We've just finished another very successful NAV4 weekend course at Borrowdale YHA and what an amazing weekend for weather? It was as if the weather gods were taunting us after last October's flood; they say Borrowdale weather is changeable by the hour. From wet and windy to bright brilliant sunshine, we seemed to have all four season in one weekend.
There were some big smiles by the end of the course, and often during the weekend and not just because of the spring sunshine. These smiles are due to the fun and sense of acheivement that simply radiates from everyone. Well done to everyone ... you can be proud of surviving a pretty steep learning curve.
I return home (yes, I do have one and don't just live in my VW or a tent!) tired but happy and with a raging sore throat, to find that behind the scenes back at NAV4 HQ a new website is in the making. This will shortly make all things much clearer especially with regard to NAV4 and GL3Day. My webmaster has spotted that the info for the last course was confused with regard to the venue, so we apologies for that. We have oscillated between Bampton and Borrowdale for Spring and Autumn course for various reasons over the past few years, not least because of clashes with the OMM venue. However, now that we have a stock of last years OMM race maps which includes Borrowdale YHA as part of the race map we will be basing September's course there, and using the fabled 1:40 scale maps. The programme will be streamlined for an 'OMM' agenda and will meet the needs of OMM novices and 'MMimps' (that's MM improvers) Bookings are already being received via the existing booking form downloadable from the current website. Please be aware that the hostel accomodation arrangements remain the same, ie, two bed nights, two breakfasts, one evening meal (Saturday) but the programme will evolve so there is more 'OMM prep' and no night navigation. The price remains the same - £195 per person, which I am repeatedly told is an absolute bargain for the complete package, especially considering the quality tution and coaching at a maximum ratio of 4:1, clients to tutor. Friday evening will include equipment displays and an informal evening social; the wealth of information and learning you will encounter during the weekend is tremendous.
Why do we do it? Because as we enjoy helping others learn and enjoy the outdoors. But we are all learning all of the time ... Mountain navigation isn't rocket science - any good craftspeople use simple skills - making something which appears difficult, much easier and satisfying. Get out, there have fun, and practice!
More soon... including GL3Day info out early next week.
Joe
Ps -if anyone wants a sample OMM map from 2008 please ask and I'll gladly post one out.
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