Gentlemen - I give you :Gran Paradiso
Monday 26 January 2009
Sunday 25 January 2009
Just so that the rumours can stop......
Yes I do know where we are going so I've changed the title of the blog. Hope everyone is now comfortable talking to me about it!!!!
Walking up Shutlingsloe with the Williams (24-1-09)
Bit of a grey morning that cleared up as it went on. 10am kick off from the car park and a 3 hour trek up and around Shutlingsloe at 506m (try saying that after a few!). Lots of snow and cloud on the top and very windy - managed to get our coffee and cake on the lee side in the shelter though.
Back at the car park at 1pm and lovely butties and chips in the pub in Wincle. Lots of talk of boots and crampons - now I'm totally confused!
Friday 23 January 2009
Field and Trek boot advice
This is the text off their website (Mark W emailed the link to this some weeks ago but thought it might be useful to see here also). Scares me just reading it!
Boot Grading & Crampon Compatability
Torsional Rigidity: What keeps you upright on steep ground?
Boots flex, to verying degrees, as you walk. But did the midsole also flexes or twists along its length. This is called torsional rigidity.
To explain this: hold your boot at toe and heal and try to twist it. A standard walking boot (B1) will twist to a reasonable amount where as a mountaineering boot (B3) will twist very little or not at all.
Now imagine that you want to traverse a steep ground or cross an angled frozen snow slope. In a B1 boot you have a far greater chance of going over on your ankle when standing with your body weight on the inner/outer edges of your boots. Using a B3 boot which won't flex as much means will give a far greater feeling of security.
A B2 boot will have a measure of torsional rigidity; and in general terms, it is the ideal type of boot for most conditions encountered when walking in the British hills. This will include winter conditions where you may have to deal with gentle snow slopes.
The potential for a fatal injury when wearing crampons is magnified if you do not match the Boot Grade with the Crampon Grade: do not be mislead by what some Gear Review guru’s have to say in the walking magazines, our technical guide is based around what the manufacturers recommend. A B3 boot can be used with a C1, C2 and C3 crampon, a B2 boot is compatible with C1 and C2 crampons only and a B1 boot can only be used with C1 crampon.
Boot Grading: As the manufacturers explain it
B:0 (Walking Boots)
These boots are unsuitable for use with crampons.
B1: (Hillwalking Boots)
Suitable for the easiest winter conditions. Flexible walking crampons with a strap attachment (Crampon Grade C1) can be used for limited periods or in emergencies, for example when crossing a patch of snow or ice, rather than for a full day's walk using crampons.
B2: (Mountaineering Boots)
All boots within this range are compatible with articulated crampons with straps or a combination of strapped front and clip-on heel (Crampon Grade C2) for winter mountain walking or glacier traverses.
B3: (Climbing & Mountaineering Boots)
These boots have fully stiffened soles and are compatible with articulated or fully rigid crampons with strap or clip-on systems (Crampon Grade C3).
Crampon Grading
C1:(Compatible with B1, B2 & B3 boots)
With a 8 or 10 point style, this general winter walking crampon has the toe and heel sections connected by a flexible bar. Because of the flexibility along its length it will accommodate moderately stiff hillwalking boots that flex as you walk. Flexible crampons may be used on stiffer boots but should not be used on any boot than flexes to a greater extent than the crampon can accommodate.
C2:(Compatible with B2 & B3 boots)
Designed for mountaineering and mid-grade snow and ice climbing, these usually are a 10 or 12 point crampon with the heel and toe sections joined by either an adjustable (but rigid) bar or by a simple hinge. It is extremely important that the shape (both in plan and profile) of articulated crampons accurately matches the sole of your boots.
C3:(Compatible with B3 boots only)
Specifically for technical and difficult steep ice with 12 points and sometimes featuring a mono-point at the front, C3 crampons are fully rigid along their entire length. As such they must only be used with a boot whose sole is completely rigid, as the crampon cannot flex to accommodate distortion in the sole. The plan and profile of the crampon must match that of your boot.
Boots in the B3 category are ideal for C3 crampons and will also take C2 and C1 types. At the other end of the spectrum a B1 boot should only be used with a C1 crampon. N.B. For the relevant grading of your boots please see the appropriate column in the technical information.
