January, starts easy with a nice days out running the Purbecks. Got into a nice routine when the weathers good to get down there early for a beach run, maybe a quick swim, then head to the coast line for a cliff top run. Then finish with a good coffee and nice food.
February started with our 6th LeJoG trip heading across the Severn Bridge into Wales and up the Wye valley before cutting across country to Worcester. Cold, muddy fun.
Rolling into March was same old same old. Hit the rivers, the beaches, the coast and a few rugby games.
With the weather looking good I packed and jumped on an early bus into town and over to the ferry and before you know it I am on the island with a heavy pack and my best pal. Fate decided which way i was going with the ferry i took - it goes to both sides of the river and so i just started walking anticlockwise from Cowes. A scenic walk over to Yarmouth then breathtaking around the needles. The winds were strong and biting to camp at the top of Tennyson Down but managed a poor campsite just outside Freshwater for a 45km day - tiring. 
With nothing open in town for a morning coffee we trudged around the spectacular south of the Island and taking pot luck as to whether the coast path would be accessible, diverted or just plain collapsed into the sea. I took a few risks to avoid lengthy re-routes which in the main worked out. The walking though was highly enjoyable although Reyas pack had started to rub a little so i took on an extra burden of carrying hers as well as mine.
A lovely stop in Ventnor for a late pub lunch and swim then tough going around the headland and trying to find someplace to camp. Everywhere was covered in gorse bushes and i didnt fancy camping on that prickly uneven ground. Not helped by some madman threating me off the footpath with threats of shooting me!!
April was a time to see if my indoor winter climbing had amounted to much as we started a little outdoor climbing. Not great but better than not trying.
Then it was onto Part7 of LeJoG Worcester to Uttoexeter mainly using the river and canal systems through the Midlands. A detour into Wolverhampton to get accomodation was an eye opener after being in the countryside for so long.
May and it was straight back out on the 8th edition of LeJoG from Uttoexter traversing the Peak District and onto the Pennine Way to Hedden Bridge. Miles and miles of fun, adventure and stunning landscapes, all the while figuring it all out as we go along. Some day swe hike the most beautiful of places all day 30-40km a day with large packs and some days we'll come across a lovely town and just take it easy and sink a few beers and eat good food and relax.
July more climbing then onto Section 9 of LeJoG Hebden Bridge to Haltwhistle.
End of the month took a trip up to the Lake District to support Dan who was running the Lakeland100. I just went out and scrambled with the dog for a couple of wet days.
August, Lee was back so time spent catching up. A great day out walking the River Itchen.
September came the big trip. A few days in Austria with The Locker boys, some Via Ferrata, climbing and with staying in a mountain hut for a couple of days we hiked/climbed up the Birnhorn 2650m. What a day and great trip.
Instead of flying home i jumped on the train to the Dolomites and started the Alta Via 2. A route i had thought about doing for some time now. .jpg)
A realisation that sometimes you just need to slow down hit me after a few days i arrived at a hut to be stuck there for 1.5 days due to bad weather and as much as i wanted to keep moving it was a good time to down time, chat to people/friends and contemplate.
Lee was back from Singapore so a few more coffees and beers were had.
Back to repeat the beach swims, coastal runs, river walks with the odd game of Six Nations rugby
Well the weather was pretty good.
With the end of the month approaching I had to do something, something different. So hatched a plan to hike around the Isle of Wight.
I'd had enough and booked myself into a hotel in Shanklin for a peaceful night after another 25miles.
Last day across the beaches to Sandown. This could been anywhere in the world, stunning. The walk was stunning going into these enclaves between Bembridge and Ryde was interesting. The last part getting back into Cowes less so but by then i was done and just wanting to get back on the ferry.
A great last minute 75 mile long weekend adventure - one to try and repeat each year, why not.
But back out of the city and on the canals and countryside for more peace if not cleanliness. A big issue i see is the amount of rubbish discarded everywhere nowadays. Britain is a dump..jpg)
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Springtime, the best time of the year, enjoyed with catching up with friends, walks in fields of bluebells and waking up to the warmer days.
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Logistics getting trickier the further north we move so we took a week to cover this part and boy did we enjoy it and to treat ourselves further we ditched the tents for thisleg and stayed in pubs/hotels for the entire duration over the Pennine Way and across the Yorkshire Dales.
End of the month took a trip up to the Lake District to support Dan who was running the Lakeland100. I just went out and scrambled with the dog for a couple of wet days.
Later in the month another mini adventure with a run and cowboy camp by the Lulworth sea cliffs under the stars.
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Instead of flying home i jumped on the train to the Dolomites and started the Alta Via 2. A route i had thought about doing for some time now. My anticipation was immense, I had dreamed of the perfect trek- better than the GR20? of wonderful landscapes, climbing/Via Ferrata up towering peaks, resting each evening in warm huts.
I was not disappointed, it was better. It indescribably had much more.
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After 8 memorable days I finished and regretfully rushed off to Venice to explore. The transition from mountain silence to city noise was deafening and unappealing.
My brother got himself a dog, Roscoe. Lets hope they have as much fun as i did and do with my dogs. Life is not the same without these marvalous companions.
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What an achievement and looking forward to next year already to walk Scotland and complete our journey.
November brought more rugby, beers and BBQs. Phil has perfected the tomahawk steak and we delight in feasting on one on rugby days washed down with fine ale and good company.
To work of the beers i keep running and slowly but surely my hips and hamstrings are starting to not hurt, not be tight. Unsure if they will ever feel great again but lingering for over 2 years does drain you of motivation. So here's hoping for a more productive year.
To work of the beers i keep running and slowly but surely my hips and hamstrings are starting to not hurt, not be tight. Unsure if they will ever feel great again but lingering for over 2 years does drain you of motivation. So here's hoping for a more productive year.
December i met up with the running club for the annual Dirty bogfest in the New Forest and a week later a local pub crawl. Great fun to be out with other runners.
Then Christmas with the family x
With weather looking ok I decided last minute to head to North Wales and do a 90km loop of Snowdon over a few days. Staying in pubs so i could manage a lighter pack and run/scramble a bit worked out a treat, especially with shorter days and nice to finish in a pub for beer, food, company and a warm bed for both me and Reya..jpg)
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Certainly getting into my fastpacking nowadays.
Stopping off at Dave and Kerry's in Shropshire on the way back to celebrate NY was a good ending for yet another year that sailed past.
That's another year, not many good uns left i've come to the depressing realisation. So make the most of this life. Keep doing things and meet good people for we are in a tiny moment but what a moment so make it special before thy is done.
Stats - Pretty active all year round. Climbing 3 times a week. Running 3 times. 5x E2E hiking trips. A few swims and dips thrown in. No skiing or biking!!
Highlight - Walking England and the AV2
Lowlight - no ultra races or skiing. The first time in decades!!
Goals - stay strong and injury free then to walk Scotland
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