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Mid May Already

Posted in The Chief's Ramblings on May 18, 2012 at 4:13 PM by Steve

Another Ten Tors has been and gone and a successful event it was too. With fair weather and clear skies it was set to be great event. I spent the weekend up on the moors with the Dartmoor Rescue Team killing time until any team needed some assistance. It was not until late afternoon that my small team of 4 (including me) were asked to assist with a team which had some of its group suffering from the cold. When we found them 3 of the team were showing signs of hypothermia and one in particular gave us a little concern. We promptly asked for them to evacuated by helicopter (as that was the quickest method to get them off the moor) and within about ten minutes we were left standing on the moor with a helicopter heading off into the distance. That was about the only incident of merit that I could mention. Great for the walkers but not for us. Lets hope the Ten Tors continues to be a success.

My Princes Trust team this week went well and they left this afternoon after another completed Final Challenge. It has been another cold week and today it was noticeably chilled on the tops in the fresh easterly breeze. Not sure where the summer has gone but could it please warm up sometime soon!!

Going to give myself a lazy weekend, well thats the idea, we'll see what evolves. Can't beleive its mid May already!!!   

Bounders and Bikers

Posted in The Chief's Ramblings on May 09, 2012 at 12:19 PM by Steve

It was certainly a big weekend here at Spirit with two events running that would see one group walk the Perambulation of Dartmoor whilst the other cycle the Devon Coast to Coast.

I spent the three days of the Bank Holiday walking the perambulation with and John and 12 fellow "Bounders" (apparently that's what you're called when you walk the perambulation). With an early start on the Saturday we headed off to Okehampton to start our walk at the traditional starting point of Cullever Steps. Although there was a chill wind, the skies looked fair as we headed off east to follow Irishmans Wall up to the top of Belstone Tor. We then descended to cross the river Taw only to climb up to Cosdon Beacon. From there we could finally then start the walk south taking in the White Moor Stone and then have a break at Gartaven Ford. After a little wandering around to find the boundary stone I then realised that it was only a flat stone almost flush to the ground. This was made even more difficult to spot as someone was sat directly upon enjoying their lunch. Still heading in a south easterly direction we made our way through various boggy areas to Scorhill Hut Circle. This hut circle was adorned with various symbols of a more pagan nature. This made an interesting talking point before moving onto Teign-e-ver Bridge for a longer lunch break. The rest of the first day was taken up walking to the Dam at Fernworthy resevoir, passing the Warren House to finally finish at Bellever. With only a few aching legs and Yvonnes Chilli and plenty of mugs of tea waiting back at the Bunkhouse it was a successful first day.

The second day yet again saw clear skies and it gave us the promise of fine weather. Our route started again at Bellever and we then walked on down to Dartmeet. From Dartmeet we then strted the long gradual climb that would eventually finish at the top of Ryders Hill. With a big day infront of us we then took in the landmarks of Snowdon (no, my navigation wasn't that far out and we didn't end up in North Wales!!), Pupers Hill and down to Huntingdon Cross. I thought I knew most parts of the moor but Dartmoor is full of surprises. One of which was Keble Martins Chapel. This is a very small chapel no larger than an old tinners hut nestled into a small hollow on the east bank of the Western Wallabrook. There's enough clues for you, or you could go to SX 666 666 (hopefully there will be no sign of Gregory Peck and small child with a dodgy birth mark!!). From the clapper bridge below the warren we then climbed up to Eastern White Barrow. Traversing across to Western White Barrow and Petres Cross we could then finally start walking in a northerly direction towards Princetown. With Broad Rock and Nuns Cross under our belts it was just a case of trudging up the path pass South Hessary and into Princetown. With the miles telling on a few "Bounders" it was a long walk back. Yvonne had prepared a fantastic stew back at the bunkhouse for us which was more than welcome.

The final day greeted us with thick fog, heavy showers and the threat of worst to come throughout the day. We started walking into the gloom with thoughts of a long wet day ahead of us. Once we had passed great Mis Tor and we were approaching dead Lake below Grena Ball the Fog started to lift. By the time we got to Lynch Tor we had great views over the moor and wind that pushed along. Probably the wettest part of the walk was up the Rattle Brook on the western side of the Amicombe. This was not due to the rain but the conditions underfoot. We finally got to Bleak House where we then headed in towards the eastern side of the hill to Steng-a-Tor that overlooks the West Okement Valley. From here we could see the big climb ahead of us that would take us up from the valley floor to High Willhays. This was litteraly the high point of the day as from here we called see the route back. The route took us around 50 miles of Dartmoors open landscape and we climbed approximately 2040 metres. It is probably Dartmoors finest walk, a real challenge for any keen hillwalker.

On our walk we saw evidence of Grouse and we finally saw one take flight whilst crossing Kitty Tor. We were almost sure we were lucky enough to spot a Hen Harrier in the West Okement.

Well done to all those Bounders for a great weekend.

Our Marie Curie Coast to Coast Bike ride went well with all 31 participants sucessfully making the nearly 100 mile ride from Ilfracombe to Saltram House in Plymouth. Luckily for you I can't blog too much on that trip as if you haven't guessed I working elsewhere!! Well done to all those who completed the ride for what is a worthwhile cause.

Just a quick footnote and that is, even though the Perambulation is a long walk Plymouth Sound is not the North Coast (you know who you are!!!!!!) TEEE HEEEE!!

Only one Princes Trust team running this week, but I will have another busy weekend ahead up here on the moor. Not really work related but as it is Ten Tors weekend I will be with Dartmoor Rescue Team.

Thanks Yvonne for the evening meals and being there at the end to provide the transport. Great cakes by the way!!!

 

      

Back into the swing of it!!

Posted in The Chief's Ramblings on Apr 30, 2012 at 1:26 PM by Steve

 My last entry on this blog was entitled "Where has the time gone?", so I am not sure what to title this one. I was intending to try and keep a little more up to date but I have been out of the office pretty much most of the time. On the odd days that I have been in the office I have suffered with I guess some would call "writers block". So here is what has been happening up here at Spirit since then.

We had just had a real blast of warm sunny weather but then it all suddenly changed. The winds went around to the north which dropped the temperature drastically and we have now been in a pretty wet and blustery spell for about a week. Since the last blog I have worked on a WGL assessment, taken a few days off work (just as the weather changed, typical!!), camped down at Dartmouth, run a WGL Training, run a "Guildford Boost" residential and then spent another 4 days down at Dartmouth with Young Spirit. The weather has certainly played its part!!!

Our Young Spirit trip last week was the wettest three days we have spent there. When we picked them up from their respective schools the rivers were in full spate, the skies were black and we had some impressive hail and claps of thunder. Not surprisingly we decided not to paddle down the Dart Estuary as we normally do but to walk in to camp. Lighting fires to cook their pizzas was a real test but the biggest problem was that the camp site was quickly turning into a mud bath. With 27 children running around in the mud (having a good time) the site was quickly resembling a miniature Glastonbury. In true Young Spirit style we took action to prevent the site deteriorating further. This meant the remainder of that evening was taken up with Myself, Matt, Mark and Nic putting in an impromptu slate pathway. We found an old slate boundary just under the surface about 50 metres from the camp. We drove Nics vehicle as close as we could and then proceeded to fill it with slate. In the pouring rain it took about a total of 5 muddy trips to put in what looked at times like a causeway. It was a job worth doing, although a little unexpected. The camp certainly stood up well to the gail force winds and torrential rain.

John and Martin had an incident with a dazed Sparrowhawk. The aforementioned hawk had tried to swoop down onto Johns bird table to grab some feathery ready meals. Only what it didn't count on was the landrover parked between it and the bird table. It was found dazed on the road at which point John picked it up. As it was recovering Martin took some pictures and it was released just before it got a little too grouchy. Apparently it flew off in nearly a straight line.

This week we have another two Princes Trust teams and a Young Spirit trip to Dartmouth. This weekend Myself and John are running a trip that will see us walk around the perambulation of the old boundary of Dartmoor. It will take us three days walking from 15 to 20 miles a day over the more remotest parts of the moor. Lets hope the weather holds. 

 Martin ran the London marathon a few weekends ago and despite not being able to train much leading up to the event due to an injury, he successfully completed the course. His toes however are still black and he is in the process of trying to find someone to go near them. I offered my services with a hot needle but he declined!! Well done anyway Martin, not sure if I could even run for a bus at the moment!!!   

   

      

Where has the time gone?

Posted in The Chief's Ramblings on Mar 30, 2012 at 2:14 PM by Steve

It has been a very busy couple of weeks and I have been out of the office for the majority of it. Time has certainly flown by. So here is a quick summary.

Last week my team from the Plantation in Guildford went well and they accomplished what they planned. One note of amusement was that during the final Challenge on the Friday my team decided to take a route slightly off the beaten track. Knowing the area that they were heading was going to be quite wet and boggy I told the team assistant Di to follow me to avoid damp. Well not only once, but three times did I have to pull her out of the boggy ground. At one point even reentering the boggy ground (at my own risk I might add) to retrieve her soggy boots!!! This was much to the teams amusement as they seemed to fare just as bad. The flag was successfully raised albeit with wet feet!!!  

