A bijou strollette....

AimlessWanderer · **Reply #30 on:** October 09, 2016, 10:59:32 PM

My destination was Ulley Reservoir. Formally a water source, but now a conservation area. Ironically, in the floods of 2007 it was nearly the eradicator of several villages and the main electrical sub-station that delivers power to the entire City of Sheffield. As the dam walls started to crack, long reach diggers were positioned in front of the dam wall, frantically trying to reinforce it with the nearby clay, whilst converging fire departments used high capacity pumps to reduce the water levels by 4 million litres an hour.

The M1 motorway was also closed, and military aircraft frequently passed overhead. It is said that once the at risk villages had been evacuated (which I actually got caught up in), the MOD were armed and ready to bomb the area should the dam give way. The plan was to open up the motorway to create an alternate route for the floodwaters, I order to save the electrical sub-station.

Thankfully it was a lot more tranquil today

AimlessWanderer · **Reply #31 on:** October 09, 2016, 11:03:11 PM

Ulley Country Park has it's own sailing club, with small one and two man craft. It's also quite popular with nature lovers, and there's facilities for them too, including permanent blinds and feeding areas beyond.

AimlessWanderer · **Reply #32 on:** October 09, 2016, 11:05:36 PM

Just a few more random pics, including my next sandwich and coffee stop.

AimlessWanderer · **Reply #33 on:** October 09, 2016, 11:08:19 PM

Since 2007 the dam wall and spillway have had a lot of work done to them, and I love the carved benches that they've added.

AimlessWanderer · **Reply #34 on:** October 09, 2016, 11:12:16 PM

There was some real wildlife too... including a long tailed field mouse which I nearly squashed with my walking stick

Of course, around water there was the obligatory kid feeding the ducks with a parent, and the obligatory swan getting in my way and showing no intention of shifting

AimlessWanderer · **Reply #35 on:** October 09, 2016, 11:13:26 PM

Some more info on the reservoir and the floods......

AimlessWanderer · **Reply #36 on:** October 09, 2016, 11:20:43 PM

Once I'd made my way round to the stone bridge across the Morthen Arm (visible in the earlier pics) I had chalked up exactly 9 miles according to the app on my phone. About 1/4 of a mile past this I had a bit of a bad turn with my health, and was unable to proceed for a while. Eventually I got it sorted out, and headed onward to the small village of Ulley.

I had decided to catch a bus back into town, and start making my way back.... until I got to the bus stop and it advised me there was no Sunday service on that route

AimlessWanderer · **Reply #37 on:** October 09, 2016, 11:21:39 PM

Evil Tree smirked at my misfortune

dks · **Reply #38 on:** October 09, 2016, 11:23:37 PM

The v-shape on the tree reminds me of something else...

AimlessWanderer · **Reply #39 on:** October 09, 2016, 11:26:07 PM

The next village in line was Aston, which was down 60mph winding country lanes with no footpath. I decided to to dedicate much time to photography on this section......

There was some nice countryside though, and the imposing clouds never delivered the showers they were threatening.

AimlessWanderer · **Reply #40 on:** October 09, 2016, 11:27:15 PM

Quote from: dks on October 09, 2016, 11:23:37 PM

The v-shape on the tree reminds me of something else...

I thought you'd have been more interested in this one.......

AimlessWanderer · **Reply #41 on:** October 09, 2016, 11:34:37 PM

With about an hour of daylight left, the winding roads finally spat me out somewhere vaguely recognisable. I knew if I headed right, I would find a pub with Real Ales and a log fire. My medication shouldn't be taken with alcohol, but by this time I was disinclined to heed that advice, and with a total of 13.5 miles chalked up I eventually arrived at the pub..... to discover it had been closed down two months ago

I got back on the main road to come back past Ulley Country Park and prepared myself for tackling the gruelling hills ahead. In the dip of the first one, I found a nice little sheltered spot to finish off the last of my rations.

AimlessWanderer · **Reply #42 on:** October 09, 2016, 11:41:06 PM

The light was ailing now, and so were my legs. As I passed Whiston once more, the temptation I previously resisted at the pub proved too much. I succumbed to a pint of Farmers Blonde...... ironically served by a blonde I really wouldn't have minded rolling in the hay with.....

For some reason the photo of the half quaffed pint seems quite light, but as I ambled onwards up the hill on the quest for home, night was upon me.

