http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog en-us Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:53:18 +0100 Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:53:18 +0100 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/rss CWCMS info@dartmoor-activities.co.uk info@dartmoor-activities.co.uk 3600 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog#blogEntry138 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!!!  Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:53:18 +0100 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog#blogEntry138 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog#blogEntry137 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!!!  Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:10:43 +0100 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog#blogEntry137 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog#blogEntry136 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. Fri, 27 Jan 2012 11:19:22 +0100 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog#blogEntry136 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog#blogEntry135 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. Mon, 23 Jan 2012 12:26:32 +0100 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog#blogEntry135 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog#blogEntry134 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!!!). Thu, 19 Jan 2012 12:04:27 +0100 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog#blogEntry134 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog#blogEntry133 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. Tue, 03 Jan 2012 12:31:53 +0100 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog#blogEntry133 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog#blogEntry132 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?!!!! Thu, 22 Dec 2011 12:29:18 +0100 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog#blogEntry132 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog#blogEntry131 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.   Thu, 22 Dec 2011 10:29:05 +0100 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog#blogEntry131 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog#blogEntry130 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.  Fri, 16 Dec 2011 12:42:05 +0100 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog#blogEntry130 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog#blogEntry129 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!!!!       Tue, 13 Dec 2011 14:28:08 +0100 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog#blogEntry129 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog#blogEntry128 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. Tue, 06 Dec 2011 10:43:34 +0100 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog#blogEntry128 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog#blogEntry127 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!!).       Fri, 02 Dec 2011 11:53:50 +0100 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog#blogEntry127 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog#blogEntry126 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.       Thu, 01 Dec 2011 12:08:07 +0100 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog#blogEntry126 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog#blogEntry125 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.      Mon, 21 Nov 2011 15:02:43 +0100 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog#blogEntry125 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog#blogEntry124 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.   Thu, 17 Nov 2011 16:37:24 +0100 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog#blogEntry124 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog#blogEntry123 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 . Tue, 15 Nov 2011 14:00:12 +0100 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog#blogEntry123 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog#blogEntry122 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!! Tue, 15 Nov 2011 13:24:57 +0100 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog#blogEntry122 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog#blogEntry121 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. Thu, 10 Nov 2011 14:45:10 +0100 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog#blogEntry121 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog#blogEntry120 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.     Mon, 31 Oct 2011 11:39:37 +0100 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog#blogEntry120 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog#blogEntry119 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!!        Tue, 25 Oct 2011 12:36:04 +0200 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog#blogEntry119 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog#blogEntry118 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!!!!  Mon, 17 Oct 2011 16:43:10 +0200 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog#blogEntry118 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog#blogEntry117 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.     Fri, 14 Oct 2011 16:58:31 +0200 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog#blogEntry117 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog#blogEntry116 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.                    Mon, 10 Oct 2011 11:54:47 +0200 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog#blogEntry116 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog#blogEntry115 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!!!      Mon, 03 Oct 2011 15:16:21 +0200 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog#blogEntry115 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog#blogEntry114 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!!!.        Mon, 26 Sep 2011 15:14:12 +0200 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog#blogEntry114 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog#blogEntry113 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!!!         Mon, 19 Sep 2011 14:54:36 +0200 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog#blogEntry113 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog#blogEntry112 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!!!  Thu, 15 Sep 2011 16:18:49 +0200 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog#blogEntry112 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog#blogEntry111 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!!!!  Mon, 12 Sep 2011 14:40:31 +0200 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog#blogEntry111 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2011&blogMonth=09#blogEntry110 Satrurday was the challenge day for the Guildford Plantation team. Myself, John and Matt met up at Lower Goodameavy Bridge at around 08:00 to go and set up the Rare Dartmoor Duck Challenge. This meant that before the group arrived at 10:00 we had to set up and pre position some of the tasks and equipment that they would need in order to succeed. This involved, leaving some eggs at locations, an incubator at another and a rare duck floating on its portable pond elsewhere. It was whilst we were setting up one such challenge that John had wished he had ducked. I was crawling into a small granite tunnel (to pre position an egg) and Paddy was keen to see where I was. John crouched down close to the entrance whilst calling Paddy when I heard a dull thud. At first I thought John had caught his head on a grainte block, but what had happened was that in Paddy's excitement he had actually clashed heads with John (OUCH!!). John looked stunned and apparently Paddy was a little disorientated too. Once John had recovered and after our initial shock of what we had just seen, myself and Matt did have a little chuckle (we do care honest). It did leave John with a nice bruise and lump above his eye. It was whilst we were setting the duck location that John said he would go and get the van and meet us at another. Myself and Matt set the duck into position and then headed off to meet John. Having not heard the van go by we waited by our chosen spot. After about 20 minutes John did not arrive. Myself and Matt then thought that maybe John was a little unwell and so we headed off to where the van was parked. When we arrived at where the van should have been it wasn't there. We then headed back to where we had waited only to get a call from John asking where we were as he was already suspended from a tree waiting for us to arrive. All this was of course adding time to our set up before the group to arrive. With only a few more eggs to hide and an incubator to put into another location we made it back to the start with only ten minutes to spare. What should have been a casual start turned into a right old run around. The challenge itself went really well with the team successfully locating an incubator, recovering the rare eggs and rescuing the Rare Dratmoor Duck. The conclusion to the challenge was when the duck and eggs were successfully reunited and floating on a special pond. That afternoon I met them for a few hours in the Plume at Princetown (for a debrief of course!!). A great time was had by all and we could all sleep well that night knowing we had saved the Rare dartmoor Duck!!! On the Sunday morning I met up with Matt and Gazza and we cycled around Cann Woods with about 6 other cyclists. I would have said they were Gazza's friends, but I am not sure if he actually knows that many people!!!!!! We had a great mountain bike ride for a couple of hours and finished suitably muddied and tired.   Today John has headed off to Dartmouth on our High Hopes trip and I am office bound. Not too disappointed as we have had some pretty heavy showers. On Friday we are hosting an MLTE providers workshop here at the Powdermills.   Mon, 05 Sep 2011 14:10:05 +0200 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2011&blogMonth=09#blogEntry110 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2011&blogMonth=09#blogEntry109 The Bank holiday weekend has been and gone and a full weekend it was too. On the Friday evening I went to see a Blondie tribute act in Tavistock and very entertaining it was. The Saturday morning was spent helping out on the farm trying to separate a cow and a calf from the rest of the herd. This involved running through wet grass and bog waving a stick whilst wearing my wellies and shorts. Not your usual farming attire I know. All was going well until the calf parted from its mother and legged it into the next field. More running in wellies whilst Farmer Rog drove around in his Landy with comments of "Didn't want that to happen, maybe there afraid of bare legs. They haven't seen shorts before!!" All ended well with both cow and calf reunited and driven off to their farm shed. The Sunday morning was spent down at the Dewerstone climbing with the family whilst the afternoon was taken up enjoying the sausage and cider fayre at the Walkhampton Inn followed by an inpromptu drink at Horrabridge. The Monday was a day at the beach at Bigbury with some friends. Having not surfed my kayak for a while I thought that if I could still fit in it I would take it along. Unfortunately I could still fit in it, but fortunately there was no surf. No chance of me floundering in the waves then. It did however give me the opportunity to paddle around Burgh Island in near perfect conditions with Jim. He had a large sit on top that he fishes from on occassions and I paddled my small kayak. My boat looked more like a key ring next to his. With the rest of the day spent fending off children trying to capsize me it was a great day at the beach. If the surf picks up then I shall go again on Sunday. It has certainly wetted my appetite to go surf kayaking again. The day was rounded off with a traditional pub meal at the Burrator. Has been a while to have had such a packed Bank Holiday and the beauty is, is that it is all on our doorstep.  On saturday I am running a team building day for the Guildford YMCA ,who operate out of the Plantation Cafe. I have worked with them for almost ten years now running their Princes trust courses. it will be a change to run a programme with their staff as the group. On Wednesday I went to the Dewerstone area to check on locations and suitable venues. I then had the intention of sorting it all yesterday in the office. This is where the best laid plans don't work. Firstly since it was so nice on Wednesday I thought I would cycle into work. So I then got myself organised the night before. When I awoke on the Thursday morning there was strong wind blowing pretty consistantly. Trying to find a bit of motivation I thought of Shackelton and Scott endeavering harsh conditions. So I thought that it could't be that difficult. When I finally got into work after peddling against the wind (if I stopped peddling I am sure I would have gone backwards) I was looking forward to a day in the office. I also thought that if Scott and Shackelton had push bikes in the antarctic then they might have decided that cycling was a poor mode of transport and would have taken the car!!!  When I made it up the stairs to our office I was greeted by a rather pale looking John. Best laid plans No2. He was going to be out working on a climbing day for Bovey Castle but had spent most of the morning dashing back to his cottage blaming it on some dodgy cheese he had the night before whilst eating out. John did get to Postbridge but only as far as the local facilities. I then had a phone call to go out and meet the group on his behalf at Widecombe. (I think John needed to be as close to his cottage as I am to this key pad!!!). I got back into the office at around 14:30 to try and continue working on Saturdays Challenge. I also had the ride home to consider as well. When I eventually decided to leave work I thought my legs were actually feeling quite good. That was until I got to the last climb out of Mary Tavy. When I arrived home I could just about stay on my bike and legs were like jelly. At 18:30ish I had a call out with the Rescue team to attend a location at Kit Hill. Having luckily just eaten I then headed out to call out. It must have been only a couple of minutes before arriving that I got a text to say the person had been located. At least I didn't have to walk anywhere!!!! I drove into work today and I have manage to get stuck into organising Saturdays challenge. John is feeling better and on his ttravels today he will be looking for a large rubber duck!!! it will be an integral part of Saturdays challenge. The evenings this week have been quite spectacular and I have had some great views whilst out walking the dogs. I also came across some rather inquisitive ponies whilst at the Dewerstone on Wednesday. I still have a little more organising for Saturday but at this moment in time it all seems under control. (But we'll see!!!).   Fri, 02 Sep 2011 12:56:02 +0200 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2011&blogMonth=09#blogEntry109 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2011&blogMonth=08#blogEntry108 Despite only catching up on this blog Wednesday I have had a busy three days. The youth offenders group arrived on Wednesday afternoon and I soon realised that my original plan would possibly not work. The incorrect use of the English language would have caused even the toughest dockyard worker to feel uneasy!!! So Myself, Tim and Matt decided that the best course of action would be to abseil them, get them to do a short task and then later in the evening we would take them on a night walk (well, Tim and Matt did the walk). To say they were challenging would be an understatement (the group, not Matt and Tim!!!). On Thursday we had a day at the lake which evolved into one big water fight (it was nice to get certain individuals wet!!!). On the whole the group were not too bad to fair, but as usual it was the minority making it hard work for everyone else. The group went off climbing today down to a very wet Dewerstone. Tim later informed me that the minority had finally stretched their staff too far and were taken home early. The reason I did not go climbing with them today was that I was running a kayaking session at Bovey Castle for their Bovey Rangers. These are the activities that they put on for their younger guests. I had five clients today on their pond. I then tried to entertain them as best I could. Not such an easy a task, as I spent most of the time pushing them out of the pond weed and trying to engage them into a few ball games. This was made more difficult due to the fact that they could neither paddle very well or throw a ball much better. They did however get wet and have a good time. On my into work on Thursday I spotted the largest rainbow I have seen. The arc of the rainbow would not even fit into the picture. With a rainbow that size I was expecting to see George, Zippy and Bungle drive over the brow of the hill!!!! They did not so I was spared being spotted with a bear in Pyjamas, an annoying puppet with a zip for a mouth and a pig with an IQ of 10. Mind you, a zip for a mouth might have beneffited some the group later in the week!!! I have the weekend off so I am not sure what I shall be doing, it is all weather dependant. Today has been pretty wet so I hope it will brighten for the Bank Holiday.  More wet kit to sort before I leave, so I had best get on.  Fri, 26 Aug 2011 16:32:31 +0200 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2011&blogMonth=08#blogEntry108 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2011&blogMonth=08#blogEntry107 The Bristol Princes Trust team last week were a pleasure to work with. They completed the Final Challenge with about five minutes to spare, which makes for an exciting finale. One observation is that it doesn't matter how neat I coil their activity ropes, when they come to use the ropes they untangle it like a nest of mating vipers. I then spend the next 15 minutes (or more) whilst they are undertaking a challenge trying to sort out the aforementioned nest. Only to see them turn it back again into a plate of spaghetti or some other stringy puzzle!!!! Between uncoiling and coiling ropes and wondering between locations I did notice some strange looking poo on a grassy track. I don't usually make a habit of inspecting animal poo on the open moor but this caught my eye (and no, it wasn't bird poo!!!). It consisted mainly of beetle wing cases and other crusty inedible parts. On researching animal poo websites Friday afternoon (these websites are there for a reason), I came to the conclusion that this was a fox (as I suspected at the time). It made me think that the fox after passing such matter must have had tears in its eyes and ran with rather short steps for a few hours afterwards. who said animal poo was boring? Rowan Trees (Mountain Ash) are now heavily laden with ripe berries and there is certainly an autumnal feel about the moor. Even though it can still be warm during the day the evenings are certainly cooling down. Over the weekend I went for a run up to the summit of Hare Tor and my legs are still suffering now. Because of this I was pleased to be paddling into our camp at Dartmouth on Monday. We had a fantastic paddle down the Dart with sunny skies and hardly any breeze to hinder us. I think at times we were even making more headway than the sail boats. We then stayed at the camp overnight. I was awakened at about 05:00 by a tent of loud and excited boys who I then think annoyed a Buzzard which then decided to join in by crying above our heads for a considerable time!! With only a bivi bag to cover my ears it was a long morning. The return trip was just as nice despite a little drizzle and a boat full of tired children!!! Last night I was out with with the Dartmoor Rescue Team water training. It was like a scene from Dads Army with a few of us togged up in our water gear wading into water that was just deep enough to flow over our boots at times. We did however find some deep pools which enabled us to float around like yellow lilos. Since I thought that we were not going to be getting that wet (and after all I was in a dry suit) I didn't take a change of clothes. When I got out I had a rather damp feeling around my crotch area as I now realised my suit should no longer be called dry. I then went to a local hostelry proving that it is true that old men shouldn't wear light coloured shorts. It was the leaky dry suit honest!! I spoke to someone in the team last night that admitted to reading my Blog and actually liked it (or was he just being polite?). I now have up to 15 followers on Twitter, call this a popular site or what?    I have a youth offending team for the rest of the week on which I will be working with Tim and Matt. The weather looks a little unsettled but hopefully shouldn't be too bad. Having said, that we could get pretty wet tonight on their night walk!! or shall I just send Tim and Matt out if it looks like rain?      Wed, 24 Aug 2011 10:20:15 +0200 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2011&blogMonth=08#blogEntry107 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2011&blogMonth=08#blogEntry106 Last Tuesday was the start of the DoE Gold expedition assessment for the Clayesmore School. With clear and sunny skies on the Tuesday and Wednesday it looked as though they were going to be blessed with good weather. However, on the Thursday and Friday the mist and fog hung around the moors bringing the visibility to near zero making the navigation very challenging (especially for some groups, Mike!!). With Myself, Alan and Mike on the hill it was our jobs to monitor the progress of the 3 teams and make sure we knew where they were at certain points. When the sun is out and you have clear views it can be a fairly easy task. Sitting on a hillside with a pair of binoculars is an easy way to scan the moorland and pick the teams out. If however the visibility drops and the weather worsens, we then have to cover alot of ground and wait at points that you know the groups must pass through. On the Tuesday we had a pleasant day waiting around the Kestor area near Chagford. This was near to where most of the groups were camping. Whilst waiting there I noticed one of the best examples of a rock basin.  