IML training day (Sunday26th August)

Following the recent good news that I am now accepted onto the IML, I need to start getting ready for the navigation speed test which is carried out during the training week. Passing this within the required time is a pre-requisite for progressing to the main (summer) assessment – hopefully next year. So as an ML already why do I need to practice ? Well, accurate navigation is one thing, doing it under time pressure is another and the reality is that is very rare for MLs to have to use their nav skills to the level required for assessment, so its easy to get rusty especially as I am not out every day like full time MLs.

We had a long and productive day in the area around Capel Curig, Julie setting targets and me having to find them, which on the whole I managed pretty well.

The day was brightened by sunshine in the afternoon, doing the beautiful scenery full justice, and by a small herd of wild welsh mountain ponies and their gorgeous young foals, who were torn between curiosity and fear as we approached.

I also had a go at naming some of the wild flowers we found, with less success, however a posting on ‘Wild About Britain’ soon got me sorted