Imp Adventures Blog Spot

National 3 Peaks 24hr Challenge

2011-06-28T01:45:00.000-07:00

Having just led two fantastic team challenges around the National 3 Peaks in under 24hrs I would like to congratulate all those participants who made both weekends such a fantastic and rewarding experience. I am sure that you are all 'made up' with your super-human accomplishment and rightfully exercising your bragging rights to all you may corner.

For those of you interested in attempting the National 3 Peaks - PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do not doubt your abilities or let your ambitions become clouded. The 3 Peaks are achievable by all participants with average fitness and a positive outlook on life, coupled with some solid training and suitable clothing and equipment.

This is not to say that the challenge is easy...far from it! but that's what makes success far more rewarding and satisfying. At some stage during every 3 Peaks challenge someone will doubt their ability to continue and think that they are the weakest link, the un-fittest, the most tired or simply believe that they are never going to make it. - Forget all of these doubts for everyone will struggle at some stage, believe me! The racing snakes tend to suffer on Snowdon by setting off too fast on Ben Nevis, the 'not so fit' tend to struggle on Ben Nevis because its a shock to the system but find their pace on Scafell, and most generally tend to struggle on Scafell due to its long approach but find Snowdon refreshes their determination once the two 'biggies' are in the bag.

If you are interested in achieving the National 3 Peaks in 2011/12 please contact Imp Adventures (www.impadventures.com) info@impadventures.com and sign up for our next 3 Peaks challenge, alternatively if you have got at lease 8 other candidates please contact us with your prefered dates and let Imp Adventures customise a challenge around your needs.

The Challenge:

We will ascend Ben Nevis 1344m (4409ft) in hopefully 5hrs

Scafell Pike 948m (3209ft) in approx 5.30hrs and

Snowdon 1085m (3560ft) in approx 4hrs

450 miles of driving and 44kms (27 miles) of walking including 2900m (9800ft) of ascent.

Cost - £250 - including all transport during the challenge including professional drivers in comfortable coaches, accommodation including bedding in comfortable bunk-house with restaurant and bar attached. Breakfasts x 2, professional, qualified mountain guides throughout who are first aid current and experienced in the challenge requirements.

Aconcagua 2011 Imp Adventures

2011-03-11T08:03:00.000-08:00

The Stone Giant – Aconcagua

Measuring 6962 meters Aconcagua is the highest mountain in the Western Hemisphere and the second highest of the fabled ‘7 Summits’ (the highest peaks on each continent), and is a mountain that demands the utmost respect and caution for all who dare to ascend its perilous slopes.

My love hate relationship with this 4.3 mile high summit started in 2007 whilst still serving as a regular Army Air Corps soldier, 5 years later as a Territorial Army Air Corps soldier and full time mountain guide this pile of ancient rock, scree, ice and snow is still testing and challenging me, and even after 4 ascents it still has the ability to test me at every opportunity, and to destroy anyone it chooses with regular frequency.

After successfully guiding 156 clients to the summit of Kilimanjaro in 2010 I was looking forward to the anticipated challenge that I knew Aconcagua would bring, and was also suitably acclimatised and experienced to deal with the anticipated problems that inevitably occur at such extreme high altitudes as Aconcagua.

Assisting me on this climb was my close friend and trusted colleague Phil ‘Darby’ Allen, an ex Royal Marine pilot and former 655 Sqn AAC veteran, now working with myself in the outdoors industry as freelance Mountain Guides.

After over a year of planning, fund raising and training; including an Alpine Proficiency course and numerous ‘closer to home’ training trips, the 4-man team from 657 Sqn Army Air Corps along with Darby and myself arrived in Mendoza, Argentina, a lovely town on the edge of the Aconcagua National Park, and apparently the 7^th wine capital of the world with a population of approximately 1.7 million.

After a manic day spent purchasing costly park permits and other essential consumables in Mendoza the team departed for their ‘adventure of a lifetime’ which began with a stunning bus ride up the Rio Grande valley to Puenta del Inca and the start of the long approach to Aconcagua.

After a couple of nights at Puenta del Inca (the park entrance) to acclimatise to the thinning oxygen levels the team was soon on its way. The first objective on the ‘approach trek’ was the halfway point of Confluencia Camp, it is here that most teams, including ourselves conduct their acclimatisation training by spending 2 nights and a day trek up to 4000 meters, and the South-Face viewpoint of Aconcagua; ‘a spectacular vista of Aconcagua’s gargantuan 3km high ice-clad South Face, one of the hardest climbing challenges in the world’.

After completing the following days gruelling 16km walk to Plaza de Mulas Base Camp in the somewhat oppressive heat and dust the team spent a well-earned rest day preparing their equipment and provisions for the long climb ahead.

The initial climb and ‘gear cache’ to Camp Canada 5000m was conducted with relative ease, and after depositing the ‘high mountain’ stores, food, gas, cookers, crampons, axes etc the team erected their high altitude tents and descended back down to the thicker oxygen levels at Base Camp 4400m where they would sleep the night, before ascending back to Camp Canada the following morning after their acclimatisation had caught up with their height gains.

The team acclimatised well, and after a mandatory check up by the Base Camp Doctor were given the ‘green light’ to start their ascent. The climb back up to Camp Canada was a relatively slow affair, carrying heavy packs in expedition style ‘triple layer boots’ up a relentless scree slope in searing heat was not one of the highlights of the trip, and after several hours all were pleased to be safely at Camp Canada and the safety of their 4-season tents, which had fortunately survived the night without them.

The following morning everyone was woken by the sun beating down on their frozen tents and after a quick freeze-dried meal were soon toiling up the continued scree slope towards their next destination; Nido de Condores, the second intermediate camp at over 5500 meters.

During the ascent to Nido it became apparent that the assistant guide; Darby was not firing on all 4 cylinders and was suffering from a lingering winter chest cold, and was most definitely not finding the dusty thin air conducive to high altitude mountaineering.

After eventually arriving at Nido de Condores, 5000m, it was not long before Darby was to succumb to the effects of altitude, and struggling with low oxygen saturation levels and continued breathing difficulties, along with the initial signs of suspected Pulmonary Oedema, it was with a heavy heart that Darby was assisted back to Base Camp by the Park Rangers and subsequently choppered out of the park where he was to make a full recovery once safely back in Mendoza’s oxygen rich environment.

The following morning after checking the short range weather forecast it was decided to capitalize on the next few days expected good weather, and with continued good health and acclimatisation it was decided that the team would skip their planned rest day and head further up the mountain to their final high camp of Camp Colera at 6000 meters to hopefully push for the summit in two days time and hopefully beat the expected poor weather that was forecast for the near future.

During the ascent to Camp Colera another team member, Graham was to find the altitude, coupled with a lingering bout of diarrhoea and vomiting too much to continue, and after a brief rest at Colera descended back down to Nido to wait for the team to return the following day after their planned summit attempt.

Summit day arrived with anticipated good weather, and as all shivered their way out of their tents at 0630hrs they were eager to get underway for their summit push, and the opportunity to get the blood flowing again and to warm their chilled bones.

The going was laboriously slow and difficult, with everyone’s bodies struggling to adapt to the ridiculously thin air, and the relentless scree slopes that typify Aconcagua. After 5 hours of heavy breathing and sucking in the precious available air, the team finally arrived at the infamous Canaletta summit gulley. (250 meters of steep rock, snow and scree, which delivers successful parties to the summit of Aconcagua)

After a further 2 hours of seriously hard work and lung burning effort the team arrived at the summit of Aconcagua, exhausted, elated and triumphant. A fantastic achievement for a relatively novice team of mountaineers, and one to be rightly proud of.

After three hours of descent and a short break to collapse the tents at Colera the team arrived back at Nido and a recovering Graham, where they spent a further night before making the short descent to Base camp and the long walk out back to Puente del Inca and the welcome bus journey back to Mendoza, and eventually onwards to Buenos Aires for some well earned R&R before flying back to England.