There are rumours and legends that these were carved out by the Druids to catch pure rain water for rituals (not sure what rituals but I don't think it was for washing their smalls!!!). The other explanation is more geological. Granite is made up of lots of bits and pieces. If these particles break up inside a small depression on the rock, the wind and rain will then increase the erosion. These basins are predominantly found near the tops of exposed rocks were these elements prevail. For a more detailed explanation you could always look at the latest issue of the Dartmoor Magazine. Whether they are formed by the Druids, Giants, Pixies or the elements, when they are filled with water they do look mystical. Well (no pun intended) here endeth the geology lesson. We were not so fortunate on the Thursday, with all three teams not passing close to each and with the cloud base down we had to go our separate ways to spot them. Knowing this (and being the sort of person that gets scared being on the open moor on their own) I took Paddy for company. Not only that he has a better sense of direction than me!!! I walked in from Wilsworthy and headed out to a location just below Great Kneeset in the thick fog. Mike was walking with me for a while but then he soon parted to spot his group as I carried on into the moor. At one point for about forty minutes the fog did lift to give us a view but then soon closed in again. At about the same time we were joined by a few cattle who seemed quite inquisitive as to who would be at on a wet hillside that far into the moor. After about a two hour wait my group were spotted and I rejoined Mike to head off back through the fog. Fortunately Paddy had remembered the way. With most teams not getting to their camps much before 19:00 we had long days on the hill (some longer than others Alan!!) To finish the week off we were treated to a meal and a presentation of their projects in the East Dart Hotel. One of the highlights was a very amusing project which was a short film that  Alans group had made whilst out on their expedition. This week I am running a Princes Trust team, so another busy week ahead.    Mon, 15 Aug 2011 12:20:58 +0200 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2011&blogMonth=08#blogEntry106 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2011&blogMonth=08#blogEntry105 With only one entry submitted into my fun and unique competition I have decided to download my 100th blog photo. Unfortunately it is not what the only entry wanted as I don't really have the time to hang upside down from a rock face and take a picture of myself. Would have been interesting to try though. At least I know that one person reads my blog!!!! My 100th blog photo........(dramatic pause).... is it the boats or the monster spider?.... wait a little bit longer (if you read slowly then that will build up the tension).... its the spider!!!! Now wasn't that an exciting competition. The winning spider was one which decided to creep in doors over the weekend and was the first of about four that I moved on in due course. This one I must add is the largest house spider I have seen. I think its fangs were as long as its legs and at one point I thought I was going to have to grapple with it with pots, pans and size ten wellies. In the end myself and the spider had a chat and it agreed to move on outdoors with the aid of a pint glass (only just fitted in mind!!!) and some swift ninja style moves on my part. It then spent the weekend in the wet and windy garden, where it will probably be a challenge for any sparrow!!!   Did you know that female House Spiders (as mentioned above) can live for several years and that these spiders are part of the funnel web spieces. Apparently it is probably male spiders that you see scurrying along the floor on the search for females. I would say more like running away!!! Well to quote "with great power comes great responsibility!!" I must now move on from all this spider talk. Last Wednesday I paddled with John and Sam down the Exeter Canal to Turf Locks and back with 26 pupils from St.Peters School near Lympstone. It is one of the largest groups we have had on this trip and we actually had all our canoes on the water at the same place. Anyone watching us weave our way down the canal could have mistaken us for the Armada or a Viking raiding party. I know that neither paddled the Exeter Canal but if they had.......! We had a blistering hot day and Sam managed to tan his legs a nice salmon pink whilst the rest of the group cooled off at the end by jumping in. This week I am remotely supervising the Clayesmore Gold DoE Expedition with Mike, Alan and Sunny. We have two NCS groups in taking on a Princes Trust style programme and a client out on a lead climbing course.   Mon, 08 Aug 2011 12:22:58 +0200 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2011&blogMonth=08#blogEntry105 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2011&blogMonth=08#blogEntry104 I came into work yesterday expecting my inbox to full of suggestions for my 100th photo competition. Well I need not have had a sleepless night after all. After clicking on the refresh button on several occassions I could not magic up at least one suggestion. It is probably because everyone is trying to think of a fantastic photorgaphic challenge for me. It could be that I may have to enter my own challenge. If you want to stop me posting something totally random that will lower the tone of this high quality blog then you only have a few more days. Unfortunately there is no prize, but you will have the satisfaction that your were probably the only one to enter. Not many competitions like that are there!!!!!!! Tue, 02 Aug 2011 12:28:50 +0200 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2011&blogMonth=08#blogEntry104 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2011&blogMonth=07#blogEntry103 100, No thats not John's age!! (if he reads this I think I will have a shorter career than anticipated!!!) but the number of pictures I have posted on the blogs since Pixie Post and the Chiefs Ramblings started. The attached photo is number 99 and is of John on the water at Weir Quay on Thursday. If anyone would like to email me what conent (please keep it clean its a family blog!!!) they would like picture 100 to consist of I will endeavour to do my best. You can email your suggestions to steve@spirit-of-adventure.com . If I am not inundated with requests by early next week then I will have to choose 100 myself.   We now have a grand total of 10 followers on twitter. Fri, 29 Jul 2011 13:02:24 +0200 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2011&blogMonth=07#blogEntry103 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2011&blogMonth=07#blogEntry102 Hello I'm AJ, I'm from Plymouth (yes, I'm a proper Janner!) and i am at South Devon College in Paignton. I am studying Level 3 Diploma in Outdoor Adventure! I have been on work experience here at Spirit for a few weeks now working with 'Young Spirit' and 'High Hopes'. Walking, Scrambling, Climbing, Canoeing, Painting and entertaining the groups. I have really enjoyed working at Spirit and with the team, (I'm sure they all enjoy my tea making skills!) Its a lovely day today and i have been working with Sam making the yard look "tidy". I have experienced a lot from working here at Spirit, from maintaining kit to working with different types of groups and meeting new people who also work in the outdoor industry. I would eventually like to work in the outdoor industry after travelling around the world! I love working in the outdoors and i hope my future plans go down well. I have a few more weeks here at Spirit during my summer break working with more groups and making more cups of tea! (I've lost count how many I've made!!) I have enjoyed working with different groups and with the Spirit team. I don't think there has been anything which i haven't enjoyed! There's me in the picture, in the French Alps White Water Kayaking!! It was one of the best trips I've been on! Well i think the chief's getting thirsty! Best be off to put the kettle on again!! Wed, 27 Jul 2011 15:37:29 +0200 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2011&blogMonth=07#blogEntry102 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2011&blogMonth=07#blogEntry101 Since it was such a nice morning I thought I would cycle into work today, and what a stunning morning it was too. By the time I reached the top of Pork Hill after already ascending Batteridge Hill ( steep blighter, not sure if legs would make it!!!) it was getting pretty warm. My efforts were rewarded with some fantastic views back over the Tamar Valley. Just as well as passing motorists think you are taking in the view, instead of the reality being that I was trying to get my legs to work for the climb up to Princetown. Well the good news is (i'm pretty pleased with myself anyhow!!) I got into work having ascended a total of 605m over 15 miles in about 1¼ hours. I spent the weekend at a local music festival called Chagstock. A pretty laid back festival but with some great musicians. Two of the highlights of the weekend were watching the highly entertaining John Otway Big Band and an American (won't hold that against him!!)called Rodney Branigan. The aforementioned American (think he was from Texas, never wore a hat big though!!) at one point played two guitars at the same time, had to see it to believe it.  Work on Monday saw me paddling down the Exe Canal to Turf Locks and then returning via the river back up to Countess Weir. Can't remember when I have had such great conditions to paddle down the canal. The sun on our backs and a slight breeze to push us along. Having only a small group (well I say group just a father and son actually) meant that we could paddle  at our own leisurely pace. At one point whilst making polite converstaion I mentioned that it is usually a quiet canal with only the occassional small wooden ferryboat chugging by. Well within minutes of this conversation I was amazed to be confronted by the biggest boat I have ever seen on the canal. A very large ferry came steaming by on its way up the canal to Exeter. Think I might do the lottery numbers this week!!! Yesterday (with a little help from John, think Martin is going to get frustrated with me!!) I have now manged to come up with an electronic system for my staff bookings. I will now be spending the rest of today inputting information and remembering to save it periodically. Tomorrow it looks as though I will be back on the water as we have just had an enquiry to take a family paddling. Well I can't put it off much longer, its about time I was trying to enjoy the delights of Excel.    Wed, 27 Jul 2011 11:10:20 +0200 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2011&blogMonth=07#blogEntry101 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2011&blogMonth=07#blogEntry100 With the prospect of a well deserved sunny weekend ahead its the end of another week here at Spirit of Adventure. I have spent most of the week sorting out staffing and logistics for this autumn. One week in particular is looking like our busiest yet. I have actually had to go onto a second sheet of paper (not brave enough to use Excel) in my staff bookings folder. Bit of a milestone, as it is the first time I have had to do so. I went looking for our resident adders during the week as with all this rain I doubt if they had been out much. Well I'm guessing that as I don't really know what the social life of an adder is. Can't imagine them sliding off down to the local for a pint very often!!! I suppose they could go to the local Indian restaurant have a Cobra!!! (No innuendo intended). One thing is for sure and that is they don't like surprises as ours jumped out of its skin!!!! John has got the unenviable task of driving our High Hopes clients back to Kent this morning as they have just finished their Dartmoor Adventure week with us. Great week had by all, and it is always a pleasure to see them here. We have a Princes Trust team finishing their Final Challenge this morning. It looked as though they were going to have a dry finish to the week but we have had some heavy showers come through this morning. Never mind Eh! I'm just off to pop the kettle on again!!!!    Fri, 22 Jul 2011 12:58:23 +0200 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2011&blogMonth=07#blogEntry100 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog#blogEntry99 Follow @ActivityHoliday Hopefully the above link will work and you will be rewarded with alerts to my updates on this blog and further Spirit of Adventure news. The feed says we have 6 followers at present, in reality I do have more friends than that!!! Tue, 19 Jul 2011 13:47:14 +0200 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog#blogEntry99 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2011&blogMonth=07#blogEntry98 Two years ago I cycled the Coast to Coast route from Bowness-on-Solway (quite pleasant) to South Shields (Pit Bulls welcome!!) following Adrians Wall. This was a special trip as I was assisting Martin Symons who has more disabilities than I can mention. The trip was led and organised with Martin by Sandy Simpson (co founder of Spirit of Adventure). That trip was a great success and it was documented in a film called "Being Martin". That trip was only made possible for Martin as he was able to borrow an all terrain wheel chair called a Boma . Martin has since raised enough money and with a kind donation from Molten Rock now has his own Boma. With this in mind, Martin over the weekend completed another Coast to Coast cylcle ride from Ilfracombe to Saltram House. Considering the rain we had over the weekend, making it even more of a challenge for Martin I wondered if he would make it. This was just another challenge for Sandy and his team but was simply overcome by Martin wearing a poncho to cover himself. This hence gave him the name for the trip as the Caped Crusader. I was unable to join Martin on this challenge ( I did try on Sunday but Sandy had deleted his messages!!!!) but I did manage to meet them at the finish. I thought they were going to be a little late, so I sat in the cafe with cappucino and carrot cake in hand and Sandy turned up on time (typical!!). Once we were all loaded into the vehicles I took them all back to Sandy and Gilly's were I was invited to join them for a BBQ. Well that was the plan but due to the summer weather we had a meal indoors!!! Martin (Head Boy) and John (Director) have now come up with the idea that I now "Tweet" (just as I am getting to grips with this blogging malarky). Not sure what that entails but I am sure I will soon find out.      I am in the office this week so planning what looks like to be a busy autumn it is. Tue, 19 Jul 2011 10:45:56 +0200 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2011&blogMonth=07#blogEntry98 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2011&blogMonth=07#blogEntry97 Last Sunday I had a pleasant half a day working with a detatchment of TA guys (and Gals) from the Potsmouth area. Upon meeting myself and Pete at the the entrance to Foggin Tor they were instructed that the only way into the quarry was by the water. And so they set about constructing an improvised raft from poles and barrels. With millitary precision is was built and placed upon the tranquil waters of the quarry. I think it was a stealth raft and that they thought they were on an evasion exercise as the first four paddlers were no longer to be seen. Ah! wait a minute, there they are, swimming out from under it!!! Much to the hillarity of everyone watching it was back to the drawing board as they pulled themselves out of the water. Myself and Pete then took the the tactical decision to let some of the group abseil whilst the raft was being upgraded. At the end of the session some of the group then paddled the newly enhanced raft back out with greater success. I spent the Monday morning driving to Bath to pick up my Princes Trust team that I would be with for the week. It turned out to be a good week and we managed to stay dry right up until todays final debrief on top of Down Tor. Due to the light evenings their night walk was more of an evening walk as it did not get dark until late. The team were treated though to a fantastic walk through Bellever Woods(despite the man eating midges!!!) and great views from the summit of Bellever Tor. John is driving them back to Bath this afternoon and I will then be picking John from the van hire centre at Okehampton when he returns later. Hopefully the traffic won't be that bad and he makes good time. During all the years I have walked, cycled, run and worked on the moors I have never seen an adder. Well that has now changed and I have seen two adders pretty much every day this week, no further that thirty metres from where I am typing this blog. I have therefore managed to get some great shots of them. Well here are a few adder facts. They are Britains only venomous snake (not including Ireland as there are no adders there! something to do with a Saint Patrick I think!!). They give birth to live young, unlike most reptiles which lay eggs. One usefull fact to know is that they are not a danger to humans. Well that is alright to remember but the other useful fact is that they can move fast through long grass. So standing close to take a photo whilst wearing shorts is a bit unnerving when it moves in your direction. Don't really want to find out the hard way if they are harmfull or not. Whilst I am still with my Steve (Deadly 60) Backshall hat on I even discovered a toad at our canoeing venue. I was, I must say brave enough to pick this amphibian up and move it out of harms way. Just waiting to break out into warts now or something!!! And to cap it all this week I saw a Tawny Owl fly into a tree whilst driving back from the groups final challenge this afternoon. First time I have seen a Tawny Owl for quite some time. I have seen and handled quite a few Teet Owl's though!!! You may be pleased know, that is my only Owl pun!!. Since it is going to be a wet weekend I think I may try and get out on the mountain bike at some point. At least I will now know that for future reference I can cover the ground quicker than an adder. I still haven't broke out into a hive of warts but I will wait and see on Monday. Not sure what the cure would be, Probably knowing my luck it would be adder venom!!!!!!      Fri, 15 Jul 2011 16:21:25 +0200 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2011&blogMonth=07#blogEntry97 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2011&blogMonth=07#blogEntry96 If you have ever wondered how a Chief instructor spends his summer vacation then I can now give you an insight. I spend alot of time camping on Dartmoor, the New Forest or Dartmouth so I thought a nice change would be to go glamping. I say glamping as I spent 6 days of my break in a campervan at the Glastonbury Music festival. It was my first experience of the festival and taking the glamping option was a wise choice. The actual campsites within the grounds resembled a refugee camp. With the rain early in the week turning the grounds into a mud bath, even getting around on foot was hard enough work. The mud as it dried became really sticky and by the end of each day I was glad to remove my wellies as I think my calves doubled in size over the days. Well the experience was fantastic, it is it's own little world and you soon get soaked up into the whole Glastonbury vibe. Once the bands start performing on the Friday it was sometimes difficult to decide who to see. Amongst the bands I watched were, Newton Faulkner, Sandi Thom, KT Tunstall, U2, Coldplay, Elbow, Paul Simon, Don McClean (anyone for a slice of American Pie?), Paolo Nutini, Chumbawamba (very political but very entertaining), Cool and the Gang (very cheezee), The Kaiser Chiefs and I even found myself sitting in a field listeneing to Jessie J (its not about the money!!!). Well if all that wasn't enough about a day later from returning from Glasto' (I can call it that now!!!) I then travelled up to the big city of London to watch the War Horse and then (not sure if I should admit this) Take That at Wembley Stadium. The War Horse was a fantastic experience and is well worth a trip to London in its own right. By the way, the streets in London didn't seem to be paved in much gold. The Take That concert (There was ticket going spare honest) was an incredible piece of entertainment although however I did find it difficult to get as excited as the other 85,000 screaming fans. With a weekend to spare I then turned my thoughts to work and my first job back was three days at our campsite at Balcombe Quarry (nice change to camp). We had a great trip and missed the worst of the weather. Whilst there I noticed some pretty large and impressive insects flying around. I managed to get a few pictures of them and today I have had a chance to research them. They turn out to be the largest member of the Ichneumon Fly family. Further research informed me that they are a parasitic fly which uses its long ovipositor (tail to you and me) to lay its eggs next to the larvae of another fly called the Horntail (or Giant Wood Wasp). This is quite remarkable as the fly detects these Horntail larvae which are located deep within the wood of a living tree. Here ends the Chiefs, David Attenbrough bit!!!!  