Everyday Adventures #26
A month of waterproof adventures and misty walks.
I'm writing this month's newsletter from Krkonoše mountains in Czechia. It's that time of year when I return for an annual ski trip, and remember my inability to ski!
The past month has been nothing but wet. Rain, floodings and dark skies. I've remained motivated to keep getting outside though, not letting the weather dampen my spirit.
Here’s a round up of some adventures over the past month:
Peak District Hiking
I caught up with a friend over a hike in the peaks. We only catch up once or twice a year and make a habit of getting out and being active when we do so. A 7 mile loop along the Great Ridge from Castleton didn't give us much in beautiful views with is low lying clouds. In fact we spent most of the day wet and with less than 50m visibility. Nonetheless a hike is a hike!
A Walking Challenge
Work has organised a fundraising challenge for all of my colleagues. Walk either 28, 50 or 100 miles in February.
I've opted for 50 miles as it felt like enough to make sure I get out regularly. I started off on the 1st of the month with 4 mile loop around Bradgate Country Park, although again, I didn't see much of it because of the mist!
Vysoke
I'm back in Vysoke again. As fun as my feeble attempts at skiing are, it's such a peaceful place to visit. There's no distractions here, and things to do are limited to skiing, walking or drinking, and yet I never find myself being bored.
I've only been back a day, and already starting to notice things that I've never done before. It's one of those places that never stops being interesting.
Anyway… I should probably do some skiing!
When I find myself with free time that isn’t spent outdoors, I usually end up reading or watching other people spend their time outside.
Check out this short film of Jean Rouaux’s 4300km bike ride to go and ski above the Arctic Circle.
Here's the RSPB’s top 7 things to see and do in nature during February.
Spending time in the outdoors hiking? Use this guide to keep your walks sustainable and eco friendly.
I've finally got round to reading The Place of Tides by James Rebanks. It's been on my reading list for a while, but I wanted to read his other two books first to keep them in order.
The Places of Tides see James leave his Lake District Farm to join Anna, a Norwegian woman living in the Vega Archipelago who preserves the ancient tradition of protecting eider ducks and harvesting their down on the island of Fjærøy.
As James learns about Anna, and her fierce dedication to keeping a long standing tradition alive, he reflects on his own life and the similarities to his fell farm.
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There’s something admirable about your refusal to let mist, rain, or questionable ski skills keep you indoors! that consistency is what really builds a life of adventure.