For myself, R&R in Mendoza was short lived and I was soon back on Aconcagua with a commercial group of clients approaching from the opposite side of the mountain to my Army expedition.

Aconcagua has the record for the most number of seasonal deaths of any mountain in the world and should not be underestimated.

Aconcagua is a fantastic objective for military and commercial expeditions, but only with the very best of clothing, equipment and experienced leadership should it be attempted.

Imp Adventures will be leading a summit climb on Aconcagua via the Horcones Route in Jan 2012, for more details see www.impadventures.com or email damon@impadventures.com

Damon (Boris) Blackband

Dr Beths Afghanistan Blog...(A doctors life in the Red and Green life machine..)

2010-11-15T11:54:00.000-08:00

D day -1 (getting ready to deploy)

On the eve our mission to get to Bastion, via a number of ‘undisclosed’ stops. Each flight carries the potential of mechanical setback pre and in-flight, and each stop is of undetermined length...I hear there is a daily unpredictable risk that the metal cargo door will expand so much in the heat on the runway that it will not shut, so we sit around until the temperature drops!

As a hospital we have received a glowing green light, at least procedurally; we have a massive conglomeration of personnel from tri-service and multinational (US & UK anyway) backgrounds who have achieved some degree of unity within 72hrs; we just need to ensure this survives contact with the enemy, our enemy being casualties coming through the door. Hard to glean too much about the personalities, strengths and abilities of the staff with whom I will work when we treat fake patients, certainly not my forte. I do hope that they have learnt a little about me though, enough to support my weaknesses and push me where I require it, but enough to know that I will work as hard as is required and remain loyal to them and my patients.

Me, I’m nervous; anxious is probably a better word. Not about my safety (although I do wish people would stop asking that stupid question of my mother, insensitive springs to mind); but anxious about my ability both to do the job as well as I want to, & to cope mentally with the sight of grown men crying or alternatively being more stoic than I am when faced with their own worst nightmare. No point wasting either energy or sleep worrying now though, will deal when it occurs and pack some herbal sleeping tablets since red wine won’t be available to me. It still is though, so here’s to a last Thai meal and a tasty bottle.

3 Weeks into tour...

So how to summarise these first three and a significant 24hrs more - workload massively outstrips my distorted perception of time. It has flown by, some in a semi-wakeful haze, and other images so much more focused; the red amongst so much sandy camouflage; the dark skins of the locals and the cries of a sad series of children surrounded by a bunch of scissor and stethoscope wielding white strangers working in a well practised routine.

Sleep is a luxury, and in my case, jealously guarded from crap, but so often interrupted by necessity or just spending time chatting with both patients and colleagues, even interrupted for exercise; all of which ensure I retain my sanity. Sugar however is no luxury; we are very well looked after for easy snacks foods, much of it care of our embedded US colleagues; the rest by family! My craving is porridge, nuts, protein and anything other than bloody cheese baguettes for lunch; never for such an longtime have I ever been so incarcerated by my vegetarianism! But I have no inclination to give myself any wiggle room; it no longer appeals in any shape or form. Raisin bakes however, I can thoroughly recommend, oh and Clif bars!

An endless row of changing young USMC faces sit facing blue screens behind which sit the unchanging detainees ostensibly awaiting further medical attention until they fit the very high standards set by the US detention facility, being mobile without the aid of crutches seems a high bar to set to a detainee who has a high hindquarter amputation......we await judicial process. Where I was going with this train of thought is that it is those young guards who provide the Clif bars generously, and gorge themselves on the only fast food at Bastion (beside the hospital) pizza. Usually these USMC guards have recently been through the hospital with a minor injury or illness and are given this role as ‘Light Duties’/recovery time; or as one marine told me ‘everyday is one more day i get to keep my legs’. There is no suitable answer to that. The few British guards don’t bring food but they do make cups of tea, generous with their time and smiles instead, the ward staff, in turn, are liberal with their kit-kats.

I had made a few notes for the first few days of this deployment that I thought might spur me into memory of each day and act as sources of inspiration for typing; how wrong, they sound bland as black and white facts. However 1 tale still appeals – the oft quoted communication barrier between the Americans and ourselves; a US surgeon requested in post op notes that the patient who had just been through major bowel surgery should be on a ‘sips and chips regime’, so the nurses obediently fed said patient with the cookhouse chips washed down with sips of water, against their better judgement i hasten to add. Only on ward round, when the patient had wolfed the offered chips down, was it realised that the intent had been chips of ice. The lady in question did however recover very well but lost no weight.

Everest Base Camp Trek

2010-10-06T14:31:00.000-07:00

Everest Base Camp Trek 2010

Weaving through the chaotic labyrinth of streets and alleys that breathe life into Nepal’s throbbing capital city, it was hard to fathom out whether Kathmandu was just emerging from a long sleep or whether it was merely saying farewell and about to implode. Contrasting scenes greeted me with every change of direction that the bus made during the short, but fascinating journey from the airport to my chosen hotel.

New merges with old as decaying buildings and ramshackle hovels jostle for space amongst the skyline of modern hotels and emerging industries. If a place of calm and tranquility existed in Nepal then it surely wasn’t here. The heat, smog and pollution only serve to make one’s time in Kathmandu short before heading off in search of relative nirvana and true beauty, which lure the many thousands of travellers who make the life-changing pilgrimage to Mount Everest’s base camp each year.

My journey to Everest Base Camp began two days after leaving a black and rainy Manchester for Kathmandu followed by a short but electrifying plane hop into the high mountain trailhead of Lukkla, a small airstrip precariously balanced at an angle of 25 degrees on the side of the Khumbu valley. On descending into Lukkla, one cannot fail to become slightly alarmed by the sight of the numerous plane wreckages that litter the approach to the airstrip. Our pilot plunges our aircraft out of clouds and into an ‘ascending descent’. Eventually we squeal to an abrupt arrival at Lukkla airfield, amid loud and jubilant cheers of the now relieved, but still shaking, trekkers embarking on their journey of a lifetime.

In keeping with ‘best practice’ and sustainable tourism, I opted to utilize the Himalayan institution of the ‘Tea House’ to facilitate my Base Camp trek accommodation and dining requirements. I used a local trekking company to organize my safe passage and lodging each night thereby relieving the great burden of worry that would undoubtedly fall on less ‘commercial trekkers’, who may opt to source their own logistics after each day’s trekking. This was an option I am pleased I didn’t take after witnessing the amount of traffic that this justifiably popular route receives and the potential inconvenience that a ‘No Vacancies’ sign created.

My trek started the following morning after a relatively comfortable night in my cosy sleeping bag on a proper bed, and with the luxuries of running water, a hot meal and the option of paying for a quick dousing under a trickle of hot water. I also grabbed a few wallet-busting minutes of internet usage - time to let my ‘Facebook community’ and my wife know that I had arrived safely.

The Khumbu valley is a truly stunning destination, lush green woodland and vegetation ease you into the gradual ascent up the Khumbu river towards the ‘Sherpa capital’ of Namche Bazaar, reached normally after one or two days’ trek. It provides a welcome oasis of trekking bliss as most base campers spend at least two days acclimatizing at this milestone location, which gives them time to enjoy the splendid views and surroundings whilst allowing their bodies to adjust to the thinning oxygen levels.

My time in Namche was well spent rating the myriad of coffee and cake vendors, internet cafes and sifting through an abundance of trekking and mountaineering apparel that spews from the dozens of jam-packed shops, which line the narrow cobbled streets clinging to the hillside. Travelers beware! It’s a true test of willpower and “gear savvy” to differentiate between ‘genuine’, good fake and bad fake! Needless to say, almost everyone leaves with some new additions for their yak to carry up the hill over the following few days.

Beyond Namche, the landscape changes rapidly. The temperature drops and for many, shorts and t-shirts are soon replaced with trousers and wind shirts as the lush vegetation quickly gives way to a more barren, but dramatic panorama of rock and ice.

