Grannytreks's Blog

Too early to be contemplating Christmas?

grannytreks — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 12:09:27 +0000

Crikey, I seem to have been missing over the last few months. Oh well, I’m back now and I’m also the bearer of good news! I know it’s incredibly early to be thinking about Christmas already – but it doesn’t half come round quickly! I’ve seen a few gift ideas and some bits and bobs that I wouldn’t mind purchasing for myself.

First up is ‘Buff’ headwear, which I’m thinking would suit my grand children down to a tee. I’m fairly sure my Son-in-law, James, would appreciate something similar as a stocking filler too. They have a good amount of ranges on offer, so I shall have to have a little peruse before buying.

Second up – no surprise really, it’s always worth looking on Play.com. There’s always a massive selection of stock and I’ve never had any trouble buying from them in the past, and I’ve definitely spent quite a few pounds on there!

Thirdly and lastly – It’s always helpful having a family that likes their outdoor pursuits; walking, climbing etc. So for birthdays and Christmas I always check out what some of the outdoor stores have on offer. There’s usually new gear coming out at this time of the year, so worth a look.

Hip pack for the holidays

grannytreks — Fri, 07 May 2010 12:44:59 +0000

The family are thinking about trying to get away this summer – really no idea where as of yet (preferably somewhere hot) but I shall keep you all posted. Now I openly admit it’s a clear indicator that you are a brit on holiday, but who can beat a good bumbag? People do tend to look down on them somewhat, but they’re just so practical and make it simple to carry around money, passports etc, although I would recommend hiring out a safe if you did go abroad.

I do have one stuck in the loft somewhere, but I’m fairly sure the strap and clip are broken. This Lifeventure bumbag looks like a sturdy replacement. It has a 2 litre capacity – more than enough for what I would be needing to carry! Plus it can fit a camera, always a good idea when you want a few holiday snaps of the family out and about.

Sock it to them

grannytreks — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 10:42:50 +0000

At a time where my feet tend to get colder quicker than usual – warm footwear is always at the forefront of my mind. So imagine my delight when I see these cosy looking things! When I look at socks like that I can’t imagine my feet will ever feel the chill again, no doubt they will, but they do look stupendously warm!

I’ve also been flicking through some of these Guardian wildlife photos to pass the time – they’ve got some lovely shots on there.

This is my favourite shot I think. The definition they can get on photography these days is spell binding!

Mistaken Identity

grannytreks — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 14:37:59 +0000

Well, theres no time like the present so I figured I may as well put together another post – seeing as I neglected this so much after Christmas.

I’ve just stumbled across this sorry tale on the telegraph website. Looks like a rather large flock of birds mistook a driveway for a patch of reeds – obviously their satelite navigation wasn’t working at the time. Anyway I’ve just spotted these new Waterproof jackets. Seems like a very good deal for only fifty pounds, quite simple, but I’m not the kind of person to overcomplicate things!

New Brasher Boots for Granny

grannytreks — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 11:56:12 +0000

Looks like I haven’t updated in quite a while – I do apologise. Christmas was probably the busiest I’ve ever had, what with a new grandchild arriving – I can’t wait to spoil her!

I’ve been looking around for some new shoes (my son rec0mmends Salomon Cosmics – although I’m far, far too old for that sort of thing!) and have settled on what look like a nice, reliable sturdy pair of Brashers, the Brasher Krypton GTX. Outdoors Magic state this will fit the ‘typical’ broad British foot – not sure how true that particular fact is – but it looks comfortable, which is the main thing, and Gore-Tex tends to stand the test of time and will keep my feet dry.

Walk of the week – full marks to The Telegraph for picking out a local walk for me!! The quiet stroll around the countryside will hopefully take my mind off the ghastly proposed high-speed rail service through the Chilterns. Sign the petition here if you don’t want this!

Fertilizer!

grannytreks — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:57:48 +0000

As a granny, I suppose I’d better get down and dirty with some gardening (the current deal of, he does the garden, I do the cooking isn’t having a good effect on his poor old back…), so imagine getting down and dirty with the suggestion in this article on the Guardian website. Using your own urine as compost may be environmentally friendly, but will certainly give passers-by a shock when they see my husband, er, yes. The article exempts women, but I think I know the solution to this – I’m sure even The Guardian have heard of the Shewee!

I’m enjoying my new Under Armour base layer on walks, anyway, and my brilliant Berghaus Glissade covers enough of my body to keep me completely dry

My oldest grand-daughter asked me about this band called Bon Jovi – surely I’m not that old that she hasn’t heard of them??? Maybe I’m a trendy, trekking Granny…with a Shewee (we can all dream. Perhaps I’ll ask for one for Christmas. As well as the new Bon Jovi CD ‘The Circle’).

Keeping warm, looking swish!

grannytreks — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:28:03 +0000

Sorry for not updating for a while – been very, very busy!

Just came on to share my latest investment with you;

It’s a Women’s Under Armour ColdGear Hood – perfect for strutting around in during woodland walks! It’s super stretchy and had a hood for a bit of extra insulation. Add the thumb loops and hey presto – a snug torso! I absolutely love it. Had to go a size up because I prefer things a bit baggy (although I gather this is not the point of base layers).

In other news; Sad to hear about the near-imminent demise of Blacks. I’ve enjoyed shopping in Blacks and Millets for many years, purchasing anything from little lightweight fleeces for the kiddies to fluffy slipper boots. It seems sad that this recession isn’t allowing well-loved businesses to get themselves out of trouble. Only recently The Real Sports Shop had to close all doors but one. And there is the whole Woolworths saga. Closing after 99 years!

Very, very cold

grannytreks — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:55:19 +0000

Looking for some warm things to wear this winter – layering up with my old cotton jumpers and scarves just aren’t doing the trick any more, in my old age. This outdoors blog has some good suggestions, so I’ll be having a look around for bargains and the like.

My daughter just sent me this video of Langdale/Ambleside Mountain Rescue – thrilling!

Presents from Granny are always the best

grannytreks — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 11:04:27 +0000

There are numerous amounts of birthdays in my family, it seems like one every week. I find that my Son-in-law, James, is particularly difficult to buy for, so was very pleased when i came across some brilliant Timberland shoes. The Men’s Earthkeepers 6 inch leather boots uses a Smart Comfort Biorhythmic system for better comfort meaning no need for a break-in period and a 5mm memory foam top layer for extra comfort. Environmentally friendly, the boots outsole are made from 30% recycled rubber and the inner lining 70% from recycled material. Fab for the environment and fab for your feet! He was pleased and recommends it to all!

Mules for me please!

grannytreks — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 09:45:55 +0000

As the weather continues to drop to that of freezing, i began a search for something to keep my feet extra snug. Originally opting for my daughter’s suggestion of Ugg slippers, i changed my mind when i came across a fantastic pair of North Face tent mules. At a very reasonable price, they cater for the needs of the masses with a faux fur inner and water-resistant outer lining. These beauties are a brilliant find and a recommendation for all!