Posts tagged #1980s

Chris Yates – The Lost Diary

Chris Yates talking about his lost diary

UPDATE: The book has been successfully funded so keep an eye out in the coming months!

I have spoken about Mr Yates in past posts - he is one of my favorite fishermen; he is beloved by nearly every British angler as an author, photographer and staunch advocate for vintage fishing gear and methods. Over the last few months, in anticipation for Maine's fishing season, I read a few of his books - each one is a masterpiece. I knew through Yates' reputation and his previous works that I would love these books, but as each one unfolded I became further charmed and impressed by Yates; his philosophies, his love for the outdoors, nature and, of course, tea. All of which resonate with me and my beliefs.

When I came to the end of "Nightwalk", Yates' magical and lyrical book about walking through nighttime British countryside, I was keen to find out what he was up to next. It was in this search that I came across his intended crowd funded next publication. Entitled "The Lost Diaries" the book is exactly that, a  book of his recently rediscovered fishing diaries dating from the 1980s, including "the last days Chris spent fishing at Redmire after his record catch and the early days of the Golden Scale Club." 

How to Fish and On Fishing at Sea

How to Fish and On Fishing at Sea

So for my sake, and for the sake of all those that love and cherish nature,  the outdoors and Yates' writing, take a look at this video and perhaps consider donating to this book. Funding is being sourced through unbound.co.uk which is very much like kick-starter. For a minimum donation of GBP10 you will receive a copy of the book and also have your name published in the back.

So far I have read "How to Fish", "Nightwalk" and "On Fishing at Sea " these are still readily available and I cannot speak highly enough of them.

Posted on April 18, 2013 and filed under Books, Fishing, Hero.

Belstaff Dalesman

Belstaff Dalesman

Belstaff Dalesman

After several years of looking I have finally found a Belstaff Dalesman. This is quite a sentimental piece for me; it was the top my father used to wear when I was growing up and is one of my favorite pieces of vintage outdoor gear. The Dalesman is a smock style, pullover jacket made of super heavyweight cotton; it has an awesome colour pallet, a huge map pocket across the front and an amazing vintage vibe.

Although originally famed for their motorbike jackets (and now their filmstar leather jackets) Belstaff did make a line of outdoor gear in the 1980's. This included the Dalesman, the Derwent and  Sir Chris Bonnington's signature jacket. I have found scant information about the Belstaff outdoor range and have tried to get in touch with them a few times, but as yet I have not got a response. If anyone has any information about this gear I would love to get the story straight.

Ol rocking the Dalesman

Ol rocking the Dalesman

I found the jacket on eBay and probably payed far too much for it but some sometimes you just have to.

Posted on September 24, 2012 and filed under Classic Kit.