My first big “Wow”, following many lesser “Wows” was on reaching the highest point of the ‘Everest View Hotel’ and being greeted by the truly majestic sight of ‘Ama Dablam’ 6812m, a soaring granite monolith of a mountain, capped by an icing-sugar finish resplendent with a gravity defying hanging glacier adorning the south face. Along with the many other trekkers, I rattled off dozens of photographs and tried my hardest to capture a unique angle to make this mountain my own, but feeling somewhat jealous that I had to share this amazing sight with my fellow gasping colleagues. My only consolation being that I could now see glimpses of the lofty summits of Everest and Nuptse and the numerous other 7000+m peaks disrupting the skyline many miles further up the valley. My heart raced.

After a sad farewell to Namche and a dramatic change in terrain and climate, I was soon greeted by my favorite hilltop village of the trek; ‘Tengboche’, a welcome refreshment stop after puffing and panting up the short but steep hill that guards this ancient monastic village. It has the largest Tibetan Buddhist Monastery in the Khumbu, replete with its ‘Swiss’ bakery, internet café and minimalist charm; it made me feel that this was the Himalayas that I had longed to find. (Diary entry – ‘I’ve arrived’)

After Tengboche a day’s easy trekking brought me to the valley junction of Pheriche/Dingboche, the crossroads of Everest. Here my destination split left and took me into the last real outpost of civilization, and the medical centre of Pheriche. Fortunately I was able to attend the daily complimentary High Altitude medical presentation by the resident volunteer doctors. It was an informative presentation that has no doubt saved the lives of countless trekkers who have passed through this centre over the years. It also belayed any fears that I or others in my party may have been having over whether our heads were going to explode or our blood boil at altitude!

After Pheriche things steepened even more and the worn trail that had filled our lungs and faces with dust and dried yak dung each day slowly gave way to glacial moraine and large boulder fields. Climbing up onto on to the edges of the Khumbu Glacier, we passed through the ‘one horse’ outpost of Dughla and had an overnight at Lobuche before sucking in the rarefied oxygen prior to arriving at Gorak Shep and the end of the lifeline of Tea Houses that has fed, watered and accommodated us so caringly during our last six days of trekking.

For many trekkers now comes the last big decision: to climb to the ‘Everest view point’ of ‘Kala Patthar’ 5545m to witness the evening sunset, or to collapse into bed and climb the hour-long trail in the cold of the morning to alternatively capture the sunrise over Mt Everest. Kala Patthar, a small 375m hill overlooking Gorak Shep offered the best view point to see and photograph Mt Everest, a view which cannot be seen from the actual Base Camp due to the immense size of the Khumbu icefall tumbling down onto the base camp glacier.

Although only a few hundred metres of climbing is required to ascend to the rocky pinnacle of Kala Patthar, it is often too much effort and hardship for many trekkers to prise themselves out of bed in the early cold of morning and climb in the freezing thin air, so many often fail to make the real jewel of the trek and miss out on the truly breathtaking and inspiring views afforded by this seemingly innocuous hill top.

I chose to ascend to Kala Patthar the same evening on arriving at Gorak Shep and after a hot chocolate and short but breathless climb was rewarded by a spectacular golden sunset, which will stay with me for the rest of my life.

This panorama of Himalayan giants must truly rate as one of the greatest views in the world and a fitting cherry to top a fantastic journey of discovery that consistently rewarded me on every turn or twist of the trail.

The descent back to Gorak Shep, although freezing cold, seemed to take only minutes due to the great feelings of achievement and success that were now racing through everyone’s thoughts as we anticipated opening a celebratory, if somewhat costly, ‘Gorkha’ beer on arrival back at our overnight sanctuary. Sleep came easy that night.

The following morning we made the short but interesting trek along the edge of the Khumbu Glacier to the hallowed ground that is Everest Base Camp, stopping short of the actual camp so as to preserve the sterile surroundings that are vital in the preparation of the many dozens of serious climbers hoping to scale the mountain in its entirety and stand on the top of the world looking up to nothing, and down to everything.

After a brief photo shoot and a clamber around on the rocky moraines of Base camp it was soon time to start our four day descent down the mountain, for me a sad farewell and hopefully the start of a lasting love affair with this majestic mountain and its incredible neighbours.

Following a rapid descent and an equally terrifying departure from the airstrip at Lukkla I was soon homeward bound, my life enriched, my fires stoked and my thoughts inspired and provoked once more. I will be back…

Damon Blackband is a freelance mountain guide, director of ‘Imp Adventures’ and is leading an attempt to summit Mt Everest in 2012 in support of the Veterans Charity Help for Heroes. To find out more about Damon’s climb and to sponsor his team please visit www.everest4heroes.com

CAN I COMPLETE THE NATIONAL 3 PEAKS CHALLENGE?

2010-08-14T10:10:00.000-07:00

Can I climb the National 3 Peaks?

The Infamous ‘National 3 Peaks’ challenge is a serious test of strength, stamina and determination. To climb the 3 tallest peaks in Scotland, England and Wales in 24 hours is a life changing adventure, that will test the metal of any participant, and is often regarded as a ‘right of passage’ for the thousands of hill walkers and adventure racers who attempt the challenge each year.

The ‘3 Peaks’ as it is known as (not to be confused with the equally demanding ‘Yorkshire 3 Peaks’) is a timed challenge to scale the summits of Ben Nevis 1344m, Scafell Pike 978m and Snowdon 1085m inside 24hrs. The distance walked is around 26 miles, the height climbed is around 9700 feet or 2957m, and the drive in between is approximately 450 miles.

Can YOU complete the challenge? For the majority of those reading this article the answer will probably be YES! That is not to say that the challenge is easy, far from it actually, for the grim reality of it is that well over half of those hundreds of hopeful ‘3 Peakers’ who attempt the challenge on every weekend during the summer months, most normally fail to cross the finish line inside a genuine 24hrs.

In recent years the challenge has become a stable source of revenue for the dozens of charity challenges organized as ‘mass participation’ events, each and every weekend throughout the summer, and subsequently the need to ensure that the majority of participants succeed in passing the challenge has resulted in a ‘watering down’ of the challenge requirements. The pure and perceived approach would simply be to log the challenge start time and then have the finish time as 24hrs after this time, what could be simpler?

For the vast majority of challengers and challenge providers, this is the standard, and it is strictly adhered to, however some of the more unscrupulous providers have now taken it upon themselves to ‘bend this standard’ and ‘stop the clock’ during rest periods, ‘stop the clock’ on top of the final summit, or even more underhandedly divide the time to 14hrs of climbing and 10hrs of driving (regardless of how long the drive actually took) to allow even the most hapless of participants the ability to pass within a dubious ‘24hrs’.

The secret to achieving the National 3 Peaks in under a genuine 24hrs is all in the ‘small print’. Good preparation, strict adherence to time keeping, good administration, a dedicated driver and a nominated leader who is qualified, experienced, current and competent on the complexities involved in route finding and navigation on each of the 3 peaks, in the worst weather known to man, by day and by night!

The challenge normally starts at the foot of Ben Nevis in the Scottish Highlands after an overnight stop in nearby Fort William. This first peak ideally sees participants scale the highest of the 3 summits on fresh legs following a well-established footpath in hopefully a sub-5hr time. For some challengers this is often the hardest of the 3 peaks, being the highest and steepest, but generally after this initial rude awakening and a 6 hr drive with the opportunity to refuel and rest, most participants have usually recovered well enough to attack the next summit with renewed vigor and enthusiasm! Which is just as well as the next peak is technically the most demanding, and depending on which route is taken, often the longest.

‘Scafell Pike’ in Cumbria is the second summit to be attempted, with the majority of ‘non’ 3 Peakers tackling the mountain from the farming hamlet of ‘Wasdale Head’, ascending the shorter but steeper route up ‘Brown Tongue’. However, the route and road to ‘Wasdale Head’ is narrow and winding, and for most ‘3 Peakers’ the slightly longer but less steep approach from ‘Seathwaite’ is the preferred option.

