I am excited!
In two days time I am off up to Scotland to meet up with Kim and to venture up to Torridon. I haven't been there for a couple of years and while I don't expect the landscape to have changed too much - apart from a couple of rockfalls that I'm aware of and widening of one or two of the roads - I would imagine the the ancient Lewisian gneiss to still be supporting the Cambrian quarzite and Torridian sandstone.
While I am not going to be summiting any of the huge giants, I shall be walking amongst them and in doing so I don't want to risk a re-enactment of the wetting through I had two weeks ago with Gareth and Cath. So I have splurged and treated my (one year old) Mountain Equipment Seraph jacket to a wash and reproofing. I did it properly, cleaning out the detergent tray of my washing machine before running through an empty cycle, before then running through Granger's 30° C Cleaner and separately the Proofer (you can get combined products, but I reckon that's akin to the Wash 'n' Go shampoo and conditioner; good in theory but trying to do two different jobs).
After running a dripping wet Goretex around to my Mum's to use the Tumble Dryer, my Seraph has emerged looking pristine, soft and, lo and behold, water beads off the surface instead of being soaked up. How long will my precious last in this lovely state? Will she make it through the trip to Torridon? Stay tuned for the next update...
In two days time I am off up to Scotland to meet up with Kim and to venture up to Torridon. I haven't been there for a couple of years and while I don't expect the landscape to have changed too much - apart from a couple of rockfalls that I'm aware of and widening of one or two of the roads - I would imagine the the ancient Lewisian gneiss to still be supporting the Cambrian quarzite and Torridian sandstone.
While I am not going to be summiting any of the huge giants, I shall be walking amongst them and in doing so I don't want to risk a re-enactment of the wetting through I had two weeks ago with Gareth and Cath. So I have splurged and treated my (one year old) Mountain Equipment Seraph jacket to a wash and reproofing. I did it properly, cleaning out the detergent tray of my washing machine before running through an empty cycle, before then running through Granger's 30° C Cleaner and separately the Proofer (you can get combined products, but I reckon that's akin to the Wash 'n' Go shampoo and conditioner; good in theory but trying to do two different jobs).
After running a dripping wet Goretex around to my Mum's to use the Tumble Dryer, my Seraph has emerged looking pristine, soft and, lo and behold, water beads off the surface instead of being soaked up. How long will my precious last in this lovely state? Will she make it through the trip to Torridon? Stay tuned for the next update...
Looking forward to seeing and reading about Kim and your adventures in Torridon :)
ReplyDeleteI'll walk behind you and spray you continuously with water if it's not raining to test it if you like . :)
ReplyDeleteTookie, So am I!!! :D
ReplyDeleteKim, I don't think we'll need much 'help' with the weather! Doesn't stop me being waaay too excited though!
I hope it's very gneiss for you... arf arf...
ReplyDeleteI'll get me goretex...
Mike, did Superdawg get loose on your pc again ;-)
ReplyDeleteHope you have a good trip Helen.
ReplyDeleteI've had a smile at the re-proofing job. I just washed and proofed an old Lowe Alpine jacket but unfortunately the silver lining material didn't make it through.
Shame its a nice jacket.
I look forward to reading about the Torri trip.
Oh, it's such a shame when you've got a jacket you love but it's at the end of it's life. On the other hand it's a nice feeling knowing you've worn something out (I think!).
ReplyDeleteIt was very satisfying to go out today though and to see the rain bead off; I shall see how well it lasts!
Thanks :o)
Hope you stay dry! Sounds as if you may (ho, ho!)
ReplyDeleteWhile you try to keep the rain off, I attempt to hike in the rain and only fail. Part of living in the desert I suppose. Hope you have a wonderful trip!
ReplyDeleteHave a great time, I've just finished a short evening class on the Geology of Scottish Hills and we didn't learn of any recent major changes to our hilla!
ReplyDeleteHave a great time, I've just finished a short evening class on the Geology of Scottish Hills and we didn't learn of any recent major changes to our hilla!
ReplyDeleteMike, did Superdawg get loose on your pc again ;-)
ReplyDelete