When I thought of this challenge for my 60 things to do before I’m 60 list I envisioned making something using a hammer and nails. A bird box or similar.
Sadly, the carpentry courses I found were out of my budget. Instead I was happy to discover a free “Carve a wooden spoon” workshop offered by Oxford Wood Recycling.
Whilst I’ve travelled on trains across Europe, this was my first time using an Interrail pass since the late 1980s. Interrailing has changed significantly since then. It’s no longer the preserve of youngsters as anyone can buy a travel pass now. Although sadly it’s often not as simple as jumping on the next available train.
There’s a definite trend in the type of talks I enjoy. My favourite are adventures set in far flung places or extreme challenges. It seems that I prefer to listen to other people’s hardships rather than experience myself!
These five books took me from Japan and South Korea, to Cyprus via Iraq. I love reading books about life in different countries. However unusual the culture, history or geographical setting it makes me realise how similar we all are.
I used to enjoy visiting the cinema and still go on occasions. However, I rarely watch films at home and feel I’ve missed seeing some of the classics. But by the time I’ve settled down on the sofa it’s usually about 9pm and I’m ready for bed an hour later. Hence this challenge.
For this challenge I walked up Fairfield, a mountain in the Lake District. I love walking, and the thrill of a hard trudge up a mountain. Even better if there are amazing views from the top.
I picked grapes at Brightwell Vineyard for this challenge, one of my 60 things to do before I’m 60.
Back in my 20s I spent a year in Australia on a working holiday visa. I have fond memories of working on fruit farms around the country, picking and packing apples, tomatoes and peppers.
I have a somewhat romantic view of overnight train journeys. I imagine settling down to a good night’s sleep, trundling across the country and arriving refreshed and ready for the day ahead.
It’s 4am and I’m wide awake. I’m on the overnight bus to Glasgow and my phone has pinged to tell me my planned onward train to Mallaig has been cancelled. The person in front has snored since Manchester. Why on earth did I think an overnight bus would be a good idea?
The Elenydd wilderness hostels are two ex-YHA hostels in the Cambrian mountains in mid-Wales. They’re set in stunning upland locations, miles away from the trappings of modern life.