The rocky and loose approach along the ‘Corridor Route’ from ‘Seathwaite’, ‘often done in darkness’, is generally regarded as the most technical section of the ‘3 Peaks’ challenge, and is normally the section that most groups lose valuable time on, and have the most difficulties with navigation and route finding on, especially with large and inexperienced groups of charity trekkers. That said, in mid summer, with good weather and long daylight hours this approach can be truly stunning, with spectacular views to be had by those able to raise their heads from the trail beneath their feet!

A good time on ‘Scafell Pike’ would be sub 5hrs, and as long as ‘Ben Nevis’ and ‘Scafell Pike’ have been accomplished in sub 5hr times and there have been no unnecessary traffic hold ups, then at this time (normally about 2245hrs based on a 0700hrs start time participants would generally know if they are going to complete the challenge successfully with just ‘Snowdon’ in Wales left to climb).

Following a short drive of approximately 4 hours into Wales and the Snowdonia National Park, participants would start the ascent of ‘Snowdon’ from the ‘Pen y Pass’ car park and hostel at approx 0300hrs, thus giving challengers 4 hours to complete the final summit on a well worn, but very rocky ‘Pyg track’. This route is generally achieved in under 4 hours by most walkers.

Whilst 24hrs is a reasonable target for most well organized, prepared and led challengers, it is however, far nicer and almost as equally rewarding to achieve the ‘3 Peaks’ ‘as a team, as friends and with all who started out in a ‘reasonable time’, rather than to turn the challenge into a test of stamina and endurance and subsequently leave by the wayside all of those unable to keep the pace of the fittest members of the group; exhausted, dejected and destroyed, and probably highly unlikely to undertake another adventure again for fear of failure!

This article was brought to you by:

Damon Blackband

Director – Imp Adventures

‘exciting adventures at home and abroad’

www.impadventures.com

e- info@impadventures.com

t 07768 608914

Aonach Eagach Ridge - Winter Crossing 2010

2010-01-25T08:20:00.000-08:00

Fancy a top notch winter route?

Ive just returned from an absolutely brilliant adventure in Scotland with two old school friends; Nigel Woodhead and Brian Pearson along with my long suffering fiancee Kathryn, assisted by my good friend and Imp Adventures instructor - Dr Beth HT. The aim of the weekend being to introduce the 3 of them to Winter Mountaineering and more importantly how to use an ice axe and crampons in anger.

The Aonach Eagach forms the devilishly steep north wall of Glencoe, sweeping to a narrow crest that's weathered into a formidable array of spines, offering several kilometres of inescapable scrambling above a yawning gulf. Though it's only a grade 2 summer scramble some sections are quite intimidating, and the overall seriousness belies the grade somewhat. In snowy garb Aonach Eagach looks and feels truly Alpine, and rates as one of the best winter mountaineering expeditions in the UK.

Our crossing of the ridge was done in some of the best winter conditions I have experienced on the route, clear skies, crisp neve underfoot and a perfect plastering of ice and snow giving the stunning route a truly picture postcard feel.

Our crossing was completed in a leisurely but enjoyable time of 10 hrs and 40 minutes, finishing in the climbers bar of the Clachaig Inn. A truly fantastic experience and a true baptism of fire for the winter novice.

The stats are as follows:

Am Bodach - 943m / 3085ft,

Meall Dearg - 953m / 3127ft,

Stob Coire Leith - 940m / 3088ft

Sgurr nam Fiannaidh - 967m / 3173ft

Grade: II

Distance: 10km (plus a possible further 7km on the road to retrieve your car)
Ascent: 1150m
Time: 6 hours in summer – possibly significantly longer under snow. Winter benightments are common.
Start: Layby on the A82 near Allt-na-reigh cottages (NN174567)
Finish: Minor road just short of Glencoe village (NN112585)
Map: OS Landranger (1:50,000) 41
Accommodation: Variety of bunkhouses, bothies and youth hostels. See book for details.
Sleeping out: Discreet wild camping close to the road is feasible in Glencoe.
Public transport: Scottish Citylink buses between Glasgow and Fort William run through Glencoe, and can pull over where you like.

Seasonal notes: Aonach Eagach is a much gentler beast in summer – almost disappointingly so. If climbers want to catch the ridge in memorable mood they should wait for winter. With icy rocks and delicate cornices the difficulties of the 'Notched Ridge' move up a few extra notches. Under deep snow the pinnacles are a time-consuming top-end grade II, on which twin axes, a rope and a small rack of rock protection are de rigeur. Treat it as an Alpine route and move fast to avoid an unscheduled overnight stay.

Imp Adventures offer year round guiding on the Aonach Eagach and other Summer and Winter scrambles. For a personal introduction to winter mountaineering please call or email for further details.

info@impadventures.com

Damon on 07768 608914

Everest 4 Heroes Charity Challenges

2010-01-09T11:44:00.001-08:00

PRIVATE MOUNTAIN GUIDING / COACHING

2009-11-15T02:20:00.000-08:00

Some people climb to get to the top, some people climb to get away from the bottom. whatever your reason, you will do it easier, safer, and have more fun with a guide.

Imp Adventures will help you achieve, wether it be to get you to the top of your chosen peak or route, or to teach you new skills and techniques that will allow you to reach your full potential.

All it takes is an email to get things started, you tell us your ideas, and ambitions and we will suggest a plan of action and guide you on your way to achieving it, from simple hill bagging days, to complicated challenges in both summer and winter, at home and abroad.

It does not matter how seemingly insignificant or how stupendously grand your ambitions are, good techniques, practices and guidance will make you a stronger, confident and more capable mountaineer, which ultimately will allow you to progress to greater challenges to remote and far flung destinations.

Sample routes could include:

The Snowdon Horse Shoe / Tryfan N Ridge, Bristly Ridge and Glyder Fach / The English 3000's / The 3 Peaks / Helvelyn Horse Shoe via Striding & Swirral Edges / The Aonach Eagach ridge / Ledge route on Ben Nevis / Mont Blanc / Corsica GR20 etc etc

Private guiding for 1-3 people offers you the best value for your money, you will learn new skills and master new techniques, as well as opening up those challenging routes and summits that you were always weary of attempting. Imp will cater for any ability and guarantee to help you achieve your mountaineering aims.

Prices range from:

Individual days guiding in England or Wales including transport and accommodation and any specialist equipment £150, second day from £100

2 people from £100 ea second day from £80

3 people from £80 ea second day from £60

Email today and release the Imp in YOU.

www.impadventures.com

info@impadventures.com

The Yorkshire 3 Peaks (40.2km and 1672m of ascent)

2009-10-19T05:45:00.000-07:00

Pen-y-ghent cafe - 9 hrs 30 - 9 hrs 45 for 12 girls

Pen-y-ghent 1620 hrs

Whernside 1150 hrs

Ingleborough 0915 hrs

The Yorkshire 3 Peaks are the summits of Whernside, Ingleborough and Pen-y-Ghent. Starting in the small village of Horton in Ribblesdale you will have 12 hours to complete the classic 40.2km route gaining over 1672m of ascent in the process. Successful completion will entitle you to join the Yorkshire 3 Peaks club and receive a certificate and other popular mementos.

The challenge is not particularly hard but it does require a good level of fitness and a desire to succeed. To complete the challenge in 12 hours is a notable achievement, but to complete the challenge in one day will bring equal satisfaction and also reward the successful participant with a great day out in the beautiful Yorkshire dales.

The above pictures depict a recent challenge completed by an all girl team of 12 who romped around the route in a blistering 9hrs 30 minutes.

Donna, Kathryn, Melanie, Diane, Jackie, Alison, Elaine, Helen, Sam, Rowena, Felicity and Denise. Led by Nicky and Damon on a perfect crisp Saturday in October 2009.

