I had a very nice week in Greece, thanks for asking. Apart from a few walks in wonderful cool, early season weather I’m pleased to report that relaxation being the primary goal, I never went over 5 miles on any of them. I even managed to get up on the South Downs last night for a quick overnighter in great conditions before the rest of next week turns into the wet washout we’ve been warned about. Grab the chances while you can.
Plakias on the south coast of Crete, Greece. A great place to hang out.
The South Downs yesterday looking very green
Oh, and a little over a month it’s the middle of summer already. It seemed only last week I was wishing the wet weather and gales would finish, now it’s nearly June. Don’t let it go to waste!
A few weeks ago I was lucky enough to be put forward for Best Outdoor blog by the Go Outdoors website and chain of stores. I was rather chuffed to win and part of the deal was that I write a piece for their blog. This is now up and you can read ‘Not why, but How?’ on the website HERE. Thank you to all concerned over there.
I also have a piece in TGO Magazine this month, their Spring issue. In such esteemed company as Chris Townsend, Andrew Skurka, Lorraine McCall, Leon McCarron and Colin Ibbotson. The article centres on our adventures so far and offers a few tips. Go buy a copy because then the circulation will shoot up and they’ll think I’m responsible.
As usual I have a load of gear waiting to be reviewed. The Sawyer Mini filter, the ground breaking MLD Trailstar, Komperdell Ultralight Light Vario 4 trekking poles, Trail Blazer South Downs Way app (amongst their other trail apps) and some other bits. I’ll fit it all in somehow.
A few interesting things floating around the web and I’d just like to pass them on for you to take a look should you wish.
Congratulations to all those who took part in the yearly TGO Challenge in Scotland this past week. The event goes from strength from strength and is still on my wish list.
There is a great blog by Matthias Kodym HERE. He’s currently hiking the 1875 miles that make up the Te Araroa trail in New Zealand, on my wish list for this autumn, or spring over there. There’s a lot of photos on the blog and details of his equipment, you’ll have to scroll down a fair way from the top to find the start but it makes interesting viewing.
Matthias Kodym – Currently living the dream (photo: matthiaskodym.com)
Rumour has it that a Sasquatch was spotted on numerous occasions on EL Camino last year. In blatant full view of everyone and sticking a video camera in people’s faces as well. Scott ‘Squatch’ Herriot is responsible for documenting the PCT, AT and now the Camino in his own style, looking for the unusual and just plain funny. However, there are glimpses of a serious side to his film making surfacing as well. The resulting Kickstarter backed project came to fruition and Squatch spent time out there filming ‘Wayfaring.’ You can now buy either the DVD or a download. I’ll have a review coming. See Squatch Films for details.
Wayfaring trailer
Francis Tapon, the first man to yo-yo the Continental Divide Trail (walk both directions in one attempt) is currently in Africa for 4 years. Yeah, 4 years. I have wanted to do a piece with him for the blog for some time and as he has some pretty major news coming up on May 25th, we thought we’d kill 2 birds and all that and have a chat. The resulting Q&A will be up on, or shortly after. The 25th of this month.
Find out what Francis is up to on, or around May 25th. (photo: francistapon.com).
REI look like they’re chucking out some old stock and you can currently get some excellent Brooks Cascadia 8’s for around $85.00 / £53.00, see HERE. These great hiking shoes, even though Brooks won’t admit it, don’t come along this cheap. Obviously if you live in the UK you may get stung by customs and also delivery but if you’re over the pond then you’re laughing. What I usually do is mail gear I order from the States to a friend over there who subsequently unwraps it, throws all the wrapping away and marks the parcel as ‘used camping gear.’ Maybe worth your while?
I’m going to be busy writing Balancing on Blue, my Appalachian Trail memoir over the next few months, leaving me little time for trips except the odd long weekend somewhere. I am still planning on hiking Te Araroa around October and also there is a strong rumour that I will be hiking the 500 mile Spanish section of EL Camino again this August. I know, I’ve done it twice and the last time was only in 2013 so why am I going back?
Well, obviously, because I want to but more importantly, I shall be logging the trail by GPS and taking a load of photos for a new smartphone app to be released next year. It promises to be a brilliant way to not just navigate the trail, but to check elevation, see amenities, hostel locations and loads of other features.
I’ll be sure to let you all know when it’s out.