Q. I want to change careers and am looking for something
that enables me to work in the outdoors or travel, any suggestions on how best
to go about this?
A-1. If you love travelling to exciting places, enjoy
working with people and aren’t fazed by logistics and trouble shooting then
there is definitely a living to be made from leading expeditions. But, think
about the cons as well as the pros before taking the plunge.
Q. ‘Due to the
current recession, I’m not earning as much as I was and therefore don’t have enough
money to spend on gear. Is there anything I can do to make the gear I already
have last that bit longer’?
A-1. If you’ve already bought decent quality kit
then there’s no reason to rush out and replace it – outdoor gear these days
should last and last. You do need to look after it though, and that means
keeping it clean and treating and proofing it as appropriate.
With boots, clean
and dry them after each day on the hill then re-proof – Granger’s is launching
a new G-Max Universal Footwear Proofer that makes this easy. Clothing also
needs attention, it’s surprising how few people wash their waterproofs and this
is essential to keep breathable fabrics performing.
Q. We have a slight dilemma. We have booked three weeks off work in September and are looking for the ideal trekking destination. The past two years we have visited Nepal (Annapurna Circuit & Sanctuary) and feel that we would like to go back but also feel the need for something new. We are not keen to scare ourselves doing things like climbing etc. Could you give us any clues or should we go back to the Dahl Baht? In the past we have travelled with Roama Travel, a small family run business in Nepal and the UK, we prefer this type of tour operator – any suggestions?
A. I assume you rate Nepal highly because of the combination of mountains and culture. If that's the case you could consider Bhutan or Tibet but then they might not be 'different' enough.
Q. I've booked a paragliding course near Lake Annecy in the South of France, and I'm desperate to try out a nearby via ferrata route. Are there any in the area and how difficult are they? I'm an experienced scrambler but not a rock climber.
A. You'll be within striking distance of three of the most spectacular and demanding routes in the French Alps. The Yves Pollet Villard near La Clusaz, the La Tour Du Jallouvre close to Grand Bornand and the ball breaking De La Roche A L'Agathe above Thones.
Q.
Q.
Q.