Next - The National 3 Peaks June 18-20 in 2010...'bring it on'

6 or more people? Interested in this challenge? Contact Damon@impadventures for more details.

Cost including 2 nights accommodation, safety vehicle and guiding £140

Scrambling in Snowdonia

2009-10-05T03:33:00.000-07:00

This route provides a series of scrambles second only to Crib Goch. Tryfan is a splendid mountain, very rocky, with a suitably fine summit. If one makes the shorter circuit, descending the Gribin Ridge then it is about 6 miles, 3,800ft. ascent, 5 hours.

Many people start opposite the entrance to Glan Dena, the Midland Association of Mountaineer's hut set in trees at the East end of Llyn Ogwen (667605). Cross two stiles over fences to gain access to the foot of Tryfan. The path is initially not clear, although as you continue on and slightly up it becomes more obvious.   After 10 or 15 minutes it turns more steeply uphill, zig-zagging across scree below a gully clearly visible higher up. Follow it up the gully and at the top head up half left to the centre of the North Ridge.

Once on the ridge it is just a matter of following it. About one third of the way up is the canon stone - a massive finger of rock sticking out at 45 degrees, which from the valley looks something like a cannon. The way on can be chosen to provide more or less difficulty. Hands will be used but any serious difficulties are invariably avoidable. Cross the first (North) summit and drop into a gully that separates it from the higher central summit. Out of this to reach the foot of Adam and Eve, the two natural pillars that crown the central summit. It is traditional to gain the 'Freedom of Tryfan' by jumping from one to the other, but do not dare to fail, the landing is dire!

Continue over (or round) the South summit and down (keeping a little to the right) to Bwlch Tryfan. Bristly Ridge rears up ahead. The scramble starts in a long damp gully that provides some interesting scrambling of similar difficulty to Tryfan. In places difficulties can be avoided by dropping to a path on the west side. The top of the ridge brings you out onto the rocky plateau of the Gylders. Head southeast climbing a little and you will reach the famous cantilever stone and the summit pile of Glyder Fach. To reach the topmost block and true summit is a little scramble in itself. From here follow the ridge westwards. The pinnacles of Castle of the Winds (Castell y Gwynt) can be crossed by another straightforward scramble, or avoided by dropping down and round to the south (left). Continue along the rocky ridge.

Having got within a few hundred yards of Glyder Fawr you might as well visit it too, so continue there. In poor visibility this area if pretty flat and unless you know the area well it will be difficult to tell if you have reached the top as there is no summit cairn or marker.

Return along the northern edge of the ridge. After 500m. the edge begins to curve north around the head of the Nameless Cwm. Follow this to the head of the Gribin Ridge. The upper part of this is very rocky and again offers some scrambling, particularly if you stick to the true crest. The ridge broadens out and becomes easier as you descend. Follow the path rightwards towards the outlet of Llyn Bochlwyd (also known as Lake Australia after its shape when viewed from the ridges above). Join the path coming down from Bwlch Tryfan at here and follow this down beside the stream. At the bottom of the steep slope, where the angle relents somewhat, turn off to cut down to one of the car parks nearer to your starting point.   Paths here tend to be indistinct and often marshy, but will shorten the walk back along the A5 considerably.

Two longer alternatives from the summit of Glyder Fawr are to visit Y Garn, or descend via the Devil’s Kitchen. In either case take a steep and rather loose descent to Llyn y Cwn - follow the cairns from Glyder Fawr, and don't drop off the ridge too early.

To descend the Devils Kitchen to Llyn Idwal turn right as soon as you are level with the edge of the lake, do not follow the outlet stream from it as this leads to the top of the waterfall in the back of the Devils Kitchen. The descent route is quite steep and rocky. About halfway down it reaches the stream issuing from the dark gash (Twll Du: black hole in Welsh) that looks so impressive from afar. It is possible to scramble up the stream for a way here, but to reach the waterfall at the back, and escape up the left wall is rock climbing.   Continue on down the path and then complete the route to Ogwen Cottage by either of the paths that run along the sides of the lake.

For those who want to extend the walk further, and pick up another 3,000ft summit, continue past the lake and ascend the rather undistinguished slope ahead to the summit of Y Garn. A couple of minutes beyond the top, at a level area, follow the edge of the cliffs rightwards and descend the north-east ridge. This will lead down to the floor of the cwm containing Llyn Clyd, and then to the northern end of Llyn Idwal and so back to Ogwen Cottage.

Combine this route with a traverse of the Snowdon Horseshoe the following day to complete a weekend of scrambling, taking in the best peaks and routes of Snowdonia in one action packed weekend.

Transport for this event will be provided to and from Betws y Coed or Llanberis, both good bases in the Snowdonia National Park, where we will also be accommodated in a friendly and convenient Backpackers Lodge or Bed and Breakfast on a B & B basis.

Prices on application minimum 1 person max 4

For bookings and further information please contact

Damon@impadventures.com Mob: 07768 608914

English 3000 ft Challenge

2009-09-24T07:57:00.000-07:00

CLIMB ALL 4 OF THE ENGLISH 3000 ft PEAKS IN 1 WEEKEND

Sound like an interesting challenge?

Want to fast-track your Lakeland knowledge and enjoyment?

Fit, enthusiastic and have a passion for the outdoors?

To climb all four of the English Peaks over 3000 feet is a fantastic challenge, to climb them in one weekend is even more exciting. To climb them by their most interesting routes is an even greater experience

Helvelyn 950m (3118ft)

Skiddaw 931m (3053ft)

Scafell Pike 978m (3210ft)

Scafell 964m (3162ft)

Day 1

Peak 1 - Helvellyn

From Glenridding on the shores of Ullswater we will climb the famous Striding Edge ridge, a sharp ridge on the eastern flank of Helvellyn giving stunning views over the Eastern Lake District, before continuing to the summit of Hevellyn, the third highest peak in the Lakes. We will then descend the Swirral Edge ridge and follow the old mining track back to Glenridding.

Peak 2 - Skiddaw

Following our ascent of Helvelyn we will drive to Keswick, Climbing from Lattrig up the steep but scenic trail above Keswick we will summit Skiddaw in the late afternoon light, before descending back to Keswick, a fine descent with great views over Derwent Water, Borrowdale and both of our objectives for the following days walking

Day 2

Scafell & Scafell Pike

A great days walking climbing the two highest peaks in England, we will start and finish at Seathwaite, where we will climb good paths up the corridor route to the summit of Scafell Pike, the highest mountain in England before continuing over Mickledor and up the notorious 'Lords Rake' scramble before summiting Scafell. following our Scafell climb we will descend via Fox's Tarn and Mickledor before retracing our steps back to Seathwaite and a welcoming pint or three!

Transport for this event will be provided to and from Ambleside, a good base in the Central Lake District. Where we will also be accommodated in the friendly and convenient Ambleside Backpackers Lodge on a B and B basis.

Prices on application minimum 2 people

For bookings and further information please contact

Damon@impadventures.com Mob: 07768 608914

Everest 4 Heroes

2009-08-24T09:05:00.000-07:00

In 2012 a team of Military Veterans will attempt to climb Mount Everest to raise money for Help 4 Heroes. This will be a non-commercial attempt by a group of ordinary Ex Military personnel, who share nothing but a love for the mountains and the common bond of service life.

The plan is to sell off the mountain in feet climbed on route to the summit. Each foot of the mountain sold will raise vital funds for the rehabilitation and welfare of our armed forces injured in service throughout the world.

The Expedition is hoping to raise over a hundred thousand pounds through auctioning of this prestigious mountain, with all of our sponsors being able to post their own messages of encouragement and remembrance on their individual sponsored windows of mountain. Corporate sponsors will be able to add business links and logos on a more visual position on the challenge website.

Everest 4 Heroes are looking for help and assistance from skilled, motivated individuals and businesses, who think they may be able to offer their expert services in either a technical role, or in a fundraising capacity so as to ensure that this worthwhile and ambitious project has the best chance of raising the maximum amount of cash, so as to make a significant impact on the lives and well-being of our brave service personnel injured in training and conflict.

