#Obesity - soft love or tough love or a brutal reality (non PC)

I return to the subject of obesity - see Obesity and Intelligence blog written 12/6/14

The NHS is a hot and important topic. The new head of the NHS has identified a massive funding gap and has issued a 5 year plan. He has stated more focus needs to be on prevention rather than just cure as a way of improving the health of the nation and particularly as a way of balancing the NHS budget. He specifically referred to the obesity time bomb - the certain knowledge that the NHS will be overwhelmed with health problems which have their root cause in obesity. The challenge is to get the preventative message across - you must lose weight!

The question is how to get the message across to get to where we need to get.

THE SOFT LOVE APPROACH

• Obesity is a type of mental illness.
• It is about peoples complex relationship with food and we need to understand that.
• The answer may even lay with gene make-up.
• Many obese people have self esteem problems - they need love and understanding - they cannot do it on their own.
• Individuals need counselling and support. It is a shared problem.
• The NHS must use its resources to provide the professional care and support needed.
• It is a public health issue which doctors and the NHS are responsible for solving.
• It is cheaper (hotly disputed) to buy junk food than healthy food and many obese people are on limited incomes - and this issue needs to be addressed by the government.
• A gastric band might be simpler.

THE TOUGH LOVE APPROACH

• Obesity is bad for your long term health prospects and you need to reduce your weight - otherwise diabetes and heart problems are definitely on your horizon.
• You are taking in more calories than you are burning. You need to reduce your intake by improving your diet.
• You need to do some regular exercise.
• It is your responsibility - you can do something about it if you try so get on with it and stop letting yourself and your family down.

THE BRUTAL REALITY APPROACH (NON PC)

• You are obese because you are ignorant, weak willed and lazy. You should be ashamed of yourself.
• You are an embarrassment to yourself and everyone else because you are fat and overweight.
• You are a terrible role model as a parent.
• You are anti social - as a result of your self indulgence you are very likely to be a burden on the NHS. Some people feel if you are obese you shouldn't be treated for subsequent health problems like diabetes because they are self inflicted and could have been prevented by you if you were not so indolent.
• Here are some pictures of people whose lives have been dramatically limited by resultant heart problems, diabetes related problems - like loss of sight and amputations. This is your prospect.
• Stop thinking about yourself - think about your family, your children and your grandchildren. 
• You say you love your kids. You are killing them by letting them get fat. It is child abuse.
• It is your problem - sort it - they don't have this problem in Africa - because they are not mollycoddled or indulged. Get off the couch.

The soft love approach will likely prevail and so will our deficit. Vast amounts of NHS money will be spent on counselling and "initiatives". The reality is it is actually a simple problem. Almost always it is a personal issue. You are taking in more calories than you are burning - so take in less calories and help by burning some more by exercise. Simple and responsible - and the old truth THE LESS YOU DO THE LESS YOU FEEL LIKE DOING. GETTING STARTED IS THE HARD PART.

Great West Run - half marathon

It is Tuesday morning - back from a long weekend in Exeter which included completing the half marathon on Sunday. My legs are still aching.

I shall describe - some of my thoughts and thought processes.

A quick recap - I have run quite a lot of half marathons in the past - but that was in my early 30's. My offspring are all into running now and I did the Istanbul 15k with them last year. I enjoyed it a lot - not the run particularly but the having done it bit and the sense of achievement you feel.

As I was entering my 60th year I was forming a plan of the sort of things I could and would like to do. It is easy to fill out a diary with a set of dates! Anyway I decided to do a half marathon in October 14 and run the Paris Marathon in April 15. (we applied and paid up - so we are in!).

The half marathon - I was working off a good level of general fitness (touch wood) and was given a 13 week training programme by one of my sons. Broadly I did the programme but at no point did I feel I was on top of it and it was a struggle.

Anyway race day comes. A 9 am start - 4000 runners. I had a hot bath at 6.30am and rubbed masses of Deep Heat into my knees. My daughter asked me how I felt - I said like someone going into an exam - feeling they had not done enough revision!

The pre race was great. We were in the centre of Exeter in a big line of athletes. I was with my son James - the music playing loud - especially Pharrell Williams "Happy"! Great stuff - but an anxious time as well. It was a perfect running morning - clear and coolish and only a slight breeze.