Another point of interest to note from this trip is how instructors entertain themselves when they have a little down time. Well our solution on this trip was to challenge ourselves to create a spatula from a round of wood. The four test pieces would then be presented to the group (which were 9 to 10yrs of age) to decide which was the best. Well after a lot of hacking, chiseling and delicate knife work the pieces were completed. We had some great comments from the group which included "that looks like a pooper scooper", "thats a door wedge" and even "that looks like a chicken drumstick" (that gave us a great chuckle). The result in the end (not that I am modest in any way) was that I had created the best kitchen utensil. It was a close call, for three of us anyhow, the "chicken drumstick" wasn't even in the running!!!!    I have a TA group on Sunday morning, working within Foggin Tor Quarry and I then drive to Bath on Monday to pick up a Princes Trust team for the week. Since I am now back from my cultural tour of Britain I will now be able to update this blog again on a regular basis. I know how much you have missed it !!!!!!!!!!!!!     Fri, 08 Jul 2011 15:32:13 +0200 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2011&blogMonth=07#blogEntry96 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2011&blogMonth=06#blogEntry94 Just beat the weather last Thursday and Friday with the rain just starting to fall as we loaded the canoes to leave Dittisham. We had just completed another successful River Dart expedition with Young Spirit. Since the school we were running the trip for, were only located just across the estuary from our campsite, we decided to tow the canoes to them and then paddleacross. It must have looked an odd sight to the other river users as we travelled down river to meet them on the Thursday morning. We had a great paddle across to our campsite which involved crossing the ferry point and then the main channel. With the breeze adding a little excitement to the proceedings all three rafted canoes arrived safely with our safety boat keeping an ever watchful eye. With the normal camp duties to keep them occupied during the evenings the group had a fantastic first day. On the Friday the group went across our tyrolean which takes you out to the middle of a steep sided  valley. They are then lowered to the valley floor. this was great fun for the children and staff alike!!!! With the dark clouds building we then manged to paddle them back in time before we caught by a heavy shower. Whilst working around the camp site I noticed an Oak Apple " funnily enough on one of the nearby oaks". These galls are formed by a certain type of gall wasp larvae injecting chemicals into the tree. Folklore has it that if a 'worm' is found inside the gall on Michaelmas Day (29th septrember) then the year will be pleasant and unexceptional. If a spider is found then it will be a bad year with shortages and ruined crops. If a fly is found inside then it will be a moderate season and if nothing is found then serious diseases will occur all that year. I never looked inside so I guess we will never know, also because it was June and not September!!! It certainly rained over the weekend, typical since the news over the weekend was full of talk about drought restrictions. The ground was so dry on the moors that the water flushed straight into the rivers making them look quite impressive. Its a bit fairer today and tomorrow but I think it is set to return. I am paddling the Tamar tomorrow so lets hope for a fine day. Spent yesterday trying to sort out the settings on my new mobile phone, too clever for its own good. Managed however to take some pictures whilst out walking the dogs. But then spent the next few hours registering, reregistering and remembering passwords whilst trying to download them onto a laptop!!! And they call it progress!!! It very nearly became the first mobile to be put into orbit via a size 10 wellie!!!   Mon, 13 Jun 2011 13:53:00 +0200 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2011&blogMonth=06#blogEntry94 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2011&blogMonth=06#blogEntry93 Some weeks on our calender always look as though they are going to be quite hectic to run and organise. Last week was one of those potential weeks. But like most of the time, as did last week, they whistle past and you are looking the at the next one. I was away working in the New Forest running a PTT group, we had 3 PTT groups on Dartmoor and a BCU Centre Approval inspection as well. And all went well, sort of. One of the team members staying at Powdermills decided to, shall we say "kick off" and had to be removed and found themself staying at another accommodation with the local constabulary providing the B and B!!!! It doesn't always happen but on occassions we do get individuals that are not quite ready for such programmes. Anyhow, swinging for a Police Officer is not such a great career move. The team we had were from the Thurrock area and were hard work in the fact that they were pretty lazy and seemed to want to be spoon fed most of the time, regardless how hard "Gazza" and myself encouraged them to think for themselves. At least our group was just more frustrating to run than a real problem. The weather made up for it as we had pretty high temperatures all week.  As it was so dry on the Thursday myself and Gazza decided to pack our tents that evening so we did not have to pack damp tents in the morning. Once the tents were packed we decided to sleep under the canvas of a cook tent that evening. Apart from the early dawn chorus and the "Cackling" Jackdaws it was a pretty pleasant night. On the teams final challenge on the Friday morning I spotted an unusual looking ladybird. Well, it was unusual to me anyhow!!! After a little research I discovered that not only are there quite a few varieties of ladybird but I had spotted a Pine Ladybird. It caught my eye as it was black rather than the typical red varirty (of which there are a few varieties). Think I got more enthusiasm from the "Bug" than I did the team. Well, the team did complete the final challenge albeit with a bit more prompting and encouragement than most. That was the last team in the New Forest now until September so I can pack my tent away until I go to North Wales in July. We had a pretty long trip back home as well taking 4 1/2 hours. The previous Thursday and Friday I was working on a Public services course from Weymouth. We met them on the Thursday afternoon to go on a short 6 to 8 Km walk. Well Dartmoor greeted them with the usual unseasonable weather, strong winds, and persistant rain all leading to quite low temperatures. not too much of a problem but once they had put their tents up they presented themselves ready to go walking in the aforementioned conditions. Well I am not sure if "Hoodies", jeans and even "Ugg Boots" are suitable atire!! After a little persuasion and a quick run in the van back to our base to pick up waterproofs, we did manage to get them suitably equipped. The weather didn't ease all afternoon but at least the following day the weather was alot kinder. Well they all departed on the Friday afternoon with I am sure mixed thoughts as to walking  on Dartmoor again. Despite some of the wet weather we have had lately the moors are still looking very dry. The ground is still hard underfoot and for the first time in a long time I have seen the pond at the road near Sharpitor completely dry.  I am off working near Dartmouth again on Thursday and Friday so no doubt I will be getting my fix of wood smoke and camp pizza's!!!! Mmmmmmmmmmm!!!! Tue, 07 Jun 2011 14:06:58 +0200 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2011&blogMonth=06#blogEntry93 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2011&blogMonth=05#blogEntry92 Back into the office today after being away for the best part of a week and a half running various trips. Spent last week camping up in the New Forest running one of our Princes Trust programmes. The week evolved as per usual with the normal mix of abilities and attitudes. In general the week went well with the team successfully completing their Final Challenge on the Friday morning. This consists of the group constructing an operational base, undertaking a short radio course and then taking on a few challenges. They can then retrieve the information they need to rescue a hidden secret agent. This usually culminates in a mad dash of a stretcher carry to their Operational Base before midday. Since the team had only come from the Southampton area it meant that for once we had further to travel home than them. Both myself and Sam managed to get back to Powdermills just before 16:00. We then had to empty the van and get sort equipment for the weekend. Tim and Debs were running a Team build for Exmouth Rugby Club, John and Gazza were on the River Wye and I was running a Day trip to our Dartmouth site for a 21st birthday. By the time I got home on Friday it was time to empty one bag and pack another. Had an early start on the Saturday morning as I had to travel to Dittisham to meet my 5 clients. With the tides being perfect for the trip we set off on the top of the tide. At one point we had a slight head wind but once out of the main channel the wind eased and the sun was on our backs. On arrival at the camp I then sent them to task making fires from "Cramp Balls aka King Alfred's Cakes". As it always is when people are watching, my first demonstration did not quite go as planned. You get the feeling that they are thinking "does he really know what he is doing?". With a bit of "woffle" and a big grin I managed to get a fire lit. On leaving them to start their own fires I then proceeded to start making our camp pizza's. As I opened the cool bag that was already delivered earlier in the day I got that sinking feeling as I realised we had the ingredients for the bases but none for the toppings. Since the fires were not quite lit yet I managed to make few frantic phone calls to get the missing ingredients delivered. I bet Ray Mears or Deliah Smith don't work under these pressures!!!! The completed pizzas were a great success and the pancakes as dessert were equally appreciated by all. Once we broke camp we then walked back to Dittisham and rounded off the day with a good pint of ale in the Ferry Boat Inn. Got home just before 20:00 feeling like I had certainly had a full day. I am in the office now until Thursday when I will then be out for two days walking with some groups from Weymouth. Hope the wind eases, its pretty blustery and cold here today and it doesn't seem like easeing any time soon. Best I put the kettle on again and stay warm whilst I can!!     Mon, 23 May 2011 14:33:18 +0200 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2011&blogMonth=05#blogEntry92 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2011&blogMonth=05#blogEntry91 Had a fantastic trip to Dartmouth last week with 29 pupils enjoying our Young Spirit programme. The trip included a paddle down the Dart to get to the campsite with one half of the group whilst the other half walked. Not sure if the crew in my rafted set of canoes got the meaning of "paddle together" as all that seemed to happen was that they had fun, got me wet and kept asking "how much further? and why are we at the back?". I wonder why!!As we approached the landing site I steered towards the beach it became a scene from "Saving Private Ryan" as they leapt from the canoes full of energy. Quite amusing as the water still deeper than they expected and so we had a few wellies full of water. That night was spent making and cooking pizzas on open fires. The following day was a challenge that included tasks, a zip line and an expedition to a lost world!!. The last day was taken up breaking camp and walking or paddling out. Whilst out and about the group spotted a large beetle which was an Oil Beetle. Probably one of the largest beetles I have seen in a while. The Saturday and Sunday saw me working on our  photography weekend. We were providing the local knowledge whilst Richard provided the technical input. It was a really enjoyable two days and we couldn't have asked for better light. The sunlight in the mornings was spectacular and gave the photographers a great opportunity to compose some fantastic pictures. I tried to capture some of the images but I was limited as I only had my phone to take pictures with. it was one of those days where you really felt fortunate to be out and about on the moors. Later this morning I shall be departing to run a Princes Trust team up in the New Forest with Sam as my assistant. Who knows how the rest of the week will unfold?.  At least the weather looks set to be cloudy but dry. Time for a quick cuppa' I think!!! Mon, 16 May 2011 10:54:26 +0200 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2011&blogMonth=05#blogEntry91 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2011&blogMonth=05#blogEntry90 Last week was another Princes Trust success. Although the group were only six in number they achieved alot. The highlight of the week was when they decided to do their entertainment task. Due to the short week, myself and Sam gave them the opportunity to plan in the evening and perform first thing in the morning. I must confess that being a small team and knowing what poor shows we have seen in the past our expectations for the morning were very low. If there was big hat to eat then we would have been very full. We were treated to two talented muisicians who played on their guitars and sang. A couple of card tricks that were impressive and that I had not seen before. There was an art lesson and a real off the wall game of hang man!!! Both myself and Sam were suitably impressed and agreed it was one of the best we had seen. Yesterday I was out working on a WGL assessment and tomorrow I head down to Dartmouth to work on another Young Spirit until Friday. With the weekend taken up working on our Photo Weekend and then I'm off to the New Forest on Monday for a Princes Trust course I have a pretty busy time ahead. Thought I would bring Paddy and Festa into the office today. Not sure what is up with Paddy today, he only seems to want to growl at Matt and bark whenever he picks up a piece of paper. Maybe its his new haircut!!!    Tue, 10 May 2011 12:44:19 +0200 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2011&blogMonth=05#blogEntry90 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2011&blogMonth=05#blogEntry89 Whilst most people last Friday were waving the Union Flag and wearing silly hats with painted faces, some of us had to go and work. No street parties for us!!! Myself, Tim, John and Matt were busy finalising logistics and heading off to Ilfracombe to run a coast to coast cycle ride for Marie Curie Cancer Care. With all the fine weather we have been having lately it had to change at some point. This weekend was going to be it!!! On arriving at a campsite just ouside of Ilfracombe we quickly set our tents on the pitches provided. We then headed into town to meet the other cyclists at a local tavern to enjoy a "pasta party" set up by the guys at Marie Curie. With only a small handfull of riders present and plenty of pasta we proceeded to tuck in. One bowl, two bowls, three bowls later (I think Tim managed a fourth) we felt we were suitably "carbo loaded". We got back to the campsite under threatening skies and swollen bellies. Not sure if it was thunder in the night or just noises from Tim's tent!!! After an early start (we were down at the quay for 07:00) myself and Tim decided to grab a quick breakfast, it was going to be a long day after all. Suitably fed we then cycled over to the quay to meet the cyclists who gathered under a cold and windy sky.  18 cyclists left Ilfracombe with 60 miles in front of them before they could rest and be fed at Okehampton. With John in support, Tim led the way and I swept up the rear. With only a minor mechanical to sort and one puncture later in the day all was going well. The skies around us had been threatening all day and distant rumbles of thunder could be heard. It was just after Hatherleigh that the heavens opened with heavy monsoon rain, flashes of lightening and loud claps of thunder. It was at this point whilst cycling near the back I mentioned to the cyclists next to me that if this had been earlier in the year this rain may well have been hail. I think sometimes it is best to say nothing!!! Within 15 minutes we were hit by a hail storm that then proceeded to get heavier. The hail was laying in the road and almost seemed as though it was bouncing back up and hitting you for a second time. On arriving near the outskirts of Okehampton the roads appeared to be dry and the group near the front had missed the hail altogether. With the Youth Hostel as our accomodation, a big roast dinner to fuel us and a few ales to rehydrate us it was the perfect way to end a long day. The Sunday was a pretty straight forward ride into Saltram and with the wind behind us most made a good time to the the finish. Myself and Matt ensured all those at the rear made it albeit by a slightly altered route. With a Cream Tea at Saltram there were plenty of weary but jubilant cyclists. John then had the unenviable task of driving back to Ilfracombe running the shuttle for the cars that were parked at the start. Well he did only sit in the van for two days, not sure if he even got wet!!!!!! Got to be kind really, especially since John had only just the day before returned from running a trek to Annapurna in Nepal!!  Well done to everyone on completing the ride and to all those who ensured it was a safe trip. Back to the office this morning with a group arriving later this afternoon. By the way I didn't cycle in this morning!!!!   Tue, 03 May 2011 12:09:37 +0200 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2011&blogMonth=05#blogEntry89 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2011&blogMonth=04#blogEntry88 It has been a busy morning, which started with a cycle down to pick up a minibus for our Judd School programme. With two minibuses (Tim picked the other bus up) and two of our vehicles en-route to the Dartmoor Expedition Centre I can now relax a little as it all seems to be going to plan. They will be caving and orienteering today and paddling and climbing the following two days. It looks as though the weather is going to be fantastic for them as well. Over the weekend I was working on our introduction to navigation course.  We had a group cancel at the last moment which left only two attending the course. With the decision made that we would still run the course I then spent the weekend walking with Graham and Edward (father and son). Within a matter of minutes it was evident that both were already quite proficient at navigation and they were looking for a refresher type course. As it was only the two of them I was able to tailor the course to suit them. It also gave me a chance to explore other areas of the moor in detail. On the Saturday we walked in from Norsworthy Bridge. With an abundance of small cists and cairns to find I was able to give them plenty of opportunities to test their skills. I then decided to give them even moor (excuse the pun)challenging locations to find like small cuttings and contour features. Whilst out I noticed there were alot more people out camping than usual. Not your usual D of E group or Ten Tors team but families and friends. I have no problem with people enjoying themselves and the fine weather but it does grind when you see the litter and debris they leave behind. At one location where the leat exits the hill near Nuns Cross a group consisting of about 4 tents had pitched up. Nice location to spend the weekend but I wonder if they cleared up all the tissues that were deposited behind the walls before they left. At another site where the leat enters Burrator near the Stanlake Plantation another group had set up camp. As we then entered the woods we were greeted by another group of about 5 carrying plastic bags of food, disposable bbqs and were even pulling a tartan shopping trolley. Thought I had seen it all!!! On nearing Norsworthy Bbridge we were quite amazed at the amount of wood piled alonside the track. There were some quite hefty logs as the photo shows with Graham and Ed. With the bridge being recently repaired I wonder if or when they would be moved. On the Sunday we walked from the Powdermills in some fantastic weather. As the Saturday seemed quite intense with the navigational side of things we decided to walk a route of their choice. Of course we added a few challenges en-route!!! At one point Ed decided to find a small circle on his map. This was a feature I hadn't walked to before and wasn't sure if it was actually there. Added to that he said that he would pace it through some pretty broken ground and trees. "I will walk around and take the easy route, not much chance of him finding anything" I told his Dad. We waited for Ed to emerge from the trees and to stop when he had finished his pacing. As we walked down to him we noticed that he was no more than about 10 meters from the tiniest hut circle. Well done Ed!!!! Ed also spotted on a couple of occassions the same species of large moth on the moorland grass. I thought it was a hawk moth of some desrciption but I have had a look this morning and they were Emperor moths. apparently one of the few moths that are active during the day. I also came across the top of a wall that was encrusted with lichens and "Devils Matchsticks". Quite a spectacular miniature rock garden. I now need to sort some routes out for a school we are working with later in the summer. don't mind being in the office after having such a fine weekend!!!   