On Monday I was working with St.Peters School near Lympstone. Part of the day was classroom based the remainder was up navigating around Woodbury Common. I then had a group arriving from Clayesmore who were participating in their Gold Practice exped whom I meeting that evening.

On the Tuesday I walked with them on a 14km route which took them up over Hameldown and back to our Bunkhouse.  As we walked over the ridge we passed some of the remaining glider poles that are a reminder of times gone past. Not sure if ever Widecombe-on-the-Moor would have been a significant strategic military objective during WW2. The weather all week has been pretty hot for this time of year so keeping the teams hydrated was a major concern. Due to the teams camping we took the decision to supply them with clean drinking water. The rivers are very low and so we didn't want them extracing dodgy water. Luckily we could transport water close to some of the camps but one was a little too far to carry by hand. Enter Ernie (and he rode the fastest water cart in the West). Alan came up with the novel idea of using a Doggy trailer mounted on his mountain bike. Quite a bizarre but efficient method of transportation. With all three teams back here now at Powdermills it has been a successful week. 

I am working on a WGL assessment this weekend I then have a few days off. Hope the weather holds up.

So unfortunately there will be another delay before I get a chance to post on this blog.

Golden Sunrise and Busy Ants

Posted in The Chief's Ramblings on Mar 19, 2012 at 11:03 AM by Steve

Another glorious morning driving to work, despite having to de-ice my windscreen which was a bit of a surprise. You could probably count on one hand the total amount of times I have had to do that this winter. The picture with this blog I took last week on my way into work and used my sunglasses as a filter to give it the golden hue. It was a stunning morning regardless, thought I would try and be creative!!!

After a busy week I spent Saturday morning down at Bigbury surfing my kayak. I met up with one of our freelance instructors Gazza and had a good surf in a reasonably clean wave. Bit more work needed on my technique although I did manage to stay upright.

Our JSI team build went well last week. It started on the Wednesday morning with a paddle down the Tamar from Calstock to Weir Quay. The early morning fog and mist did clear on the water just before we set off. we had a fantastic trip off down the river although near the end we were paddling into a stiff head wind. From our lunch stop on the waters edge we then headed off to Shaugh Bridge to finish the day. We were teaching the group the skills they would need to complete a challenge the following day. We set up in the woods (not knowing at the time) in close proximity to a very large Wood Ants nest. They did start to become annoying as they were climbing and crawling all over the place. Wood Ants can spray a formic acid from their rear end if alarmed, (I do something similar if alarmed!!). Luckily I guess we didn't alarm them as there were thousands of them (rough estimate), so if they did get alarmed, that would have been a pretty big bio hazard!!! I was going to put in a cheap joke about a guy called Adam. But then you would have to have been an Eighties teen to appreciate it!!! The groups challenge on the Thursday went well despite quite a considerable bit of running around both before and during the challenge. The group celebrated in grand style as apparently the first person to get to sleep was at 03:00. There were some pretty weary people on the Friday morning.

Luckily for me I left the group at about 21:00 as I had another busy day on the Friday down at our Dartmouth site (and I was driving). Sam and Matt had been working there from Wednesday, so hopefully between us we could get the camp ready for the first group arriving this week. Think the boys must have apparently worked hard over the previous couple of days as on the way back on the Friday they did start "rubber necking"!!! Luckily I didn't catch any of them dribbling!!!!  

We have two Princes Trust teams again this week, one team from Bristol (whom John is picking up) and the other is another team from Guildford. Looks as though the weather is going to be settled again, so hopefully another fine week on the moor!!!!  

A breath of fresh air!!

Posted in The Chief's Ramblings on Mar 12, 2012 at 11:37 AM by Steve

Had a great Princes Trust Team from the Guilford Plantation last week who were a real breath of fresh air. As a team they were polite, and even if the occasional swear word did creep out they were quick to apologise (almost unheard of!!!). The only problem with a team that performs like they did is that it makes it very difficult for us to review them. It was difficult to pick fault as they were getting along so well. If only all teams were like this!!! At the lake they persevered with the cold water even when some did take an early swim. During the Final Challenge my group came up with not necessarily the easiest solution to a problem but again persisted with their proposed plan. Again they succeeded. With a great final team push to the summit they completed the challenge with ten minutes to spare. I can honestly say that these guys were a real pleasure to work with.

Whilst driving to the start of the challenge on Friday morning I spotted about six Roe Deer in a single field. This is apparently quite a good sighting as they only rarely appear in such numbers. They are only usually seen in twos or threes. I watched them for about ten minutes before some of them effortlessly leapt a fence and disappeared off into the woods.

The weather didn't disappoint last week although it did go just a little cooler. Today was a fantastic drive up onto the moors. There was a mist just hovering a few metres above the ground and a stunning blue sky above.

John had a SPA training over the weekend and went to Sheeps Tor on the Saturday. It is not very often we use that as a venue as it can be exposed. Nice to make use of the fine weather.   

I am working on a corporate team build for the rest of the week and Sam and Matt are heading off to our Balcombe Quarry campsite to prepare it for the new season. Another busy week here at Spirit.

Cracking start to March

Posted in The Chief's Ramblings on Mar 05, 2012 at 11:25 AM by Steve

Last week was a surprise as we had nearly a full week of sunshine. It was a real bonus for us as it meant we could really give our yard a good Spring clean, even to the point of scrubbing the tarmac with a broom and jet wash. We couldn't believe the amount of mud and dirt that had accumulated over the past season. It was a real hive of activity on Friday afternoon as we cleaned vehicles inside and out. As the jet wash was out, our yard soon became a garage drive through car wash, with our instructors giving their motors a quick clean. 

Myself and Sam had a look around the Beardown area as a potential challenge location. Skylarks were in the air, finches of all descriptions were skitting around and we even heard the bark of a deer from the woods (I told Sam not to be too scared as it was not likely to eat us!!!!!). Before we left I asked Sam if it was likely to be too muddy (knowing full well we needed to go through the farm) as he knows the guys at Beardown well. "Should be ok" he replied. So leaving my boots behind and only wearing my approach shoes it soon became evident at the first gate. I wish I had listened to myself. Whilst Sam sat in his car, I got out to open the gate my foot sunk into about a good few inches of wet muck and mud. Never mind, joys of the country!! We walked out along Devonport Leat where it flows above the Cowsic River and there is a great sluice that takes water from the leat to the river. It would be a great seal launch for a kayak if it weren't for the abrupt stop at the bottom!!! Despite having a good look around we couldn't really find anything appropriate for what we needed.

On Wednesday we headed out with John to look at a proposed Zip-Line location. We sent Sam out to test it ( he is our Spirit Guinea Pig) only for him to find out that the sling he was on was possibly a little too long and that he couldn't reach the tyrolean rope. With a bit of effort he did manage to reach the rope and get to us in one piece. We did have a chuckle though!! It was a site we would use again so that was worthwhile.

Over the weekend I was out with Clayesmore and despite the weather turning breezier and cooler we had two great days out. I had a group of six lads and on the Saturday we manged to cover a distance of about 15km out around the Ryders hill and Red Lake area of the moor. I think they really enjoyed the terrain as they kept commenting on it. I think they were words of praise!!! They had an easier day on the Sunday as we only covered around 11km on much easier terrain. The distance could have been less if they hadn't walked in a circle to start with. On the Saturday I spotted two grouse take flight as Paddy disturbed them whilst we were out around Ryders Hill. On the Sunday whilst we were waiting for our lift to arrive we were treated to a display from around 200 starlings (only a rough estimate I didn't get a chance to count them individually!!). They were landing on the ground and then taking flight in formation. When they took to the air they would give a quick display of formation acrobatics and then land again. They did this for about ten minutes before flying off (not sure where as I was sat behind a wall taking shelter from the wind).

We have two Princes Trust teams this week and an activity day at Bovey Castle which John is going to run. Hope the weather warms up, bit chilly here this morning. I did hear on the radio an old saying about March and that was "in like a lamb but out like a lion", hope it isn't true.

 

Ten Second Raft

Posted in The Chief's Ramblings on Feb 27, 2012 at 10:39 AM by Steve

My team last week went well, which was more than I could say for their raft. It was more of a case of how long it would stay together rather than how long would it float. Myself and Sam had already put bets on its duration afloat from 45 seconds to one minute. It was just under 10 seconds from the raft being fully afloat to the barrels becoming separated from the main structure. I say main structure, but that didn't stay together for much longer either. Gave myself and Sam a chuckle and for those on the raft it was an early bath (and a cold one at that). Just as well that I had taken a picture of it before it went on the water.

John was running a SPA assessment over the weekend so hopefully all went well for the candidates. John is day off today so I guess I will find out tomorrow. Sunday was a real surprise weatherwise with sunshine pretty much all day. A real bonus this time of year especially for an assessment.

We have two teams this week and I am having a break from running any of them. I will instead be catching up with admin, looking at another final challenge and getting ready for Clayesmore DofE for this weekend. I am sure there will be more to sort as the week progresses. Paddy and Festa are in the office today, Festa is stomping around with his splint and Paddy is giving Matt a hard time each time he walks through the door. Looks like it will not be a dull day. 

 

Speaking frogs and model villages

Posted in The Chief's Ramblings on Feb 20, 2012 at 11:44 AM by Steve

Last week went well with all our Princes Trust teams completing their challenges. We had a great day out with Mike Densham and his group from FISH (Fun in School Holidays) on Tuesday and a successful WGL Assessment that finished on Friday.

