By: Blonde One
After doing the number of expeditions that I have this year, I think I’m fairly well practiced at identifying possible risks and dealing with how to manage them. Each trip had its own risk assessment with details of all sorts of events from the ones that are quite likely (dealing with the effects of weather) to the almost impossible (I hope) (injury from unexploded military devices). I have become almost expert at easing the anxieties of others on issues such as youngsters navigating through fog or camping quite far away from civilisation. I am also very well practiced at teaching those youngsters about minimising risks and conducting an expedition that is as safe as it possibly can be. With all this in mind, it may come as a surprise to you to discover that yesterday I ignored a lot of my own advice?! Yesterday I went for a walk on my own: that’s ok you might think. I deliberately did not tell Mr Blonde One or Little Miss Blonde where I was going. I did not leave a route card behind for anyone to use to find me should I fail to return home. I did not even tell the Blonde One family that I was going onto Dartmoor. All of these things are a definite no-no and go against everything that I believe is right. However, it was quite liberating to be out and gave me a feeling of freedom that would not have been achieved had I conformed to the normal sensible precautions. I had no set route and I enjoyed being able to make my walking decisions based on which direction looked particularly appealing. I walked towards hills that looked interesting and ended up having had the most satisfying day!
Like I say, don’t try this at home – it is important to let people know where you are going and when you expect to return. I am giving myself a slap wrist as I type for breaking my own rules!
Well done B1, sounds lovely. The best rules are made with good reason but the best Blondes know when it ok to break them 🙂 Am looking forward to a Two Blondes Foxtor Bimble sometime soon – mountains are lovely but there is a distinct lack of bogs and cheesy chips. X
Having done more of my walking alone than being accompanied, and nearly always breaking those rules I understand exactly what you are saying. I am fully aware of those rules and would not argue with them, especially in situations where you are responsible for others. Alone, the risks, which, if proved adverse, would mainly only affect me* and I am prepared to take them in exchange for that feeling of freedom you describe. I have had many trips and falls and near misses which I have learned from, and that has resulted in me carrying a good range of equipment, selected from experience, in order to minimise unfortunate events.
* yes! I know about rescue teams and friends and family but where do you draw the line?
I definitely think that the benefits outweigh the risks. And anyway, rules are there to be broken, right?!
That last comment that said from “anonymous” was from me, Conrad.
Me too! Being alone makes you appreciate the stillness of the hills and the tautness of an adventure all the more. Besides, if they had to wait for someone else to come along and hold hands, singles would never go anywhere or do anything. Choose your adventure according to your ability and take what equipment you can to sort out problems, but let’s be honest, you could be out with your friends tomorrow and step out into the road – – -.