Hi folks. I am very new to this+just starting out so would appreciate any tips. I have also signed up for a weekend of walking+camping in Jura in April so am looking for any advice u may think helpful!!! Ta much 
|
 |
 I'd just start by reading through the threads and look at the ones that seem interesting. Or use the basic search feature of the site and tap any questions into that. Welcome to OM and have fun Kym
|
|
 I'd second that and add that if you have any specific Qs about what ......... to buy or where's a good place to go near .......... then post it either on the "Gear" or "walking and climbing" sections of the forum (they tend to see more activity than this board so quicker/more answers) Also welcome to OM =)
|
|
 Hi Kym, welcome to OM. If you're new to the walking lark, then to enjoy the Jura weekend, it might be worth getting in a few decent hill days beforehand, just to try to build up a bit of 'hill fitness'. It'll also help you decide if the kit you have got will be fine or if you need to fine-tune it. Are you car camping or backpacking? If the latter, you might want also to go out a couple of times with a larger pack to get used to it. If not, then make your camping experience as luxurious as you like! Presuming that Kym is a female name... a small thing I found that made camping way more comfortable than I had in my youth was a shewee. Practice before you go 
|
|
As a bloke who comes with a built in one of those Kate I've been practising all my life and still can't hit the toilet spot on. I'm sure I'm not the only one but probably unique in admitting it. If you've ever been to a gents in a club you'll know what I mean (not saying you are the type to go into a gents in a busy nightclub BTW). Whiskey and posting is not a good idea methinks. Penalty of my first home broadband. BTW Please tell us what Jura is like when you get back. Never been but a few sea kayaking mates say it is beautiful although that was seen from the sea camping in caves and on beaches. Be very careful though, this walking lark is very addictive. I realised a few weekends ago that I have been walking every weekend for about 1.5 to 2 years straight without a single weekend break from it! Plus a few weeks doing it and a few full weekends as well. I've done 40/50 mile walks followed by a 10 miler the day after. I think I count as an addict and it might be you after Jura. BTW please don't be put off by some of the banter on OM. We're all harmless really but you do get a few squabbles. If some ppl's humour doesn't gel with you don't worry you'll get used to it and eventually join us. Check out the windy thread or the windy II thread.
|
|
er... I have a brother, TTG, I know perfectly well how rubbish blokes are at aiming the thing into a bloody great toilet pan!!
|
|
 I blame the feminine influence in choosing bathroom furniture. If we blokes were allowed to have an individual urinal mounted at an appropriate height there would be no problem. 'Toilets' designed for sitting on however only suit the girlies at urination time. You know it makes sense. Come on chaps, you know you never splash your boots in the gents, only in the unisex. I trust this advice will help Kym with his/her weekend walking. Edit: Welcome to OM Kym, whatever you are and however you pee.
|
| Edited: 18/02/10 01:27 |
.jpg) Welcome to OM Kym. As Kate says, practice - hillwalking, with your kit. You'll find out what works, what doesn't and what you want advice on or can give advice on.
|
|
 Hi Kym as said above get out there and get in some practice before your trip to Jura. The hills there are stony and steep in places so a good fitness level will help you enjoy the weekend. Remember not all your gear will work well the first time and may require some amendments or changes.
|
|
 welcome kym. as well as trying out some days out to get into the swing of things also practice standing up for many hours at a time. i know it sounds daft but walking all day involves standing up. your feet will kill you if you are not used to standing up.
|
|
If he's doing the standing practice Parky, mightn't he as well do some walking about at the same time as the standing thus killing two birds with one stone? Standing about is very boring in most situations (unless you can get a ticket for a rugby international) I take your point but have never thought of just standing but always combined the standing with forwards motion. Just a thought.
|
|
the pub is very handy for standing practice. as is shopping. the pub may eventually induce an ability not to be able to stand. with pratice.
|
|
For shopping the best way to stand around for long periods is to get married, this slows down any shopping process by an immeasurable factor.
|
|
 Hello Kym, I'm new to walking too and have yet to go on my first 'proper' walk although a few trips are planned for this year starting in April/May - I'm afraid I'm a bit of a wuss when it comes to extreme cold weather I'll be starting with local circular walks just to build up some stamina first as my my walks have so far been limited to walks/strolls around a park. Let us know how you get on - feel free to PM me if you want to talk to a fellow novice!
|
|
 Dumb Q: is that the Jura mountains on the French/Swiss border or the Isle of Jura off the West coast of Scotland? Both very nice places, but also quite different! Pete.
|
|
If you have not got your equipment yet go to a fishing shop and buy a little spring weighing device up to 4lb/2kg and weigh everything you propose to carry [Take care of the oz/gr an the lbs/kg take care of themselves]
Don't use a pack much over 50 litres which will make you decide what you absolutely need to take.
|
|
 Did someone really direct Kym to the Windy thread? I mean, how to put someone off from the very start!
|
|
If he's doing the standing practice Parky, mightn't he as well do some walking about at the same time as the standing thus killing two birds with one stone?
AtlasLion - How does one stand and walk at the same time? I've heard of multi-tasking but this is taking it one step further, or not as the case may be!
Chairman Bill - Erm! That would be me, but in my defence I was half cut following a bottle of whiskey bought a a good price. Plus I've noly just got braodband at work so now I can surf the internet when not working hard at the office as well. To be fair I could have mentioned the virtual fight thread. Now that was a funny thread to follow. <throws a virtual chicken grenade and runs> Ooops! Wrong thread.
|
|
