Everything Awesome

The Peak District has over the past decade become a huge success, if you gauge success by enabling more access to the countryside, or by the increased income levels tourism brings to the area.

Unfortunately this has created some issues that could have been avoided. Much more traffic use and roadside parking.
Rather than create additional car parks, give farmers planning permission to allow parking on their land, or developing a working park and ride system, the answer has been to restrict parking.

The latest being the Fox House pub in Hathersage. Now this is a location i use frequently, i start and stop MTB courses here, and my clients often park in the large carpark.
I encourage this, insisting that at the end of the course, or the end of the day we put around £50 over the bar for food and drinks, We often excede this.
Now there are to be ANPR cameras on that carpark, i fear my clients will park elsewhere, the pub will ultimately lose out and we all lose a facility.

I don’t have answers but prohibition rarely succeeds long term.

A professional beginner is someone who has turned the act of starting over into an elite, highly marketable skill.

I seem to have had this description for most of my adult life, and somehow, have paid my bills and lived a great life.

While most professionals climb a career ladder by narrowing their focus, a professional beginner climbs by widening their scope. They don’t claim to be a veteran expert in any single domain; instead, their expertise lies in the speed at which they can conquer a learning curve.

They are intellectual chameleons, drop-in problem solvers, and professional translators. Here is what defines them:

1. The Core Mindset: High Confidence, Low Ego

The most distinct trait of a professional beginner is a unique psychological balance:

• Zero Ego: They are completely unphased by walking into a room and saying, “I don’t know what that acronym means, please explain it to me.” They don’t waste cognitive energy pretending to know things they don’t.
• Radical Confidence: While they have low ego about their current knowledge, they have sky-high confidence in their ability to learn. They operate on a fundamental belief: If another human being figured this out, I can figure it out too.

2. The Skillset of Rapid Acquisition

A professional beginner doesn’t learn like an academic; they learn like an engineer. They possess a meta-skill: learning how to learn.

• Deconstruction: They can look at a complex system (a new coding language, a supply chain bottleneck, a financial model) and instantly break it down into its core components.
• The 20% Filter: They instinctively find the 20% of vocabulary and concepts that drive 80% of the daily operations in a given field.
• Analogy Matching: Because they have dabbled in so many industries, they learn by cross-referencing. When learning a new marketing framework, they might think, “Oh, this is just like the feedback loops I learned about in mechanical engineering.”

3. The Professional Value: The “OODA Loop” Expert

In the corporate world, the professional beginner is an incredible asset, particularly in volatile or fast-moving industries. They excel at what military strategist John Boyd called the OODA Loop (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act).

[Traditional Expert] ───> Relies on historical precedents and "how we've always done it."
                          Can freeze when a totally unprecedented problem occurs.

[Professional Beginner] ─> Relies on first principles and rapid adaptation.
                          Thrives in chaos because they expect to start from scratch.

They are the ultimate “firefighters.” When a company faces a weird, multi-departmental crisis that doesn’t fit neatly into HR, Legal, or Engineering, they drop the professional beginner into the center of it.

4. The Trap to Avoid

The danger of being a professional beginner is becoming a “permanent amateur.” To avoid this, a true professional beginner ensures that while their subject matter changes, their execution standards remain elite. They might be a beginner at the specific technical requirements of a new project, but they are a seasoned master at project management, communication, stakeholder alignment, and critical thinking.

In short: A traditional expert is paid for what they already know. A professional beginner is paid for how fast they can figure out what nobody knows yet.

UK knife laws are strict, and navigating them basically comes down to understanding the difference between what you can carry anywhere, anytime versus what requires a “good reason.”

While I appreciate this might be quite a contentious post, I believe all of us working in the outdoor industries should be carrying a small, legally acceptable pen knife.

I have carried a small knife for most of my adult life. My current EDC (Everyday Carry) is the Spyderco Squeak

Here is exactly how the law breaks down.

1. What You Can Carry Anywhere (Everyday Carry)

You are legally allowed to carry a pocket knife in a public place without needing a specific reason, but only if it meets two strict criteria simultaneously:

• It must be non-locking: The blade must fold freely at all times without any mechanical lock, button, spring, or catch holding it open (like a classic Swiss Army knife).
• The cutting edge must be 3 inches (7.62 cm) or less: This is measured along the actual sharp edge of the blade, not just the physical length of the metal.