Our day with FISH started at the main Bellever car park and finished at Brimpts Farm. To get them from the car park to Brimpts I had laid a trail for them to follow with flour. This worked extremely well, and as I was laying the trail on my own would mean that if I got lost I could least I could find my way back. The group successfully followed the trail to Brimpts were we then duly lit an open fire and John proceeded to cook biscuits (oops, I meant pancakes!!!). It was then a short walk back to their minibus to finish the day.

Wednesday was the start of our WGL assessment with 6 candidates in total. Despite the pressures of being assessed the course was enjoyable. The night navigation element on these courses is always tough and can quite easily seal someones fate as to if they would get deferred or not. It did however give me a chuckle, I had driven my group back to the bunkhouse and I still hadn't even seen John all night. As I was driving home with the heaters on and my wipers were clearing the windscreen I had a call from John. I pulled over to where I could safely speak to him!!!!! He told me that his group had had a slight navigational melt down with route choice and would still be another hour and a half (at least!!! ). After another little chuckle I wished him well and that I would hope to see him in the morning. I would check the car park in the morning to make sure that he still wasn't out there!!! Whilst out with my group on the Thursday we noticed an oak tree with a conifer growing out of it. It was as if two trees had spliced into one. Whilst mentioning odd things, when we came up to a cist in Bellever Woods on Friday I noticed a frog that seemed quite tame. Well tame in a frog sort of way. I took its picture and it didnt seem to want to move. And yes, it was still alive and looking healthy!!! I then joined the group at the cist and noticed that there was a faded pentangle on the cap stone. There were also various broken sea shells and sprigs of plants littered about. It was the first time that I had seen evidence of these goings on for myself, and it conjured up images from a H P Lovecraft novel (apparently it's the sort of thing he would have written about) or a scene from the Wicker Man (other classic 70's films of the genre are available for viewing). Not sure what went on there but as I left I wasn't sure that I might have heard a voice. Maybe it was the group ahead of me, or was it the frog calling. I will never know as I didn't look back as I headed off into the mist, as a dog howled in the distance and a bat flitted in front of the moon. Well actually, it was misty but it was only about 11:30 in the morning, not sure if it was a bat or a sparrow!!. Some found the assessment more emtional than others, but all passed.

The weekend saw the Spirit staff and better halves visit Clovelly for our annual staff treat. It was a great evening with plenty of friendly banter, especially since Matt had come up from Cornwall, this gave even more to talk about!!!! Clovelly is one of those places that you will always see depicted in model villages. It's steep and cobbled hill was certainly a hangover tonic in the morning!!! Thanks to John for treating us to such a great weekend. Fortunately he wasn't doing the catering!!! 

We only have three teams here this week, one of which I will be leading. 

He wasn't in!!!

Posted in The Chief's Ramblings on Feb 13, 2012 at 10:06 AM by Steve

It's pretty dull and overcast here today although it is a little milder than the weekend. After a chilly two days upon the moor, I will shortly be starting the final day of our WGL training course. John was out until late last night with them on their night nav. I have been running the day sessions.

Yesterday we walked in from the Scout Hut (no scouts to be seen) at Gutter Tor and proceeded to walk a circular route. At one point we passed the stone rows on the Drizzle Combe and noticed that one of the larger standing stones resembled a large granite Toblerone (other chocolate is available, although not necessarily in triangles!!). We then headed off to Ditsworthy Warren House which is now busy with visitors who have seen the War Horse. I did knock at the door but neither Mr. Spielberg or his horse were in. I must admit though that the windows were boarded up, so he must be on vacation. I shall pop in again next week!!! 

We are currently sorting logistics for yet another busy week, so I had best move on, or at least put the kettle on!!!!

Brighton Take Two!!

Posted in The Chief's Ramblings on Feb 06, 2012 at 1:59 PM by Steve

Three Princes Trust teams this week. We have two arriving from the Brighton area and one from Weymouth. We shall be off shortly to pick the Brighton teams up from Exeter. I think I have a team of 15 of which 10 are girls. That is an awfull amount of hair straighteners and UGG boots, or am I just generalising too much. Should be an interesting week!!!!

On Sunday I was up before the "sparrows yawned", to pick up Mike and Alan as we headed off to Clayesmore. The weather was actually quite mild and it managed to stay dry. It was a DofE Gold training day which gave us the opportunity to meet our teams before they arrive here for a weekend in March. It was a pretty level walk although we did manage to gain some height when we climbed to the top of an old fort on Hameldon Hill. It made a change to look out over cultivated land rather than the rugged wilderness of Dartmoor.

Not a great deal to report, but running Princes Trust teams can always be fun!!!!

 

Brrrrr! It's a chilly one!!!!

Posted in The Chief's Ramblings on Feb 03, 2012 at 4:53 PM by Steve

It certainly has been a cold week here up at Spirit. After a very wet Monday the chill really set in. Yesterday was noticeably colder as there was a fierce wind which dropped the temperature to a point where even "brass monkeys" wouldn't even go out. I was wearing more down than a flock of Siberian Ducks in winter and the chill was still biting. Unlike my group that were wearing clothes that they would wear to the shops in Bognor.

At one point they chose to do the "Pipe Run" task. This involves running two golf balls independent from each other along guttering supported on bamboo canes. They then have to land into a bucket within 2 seconds of each other. With the strong wind persistently blowing over their structure and making it also feel as though it was going to chill them to the core. They then decided to have a break. Usually when teams do this and they retreat to the bunkhouse you usually have a fight on your hands to get them out again. But to the teams credit they came back out a were successful. It was most certainly the coldest conditions I have seen a team complete this task. At one point they were pouring hot water onto the ground in order to soften it enough to place the canes. It didn't take them long to dismantle it and then disappear into the bunkhouse to defrost. Couldn't blame them!!!Their night walk was another chilly excursion but they were blessed with a great afternoon yesterday as the wind dropped for their Final Team Challenge.   

Today we transported them along with the other Brighton team back to Exeter where their coach was waiting. One point of amusement for us was the amount of bags that they each travelled with. One girl from the other team this week even bought along a full length mirror. I had to take a picture as I thought I had seen it all. Someone mentioned it was like "the only way is Essex meets Big Brother". Having only heard of these programmes it really does make me wonder what reality is!!!

John has been out again on another SPA Training and our other Princes Trust teams have been successful. I am travelling up to Clayesmore on Sunday to run a Gold DofE training day with Mike and Alan. Not sure what the weather has in store as we might be in for some snow. I think though it is turning milder so it might just be a wet one. We shall see!!!!

On Monday we have two more teams from the Brighton area and one team from Weymouth. Lets hope it all goes as well as this week!! That would be nice!!! 

First snow of the winter.

Posted in The Chief's Ramblings on Jan 30, 2012 at 12:10 PM by Steve

When I left for work this morning is was just dark and wet with a slight chill. Once I started climbing out of Tavistock I was greeted to a whole new world. The High moor had had quite a dusting of snow, although even by the morning it was starting to melt away. I arrived in work ,only to take John out to where he had to abandon his van in a blizzard (so he says!! He wasn't too far from the Warren House!!!) the evening before. The roads were passable and were rapidly turning into wet slush (not sure whatever type of slush you would get!!!). So that was my major travel chaos this morning.

John is out with a SPA Training course today and tomorrow  (mmm, that will be nice, cold wet rock!!!) and I think is heading down to Chudleigh today. We have two Princes Trust teams arriving from the Brighton area later of which one team I will be working with. It looks as though the weather is improving for the rest of the week if only a little colder. In the past we have had some fun and games with groups that have been here in the snow longer than anticipated. Hopefully this week we should be OK with no further snow forecast. 

We have another three teams running this week, Chris and Matt are leading the teams up at Broadstone Warren and Gazza and Sam have gone to the New Forest.    

I did manage to get out on my mountain bike on Saturday morning and cycled around the ranges at Wilsworthy. It was a fantastic clear but cold morning. I did manage to keep warm until about 500 metres from home when I split my inner tube. Having to remove my gloves and stand still in wet shoes, I soon started to feel the icy pinch of the wind. It didn't take me too long to change the tube but it was long enough to have that painful cold sensation in my toes and finger tips. Fortunately it was only a short ride back.  

So its a busy week ahead here at Spirit so lets see what it has in store!!! 

A Spirit welcome to Echo

Posted in The Chief's Ramblings on Jan 27, 2012 at 11:19 AM by Steve

We have a new addition to the team here at Spirit and that is Echo. She is Johns new dog and is a small Labrador cross which John bought home from the local rescue centre. Echo is a great name as we only call her once and she hears it several times!!! We all think she will fit in with the Spirit way of life. Even Paddy hasn't had a bad word to say, yet!!! Festa is still on sick leave.

John had a great trip to Norway and I am in no way jealous. He had the Northern Lights put on a spectacular display, apparently one of the best they have had in Norway for a long time. To see the Auroura Borealis is on my wish list (if I had a list and actually beleived in wishes!!!). Even when I spent a month in Greenland we never saw them as we had 24 hours of daylight, Typical!!! John aslo told me that they went out on a whale watching trip and were lucky to be admist a large pod of Killer Whales, which came alongside their small power boat. Guess what? thats something else I would like to see.

