We start this week with a new blogger Martin Rye and his "Summit And Valley" blog.

use a DSLR camera and this is not light but I don’t mind. I think I am at the end of cutting my pack weight at this time as I like comfort in my wild camps (part of the fun) and so I don’t see any main weight savings at this time.
 

Lighthiker Roman has been earning a Blue Peter badge in this posting "Cosy feelings".

 My Bushbuddy Ultra needs some proper protection from the wind and I’m a big fan of the cosy concept. Bob Cartwright’s well known pot cosy and windshield kit offers you the possibility to combine both functionalities into one piece of kit (and it also works as a little seat mat) and with the addition of some velcro stripes, staples and aluminum tape you quickly come up with our own patent design.
 

But for an alternative view of Roman's handy work read what Alan Sloman thought it was in "Roman's Cosy Feelings".

 My immediate thoughts ran all the way back to Blue Peter and Valerie Singelton, Christopher Trace and John Noakes. All that is missing is the sticky-back plastic and the ball of string.
 

Blogging their way on a LEJOG for charity is Gayle E Bird

A bit of a chat was had and upon learning the nature of our trip we were invited to have a meal with them in a local pub. Alas, given that our intended destination for the day was up in the hills, we had to decline, to which Jim put his hand in his pocket and handed over a generous sum of money which he was quite adamant was to be spent on beer and food, not to be given to Macmillan. We will abide by that instruction and I look forward to finding a pub tomorrow, whereupon we will toast these gents. Macmillan didn't lose out either, as we also came away with a £20 donation.
 

Blowing my own trumpet for once, I've been playing with a new camera in "A Tale Of Two Walks".

Again my ever alert wolf pack didn’t notice it for ages. But it wasn’t just them though that had no idea. As the the picture below shows fellow walkers with their dogs had no idea it was there either.

 

Ken Knight has been writing up his recent TGO Challenge Crossing "Spittal Glennmuick, Part 1—Mar Lodge to Braemar "

To be fair to Braemar it is my own limitations that held me back at the party though I do think it is hard to have good conversations in a beer tent with a covers band playing loud music in the background. I had far more fun with Jules and Mark at the Old Country Bakery for dinner and just before. Jules and Mark get along quite well and listening to Jules tell some stories about RAF duty as well as some fascinating war history on how different cultures deal with their dead was quite a good way to spend time. It is also true that I only have myself to blame for eating too much. Having said all this I would still stop in this little town and try and play socialite again. I can see why some people take a complete rest day here since their are things to do besides eat, drink, and chat.
 

"Time To Start Dehydrating And Planning!" says Sarah over at the Freezer Bag Cooking Blog.

So that means it is time to start planning trips (ok, some of us do that in December....), take a look at last years leftovers in the cupboard and start thinking meals and snacks for dayhiking and backpacking trips.

A good start is if you have a "hiking food" area, pull everything out and set on a counter. Also empty out any emergency food you carry in your backpacks. Take a look at dates on all sealed items. If expired you know the drill!
 
 

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