Mon, 18 Apr 2011 11:10:02 +0200 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2011&blogMonth=04#blogEntry88 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2011&blogMonth=04#blogEntry87 Yesterday was a busy day as I  paddled 24 children aged between 9 to 13 down to Turf Locks from Countess Wier in Exeter. I would like to add that I was asisted by Tim and other staff. Can't take all the credit as it can be a long paddle. With the intention that we put a member of staff in each rafted set of canoes we would then be able to assist in the direction of the craft as well as adding much needed power. Well I think I drew the short straw on the journey down as I had the smallest crew and as a result we were the last to arrive. Paddling into the headwind didn't help especially as my crew only dipped their paddles rather than use them correctly, despite my efforts to encourage them. On arrival we then had a quick lunch as the weather was ready to turn for the worse. I thought lets swap the crews around for the return journey (might as well make life easy!!). Well my journey back was just as frustrating. All my crew did was to keep swapping around their position in the boats with each other, have fun at teasing each other followed by water fights ( of which I got a soaking in due course). Now, I am not adverse to having a bit of fun but when they were asking "why they were at the back?" I wonder why? Needless to say we were the last to return as well. At least Tim, as always had suggested going for a mountain bike ride after work. As the rain started pouring and the temperature dropped as we loaded the canoes I began to wonder why I had agreed. Well it continued to rain and it didn't get any warmer and I soon found myself stood outside the Warren House Inn in my shorts (didn't pack my leggings!!). Due to the weather at least we decided a quick cycle was in order followed by a pint. All went well until about 5oo metres from the end I had a puncture. Standing up on the high moor with my bike upside down and wheel in hand I proceeded to fix the puncture. Nice of Tim to comment that at least his legs were warm!!  Thanks Tim!! Once on our way, it was back for a well deserved pint in front of the fire at the Warren! Perfect finish to a long day!! Thu, 14 Apr 2011 11:41:26 +0200 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2011&blogMonth=04#blogEntry87 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2011&blogMonth=04#blogEntry86 At the start of last week the weather that greeted our Clayesmore teams was pretty foul. With the prospect of  camping out for another 3 nights in that weather, there were quite a few glum looking walkers. The following few days were really unseasonal. Scorching sunshine, clear skies and hardly a cloud. It was more like mid June than early April. The heat however did bring the teams some unexpected problems. Not many had bought sun hats and clothing and they also had to use and replenish their water wisely. At one point one team took shelter from the heat in some woodland for a few hours. Wish they could have text me, as I waiting to see them through a checkpoint. Since the checkpoint was a tor with little shade (stunning views mind) I just proceeded to cook. The weather continued right up until their departure on the Friday. The teams had quite a few sightings of lizards and adders. I have not seen any adders on the moor but Mike (one of our Instructors) had a close encounter and managed to take some great photos on his phone. Swallows are now up on the high moor although in small numbers at the moment. I heard my first Cuckoo on Saturday and even spotted a Hen Harrier behind the Powdermills. Whitears are now common upon the moor. Over the weekend I was running a Walking Group Leader course and the weather again was fantastic. The night navigation on Sunday night saw us walking into a very still and clear night. The evening seemed alive with birdsong long into the night, you could hear the drumming of snipe and the calls from owls over the woods around Burrator. The weather did however change a little for the worse yesterday which was their last day. It was a cold blustery and misty day that eventually clearded up a little late afternoon. It was a great weekend to have been out and about on the moor. This morning I am just waiting on a call from Bovey Castle to see if they want us to run a session for their Bovey Rangers. Its a club they organise during school holidays for their younger guests. Today its raft building. With the sun out, it should be a pleasant way to spend the morning. On my return it will be back to the office to catch up on organising logostics and staffing for the next few months.           Tue, 12 Apr 2011 10:41:30 +0200 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2011&blogMonth=04#blogEntry86 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2011&blogMonth=04#blogEntry85 Last week saw our first trip down to our revamped Young Spirit site near Dartmouth. Despite the fact that the fine weather we had had for the previous three weeks deciding to break all went well. At the start of the trip the intention was to paddle one half of the group (from High Street in Stonehouse) down the Dart from Dittisham to our campsite. Upon arrival the weather was pretty grim with rain blowing up the estuary with no sign of it easing anytime soon. A quick staff meeting and we decided to go straight to the campsite and paddle later in the afternoon (weather permitting). A good decision it turned out to be as the weather cleared for about 14:00 and the tide was just turning. We then walked the group down to the beach where we then ran two short river trips. The sun made an appearance and even Mark " I'd rather do rock than water" Reeve's ventured onto the high sea's. He was under the close supervision of some school children mind!!! If ever you venture down to Dartmouth and look out upon the estuary you may see the odd site of a load of empty canoes and only two occupants drifting on the water. It may look like Dartmouth's version of "Nessie" but it will only be Young Spirit transporting the canoes to our support boat so they can be towed back upstream.  During the night, the new permanent accommodation at our campsite was tested. High winds and rain came through on both nights and apart from the noise everyone had a dry night. Mind you on the Thursday it  night it was like a scene from "Poltergeist" in the instructor tent. As all the instructors slept in "Redwood" (the main cabin) the cups and plates got thrown about the cabin with the force of the wind. This meant that after being hit on my bivi bag (again)by another mug, half filled with drinking chocolate I had to to get out and secure some of the guy lines to a make shift canopy we had erected earlier. Slipping into my wellies and fumbling in the dark was not my idea of fun at 04:30!! By Friday I think the children and staff alike had had a fantastic week. Lots of bags of muddy clothes and wet shoes accompanied the children back to school. As this was our first trip with the innaugural run of our new programme it was deemed a great success. Bring on the rest of the season!! Great fun fun to be had by all!!!   This week I am again working with the Clayesmore School supporting them with their Gold D of E training. I am then running a Walking Group Leader Training course this weekend. Busy times ahead. John is leaving midweek to run a trip out in Nepal with clients walking the Annapurna circuit. As a footnote, the cabin hasn't got any poltergeist, and it is not haunted, it was just the wind. Well thats what I am telling our Instructor Matt anyhow!!  Mon, 04 Apr 2011 12:19:16 +0200 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2011&blogMonth=04#blogEntry85 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2011&blogMonth=03#blogEntry84 Over the weekend all our clocks sprung forward that extra hour that heralded British Summer Time. With a busy schedule ahead of us the extra daylight is a real blessing. We have our first Young Spirit Dartmouth trip this week and since we are spending two nights out the extra light means we can do more activities. Last week I managed to catch up on some staffing and logistic issuses as well as looking at a new sight for a challenge. This meant myself, John and Sam rigging up a tryolean across a quarry. With Sam being volunteered we sent him out over the abyss to test the rig. The good news is that Sam made it back. With just a few smaller sites to look at it looks as though the new challenge will probably work. It is worth a mention that when Sam went to throw a coiled rope to John we spent the next ten minutes trying to get it out of a tree. I do worry sometimes!!!! Last Thursday I was working on a short film for Audi that will go onto their website. This meant I had to drive around in a new A4 Allroad Quattro for most of the day and then climb whilst they filmed me. I am also available for feature films Mr. Spielberg. I will keep you posted for when the final result is out. I will be down in Dartmouth from Wednesday onwards working with the team on a Young Spirit trip. Hopefully the weather will hold. If it does break however, at least we have great accomodation for the staff and children alike to take shelter. The weekend seemed to come and go quickly and this weekend is looking just as busy. Since it is my Birthday the following Monday (please , no need to send too many bottles of single malt) I am out for a meal this Friday with friends. Should be fun especially since it takes about two days to get rid of the smell of the wood smoke from the campfires, let alone stay awake!!!! Mon, 28 Mar 2011 15:26:25 +0200 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2011&blogMonth=03#blogEntry84 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2011&blogMonth=03#blogEntry83 Well, what a week last week turned out to be! We had two teams down from the Guildford area and what handfuls they were. Well certain individuals anyhow!!! Within the team that I instructed were two lads that excelled at stirring each other and baiting one another to the point they would plump their feathers and start fronting up to each other. The most memorable of these instances was whilst we were paddling. Watching the two bait one another whilst on the water, then paddle to the shore in their kayaks, still throwing insults at each other was quite a spectacle. Unfortunately the matter did not defuse itself naturally, so I had to then paddle to the shore and part the two annoying little terriers. Tim who was running the other team had similair issues, but only in the fact he had an individual who just wanted to take on the world at every opportunity. His team managed to get to the stage where they were chanting to another team from another centre at our abseil location. Well done team!! Well just when you think it can only get better. It got worse!! On the way back from our night walk one of my team was complaining of chest pains. With advice that the team leader if he was at all concerned should take the individual to hospital I departed the group and headed home. In the morning the lad had gone to hospital (nothing too serious) but the vehicle in which was sent to pick him up cracked its sump along the track to Bachelors Hall and left a trail of oil about a foot wide along its entire length! One vehicle down and two teams struggling to get along with each other. Now at this point in the proceedings I decided to have a chat with my instructors and come up with a plan to keep the teams apart for the Final Challenge. Well with the strategies in place we met at the start of the Challenge location on Friday morning. By now the weather had taken a turn for the worse, was colder than it had been all week and was pouring with rain. With some of my team still in the minibus and not participating we headed off to complete the challenge. Well all was going well until one girl looked at the first hill and turned around refusing to go any further as she had forgotten her inhaler. Funny how they can still find the time and energy to roll and smoke cigarettes though!!!! One down and only a handful left.  Just when I was thinking that we can now all crack on and have a successful morning ( should have learnt by now) a major calamity happened of biblical proporsions. We had a broken umbrella!!! To stand in the rain and watch someone have a real tantrum and hissy fit due to a broken umbrella was quite surreal. With comments along the lines of "I want to go back to the bus", and "I am not moving" (offensive language has been edited), we managed to make progress back towards the bus. With said individual trailing her bottom lip just as she did her brolly we made our way back to the bus. We then proceeded to finish the Challenge. Both teams then departed and we could then all take in a big breath of fresh air On a brighter note what a fantastic weekend we had. Warm sunshine and clear skies. Managed to go out on my bike on Saturday morning and then watch Englands dismal game of rugby  in the evening (not such a bright note). Had a lazy Sunday for a change. This morning I cycled into work in just over an hour. I have already eaten my lunch!!!   Plenty to sort out this week so I had best get a move on.   Mon, 21 Mar 2011 10:50:14 +0100 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2011&blogMonth=03#blogEntry83 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2011&blogMonth=03#blogEntry82 Having spent the majority of last week sorting and staffing our activities it was pleasant to get out for bit of a leg stretch over the weekend with the Clayesmore DofE. On their arrival on the Friday afternoon I spent the first hour demonstrating water purification methods and the usage of camping stoves (I still have my eyebrows and the moors were not set alight). I then supervised them cooking their delicious ready meals and pasta mixes of all descriptions. Pleased I was going home to eat! The Saturday was spent walking around Ryders Hill and the red Lake area. It had been a while since I ventured out onto this area of the moor and I soon remembered why. Don't think my group were too impressed with the tussocky grass either. Probably walked no further than about 500 metres without my group wanting to stop for a break. Wasn't too warm on the Satrurday in the wind so tried to keep them moving. The only time they moved quick over a long distance was when they could see the mini bus. Sunday was a stunning day on the moor, clear views, blue sky and actually warmth in the sunshine. As we were walking over the area below Four Winds the walking underfoot was so much easier for them. With the group wanting to have a cooked lunch we found a sunny location below Ingra Tor. Laying there in the sun out of the slight breeze waiting for the group to cook there lunch was a real chore!!! There were some good signs of spring, the skylarks were up up in the air singing away, plenty of frog spawn around (even tadpoles), spotted some lizards and even an adder was seen (not by me but a member of staff). Not sure how much of the frog spawn or how many tadpoles will survive as alot of the damp areas were already drying out. You could quite often see dried out spawn aroud the wet areas. Don't think frogs will become endangered on the moor just yet!!! Spotted a Snipe which took flight quite close to me. Wont be long before we hear them drumming up here around the Powdermills. Thats their tail feathers they drum, they don't form marching bands. Whilst up on North Hessary Tor I took a picture of the rock formation that people think looks like a prehistorisc mans face or a monkey, not much between them I would think!! Both areas we walked over the weekend were busy with teams training for this years Ten Tors event. Even met up with a team from the Teign School who I took walking in North Wales a year ago. I have a Princes Trust Team arriving this afternoon and I will then be with them all week. I am working from Bachelors Hall near Princetown so lots of "to-ing and fro-ing" for me then.   Mon, 14 Mar 2011 11:33:33 +0100 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2011&blogMonth=03#blogEntry82 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2011&blogMonth=03#blogEntry81 Last week I had lunch sat on the grass with the warmth of the sun on my face. It actually felt as though winter had released its icy grip and Spring was well on its way. Well it didn't last long as the following day the temperature plummeted again with a raw and cutting wind. It has been pretty cold all weekend with only a brief respite late Sunday afternoon. I did manage to get a few Spring like pictures anyhow!!! My team left on Friday afternoon after quite a fraught week but a successful Final Challenge. It seemed as though the recurring theme with them during the week, was to quit and give up before they had even tried. Spent most of my time persuading them to have a go, only for them to find out for themselves that they can achieve something if they put their minds to it. Talk about "making a mountain out of a mole hill". I then spent the weekend working with John on a SPA Training course. Had a bitterly cold day down at Chudleigh on Saturday and then a chilly day again on Sunday at the Dewerstone. Fun course to work on and it is always pleasant to pass experiences and knowledge to others. OK, so some might say what did I do for the other day and a half!!! Whilst working last week I came across quite a unique granite stone. Here comes a quick archaeological lesson. The stone in question had a series of holes on its surface and it had a piece of metalwork stuck in some holes on its front face. This would be nothing unusual to see if you worked the quarries and granite around the moor during the early 19th Century. This would have been the method used to split the granite into blocks. It was called Tare and Feather. A "Jumper" was used to make a series of holes about four inches deep and six inches apart. The Jumper was a large weighted hand operated drill. (Pretty hard work I would have thought, not my type of DIY drill!!). Once the holes were drilled then a tapered plug (Tare) would be placed in each hole and then tapped with a hammer in turn. This would then cause the granite to split along the line of the holes. Easy eh!! In one of the pictures you can actually still see the Tare. Not sure how many more examples of this are around the moor!!! Well here endeth the lesson.   Nice to see the bridge at Norsworthy is now back in tact and looking like new (realatively new). I have this week in the office but have a DofE group arriving on Friday. I will be with them all weekend and the weather looks as though it is on the change. Should be an intertesting weekend ahead.       Mon, 07 Mar 2011 13:50:49 +0100 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2011&blogMonth=03#blogEntry81 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2011&blogMonth=02#blogEntry80 Another weekend over and a pretty full one it was to. Managed to sit down on Saturday afternoon and watch England send the French back home across the Channel with more bruises than trophies. Sunday morning I noticed a text from one of our Instructors saying there was a paddle down the "Loop" on the River Dart. With the only other option being a trip to "B and Q" (other DIY outlets are also available) I quickly gathered my paddling kit. With the typical organisation as you'd expect when instructors get together (no one really knowing who was turning up and where we were exactly meeting) we all managed to get together a little later than planned. The water level was not too bad and was level with the slab at Newbridge. Once all five of us were on the river we then bounced and scraped our way merrily off down the river. Some large groups paddling on the river especially as it was the weekend. All was going well and I was pretty pleased with my performance until I decided to take a different line at the end of "Triple Drop". Well when I say "different line" I mean "I wonder what will happen if I go straight over this boulder". As I was just about to drop off the boulder I noticed a bit of a hole in the water below me. Best paddle a little harder now I thought. Obviously not hard enough as I felt my boat being pulled backwards. Suddenly my head went cold, I could only see bubbles and I had water going up my nose. I must be upside down then!! Can't remember the last time I rolled my kayak in anger and when I didn't come up the first time I thought I was going to have to take a swim and be ridiculed by my fellow instructors. Bit of an insentive that, so luckily on the second attempt I resurfaced with quite an "ice cream head". Mind you I wasn't the only one who got caught out by the same hole!!! The rest of the trip was pretty straight forward and despite a few hail showers and some heavy downpours the weather was quite pleasant. This weekend we are running a White Water course but I will be working on a SPA training course. Shame, I was just finding my water wings again!!!  I have another Princes Trust team arriving later this afternoon so it will be another busy week. The weather looks settled with a dominant high so hopefully it will remain dry.    Thanks for the pictures Gav. Have an extra biscuit!!!! Mon, 28 Feb 2011 11:18:26 +0100 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2011&blogMonth=02#blogEntry80 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2011&blogMonth=02#blogEntry79 All this week I have been working with the team from Medway. As I expected it was a fun, but full on week. Had fun and games making it difficult for them by not giving too much away. At one point I prompted them in which direction to walk, only to watch them walk in totally the wrong direction. This was made even more amusing as the team included some Air Cadets, Army Cadets and some had DofE experience. Not sure how they get around on their own!!! I then walked with them until they realised the error of their ways. Nice to walk somewhere different!!! At another point in the week another Instructor (Little Sam) got himself stuck up a tree (again). Rather than throw a rope over the the bough they insisted on using long sticks much to everyone's amusement! Think they had the final laugh though, as on today's Final Challenge they decided to go  around as one team.  