This information is by no means a substitute for experience and correct training in the use of the equipment discussed. Furthermore, please realise that your crampons will require 'fitting' to your boots before use to make sure they match correctly and securely.
Boot Grading & Crampon Compatability
Torsional Rigidity: What keeps you upright on steep ground?
Boots flex, to verying degrees, as you walk. But did the midsole also flexes or twists along its length. This is called torsional rigidity.
To explain this: hold your boot at toe and heal and try to twist it. A standard walking boot (B1) will twist to a reasonable amount where as a mountaineering boot (B3) will twist very little or not at all.
Now imagine that you want to traverse a steep ground or cross an angled frozen snow slope. In a B1 boot you have a far greater chance of going over on your ankle when standing with your body weight on the inner/outer edges of your boots. Using a B3 boot which won't flex as much means will give a far greater feeling of security.
A B2 boot will have a measure of torsional rigidity; and in general terms, it is the ideal type of boot for most conditions encountered when walking in the British hills. This will include winter conditions where you may have to deal with gentle snow slopes.
The potential for a fatal injury when wearing crampons is magnified if you do not match the Boot Grade with the Crampon Grade: do not be mislead by what some Gear Review guru’s have to say in the walking magazines, our technical guide is based around what the manufacturers recommend. A B3 boot can be used with a C1, C2 and C3 crampon, a B2 boot is compatible with C1 and C2 crampons only and a B1 boot can only be used with C1 crampon.
Boot Grading: As the manufacturers explain it
B:0 (Walking Boots)
These boots are unsuitable for use with crampons.
B1: (Hillwalking Boots)
Suitable for the easiest winter conditions. Flexible walking crampons with a strap attachment (Crampon Grade C1) can be used for limited periods or in emergencies, for example when crossing a patch of snow or ice, rather than for a full day's walk using crampons.
B2: (Mountaineering Boots)
All boots within this range are compatible with articulated crampons with straps or a combination of strapped front and clip-on heel (Crampon Grade C2) for winter mountain walking or glacier traverses.
B3: (Climbing & Mountaineering Boots)
These boots have fully stiffened soles and are compatible with articulated or fully rigid crampons with strap or clip-on systems (Crampon Grade C3).
Crampon Grading
C1:(Compatible with B1, B2 & B3 boots)
With a 8 or 10 point style, this general winter walking crampon has the toe and heel sections connected by a flexible bar. Because of the flexibility along its length it will accommodate moderately stiff hillwalking boots that flex as you walk. Flexible crampons may be used on stiffer boots but should not be used on any boot than flexes to a greater extent than the crampon can accommodate.
C2:(Compatible with B2 & B3 boots)
Designed for mountaineering and mid-grade snow and ice climbing, these usually are a 10 or 12 point crampon with the heel and toe sections joined by either an adjustable (but rigid) bar or by a simple hinge. It is extremely important that the shape (both in plan and profile) of articulated crampons accurately matches the sole of your boots.
C3:(Compatible with B3 boots only)
Specifically for technical and difficult steep ice with 12 points and sometimes featuring a mono-point at the front, C3 crampons are fully rigid along their entire length. As such they must only be used with a boot whose sole is completely rigid, as the crampon cannot flex to accommodate distortion in the sole. The plan and profile of the crampon must match that of your boot.
Boots in the B3 category are ideal for C3 crampons and will also take C2 and C1 types. At the other end of the spectrum a B1 boot should only be used with a C1 crampon. N.B. For the relevant grading of your boots please see the appropriate column in the technical information.
This information is by no means a substitute for experience and correct training in the use of the equipment discussed. Furthermore, please realise that your crampons will require 'fitting' to your boots before use to make sure they match correctly and securely.
Monday 19 January 2009
Now not so confused.....
In case anyone is interested I have emailed Raichle direct and apparently my boots are a B1 type and are therefore compatible with most C1 crampons.For example Grivel G10.
Is it me or has Mr Gough got some secret foot fetish that is only just coming to light?Just thought I'd ask before we get to 4000 metres............