Eventually I got back having racked up 20.2 miles, and a feeling of pride and achievement - which for various reasons I haven't felt for a while. I'm really glad I persevered and didn't bail out in that first mile.

SteveC · **Reply #43 on:** October 09, 2016, 11:48:48 PM

Quite the adventure

Aloha · **Reply #44 on:** October 10, 2016, 06:52:19 AM

Quote from: SteveC on October 09, 2016, 11:48:48 PM

Quite the adventure

Yes I'll say. Bravo for forging on with what appears have been a wonderful trek. Such a beautiful area of the world, thank you so much for sharing,

AimlessWanderer · **Reply #45 on:** October 10, 2016, 03:25:18 PM

Thanks guys

It's been taking it's toll on me today, but I plan on getting out again soon.

zoidberg · **Reply #46 on:** October 10, 2016, 03:38:04 PM

jcs0001 · **Reply #47 on:** October 10, 2016, 05:41:20 PM

Great photos and dialogue. It's a long way from my area in distance and very interesting to see.

Thanks,

John.

Etherealicer · **Reply #48 on:** October 10, 2016, 05:43:07 PM

My wife loves "Midsomer Murders" and there was me thinking that those idyllic villages only exist for TV, thanks for educating me

AimlessWanderer · **Reply #49 on:** October 10, 2016, 07:58:46 PM

Thanks guys

Unfortunately I've been pretty much housebound today, but hoping to get back out soon. I'll probably do something tamer next time, and am looking into local parks, nature reserves, museums, castles, and anything else that's free or cheap

Aloha · **Reply #50 on:** October 10, 2016, 08:02:10 PM

I cannot wait for the next installment. Hoping you are feeling better soon and not just cause we want you to take more photos.

AimlessWanderer · **Reply #51 on:** October 10, 2016, 08:30:32 PM

Thanks mate

I'm going to be wrestling these issues for the foreseeable future, but thankfully the worst incidents generally only last for 20 mins or so. I think I've suffered a little worse today due to my own stupidity. Had I picked any day other than a Sunday, it would have been 10 miles, or if I'd have had some pocket change and not just a high denomination note, it would have been 13.1/2 miles.

That said, even going shopping can have me laid up the next day. I just need to plan a "recovery day" following any kind of activity. I'll also carry a larger pack when doing anything like this again, as my next size pack has a waist belt, which might make a difference by taking load (albeit fairly light) off my shoulders.

AimlessWanderer · **Reply #52 on:** October 22, 2016, 11:28:34 PM

I've not done anymore walking since the accidental 20 miler, other than uninteresting urban strolls, but I have spent a bit of time researching routes and working on my kit. I've been wrestling with trying to keep the weight off my neck, but also make things more accessible, so I don't have to take the pack off any more than necessary, which in itself can be quite challenging.

Moving from a cheapo Gelert 15L (ish) day pack up to my 30-35L Karrimor Ridge pack might seem counterproductive, but I'm hoping the addition of a hip belt will help minimise the load on my shoulders. The hip belt also has pockets, so I can put some of the frequently needed items in there. One thing that I've had for a while, but never used much is a OMM Trio Map Pouch 4. This brings 4L of capacity round to the front of the pack for my DrinkPod and other "on the go" items, again minimising taking the pack off. The integral map feature is an added bonus.

Other things I've been considering are related to the health aspects. I've been updating the FAK to ensure the basics are all there and in tact (for cuts and grazes), and streamlining the other kit I'd normally take on a hike. I have put some additions in too. Reflective/hi-vis items have been added, in case I find myself on more unlit country lanes with no footpath. My cycling gear (which i can't use on the bike) has come in handy for this. I've also discovered that my lightweight gloves that I'd normally pack, slide on the handle of my walking stick - but my cycling gloves don't. Cycling gloves do look a little odd in conjunction with a traditional crooked cane, but not as odd as faceplanting because my hand slipped

Finally, in one of my more intuitive moments, I've added a closed cell sit mat, and a green sportsman original space blanket. My walks haven't included rest breaks sat on wet benches and cold walls yet, but they will - and when they do, I'll be ready

I'm hoping to establish a system that really works well for me, as walking seems to be one of the few activities I can do right now. In fact travelling as a passenger in a car actually screws my neck up worse at the moment. I hope to be able to give the new set up a test next week.

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A bijou strollette....

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