At one point Myself and Little Sam had one of those "I thought you had them" conversations. This led me to scuttling back up to Leather Tor (from where we had just come) to collect a van key, down to the car park at Norsworthy to collect items nescessary for the challenge and then making haste over to Cuckoo Rock knowing that the team were well on their way to that location. Only got there a few minutes before them, they then finished their task and then they ran back to Down Tor. Fit bunch of youngsters!!! My legs are going to feel that tomorrow!!! Just like the top picture, I feel like I am babbling on a bit. Kettle has just clicked, my group has just returned the bunkhouse key and I only have a few emails to reply to. Weekend off before another group on Monday. Feet up in front the fire on Saturday and hopefully watch England stuff the French at rugby!!!!!  Anyone in the Army Cadets, Air Cadets or DofE can always attend our navigation courses if they think they need the practice!!!! I think some do after this week!!!     Fri, 25 Feb 2011 16:12:22 +0100 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2011&blogMonth=02#blogEntry79 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2011&blogMonth=02#blogEntry78 Another Princes Trust team goes home after another successful week. This weeks team, from Yeovil were a pleasure to work with. Despite the cold and damp conditions they succeeded in all their challenges. They even chose to paddle on the lake which was a brave decision considering how bleak the weather was. Mind you, the two that did find themselves in the water got chilled to the bone pretty quick!!! Not sure if I would swim around in those conditions. At one point my assistant Matt found himself stuck up a tree and only the team to get him down. Think he could have been there a while had it not been for a few subtle hints. Don't think he was helping them much mind!!! Having them complete their final challenge this morning rounded off a great week. I have another team arriving on Sunday (no roast for me then) this time from Medway Sports Council. I have worked with their staff  for the last eight years and they are usually fun weeks to work on. Lets hope so, two good teams in a row, almost unheard of!!!   A few office bits to sort now and that will be another week over. Fri, 18 Feb 2011 16:26:49 +0100 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2011&blogMonth=02#blogEntry78 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2011&blogMonth=02#blogEntry77 Spent the day yesterday working up in a very wet and windy Dorset. It was as part of a programme we run with Clayesmore School Duke of Edinburghs Award. We met our new teams for this year in the morning and then before lunch we headed out to walk around the local area. No big long hills, but there were some steep short climbs non the less. The rain didn't help as it kept up all day, along with the strong winds. The mud in the local fields caused traction issues with their footwear especially on the ascents. Even our Instructors were seen apparently to struggle (Mike!!!!!)  John would have helped but his ribs were hurting too much!!!!  Well I guess it gave everyone a chance to test their waterproofs before they join us down here on Dartmoor later next month (not that it rains much here of course). Wating for another Princes Trust group to arrive this afternoon and I will then be with them all week. Only the one team this week unlike last weeks three teams on Dartmoor and one in the Ashdown Forest. This will be the start of a three week run of teams for me now so I will be out of the office for the majority of this month. All of the teams last week finished well, with some having more ups and downs than the others. One team in particular was suffering from a big dose of the "Can't be bover'ds". Sunny, but pretty cold in the wind here today. The weather is looking a little mixed for the rest of the week with heavy rain forecast for Wednesday. Never mind all good character building stuff!!!!!        Mon, 14 Feb 2011 14:52:53 +0100 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2011&blogMonth=02#blogEntry77 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2011&blogMonth=02#blogEntry76 Feeling quite pleased with myself as I have now nearly caught up on staff bookings for the Spring. Still some gaps to fill and logistics to sort though. Can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Yesterday I decided to cycle into work again, but this time on my road bike instead of my mountain bike. Even though the distance was slightly longer and there was a bigger and longer hill to climb (Pork Hill) I managed to get in to work in around 1 hour 10 mins. Not too bad considering that when I started to gain a little height the temperaturre dropped and there was quite a sharp frost. Felt like my lungs were going to burst sucking in the cold air and Pork Hill certainly sorts the legs out early in the morning. The return trip took me just over 46 minutes with a swift but nervy descent of the aforementioned hill. By the time I got home my legs felt as though they had had a good work out and I was ready to eat all the contents of the fridge!!! I know all that hard work undone!!   I took take the adjacent picture on Monday evening whilst running the dogs. It looked as though the gorse around the leat had been cleared causing a block which lead to the Grimstone and Sortridge Leatbacking up. Quite an unusual sight, but it certainly gave the dogs an opportunity to get suitably wet!!! I was hoping to paddle tomorrow but that is now not happening due to the lack of water. Typical, spend all summer (usually) complaining about the rain and then all winter about the lack of it!!    Wed, 09 Feb 2011 16:48:13 +0100 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2011&blogMonth=02#blogEntry76 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2011&blogMonth=02#blogEntry75 After last week’s stunning start to the week, today is the complete opposite. Gale force winds and rain howling through the Powdermills at present. Nice change to have been working in the New Forest last week but had some pretty cold nights. On one night in particular there was a freezing fog. Strange to see the camping field shrouded in a mist only to find your fly sheet completely frozen like card when entering the tent.   The group we had were staying in the bunkhouse and they complained about the conditions. Wish my tent had underfloor heating and that I didn't have to cross a field to use facilities. Tile Barn is probably the most comfortable accommodation that we use for our PTT residential weeks. Not sure what they would have made of a trip to Dartmoor!!! At present, due to funding the Princes Trust teams mainly consist of  16 to 18 year olds. This certainly has an affect on the group the dynamics. Even though my group last week were pleasant enough they really lacked the ability to motivate themselves and take the initiative when organising each day. Our other team leaders last week were finding the same. Seems as though they all expect everything to be done for them and that to progress in life you don't have to put the work in!!! Not tarring all with the same brush but it certainly makes you wonder. At the end of the week though it does seem as though the penny drops and hopefully they will take a different approach to challenges. Who'd want to be young again? (think I was a model teen!!!). We have four teams starting this week and I have a week sorting and catching up in the office. Hopefully on Thursday I may get a chance to paddle, as the guys from Tile Barn are down this way on a staff jolly. Lets hope the rain stays around for once. Best get on now with some real work, kettle needs to go on!!!!      Mon, 07 Feb 2011 11:07:40 +0100 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2011&blogMonth=02#blogEntry75 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2011&blogMonth=01#blogEntry74 Well what a morning to wake up to. Temperature dropped again last night to give us quite a hard frost. Driving up onto the moors I was treated to some spectacular scenery. The early frost causing pockets of mist in the valley floors and around the base of the hills, all capped by a piercing sun and clear blue sky. One of those mornings where you really do feel fortunate to be working up on the high moor. Managed to get out on my road bike yesterday and get in a 20 mile cycle. Not too far by road bike standards but it was the first time this year to take it out. It was warm in the sunshine but on the downhill sections in the shade the temperature soon dropped with the chill of the wind. Passed many other cyclists enjoying the weather, most probably going further and  certainly faster!!!! Off to the New Forest later this morning to run a Princes Trust team for the week. I will be in my tent for the week so lets hope for dry weather. We have Martin looking after our office and all the dealings on Dartmoor as John is already on his way to run a team in the Ashdown Forest. We have one team here operating from the Powdermills so hopefully no problems there. Pretty much sorted logistically just the odd bit of admin to sort before I depart. Left my packing until this morning (thats how organised I am) so I am hoping I have all the important bits warm sleeping bag, thermals, fluffy pillow etc. Well until I get a chance to update this blog, have a good week.  Mon, 31 Jan 2011 11:02:38 +0100 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2011&blogMonth=01#blogEntry74 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2011&blogMonth=01#blogEntry73 Well another week over and we have just finished our first Princes Trust team of 2011. As always the team were the usual mix of youth with a good sprinkling of attitude, low motivation and even lower crotches to their denims!!!! The team from Newton Abbot were quite young, and first impressions would lead you to believe that it was going to be a long battle of attrition to get them out into the cold and to actually succeed on their Final Challenge. Well some days did seem longer than others but as you can see by the picture the team raised their flag in good time and rose to the challenge. With a pretty chilling wind and low temperature making it even more of a challenge. As part of their week they had to improvise a bridge build. I must say that their first incarnation would not inspire anyone to cross it and I am sure Brunel would have had a few words on construction!!! Mind you the bridge at Norsworthy is currently looking a little worse for ware due to all the logging trucks crossing it. Having seen the size of the trucks crossing the bridge laden with Larch it is surprising that there has not been more damage. Unfortunately it is the only route the trucks can take into the plantations to remove the diseased trees. Back in the office at the moment looking at the logistics for next week. Thought it was all sorted, only to find that the plans have changed again. John will now be off to the Ashdown Forest to run a Princes Trust team and I shall be in the New Forest (as planned). Since I will be camping in the New Forest I am hoping that the weather does turn a little more Spring like and warms up a degree or two. Hopefully over the weekend I will find time to get out on my bike. I may add that my cycle home the other week was (I wish I could say pleasurable) easier than expected. The legs seemed to find a new lease of life and I made it home in about half the time. Slept well that night!!! Well, kit to sort for next week and then to make sure all is in order.   Fri, 28 Jan 2011 15:28:31 +0100 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2011&blogMonth=01#blogEntry73 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2011&blogMonth=01#blogEntry72 Last Thursday and Friday both myself and John had a fantastic couple of days in the sunshine. Thursday was spent down at  Chudleigh and on the Friday at the Dewerstone. We were running a SPA Training course for an instructor training programme run by the Dartmoor Outdoor Company. The group of eight were nearing the end of their 16 week programme with only their ML Summer training to go in the next couple of weeks. I am sure North Wales wont be as warm and sunny as it was last week. The weather certainly had a spring like quality and it was pleasant to be standing in the sun wanting to peel off layers rather than fighting to keep the cold out. I have a Princes Trust group arriving later this afternoon and will be running their residential for the rest of the week. Who knows what this week will bring, as the teams vary in ability. Each team has its own set of challenges and they are never dull to run. This will be the first team of the year so lets hope it will be a gentle start to the new season. We then have a really busy time with a 4 week run of teams both here on Dartmoor as well as the New Forest and Ashdown Forest.  Spent the Saturday night at Borringdon Hall which is allegedly haunted. Decided to stay there as that was where the Dartmoor Rescue Team annual dinner and dance was held. With new management at the hall the evening was a lot better than last years. Even the DJ (who I think was in his 70's) could be seen busting some moves on the dance floor. Either that or he was suffering from a wierd medical condition!!! As for being haunted, well I certainly didn't see or hear anything out of the ordinary. Once my head hit the pillow, I think not even the noisiest of spirits would wake me!! Mind you they would have to compete with my snoring (allegedly).   Mon, 24 Jan 2011 11:24:24 +0100 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2011&blogMonth=01#blogEntry72 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2011&blogMonth=01#blogEntry71 Well, I thought I would try two of my resolutions for 2011 today. One was to start a Blog, the other was to cycle to work more often. Well I am now sat here with jelly legs and numb toes (still) trying to type a blog. I say "still" as my first attempt failed to save so I am now back to the beginning. Not quite sure what I have undertaken with my IT skills!!!   The idea of the blog is to post pictures and comments from our courses and the other was to get fit. Think at the moment there is more chance of my IT skills improving more than my fitness. Anyone who wishes to contribute to this blog can email me on steve@spirit-of-adventure.com. If suitable I will then include your comments and possibly piccies (if appropriate). I will try my best to update the blog at regular intervals but I am out of the office running courses most of the time. Some people (especially instructors) think I spend most of my time drinking tea and eating biscuits. This is just a vicious rumour. Today I must admit was a tough cycle to work. Having not cycled for I while and choosing a rather ambitious cycle route made me realise I need to spend more time in the saddle (less would be even better if I could cycle faster!!). As I cycled up to Pew Tor the peaty ground made it a real lung busting ride and yes I did push for a couple of short sections. Even once I had reached the top the ground didn't improve so when I reached the road at Pork Hill I thought the worst was over. Wrong! I then had the climb from Merrivale to Princetown on road and with knobbly tyres. Seemed like an eternity but when I eventually got into work my toes and fingers were numb and I didn't want to even look at my saddle for the rest of the day. Guess I must think of the greater good, it can only surely get easier!!!!   I am working on a SPA Training course Thursday and Friday for an instructor Training course, so my bike will be staying at home. i have called this blog "The Chiefs Ramblings", cant seem to think of anything better. If anyone has any ideas for a title then please let me know. It took me about 1hr 50mins to get in this morning so with practice I should be able to take a few minutes off that time.   Well it’s time to put the kettle on and find the biscuit barrel and hope my legs will work for the journey home. Tue, 18 Jan 2011 13:33:40 +0100 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2011&blogMonth=01#blogEntry71 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2011&blogMonth=01#blogEntry70 It was far to easy before Christmas getting into the routine of the cold dry weather and the snow but now it’s been a bit of a shock to the system with the amount of rain that we are getting this week and it doesn’t look like it’s going to clear for a few days yet. I was looking forward to Thursday- Friday this week as we are down in the woods again to carry on with the construction of our log cabins for our Young Spirit programme, which is really coming along now (click on the link above and go to the gallery to see some pics of our progress) But now looking at the forecast our overnight stay may be a little damp!! I will let you know how we get on!!! Wed, 12 Jan 2011 12:39:49 +0100 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2011&blogMonth=01#blogEntry70 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2011&blogMonth=01#blogEntry69 To help you all burn off your Festive excess of mince pies and mulled wine, Pixie Post is running an exclusive competition for its blog readers!! If anyone can identify the location of the attached photo then they will win a Free Navigation Day courtesy of Spirit of Adventure. You will be entitled to come along to one of Spirit of Adventures navigation training days free of charge!!!  These courses are usually run over weekends, so you can join us on either the Saturday or Sunday. You may wish stay for the whole weekend in which case you will only have to pay for one day. This amazing new years prize will be won by the first person to answer correctly with either the local name for this bridge or its 6 figure grid reference. All you have to do is email your answer using the above "Contact Us" tab. Once I have a winner, I will then contact you with further details on how to claim your prize. If you wish to remain anonymous then please let me know. We will then stop the media from invading your privacy!!! Winning this competition will mean you can continue walking the moor and still find your car afterwards, whatever the weather. Thats the plan anyway!! I tend to walk from home nowadays as there is always a chance I might forget where I parked my car!!! Wishing you all a happy and healthy new year. Tue, 04 Jan 2011 16:04:03 +0100 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2011&blogMonth=01#blogEntry69 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2011&blogMonth=01#blogEntry68 Good morning, and a Happy New year to you all. Its been a busy holiday here with three groups coming and going in the bunkhouse and the water freezing. Christmas day fetching water from the river to boil for drinking was different! But all well in the end and everyone seemed to enjoy. Now its back to the mist of Dartmoor, its lovely to the see the green after a month of white! Thought i would but in a summer picture and remind us all of sunny warm days on this misty damp chilly one!         Sun, 02 Jan 2011 11:50:49 +0100 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2011&blogMonth=01#blogEntry68 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2010&blogMonth=12#blogEntry67    With all this cold weather about I thought it would be a good idea to take some light hearted pictures. Couldn't believe my luck when I took the picture of the pony. Thought I was going to take a picture of one of our hardened Dartmoor Ponies in the poor weather. Instead I got this picture of one almost looking as though it is enjoying itself (almost laughing at me!!!!). The other pictures were taken whilst walking my dogs Paddy and Festa. Both really enjoy the snow but Festa tends to take in the views more nowadays whereas Paddy wont stop running around.  Even the cattle at Oakley Farm just looked as though they were just taking the bad weather in their stride. Todays drive to work was a little worse than expected. Even though we have had no more fresh snow, the wind over night had made some substantial drifts across the road. With only the snow plough being able to clear one lane in places, especially the sections across Four Winds and Holming Beam. The drive down to the Powdermills has now become very icy and the snow is still at least a foot deep in places. The ruts have now made it difficult to stay on what drive we have got. Even the "Landy Lads" have found it challenging. Decided to park my vehicle at the top the drive and air on the side of caution.  With a full  bunkhouse laundry bag in one hand and my laptop in the other, I must have looked a bizare sight walking down our drive this morning. Well, life upon the High Moor Eh!!! Tomorrow we are only in work for a short while and have the promise of a festive fish and chip lunch. We should invite the Pony, I am sure it would get up to some horse play at the office party!!!! (Ouch, Sorry!!!). Have a great Christmas and look out for more from this blog in the New Year. Thu, 23 Dec 2010 12:25:49 +0100 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2010&blogMonth=12#blogEntry67 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2010&blogMonth=12#blogEntry66 From all of us here at 'Spirit of Adventure' a very happy Christmas and a fantastic 2011 for you all.   