We have had an interesting week with our Princes Trust teams. One team started off a little unmotivated and unfocused and look to finish the week on a high. Our other team this week had issues most of the week and last night with a certain individual who decided to damage their bunkhouse and then decide to go for an impromtu walk this morning. Since the person in question is on bail then I think they are not doing themself any favours. Its a real shame that the damage they cause is only against people that are willing to give them a chance. Before I decide to stand up in speakers corner, I am going to move on. Out of all the hundreds of young people we work with here only occassionaly do we get the minority that ruin it for everyone else. Ok, I know the other week we had a very small issue but that was not too bad by comparison. OK, I really am going to stop now!!!!  

We have another busy week ahead next week so lots of logistics and paperwork to get through before the end of today.

it all happens in the country!!!!

Posted in The Chief's Ramblings on Jan 23, 2012 at 12:26 PM by Steve

So much for a lazy Saturday. No sooner had I just finished fishing half a digestive out of my cup of tea, I had a text message from SARCALL (the search and rescue call out system). It was to go to an area near Paignton. No chance of it being local then!! After a few calls I arranged to car share and off we set. We got there after an hour and were duly tasked to search two small wooded areas on some private land near Lupton Park. Pleased we had our dayglow rucsack covers as there was a shoot in progress and I wouldn't want to have been mistaken for pheasant rustling around in the undergrowth. After a while they ceased the shoot, we could then carry on getting tangled in thorny bushes without the thought of plucking shot from our persons!!! Our missing person was not found but I have since been told that they have been located.

On the Saturday night was the annual DRG dinner. Everyone gets scrubbed up and I wake up wishing why I had that last pint!!! Good evening was had by all.

Sunday morning came I wish I never had had that last pint. Ok, one thing for it I need to get out for a bike ride. so I left the house and headed out by the ranges at Wilsworthy with Paddy and Festa for comfort. Despite my legs and lungs wishing they were still in bed all was going well until Paddy decided to chase a fox. The fox was off like a rocket, Paddy was on his heals, Festa was trying to catch up and I was left with my bike stuck in the mud trying to peddle as quick as I could. The fox got away, Paddy came back and Festa was left limping on the moor. On seeing that Festa was in some discomfort I then had the long 3 km walk back. Must have been quite a sight to see, a mountain biker pushing his bike and at times carrying a collie (dog not veg!!) whilst another just ran around thinkng it was all good fun. Festa is now in the vets having an x-ray and hopefully its nothing worse than his age.

So as a result I only have Paddy in the office today, but he does have Sams Fern for company. I don't know which one winds up who but they both excel at demolishing the office with their antics.

John is away in Norway and returns later this week and we have two Princes Trust teams arriving later. We have now launched our new look front page so check out what Spirit of Adventure has to offer for 2012.

Back in the office

Posted in The Chief's Ramblings on Jan 19, 2012 at 12:04 PM by Steve

I would have posted something last Friday but I had issues downloading pictures from my phone. I was getting to the point where I was considering to throw my phone at the chickens pecking around Dartcoms bird feeder or even seeing if my phone would work whilst submerged in hot tea. Fortunately when I eventually did get the software to work I had by then lost all interest, it was getting dark outside and no chickens would get injured either. 

Last week we started our run of Princes Trust teams and our first team came from Bristol. The team were the usual mix although the final challenge was unfortunately curtailed due to a rare medical condition. On the Friday morning they departed from Norsworthy Bridge in their two teams to undertake their final challenge. I went up to Leather Tor and Sam headed off towards Cuckoo Rock. It was a gloriously clear day and probably one of the first days this winter where a frost covered the ground. It was not until I got to Leather Tor that I had a call from Sam. He had informed me that one of his group had stepped into a boggy area and had fallen on their side. He also informed me that it was a very soft landing and that all that was injured was their pride. The issue was that this person then decided to say that they had had a stroke a few years ago and that their side was now numb and they couldn't move. (couldn't be anything to do with the cold and that they might be slightly embarrassed!!!). I fortunately had their team leader with me and he informed that their was no prior medical history. To air on the side of caution I told Sam to continue with his challenge (providing the person was still breathing and not too muddy!!) and that we would meet up and assess the situation. To my amazement when I was walking along the track to meet up with Sam the aforementioned person was skipping along giggling at the back and smoking. Well I am no doctor but if that is the healing properties of cigarettes then I am going to become a 40 a day man!!!It would have been better for that person to have just refused to do the challenge in the first place rather than ruin everyone else's experience, especially on such a stunning day.

By the end of last week and early this week we have had a really pleasant spell of cold clear weather. From Monday I had been running a WGL with John and we had a great 3 days on the hill. We had some great views and the moor looked fantastic, especially when it was bathed in that golden evening light (ahh, so poetic!!)Only yesterday did the weather turn mild and damp again.

Trying to sort out our staffing again today. Martin has given up printing out our current dates and now sends them electronically as it is always changing. Easy for him but it feels like I am chasing my tail at times.

Must get on now before Martin sends another amendment. Just for the record, the chickens are still safe and I haven't started smoking (yet!!!).

Stormy start to 2012

Posted in The Chief's Ramblings on Jan 03, 2012 at 12:31 PM by Steve

Its our first day back in the office and 2012 has certainly started in dramatic style. We have had some prolonged heavy rain which has meant all our rivers are certainly swollen. I took Festa and Paddy for a walk this morning (when it eventually got light) and we went down towards the Cherrybrook which flows through the Powdermills. It was quite an impressive sight and it is only on a few other occassions that I have seen it so swollen. We then proceeded into the field opposite our office to recover one of our aluminium canoes, that must have got airbourne in the strong winds overnight. To get into the field it even had to clear a fence, and was a good 30 metres away!!!. It had a substantial amount of water in it which must have weighted it down and prevented it from moving further away.

I am thankfully in the office today and we have a staff training day on Thursday. On Friday we have a training day with Dorset DofE which they are delivering to our staff. Next week we hit the ground running as we have our first Princes Trust team of the year.

The good news is that I never got a Val Doonican jumper for Christmas!!!!

Happy New Year from all of us at Spirit.

Definitely the Last Blog Before Christmas!!!!

Posted in The Chief's Ramblings on Dec 22, 2011 at 12:29 PM by Steve

Thought I would share the fact that the logs are now stored away. At least John won't get cold in his cottage this Christmas!!!!!!

Happy Christmas and New Year!!

Wonder if I will get any Val Doonican Christmas jumpers this year?!!!!

Last Blog Before Christmas

Posted in The Chief's Ramblings on Dec 22, 2011 at 10:29 AM by Steve

With today being our last full day at work before the Christmas break I thought I would update the blog. The weather this week has turned unseasonably mild with more than its fair share of rain. I was out on Monday with a father and his son who wanted to to have a little navigation session followed by a walk. The weather was pretty foul with heavy rain and strong winds, despite this they still wanted to go out. I picked Paddy up from home, which was also the starting  point for our walk. I had decided that if we got to Hare Tor then that would be an acheivement. By the time we navigated through the mist we eventually made it to the flag pole on the summit. We had a quick summit photo posing against the elements, the rain was really stinging our faces at this point. We then took shelter out of the wind for about five minutes before we navigated back via the ranges at Wilsworthy. By the time we got back to the farm they had both had a real taste of Dartmoor's wild side. They both agreed that it was a real exhilarating walk. They were both also great company which made the day even more enjoyable.

Tuesday was spent sorting stores and catching up on office admin. Yesterday myself and Sam ran a day for the St. Peters "FISH" programme with Mike Densham. As it looked as though it was going to be wet again we decided to get them to put up a shelter. Sam would then show off his cooking abilities (once Mike had gone to the local stores to get butter which Sam had forgotten, Again!!). The pancakes that Sam cooked were edible (for once!!!), and actually tasted quite nice!!! We then set them some challenges with pipes, bamboo canes and golf balls. We had two competions in which the bragging rights were split. Although it was only due to my teams good nature that Sam won the first contest (that was just for the record of course!!). We then finished the day with a small tyrolean across a brook.

We are supposedly getting a delivery of logs this morning, so that will be a priority storing that away. This afternoon we are off to the Tavistock Arms for a pre Christmas pub lunch.

To everyone that has read this blog this year I hope you have enjoyed it and I wish you a Merry Christmas. Who knows what next year will bring, but it certainly looks as though it is going to be another busy year here at Spirit.

 

Wintry Showers

Posted in The Chief's Ramblings on Dec 16, 2011 at 12:42 PM by Steve

I took the dogs in and around Bellever Woods before work this morning to help Sam set up his teams final challenge. We got caught in a couple of heavy snow showers that gave the ground a slight dusting of white. Its been like that for most of the morning. I think Sam's group, when they eventually left the bunkhouse would have had quite an exciting time. Not sure they would see it that way though!!! They were a very small group with some very strong attitudes. I'm sure Sam will enjoy running them around in the cold and snow.