If you, or anyone you know can assist with this charitable expedition (in particular - Web Designers, Media Designers and Fund Raisers) then please contact Damon as a matter of urgency as follows:

damon@impadventures.com

Mob: 07768 608914

A Beautiful Walk in the Yorkshire Dales

2009-06-23T01:22:00.000-07:00

For those wanting a lovely short walk (10.4kms / 6.5 mile and approx 3 and a half hours with two pubs on route)

here is the perfect day out.

Starting at the picturesque village of Arncliffe the route heads up over the impressive limestone plateau of Hawkswick Moor and visits the famous village of Kettlewell (Calender Girls) before traversing around the southern end of the plateau to climb and descend into the small hamlet of Hawkswick, finishing with a gentle stroll along the west side of the river Skirfare back to Arncliffe.

The route follows good obvious well marked paths but can be tricky in low cloud or after a good downpoor.

The route starts at the 'Falcon' Inn in Arncliffe and heads over the village green, through a snicket and over the bridge on the river Skirfare besides the village chuch. Immediately over the bridge turn right and cross into a field following the path along the river bank and then diagonally up the hill crossing a number of stiles and through a small wood before arriving some 40 minutes later on the top of Hawkswick Moor. (see pic 1)

The path now crosses over the middle of the Moor for approx 2km following signs for Kettlewell (do not follow the path along the edge of the Moor). after crossing a few more dry stone walls and a high point of 449 meters, the beautifully located village of Kettlewell will come into view. follow the clear path down the hillside until you come to a tricky rock band with a well worn passage through called 'The slit'. Descend this passage and head diagonally into Kettlewell for a well earned pint in the dog friendly 'Blue Bell Inn' (Calender Girls Fame)

After a swift lunch stop and a paddle in the River Wharfe the route now returns back up to where you first crossed the road into Kettlewell and heads south along the west side of the road (over the fence) following a lovely path that slowly climbs up and around the edge of Hawswick Moor and gently traverses back around until the River Skirfare comes back into sight and the small hamlet of Hawkswick. Descend the well worn but scenic path into the small cluster of houses that is Hawkswick and at the road turn left for 40m before crossing over the stone bridge on the river Skirfare, once over the bridge follow the road for a few hundred feet untill you see a iron foot bridge crossing back over the river, head down towards this but do not cross, instead follow the sign for arncliffe that follows a well worn path along the left side of the river all the way back to Arncliffe.

The National 3 Peaks Challenge

2009-06-18T01:37:00.000-07:00

What is it and what does it take to complete it?

The National Three Peaks Challenge is a demanding endurance challenge in which participants attempt to climb the highest peaks of each of Great Britain's three countries, Ben Nevis in Scotland, Scafell Pike in England and Snowdon in Wales. Often, but not necessarily, this is attempted within 24 hours.

Great Britain's National Three Peaks Challenge is not just a demanding physical challenge, it's a mental challenge as well and success requires careful planning and preparation. The challenge involves organisation, logistics, navigation, good driving skills, communication, training, team work and group catering. On top of that you need the right equipment, stamina, determination and a bit of good luck. If you are planning to do the Three Peaks Challenge this year please don't hesitate to give me a call.

The vital statistics of this mountain challenge are as follows:

Ben Nevis, near Fort William, Scotland - Height: 1,344m 4,409 feet

Scafell Pike, Western Lake District, Cumbria, England - Height: 978m 3,210 feet

Snowdon, North Wales - Height: 1,085m 3,560 feet

Road mileage: over 450 miles

Total ascent and descent: 2,900m 9,800 feet

Distance to be walked: Approx. 44 km 27 miles

To complete the challenge in under 24 hours is outstanding under today's road conditions, most teams will find completing within 24 hours a very demanding challenge, but of course they can be climbed over a longer period for a more relaxing adventure.

Having the mountain walkers involved with the driving on the day in a 24 hour challenge is a complete non-starter - challenge teams need good drivers / navigators to support the challenge and they are a very important part of the team.

Also, navigation issues should not be underestimated. Good weatherproof maps and a walker's compass, together with the knowledge of how to use them properly, are vital in tackling these mountains whatever the weather conditions. Safety and navigational accuracy is more important than just speed. This applies equally on the mountains and on the roads!

The best time of year to complete this challenge is mid summer, this will hopefully allow good weather and maximum daylight so as to ensure easy navigation throughout, however the challenge can be undertaken at any time of the year, by experienced and competent trekkers.

Sample Timings

1. Start the Challenge at Achintee Farm (Ben nevis inn) 0730

2. Summit Ben Nevis 1030

3. Return to Achintee Farm 1230

4. 0.45 min rest at Annadale services

5. Start Scafell Pike from Seathwaite 1900

6. Summit Scafell Pike 2130 (via corridor route)

7. Return Seathwaite 2359

8. Start Snowdon from P- Pass 0400

9. Summit Snowdon 0600

10 Finish Challenge 0730

A grand day out in Great Langdale

2009-05-11T11:32:00.000-07:00

For those wishing to do a challenging but stunning classic walk in the middle of the Lake Districts Fells, heres a whopper!

Starting at the New Dungeon Ghyll Inn at the National Trust car-park in Great Langdale (£5.60) you walk a mile up the road and through the National Trust camp site heading up the zig zag path up the hill (Pike Bield) until you meet the road as it crosses over the hill top.

Cross the road and contour around the hill following a feint but slowly obvious trail to the top of Pike of Blisco 705m, on arrival at the summit cairn you will see the long ridge of the Crinkle Crags leading to Bow Fell stretching out in front of you.

Head down to the right of Red Tarn and up the gentle path to the top of Great Knott 696m, then carry on the trail to the 5 crinckles of Crinkle Craggs.

The first and only tricky spot is the short 2m rock step (The Bad Step) up onto the first Crinkle (Not hard, I climbed up it with the dogs!), follow the Crinckles until you see the obvious climb up to Bow Fell from the Three Tarns saddle.

Climb up to Bow Fell 902m and admire the views to the left (West) of Scafell and Scafell Pike, then drop down to Ore Gap (descend right to Angle Tarn if weather changing or bushed!) from Ore Gap head on up to Esk Pike 885m and continue down to Esk Hause and the track junction leading back to Tongue Head and Great Langdale (small cross walled shelter).

Descend right and back down Tongue Head towards Angle Tarn and up and over Rosset Gill into Great Langdale, follow Mickleden Beck (Cumbrian Way) back to Stickle Barn and the New Dungeon Ghyll Nat Trust car park.

This route is easy to Navigate and requires no great skill apart from steady footwork and a wedge of stamina and a good camera.

Distance 20km

Time 9 hrs

Height Gain 1624m

Weekend in the Yorkshire Dales anyone?

2009-05-01T07:00:00.000-07:00

If anyone is looking for a long weekend away in a beautiful location with lots to keep them amused (in the great outdoors) then this little recommendation may be right up your street.

Based in the picturesque village of Austwick in the Yorkshire dales, you have a choice of 3 top quality options

1. Luxury all inclusive hotel - http://www.austwicktraddock.co.uk/

2. Top quality Pub with rooms and extensive menu - http://gamecockinn.co.uk/

3. Ideally located 'quiet' Caravan and Camping http://www.woodendcampsite.co.uk/

What to do for your 4 day long weekend?....its endless really

Day 1 arrive - Scenic nature walk starting in Ingleton and following the Ingleton waterfalls NT walk (4 mile 2 hour) Lunch in the Dogs accepted 'Inglesports' cafe and shop in village centre.