Based right in the middle of a very white and stunning Dartmoor National Park, it seems a long way from the long summers evening and B-B-Q's. Well nearly another year passed and so busy up here at Powder Mills - we are all looking forward to 2011 with lots of engery for the challenges that will face all small businesses. We are lucky enough to live  and work in a fantastic part of the world and a way of life we love. Still needing a last minute pressie to go under the tree ? An adventure voucher for payment/part payment for any 'Spirit' trip 2011. Wed, 22 Dec 2010 16:40:24 +0100 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2010&blogMonth=12#blogEntry66 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2010&blogMonth=12#blogEntry65 As you will all know we have had nationwide snow for some time now, but until the last few days Dartmoor itself has not been hit very hard. But waking up yesterday morning to a complete whiteout outside winter has finally made its way to us. Although some of us have still been able to get around in our 4x4's it still amazes me that people are digging out there cars and trying to get around when blatently the road conditions are very trecherous. Saturday morning for me was a funny drive to Tavistock seeing cars stuck at the bottom of merrivale as the locals will know there is a dip in the bottom with a fair size hill either side and there where a few cars that had decided to drive up onto the moors and then got to Merrivale and couldn't get out either way which made me laugh, especially as people are complaining about the roads not being clear and getting stranded. In my eyes 9 times out of 10 i reckon they only have thereselves to blame as it only needs one look at a weather forecast and you should know not to venture out in those types of weather conditions, i believe the highways agency on and around the moors have been fantastic at getting the roads clear this year! But when alls said and done i love the good old british blame culture when at the end of the day we cant control the weather and these are the worst conditions for many years. Tue, 21 Dec 2010 13:07:51 +0100 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2010&blogMonth=12#blogEntry65 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2010&blogMonth=12#blogEntry64 Good morning - writing this fromBergen in Norway this morning. roads cover in ice and -20 wind chill. However buses still run, trains  still trundle along with snowploughs keeping the track clear. Not sure what time i will get home tonight because we have snow in England, must be an inch of the white stuff, major airports closed, chaos on the roads etc. etc. !! We can learn from the drivers of Norway !!   Sun, 19 Dec 2010 09:52:30 +0100 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2010&blogMonth=12#blogEntry64 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2010&blogMonth=12#blogEntry63 Well some people do nothing but complain!!! Can't understand why nobody wants to rinse out our wetsuits!!!! It's not that cold up here surely? Tue, 14 Dec 2010 10:20:09 +0100 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2010&blogMonth=12#blogEntry63 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2010&blogMonth=12#blogEntry62 Yesterday we all had a day out of the office to go down to the woods where we run the majority of our young spirit forest programmes from. The plan for the day was to fell some larch trees, saw it into lengths and move the lengths of timber and the brash into piles for the chipper which will provide the base for our sleeping shelters.  The lengths of timber which will be cut in half with Nik's new saw mill will be used to produce a more luxurious staff sleeping shelter. Mark spent the majority of the day working on his luxury log toilet (ermmm not sure if thats the right term to use!!!) which is looking fantastic and hopefully clients will find it a more private dwelling than the old hole in the ground. Nik was the lumberjack felling all the trees with his saw, with some precision we managed not to destroy any of our existing structures, Myself, John, Steve and Martin provided the muscle for the day shifting the brash and the very heavy lengths of timber into place, all in all a very productive and enjoyable day. If you would like to see our progress and what we offer please visit the Spirit Of Adventure website and follow the links onto the young spirit page. Tue, 14 Dec 2010 10:07:40 +0100 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2010&blogMonth=12#blogEntry62 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2010&blogMonth=11#blogEntry61 Well it certainly is cold up here this week. Even though it only briefly snowed over the weekend it has not cleared much. Our yard will now almost have a permanent patch of ice now unless we get some really mild weather. The yard will be in shadow now certainly until the new year. We must have the coldest Portaloo in Devon. Just pleased its got a wooden seat!!!! (Too much information I know!). Not sure about brass monkeys but it is certainly cold enough!!!! The paddling trip in my last posting was a fantastic trip. There was a slight mist rising off the River Tamar and you could hardly tell which direction the flow was going because it was so still. Have not seen it like that on the river for a few good years. Just managed to get the last of the autumn colours. No colours around now as we are well and truly into winter. I spent the weekend walking with a D of E group and what a fantastic experience they had. It was the first time for most of them to be out walking in such sub-zero conditions. The Saturday was particularly cold as there was a strong wind chill and very grey skies. You could feel your cheeks going numb at times when we walked into the wind. The Sunday was a stunning day with bright skies and only a slight breeze. I had a look at Dartcoms weather statistics for the weekend and the air temperature dropped to a chilly -7 degrees.  Some of the group were amazed at some of the ice formations on Devonport Leat. I have only seen the waterfall and aqueduct completely frozen only once before. Who knows, if this weather keeps up we may see it frozen again very soon!  The skies today are looking very grey and we have already had a few flurries of snow. Don't think there is much more snow forecast this week but the cold spell is certainly set to continue. Well I'm off to brave the Portaloo (fondly known as the Tardis). Too much tea drinking in the office!!! Tue, 30 Nov 2010 12:42:33 +0100 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2010&blogMonth=11#blogEntry61 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2010&blogMonth=11#blogEntry60 So cold this morning but stunning with the white crispy grass and the morning sunshine - winter seems to be upon us at last !! Just heard weather warnings for tonight, snow and black ice by the morning. Is it so or just the Met office getting excited !! Well its the pub quiz tonight at the East Dart it will be a chilly journey back from there, so wish the 'spirit' team well. Thu, 25 Nov 2010 08:58:20 +0100 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2010&blogMonth=11#blogEntry60 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2010&blogMonth=11#blogEntry59 I have just had a look at when I last posted something and it was back in August!!! Can't believe that winter is now knocking at our doors with the early dark evenings upon us. The frosty mornings creeping in to chill us as we scrape our cars before leaving for work. The trees have now but shed most of thier leaves with the recent gales quickening the process. We musn't however forget what a fantastic autumn we had. It is now pretty much mid November and only recently has the weather turned for the worse. We had a long spell of dry sunny weather until recently, which I feel gave us our best autumn for a long time. The colours up on the high more have been stunning. The bright light of the day highlighting  the browns of the dying bracken against the greenery of the gorse. the sun spotlighting the tors against darkening skies. The mornings and evenings have been spectcular and have almost had an Alpenglow feel about them as the colours change with the sun being low on the horizon. Today is no exception with bright sunlight and clear skies. I have been fortunate to have been out with small groups navigating the moor recently and like John it has been great to see the Golden Plover up on the high moor. I have seen a few larger flocks of fieldfare around feeding on the remainder of any autumn berries that may be still on the trees and shrubs. Feeding themselves up for the winter ahead. I have not yet been able to see any redwing in amongst these flocks which is not uncommon. I spent most of October working in the New Forest and have never seen so many types of fungi and toadstools. Huge Fly- Agaric and large colonies of other unidentified fungi (well I didn't know what they were anyhow!!). I had a day paddling the Dart near Dittisham and had an inqusitive Seal join us, bobbing up between the canoes to have a closer look. Tomorrow I will be on the Tamar paddling so hopefully the remaining autumn colours may still be hanging on in there. If not, then there are worst places to have your office!!!      Mon, 15 Nov 2010 13:05:21 +0100 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2010&blogMonth=11#blogEntry59 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2010&blogMonth=11#blogEntry58 We have made several sightings of a fairly large flock of Golden Plover's over this last couple of weeks. What a delight to see these stunning birds all twisting and turning as they zoom around the moor. We came across them feeding on the hight moor, digging about amongst the tall but flattened grass land high up on the tors of Longaford and Highter White, such a wonderful sight, it proper made my day !! Mon, 08 Nov 2010 22:39:41 +0100 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2010&blogMonth=11#blogEntry58 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2010&blogMonth=11#blogEntry57 The River Dart is open and the water levels just exciting enough for paddlers of my standard ! So many people enjoy the fantastic white water paddling, which the Devon rivers provide. Providing you have the right gear and the right instruction it is a safe and fun activity. Like all sporting activities good solid guiding and teaching are essential for success. Here at 'spirit' we pride ourselves in providing that expertise and we have many a fun trip down the Dart, perhaps starting on the 'lower' section and then if the water levels ok and the paddlers have proved worthy, we will proceed down the wild waters of the famous Dart 'loop' !! Names like the 'washing machine' the 'triple drop', lovers leap, the spin dryer just to name a few of the sections, each trying out your new skills. It is well worth checking out our indro to white water and having a wet and wild weekend, go on give it a whirl !! Mon, 08 Nov 2010 21:56:38 +0100 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2010&blogMonth=11#blogEntry57 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2010&blogMonth=11#blogEntry56 Im still trying to get my walking/exploring 'club' under way - the latest point is trying to sort a name for us explorers - so I'm now asking you to send in suggestions to name a group that meets once a month to explore an activity on or close to the moor. Where nobody feels left out or intimidated, where you dont have to prove anything and because we go out and explore at a speed that is ok for everyone, and a pub or tearoom to finish !! over to you, come on give me some club names that would inspire ? Fri, 05 Nov 2010 21:44:08 +0100 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2010&blogMonth=11#blogEntry56 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2010&blogMonth=11#blogEntry55 Well last weekend saw some pretty wet weather for the Original Mountain Marathon. I went up to Okehampton on saturday to see the fun and excitment of the teams preparing and signing in. Most were being bused out to the starting points from seven in the morning. Saturday was ok weather wise but Sat night and Sunday very blowly and a lot of rain. Well done to all the entries, including my son Mark and his mate Colin who came 8th in their class. Fri, 05 Nov 2010 21:36:32 +0100 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2010&blogMonth=11#blogEntry55 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2010&blogMonth=09#blogEntry52 After the summer its become an annual occurance that the Spirit of Adventure crew leave the moors to have a staff trip away last year didnt happen which was a shame and the two years previous we had been going down to the furthest reaches of Cornwall. This year we decided to go a little further afield and take our partners on a trip to Herefordshire home to the part of the Beautiful Wye valley as a company we have been running trips to the river wye for over 15 years and we never get bored of coming back as the scenery is stunning and the paddling is very tranquil and the river is never the same as we found out waking on the saturday morning to a rising river. The River wye has a massive catchment area as it runs from its starting point all the way in mid wales in the black mountains and evenutually runs into the river Severn in Chepstow. So as there had been a lot of rain in mid wales about 24-36 hours before the saturday morning it was just starting to fill the river where we were at Preston on Wye, in the campsite we where staying the river runs along the edge of the campsite making it an ideal stop for paddlers as there is also my favorite Pub a 15 minute walk away called the Yew Tree Inn which is owned by a guy called Mike who has owned the pub for as long as we have been going there as a company so it is always nice to go back and say hello. If you ever happen to stumble across this hidden jem dont expect an a la carte menu and silver service because its not that kind of pub but i can promise you that you wont be dissapointed the food of which the vast choice is Non- Vegie and Vegie is absolutley superb and you can guarentee that you will never go hungry and its what keeps bringing us back year after year. So back to the ever rising river which from when i had woken up at 8am the steps in the campsite go from a concrete launching platform followed by 9 steep railway sleeper type steps which 2 other unfortunate paddlers had gone to sleep with their boat on the concrete platform to be abruptly awaken by sandy to tell them there boat was floating down the river so off they went to rescue their hire boat that didnt belong to them luckily they came marching back up the river bank about 20 mins later looking a little damp as they decided it was a good idea to swim into the swollen river to save there boat which i think gave them quite a scare and not recommended. By the time they got back the steps where dissapearing at some rat and now all i could see was 6 steps left, after talking to Mr Price the campsite owner he gave us a number for the environment agency in glazbury so we could keep checking the rising river levels and at this moment in time it was nearly 8 feet above normal level and rising and accordong to Mr Price it takes around 6 hours to get from Glazbury to where we were so we were expecting the river to rise even more as the day went on.  http://www.spirit-of-adventure.com/holidays/category/uk/river_wye_kayak_journey More to come work in progress :-) Tue, 14 Sep 2010 10:08:26 +0200 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2010&blogMonth=09#blogEntry52 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2010&blogMonth=09#blogEntry51 What a fantastic show of summer/autumn colours up here on the high moor. In the 17 years I've lived here I dont think its ever looked so fantastic. The hillsides are cover in the bright yellow of the western gorze mixed with the brilliant purple of the ling heather,  making a fantastic display of colour. Weather conditions been just right i guess and less management of the gorze - should we just leave alone or should we manage, what do you think? Fri, 03 Sep 2010 11:20:36 +0200 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2010&blogMonth=09#blogEntry51 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2010&blogMonth=08#blogEntry50 Its been quite an exciting couple of months up at Powdermills with the arrival of around 10,000 honey bees and last week i managed to get up close and personal with them for the first time. So i suited myself up in all the gear and headed down to the hive with Di the Bees owner, and we went to shut in the queen bee so she cant lay eggs in the super( The top part of the Hive) on the honeycombs where the delicious Dartmoor honey will be produced else the larve would feed on the honey. I Have to admit I was a little apprehensive thinking 10,000 bees where going to attack me but Di was very reassuring and very calm with the bees and they seemed to bee-have(sorry) themselves very well, The bees should start producing honey pretty soon now although the weather hasnt been on our side the last couple of weeks the bees, as we all do like to stay inside when the weather is foul. So hopefully the weather will pick up and the bees can go out working and making honey, and as the heather is just starting to flower the honey should be delicious, i will keep you posted!!!! Tue, 10 Aug 2010 16:29:40 +0200 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2010&blogMonth=08#blogEntry50 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2010&blogMonth=08#blogEntry49 I have finally got around to adding a few pictures to this blog. You know how it is, keep meaning to do something but never actually getting around to it. Well I thought I would amend that today. Managed to take my camera out with me last week whilst supervising a Gold Duke of Edinburgh's expedition. In between the thick fog and rain I did manage to get some views. Thought I would print them in black and white to try and make up for the dull lighting and to give the pictures more effect. With most cameras being digital today you tend to forget how good a medium black and white is. Gone are the days where I would develop my own pictures in a home made dark room in a spare bedroom. Would spend a good few hours to get a few good prints, hand developing them, and then feeling rather pleased with myself with the final result. Nowadays it can all be done on a laptop in the daylight in a matter of minutes. Convenient though it is, not sure if it is as rewarding. Well before I start getting all dewy eyed and nostalgic about the good old days, digital cameras have certainly made photography easier. Usually drag my heals when it comes to change, but not having to carry reels of film for different lighting is a real bonus. The ability to quickly look at your picture shortly after taking it means you are more than likely going to get the picture you want the majority of the time. No more waiting to gets prints devilered only to find that nearly half aren't as good as you thought. At the Lydford Flower Show this Saturday there is a local photo competition, so I have decided to enter. Not sure how I will fare, but with only bragging rights at stake what is there to lose. Look out next week to see how I got on.      Tue, 10 Aug 2010 13:46:00 +0200 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2010&blogMonth=08#blogEntry49 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2010&blogMonth=07#blogEntry47 The weather had to break at some at point, and it certainly did in style. For the last three years I have been going to the Ogwen Valley in North Wales to work with a school from Devon. we usually spend a week camped below the shadow of Tryfan. We always have the intention of walking the summits and having fantastic and memorable mountain days. Well they have always been memorable as the weather is usually so foul!! For the past couple of years the school has camped, but after last years storm when we broke camp the decision was made to use the bunkhouse. With such a fine start to the summer it seemed typical that it would be a fine week especially since we had now decided to use the bunkhouse facility. As it turned out it was a wise choice. With forecasts predicting high winds and on occasions thunder it meant that we were even unable to make our regular ascent of Snowdon. We got out onto the hills each day though and did manage a fantastic walk across the Nantle Ridge just before the rain poured on our descent. On the evening before we were due to leave we had a relatively windy but mostly dry spell. I took this opportunity to take my tent down whilst it was dry and decided to spend the last night sleeping in my car. (Another fine choice I might add). That night the Ogwen Valley was hit by high winds and torrential rain, even felt like my car was going to take off at some point. With the storm still in full swing in the morning I had the luxury of lying in my sleeping bag listening to the weather forecast knowing I didn't have to wrestle with the elements to get my tent down!! When I made a dash to the showers that morning (in the hope they would be tepid or even warm for once) they were already occupied. Well not in use as such, but two students had taken up residency there after thier tent had been flattened during the night. They told me they were four weeks into a six week trip to map the Ogwen Valley and surrounding area as part of their final Universtity studies. (Couldn't see why they just didn't buy an OS map!!) They had already lost one tent to the elements and were running out of dry clothes. They even informed me that the showers were still cold. With my cheery "things can only get better and worst things happen at sea you know" speach, I left them to it. Don't think they saw the "brighter side of life". Can''t blame them really!! Well at least it still rains on Dartmoor!! Nothing changes!! One day we may well get our deserved week of sunny weather in North Wales (and England might one day win the world cup!!!!).   Tue, 20 Jul 2010 15:47:35 +0200 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2010&blogMonth=07#blogEntry47 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2010&blogMonth=06#blogEntry46 Thought I would make the most of the stunning weather and the fact that I was working in the office today. So with no kit to carry and no groups to meet I woke before the sparrows and squeezed into my Lycra. Took me a while to find my cycle clips but managed to be on the road before 06:30 (Sparrows don't get up that early here). Cycling through the lanes I could not remember the last time it was this warm so early in the morning. The views across the moor were stunning, skylarks were already singing in flight and the cattle were ambling around the road. Could even here the distinctive repeated "chip-per, chip-per" call of Snipe in the air. Had some scatty sheep dart across in front me, but managed to avoid an embarrassing collision!  