Crucial Catch: “Lock knives” (where the blade locks open for safety) do not qualify as folding pocket knives under UK law, even if the blade is under 3 inches. Carrying one in public without a valid reason is illegal.

2. Knives You Can Carry ONLY with a “Good Reason”

If a knife has a blade longer than 3 inches, or if it has a locking mechanism (including most tactical knives, fixed blades, and many larger multi-tools), you can only carry it in public if you have a “good reason.”

Ultimately, a police officer or a court decides what counts as a valid excuse, but standard recognized examples include:

• Work: You are a chef taking your knives to a kitchen, or a carpet fitter, builder, or gardener who needs a utility knife for your trade.
• Religious Reasons: Such as the kirpan carried by orthodox Sikhs.
• National Costume: Such as the sgian-dubh worn with traditional Scottish Highland dress.
• Legitimate Outdoor Activities: You are actively traveling directly to or from a camping, fishing, or bushcraft activity where the knife is required.

What is NOT a good reason? Carrying a knife “just in case,” for general utility “just to be handy,” or for self-defense. In the UK, carrying any weapon for self-defense is strictly illegal. Furthermore, if you have a work knife, you must only transport it directly to and from work—stopping at a pub or shop on the way home with it in your pocket can get you arrested.

3. Knives That Are Completely Banned

Certain types of knives are completely illegal to own, bring into the UK, sell, possess at home, or carry anywhere. These include:

• Flick knives / Switchblades (knives that open automatically with a button or spring)
• Butterfly knives (Balisongs)
• Disguised knives (blades hidden in walking sticks, lipsticks, or belt buckles)
• Gravity knives
• Zombie-style knives and machetes (specifically blades over 8 inches with a sharp point and aggressive features like serrations, spikes, or multiple holes)

Summary of Legalities

The maximum penalty for an adult caught carrying a knife illegally in public is 4 years in prison and an unlimited fine.

Making a “penny stove” out of cola cans is a classic DIY project for ultralight backpackers. It is incredibly lightweight, surprisingly efficient, and runs on denatured alcohol (methylated spirits).

Here is a step-by-step guide to building a standard, pressurized penny stove.

🛠️ Tools and Materials Needed

Materials:

• 2 Aluminum cans (standard 330ml or 500ml cans, undamaged)
• 1 Copper coin ( UK 1p/2p coin)
• High-temperature aluminum foil tape (optional, but great for a tight seal)
• Denatured alcohol / Methylated spirits (for fuel)

Tools:

• A sharp utility knife or box cutter
• A thumbtack, pushpin, or a drill with a tiny bit (approx. 1mm)
• A thick book or wooden block (to use as a height gauge for cutting)
• Scissors
• Fine-grit sandpaper

📐 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Cans

Thoroughly wash and dry both cans. Use your sandpaper to sand off the paint around the bottom 2 inches (5 cm) of both cans. Removing the paint prevents toxic fumes when the stove burns.

Step 2: Make the Burner Holes (Top Half)

Take Can A (this will be the top of your stove).

1. Turn it upside down so the concave bottom faces up.
2. Using your thumbtack or pushpin, poke 4 fuel-drainage holes inside the central, indented ring of the can bottom.
3. Next, poke 16 to 24 evenly spaced jet holes around the outer rim of the can. These are the jets where the flame will shoot out.

Step 3: Cut the Can Bottoms

You need to cut the bottom off both cans to create two shallow cups. To get a perfectly straight line:

1. Place your utility knife blade between the pages of a thick book so it stays flat and level at about 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the table.
2. Hold the knife steady and rotate Can A against the blade until it scores and cleanly cuts the bottom off.
3. Repeat this process for Can B (the bottom half), but make it just a fraction taller—about 1.25 inches (3 cm).

Step 4: Create the Inner Wall (The Cup)

You need an inner wall inside the stove to create a fuel chamber.

1. Take the remaining middle cylinder scrap of aluminum from one of the cut cans.
2. Cut a strip that is about 1.3 inches (3.3 cm) wide.
3. Roll this strip into a circle that fits tightly around the inner raised ring of the bottom can (Can B).
4. Cut three small V-shaped notches into the bottom edge of this ring. This allows fuel to flow from the center to the outer jets.

Step 5: Assemble the Stove

This is the trickiest part, as the two can bottoms are the exact same diameter.

