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If you want to show off your bushcraft skills, they can apparently be used in a pinch to even start a fire, provided you have steady hands, perfect tinder, and bright sunshine. (Disclaimer, I have never done this, your mileage may vary, and YouTube is your friend.)

We are thrilled to announce that Sapphire has been awarded a large-scale sewer lining project in Fulford, York, as part of the Yorkshire Water Storm Spill Reduction Programme. As part of this vital initiative, we will be installing over 1km of UV liners on a 525mm sewer pipe. This cutting-edge work aims to rehabilitate the aging system, prevent water leakage, and future-proof Fulford’s network for years to come.

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Fresnel lens

I’d like to send you a weekly email with four quick tips to help you climb better, safer and smarter, AND a sampler of some of the most popular articles on my Premium Member pages.

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For more “well seasoned” climbers, reading the small print on a map or phone screen can be tricky. But who wants to bring reading glasses on a hike or climb?

Magnifying sheets forreadingStaples

So, the way I heard the story . . . Several older and experienced hikers were hiking in the Columbia River Gorge. As light was fading, they needed to make a route choice at a trail junction. They pulled out their map . . . and couldn’t read it because no one had reading glasses! They didn’t know where to go, and decided to stay put for the night. (That was probably the best choice, and luckily they had the gear to do so in reasonable comfort.) The next morning, when there was enough light to read their map, they walked out unassisted.

You can get a multi-pack of pocket magnifier lenses online for something like $1 each. So, buy a bunch, keep them scattered around your gear bags, and give ‘em away to your friends. Search Google for “pocket Fresnel lens”.

Fresnel LensSheet

In-person instruction from a qualified instructor is strongly recommended for any technique that, if you do it wrong, could result in serious injury or death.

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If you use any of the ideas or information presented here, you acknowledge that the technique may be inaccurate or out of date, and you agree that Alpinesavvy LLC is not responsible or liable for any injury (or worse) that might result from you using the techniques presented here.

This website offers information and ideas (not advice) intended to reduce your risk when climbing. Many of the tips here are appropriate only for those with prior experience. All climbers need proper training and equipment, and to take personal responsibility for their choices.

Science geek note: the Fresnel lens was invented by a French physicist in the 1800s, and was originally used in lighthouses to concentrate the light beam. Several excellent examples can be seen at historic lighthouses, including several in Oregon.  When seen full size in a lighthouse, they are quite amazing!

These little puppies are simply thin, flexible, plastic magnifying glasses. About the size of a credit card, they are dirt cheap, magnify to about 3x power, and really help to read that 8 point font. (The image clarity is not as good as what you’d get with a lens actually made of glass, but it’s probably  good enough to read your map and make the correct trail choice.)

The project has received overwhelming support from the local community and MP Luke Charters. Stay tuned for updates as we work to improve the local water infrastructure and create a more resilient future for Fulford!

I respect your privacy. I'll never sell your personal info. Unless you get really famous. Then I might. We can talk then. =^)