Have to agree about the snobbery thing- it's in every area of life. I'd like to think gardening folk have a different view than most but unfortunately a love of the outdoors doesn't make us immune. I felt a rant coming on earlier about people going hillwalking completely unprepared so here it is - 2 people rescued from Snowdon on news earlier. Please please please DON'T go up hills at this time of year thinking it'll be a breeze. Our rescue services must have the patience of saints. I've seen lots of daft people going up our scottish hills in jeans and no jackets etc assuming that it'll be lovely 3500 feet up just cos it's mild at the bottom. It's not. Even in July!! Right that's me off my soap box. I need a cup of tea now then I might brave the easterly wind and go to the shed for some compost and sow some seeds!
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
I think the thing about Snowdon is that it has a path to the top, which makes people think 'oh well, if it's got a path it must be easy'.
But what's equally stupid is those walkers I see on the South Downs fully togged up in arctic gear with those particularly irritating double walking sticks. It can be a bit steep in places but, really, it's not the Alps!
That made me laugh Calendula. I know what you mean about the sticks! There's a happy medium isn't there! You're right about the path thing. Nevis claims people every year sadly but the 'tourist route' is clogged in summer with the folk in ballerina shoes etc because people think it's ok. A lot of hills still have corniced snow well into late spring and early summer. I remember going up Ben Lomond once in early April,and yes, it was snowing, and meeting some people on the way up who were dressed to go for a day in a shopping centre. They're probably still there....frozen to the summit! Knowing your capabilities is the key.There's no disgrace in turning back as the hills will still be there another day.
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
You're so right Tina. Caught a bit of news which said another walker found them so they're bleeping lucky somebody experienced and properly kitted out found them or they'd be gonners. I just don't get it frankly. Our rescue services do a great job but people need to think before they set out. I walked Schiehallion a few years back at tail end of year and you could have stood in carpark without a jacket - different story at top with ice and sub zero temp and wind. We passed a 'daft lassie' in jeans on way up with no jacket.
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Do they not realise they are putting others' lives at risk when being rescued. I really cannot comprehend how they can be so thick and totally oblivious as to what the rescue services are all about which is not to help the brainless idiots. But they do because they are special people. Certainly wouldn't get me out of my armchair.
Another different rant. There's an item on Yahoo on different things for which you can receive on-the-spot fines from local authorities - includes someone who was allegedly fined when a ten-pound note fell out of their pocket and then accused of dropping litter - despite this obviously not being the intent!
No doubt some fines are well deserved, but if I had been the person dropping that tenner, I would love to know what the Council jobsworth ( holding out his hand for the payment ) would do when, rather rudely, I would tell him where to go? Would it be blue flashing lights everywhere? I cannot believe anybody in their right mind would pay some of these demands. Have we finally become a nation of sheep?
For Heavens sake, let's stand up to these idiot councils.
Sorry I haven't had time to read all posts so someone has probably complained before- I hate not getting notification when someone responds to a thread I am following!!!!
Posts
GG, I too enjoy the Shrewsbury and Malvern Shows..will look out for you ...
Lizzie, me too, dalhias are stunning in their own right....
...reminds me of grandads allotment.
ahem ... I use as a filler (should I say that!)
when this pesky weather spoils my regular borders and save the tubers (as a novice said with ptide)
Ooops! this should be a rant! erm, no rantings to be found...I'll bow out.
Have to agree about the snobbery thing- it's in every area of life. I'd like to think gardening folk have a different view than most but unfortunately a love of the outdoors doesn't make us immune. I felt a rant coming on earlier about people going hillwalking completely unprepared so here it is - 2 people rescued from Snowdon on news earlier. Please please please DON'T go up hills at this time of year thinking it'll be a breeze. Our rescue services must have the patience of saints. I've seen lots of daft people going up our scottish hills in jeans and no jackets etc assuming that it'll be lovely 3500 feet up just cos it's mild at the bottom.
It's not. Even in July!! Right that's me off my soap box. I need a cup of tea now then I might brave the easterly wind and go to the shed for some compost and sow some seeds!
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
I think the thing about Snowdon is that it has a path to the top, which makes people think 'oh well, if it's got a path it must be easy'.
But what's equally stupid is those walkers I see on the South Downs fully togged up in arctic gear with those particularly irritating double walking sticks. It can be a bit steep in places but, really, it's not the Alps!
That made me laugh Calendula. I know what you mean about the sticks! There's a happy medium isn't there! You're right about the path thing. Nevis claims people every year sadly but the 'tourist route' is clogged in summer with the folk in ballerina shoes etc because people think it's ok. A lot of hills still have corniced snow well into late spring and early summer. I remember going up Ben Lomond once in early April,and yes, it was snowing, and meeting some people on the way up who were dressed to go for a day in a shopping centre. They're probably still there....frozen to the summit! Knowing your capabilities is the key.There's no disgrace in turning back as the hills will still be there another day.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
GG that's the way I bought my GH. Firm hadn't reached there targets for the show so end of ay on Sunday we had a real bargain
I always have hoped that the 'stupid' walkers/climbers are duly presented with a huge bill when they are brought back to safety.
You're so right Tina. Caught a bit of news which said another walker found them so they're bleeping lucky somebody experienced and properly kitted out found them or they'd be gonners. I just don't get it frankly. Our rescue services do a great job but people need to think before they set out. I walked Schiehallion a few years back at tail end of year and you could have stood in carpark without a jacket - different story at top with ice and sub zero temp and wind. We passed a 'daft lassie' in jeans on way up with no jacket.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Do they not realise they are putting others' lives at risk when being rescued. I really cannot comprehend how they can be so thick and totally oblivious as to what the rescue services are all about which is not to help the brainless idiots. But they do because they are special people. Certainly wouldn't get me out of my armchair.
No doubt some fines are well deserved, but if I had been the person dropping that tenner, I would love to know what the Council jobsworth ( holding out his hand for the payment ) would do when, rather rudely, I would tell him where to go? Would it be blue flashing lights everywhere? I cannot believe anybody in their right mind would pay some of these demands. Have we finally become a nation of sheep?
For Heavens sake, let's stand up to these idiot councils.
Sorry I haven't had time to read all posts so someone has probably complained before- I hate not getting notification when someone responds to a thread I am following!!!!