A reminder

Another guest blog - this time from TREE AID's website - just so you know your money is really making a difference, and is needed. This isn't about planting a few trees - it's about saving lives.

"A second food crisis is unfolding in Africa, in the Sahel, that should start hitting the headlines in spring next year.
Why spring 2012? The answer lies in the remarkably predictable onset of food crisis, starting with an event such as drought or pest infestation, then a poor harvest leading to a grain shortfall. After this, remaining food stocks are run-down, and people turn to short-term coping strategies. For those in rural areas, this includes selling-off weakened livestock; as poor quality animals flood the market, their price plummets whilst the cost of food continues to rise, shifting the terms of trade against the rural poor. At this point, people migrate to cities in search of food or employment, depressing wages and competing for food in urban areas too.  The crisis peaks when food stocks are fully depleted and all there is to do is wait for the next harvest or hope for assistance. In the Sahel, this ‘hunger gap’ usually runs from April to August. Right now, countries in the region are facing significant grain shortfalls following poor harvests due to erratic rains and pest attacks*.
These are the early warning signs of a disaster. The TREE AID West Africa staff are already reporting devastating effects to crop yields.  And famine is fast becoming a very real threat to those just out of TREE AID’s reach.  But the situation can be avoided – if we act now.
Ongoing problems of food insecurity and climate change require long-term solutions.  Trees enable people to both meet their immediate food needs – and store tree foods for use when food becomes scarce.   Today trees are providing a safety net for those families that are working with us.
This year, despite low rainfall, the villagers in our project areas have avoided the crisis seen in other parts of the region.  There’s now a huge demand for TREE AID experience and expertise.
We desperately need your help to extend our programmes and help another 10,000 people by the end of 2012."

We really can help people avoid famine - it's so easy

Please donate what you can today

*To read the full article highlighting the crisis by Rob Bailey, Senior Research Fellow, Energy, Environment and Development Programme click here

Ramblings

I know - enough already!

But this is different. I have become an official Rambler.
The New year, and serious training was required. It was time to bite the bullet and join the Bristol Ramblers on their crack of dawn adventures in the surrounding beauty spots. It has meant setting my alarm for 6.00 on a Sunday morning (I couldn't think of going out without a substantial breakfast) but, as Lawrence of Arabia said, 'the secret is in not minding the pain'. Well he did in the film, which I watched last night - training in true grit (which I watched last week - the new Coen Brothers version).

The thing is, once you're up, it doesn't really matter what time it is, and I have to say that it has become easier to get up since I know it will be worth it.

I launched straight into the A team (there is a B team, which sets out an hour later, and is apparently a little more leisurely about the whole thing) - largely by accident, I have to say. But I survived week 1 - 13.3 miles of Cotswold scenery, and since they were offering an introductory hill walk in the Brecon Beacons the following week - I really didn't want to miss out.

And I'm so glad I didn't. We climbed Fan y Big (seriously). the whole walk was 12 miles, with an ascent of 2,500 feet, but boy was it worth it. We climbed above the snow line (see evidence below), and walked along the ridge as it then descended back into the valley - with the ground falling away majestically on either side. It was like being on top of the world - especially when the weather closed in and powdery snow inveigled its way into every nook and cranny of my jacket.  And also my backpack while I was eating my sandwiches - experienced hikers, I noticed later, do up their pack while eating. There's still a lot to learn!

So - here is the proof - my big adventure in Fan y Big, photos courtesy of the Bristol ramblers website - thanks folks.

OK so far - I can still breathe

You want me to go where?

 

...and along the edge. Seriously?

 

 

 

 

 

I made it - the top of the world!!

See what I mean?

And you couldn't spend a Sunday with a nicer bunch of folk, I reckon.

After that I notched up about 30 more miles, out on my own or with another group in my week's holiday. And yesterday we did another Cotswold adventure - 14 miles this time, with an awful lot of ups and downs, but still great, taking in a couple of charming little villages - real Laurie Lee (if a little more well-heeled).

All this has been great for my fitness of course, but more so for my confidence I think. Having pushed myself, I've achieved more than I thought possible - and enjoyed it! What does make it all so much easier, which I hadn't really taken on board, was the inspiration provided by the scenery, and the support of one's fellow trekkers.

Bring on  those sand dunes!