The initial part of the course was gentle downhill - through the main High Street - lots of people cheering - running was easy - ha! Gradually reality dawned though. Lots of smallish inclines and then at 5 miles - a 11/2  mile stretch out on one carriageway and back on the other. When I entered this stretch there were others already finishing the return. You keep wishing for the turning point but it takes a long time to come. I also felt the pressure of being caught up in a race - also thinking about the time - conscious that runners were passing me - knowing I was less than half way. Not very enjoyable. When I did eventually turn I did get a lift. You then see runners toiling up the leg and realise there are plenty of others still behind and struggling too.

At about 8 miles there was a horrendous hill running up through the uni. There were lots of spectators on the hill offering genuine encouragement. Quite a few broke into a walk. I kept running albeit at a crabs pace - and it was hard. The only thing that keeps you going is not stopping. From there and till the rest of the race my legs ached and to some extent my knees felt as if they were jarring. Between 9 and 10 miles the course re enters the town - close to the start. There I pass my wonderful family including my two grand daughters - emotional (very) to hear them cheering on dad.

The last part was very hard. You set off a 150 yrds from the finish - but have to run away from it. Exeter is my home town so know this stretch well. Plenty of inclines - legs are heavy and stiff - no knee lift - shuffling along. Lots of lovely spectators. See James coming back and going well with a big smile. brings tears to my eyes. Get to the turn to run back on the other carriageway - only 20 minutes or so to the finish. Feeling physically ok - but legs won't go. Lots happening - masses of people  cheering- disconcertingly ambulance sirens and I see a couple of people being treated. At this point I feel emotional - St Marks Hill - a bloody good effort Dave. People are nice - offer encouragement. Run down to the finish - see all the family clapping - and I run in to bag pipes playing - amazing. Choking back tears. How crazy - just a piddly little half marathon run in a crap time - but it feels a lot and feels significant.

I finish in 2.26. I hoped to be quite a bit faster - but I wasn't. Did it matter? Not really. I got a round without stopping. Apparently I was 48th in the overs 60's category - ha! I feel so pleased for James. He did a PB on a hilly course - 2.01 - a brilliant effort. My family were great - so supportive.

So reflections. So glad I did it. The wonderful satisfaction both physically and emotionally is special. It is slightly crazy - perhaps too much to sensibly undertake - but life needs challenges and it is good for the soul to get out of your comfort zone. Everybody that had a go was a winner.

My mind quickly turned to the April 15 Paris Marathon. Ridiculous to feel a marathon would require another lap of the same. To be honest that seems impossible - and I initially decide to be sensible and rule it out.

However a couple of days have passed. I feel good (touch wood). I have entered in the Paris Marathon. I have said to myself I will do it. Am I going to bottle it. Am I going to give up the immense emotional feeling that will get if I cross the finishing line on the Champs Ely-sees. How can I ? So that's it. 6 months to prepare to run 26 miles. Terrifying !

Ready to set off

Jame's going well

10 miles putting on a brave face!

Medals at the end. Emotional!

#MentalHealth and the NHS

I shall start by saying this is an entirely lay view. It is neither couched to be offensive or politically correct - but practical, responsible and well meaning.

In the last round of political conferences the Lib Dems described Mental Health as the Cinderella service within the NHS and pledged more money and more priority. The other parties are following suit. Mental Health is the latest big issue of our time to be confronted or cynically the latest attempt to catch your vote.

Clegg said he wanted parents chatting at the school gate to be able to refer to their mental illness as freely as they would any physical illness. Mental illness should no longer be taboo - it is part of life and a large percentage of the population will suffer some mental illness problem in their lives. Fine!

The call is for the NHS to respond to this challenge with more understanding, commitment and resources. The call is for more specialists. The message is - the NHS will be there to help you. No longer do you have to suffer in silence. I wish to clearly state anyone suffering from serious mental illness should be properly helped by the NHS. I have no issue with this whatsoever. So again fine!

But is it fine? I have a few problems - I have a few concerns.

My first concern is the definition of "mental" illness. The spectrum is vast.

My second concern is the balance between the rights of the individual to receive NHS help with their mental illness issues and their responsibility to help themselves.

