Kinder Scout - 23/09/12
Having had a cancellation at work, I decided to have a go at Kinder Scout today.
Not my first time up there, so I knew where I could park and that made a quick decision to go even easier. I did make sure I had packed my rucksack with all that was needed today - unlike last Monday on The Wrekin! Doh!!
Very suprised to find that the wind was so strong at the car park. Should have brought my ‘Deputy Dawg’ hat. Oh well…not that bad.
Started off fine, but I failed to realise how long a walk this is. Some of the way is paved, but to be honest I don’t find this easy to walk on. Up Burnt Hill, looking as brown as ever and the wind is getting quite strong.
Down the other side and up Mill Hill, which has me puffing a bit. Had a nosey at the remains of an aircraft. Did’nt see much last time I was here as it was covered in snow - but today just a biting wind. No rain (yet).
Anyone have any info on the aircraft?
Down into the coll before the final push up to the top and a respite from the wind. After a quick drink I walk slowly to the top. Bit of a steep one this, so take my time. Getting older and fatter you know
Walked in a gale to well within the activation zone and decided to go and hide well away from the path. I am only setting up a 2m dipole, but softly, softly catches monkey and I don’t want any problems with a warden.
Ground very wet, but simple set up despite the wind.
2m ssb. Managed to get a spot on and called from my windy pirch. I must find out how to do that bit via sms.
Thanks to 2E0XYL, G0TRB, GW4EVX, M6BLV, G6ODU, GW4CQZ, G0HRT, G4ZRP.
Thought I had heard Don (RQL) from Devon, but just could not make him out.
Wind really picking up by now and so after 45 mins, decide to have a quick listen on FM before packing up. It is getting very cold and it does not feel much like September.
Managed a nice S2S with Paul 2E0PYG/P on NP-005 before the threat of rain had me packing everything up.
A very windy walk back to the car, but I could’nt have timed this better. Just closed the door and it started to rain…
My muscles are aching now as I am not used to this, but with winter coming I hope to be getting out and about on a few more hills very shortly.
Thanks to everyone today - and sorry if I missed anyone today.
ps. If you fancy having a go at Kinder - be very careful about your speed. 3 active camera vans on the way back home, plus loads of static cameras make me thankful I just potter about at the speed limit.
Time for a hot bath and a beer.
John