My legs were certainly tired this morning and the long climb from Dousland to the top of Peak Hill seemed harder work than usual. The spiteful little climb from the Devils' Elbow to Princetown got the calves pumping, but from then on it is a relatively gently undulating ride to the Powdermills. Made it to the Powdermills before 07:30 having now started the day with a fantastic ride ( took me a little longer than usual I might add!!!). The journey home is great as it is nearly all down hill, makes the effort worth while!! Trouble is now, with all this exercise so early in the morning I don't think my lunch will last past 10:30!!   Tue, 22 Jun 2010 11:07:07 +0200 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2010&blogMonth=06#blogEntry46 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2010&blogMonth=06#blogEntry45 Have just returned from a "Wild Night Out" and no! that doesn't mean a drink fuelled, rowdy, kebab eating, disco dancing evening in the big city. I save that for the weekends, got to wear my flares and medallion at some point. Our "Wild Nights Out" here on Dartmoor are with Young Spirit. This invovles taking up to thirty primary school children on an experience that is unique, challenging and most of all fun. We first meet them and build rucksacks from sticks and string and then walk to their overnight woodland camp. They then depending on the weather either construct their shelters or erect tipis. Once this is completed they then carve wooden spoons that they will eat with, build cooking fires to bake their hand made pizzas on and go on a nature trek. Fortunately due to all the smoke lingering around the woodland the midges in the evening didn't seem to want to feast on us. Probably too busy coughing up in the undergrowth. Certainly by the end of the experience there were some pretty tired children going home (as well as instructors). I think the instructors enjoy all this as much as the children do. I know that by the end of the day I had inhaled enough wood smoke to cure a crate of kippers!!      Fri, 11 Jun 2010 14:38:31 +0200 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2010&blogMonth=06#blogEntry45 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2010&blogMonth=05#blogEntry44 What a fantastic Photography course we all had! the weekend put together by Carolyn and Ian from Barnabas Guest House in sunny Yelverton,  www.barnabas-house.co.uk with friend and photographer,  Richard Gearey, on hand with just the right degree of expert advice. I had the easy bit, showing the group some of my favorite picture spots on Dartmoor. The weather was a little grey, but made up by lovely light greens of the trees and the sparkling river giving us plenty of photo oportunities. The following day out on the open moor and enjoying the granite shapes and stunning landscapes, with the ponies managing to sneak into lots of the pictures. Then back to the Guest house for one of Carolyn and Ian's fantastic dinners as the days work ws discussed and viewed. A lovely weekend and great company. There is another one later in the year if you fancy an informal chance to improve your picture taking.  http://www.spirit-of-adventure.com/holidays/category/uk_short_breaks/photography_weekend   Fri, 21 May 2010 14:03:36 +0200 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2010&blogMonth=05#blogEntry44 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2010&blogMonth=05#blogEntry43 Can't believe how long it has been since I have last posted something. Not sure where the time is going but it is certainly racing by. Since my last Pixie Post I have been to the Plymouth Pavillions Outdoor Show, worked for a week in the New Forest, camped down near Dartmouth with some school groups, worked in North Wales for a week, taken photos at a wedding, wrestled a Polar Bear, cycled from Ilfracombe to Saltram House, have been sea kayaking and spent the last weekend with the Dartmoor Rescue Team at the annual Ten Tors event. Thats a pretty busy Spring with the next couple of weeks being just as mad. The cycle from Ilfracombe to Saltram House was with Marie Curie and was a great success. It involved cycling around 70 participants, 50 miles a day for two days with a camp overnight at Sheepwash near Hatherleigh. Plenty of aching limbs at the finish. Mind you, can't say mine felt all that fresh at the end!!  The annual Ten Tors event was another success for all those participating. The chilly northerly air flow kept the temperature down and meant that for the best part of the weekend the wind was behind them. Pretty boring for our Rescue Team though as we only really had to sort one incident out. Of which I wasn't involved. Otherwise it was just spent drinking copious amounts of tea watching DVDs of the "Office" (which I had not seen before). It was probably the earliest finish with the team I can remember. John was out and about over the weekend guiding on our Photographic Weekend. He visited some great locations and with the visibilty due to the cold front had some great views. We now have swallows darting all over the place making plans to nest. The Cuckoos have been around now for a couple of weeks and I have recently seen Wheatears on the moor as well as some Swifts. Not sure if I would leave sunny Africa with the temperatures like they are here at the moment!! Quote of the weekend "If I was a Sniper thats where I would be!!!" (for those who have seen the Office). Well that's pretty much it for now. And by the way I hadn't actually wrestled a Polar Bear!!!!! Wed, 12 May 2010 15:17:03 +0200 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2010&blogMonth=05#blogEntry43 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2010&blogMonth=04#blogEntry42 This weekend sees us all off the moor! We are hosting a Devon coast to coast, sponsored bike ride on behalf of Marie Curie Cancer Research. Weather not looking to bad, for the 75 or so riders who are making the 120 mile trip from Ilfacombe to Plymouth. Our biggest logistic is getting 45 bikes back to Ilfacombe on the sunday night!! It would be nice if you checked them out on this link http://www.mariecurie.org.uk/events/cycling/devon-coast-ride/   Thu, 29 Apr 2010 12:05:11 +0200 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2010&blogMonth=04#blogEntry42 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2010&blogMonth=03#blogEntry41 As some of you may know looking across the moors this time of the year you will often see plumes of smoke billowing from the dry goarse and dead grass. The reasoning behind this is to stop the goarse taking over the moors and to burn off the dead grass and heather to encourage fresh growth. It may look like it is quite destructive but give it month and where you see burnt grass now you will see the lush new green shoots peeping up. Swayling is the term for this and it is a method used all over the world for the same reasons. Although the swayling is usually controlled by the national park and the farmers in specific places where fire breaks have been put in place to control the area which is burnt, with the moors as dry as they are at the moment and the strong winds combined even a cigarette butt can light up the moors which can quickly get out of control and the fire brigade will have to be called. The other night me and my friends where called into action by the fire service near Princetown to give them a lift in our Landrovers to get to a remote place where a fire was burning which was quite good fun for us but the seriousness of the fire was still in the back of our minds, when we arrived at the fire it was not as bad as we thought so a well placed stamp here and there soon extinguished the fire. The fire service where grateful for the help but annoyed that soo many fires have been set alight in the last 2 weeks as they have not been informed they were going to be started so they could not monitor them closely and keep them under control, which leads them to believe the fires have been started illegally as it is an offence to set fire to the moors without permission and you may be prosecuted. So all in all for me when i see the swayling starting on the moors it usually means spring is on its way and with the recent dry and sunny weather although cold it is a good omen for the summer ahead fingers crossed!!! Fri, 12 Mar 2010 09:51:55 +0100 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2010&blogMonth=03#blogEntry41 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2010&blogMonth=03#blogEntry40 It might still be a little frosty this morning but it is an absolutely stunning day. Only a very slight breeze, hardly a cloud and a deep blue sky. The finches and tits (no giggling) outside our window are pretty active this morning. Lots of squabbles and antics of all descriptions from the feathery little birds. Working with a school all weekend training their Duke of Edinburgh's teams. Should be a fine weekend for them. Will also have Sunny working with us. Sunny is Plymouth Sections Search Dog, who also turns up with his owner Alan. Both are well trained even Alan!!! Sunny is always a great hit with the groups and it is an ideal opportunity for Alan to run Sunny around the moor. Or is it Sunny to run Alan around the moor, never quite sure! This evening will be spent demonstrating to the groups the different types of camping stoves and their correct use. Lets hope I still have my eyebrows when I finish. Next weekend Spirit of Adventure will be at the Explore the Outdoors Showin the Plymouth Pavilions. Come and have a chat, always pleased to see people at our stands. I will be the one with the singed eyebrows!! Fri, 05 Mar 2010 10:23:49 +0100 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2010&blogMonth=03#blogEntry40 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2010&blogMonth=02#blogEntry39 A report written by David from the South West, after a weekends Adventure on Dartmoor!   "I’ve just come back from a couple of fantastic days lead climbing with Spirit of Adventure at the Dewerstone on Dartmoor.  It was a friend’s idea and not something I would have suggested because my last experience of it was 20 years ago and utterly terrifying. It had been with a college group who were all experienced and simply expected me to tag along.  So I was none too confident and prepared for something similar. In fact I wasn’t sure I’d enjoy it at all.   We stayed in the ‘bike-shed’ at Powder Mills which was fine, warm and comfortable actually with a first-rate shower.   On the Saturday John took us out to Dewerstone. We worked on ‘Agag’s Slab’ and ‘Holly Tree Wall’.  John was relaxed throughout, putting no pressure on at all which was just what I needed.  To my surprise I found myself having fun learning protection-placement. Nothing was rushed, unlike my first experience of lead climbing and nothing was attempted without John checking we understood and felt comfortable.  On Sunday Gavin took us back to Dewerstone, kicking off with ‘Mucky Gully’ which we did in three pitches, taking turns leading and belaying.  To be honest there were frightening parts, but Gavin’s attention to detail, encouragement and enthusiasm meant I didn’t bottle it and felt fantastic once on top of the pinnacle – enjoyably terrifying.  This meant that ‘Mambo Slab’ and the other route up ‘Holly Tree’ in the afternoon were not a problem at all, pure fun."   Thank-you Spirit of Adventure, I’m back into lead climbing! Fri, 19 Feb 2010 11:28:34 +0100 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2010&blogMonth=02#blogEntry39 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2010&blogMonth=02#blogEntry38 Do you spend most of your time looking out of a window on a suuny day, albeit a cold one, wishing you were somewhere else? Well I'm the opposite. I spend many a fair share of my working days in the rain and cold sometimes wishing I was in an office!! Well all things being equal, I would rather be outside with the elements regardless of the wind, cold and rain. The sunny days really do make up for it!!! Running activities for Spirit of Adventure is quite unique. With the full range of activities that we offer it enables me to work in some fantastic locations in and around the South West. Today I am driving a desk looking out of my office window (great view today though) planning future trips. I am going to be sea kayaking at some point soon, working again in the New Forest, probably taking a group to climb at the Dewerstone and mostly working with enthusiastic like minded people. Who knows what I shall be be doing later in the year. Hopefully another trip out to Everest Base Camp in the Autumn.   All this got me thinking about how I got into the outdoor industry in the first place. Being made redundant was the catalyst that made me re -evaluate everything. I decided to change my career and to actually spend my time enjoying a different kind of job. Back then getting the qualifications I needed was a long winded affair. Many a weekend logging climbs, paddling rivers, trying to log group work but generally having a great time. The odd scary moment, but that just made it a thrill (ok maybe a bit to thrilling at times). Nowadays, courses are on offer to fastrack people into the industry which makes the transition of changing careers a less daunting prospect. We already work with other companies training and assessing their clients but we have as yet not run our own course, until now. Rather than have people sign up to a three or four month course we have decided to run two modules of ten days each. One which will prepare you for the world of paddling the other for the rock. This makes our courses handy little bite size chunks, that are intensive, informative but fun. Check out what we have got to offer and give us a call, or have a look at our Intensive Training Course . So changing a career can be done successfully, it's not easy at times to start with but the rewards are worth it. Just for the record, I don't think I could see myself doing any other job. Well, something on a beach in the Bahamas could be tempting at this time of year!!!!! Well time to put the kettle on, always time for a cuppa in this office!! Thu, 11 Feb 2010 12:05:26 +0100 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2010&blogMonth=02#blogEntry38 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2010&blogMonth=02#blogEntry36 Having been away all last week working in the New Forest (lots of trees and very flat!!!) I was hoping that the weather here may have warmed up a bit on my return. Well how wrong was I!! It's still pretty Baltic up here, with the wind chill keeping the temperature probably to just below freezing. We are still getting the occassional snow flurries and the wind is pretty raw. I have though already started seeing some snowdrops (the flowers that is) in the more sheltered parts of the moor. So lets hope that some warm Spring weather is just around the corner.  Need to get my camera sorted so I can start posting some photos again.   Managed an afternoon out on the mountain bike last Saturday. Interesting route out around Blackaton Cross. Had to keep pumping up my rear tyre, only for it to keep gowing down again, so I decided to change the inner tube. Note to myself to buy tyre leaver. Still haven't replaced the one I broke. Had to borrow the chunky leaver again, think I will get one before the weekend. Good news is though my legs did not take too long to recover and I didn't need to spend so much time on the sofa to recover. Working this Sunday and may well be down at the Sainsbury's at Marsh Mills on Saturday wrapping flowers for Valentines Day. Not that I am sending that many flowers out, it is all in aid of raising funds for the Dartmoor Rescue Team.      Wed, 10 Feb 2010 14:42:36 +0100 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2010&blogMonth=02#blogEntry36 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2010&blogMonth=01#blogEntry35 Had a great day out on my mountain bike on Saturday up around the tracks on the moors. Plenty of other like minded cyclists out enjoying the Spring like weather as well. The track from Older Bridge to Norsworthy Bridge took its toll as my rear tyre fell foul to the boulders and stones. Luckily I was not out cycling on my own as my super cheap tyre leaver decided to snap on me. Out came a rather chunky tyre leaver that I was informed only cost a few pounds, think I shall invest in one. It would have been a long walk home!!!  First time I had been out on my bike for a while. So as a result, I spent the remainder of the afternoon on the sofa, thinking that I really do need to get out on my bike more!!! Last night I had the 18:00 to 22:00 shift firing Dorothy!! Dorothy is Jesses wood fired kiln at the Powdermills Pottery. Well due to the saturated wood Dorothy was being quite stubborn as to whether she was going to get going or not. After a little advice and words of wisdom from Joss, Dorothy decided to start behaving (sort of). I was told that you must treat all kilns like women, as they can be very temperamental and stubborn. I would certainly agree to that!!!!  Not sure that the firing was going to well this morning as the wood was going to have to be split down further in order to keep the kiln up to temperature. If it ever got up to temperature that is, as when Jess left me to watch the kiln last night the thermometer ceased to work. I will find out again later and see how it is going!! Hope it went well as I might not get asked to help again!! Mind you it was worth the late shift, as when the next shift came to take over I was handed a nice peaty single malt. Didn't quite appreciate the smokey after taste as I was already fighting the smoke from Dorothy. Still got the warm glow inside though as it slipped down, especially warm when working on a frosty night. Tue, 26 Jan 2010 13:11:48 +0100 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2010&blogMonth=01#blogEntry35 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2010&blogMonth=01#blogEntry34 Spent a good few hours last night with 20 or so blokes in anoraks walking around in the dark! Now before you get concerned I was out training with the Dartmoor Rescue Team. Most of the evening was taken up assembling and disassembling various stretchers, playing with neck collars and vacum splints whilst trying to navigate around, all of course in the pouring rain. No change there then as for the weather conditions. Out of the office tomorrow to spend the next couple of days co-running an SPA course. Think I shall be togged up against the elements as heavy rain is forecasted later in the day. Climbing on cold wet rock, lovely!!!!  Evenings do seem to be getting lighter though and you certainly get the feel that Spring is just around the corner. Last year it was quite early when we started seeing the first flowers, not sure if the recent cold spell will keep them hidden away for a while longer? Just so I don't upset anyone, the anoraks that I mentioned are actually highly technical jackets designed for the worst weather that the British climate can chuck at them. And the Rescue team do have ladies in their ranks, just in case you thought we were all beardy blokes in anoraks!!!! Thats not a picture of me by the way!!! Wed, 20 Jan 2010 14:11:40 +0100 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2010&blogMonth=01#blogEntry34 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2010&blogMonth=01#blogEntry33 Well it was certainly an interesting drive off the moor on Tuesday night. Probably the worst snow conditions yet. The road towards Peak Hill was worst with large drifts and nearly white out conditions. Abandoned cars to negotiate as well as the drifts. Once down at Yelverton you would not have had any idea of how bad it was further up the hill. It was only very wet and sleating, most of the previous snow had been washed away. The following morning the road above Peak Hill had to be dug free of snow to create access for the Princetown road. There were nearly 3ft drifts to clear. Today there is not a dot of snow on the main roads, although in some areas it was a little slippery as there was a thin layer of ice. as the day warms up I am sure this will clear. Getting a lot milder so the snow on this side of the moor will retreat quite rapidly. Looking at the forecast it seems as though we are in for quite a mild spell now. Guess I will soon be back wearing full waterproofs and getting totally soaked out on the moor. At least with the cold spell you could stay relatively dry!!! Wonder if they will say we will have a BBQ summer again. Lets hope that they get the fine weather right!!!! Thu, 14 Jan 2010 12:18:03 +0100 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2010&blogMonth=01#blogEntry33 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2010&blogMonth=01#blogEntry32 Well it has been snowing heavy here as forecasted for about the last hour. Pity all the weather people didn't get our BBQ summer correct.   Tue, 12 Jan 2010 15:17:44 +0100 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2010&blogMonth=01#blogEntry32 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2010&blogMonth=01#blogEntry31 Its very grey and overcast here today with quite a strong wind dropping the temperature. Not sure what is going to happen as the forecast is for quite a dumping (not sure if that is the correct term) of snow around lunchtime of anything from 10 - 30cm. Roads were just becoming clear as well!!  