My third and it follows from the second above - a concern that we are creating, enforcing, perpetuating a "victim" mentality - which is likely to make an individuals health worse in the long run.

My point is this - many people have self-esteem issues, many people have a weight problem, many people enter in what is often referred to as a mid life crisis. These problems (in the new thinking) are now being referred to as "mental" illness in the same way as Bi Polar disorder or Schizophrenia is correctly referred to as "mental" illness.

As a consequence I believe it is likely that the NHS will be overwhelmed by "mental" illness "victims" knocking on the door seeking someone to solve their unhappiness. This will not help them - because they are psychologically passing on the responsibility for their problem to someone else (doctors and the NHS) nor will it help the tax payer who has to fund the NHS or as resources are finite - improve the support for those who really need mental health treatment.

I shall spell it out. It is not the State's responsibility to make your life happy - to give point or purpose to it. It is counter productive for the NHS/Gov't to assume responsibility for bolstering your self esteem just because you are lazy and weak willed and have become obese from eating too much and not doing enough (any) exercise. These people are not "victims". Their problems are their responsibility and of their own making. It is within their control to change their life - to make better decisions. If they do it for themselves they will feel better anyway and it will be more sustainable.

The answer lies in emphasising their responsibilities to themselves - to enforce that they are in charge of their life - their happiness. It is not constructive to give them the opportunity to put the responsibility for solving their problems on the NHS - to approach life with a victim mentality - poor me - no one has helped me - I have been let down!

We cannot afford this indulgence anyway and should be very wary of vested interests building their empire and gullible politicians scrabbling for votes on the pretext of a "caring" agenda.

#Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Valley

On 30th October I fly to Kathmandu Nepal via Mumbai with Jet Airways. Arrival is on 31st. The trek I am doing is described below by the trek organisers Nepal Vision :-

Gokyo (4,750m/15 583ft), at the base of Gokyo Ri , is a small village in the Khumbu region. Located at one of the highest elevation in the world, trekking to Everest Base Camp via Gokyo lakes is one of the most adventurous trips attempted in the Khumbu region of Nepal. The trek facilitates climbing all the high valleys and passes in the region, culminating with the ascent of Kala Patthar (5,545 m/18,192 ft) and Everest Base Camp (5,364m/17,598ft). At Gokyo, one can explore the obscure Sherpa valley providing majestic views of surrounding mountains in the whole of the Khumbu region.

Everest base camp Gokyo lakes trek materializes a unique trail that goes through Namche bazaar to Gokyo. You will cross Cho La Pass further up west and make all the the way up to Kala Patthar and Everest Base Camp.

The trek takes off from Lukla, a small town in Khumbu. The trail passes through numerous Sherpa villages, providing scenic views of the high snow-capped mountains. Kala Patthar is the highest elevation you can reach during the trek and it is also popular for enjoying the breathtaking view of the Everest.

In May/June this year I completed the 8 day Lemosho Route to the top of Kilimanjaro with my brother Mike. I have since read quite a bit comparing the two treks. The overall view seems to be the final summit part of Kili is much harder. Many say the hardest thing you will do. It was pretty brutal. The Everest trek seems more of a slow burn. While the highest point is not as high as Kili - the walk to Everest base camp is much longer (more than twice as long) and trekkers are at high altitude for much longer as a consequence. This presents some concerns. 

Of course I am really looking forward to the Everest trek. To see Everest and to be in the greatest mountain range on the planet will be incredible I am sure. It will be satisfying to get there. However it would be fair to say I have a few apprehensions as well.

My main concern remains altitude sickness. On Kili I had a touch of vomiting early on - lost my appetite for a few days - but never had any headaches and coped very well and was strong throughout - as was Mike. We never used Diamox. I have to say the mutual support you get from a travel companion will be missed - it certainly is reassuring. On Everest they seem to take Diamox much more freely. However I have again decided not to use it . My reasons are simple. Diamox is used if you get altitude sickness. If you get altitude sickness despite using Diamox it would seem to me that you have a more serious bout - and that is not good. There is also the fact that I would prefer not to use drugs I do not have to use. I shall do what I did on Kili. Drinking copious amounts of water is recommended to fend off altitude sickness. On Kili water was easily available and I drank gallons. On Everest clean water is charged for - and apparently gets more expensive the higher you get. There is also the issue of polluting the environment with plastic bottles. I have decided to collect as much water as I can on my own and use water purification tablets (although they leave a chlorine taste) as a fall back with my new Sawyer Mini water purifying filter as my main source.

