Tim Dobson
Thinker, Blogger, Hacker, Hiker.
Mine exploring versus caves
1 February 2021
The thing about Mine Exploring vs Caves is that whilst caves are naturally strong, Mines are always in a state of decay. Trip on some not level ground and you could be headed to hospital. Without having a paddy and this in mind, Sahil, Judith and me cautiously entered the mystery mine. Well prepared with […]
How to have a climbing adventure
31 January 2021
How to have a climbing adventure:' Your 71yro mum is your climbing partner' Your guidebook is a 1991 black and white sketch diagram guidebook' Choose the hottest day of the year' Make sure lockdowns stopped you doing any exercise up til that point' Start the day with a frenzied stomp in the vague direction of […]
One of the secrets to trad climbing
30 January 2021
One of the secrets that's needed for trad climbing in the Peak District, is optimism. If you use the weather forecast for insights about when it won't rain, you'll never leave the house. If you turn up, find dry rock and give it a go, you can be surprised what can achieved. Here's Kim at […]
When the three newbies did their second trip
30 January 2021
Remembering the time the three newbies did their second caving trip with us. What a memorable trip – who'd know where this bunch of blue eyes bushy tailed cavers would get to! As I said then: "The group consisted of some second time cavers, Siobhan, Samantha and Monika, supported by me, Judith and Kim. The […]
When Antonio wanted to learn trad
30 January 2021
When Antonio said he wanted to learn trad, I was surprised. A skilled Spanish sport climber, eager to take his first steps on grit? I stepped up to the challenge. I've known Antonio through the Climbing Clan for probably years now. He's been on many weekend trips, delivered fantastic food in the most challenging cooking […]
A caving newbie decides to level up
30 January 2021
One of those gosh darn caving newbies decided it was time to introduce me to the emu and pigs. ·'' Originally posted on Instagram
A Caving Crew trip that was pure joy
30 January 2021
Throwback to a Caving Crew trip in the summer that was full of firsts…and lasts. This is how I described it then: "So great to take Matthew, Mark and my aunt Polly on their first trip with the Crew. For Mark and Polly, this was their first caving trip since their childhood years, and for […]
Helping Kim find her climbing feet
30 January 2021
This summer, I spent a number of evenings helping Kim find her feet again so she could lead easy trad routes with The Climbing Clan. It took time and practice, and a good bit of ground based revision, but before long she was running up routes and bringing up her second. ª Originally posted on […]
Sarah took the team outdoor climbing
28 January 2021
What seems like a lifetime ago, Sarah took Jon, Judith and me for a wapping good time. Here's what I said back then: "Sarah lead us on a magical mine meander through the warmest, dryest mine I've ever suffered. I only want to get cold, wet and miserable in the future. If you like large […]
Sharing climbing skills with new climbers
28 January 2021
Sharing Climbing Skills:1) teaching people to be as good as you2) watching people become better than you3) being happy that your pupils are better than you now. Here's Kirsty at Windgather last summer one Wednesday Climbing Clan evening, leading a burly, intimidating HVD. Tbf, I probably could lead it, but she made it look easy […]
A joyful group walk in the summer
28 January 2021
Throwback to the summer and a joyful visit and group walk with the Nene Meanies. Finally, after months of description, I got the experience the Northamptonshire rainbow, nightswim in the fabled river and feel the rain. Can't wait til sunset adventures again. Originally posted on this post on Instagram
A picturesque socially distanced summer
23 January 2021
Throwback to a picturesque summertime, socially distanced forced dog yomp with Rebecca, Louis and Snicket along the Jurassic Coast above Sidmouth. Somehow, I remember it being very very warm, the hills being disconcertingly high, and me painfully misjudging the amount of fluids I'd need for a "gentle dog walk"£ Gorgeous corner of the country for […]