The Outdoors Station

This is a timely podcast which may be of interest to those considering taking a break from a traditional holiday commitment, and perhaps doing something more useful with your time, than sitting on a beach reading a book. Have you ever thought about volunteering? There are many projects around the world, which rely on volunteers to support their efforts. This can be at orphanages, building projects or animal welfare to name but a few,where people go to share their skills and help out for a few weeks or many months. Beth has recently visited an Animal Welfare Centre in Thailand and in this podcast she interviews, a local coordinator as well as some volunteers, to see what a difference volunteering can make.

Lands End to John O'Groats or LEJOG as it is better known is one long distance walking and cycling trip in the UK, that most people consider at some stage in their outdoors life. It isn't as massive as the Appellation Trail, or as wild and dangerous as walking to the North Pole say, but it does seem to be ingrained into the core of every British citizen as 'the long one'. At around 900 miles as the crow flies, we have the option to take the rambling rural high road of costal paths and walking trails, or the fastest route either by bike or on foot. David Stevens has decided to tackle the route in April 2010 running 60 miles a day, to attempt a world-record and raise funds for some worthy causes in the process. Totally unsupported (its against the rules) and on his own, carrying all that he needs, he is setting out to beat the current record of 17 days. This is an extreme lightweight trip!

Hey we're back! Full of apologies mind you, but at least we're back! In this podcast we join in with a Haiti fund raising marathon hill climb relay, right here in our home town of Malvern. We chat to organizer Steve Ollis and then join our small group as we puff our way up the hill and down again. Later in the show I revisit our roots with a lightweight overnight wild camp using some of the new 2010 products and a rucksack weighing in at less than 5kg all in. The main purpose is to look at the new Vaude Power Lizard in the wild, and test the Golite 3+ season top bag in sub zero temperatures.

In this final part of the series, Beth and Alice visit a few more of the breathtaking islands, popular with tourists and especially the boating fraternity. This expensive destination takes its toll so they soon escape and make their way over Hvar Island and experience just how helpful Croatians can be when looking for accomodation. Finally, Trogir one of the oldest and most exciting cities on the Croatian side of Adriatic coast, is their final destination, and of course as it is the end of their trip, time for a slap up meal and a chat about the differences between hostels and homestays. The podcast concludes with their overall impression of Croatia and Bosnia, along with the high points and low points, where to find the right kind of affordable accommodation, plus a mini review of the right kind of gear which would help keep your trip as cost effective as possible. They also discuss the amount they spent for the three weeks and what they would change, or where they would go if they were to return sometime in the future.

Beth and Alice spend several days wondering through the cobbled streets of Dubrovnik enjoying the rich history, glorious sun and yet more exquisite ice creams. Their adventure then takes a turn inland towards Bosnia and after an interesting bus ride past the marked mine fields still present along the access road to the sea, they arrived in Mostar. Here they stay at a hostel for a few nights and interview the owner who had lived through the war and is now guiding travellers around Mostar's sites, culture and history. A fascinating insight into the recent past and the potential future for the country. They also explore the bazaars and turkish culture before yet another early morning bus ride to the coast.

An interesting mixed bag for you this time, with an interview with Microsoft regarding their image cataloguing tool Expression Media for those 1000's of outdoor photos you have stashed away. Andy and I review the 2009 Times Destinations Show with one eye on the forthcoming 2010 event, and Roman speaks with Andy Burgess from Golite who are 'Going Lighter On The Planet' with the use of recycled nylon in their 2010 products.

In part two Beth and Alice spend the end of week one in the beautiful port side town of Zadar. Enjoying the ice cream to the tune of the town’s sea organ, as well as the great company and conversations with other Croatian travellers. After a few relaxing days they continued south along the Dalmation coast, stopping at the oasis of Krka National Park before arriving in the historical town of Dubrovnik.

The OMM 2009 didn't quite make the same headlines as 2008, but that was probably a good thing. Here is our recording of this years event and the frustratingly poor performance we put in, which was all my fault. However we did get to have a brief chat with a few people, competitors Liz Creaser and Michael Porter, plus various volunteer marshals Sean Lightfoot, Andy Leafer and 2 ladies I didn't catch the name of in the wind (sorry!). These events can only survive with the help of such people, so make sure you return the favour sometime and help others in future sporting competitions whatever that may be.

It's been a while since we had a Travel Show on The Outdoors Station. Beth, our daughter went to Croatia this summer with her friend Alice, on a shoestring budget and wanted to record the experience for other backpackers. Fresh out of University both girls were in need of some rest and relaxation, sunshine, ice cream and stimulus other than academia. This series records their progress through, planes, trains and buses to locations with much to offer. They also chat to people they meet on route all willing to share the rich hidden jewels in this part of the world.

Following on from a question for one of our listeners here are the gear reviews from the 2009 TGO Challenge. Andy Reviews; Terra Nova Solar 2.2, ULA Conduit, PHD Minumus 400, Nite Lite Torso Pad, Paramo Third Element, Icebreaker Merino Wool, Silkbody, Paramo Stretch Pants, Montane Featherlite Pants, Inov8 Terrocs, Sealskin Waterproof Socks, Titanium Cook Gear, MSR Mug Mate, Pacer Poles, Gloves, Tilley and Paramo Hats. Shirley Reviews; Laser Competition, Osprey Atmos and Exos, NeoAir, Marmot Hydrogen, Equinox Mummy Bivi, Rocklite 315, Cioch Waterproofs, Icebreaker Base Layer, Klattermusen Down Smock, Primus Micron, MSR Titan Kettle, Pot Cosy, Pacer Poles, Crocs, PHD Down Boots. Bob Reviews; Terra Nova Solar 2.2 and Competition, NeoAir, Prolite 3, Primus Windshield, Pertex Bivvy Sheet, Rab Quantum 400, Silk Bag Liners, Crocs, Travel Tap, Rocklite 315, Montane Superfly, Gehwol Extra and Refreshing Creams, Leki Walking Poles.