BB2003 : Degrees of Requirement

The third in a series of four lectures by the eminent philosopher, Olan D Rhodes 

Today I am going to talk mainly about the third degree- Need.  This might or might not occur with Like or even Want but Need is where there is a strong element of Requirement, real or perceived.

I shall illustrate the concept by relating to you a story about a group of men who like to be known collectively as the BOOTboys.  

Don, Stan, Mike, Robin + Holly

Each week their convenor, Don, issues a message asking who would like to go walking and, if so, whether there is anywhere they want to go.

On the week in question, there were several positive responses to the Like and one Want request for destination.  Certain hills are known as Wainwrights, being named after a man who published routes of ascent.  Several of the BOOTboys were seeking to climb every hill mentioned in his books, including Gowbarrow, Little Mell and Great Mell.  These three were proposed by Mike T who is one of the seekers.

Don pointed out that to do all three would require quite some time due to the distance involved and that the longer days of summer would be needed.  It was agreed to limit the target to one hill, namely Gowbarrow.

Unfortunately, though they didn’t want to, several of the responders needed to drop out for various reasons, leaving only Don, Mike T, Stan and Robin plus his dog Holly.  As they had two cars, the walk could be undertaken linearly.

Normally, one car would be left at Pooley Bridge and the participants would drive to Aira Force to start walking back.  However the Bailey bridge erected after storm Desmond was being replaced and the road into the village was closed.

Consequently it was necessary to leave the car in a temporary car park on the north side of the River Eamont.

The walk started with a visit to Aira Force itself.  Don and Mike went down a steep series of steps to view the falls.  The other two didn’t want to go down that way which meant that Don and Mike needed to climb back up.  

The group then crossed the falls by the upper bridge and set off on the terraced path that climbs steadily around the west side of Gowbarrow.  This offers extensive views of the upper end of the lake known as Ullswater and the hills beyond.

Subsequently, at a knoll, the whole lake could be seen.

Ullswater

At the far end of the terrace, Mike posed the question whether anyone wanted to climb to the summit of Gowbarrow?  This puzzled Don who responded by saying that he thought that Mike needed it for his Wainwright total.  Mike’s reply took him completely by surprise.  No, he said.  He had already been there and didn't need it.

Don was shocked as he had been under the impression that Mike needed all three hills that he had named.  It transpired that, paradoxically, he only needed the two that they were not planning to climb.  A discussion ensued as to whether anyone actually did want to climb Gowbarrow.  It turned out that not only did everyone want, Robin actually needed it for his Wainwright tally.

This meant turning west directly into what was by now a very strong and cold westerly wind, coupled with occasional bouts of hail.  Fortunately the climb was short.  In the distance they could see the two that Mike needed but didn't want today.

Great and Little Mell

Having summited, they retraced their steps somewhat before heading north through the woods to emerge close to All Saints Church.  

All Saints Church

By now, they didn’t just want lunch, they needed it and the Church provided a welcome shelter from the elements.  

It was here that a message was received from one of those who had needed to drop out of the venture.  The reason became clear.  Martin C had been taken into hospital as his need was for an emergency operation.  In fact it was imperative. Fortunately it had gone well.  His message was cheerful and the boys made appropriate supplications for his speedy recovery.

The remainder of the walk was relatively uneventful.  There had been no need to visit the Iron Age earthwork of Maiden Castle but Don, at least, wanted to do so although it was judged a disappointment.

Soon they were back at the car that had been left in the temporary car park. Obviously the other car was needed for the return journey home, so Mike and Robin set off to collect it from Aira Force whilst Don and Stan plus Holly walked past the jetty.....

..... then across the Bailey bridge into Pooley Bridge where they found the very welcoming Crown Inn.

Soon they were joined by the returned Mike and Robin.  Over a convivial beer they pondered the merits of the extensive and expensive work taking place to build a new, stainless steel bridge, funded inevitably by them and other tax payers.  Was it needed?  They thought not.  The Bailey bridge had been fit for purpose but someone somewhere had decided to shake the people’s money tree.

Before long, the inevitable question arose concerning a second drink.   Like one, said Don.  Want one, said Mike.  Need one, said Robin.  Stan responded that not only Must he have one, it was Imperative.

So Ladies and Gentlemen, we have examined the use of each of the four degree words in action.  Today our primary focus has been on Need.  In my next lecture we will consider in more depth the concept of Imperative.

Thank you and I'll see you next week for the Fourth Degree of Requirement.

Olan D Rhodes, Wednesday January 2019

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For the Index pages
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If you want to know which BOOTboys reports refer to having visited any particular Wainwright or certain other tops, See BOOTboys Hill Log
 Warning- it might not be fully up-to-date!

From our OMAN correspondent:

Not walking at home but come and try this for real, men!  Yesterday walked up 7,600ft.  Had to nearly carry Catherine wearing Arabian sandals, dishi dashi and a bottle of aqua.  About 150 miles southwest of Muscat.

Hotel dry due to Sultan dying during stay..... bad timing but saves the  credit card as double price. Pints about £10. Average wine at least £50.

Otherwise, The Mam and me OK.

 J&C in the Mountains in Oman without Drink

Two Tribes

In case you missed the videos that were later added to BB2002, here are the links.

Click on them at your peril.  Scary with flashing images.  Large files So might take a while to open:

Comments:

Dr Giles A Tannery:  Very interesting. Suggest you read my latest book on autism and split personalities.

Don:  Is that the one you co-authored with Dr Hades Nolo?

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STATISTICS

BB2003 : Degrees of Requirement

Date:

Wednesday 15th January 2020

Features:

Gowbarrow

Comitibus:

Don, Mike T, Robin (& Holly), Stan

Distance in miles (Gar min):

10.5

Height climbed in feet (OMN):

2,087

GPX track

BB2003.gpx

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