Time spent in preparation......

...is never lost.

A long weekend canoe building with Orca canoe building workshop near Penrith.
Fantastic experience which needs no more than the photos.

January Microadventure on the Brecon and Monmouthshire canal

After a great weekend last June we returned to this beautiful little canal which is blessed with views over the hills of the Brecon Beacons.

Couldnt believe it was January.  The weeks cold spell disappeared (temporarily) leaving weak sunshine

The canal was like a millpond leaving almost perfect reflections

Highlight of the section West of Llangynidr is the 343 Meter Ashford tunnel..

...which does feel 343 M long!

had to try out the new Ghillie kettle

smooth water and the lack of people gave the canal a serene feel

stunning refelections

the clear skies overnight left ice on the tents which withstood the rain that began during the early morning

Heading East for a few hours on the Sunday morning the long views to the hills had disappeared but we were left with atmospheric slices of our industrial heritage set amongst beautiful countryside.

Overall a cracking two days that left me relaxed, refreshed if not a little damp!

Last trip of the year. December on the Thames

Put in to the deserted river at Wallingford early afternoon.  

approaching Goring as a light mist preceded evening

Through the lock

The bright lights of Pangbourne 

The river perfectly calm

Practicing firelighting using the 'intense stare' method...

.....Carl wins!

A great overnight Canoe trip.  Atmospheric in the dark on a flat, mist shrouded river.  Great way to end the year.

A weekend without 'Hurry up and wait!'

With the nights starting to draw in and weather being a bit variable I was keen not to over commit for my October Microadventure.
The Brecon Beacons has been my destination of choice this year and I found a couple of good day walks in TGO magazine close to Crickhowell.
This worked for my mate Steve who was keen to join me but not so keen on yomping miles in the rain!  As he rightly highlighted 'weve spent too many days hurrying up, waiting and being uncomfortable'.
So, we set our sights deliberately low and planned for comfort, sensible walking and the option of being able to get out of the rain.
Of course, the weather turned out to be great but a more relaxed approach made for a great, laid back weekend.

Base Camp

A climb up Sugar Loaf for a view over the Usk valley

More from Sugar Loaf

The stroll down from Sugar Loaf 

The Usk - Dinner awaits!

Crickhowell Bridge - Dinner next door at the Bridge Inn.

Full moon and a fire - enough said!

Morning brew

A stroll up Table Mountain with views of Sugar Loaf from yesterday

Superb weather

And back in Autumn sunshine

September 2016. Changed plans doesn't have to mean less fun....

After a weekend canoeing the River Dart was cut short due to other commitments we still managed a (very wet) day out exploring the Swiift Ditch near Abingdon.

Just off the Thames but could have been the rainforest!

Sometimes it pays to be the team photographer.....

...and then how it should be done.

..and the winner of the 2016 canoe limbo championships is....

Rain.....

Pokemon Go! live.

Not sure this re wilding lark has me convinced...