How has the year ended?
I’m five months into a new job at Volta. There are some pretty busy days but I’m learning a ton and still enjoying it;
Dropping off Twitter for good (way before it became fashionable)
Visiting friends & families in Newcastle. The week flew over but it was great to catch up with everyone;
We explored more of Wales with a trip to Aberystwyth and finding a mountain road that is begging for a bike-packing trip;
Getting a winter day (of sorts) here in the Brecons;
Exchanging contracts on our own home and getting a date when we complete.
How does the new year begin?
I’m not one for resolutions but:
Find more creative time to write;
Regain lost hill fitness through walking and running;
Start climbing again, probably bouldering, to get some strength back;
Maybe look at another form of fitness training and be more active;
All while moving into a new home and spending time renovating it.
My Writing
Endless Grind of a Winter Run - A difficult run out during a recent cold snap.
Diggin In - A battle against fitness and mental blocks.
I Have a Routine - Written as part of a creative writing exercise. Memories of my home town and the day it caught fire.
Writing | Playground - Written as part of a creative writing exercise. Semi-fictional, its above love and coffee.
(all links are now removed)
Other Interesting Links
Attitude and Altitude | Alex Roddie - Alex writes about his fastpacking trip across the Alps earlier this year. Oh to have the time to go on such adventures. Brilliant write-up as usual.
Gold Course Rewilding Scheme - An interesting story from The Guardian about an old golf course that was bought by a charity so the Woodland Trust could look to rewild the place.
Books I’ve Read & Enjoyed
Two Star Red | Gwen Moffat - An old and interesting book about the history of the RAF Mountain Rescue from the first-hand experiences of Gwen herself.
The Mountain Men | Alan Hankinson - A very early history of climbing in North Wales.
Alone On The Wall - Alex Honnold - The life of Alex told through a number of his climbs.
And Away | Bob Mortimer - His very entertaining, poignant and funny autobiography.
That’s it for now. Thanks for reading. Get outside, explore and stay safe. Till next time.
Paul