Is it me or has Mr Gough got some secret foot fetish that is only just coming to light?Just thought I'd ask before we get to 4000 metres............
boot confusion ....
so are we saying even my longest of long thigh lengths wont do ? even if i sandpaper the soles a bit to improve the adhesion ? they'd have been great for keeping the wind out too
Sunday 18 January 2009
Saturday 17 January 2009
Friday 16 January 2009
It's only been a week
Bought boots - Scarpa Manta, B2 so it's C2 for me - hope I don't fall off......
Wednesday 14 January 2009
Nige's new boots
Come on Nige. Picture of boots, what type, where from, how much - spread the good advice!!!! Until we see them we can only guess!
WILL THIS DO............????
Found this picture of The Matterhorn as Mr Williams was complaining that there was no photo on my last blog.Maybe the Haute Route another year?.................
Tuesday 13 January 2009
New CamelBack in the bag
Bought a new 2l water bag thingy as the last one bought in the Lakes tasted so much of plastic even after boiling, salting, drying, reboiling, using, drying, using again, spitting most of it out, boiling again, putting orange in it - that it made you want to drink piss more than what was in it (I'm sure Martin can atteest to that as he got the same one!
New one doesn't smell at all of plastic so fingers crossed for testing during next walk!
New one doesn't smell at all of plastic so fingers crossed for testing during next walk!
Second 'Mark' debuts on The Blog.
So we are now committed to depart for The Alps on 21st June 2009. The chosen route has varied in the planning stage - starting with a Mt Blanc ascent - modified to The Chamonix to Zermatt Haute Route - and finally settled at a week in Itay's Gran Paradiso National Park with an Ascent of the Mountain of the same name on the penultimate day - Friday 26th June. We are about to book flights to Geneva so its the point of no return!
Monday 12 January 2009
Hi Guys and a Happy New Year! Here's to a spectacular trip in June.The first stage of my preparations have begun with the purchase of a new pair of boots.They are Raichle All Degree Lite GTX and thanks to Paul for the info on these.Apparently they are C1 crampon compatible which will be the next purchase. Looking forward to the first occasion I can test these boots out in some proper mountain terrain.
I'm not as familiar with the Chamonix Region as I am with several parts of Switzerland, and even then usually only seen during the Summer months on a motorcycle over various mountain passes at speed. I'm therefore keen to experience a completely different perspective with camera in hand!!
I am planning to drive to Les Houches in June , hopefully via Annecy and on some of the roads due to be used for Le Tour de France 2009.
I think we should all give Mr Gough the appropriate encouragement to lose weight before the trip without any reference to lardy git or any other offensive comments.................
I'm not as familiar with the Chamonix Region as I am with several parts of Switzerland, and even then usually only seen during the Summer months on a motorcycle over various mountain passes at speed. I'm therefore keen to experience a completely different perspective with camera in hand!!
I am planning to drive to Les Houches in June , hopefully via Annecy and on some of the roads due to be used for Le Tour de France 2009.
I think we should all give Mr Gough the appropriate encouragement to lose weight before the trip without any reference to lardy git or any other offensive comments.................
Friday 2 January 2009
First of the New Year?
2 January 2009
9.20 - Set out for the summit of Pen y Ghent (Hill of the Winds) via Plover Hill.
12.00 - Cheese and Onion sandwiches on the top before dropping off the "South Face".
2.15 - Ordered first pint at the Helwith Bridge Inn.
3.40 - Finished - 11.5 miles.
5.30 - home to a hot bath...............ahhh.
(no new boots yet though)
Paul Williams
9.20 - Set out for the summit of Pen y Ghent (Hill of the Winds) via Plover Hill.
12.00 - Cheese and Onion sandwiches on the top before dropping off the "South Face".
2.15 - Ordered first pint at the Helwith Bridge Inn.
3.40 - Finished - 11.5 miles.
5.30 - home to a hot bath...............ahhh.
(no new boots yet though)
Paul Williams
Thursday 1 January 2009
made it
made it onto the blog .. first step towards making it onto the actual mountain later in the year.