On Kili I lost a bit of weight. On Everest I expect to lose more - maybe half a stone. Part of this will be down to physical exertion - but mainly down to quantity of food consumed - or not consumed! The guide books recommend avoiding meat - which I shall do - and of course there is no alcohol while trekking.

Detail Itinerary for Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Valley (as extracted)

Day 01: Arrival day in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264 ft)
Welcome to Himalayan country of Nepal. Upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan intl. airport our representative welcomes you and assists to transfer in your hotel in Kathmandu. After time to get refreshed, evening you'll meet and transfer for welcome dinner in one of the typical Nepalese restaurant in the heart of Kathmandu and briefing about your trip and overnight at Hotel.Day 02: Kathmandu valley sightseeing & trek preparation (1,300m/4,264 ft)
After breakfast the day will start to our guided trip to cultural world heritage sites in Kathmandu valley; the pilgrimage sites of Hindus temple Pashupatinath, the world biggest Bouddhanath stupa and visit Swoyambhunath Stupa also known as monkey temple. After exploring the surrounding areas visit historical Kathmandu Durbar Square with temple, unique architectures and Kumari (living goddess). Evening pre-trip discussion and introduce with our fellow trekking staff for your adventure trip.Day 03: Fly to Lukla (2,800m/9,186ft) & trek to Phakding (2,652m/8,700ft), 3-4 hrs walk
Early morning we fly from Kathmandu to the tiny airstrip at Lukla for about 40 minutes scenic flight; you will have time to stroll around, while the guide sort and divide the load baggage to be carried by porters. Guide will manage the lunch place depending upon the time of arrival at Lukla. We then take an easy walk to Phakding village for the overnight stop and rest of the time stroll around the village for local knowledge.Day 04: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,283ft), 5-6 hrs walk
After breakfast we will continue up the banks of the Dudh Kosi, crossing it twice by small suspension bridges before reaching the village of Monjo the entrance gate of the Sagarmatha National Park. When enter the National park boundary we descend and a gradual walk brings us to the suspension bridge over the Bhote-Koshi river to Jorsalle village, the last village till Namche Bazaar. Namche is a prosperous trading town and the capital of the Khumbu Region.Day 05: Acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar
We will spend a day in Namche Bazaar resting and allowing our bodies to become acclimatized to the altitude of (3,440m/11,283ft). You have full day leisure or visit Everest View Point hotel for wonderful panoramic view or stroll around the market, if Saturday can be seen many people in Saturday market for shopping to fulfill their daily needs and only one shopping market in the surrounding areas. Also you can visit Sherpa Museum as well a great place to learn Sherpa culture and history of mountaineering and stroll back to hotel for overnight.Day 06: Trek to Dole (4200m/13,776ft), 5-6 hrs walk
After stroll around the Namche area, we follow on the gradual trail with few short up and downs overlooking magnificent view of the great giant snow peaks at Shanasa. Our trek ascents the left side to Mongla hill and continue down to Phortse Thanga. After lunch further few hours walk ascending will reach at Dole for overnight. A small place with few teahouses and enjoy your night at Dole.Day 07: Trek to Machharmo (4470m/ 14,663ft), 4-5 hrs walk
After breakfast we climb to the scenic ridge above the Dole and the trail continues to climb along the side of the valley high above the river, crossing sandy spurs to reach Machharmo. Afternoon after reaches and refreshed visit Himalayan rescue association and overnight at the hotel.Day 08: Trek to Gokyo (4800m/15,744ft), 3-4 hrs walk
Today, we climb up to the ridge and can be seen excellent view both down the valley to Khangtega and northern part to the Cho-Oyu (8153m/26741ft). Our route descends to the river bank before beginning the climb up to the terminal moraine of the Ngazumpa glacier. Afterwards the trail levels out as it follows the valley past a second lake, known as Longponga at 4690m/15383ft. Enjoy the lake view and after an hour walk will reaches at Gokyo village on the edge of third lake.Day 09: Rest day at Gokyo
This may have full day rest at Gokyo or have chance to explore up to the fifth lake passing another forth lake and enjoy the view. This is great place and an opportunity to view full part of Mt. Everest and Cho-Oyu. You can see the Northern part of Cho-Oyu base camp and biggest glacier of the world Ngazumpa glacier; and stroll back to hotel for overnight.Day 10: Hike to Gokyo RI (5,330m/17,483ft), and trek to Thaknak (4750m/15580ft), 6-7 hrs walk