We have the weekend off which means I will try my best to avoid the melee that is Christmas shopping. I have a father and son to take out on Monday on a navigation and walking course. We will then be looking to wind down for the Christmas break. 

first sleet of this winter

Posted in The Chief's Ramblings on Dec 13, 2011 at 2:28 PM by Steve

Just a quick post to say that we have had our first sleet/snow showers of this winter come through Powdermills this morning. The skies certainly darkened for about an hour and we had a few quite heavy showers. That was this morning,  it is quite bright up here again now although very windy and cold.

We have a Princes Trust group in this week, but as they are few in number Sam is leading them and I am in the office. There are still places on our Crosses Walk, so if you are still looking for that last minute "Christmas stocking filler" then give us a call!!!!    

 

Alien jellies and late lizards

Posted in The Chief's Ramblings on Dec 06, 2011 at 10:43 AM by Steve

Over the last three days I have been running a Walking Group Leader Training course. The weather wasn't as wintry as forecast which meant we had some great days on the hill. Even the night nav was surprisingly good as it was supposedly meant to have been the worst part of the weekend. We got back into our vehicles at about 22:00 with hardly a cloud in the sky. The following day we were told by Sam that Princetown had had quite a big hail storm that night and that vehicles were still covered in the morning. Guess we were lucky!!

Whilst out and about we found at various locations what is commonly named as "Star Jelly". The fascinating fact about this Star Jelly is that no one knows exactly what it is. There are quite a few theories ranging from that it is a fungus/ plant slime to deposits from meteorites. There is even a conspiracy theory that it is the reisdue of chemicals that governments spray in the skies for various secrect and covert reasons (smells of the X-Files to me!!!). The theory that I favour is that it is the remains of decaying or unfertilised frog spawn. As these jellies have been spotted on concrete paths and wooden stiles, suggest that it is the undigested and regurgitaed remains of a bird meal like a heron that has eaten the aforementioned frog/toad. This would explain the reason for it being found some distance from ponds etc. Well thats my logical Mulder and Scully solution any how. Or it could be an alien slime that will eventually grow into a huge mass and take over the country. Lets hope the frog spawn theories are right!! 

We also found a common lizard next to a track which was most unusual for this time of year (the lizard not the track). They are usually hibernating by now, which is normally from October to March. I guess this one was still active due to the long mild spell we have had. Unfortunately I didn't rate this ones chance of survival as it was very sluggish and was hardly moving. It was a pretty good Heron ready meal!!!

I am working down at our quarry campsite tomorrow and returning on Thursday. There looks like quite a frontal system coming through so it could be a long cold blustery night. We are planning to use the canoes but we may well have to re-evaluate our plan pending on the weather.

For all our winter trips and courses check out our website at Spirit of Adventure.

The great mouse escapade

Posted in The Chief's Ramblings on Dec 02, 2011 at 11:53 AM by Steve

Whilst Sam was sorting our downstairs store yesterday I heard him let out a surprising shriek. In amongst one of our storage tubs, two mice had decided to set up home. What ensued next was a hectic 20 minutes of comic proportions. I first told him to take a "spoonfull of man up!!" and to just take them out. "Ok, you do it" he said!. Can't be that hard I thought, until I saw them jumping around a scurrying rather quickly in their tub. Add to this, Paddy and Festa were now interested and at one point I think Paddy nearly ended up in the tub.

Ok Sam, here's the plan, lets get a smaller container and we'll move them out. The only small suitable container we could find was Johns lunch box. I'll hold the box, you grab it by the tail. And so we executed our plan with nearly millitary precision. Sam grabbed one by the tail and we managed to get it in. That was easy. On trying the same with the next it didn't quite go so well. As I cracked the lid open, the one inside started escaping whilst Sam was in mid transit with the other. And so it was. One now escaped from the lunch box to be replaced by another. In the blink of an eye Paddy was now chasing one around the floor and we think it took cover under some laundry bags. I deftly handed Sam the lunch box whilst grabbing Paddy by the collar. We then sorted the dogs and prepared to tackle the remaining mouse. Not surprisingly the mouse had gone.

Sam took the remaining mouse to a destination where I am sure it had a cold night. And a cold night it was. Out of the corner of my eye before I left last night I am sure I may have seen one heading towards the stairs carrying some clogs. Paddy still looked hungry so that was a good thing!! and so ended the "Great Mouse Escapade".

The temperature got to freezing last night and I had to actually clear my windscreen this morning. I hope John doesn't read this as we have not told him what we used his lunch box for (yet!!). 

    

and into December

Posted in The Chief's Ramblings on Dec 01, 2011 at 12:08 PM by Steve

The shorts are no longer on despite it still being quite mild for the time of year. It is though probably the longest duration I have worn shorts. That's enough on the Chiefs wardrobe, "what has Spirit of Adventure been up to?" I hear you ask.

I spent Saturday morning abseiling 11 people off Bickleigh Viaduct and John should have been in Norway for a long weekend. The abseil went well which is more than I can say for Johns trip. We may not have had a frost or even snow yet, but Norway was storm bound with bucket loads of the stuff. As a result all flights were cancelled and I think even the Norwegians were told to stay in doors. Must have been bad!!! This did mean however that John could now join us all at our Dartmouth camp, helping us to run some staff training.

14 instructors met up on Monday morning at the camp as we looked at all the aspects of running the camp with our Young Spirit clients. John ran through the zip line set up and mechanics, I ran through our casualty evacuation procedure and Mark cooked the pasta!!!!! After an evening around the fire dodging the rain we all eventually got into our sleeping bags just as the weather started turning for the worst. I think it was about 04:00 in the morning when an almighty gust of wind struck our camp. It rumbled up through the trees and struck the camps main shelter with an incredible blast. It collapsed the front canopy but the remainder stayed in tact. It was a pretty impressive blast of wind. more than I can say for the results of Marks pasta!!! We spent the Tuesday morning cleaning the camp and heading out. I have been in the office since, but I am out all weekend running a WGL training course which is fully booked. These courses have been really popular this year and look to again next year. 

We have had some pretty heavy showers at times this week but I think the weekend is just going to be a bit blustery. I finish with the WGL on Monday afternoon and then I am working with Guildford YMCA for the rest of the week. That will also include an overnight at our Dartmouth camp. The following week will be our last Princes Trust team of the year, I can then look forward to the festive season. I have no intention of working in the arctic circle this year as I can no longer fit into my green Elf outfit. The glue for the sticky on pointy ears always gave me a rash anyhow!!!! 

I will try and post a blog at some point next week.      

Dull and Grey

Posted in The Chief's Ramblings on Nov 21, 2011 at 3:02 PM by Steve

This Blog is entitled "Dull and Grey" and that is not meant to be a reference to my personality or hair colour. (If I only had hair to go grey!!) It was just a quick referral to the weather here at the moment. It is one of those still, but damp Dartmoor days.

I took the dogs for a run around Burrator on Sunday afternoon (they ran, I walked) and the temperature was very surprisingly warm. I even noticed that some hazel trees even had catkins on them. John was working down at the Dewerstone (running an SPA assessment) and he commented on how warm it was there as well. It was a stark contrast to the weather which we had about 12 months ago. That was when it was the start to our long cold spell and we had our first snowfall of the season here at the Powdermills. As of yet we have not even had a frost up here. I think the shorts may well still be on into December, if this mild weather keeps up.

The adjacent picture was taken almost exactly 12 months ago. Not sure if the shorts were still on then!!!!

I am in the office this week, although I am running an abseil on Saturday. We then have a busy three weeks running up to Christmas and our first groups start arriving again the second week of January. It only seems a short respite this year before we start running  all our Princes Trust Teams for 2012.     

Crosses Walk Update

Posted in The Chief's Ramblings on Nov 17, 2011 at 4:37 PM by Steve

Well, I have had another look at the route and I think we could get to 14 crosses. That is if they are still visible or even there!!!! Think I will need to do a little investigating. I have spoken to our accounts department, (Martin and John) and we could run the walk at a recession busting £15 per person. I think it will make an ideal Christmas present. What better way to try out those new boots and shiny jackets then a walk across the moor!!! Could be a good reason to start those New Year resolutions as well! Paddy and Festa are certainly up for it.

Come and join us, be quick though spaces will fill fast (hopefully!!!)

Contact martin@spirit-of-adventure.com . Or visit our winter walk page on our website.

 

Crosses Walk

Posted in The Chief's Ramblings on Nov 15, 2011 at 2:00 PM by Steve

I think I could get to 10 crosses over a distance of about 15km. I would need to look at the route a little closer though!!! It appears it would be a linear walk across the moor. We would have to charge for this walk (subject to numbers, even I have to make an honest living) but that would cover transport back to your vehicles and tea and cake at the finish. Plus the pleasure of my company on a winters day!!!! 

To get the ball rolling how about the 7th January. Please enquire at martin@spirit-of-adventure.com .

mammouths and crosses

Posted in The Chief's Ramblings on Nov 15, 2011 at 1:24 PM by Steve

Its a bit tenuous this but like the "North Hessary Man" (dig around in the archives !!) some stone formations do look as though they heve been formed to resemble something. And no! before you carry on reading I have not been drinking!!! the formation in question is what I have known for a very long time as the "Mammouth Stone" located on the eastern side of Fox Tor. It looks as though it is facing to the right of the picture (in case you are struggling see it!!!).

