GPS Training Workshop

I've been at a GPS training workshop today, learning all about how they work and how we, as mountaineers can use them effectively and efficiently. As a member of The British Association of International Mountain Leaders (BAIML), I have to show evidence of continual professional development, to prove that I am both current and up to date in my field of expertise, so the course had been laid on by the association as part of this process.

After a wild drive though the Ogwen valley, to Plas y Brenin at Capel Curig, I was grateful that the course started off in the shelter of a classroom! It was run by a self-confessed 'tech-geeek' - and who better to teach such things! He literally knew everything about all makes of devices, from battery chemicals to satellite owners. After setting us off on various tracks around the surrounding area, he finished off with his own very comprehensive 'buyers guide'.

The event was taking place at the home of 'Mountain Training' as part of the BAIML's AGM, so afterwards I had a bit of time to socialise with some of the other IMLs that had travelled here (from all over Europe) for the weekend event. It was good to catch up with a few old friends from the mountain leading world and met plenty of new ones. 

In the evening I'd arranged to meet some other friends at a lecture in Caernafon, so sped away just before the evening meal was served at Plas y Brenein. Driving back through Ogwen was like driving through tornado ally! Leaves, grasses and small branches were blowing across the headlights and spray that was being blown off the surface of the lake blasted the van like heavy rain. At one point I thought it was suddenly hailing, but having since found that my windscreen has been chipped in several places, it must have been stones in the air! I was glad to have arrived and got inside the theatre - it was a hard drive and my arms were pumped from gripping the steering wheel!

Was a typically funny/sad Andy Kirkpatrick lecture that was loosely about mountaineering, with lots of digressing about random stuff. A mad end to a mad day...