Day 2 - Walk one of the classic Yorkshire 3 peaks routes, Supper in the Dog friendly Game cock Inn at Austwick

Peak 1 Ingleborough - Starts in Ingleton, easy path, well marked 3 hours

Peak 2 Whernside - Starts at Ribblehead Viaduct, easy path well marked 3 hours

Peak 3 Peny Ghent - Starts in Horton in Ribblesdale, easy path well marked 3 hours

Alternatively you can cycle ' Easy Trails around Austwick on basic MTB, 1-2 hours starts at Game Cock Inn, and is detailed in MTB Guide 'Yorkshire Dales south' or for a longer day, 'The Tour of Ingleborough' 5 hours.

Day 3 Walk the dramatic Malham Cove trail above the scenic village of Malham - 3 hours, well marked etc.

Day 4 Visit, Settle or Hawes or Clapham, all fantastic villages

So, get your finger out and book a great weekend away in a superb and relatively undiscovered part of charming rural England.

A blight on the landscape - Mass organised events

2009-04-26T12:45:00.000-07:00

This weekend I was walking with my family on Ingleborough in the Yorkshire Dales and was somewhat saddened by the en mass spectacle of the Yorkshire 3 peaks Mountain Marathon.

Now, as a provider of organised Mountain Challenges I understand the inevitable problems and the for's and against's of organised charity treks, and if truth be known would rather not lead the so-called 'classic 3 peaks' type challenges in favor of more remote, less frequented and altogether more pleasant mountain adventures.

On the for side I recognise the need for charities to set known and reputed trophy peaks as this allows their punters to target friends and family with known events and percieved levels of difficulty, but I do think that 1000+ people dragging their fluorescent lycra clad emaciated bodies over the Yorkshire 3 peaks on a busy Saturday shows a blatant lack of respect for other hill walkers and little concern for the upkeep and maintenance of our already greatly eroded mountain trails.

My points

1. Why pick the busiest 3 peaks in England for a running challenge? there are plenty of less frequented and less eroded hills nearby!

2. Why pick a Saturday? If its a once a year event why not run it over a week day (Im sure a day off work is not a major problem for the runners)

3. It is very very inconsiderate to other mountain users to send over a thousand runners up and down narrow busy trails! why not limit the numbers and hold it over a few days as it is a timed event not a race?

4. Would it not be possible to teach the less polite and probably 'non hill etiquette' aware element of the runners some simple manners? Excuse me? To go round walkers? to wait their turn at gates and turn-styles etc? (One even pushed Kath out of the way on a rather rocky section with no regard for anyones personal safety)

5. If they are all fell runners why not make the route avoid the traditional trade routes?

6. These people do little for the local economy and take a lot out of the environment! 'in my considered opinion'

Rant over!

The Uncomfortable Definition of an Infidel....

2009-04-24T11:53:00.000-07:00

Allah or the Lord Jesus Christ? The Muslim religion is by far the fastest growing religion in the UK ..

Last month I attended my annual training session that's required for maintaining my prison security clearance. During the training session there was a presentation by three speakers representing the Roman Catholic, Protestant and Muslim faiths, who explained each of their beliefs.

I was particularly interested in what the Islamic Imam had to say. The Imam gave a great presentation of the basics of Islam, complete with a video.

After the presentations, time was provided for questions and answers.

When it was my turn, I directed my question to the Imam and asked: 'Please, correct me if I'm wrong, but I understand that most Imams and clerics of Islam have declared a holy jihad [Holy war] against the infidels of the world and, that by killing an infidel, (which is a command to all Muslims) they are assured of a place in heaven. If that's the case, can you give me the definition of an infidel?'

There was no disagreement with my statements and, without hesitation, he replied, 'Non-believers!'

I responded, 'So, let me make sure I have this straight. All followers of Allah have been commanded to kill everyone who is not of your faith so they can have a place in heaven. Is that correct?'

The expression on his face changed from one of authority and command to that of 'a little boy who had just been caught with his hand in the cookie jar.'

He sheepishly replied, 'Yes.'

I then stated, 'Well, I have a real problem trying to imagine Pope Benedict commanding all Catholics to kill those of your faith or Dr. Stanley ordering all Protestants to do the same in order to guarantee them a place in heaven!'

The Imam was speechless!

I continued, 'I also have a problem with being your 'friend' when you and your brother clerics are telling your followers to kill me! Let me ask you a question. Would you rather have your Allah, who tells you to kill me in order for you to go to heaven, or my Jesus who tells me to love you because I am going to heaven and He wants you to be there with me?'

You could have heard a pin drop as the Imam remained speechless.

Needless to say, the organizers and promoters of the 'Diversification' training seminar were not happy with this way of dealing with the Islamic Imam and exposing the truth about the Muslims' beliefs.

Within twenty years there will be enough Muslim voters in the U.K. to elect a government of their choice, complete with sharia law

I think everyone in the U.K. should be required to read this, but with the Liberal justice system, liberal media and political correctness madness, there is no way this will be widely publicised.

Please pass this on to all your e-mail contacts.

Nelson at Trafalgar 2009

2009-04-22T05:13:00.000-07:00

Nelson: "Order the signal, Hardy."

Hardy: "Aye, aye sir."

Nelson: "Hold on, this isn't what I dictated to Flags. What's the meaning of this?"

Hardy: "Sorry sir?"

Nelson (reading aloud): "England expects every person to do his or her duty, regardless of race, creed, gender, sexual orientation, religious persuasion or disability - What gobbledegook is this for God's sake?"

Hardy: "Admiralty policy, I'm afraid, sir. We're an equal opportunities employer now. We had the devil's own job getting ' England ' past the censors, lest it be considered too racist."

Nelson: "Gadzooks, Hardy. Hand me my pipe and tobacco."

Hardy: "Sorry sir. All naval vessels have now been designated smoke-free safer working environments."

Nelson: "In that case, break open the rum ration. Let us splice the mainbrace and issue a double ration to steel the men before battle."

Hardy: "The rum ration has been abolished, Admiral. It's all part of the Government's policy on binge drinking."

Nelson: "Good heavens, Hardy. I suppose we'd better get on with it.............full speed ahead."

Hardy: "I think you'll find that there's a 4 knot speed limit in this stretch of water my Lord."

Nelson: "Damn it man! We are on the eve of the greatest Naval sea battle in English history. We must advance with all dispatch. A report from the crow's nest if you please."

Hardy: "That won't be possible, sir."

Nelson: "What?"

Hardy: "Health and Safety have closed the crow's nest, my Lord. Nobody is allowed up there without having attended a working at height course and a wearing a harness; and they said that our rope ladders don't meet the current Health and Safety Executive regulations. They won't let anyone up there until proper scaffolding can be erected."

Nelson: "Then summon the ship's carpenter without delay, Hardy."

Hardy: "He's very busy knocking up a wheelchair access to the foredeck Admiral."

Nelson: "Wheelchair access? I've never heard anything so absurd."

Hardy: "Health and Safety again, sir. We have to provide a barrier- free environment for the differently abled."

Nelson: "Differently abled? I've only one arm and one eye and I refuse even to hear mention of the word. I didn't rise to the rank of Admiral by playing the disability card my man."

Hardy: "Actually, sir, you did. The Royal Navy is very under- represented in the areas of visual impairment and limb deficiency."

Nelson: "Whatever next? Give me full sail. The salt spray and a rolling sea beckons."

Hardy: "A couple of problems there too, sir. Health and safety won't let the crew up the rigging without hard hats and slip proof footwear, plus the ship may move outide of acceptable limitations. Plus they don't want anyone breathing in too much salt - have you not seen the adverts?"

Nelson: "I've never heard such infamy. Break out the cannon and tell the men to stand by to engage the enemy."

Hardy: "The men are a bit worried about shooting at anyone, Admiral..."

Nelson: "By the heavens! This is mutiny!"

Hardy: "It's not that, sir... It's just that they're afraid of being charged with murder if they actually kill anyone in a battle. There's a couple of legal-aid lawyers on board, watching everyone like hawks."

Nelson: "Then how are we to sink the damn Frenchies and the Spaniards?"

Hardy: "Actually, sir, we're not."