Since I was helping out with the Rescue Team on Saturday afternoon inducting some potential team members I took the opportunity to take the picture. I quite often work around the Nuns Cross area but it is unusual for me to go as far as Fox Tor. As well as the Mammouth stone we also visited "Childes Tomb" and I am not going to recite the legend of how Childe was freezing upon the moor and that he killed his horse. He then disemboweled it to crawl inside for shelter, but he still perished. And that there was a conspiracy with monks and things over his wealth. There are enough websites for that!!! It is however a one of the more impressive Dartmoor crosses.

Whilst on the subject of crosses and walking in that area I took a picture of one of Dartmoors smallest crosses "Northmores Cross". This is located on the northern brow of Hand Hill overlooking Nuns Cross Farm. Hand Hill is not marked on OS maps but it is the name of the hill to the west of Crane Hill. This little cross was placed there in 1980 by a Bill Northmore who was born in nearby Hamlet of Lovaton and apparently he worked the farms. What is interesting though is that it is crafted from the propeller shaft of an old ship. He apparently placed it there upon his retirement. This is however not the smallest cross on Dartmoor as that honour apparently goes to the Travellers Ford Cross near the Cowsic River. I have poked around a bit on various websites and it seems as though the Travellers Ford Cross keeps getting stolen only to be replaced. So unless I have seen this small cross for myself then Northmores is the smallest. Well that has settled that then.

I did manage to get out on my mountain bike over the weekend and cycled a route of about 10 miles. I was joined by Terri and Paddy (who didn't stop running, even when we were pushing our bikes uphill against the strong headwind!!). As mention the wind at times meant it was a struggle to stay on, let alone cycle. We were pleased to get home and put the kettle on but all Paddy wanted was another run!!!

I am in the office this week. The shorts are still on but if the wind gets any colder I may have to conceed and call it winter and revert to long trousers!!!! 

Anyone wishing to book on any courses over the coming season you can contact Martin (Office manager) at martin@spirit-of-adventure.com . As an idea if I could get enough clients together we could walk to as many crosses in a day as possible. If it sounds of interest then contact Martin and put "Dartmoor Crosses" in the subject field. We could then confirm details if we get enough interest. It could be the ideal winter tonic. I will even bring the hip flask!!

Just a quick post!!

Posted in The Chief's Ramblings on Nov 10, 2011 at 2:45 PM by Steve

Its been quite a quiet week here at Spirit with only one Princes Trust team. Sam is running the team with Rory, (well I say team as there are only 4 of them left). They have their Final Challenge tomorrow and will no doubt run it as one group. I had the day off on Monday and spent the day in various waiting rooms trying to get a recurring injury sorted. I have also had an annoying cough for the last three weeks and finally succombed to see a GP. I managed to get a prescription over the phone and duly went and picked it up. I paid my £7:40 with the intention of starting the dose of medication the following day. Well I wish I had thrown £7 away three weeks ago as overnight it all seemed to get better!!!

Tuesday was spent working down at St.Peters School near Lympstone with Young Spirit. It was an introduction to their Cross Keys award which we will work with them over the next couple of years. On Wednesday I travelled up to the Hampshire Fire and Rescue HQ to visit the Princes Trust franchise based there to discuss the PTT programme. I will be taking tomorrow off and hopefully going out on my mountain bike. I only hope the rain isn't as heavy as forecast!!

Next week is one of the few weeks where we have no groups in. It will however give us a brief respite to catch up on all the other aspects of running a busy company. I will also be looking at a proposed trip to Mongolia for next August.

Not much else to post, so lets see what the weekend brings.

An apology to an Emperor!!

Posted in The Chief's Ramblings on Oct 31, 2011 at 11:39 AM by Steve

I have called this blog "an apology to an Emperor" as my caterpillar recognition is not as good as I thought. In my defence though, the leaflet does show the caterpillar in question next to an Emperor Moth. It was not until a candidate on our WGL assessment, pointed out to me that it was a Fox Moth caterpillar and not an Emperor Moth. Fox Moth Caterpillars are seen mostly around October time and the Emperor Moth caterpillar looks entirely different as it is green with no hair and is not around in October. Apparently these Fox Moth caterpillars don't feed much but sunbathe instead to get fit before they pupate. Thanks Mark (pleasant guy, needs to get out more instead of studying caterpillars!!!!) for pointing this out to me, everyday is a school day!!!  Whilst I am in my Springwatch mode, I also came across a Bloody Nose Beetle whilst we were out on the moor. These beetles are so called as they secrete a red fliud from their mouths to deter predators. I did give it to the aforementioned Mark to hold, but I think it thought I was more of a threat as it proceeded to discharge its fluid all over my hand. 

The WGL assessment went well and we had a stunning day out walking on the Friday. The Thursday was the night nav and fortunately as it now gets darker earlier it was not too late a finish. I managed to get the weekend off but John was working on a SPA training. I will be working agian this weekend as I am updating my first aid qualification, "Stand back, assess, safety first, hello can you hear me and so on.............!!!" I am doing the update with First Aid 4 Life whom we know well as they operate out of the Powdermills. Sam also works for us when he is not busy working on these courses.

I am in the office this week and as Martin was away on his annual jaunt to Tenby last week, I need to catch up with him on bookings and stuff. John is not in the office today as he is probably looking to get an addition to the office staff, this one being of the four legged variety.    

after the rains

Posted in The Chief's Ramblings on Oct 25, 2011 at 12:36 PM by Steve

I have been busy since the weekend running our WGL training course. With the threat of foul weather looming for the weekend it was poised to be a very wet and windy one. Fortunately the weather held until yesterday and it broke with style. We certainly got deluged with a huge amount of water. It was one of the few times that on a training course we decided to use the bunkhouse for some sessions rather than run them out on the hill. We did venture outside for about an hour and that was enough to get suitably drenched. The water running off the field next to the pottery resembled a brook. We had a group paddling the Lower Dart yesterday and to our surprise in the office, the water level was actually quite low in the morning. It was a different story however when they drove back with the rivers running into fields.

We had eleven candidates on the WGL course which meant we had a great a mix of experience and abilities. The standard of micro navigation needed surprised alot of people and even caught the more experienced out at times. Walking from a cist, to a re-entrant, to a boundary stone all day certainly focuses the mind. If only some boundary stones were as big as standing stones!!! At one point a flock of about 200 or so Golden Plover were seen flying around the Drizzle Combe area. They would land and then take flight again giving a fantastic aerial display. With a night nav on Sunday and a full day yesterday it was certainly a full three days. All involved certainly gained from the course. It was good to work with Rick again and he always gives me a "titter" when he produces his wooden model that explains contour features. I am not sure that when Rick made it he realised that to some it would look like "a pair of Blackadders Comedy Breasts". Still makes me chuckle even now!! 

From Sunday we had a team of five instructors working on a Gold DofE training with Bryanston School. They were based at the Dartmoor Training Centre but were camping out last night. Nice evening to be in a tent!!!! due to the weather we did get kind permission from Paul at the Kelly Adventure Centre to use Nuns Cross Farm as a refuge for a couple of our teams. 

Tomorrow I am out working with John for the next three days running a WGL assessment. So another full week it will be. The weather looks more settled albeit a little cooler. In between the showers, the light up on the moor has been quite spectacular especially in the mornings and early evenings. A great time of day to run the dogs!!       

fitness fun!!!

Posted in The Chief's Ramblings on Oct 17, 2011 at 4:43 PM by Steve

It's a blustery and chilly day here at Powdermills and fortunately I am in the office. Luckily over the weekend the weather was a little milder with even sunshine at times. On the Saturday I was working at the Powdermills helping out with the Shers Bunkhouse Bootcamp weekend. My role in the day was quite minimal as I only had to run a few team task type activities that involved pipes, balls guttering and a duck!!! At one point I nearly broke out into a sweat walking up and down our bank setting up one such task. Luckily I was able to able to put the kettle on and take five. I did venture into the adjoining field at times to see the participants turning tractor tyres and undertaking various fitness drills. I nearly broke out into a sweat just watching, so I thought the best course of action was to go back and put the kettle on (again)!!!! Before you think that my day was just taken up drinking tea I did set up various tasks, sort wood and get the bunkhouse fire going for when they returned. All of which was appreciated by the participants. What was evident from the participants was that they were all having fun. It looked as though the weekend was pitched suitably for all abilities. I think Sher is looking to run these weekends again next year. So if you are looking to kick start the new year, then this weekend might be worth a go.

On the way into work on the Sturday I managed to take a picture of the early morning mist laying low in the fields below Princetown. It took me ages to run a round the field getting all the cattle to face the same direction!!!!

On Sunday I was all set to go out on my mountain bike, but the last time I rode my bike I noticed my back brake was going spongey. I thought that a quick clean and a check of the pads would resolve this. Not so, one of the the rear pistons was stuck in. Not even swearing and nearly scewering my finger could fix it!!! Lazy day it was then!!! 

We only have one Princes Trust team running this week and a School down in our Dartmouth Camp. I am working the weekend on our Walking Group Leader Training. After running four consecutive weeks of team building courses I have decided to work out of the office. Partly for my own sanity. Some in the office will probably say its too late!!!! 

And take a breath!!!