Early in this morning we hike up to Gokyo Ri for the breathtaking view of splash a sunrise top of the mountain including Mt. Everest view and many more Himalayan scenery. This will be unforgettable life time memories and enjoy around the top. We have a great memories and stroll back an hours to Gokyo for breakfast. We trek down to Thaknak for the overnight passing through the second lake and walk on the glacier.Day 11: Trek to Cho-la Pass (5367m/17604ft) to Dzongla (4,850m/15908ft), 5-6 hrs walk
This day is one of the tuff days to cross the Cho-la because of thee high pass. The pass is not difficult but it is steep and involves a glacier traverse on the eastern side. After crossing the Cho-la we reach at Dzongla for overnight. Enjoy the fantastic view around the high above.Day 12: Trek to Gorakshep (5,160m/16,929ft), 5-6 hrs walk
We continue our trek along the moraine of the glacier, with views of Kalapathar and Pumori. You have good chances for the best view of Mt. Nuptse a front of you walking along the Gorekshep. The trail up to the Gorakshep is rocky and windy but it offers the good view of Pumori and there are beautiful views of the Everest Base camp and glacier with scenic Mountain View. We enjoy the night at Gorakshep the higher elevation.Day 13: Trek to Everest Base Camp (5,357m/17,575ft) and Gorakshep, 5-6 hrs walk 
After the breakfast at Gorekshep we ready for our adventure to the targeted destination and we continue our trek towards the Everest Base Camp and to the Khumbu Ice-fall. The walk is quite strenuous due to the high altitude and thin air, the walk passes through over rocky dunes and moraine and streams till you reach the base camp. Everest Base Camp is lively with commotion during the high expedition season. After a grand time here retrace the journey back to Gorekshep for the overnight at lodge.Day 14: Kalapathar (5,550m/18,204ft) hike and stroll back to Dingboche (4,358m/14,295 ft), 7-8 hrs walk
Early morning our journey continue climb to the top the famous viewpoint Kalapatthar. After reaching the top, you will feel beaming as you achieve the moment that you been dreaming, since the beginning of the journey. Kalapathar is a small rocky peak on the southwest ridge of Mt. Pumori and the view from here is beyond imagination as the Everest looks amazing. You can also see the Everest Base camp down below on the moraine of Khumbu glacier and lot of picturesque scenery. After enjoying the panoramic views stroll back to Gorakshep and trek down to the Imja valley at Dingboche.Day 15: Trek to Tyangboche (3,867m/12684ft), 4-5 hrs walk
The walk today will be easy heading downhill to a lower elevation from Dingboche the walk is pleasant and all the way to Tyangboche. After the bridge our route descends following the stream towards Pangboche village, and further down to Tyangboche. Tyangboche is one of the most beautiful place in the Himalaya the first thing that comes to your eye is the big Monastery, then the large field with campsites and teahouses, lodges beneath the towering majestic beautiful peak Ama Dablam.Day 16: Trek to Monjo ((2680M/8791ft), 5-6 hrs walk
After breakfast treks down to Phunkethanga a small settlement with couple of teahouses. From here the trail leads downhill through the forested path with great memories and after crossing the local wooden bridge over the Dudh Koshi river trek onwards to steep climb to Sanasa to Namche bazzar and trek further down to Monjo for overnight stay.Day 17: Trek to Lukla (2,800m/9,186ft), 6-7 hrs walk
After breakfast we trek back with enjoying the lush green scenery around and passing through the incredible mountain scenery and local Sherpa village. And finally today the trail leads you back to Lukla. After your arrival in Lukla you will have time to relax and celebrate the completion of your trek.Day 18: Fly back to Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264 ft)
After an early morning flight to Kathmandu our guide transfer you to your hotel. You may have time to relax after long journey and take back your breath and rest at your hotel with ending your Himalayan trip with us.Day 19: Leave for Chitwan National Park

Day 22  Departure from Kathmandu 

Today is free or last minute shopping for souvenirs or gift to your family, friends or relatives for you until your departure flight/drive or to commence any extra trips or activities you may have booked with us. If departing, you'll be transferred to the International Airport for your departure flight to your onwards destination.