Been to Chamonix 3 or 4 times, always in winter, one of my fav places anywhere in the world, great place to start a break from. The views across mont blanc and the vallee blanche from the grand montets are amongst the best I've seen (see pics), and from the top lift station you can see a fair bit of the area we're going to be visiting. I have to admit I cant wait to see it from the paths rather than from the lift exits. The piste down from the top here is one of the steepest blacks anywhere, so you dont have a lot of opportunity to enjoy the view once you get moving, the scene from the station exit steps is the one that sticks though.
Heres hoping the trip in June is just as memorable .
Mr Gough's fitness update
First day of the year - traditional time to weigh in and make statements of surprise! Nothing different this year for Mr Gough.Weighs in at 17 stone (108.2 kg) and needs to lose a stone -hopefully by publishing here lots of encouragement will be forthcoming (or taunts of fat git anyway).
Can you see the fat on the face?
No pain at all from the knees yesterday over Shining Tor (not even the tiniest of twinges).
Last walk of 2008 - Shining Tor
Fantastic morning out walking today with Martin S. The weather at home was cold and foggy and quite miserable. As soon as we got the other side of the Peaks to Buxton, the fog cleared and it was magnificent sunshine!Great 3 hour walk around and up Shining Tor starting from the car park at Errwood Reservoir in the Goyt Valley. First bit got the pulse racing and the lungs highly activated - all conversation stopped! After that relatively gentle walk over the top and back to the car park.
Fabulous sunshine, some wild grouse and some fantastic icicle formations (see the pics).
Afterwards lunch at the Rose and Crown near Wincle on the A54 (it was dead - only us there - wouldn't recommend for the future!).
Our itinerary - are you scared?
Day 1
Rendezvous at the group's hotel in Les Houches in the Chamonix Valley. The guide will chat about the days ahead and check out your equipment before dinner. (D)
Day 2
Transfer through the Mont Blanc Tunnel to Italy's Aosta Valley and Valgrisenche. We then trek to the head of the valley and the excellent Refugio Bezzi. (B/L/D)
Day 3
Cross the Col Bassac Dere (3082m) and ascend the Becca della Traversiere (3334m). Then, descend via a glacier to the Refugio Benevolo (2285m). (B/L/D)
Day 4
Today, our route takes us across the Col Nivolettaz (3180m) from where we ascend our second summit Punta Basei (3338m). Overnight at the Refugio Chivasso (2604m). (B/L/D)
Day 5
A beautiful descent to the Albergo Paradiso where we pick up our technical equipment for Gran Paradiso. Afternoon walk to the Refugio Vittorio Emanuele (2732m). (B/L/D)
Day 6
An early start for the classic easy snow climb and rocky scramble to the summit of the Gran Paradiso (4061m). Descend to the Rifugio Federico Chabod, below the north face. (B/L/D)
Day 7
We walk out via the Traverse de Gran Neyron and the Val del Leviona to Valsavarenche. Return transfer to Les Houches, Chamonix. (B/L/D)
Day 8
Services end after breakfast. (B)
Rendezvous at the group's hotel in Les Houches in the Chamonix Valley. The guide will chat about the days ahead and check out your equipment before dinner. (D)
Day 2
Transfer through the Mont Blanc Tunnel to Italy's Aosta Valley and Valgrisenche. We then trek to the head of the valley and the excellent Refugio Bezzi. (B/L/D)
Day 3
Cross the Col Bassac Dere (3082m) and ascend the Becca della Traversiere (3334m). Then, descend via a glacier to the Refugio Benevolo (2285m). (B/L/D)
Day 4
Today, our route takes us across the Col Nivolettaz (3180m) from where we ascend our second summit Punta Basei (3338m). Overnight at the Refugio Chivasso (2604m). (B/L/D)
Day 5
A beautiful descent to the Albergo Paradiso where we pick up our technical equipment for Gran Paradiso. Afternoon walk to the Refugio Vittorio Emanuele (2732m). (B/L/D)
Day 6
An early start for the classic easy snow climb and rocky scramble to the summit of the Gran Paradiso (4061m). Descend to the Rifugio Federico Chabod, below the north face. (B/L/D)
Day 7
We walk out via the Traverse de Gran Neyron and the Val del Leviona to Valsavarenche. Return transfer to Les Houches, Chamonix. (B/L/D)
Day 8
Services end after breakfast. (B)
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