The Yellow Bus’ door closed and it accelerated off before I could figure out if that was the stop I needed. I looked at the brochure and my map amid high-speed twists and turns. Yeah, I probably should have got off at that stop, I realised. Oh well, final stop it was then – the … Continue reading Volcano number 16: The sublime crater lake volcano
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Volcano number 15: The not-what-it-was-supposed-to-be volcano
“I guess I should be grateful that I’m actually on my way to see a volcano,” I thought as the ‘Yellow Bus’ hurtled through the Azorean countryside, passing fields of maize and languid dairy cows. It had almost been a no-volcano day after a caffeine-deficient, panic-fuelled morning. I’d arrived in the Azores – the volcanic … Continue reading Volcano number 15: The not-what-it-was-supposed-to-be volcano
Volcano number 12: The last-minute volcano
After a wet day with thoroughly uninviting views, we awoke in the little French town of Mandailles to what promised to be better weather. There were pockets of blue in the sky (hurrah!) and while the tops of the higher mountains were still shrouded in cloud it looked like it was only lingering like a … Continue reading Volcano number 12: The last-minute volcano
Volcano update
Yes, I know, I’ve been a bit quiet on the volcano front. That’s mainly because it’s been, shall we say – slow. Last year’s grand adventure plans were put to the side after I decided it was in my best interests to apply for British citizenship, meaning I technically couldn’t travel – or book travel … Continue reading Volcano update
My top 10 most read blog posts for 2017
As 2018 gets underway, here’s a quick look back at the 10 most read blog posts during the past 12 months from my blog. It’s a snapshot of what went on in my life in 2017. Interview with adventurer Laura Bingham The British adventurer talks about the call of adventure and her resolute belief that … Continue reading My top 10 most read blog posts for 2017
5 things I learnt in 2017
2017 – one blink and it was gone. Or so it seemed. In reflection, it was a manic year of epic highs (awesome month-long trip home to New Zealand, gaining my British citizenship and starting a new journey of self-discovery through my mind). But it was also a year of epic lows (not one but … Continue reading 5 things I learnt in 2017
Ultimate beginner’s guide to walking the Cheviot Hills
Things to know for walking newbies venturing into Northumberland National Park The Cheviot Hills of England’s Northumberland National Park are a dramatically desolate landscape, born out of ancient volcanic activity some 350-400 million years ago when two continents (what is now Scotland and what is now England) collided. Melancholy yet romantic, these slopes, summits and … Continue reading Ultimate beginner’s guide to walking the Cheviot Hills
Volcano number 9: The boggy volcano (part 2)
Day two of my ninth volcano, walking across the Cheviot Hills in England’s Northumberland National Park, and we were off. The rain of yesterday was gone, replaced by a gentle frost and lashings of lush sunshine. Now this was more like it. My walking boots were still sodden from yesterday’s dismal weather and bog-hopping. Pulling … Continue reading Volcano number 9: The boggy volcano (part 2)
Volcano number 9: The boggy volcano (part 1)
The road stretched ahead of me, weaving its way into the lonely depths of Northumberland National Park. As the boyfriend and I strolled along, the click of my walking pole on the road, the rolling mountains of the Cheviot Hills rose up around us, luring me in with their promises of high adventure. At this … Continue reading Volcano number 9: The boggy volcano (part 1)
The pitfalls of preparing for volcano number nine
The bags are packed; map directions sorted. The boyfriend and I are about to set off up to the Scottish border to spend two days walking over the sparse and volcanically formed Cheviot Hills – subsequently bagging volcano number nine in my #40by40 quest. I have to admit, I’m a little excited. All that fresh … Continue reading The pitfalls of preparing for volcano number nine