Spring is afoot

The weather here in the Peak District is starting to show signs of spring. Last weekend I spent the days out at Millers Dale and Parsley Hay ranger training. Had two great days out with some good training from the rangers I was attached too.

Navigation training on saturday around Ecton Hill was wonderful, with a little micro navigation and map reading. Sunday was a patrol and talking about countryside safety which was very useful.

Dogs are starting to become more of a focus now in the National Parks as we get nearer to lambing time. I never realised that its not just the lambs but also ground nesting birds that we have to watch out for. Personally we always keep Tilly on a lead so its not a problem.

Activity at Wapentac is well underway now for The Outdoors Show. With lost of new products on show like the Snowdon and Ben Nevis Wapenmap and the framed Wapenbox themed Wapenmap there will be lots to see. you can see more at www.wapentac.com

I've just started my first twitter account, you can find me at findonnorth. I have no idea where this will lead so its exciting.

Tomorrow is my last ranger training day before the first residential training weekend. I had to get 10 in before then, which was tough, but a good thing I guess as it shows committment. I have enjoyed all the training days and the rangers have been great looking after me. Tomorrow I am on a guided walk from Fairholmes Ranger Station. The walk goes along the Derwent Valley and talks about Tintown, the temporary town built to house the construction workers who built the dams. I may try and take some photos if the weather is fine. I like to take photos, but haven't felt it was right whilst training with other rangers. Its one of the reasons I am looking forward to passing my training and being able to go out on my own.