A lot to look forward to!

Three Tenners - another Dartmoor trek

Episode 6. The Three Tenners venture out onto Dartmoor again. This time the expectation is more challenging weather - particularly high winds. October instead of August

The start - not quite as early as planned. Various reasons - but one of us had to buy a new tent on the way! The sky threatens rain - dark ominous clouds but they are moving quite fast and some brightness in the SW. We are at Lydford - conveniently parked in the Dartmoor Arms car park.

We are doing a round circuit - scaling Bray Tor for Widgery Cross, River Lyd valley, Hare Tor, Chat Tor, overnight wild camp somewhere down near Rattle Brook and then on to Lower and Higher Dunna Goats, Great Links Tor and Great Nodden.

We are better prepared. There is still an issue of what to wear and what to carry. It is very easy to get cold in the wind - but very easy to get too warm with the exertion of pack walking. The secret is layers of course and being able to whip them on and off quickly - but this means stopping - pack off etc and a bit of a pain. Consequently changes can be left a bit late. Something to be worked on.

Another significant challenge is the provision of food and drink. Food is disproportionately important to me on a trek. It is not just about taking on calories. There is nothing like a vigorous walk and a sit down in a lovely spot out of the wind with something tasty to eat and a hot drink. Something to really look forward to and enjoy. A reward for the effort! But what to eat, how to package it up? Liquid is heavy. Dry food is light. My brothers fire up their cookers - I admire them for this. I bring a smallish flask. There is extra weight - but it is quick and flexible. I am not sure which is the best option.

On cookers - I have a light weight meths burner. It works well. My brothers have light weight petrol fuelled ones. The petrol ones are ultra efficient - create heat fast - but they make me nervous. Brother Mike feels the same - and he has moved to a lower intensity bio fuel burner. Rob continues to terrify us - a jet taking off!

Another development - as I said carrying water is heavy. Collecting water from streams gets over this - and boiling should make it ok as would chlorine tablets - but they taste off. Rob and I have bought a Sawyer Mini water filter each. It is easy to use. I have had no trouble since so I assume it works.

The trek itself was memorable for the wide open moorland scenery but it is the solitude that is incredible. No one around - just the Three Tenners doing their thing in this pristine wild space - and it is all for free.

The weather turned out to be pretty mild - we found a great camp site - by the brook (easy water supply) but slightly elevated and flat - lovely soft dry turf and moss - and the wind unexpectedly dropped overnight. There was some light cloud cover but nearly a full moon - a great place to be. We managed to stay up until about 7.30pm and then it was in our individual tents for the night. Little home comforts become important then. A good sleeping bag and sleeping mat makes all the difference - as does a good reading light attached to your forehead.

Rob has a very good quality Tera Nova one man tent. It is very light to carry and looks storm proof because it really hugs the ground. I am using my new tent - a Lightwave G20 Trek. It is a 4 season tent - well made - but it is 2 man tent and much heavier (at least a kilo) than Rob's. Mike has bought something similar to me. I decided it was worth carrying the extra weight for the space it provides - particularly sitting head room and a porch to cook in. Time will tell who has it right. The disadvantage of Rob's is you have to do everything prone - and if the weather was really bad outside he might struggle to cook etc. I would much rather be carrying Rob's if we were on a long hike.

Next morning I had brewed lovely hot coffee by 6.30am - virtually still in my sleeping bag. There was heavy dew and some rain in the night - but it was a clear crisp morning. We each cooked our traditional eggs and bacon - mine supplemented by a starter course of porridge - fantastic!

The pack up is always a laugh. Mike is as efficient as Rob is shambolic. It always seems his entire possessions are spread out around him and usually on the floor!

A good getaway by 930 - a great morning to be walking on the moor - just us, a few ponies, sheep and occasional cattle in the distance - and the odd skylark disturbed by us.

