“Never go into the hills alone”, so say the sages. Now, I think a sage is best taken with a pinch of salt(especially good on tomatoes and new potatoes). I also think solo, self-supported is the best way to play in the hills. Ooh, such a rebel am I. A …
FOR AVOIDANCE OF DOUBT: I use a fair bit of Inov-8 kit. It’s simple, it fits, and it works well in the UK hills. I have neither been paid for this review, nor been given the shoes by either Inov-8 or Accelerate. Okay, so what am I reviewing here? The shiny new Inov-8 X-Talon …
I’m not one of those folk who ascribe motives or emotions to mountains. A mountain, whether Kinder or K2, is just a lump of rock, maybe covered with slippery and/or squelchy bits. Any treachery, cruelty, intimidation, or indeed welcoming friendliness, is our human projection; nothing more, nothing less. A mountain …
Rest day baking recipe: crispy crunchy oat biscuits(cookies if you’re US). A recipe easily made vegan, lots of fibre, lots of calories & very good on yoghurt. Of course it’s good running, climbing, cycling food. As with many of my recipes, it’s basic & adaptable; have a play. Maybe add some cinnamon …
A collection of writing by the epitome of the reportage photographer, Henri Cartier-Bresson; The Mind’s Eye, Writings on Photography and Photographers. Henri Cartier-Bresson is perhaps(anyone else for Robert Doisneau?) the most influential photojournalist the world has ever known. A co-founder of Magnum, civilised observer and skilled artist. The Mind’s Eye …
Ah, Easter break last weekend; you enjoyed longer days and longer runs. And a realisation about socks. You need some new ones. You’ve time before May Day weekend though; but there are so many socks … So how about trying Injinji toe socks? Odd things. Odd, but comfortable and effective. …
Pan Speziale di Certosino. Basically a solid, rich Italian Christmas cake, reputedly originating from the monks of Certosino. It’s full of delicious stuff and calorie dense with a mix of carbs, fat and protein. A bonus is it keeps well(allegedly, it’s delicious and moreish) and survives battering in running/climbing/cycling bags. …
April, the clocks have shifted. The weather is warming, feeling a little more friendly. Buds are bursting and the world is greening. Time to ramp things up, to remember dreams of long laid plans. Perhaps finesse them, perhaps make some more. Time now for long days over the hills; days …
A literal hack this. Modern plastic whistles are great; light, loud and kind to your lips in cold weather. They are however, difficult to keep hold of, and have a bizarrely useless clip on the back. Solution? Chop the clip off, smooth the burr (a flame helps, plastic is difficult …
It’s pancake day, so here goes with some robust & filling oat pancakes, tasty hot or cold. These are orange & ginger, but it’s a basic mix; have a play. These are very good with warm fruit & yoghurt. Of course, these can be made as savoury pancakes too. …