At 4am I dragged myself out from shelter to stand beneath the dull light of dawn, wanting to be gone without trace before any early risers made their way past on a morning jaunt. I had the joy of packing away under the rising sun. The light blue sky began to emerge behind the clouds, …
The turning into The Peaks introduced one of the hardest physical and mental challenges I have faced cycle touring. As the hills continued, albeit none quite so steep as this first, I began to question everything. Why was I doing this? This is the Peak District, named as such for a reason. Why did I …
Back on English ground, I took the opportunity to explore as I never have before. In the past I used a bike as transport within Leeds city, but generally took public transport for longer distances. This time, determined to see more of England and with a great desire to keep my legs moving, I made …
After returning to England I spent some time with family before making my way to Wales for the Green Gathering festival. I had discovered the Green during some online searching, after my experiences at Woodford left me looking to find some festivals on this side of the world with a similar ethos. I’ve discovered one …
My time in Quillan at the ecobuild turned out to be much less eco or build than I’d originally thought. Much less eco due to the use of a large amount of cement in the base of the greenhouse we were building, much less build (for me) due to my ridiculously swollen ankle and the …
From the Alps I made my way south once more, this time towards the eastern edge of the Pyrenees mountain range nearing the north of Spain. I had agreed to be a volunteer helping to construct a greenhouse as an eco-build project and was looking forward to all I anticipated learning in the next few …
From Paris I made my way south east to the Alps. This had not originally been part of the plan, but having been invited by a friend currently working there as a rafting guide, I jumped at the chance. So instead of the plane to Toulouse I was taking a bus, a ride-share and a …
During the month of June I enjoyed a variety of what France had to offer. A French perspective of Paris, visiting a friend in the Alps and then moving south toward the Spanish border, to the edge of the Pyrenees for a volunteer project. I have not shared anything since I first stepped foot on …
It’s a strange feeling, able once again to drink water from the tap, put toilet paper in the bin and stand in the rain without it burning my eyes. Hanoi leaves a lasting impression, encouraging you to take life less seriously, let things just happen, let irritations and challenges rebound from you instead of dragging …
Taman Negara (possibly the oldest jungle in the world) is beautiful, secluded, free from noise pollution, wonderfully green… I think I need not say I fell in love and became more smitten every day! Here I faced challenges I had never come across before, crossed mental barriers doing so and met some great people, backpackers …