1. Take Can A (with the holes) and slightly crimp or pleat the edges inward using your fingers or pliers so it can slide inside Can B.
2. Place your inner wall ring inside Can B (notches facing down).
3. Carefully press Can A down into Can B. It should be a very tight, snug fit. Press them together until the inner wall is firmly sandwiched between the top and bottom.
4. (Optional) Wrap a single layer of high-temperature aluminum tape around the seam to ensure it is airtight.

🔥 How to Operate It Safely

⚠️ Safety First: Alcohol burns with an almost invisible blue flame in daylight. Always operate outdoors on a fireproof surface (like the brick in the photo).

1. Fill: Pour about 30ml of alcohol directly onto the top of the stove. It will drain through the center holes past the penny.
2. Cap: Place your penny directly over the center holes. This seals the chamber so it can pressurize.
3. Prime: Pour a tiny splash of alcohol into the indented rim around the penny, or into a shallow tray beneath the stove, and light it.
4. The Bloom: The burning priming fuel will heat up the stove. Within 30 to 60 seconds, the alcohol inside will boil, turn to vapor, and shoot out of the outer jets, lighting into a beautiful ring of flame. Once it “blooms,” you can place your pot on top.

Whether you are looking to conquer a literal mountain or overcome a personal physical challenge, Everything Awesome is a premier outdoor adventure and rehabilitation organization based in the heart of the Peak District and Sheffield. Far from being a typical tour company, Everything Awesome blends high-octane adventure with expert coaching and specialized medical rehabilitation, creating an inclusive gateway to the great outdoors.

Here is a breakdown of what we here at Everything Awesome can do for you.

1. Master New Skills with Expert Coaching

At the core of Everything Awesome is a commitment to high-quality instruction. Led by Mini Mansell an instructor with an exhaustive portfolio of qualifications the organization offers structured coaching across a variety of disciplines.

• Mountain Biking (MTB): From “Jumps and Drops” workshops to the fundamental core skills, you can learn to navigate technical trails with confidence. We also offer MIAS (Mountain Bike Instructors Award Scheme) Level 1 and 2 courses for those looking to turn their passion into a professional qualification.
• Rock Climbing: Whether you are transitioning from “Gym to Crag” or wanting to learn the complexities of Traditional (Trad) climbing, they provide safe, expert-led sessions. We even offer ladies-only climbing sessions to foster a supportive environment for female adventurers.
• Paddlesports & More: You can book Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP) taster sessions, navigation courses (like “Find Your Way in a Day”), and even archery lessons.

2. Experience Bespoke Adventures

Everything Awesome excels at creating unforgettable memories through guided experiences. If you aren’t looking for a “lesson” but rather a “journey,” they offer guided mountain bike rides through the rugged Peak District, “Waterfall Walks” (such as the stunning Middle Black Clough), and “Weaselling” (a unique Peak District activity involving scrambling through natural rock tunnels and boulders). These sessions are perfect for families, stag/hen dos, or corporate team building events where the goal is to bond through shared adventure.

3. Specialized Rehabilitation & Inclusion

What truly sets us apart is our “sister” mission in Neuro and Spinal Rehabilitation. We act as specialist Rehabilitation Assistants (RAs), working alongside Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists to support individuals recovering from life-altering injuries, including brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, stroke, and cerebral palsy.

We believe that the outdoors should be accessible to everyone. If you have complex physical needs or use a wheelchair, Everything Awesome uses their specialized skill set to adapt activities like climbing or paddling to your specific requirements. We focus on the “Adventure Sports Specialist Rehab” model, helping individuals rediscover their identity and physical potential through nature.

4. Empowerment and Mental Well-being

Beyond the physical activities, Everything Awesome provides a space for personal growth. Our philosophy is built on “Challenge by Choice,” allowing participants to set their own limits and overcome fears at their own pace. This approach builds immense self-confidence and offers a powerful mental health boost, using the transformative power of the Peak District’s landscape to reduce stress and foster a sense of accomplishment.

Summary

In short, Everything Awesome provides the tools, the expertise, and the environment for you to “ditch the routine.” Whether you are an elite athlete looking to shave seconds off your descent, a beginner nervous about your first climb, or someone navigating a difficult recovery journey, we offer a personalized roadmap to help you experience the world in an awesome way.

Although the title does preclude a gender, i hope the message doesnt. The message being, go prepared. So many problems, just wont become a problem, if you are prepared for them.

