Uber-Lite arrives at last

Lightest available self-inflating pad for ground insulation and the good news is, for me at least working on a sub 8lbs kit list is that the stated weight includes the stuff sac and a repair kit. Nice when something weighs less than you think on the scales! Rolls (or folds) up quite small and I think it will fit on the back of the pack like the Ridgerest, thus allowing room for some food inside, so the 15ltr Inov8 should be big enough after all.
Offers just that bit more for the hips - I'll be giving it a try tonight.
It was quite chilly out last night, so it'll be interesting to see how warm the bag is too...

New Map of Route

This is a useful map of the Coast to Coast route that can be zoomed in to 1:50,000 OS map:

http://cms-stu-iis.gre.ac.uk/km44/map/

Superglue Update

Finally got some of the surgical superglue - there are several trade names - Dermabond etc. the one I got is called LiquiBand... I think... the bloomin' tube is so small I've gone and lost it already! No change worth mentioning out of a tenner either... and the pharmacist has had to order a box full of the stuff at collossal expense... I didn't have the heart to open it! - and will use it more to seal blisters than add a protective layer... if I can find it that is...
On this week's longer training run (13m +pack) I've again tried the gel type superglue - easier to apply..? Certainly less chance of any surplus running between the toes and sticking them together at least!
As super glue crazes, the idea is to find a more flexible type - next on list is Band Aid's Liquid Bandage...

Midge Net Tent

Got this finished this weekend - final weight of 152 gms - though I've only left an overlap for the closure. A zip would be relatively heavy, but could be added to centre or to one side of the 'A' entry. I've enough left for a full floor - but I'm thinking that the 'skirt' will be enough under the poly-io groundsheet which I've cut to size with about a 2" overlap (36gms).
Considering putting some velcro or pop fasteners to the opening - but if it gapes then a zip may be the only option...

Pack Choice

Over the past years I've used a very light extending bum bag with a mere 18ltr capacity. I upped the stakes a bit last year and bought an Inov8 15ltr which is tight... very tight. It's a comfortable sac suitable for running with too - designed for mountain marathoners. They also make a 20 and 25litre, so I'm preparing to upgrade this year.
I have bought a 'micro sac' - a Sea to Summit Ultra Sil a nifty 20litre affair that if you lit a tea light in would surely rise into the air like a chinese lantern!! Less it's tiny stuff sac (attached to it's tiny 'haul loop') it's a mere 68grams. It accepts all the kit (as is) but would not be suitable for running without the addition of a hip belt and sternum strap, so until time permits (it's like performing surgery on a butterfly!) I'm sticking with the Inov8 that I used on the recce for now...

Midge Netting...

...has arrived from Point North. The plan is to make a full 'tent' to fit beneath the tarp, then if nights are warm I've got more freedom... Though entry and exit is tricky without a zip (I've got a similar affair that's only really suitable to describe as mosquito netting - mossies are bigger than midges...), but adding a zip will add weight... so ' jury's out on that one.
I bit the bullet Saturday night and cut out the shapes ready for sewing...

It's all Kicking Off...

After such a comfy night then, I was off for a 'kit trial' run this morning. It's a nice route from Creswell down to the Boon Hills and I stopped for a peek into 'Robin Hood's Cave' at Langwith Basset around the 6m point (the gate was open...) Cows use it for shelter these days, but it certainly would have been a good hide-out! There are many Robin Hood references around here and as far North as the Coast to Coast route... interesting!
The main item on trial today was the brolly - as sun reflector this time: went well - certainly worth it's weight (140gms) and the effort of fitting the canopy to the stronger frame!
Who knows - with a UV50 umbrella on last year's attempt maybe I wouldn't have arrived at the Lion Inn with early signs of heat stroke... (but then, of course water consumption played a key role too)