Posted in The Chief's Ramblings on Oct 14, 2011 at 4:58 PM by Steve

We have just got to the end of our second consecutive busy week and it all seems to have gone as well as expected. A few little hiccups, but nothing major, so we can now all take a breath. My team from Guildford had their own little issues, mainly with the group dynamics but still managed to complete the final challenge. At times whilst running the team it did seem as though I might have been lynched. I was working them a little harder than they expected and being a little tight on the rewards front. I did however get away with it (only just!!). At one point during the week, the team had to send a message across Burrator Reservoir. As the team is run through the YMCA, their method of sending the message did resemble images from a certain Village People dance. Those of a certain age will know what I am referring to, I can only vaguely remember myself!!!!

Whilst down at Burrator I passed along the shorefront below the old shell of Langstone Manor. As the water level is still quite low, you could see some of the old walkways and gate posts that are usually submerged or partly submerged. The level of the water at the moment still shows how much little rain we have actually had recently.

Tomorrow I am helping out with a Fitness/Boot camp being run here at the Powdermills. And no!! before you get any thoughts, I am not running around in multi-coloured lycra looking like Dartmoors version of Mr. Motivator (if you don't know who he is, then ask those who remember the Village People!!!). The weekend is run by Sher Fitness and Sher is running her classes in and around the Powdermills. My role is just to help out with logistics and to run some team type tasks for her. 

I will have Sunday off so hopefully I will go for a paddle now the rivers are open. If the levels look too low I shall get on my bike and go off road somewhere. thats the intention anyhow. If the weather turns a little grim I may just treat myself to a lazy(ish) day.    

One busy week gone another begins!!!!

Posted in The Chief's Ramblings on Oct 10, 2011 at 11:54 AM by Steve

Well, we made it to the end of our busiest week with no real big surprises. The four teams here on Dartmoor went well, I had a particularly fun team from Bristol. The team really got into the "Spirit" of the course (nice pun, cheap link though!!). I was driving the team around and with my lapse of memory when it comes to directions I got the team to navigate the bus. This did lighten up my days, as I got a chance to see parts of Dartmoor I didn't realise existed. At one point the team had to make three Stick Rafts to race down a water course. The team really got into this and at one point I thought they were going to construct the "Kon-Tiki", luckily their boats were not going across the Pacific Ocean. Not sure Thor Heyerdahl (had to Google his surname) would have sailed them either (if they were not scale models of course!!). When the team did have to build a raft on their lake day it was however a complete failure. Don't mean to be too harsh, but it did only get about three metres from the shore before all the poles and barrels had a major dispute and decided to separate themselves from each other. It did however give me a chuckle and the team a quick soaking. To the teams credit they did decide to rebuild it, but unfortunately it ended with the same result. My group did however finish the week in style with a great Final Team Challenge. The weather last week resorted back to the usual autumnal wet, windy and chilly stuff that we get used to working up here on the high moor. This week looks no different. I'm still wearing my shorts and so is Martin, thing is it it doesn't rain inside our office. Only a few more weeks before the clocks change!!!!

On Sunday we ran the Marie Curie Dartmoor Challenge. After an earlier than unexpected start around 140ish participants walked the 13 mile circuit which had about 500 and something metres of ascent. I had decided that unlike other years where I have put the markers out over Hameldown, I would wait in Widecombe to check kit and walk as a sweeper at the rear. John and Sam were going to Marshall the Hameldown bit and Dave would wait as a checkpoint at Grimspound. That was the plan. as it unfolded due to the earlier than expected release of the walkers John and Sam had a race on to put the markers out. It is worth a mention at this point that in past years when John was at Widecombe he manage to have a casual start drinking teat and eating cake. This is what I was hoping to do this year!!!! no such luck, as no sooner as I had just located the tub of cake slices when I was asked to give the guys a hand to help marshall the course whilst it was being marked out. After a frantic start, all was in order and I was back in Widecombe only to start walking as the sweeper back up the hill I had just come from. Still no cake and tea!!!Once I met up with John we continued to sweep the course clearing it of marker poles as we went. We then met up with Sam who was at a checkpoint sat in his Bivvi bag. The weather was pretty abysmal with not alot of visibility due to the driving Dartmoor fog and rain. We then met Dave at Grimspound who then proceeded to tell us tales of when he was lad he could remember playing in the neighbourhood. I always thought he was older than he looked!!!! The next person was Chris who was walking back towards us picking up poles as he went. By now the weather hadn't eased and we were all looking rather damp. Sam and Chris headed back and the remainder continued. The next member of staff we came across was Mike who had a prime spot sat in his own micro climate down below Smallacombe Rocks. "With his Tartan Rug and wicker picnic hamper spread out he wondered where we had been. It took him a while to repack as he could not remember how to place his decanter into the basket without spilling it!!!". Well that's our version of events or are we just jealous that he stayed dry? We then met Gazza at the top of the hill who had no shelter from the elements and was actually looking pleased to see us. We finished the day at around 16:00 feeling that we had definately had a good days walk.

Without getting on a soap box, it does get me annoyed when people go out and enjoy the countryside but leave nothing but a trail litter. I spotted  a real mess near Norsworthy Bridge where people had obviuosly enjoyed the sunshine but had not cleared up after themselves. Not only did they leave a mess but they also had built a fire pit in the middle of a grassy area. It wasn't as though they had far to carry the litter as it was only about fifty metres from the car park. Why bother if you are not prepared to keep it nice for others to enjoy? Well there is enough steam coming out of my ears, I will make the tea!!! Situation vacant for any retired Wombles!!

We have another four teams here on Dartmoor and I have another Team from Guildford. So it will be another busy week with the Princes Trust. We have Paignton School climbing again on Haytor until Wednesday.         

         

Scorching start to October.

Posted in The Chief's Ramblings on Oct 03, 2011 at 3:16 PM by Steve

What an incredible start to October. I think most of the office had resigned ourselves to the fact that the chances of an Indian Summer were slim. How wrong we were!!! I started the week running the Guildford Princes Trust team and finished with a paddle down the Dart on Saturday. Well, the Guildford team went well and at one point whilst they were undertaking a task they resembled extras from the "Sound of Music"!!! The weather was superb, but at times when the rest of the moor was bathed in sunshine, a thick blanket of cloud shrouded the top of the moor. It was bizarre to one minute be driving in the heat of the sun, and the next be driving in thick fog with lights on with a visibility of only a few metres. This was how their night walk worked out as well, starting in good visibilityto finishing in thick disorientating fog!! At one point I even questioned my own judgement (I needn't have worried though, I was were I thought we were). Later in the week I was stuck up a tree and the team had to retrieve me. Eventually I was safely returned to the ground. We had some fantastic views from Leather Tor on Friday as the fine weather continued and the team completed their final challenge. On Saturday I was working on a white water trip down the Dart for a 40th Birthday present. I was concerned that due to the present weather and lack of rain that the water level would be too low to have a quality day. After having spoken to them and explaining my concerns they still wanted to go ahead with the trip. I was pleasantly surprised to find a little more water than expected and with the heat of the sun on our backs we proceeded to have a great day on the river. I cannot remember the last time I paddled the Dart in a shorty cag in such fine weather. Needless to say that the 4 lads ended up having a quality day after all!!!   

Yesterday I went down to Bigbury with my kayak, and the fine weather still continued to amaze me. With a clean 2ft swell (had to pick the right spot) there was enough to keep me in the water until around 17:30. I was paddling again in just a shorty cag a shorts. I didn't even wear my shorty wet suit (well, partly because I had forgotten it!!!). I paddled around Burgh Island at one point and there were around 50 or so sea bass all swimming near the surface of the water. I am sure that if I threw my paddle hard enough I would have probably hit one. Not that I endorse any type of unecessary cruelty to animals, even fish (well maybe midges!!). 

We have our busiest week here at Spirit and we have already had some unexpected spanners in the works. All of which have been resolved. who knows what the rest of the week will have in stall!!!     

Long days and pliers needed!!!

Posted in The Chief's Ramblings on Sep 26, 2011 at 3:14 PM by Steve

With more than my fair share of late finishes I was unable to update this blog last week. The Monday to Thursday of last week saw me working with a team from the Surrey Care Trust. Caz who runs their programme in Woking has been bringing her students to us for about the last 9 years or so. Caz had already warned me prior, that this group may take a bit of work to help then succeed during the week. Well Caz wasn't wrong!! Even though they were a team of only six they really lacked a bit of drive and motivation. They were no trouble from a behaviour point of view but You just could couldn't ever get them to take the innitiative. It was like extracting teeth and finger nails with a pliers at times especially when it came to reviews or getting feedback from them. We had great days out on activities,  especially their rock based day. This involved a rock scramble to the top of the Dewerstone with a climb at about midway. This gave Myself and Andy (my assistant) a little light entertainment when Caz had a bit of a mind melt on what to do on a move during the climb. It was after all a climb she had been on numerous times before!!! With Myself and Andy Taking in on the rope (technical term for pulling) and with words of advice and encouragement (thats what we called it) Caz got to the top!!! From the Dewerstone we then went down to the main crag for the team to be lowered from, followed by the bridge abseil to finish the day.

On Friday when I thought I was going to be office bound, I found myself out all day at the Dewerstone with an aspirant SPA called Lee. We had a great day running through all aspects of the syllabus. It was certainly worth it as I had a call from Lee this morning saying that over the weekend he passed.

