sleep under them and RAF use them to rate hotels.


Only ever been a civvy so I can't knock anyone who served but that was funny.
Title: Re: Planning to Head Out in Poor Weather.
Post by: Mel on 19:20:36, 02/03/18
My high quality thermometer was registering -6C yesterday afternoon,


.....must .... not ..... bite.... no.... please...... stop me.....


.... arrrrgggh...... sorry.... can't ....help ..... myself .......


What reading did you have on the Thommen Altimeter?  :D 



Title: Re: Planning to Head Out in Poor Weather.
Post by: sussamb on 19:37:45, 02/03/18
 ;D
Title: Re: Planning to Head Out in Poor Weather.
Post by: fernman on 19:59:30, 02/03/18
What reading did you have on the Thommen Altimeter?  :D

My barometer dropped a huge amount  -  it fell off the wall!



I'll get my coat.....
Title: Re: Planning to Head Out in Poor Weather.
Post by: Mel on 10:08:19, 03/03/18
I'll get my coat.....


Yes, I think that's wise....it's cold out there don't you know  :D   Stay warm. Stay safe  :P   :D


Back on topic for a moment.. BuzyG - do you have any piccies of your walk?



Title: Re: Planning to Head Out in Poor Weather.
Post by: BuzyG on 19:51:27, 03/03/18

Yes, I think that's wise....it's cold out there don't you know  :D   Stay warm. Stay safe  :P   :D


Back on topic for a moment.. BuzyG - do you have any piccies of your walk?


Yes I do Mel.  But I can never get them to load on this sight.  I posted A couple on a car forum I use if you are interested.


https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=104029&start=15

 
If you know how I can attach some here I would love to know.  Since Photobucket started charging I don't have an on line photo account anywhere.
Title: Re: Planning to Head Out in Poor Weather.
Post by: BuzyG on 19:51:50, 03/03/18
Deleted double post. :-[
Title: Re: Planning to Head Out in Poor Weather.
Post by: Mel on 21:17:23, 03/03/18

Unable to resize it BuzyG but here you go....

(https://z4-forum.com/forum/download/file.php?id=31678)
Title: Re: Planning to Head Out in Poor Weather.
Post by: Mel on 21:21:23, 03/03/18
PS.  All I did was right click on the image on your other forum image and selected "copy image address".  Clicked "reply" in this forum.  Then clicked on the "insert image" button above and pasted the link into the box.  Clicked "ok" and ....taaaadaaaaaa.  Piccy appears  :)
Title: Re: Planning to Head Out in Poor Weather.
Post by: BuzyG on 22:29:06, 03/03/18
Good idea Mel.  Spectre, the owner of the other forum might get a bit miffed if I fill the car forum with pics of my walks though.


Still no reason I can't bring the other one across too.

(https://z4-forum.com/forum/download/file.php?id=31679)
Title: Re: Planning to Head Out in Poor Weather.
Post by: Mel on 22:53:46, 03/03/18
How do you upload pics onto that forum?  The look/layout seems very similar to this one. 
Title: Re: Planning to Head Out in Poor Weather.
Post by: coby on 23:25:51, 03/03/18
Not for one minute pretending to know any better than anyone else who has posted excellent advice and agree with previous posters......for me you need to double /treble or even quadruple time allowed to complete your walk. Forget 4 k per hour naismith. ....more like 1 k or 500m or less per hour in full Scottish hoolie forget timing better pacing steps if your brain dosnt freeze....use beads / toggles on a string to count every 100m...
 
Title: Re: Planning to Head Out in Poor Weather.
Post by: BuzyG on 23:28:59, 03/03/18
They are loaded as attachments.  You can load up to 10 per post.  The server has a large capacity I guess.  It is a very well supported forum. So they can afford that.  When I try and upload even one attachment here, I get a massage telling me it's too big.  :(
Title: Re: Planning to Head Out in Poor Weather.
Post by: BuzyG on 23:40:26, 03/03/18
Not for one minute pretending to know any better than anyone else who has posted excellent advice and agree with previous posters......for me you need to double /treble or even quadruple time allowed to complete your walk. Forget 4 k per hour naismith. ....more like 1 k or 500m or less per hour in full Scottish hoolie forget timing better pacing steps if your brain dosnt freeze....use beads / toggles on a string to count every 100m...
Coby Your quite right. I was out on the moor again today.  A lot more snow, though melting, on all but the highest slopes.  It took me 4 hours, with stops, to cover 6 miles and 450m of assent. I have done that route in 2.5 in more amiable conditions. 

Much easier on Thursday when it was just frozen solid with little snow.
Title: Re: Planning to Head Out in Poor Weather.
Post by: coby on 00:03:59, 04/03/18
Yeah but it feels great when your out there... Fighting the elements its why we do it...great stuff O0
Title: Re: Planning to Head Out in Poor Weather.
Post by: Mel on 17:36:51, 04/03/18
They are loaded as attachments.  You can load up to 10 per post.  The server has a large capacity I guess.  It is a very well supported forum. So they can afford that.  When I try and upload even one attachment here, I get a massage telling me it's too big.  :(


Ahh, right  :(   Other than resizing before trying to upload as an attachment, the only other thing I can think is if you have a facebook account, upload them to there first then copy/paste as above  :-\


...Nice that you get a massage though  :D

Title: Re: Planning to Head Out in Poor Weather.
Post by: BuzyG on 18:51:11, 04/03/18

...Nice that you get a massage though  :D


This forum has it's perks. O0