Nelson: "We're not?"

Hardy: "No, sir. The French and the Spanish are our European partners now. According to the EU Common Fisheries Policy, we shouldn't even be in this stretch of water. We could be hit with a massive claim for compensation."

Nelson: "But as an Englishman Hardy, you must hate a Frenchman as you hate the devil."

Hardy: "I would be very careful not to let the ship's diversity co-ordinator hear you talking like that sir. You'll be up on a disciplinary report and suspended."

Nelson: "Damnation Hardy!! You must consider every man an enemy, who speaks ill of your King, country or God!"

Hardy: "Not any more, sir. We must be all inclusive in this multicultural age. Now please put on your Kevlar vest and helmet; it's the rules. They could save your life"

Nelson: "Don't tell me Hardy, Health and Safety. Whatever happened to rum, sodomy and the lash?"

Hardy: "As I explained, sir, rum is off the menu and there's a ban on corporal punishment."

Nelson: "What about sodomy?"

Hardy: "I believe that is now completely legal, sir."

Nelson: "In that case......kiss me, Hardy."

Easy MTB Trails around 'Austwick' N Yorkshire

2009-04-13T01:36:00.000-07:00

For those 'non couch potato' types that fancy a real good day out here's a great little ride in the country round a relatively easy MTB trail that most people would be able to manage with only basic off-road experience and a 'hard tail' Mountain Bike.

The route starts and ends at a good friendly pub in the charming village of Austwick in the Yorkshire Dales, 'The Game Cock' and follows a series of well signposted bridleways around a 'two-loop' 14.5 km circuit of the surrounding countryside.

The route is never too difficult or too technical but offers easy flowing riding with just enough single-track riding to offer a touch of excitement. There are ample places to stop for a breather and tack a few good pictures, and the Game Cock Inn (rooms available) serves a good Sunday Lunch that can be taken in the garden or tables in front of the pub.

A good idea is to do the route before lunch, take a break and have some good 'pub grub' and then do the route again in the afternoon when you have rehearsed the good sections and know the trail better.

The route will take a steady hour and a half and can be found in The Yorkshire Dales MTB guide 'South' page 13. I would give it a 8/10 rating.

Young Muslim Girls in Sarajevo

2009-04-10T03:06:00.000-07:00

Not wanting to prompt any racist debate or comment, what do you think of young Muslim Girls being allowed / accepted to glitz up their style by wearing more brightly coloured outfits that still afford the traditional Muslim modesty and dress etiquette?

I think that this photograph I took in Sarajevo a few years ago breaks down a few more barriers and social hurdles that the traditional all black Burkha conjures up, and that we tend to see in the UK's high streets.

Even when working in the Yemen this year (the most Muslim of countries) the young ladies wore Burkhas with fashionable jeans showing underneath and red and gold decoration and accessories etc.

I think that the more our immigrant communities can do to 'fit in' with the British social and cultural scene then the more they will be respected and the better they will be regarded. It took a war in Yugoslavia with tens of thousands being murdered before these girls were allowed to break tradition and dress like this. Comments?

Trekking in Transylvania (+ Dracula's Castle visit)

2009-04-06T07:37:00.000-07:00

Anyone fancy a remote and beautiful trek in the stunning Carpathian Mountains coupled with a visit to Dracula's Castle? If so my newest trek is for you! If you can get a minimum of 4 people (maximum 8) together, and want a truly exciting adventure somewhere different then this is the trek for you!

The Carpathian Mountains or Carpathians are a range of mountains forming an arc of roughly 1,500 km (932 mi) across Central and Eastern Europe, making them the largest mountain range in Europe. The Carpathians create wonderful mountainous scenery, with green valleys nestled between foothills ascending to wild crags or precipitous gorges. The mountain villages encountered on the way, the small summer shelters built by peasants for hay harvests, the secret shepherds`paths through forests and meadows, all these bring a unique, pastoral fragrance to the area.

Deep forests cover more than one third of the country’s surface. Here is to be found the highest concentration of large carnivores anywhere in Europe. (About 6000 brown bears – more than half of Europe’s bear population, about 3500 wolves and approximately 2000 lynx.) You will also find plenty of opportunities to photograph the less camera shy population of wild Chamois that frequent the higher pastures.

The Flora of the Carpathians includes more than 1350 species; most foreign visitors are amazed about the enormous variety of wild plants and flowers all over Romania. You will find all kind of Orchids, Gentians, and Campanulas, with 12% of these plants being endemic to the Carpathian Mountains.

The Romanian region of Transylvania is also home to ‘Bram Stokers’ legendry fictitious character ‘Count Dracula, reputed to inhabit a decaying castle in the Carpathian Mountains near the Borgo Pass. Bran Castle is situated near ‘Bran’ and in the immediate vicinity of Brasov; it is a national monument and landmark in Romania. The fortress is situated on the border between Transylvania and Wallachia and is commonly known as ‘Dracula's Castle’ On January 26 2009 it was revealed that the current occupiers of Bran Castle have decided not to sell the castle, but instead turn it into a museum dedicated to the legend and history of ‘Count Dracula’.

Imp adventures will be making a 3-day trek through some of the most picturesque countryside in the Carpathian Mountains, with the highlight being an ascent of the ‘Bucegi Mountains’ highest summit, ‘Omu Peak’, this peak ranking number 9 within the Romanian peaks, with an altitude of 2505 meters (8219ft).
During our trek through the Carpathian Mountains, ample time will be made to identify and photograph the abundance of fauna and flora. Utilizing high mountain refuges for two nights, we will be well placed to spend as much time as possible enjoying the fresh air, stunning scenery and high mountain environment before returning to our valley base in Brasov, where, after a celebratory supper on the third day of trekking we will spend a cultural day visiting the fabled Draculas Castle, and other nearby beauty spots.

Anyone fancy the Corsican GR20 Trail

2009-04-03T02:04:00.000-07:00

Anyone fancy trekking the stunning Corsican GR20 mountain route? The hardest of the french long distance trails and almost certainly the most famous and most scenic.

Imp Adventures trek will complete the northern and most difficult, but visually stunning section of the GR20. Starting in Calenzana near Calvi in the north, finishing in 'Castle di Verghio' near Ajaccio (the capital) in the south west.

Six days of fantastic high level trekking including Corsicas highest peak 'Monte Cinto' and the dramatic crossing of the breathtaking 'Cirque de Solitude', trekking for up to 7 hours per day and up to heights of 2200m.

Accommodation will be in basic Alpine huts using freeze dried meals and locally sourced produce. participants will need to be both fit and mentally robust to succeed in this challenge, but a good head for heights and some grit and determination will see most people through.

This trek is the ideal opportunity to join a fully supported and guided trek through one of the most stunning areas of natural beauty. The trek will take place over the period 4- 13 June 2009.

For more information please visit www.impadventures.com or call or email Damon as follows, 07768 608914 / damon@impadventures.com

The Outdoors Show 2009

2009-03-31T00:07:00.000-07:00

After visiting the Outdoors Show at the NEC on Friday I can only say..'what a load of rubbish'. It seems that in recent years the shows organisers have forgotten what the public want and have slowly turned the show into a 'car-boot sale' where anyone wishing to sell 'bric a brac' and offload rubbish can come and punt it in the warmth and comfort of the NEC.

This years show had only one major gear and equipment manufacturer in attendance (DMM), when in the past it would have been an opportunity for manufacturers to showcase new ideas and equipment and to meet the public etc etc.

I was obviously very dissapointed this year and will not be attending again.
Get rid of the tat stalls, limit the indipendent shops offloading their 'hard to sell items', cut down on the travel companies, and limit the amount of companies pushing the same product (there were 4 fly-by-night opportunists with VW caravanettes on show selling van-hire hollidays, all with a great niche product ha ha....Not!)

Next year I will save my money and instead take a trip to Keswick to view the multitude of shops on the high street, and get a coffee that does not cost £2.50!