The Princes Trust teams had minor issues of a dynamics nature last week (nothing unusual there) and the Dartmouth trips all went well. It was a usual busy week here at Spirit. We have six teams running this week and a Young Spirit job at the end of the week. Next week is our busiest of the year.

Over the weekend I decided to have a look at a mountain bike route from home. It would take me behind the ranges of Wilsworthy, up to Hare Tor, across the valley to below Great Links Tor. From there I would then pick up the track back around from Gren Tor towards Great Nodden and then back towards Wilsworthy Camp. Looking at the map it all seemed staright forward enough (mistake No.1). I was aware that there had been a lot of rain lately and that the more unspecified paths may well be a little soft (mistake No.2). Soft they were, and I now know why they are called "pushbikes". the climb up to hare Tor was hard enough. As soon as I started making a bit of progress I would then hit another really soft area. It was hard work on the legs and at times it felt as though I was pushing the bike more than peddling it. It was not until I got to the track below Great Links Tor did I start making any steady progress. Just when I thought I was doing well and heading home (mistake No3) I got a puncture and then realised that I had also broke a spoke. Oh well. the joys of mountain biking!!!! It was a stunning evening to be out, even though it was a little longer than anticipated.

John is back from Spain and is up in the Ashdown Forest running a Princes Trust team (first time for a while!!). Sam is up in the New Forest after just returning from his High Hopes trip to Spain. It looks as though they have both bought back some sunny weather!! Martin is back in the office after being away for the end part of last week. felt like we all hit the floor running this morning!!! 

I have a team from Guildford arriving later, so another busy week begins!!!.       

Boats and Bowie.

Posted in The Chief's Ramblings on Sep 19, 2011 at 2:54 PM by Steve

On Saturday morning I loaded up a couple a kayaks and headed off to Bigbury to go and play in the surf. I was joined by Jim, who I picked up en-route. Jim has a bit of experience paddling on moving water, but it had been a while since he had surfed a kayak (this made me grin!!!). With this in mind I was hoping for a bit of a wave, but not too much that Jim would spend more time emptying his boat on the beach. To my surprise there was actually quite a bit of surf around. With the strong wind, the surf was a little blown out, but at least we could have a go at something worthwhile. The wind did make paddling out through the surf  particularly hard work, but fun. Jim did catch a few waves but it wasn't long before he was pulling his boat to shore (not for the last time). We did paddle for over 2 hours and by the end were suitably worn out. I had forgotten how much hard work it was paddling out through the breakers but it was certainly great fun. It had been a while since I had surfed my kayak but it wasn't long before I managed to catch some worthwhile waves. If there is any surf around this weekend then I may well go out again. Possibly I can pursuade Jim to join me. That is if the rash around his neck has gone down, caused by the seal (not that he was paddling with a large marine mammal with fishy breath on his shoulders!!!!) the one on his cag.

That evening I met up with some friends and we went to see a David Bowie tribute act at the Wharf . It did make us all chuckle when he came on stage wearing boots that probably broke any working at height regulations. Fantastic show which made for a great evenings entertainment. Thought I would post his picture as I had not had a chance to take any pictures whilst out surfing.

John and Sam are out in Spain this week, John is looking at a potential river trip and Sam is working on our High Hopes Trip. I must admit that a bit of sunshine this time of year wouldn't go a miss!!!! It has been a pretty wet and windy few days and tomorrow looks to be particularly wet. I have a group from Woking arriving later and we also have 2 Princes Trust Teams. Mark Reeves is down at Dartmouth pretty much all week on two of our Young Spirit trips. It all starts getting a bit busy over the next few weeks, so I am sure even with all the best plans in place we we still have a few spanners in the works to sort out. It will certainly keep us all on our toes.

I will be out on a night walk with my group tonight so I hope the weather eases. At least it gets dark earlier this time of year. So hopefully it wont be too much of a late night!!!

       

Paddling and Peddling (2)!

Posted in The Chief's Ramblings on Sep 15, 2011 at 4:18 PM by Steve

On Tuesday I went Paddling with Bruce and his two sons Dominic and Toby. With a mid afternoon low tide running on springs it was difficult to come up with a days paddle. We had a few options one of which was that if we made good progress we might be able to paddle from Calstock and make it to the bridge at Saltash. Since we got on the water at around 10:00 (ish) it would be quite a paddle to make it before low water. Since it was a spring tide and I hadn't been at the finish at low water before, (let alone springs) we had the prospect of a muddy finish. To say we made good progress would be a big understatement. Despite a strong head wind the spring tide helped push us on past Weir Quay by about 11:00. At times the effect of the wind against tide did make for some fun choppy sections. So much for a days paddle though, we made it to the bridge at Saltash by 12:30. With half a day left, I gave them the option of heading back (once Sam had picked us up) and then going off to do the bridge abseil. This is what was decided and so we finished the day with the abseil. 

Today we had the Tour of Britain pass the entrance to our drive at Powdermills. At one point when a tour official stopped, it looked as though they may well pop in for one of Joss' cream teas. Unforetunately the peloton sped on past at a rate of knots and disappeared off into the distance towards Postbridge. Blink and you would have missed them, not sure people think that of me when I am out on my bike!!!

I have had Paddy and Festa in the office with me this week. On our walks at lunch time (or any other convenient moment) Ben (the Pottery Dog) joins us, when he is not busy chasing the post man!!! This week Ben has been sporting a rather shorter than usual hair style. I think Festa might be next!!! 

Fog and guess what? more FOG!!!

Posted in The Chief's Ramblings on Sep 12, 2011 at 2:40 PM by Steve

Last Friday we hosted the MLTE providers workshop. This invovled a morning looking at various aspects of running courses followed by an afternoon walking from Combestone Tor with a local archaeologist. We left Combestone Tor in some pretty foggy conditions, and headed off into the mist to look at ( what to me looks like grassy ditches and banks) prehistoric and medieval boundary and burial sites. We then progressed onto the tin workings at Hooten Wheels. This turned out to be a very informative few hours despite that at times, with our fact sheets in hand, it looked as though we were gatherd to sing hymns!!!

Over the weekend I was working on our Trans Dartmoor Expedition. This involves on the first day a 14 mile walk from Ivybridge on the south of the moor up to Princetown. On the second day we then walk from Powdermills to Meldon reservoir again a distance of about 14 miles. When I left home on the Saturday morning to say the fog was "pea soup" would have been an understatement and as I climed up onto the moor towards work it only got worse. Upon meeting the group Colin, Richard, Jo, Lisa, Ros and a spaniel called Hester we had the usual briefs (no not the same pants on) and headed to Princestown to where Sandy was waiting to help with the transport. We were also joined on this trip by Terri and our two dogs Paddy, Festa.

When we arrived at Wrangaton Golf Club navigating through the course was a challenge within itself. Apparently the route is waymarked, with the fog so thick you could not even see the markers. Despite this, I did manage to complete 3 holes and score a birdie on the 7th before eventually finding the right track (I always carry my clubs with me just in case.!!!) Upon finding Squrrells Cross we then headed onto the Puffing Billy track up to Red Lake. With no views it was just heads down and keep walking. Upon reaching Red Lake we had lunch out of the wind and then headed off into the fog (again) towards Erme Pits. On any other day this is usually easy to navigate but the fog does play tricks. Trusting the compass we soon came upon our destination and then I headed up to Broad Rock. With the fog as thick as it was I expected to pass this without noticing this flat rock. It was at this point I was telling the group about the rock when one of our group wanted to adjust their boots. "There's a rock just over there you can sit on" and to the groups astonishment (and mine) it was Broad Rock. Didn't let onto the group that I was surprised!!! We then headed off towards Plym Ford and from there it would be leg across country to pick up the track close to Nuns Cross Farm. It was at this point where I was nearly convincing myself that I was walking in a circle but I stuck to my plan ignoring my gut feeling and we soon came upon the track (just in time for the fog to lift). With 3 tired dogs and 6 even more weary walkers we arrived at Princetown.

On the Sunday (minus Festa as his age was against him) we were greeted with clearer skies and despite a strong wind and the threat of heavy showers we headed off onto the North Moor. We made good time and arrived at Sandy Ford for around 13:00 (ish). Our route up to this point was via Longaford Tor, Broad Hole, White Barrow and Lynch Tor. En-route we did vist Wistmans Wood where I was able to take a picture of the stone within the woods. It is not usually this easy to read but with the right light conditions I was able to take the picture. Up until now the terrain underfoot was not bad but it was all about to change. After lunch we crossed the ford and headed up towards the watershed between Amicombe Hill and Great Kneeset. This is where it all started getting very wet. It looked as though this area of the moor had had more than its share of rain and as a result the rivers were higher and the ground in between was sodden. This slowed us considerably as we then had to navigate between the deep pools of bog and running water courses. We eventually arrived at Meldon around an hour later than anticipated, but pleased none the less that we had completed this challenge. On the Saturday we covered 13.6 miles with around 450 metres of ascent and on the Sunday we completed 13.3 miles with 486 metres of ascent. 

There will probably be a few tired walkers this morning that should none the less be proud of achieving this challenging walk. Paddy didn't seem too bothered that he never came to work with me this morning!!!! 

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Posted in The Chief's Ramblings on Jul 19, 2011 at 1:47 PM by Steve

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