The classic “gentleman’s pat-down.” Whether you’re checking your pockets before leaving the house or making sure you haven’t lost your soul (or your keys) at a funeral, this mnemonic has a surprisingly long history.

While most people use it as a quick checklist to ensure they have their essentials, its roots are a bit more “holy.”

The Meaning Behind the Phrase

The phrase is a mnemonic for the Sign of the Cross (the ritual gesture made by Christians, primarily Catholics). The movement of the hand corresponds to the items mentioned:

• Spectacles: Touching the forehead.
• Testicles: Touching the lower abdomen/waist.
• Wallet: Touching the left shoulder (where a man historically kept his wallet in an inside jacket pocket).
• Watch: Touching the right shoulder (referring to a pocket watch kept in the waistcoat).

Historical Context

• The “Pocket” Logic: The order reflects a time when men’s fashion was more formal. Most men were right-handed, so they kept their wallet in the left breast pocket (easy to reach with the right hand) and their pocket watch in the right waistcoat pocket.
• Pop Culture: You might recognize this from movies like Nuns on the Run (1990) or Austin Powers, where it’s used as a joke to help someone “fake” being religious. It also famously appeared in Clint Eastwood’s Gran Torino.
• The “Pocket Pat”: Today, it’s mostly used by people who aren’t necessarily religious but want a rhythmic way to ensure they haven’t forgotten their gear.

For me, as an outdoor professional, this tends to mean, phone, keys, penknife and specs. (plus first aid kit as a default)

When working, this could include, compass, or bike pocket multi tool,

Of course, in 2026, the modern version is probably more like: “Phone, Keys, Wallet, Vape”—though that doesn’t quite have the same theological ring to it.

How to Tell the Weather from Clouds

High-Level Clouds (Above 20,000 ft)

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• Cirrus: Thin, wispy “mare’s tails.” Fair now, but rain likely in 24–48 hours.

• Cirrocumulus: “Mackerel scales.” Change in weather coming.

• Cirrostratus: Thin veil, creates a halo around sun/moon. Rain/snow in 12–24 hours.

Mid Level Clouds (6,500 – 20,000 ft)

• Altostratus: Gray sheet. Steady rain/snow arriving in a few hours.

• Altocumulus: Fluffy balls. On warm mornings, signals afternoon thunderstorms.

Low-Level Clouds (Below 6,500 ft)

• Cumulus: “Cotton balls.” Small means fair; vertical growth means storms.

• Stratus: Flat gray blanket. Gloomy with drizzle or mist.

• Stratocumulus: Lumpy and dark. Storm brewing or front passing.

Dan’ger Clouds

• Nimbostratus: Dark and thick. Steady, prolonged rain.

• Cumulonimbus: Towering with anvil top. Heavy rain, lightning, and thunder.

• Wall/Shelf Clouds: Wedge-shaped. Severe winds and potential tornadoes.

Quick Tips

• Vertical Growth: Atmosphere is unstable; expect a storm.

• Dark Color: Cloud is heavy with water; rain is imminent.

“

The Values Behind the Investment

Our most valuable asset is not our house, not our car and not any of our possessions.
Its ourselves. The best investment a person can make is in themselves.

At its core, self investment is rooted in a specific set of values that transform it from an act of vanity into an act of stewardship.

1. Self Efficacy and Agency

To invest in yourself, you must first believe that change is possible. This is the value of agency. It is the rejection of the “victim” mindset, choosing instead to believe that through effort and learning, you can alter your trajectory.

2. Long-Term Thinking (Delayed Gratification)

Society often rewards the “now.” Self investment requires patience. It is the understanding that reading a difficult book today might not pay off for a year, but the cumulative knowledge will eventually create a “compound interest” effect.

3. Humility

To invest in your growth, you must admit where you are lacking. This requires humility, the willingness to be a “beginner” again.

The Pillars of Self-Investment

• Intellectual Capital: Staying curious and learning how to learn.

• Physical and Mental Health: Investing in sleep, nutrition, and resilience.

• Social Capital: Building integrity and a network.

The Ultimate Return on Investment (ROI)

The true ROI of self-investment is freedom. The more skilled and resilient you become, the more options you have.

We here at Everything Awesome run some fantastic courses, you can learn new skills, make new friends, and invest!

Another “thing” i can offer.