New gadget, scales and a run
I'm aiming to have the new Kayak by the end of this month and, hopefully head to either Angelsey or Pembrokeshire.
In the mean time, I've been going through my kit.
I got the kit bag out that I keep it all in and it weighs an amazing 30 lbs!
Some of it I wear, some is normally stowed in the hatches - either way, I'm going to reduce it!
When I put the bag on the scales, I forgot the fact that I have a drinks bladder on my buoyancy aid, this must weigh a fair bit also. I haven't weighed the paddles, but of course its not relevant - can't afford a new one, or a spare for that matter!
I have already emptied it all out and had a look at what is in there, I was carting some junk around I must say!
1 small gas bottle and tiny screw on stove.
1 metal military style mug (to use as a pan)
1 survival shelter (2 person)
1 survival bag
1 repair kit inc. corks, cord, deck elastic(!)
1 lightweight micro fibre towel
1 down jacket in a waterproof bag
1 hand warmer and fuel
1 fire starting kit (flint & striker, matches, lighter and kindling(fluff from tumble dryer))
1 deck bag - containing: Woolly hat in sealed bag,Car keys,flask of coffee,snacks,usually an apple, and possibly sandwich,multi tool,cord with 2 caribiners,camera,map in waterproof case,chino graph pencil,pogies (in winter) and a pair of neoprene gloves.
I have in my B.A: Water bladder 2 litre, rescue knife, hand-held compass, VHF Radio, whistle.
Mostly I wear a towline around my waist.
on the deck, theres the split paddle (only a cheap one, quite heavy)
As you can see, theres a lot of kit there! But how much of it can I do without?
Some of the repair kit has already gone.
I intend to get rid of the deck bag, and either use a smaller one, or manage without.
I have been using my Canon Ixus 950 for 3 years now with this dedicated waterproof case. It has been perfect except once - I got sand in the retractable lens when it wasn't in the case - Dead!
I managed to find another 2nd hand one on Ebay for £60 and until a week or so ago it has worked fine, now the lens on this one is making the all too familiar grating sound as it goes in and out. not only that, but it seems it has stopped focusing properly.
Here's the replacement. A Pentax W90
Waterproof (apparently) and dust proof (should help with the sand problem)
I wanted a smaller lighter camera, (so I could fit it in the buoyancy aid pocket) and definitely one that has no external moving parts - this fitted the bill.
The reviews are mixed, some good some bad - but they are for most cameras.
I will try it as soon as I get back in the water. In the mean time I am familiarising myself with it.
Its alright looking at all the kit I here you say, but what about that extra bit I'm carrying around my middle!
Since I hurt my back in 2009, I have not been as mobile as i was. I haven't been mountain biking regularly (in fact I should be there now as I write this), I have consumed an awful lot of chocolate, and junk food. Often working late has been necessary and eating on the way home late in the evening has been the easy option.
Well 12 stone 8lbs later and I know I'm carrying it, just trying to do self rescues, I feel debilitated trying to haul myself onto the deck. When I hurt my back I had been 11 stone 7lbs. This is where I aim to be in the future.
I went for my first run 2 nights ago, and although it wasn't very far, I felt better for it, I have limited my chocolate intake also and even bought a bag of apples for when I get the urge.
I'll keep you posted.
Its trainers for me then.........