The moors are looking really scoured at the moment as these high winds are transporting any snow that isn't compacted or has been turned to ice into the hedgerows or roadsides. It was thawing nicely yesterday but there might yet be a sting in this current Wintery Spell to come!!! I will update this later and you can always check our webcam. Our snowman doesn't seem to mind the cold weather! Tue, 12 Jan 2010 10:05:34 +0100 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2010&blogMonth=01#blogEntry31 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2010&blogMonth=01#blogEntry30 This walk will take you from the main Postbridge car park following the west side of the river. Start at the Postbridge car park and take the Drift Lane path to Broad Down and over to Sandy Lane Pass. Stay on the left bank of the East Dart and follow it upstream past the old tin mounds where you will see the remains of some old buildings and makes you stop and think what it would have been like years ago stuck in such a baron place. Keep the river on you right hand side until you get to the waterfall of Kit Steps which in the summer is a nice place to cool off with a dip in the river. When i was at the waterfall October last year i was lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a leaping salmon trying to make its way up the waterfall, which shows just how far the salmon must travel and the lengths they go to, to get back to the spawning grounds where they were born. The walk to get back to the car park is a lot quicker just head south east from the waterfall following the path to the top of the hill where the views are stunning on a good day you can see all the way to Hay tor. Then drop back down and pick up the path you were on earlier and follow the drift lane back to the car park. This walk will take from 2-3 hours and its is a medium graded walk. Mon, 11 Jan 2010 10:32:50 +0100 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2010&blogMonth=01#blogEntry30 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2010&blogMonth=01#blogEntry29 Well there is no sign of a thaw up here on the Moors. The car was telling me it was -9C on the way in this morning. I have not seen the moors looking like it is now for a good few years. I think it is one of our longest cold spells. About 14 years ago I was able to walk with crampons on top of Devonport Leat and down the waterfall and over the viaduct below Black Tor. Don't think it is that cold yet!!! Took some time out on my way in to work to take some pictures. It was too good an oppurnity not to miss. As the sun crept above the horizon it turned the snow a spectacular rustic orange. With the clear air you could see for miles. In places the moor resembled arctic tundra with wind scoured grass and snow deposits in all the hollows and depressions. With a light breeze to lower the temperature even more my fingers were going numb trying to work the camera. This would have been a fantasic opportunity for our photography weekends. On a number of occassions I sank up to my knees in the snow. Luckily there was no one else around at that time of the morning to see me floundering in a snowdrift, trying to get out whilst keeping the camera dry!!! Well a cup of tea it is and back to work, more activities to organise. Fri, 08 Jan 2010 11:10:10 +0100 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2010&blogMonth=01#blogEntry29 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2010&blogMonth=01#blogEntry27 The first snow of the new year is now settling at Powdermills. With more snow forecast overnight it looks as though it will be around for a while. The temperature here last night was -8C so no thaw just yet!!!   Our dogs don't quite match up to our sledding dogs in Finland. Ours were more interested in chasing snowballs and each other. We tried ours with a sledge, but Pepsi our rescue dog has no hair, Benji is too old, and Abbi was too small!!! Still if you want the real thing then try our Finland  dog sled safari. Up-date - its now Wednesday the 6th Jan - overnight snow and now a strong wind are begining to drift the snow into fantastic shapes and ridges. As the day goes on we may find the road blocked, so watch this space. Tue, 05 Jan 2010 14:30:57 +0100 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2010&blogMonth=01#blogEntry27 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2009&blogMonth=12#blogEntry26 All of us at Spirit of Adventure would like to wish you all a very happy Christmas and an active and fun 2010 ! Also just a reminder its 2010 brochure time for us. Give us ring if you would like a copy 01822880277 or go online www.spirit-of-adventure.com or you could email martin@spirit-of-adventure.com Lots of exciting things planned for next year, and nows the time to get thinking!   Wed, 16 Dec 2009 09:42:34 +0100 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2009&blogMonth=12#blogEntry26 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2009&blogMonth=12#blogEntry25 Fly agaric fungi, this fine example i found in Soussons Wood, it has been suggested that the Siberian use of fly agaric may have played a part in the development of the legend of Santa Claus . At midwinter festivals the shaman would enter the yurt through the smoke hole and down the central supporting birch pole, bringing with him a bag of dried fly agaric. After conducting his ceremonies he would leave the same way he had come. Ordinary people would have believed the shaman could fly himself, or with the aid of reindeer which they also knew to have a taste for fly agaric. Santa is now dressed in the same colours as the fly agaric, carries a sack with special gifts, comes and goes via the chimney, can fly with reindeer and lives in the 'Far North'. Fri, 11 Dec 2009 16:18:40 +0100 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2009&blogMonth=12#blogEntry25 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2009&blogMonth=12#blogEntry24 Christmas on its way, New year Parties to follow, lots of food and drink - Well I hope so!The New Years’ Resolutions soon come round.  We all think 'I must get fitter, I need to lose weight'. It that all sounds like hard work and punishment because you’ve enjoyed yourself too much.  All sound familiar?  Why not – “get fit and get out there!!” Ever wished you could enjoy moorland walking or try an outdoor pursuit but feel your not fit enough, or think you’re overweight, or you might be left behind, or don’t have the right gear, feel you might be out of your depth?Well here’s a chance to join like-minded people and enjoy the outdoors - may be for the first time.  Get fitter, feel more healthy and meet new people.Come and join us on Sunday 10th January for a few hours exploring Dartmoor. No pressure to walk fast or go that far, lots of time to look at things, take pictures or just enjoy the view!  Singles, families, old or young, all welcome so please come along and enjoy the Moors and some spectacular scenery!  Tea, coffee, hot chocolate and a well earned piece of home made cake to finish off the day.More details, hit the contact tab at the top and enquire or ring me on 01822880277 or even email me at john@spirit-of-adventure.com . Cost for the full days exploration is £10 (pay on the day) which includes resfreshments at the start and finish.  qualified leader by the name of John from Spirit of Adventure to make sure all is safe, waterproofs if required. This is not a one off, I'm setting up an adventure group for those out there that would love to enjoy the outdoors without feeling intimidated or threathened. Exploring Dartmoor on January 10 is our starting point and provided we enjoy ourselves we shall have a monthly walk and slow ly expand into other activities all at the same cost.     Thu, 10 Dec 2009 15:12:12 +0100 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2009&blogMonth=12#blogEntry24 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2009&blogMonth=11#blogEntry23 What a week, 60 mph winds - tiles flying round the yard and horizontal rain! Next doors ridge tiles decided to land on our office roof and make big holes, so now we have scaffolding up for repairs. The forecast is still more to come, so if your planning a walk on the moor this weekend beware. This time of year care does need to be taken, the windchill can bring the temperature right down to minus figures. As you gain height that figure will come down even more so take that extra layer to put on. However it is well worth the effort of going out, lots to see at this time of year. One of my favorites is the Raven's giving us a free acrobatic display making full use of the windy conditions. A far cry from being clipped and prisoned in the tower of London! Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:01:44 +0100 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2009&blogMonth=11#blogEntry23 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2009&blogMonth=11#blogEntry22 The Swallows & House martins have now gone and the Fieldfares and Golden Plovers can now be seen. Fieldfares Fieldfares are large, colourful thrushes, they are delightful, attractive and very social birds which move as though they are hoping.  They winter in flocks from about a dozen up to several hundred and are very much a part of the winter scene.  They arrive from October feeding on insects, worms and berries,  so can be found in their favourite feeding areas in Hawthorn hedges. Golden Plovers During the summer Plover’s have distinguished gold and black plumage, the black becomes buff to white in the winter.  After the breeding season from May to September, they fly in large, tight formation flocks.  These Winter flocks build up and the largest numbers between can be seen from November to February. They can actually be seen now over Dartmoor and their sky dance is a treat to behold. They feed on worms and beetles Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:48:48 +0100 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2009&blogMonth=11#blogEntry22 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2009&blogMonth=10#blogEntry18 Dartmoor Crosses You will find many crosses on the moors of Dartmoor.  Dartmoor is vast, remote and it's height encourages sudden weather changes and often poor visability, which caused problems for people of old who's only mode of transport was by foot.  The crosses were erected on ancient tracts by monks who travelled between the Abbeys and local villages and towns, such as Tavistock,  Buckland and Buckfast.  They were often called the 'Monks Path' or 'Abbots Way'.  They were also used to mark boundaries of manorial estates and land owned by business such as tin mining companies.I pass one such cross on my way to and from Powder Mills to work at Meavy, called the 'Marchant's Cross'.It is located just outside Meavy on the way to Cadover.  You cross over Marchan's Bridge which crosses the River Meavy, walk up the gentle hill and you will see the cross on the left hand side at the junction which would take you to Yeo Farm.  Meavy was a Priory Manor and was part of the track to and from the Plympton Priory to Tavistock Abbey. Tue, 06 Oct 2009 16:32:44 +0200 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2009&blogMonth=10#blogEntry18 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2009&blogMonth=09#blogEntry17 I was asked at the weekend by a visitor to the West Country what a Tor was? I hadn't thought about it before and just presumed it was a West country term for a hill. The definition on word net web - Princetown states that it is ‘a prominent rock or pile of rocks on a hill’ and ‘a high rocky hill’. Wikipedia says ‘A Tor is a rock outcrop formed by weathering, usually found on or near the summit a hill.’ The term originated in the South West and is often used to describe the high hills around the Moors of Devon & Cornwall. So there you are, now we know. Tue, 22 Sep 2009 11:07:15 +0200 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2009&blogMonth=09#blogEntry17 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2009&blogMonth=08#blogEntry15 Hi! The weather has been pretty mixed on the moor this August with plenty of rain, although at times extremely hot & humid.  I had an email from my last blog asking if I knew anything about the grave of a girl on Dartmoor, they had heard that flowers were misteriously found on the grave.  The story they are refering to started in the late 1700’s and is about a girl named Kitty, Kitty Jay who was an orphan from Newton Abbot poor house who worked at Canna Farm near Manaton.  She become pregnant by the farmers son, was rejected and hung herself.  Suicide victims were not allowed to be burried in consecrated grounds. It is written they were buried at crossroads with stakes through their hearts  to prevent their soals from returning to haunt. You can find her grave close to Hound Tor, if you take the road to the left (north west) about 1 mile at Green lane you will see it.  The story continues that fresh flowers are placed on the grave daily and no footsteps can be seen even on snow covered ground.  If there’s something that intrigues you and you would like me to check it out, send me an email. isabella@spirit-of-adventure.com Mon, 17 Aug 2009 18:15:30 +0200 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2009&blogMonth=08#blogEntry15 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2009&blogMonth=08#blogEntry14 Exeter University did a survey and stated that their were no accidents at Powder Mills.  Tom Greeves the chairman of The Dartmoor Society sent us this item relating to a fatal accident here at Powder Mills which  was published in the Tavistock Gazette on the 24th of December 1857.' FATAL ACCCIDENT AT THE DARTMOOR POWDER MILLS. - Another awful explosion took place last Friday afternoon, which is the second within a few weeks. Ten tons of gunpowder were ignited of the value of £600.  The explosion was tremendous and heard at the distance of many miles.  Three men were at work at the time of the accident; two were killed, and the other seriously injured.  Had it happened an hour before, six men must have fallen a sacrifice; but fortunately three had quited the works an hour before their usual time.  The accident is supposed to have originated by one of the workmen having used an iron instead of a copper shovel, which, coming in contact with a stone, emitted a spark.  The bodies were sadly mutilated, and the roofs of the houses hurled a long distance from the place.' Many thanks Tom for this information.  It makes you wonder!  Mon, 10 Aug 2009 14:57:29 +0200 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2009&blogMonth=08#blogEntry14 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2009&blogMonth=08#blogEntry13 There is a lovely walk which will take from 1 to 1 and a half hours and starts in the village of Postbridge with its village store & gift shop.  You can stock up on treats for the walk and gifts for friends back home.  Postbridge has a beautiful example of a 14th century clapper bridge which is still in one peace.  The first half of the walk  follows the stunning East Dart valley and then takes you to the picturesque little hamlet of Bellever.  Where you will come across another clapper bridge by the main Bellever Bridge, unfortunately the middle of this one collapsed some time ago.  From the bridge you walk through Bellever with a row of forestry workers houses which are mainly privately owned now.  A nice gentle stroll up Bellever hill towards Postbridge is rewarded with stunning views at the top.  Finally a nice easy walk down into Postbridge where you can reward yourself with a take away cream tea at the store.   Or why not take the opportunity to visit Powder Mills Pottery shop which is only a couple of miles away and has a seated area providing cream teas too.  At the pottery you can also explore the old gunpowder factory ruins.   Thankyou to Brett Sutherland for the use of his photo of the clapper bridge.   Tue, 04 Aug 2009 13:32:12 +0200 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2009&blogMonth=08#blogEntry13 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2009&blogMonth=07#blogEntry11 Wow, summer at last eh! We had 43 mm of rain yesterday (29/07/09), but this morning the sun is shinning! Luckily for us at spirit our clients are still up for adventures and so we are still busy climbing and kayaking on and around dartmoor. Dartmoor is looking fantastic, summer flowers and the grasses looking so full of colour and the rain has created a crystal clear air, so when the sun does shine the views are just stunning. Thu, 30 Jul 2009 10:03:00 +0200 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2009&blogMonth=07#blogEntry11 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2009&blogMonth=07#blogEntry9 Not exactly on Dartmoor but thought I would share this fantastic canoe trip with you. Some of our ‘Young Spirit’ clients will recognise from their recent school expedition on the canal. if your looking for a relaxing weekend paddling trip, ideal for all the family, try this one!! What could be better than spending the weekend in the balmy Devonshire spring sunshine paddling along the Grand Western Canal? Pushing off from Tiverton in three two-man canoes, we seven friends, old and new, human and canine,  embarked on a two day venture along the pristine clear waterway that quietly curves its way through the mid Devon countryside.  Just over eleven miles in length, this man-made waterway lay before us a weekend of quiet adventure. Passing the shire horses grazing in the fields lining the canal, it’s not hard to imagine the coal and limestone barges being pulled along the canal in days when the water was an important transport route. Today the majority of river traffic we met was of the feathered variety. Meandering slowly along the canal provided a perfect way to get close to the permanent residents of the canal. The mallards were happy to demonstrate their take-off and landing techniques alongside the boats, whilst the coots and moorhens preferred to watch us float by from the safety of the reeds. Close attention was paid to passing the swans, who at times can prove a little less welcoming. The water teemed with fish, small and large, a testament to the clean water brought about by the hard work of the Canal Ranger Service and their team of volunteers. At the close of our first day, we camped at the village of Sampford Peverell, lying directly alongside the canal. The local pub sitting on the canal bank provided a great place to rest weary muscles and reflect on the day’s events over good food and local ale. Finally getting to grips with life aboard the canoe, day two provided a quieter stretch, passing pretty woodland and primrose lined banks. The water habitat changed, becoming clearer and laden with thick green weedy tendrils.  Paddling proved harder and our speed was slowed as we weaved in and out of the dense weeds. The tow path was quieter, with fewer walkers and cyclists, and left us feeling like we had the canal to ourselves.  With a mile and a half remaining, we moored for a final brew by the tow path. In the bright spring sunshine we watched the ducks patrol the water in front of the boats. They seemed happy to share their home with us for a while. With slight heavy hearts we clambered aboard the canoes for the final time, carefully manoeuvring along the final stretch of canal. On this stretch we passed the restored limekilns at Waytown, and navigated the 40m long Waytown tunnel. The journey concluded as we pulled the canoes onto dry land at Lowdwells, the westerly conclusion of the Grand Western Canal. As the boats dried in the sunshine on the tow path, we reflected on the past two memorable days of Devonshire history, countryside, peace and tranquillity. It seems fair to return the peacefulness to the canal, as we take home with us great memories and plans that we will be back soon. Thu, 09 Jul 2009 12:01:23 +0200 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2009&blogMonth=07#blogEntry9 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2009&blogMonth=07#blogEntry8 Our home at Powder Mills is also the home of the 'Hairy Hands' right here in the heart of Dartmoor National Park. In the early eighteen hundreds Powder Mills was extremely busy with a 100 or so workers and their families making gunpowder for the local quarries etc. The risk of explosion was high, any spark could cause injury or worst. So the workers would wear rope soled shoes as the metal studs, common with manual workers boots of this time, would cause sparks from contact with the granite stones and steps. The local blacksmith worked here repairing the machinery at the works, he had big strong, hairy arms and hands, a friendly and hard working guy, liked by all.  One summers evening after a few 'jugs of ale' with his mates he decided to pop down to the works, still wearing his metaled boots! The resulting explosion was heard for miles around and after the dust had settled all that remained was the blacksmiths huge hairy hands, which to this day still roam the moors hereabouts. Mon, 06 Jul 2009 13:33:37 +0200 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2009&blogMonth=07#blogEntry8 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2009&blogMonth=05#blogEntry6 Hello, You have just found the new Spirit of Adventure Blog . I hope you enjoy the news and information we are putting on this site. We shall be posting  suggested day walks on dartmoor with directions and points of interest, favourites we would like to share that we have discovered as we instruct groups in the various activities out on the moor. Also information and pictures on other activities and things of interest happening here on the moor. Keep you up to date with the weather stats up here at Powder Mills, and also notes on ever changing nature and wildlife that we see most days. Please check out the Spirit cam, a different view to the dartcam, which you may well know already. Thu, 14 May 2009 16:01:44 +0200 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2009&blogMonth=05#blogEntry6 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2009&blogMonth=04#blogEntry3 A Dartmoor winter to remember, the hardest for 20 or so years and the best snowfall! Lots of fun and photo oportunities but also made lots of work, including evacuation of two groups we had stuck on the moor. Both groups in bunkhouses so no real hardships but surprising how people react when our 'normal' world goes a bit haywire!! All behind us now and looking forward to a fantastic summer season, of sunshine. If its snow and fun you want in Finland and fancy driving a team of dogs. Thu, 30 Apr 2009 13:42:42 +0200 http://dartmoor-activities.co.uk/blog?blogYear=2009&blogMonth=04#blogEntry3