The gloom...
December is starting in suitably grey misery: today has been
one of those frustrating soggy days which ends with a half-hearted sunset.
There was just enough incentive to get me outdoors for half an hour’s quick
stroll before winter darkness set in.
My daily “must-do” has for some time been a quick 2-mile (half-hour)
jaunt, taking in a little path which is one of Finchley’s hidden gems. It’s
called (optimistically perhaps) “Lover’s Walk”, and threads between ancient tall
walls and little woods down to a bridge over Dollis Brook. The brook is one of
several streams which rise in the green belt meadows up beyond Barnet, and
which eventually club together to join the Thames. This one is a good weather
barometer, and today it was running full after recent rains.
Two miles is, of course, pathetic. Before I retired a couple
of years ago, I took every opportunity to start, break and end the working day
with a decent stroll, and averaged more like seven miles a day for several
years. I have some way to go to get back to that routine, and with the long stroll
ahead next year it just must be done!
If only the lousy weather would give its frequent gloom a
break.
The gear...
I fared better yesterday, more like eight or nine miles,
this time following that same brook up to High Barnet and back. It was a good
chance to get back to wearing in my footwear.
Ah – a cue to talk a bit about gear! A moment for the
gear-bunnies… Obviously for any long trek two things are critical – what goes
on your feet, and what goes on your back. Any discomfort in either case is
going to make life a misery. In truly anal fashion I researched both footwear and
carrying gear to death before reaching any decisions and tried out several options.
My feet, which are quite broad and needed to be carefully measured, are growing
used to a pair of Meindl Respond “Mid XCR” boots, in a snazzy pale grey, all
memory foam and grippy soles. We shall see how they fare. If they’re any good I
think the first pair will be worn out in training, and if not, I wouldn’t hesitate
to try something different.
From reviews, and from the experiences of friends, there was
only one brand in the frame for a backpack – Osprey. They’re never cheap (not
even in a Black Friday deal, which was my temptation) but they repay their cost
in comfort and design. I shall probably not be testing the 70-litre blue Aether
AG I bought for some time yet, but I after working through the 9-page instruction
manual I know it will be fine.
Scary?
Meanwhile I emailed my plans for the big walk to my three
casual and occasional walking companions. At some point they have all expressed
an interest in joining up for all or part of the route, and soon the time will
come for firm plans. Aha – one may have been scared off, one “will have to think
about it”, and the third has yet to respond. It could be very good to have some
company, but on the other hand…
No comments:
Post a Comment