We eventually get to the top of Great Links Tor. A major highlight. The views are breathtaking even with a bit of a haze. It was a truly wonderful place to be and worth the trek just in itself.

Thereafter it was a gradual hike back. A quiet reflective lunch overlooking Great Nodden - it really does look like a giant Grey Whale - and a staggering view of Great Links - an especially good feeling knowing we had been on the top of it - just an hour or two before.

I attach some photos below :-

Three Tenners set off.

Mike on his GPS

Mike pleased with his new tent

Mine a solid structure!

Sun going down

Mike cooking breakfast

Rob's car boot sale!

Off we go again

Great Links Tor - a special place.

Rob looking handsome for the mail order catalogue! 

Mike on the top

GPS again - where are we?

Looking back at Great Links Tor

Great Nodden - it does look like a whale

Couscous, tuna, onion, peppers!

Me on the top

Getting water for the Sawyer

Widgery Cross on Bray Tor

Thoughts on "stuff" and Rabi Lionel Bloom

First of all a definition - how about "stuff" is everything you own apart from yourself in the nud!

We all have stuff in our lives of course - we cannot function without it. The challenge is to have the right stuff - to have the right amount of stuff.

Pros of stuff :-

• It can enable you to function efficiently and be safe and secure.
• It can be educational.
• It can help bring you pleasure or bring you pleasure (happiness).
• It might be an investment!? (although often a cop out I think)

Cons of stuff :- Too much stuff or the wrong stuff can clog up your life and be burdensome. Ownership can be STRESSFUL.

• Stuff costs and therefore money can be wasted.
• Stuff takes up space.
• Stuff needs maintaining and dusting and cleaning.
• Stuff goes wrong!
• Stuff is rarely worth having for its own sake.

I doubt if many people would fundamentally dispute the essence of my summary above. Current terms in vogue - de-clutter, minimalism, an older saying - if you have not worn it in the last 12 months dispose of it - or an older one still - only have things in your life if they are functional or beautiful.

However I think the more subtle challenge (once you have accepted the de-clutter philosophy) is understanding the reality between what you think you need and what you actually need. Solving this one is important because it means that not only do you have the optimal amount of stuff to manage - but also you potentially remove a stress that many people suffer from - discontentment. Many people seem to be preoccupied with the acquisition of things - their life on hold until they have got what they want - it can create a financial stress too.

Years ago - maybe 30 or more years ago I heard Rabi Lionel Bloom tell this simple story on Radio 4's Thought for the Day. It stuck with me. I relate to it. It went something like this :-

A woman goes to her priest for help.

Woman - things are terrible at home. Our cottage is very small. We have seven children - there is not enough room. Everyone is on top of each other. We are all bickering and arguing. It is making me ill. We cannot carry on like this.

Priest - (after consideration says) - bring one of your chickens into the house and come back and see me in a week and tell me how you are getting on.

Woman - father I cannot see how that will help but I trust you and will do what you say.

A week later :-

Priest - how are things at home?

Woman - dreadful Father. It was bad before - but even worse now with the chicken in the cottage.

Priest - bring one of your lambs into the house as well and come back to see me in a week.

Another week later :-

Priest - how at things at home?

Woman - shocking father - the chicken and now the lamb - we are at each other throats.

Priest - ok bring one of your piglets into the cottage as well and come back and see me in a week.

Woman  - a piglet as well father. It will be terrible - but I trust you father and will do as you say.

Another week later :-

Priest - and how are things at home.

Woman - father things were very bad - but with the chicken, the lamb and the piglet in our little cottage we are all cracking up.

Priest - I see - go home and remove the chicken, the lamb and the piglet from the cottage and come back and see me in a week.

A week goes by :-

Priest - and how are things at home?

Woman - wonderful father!! Without the chicken, lamb and piglet in the cottage we have so much space!!!

I am not quite sure how this story helps but I think it has some relevance to the point I am trying to make - ha! 

PS. I have far from achieved the optimum amount of stuff myself. It is not easy - but I am trying to work on it steadfastly - albeit gradually! (my weakness is gear - for the outdoors, for fishing, sailing, camping, trekking, gardening and of course books!)