Finding comfort for the National Three Peaks

Finding comfort for the National Three Peaks

It has been a while since I was scheduled to complete the National Three Peaks challenge (N3PC).  You may have seen on Instagram that I was hospitalized shortly before the scheduled weekend, which meant I had to cancel my place.  From what I saw in the Whatsapp group, the women who were able to take part did incredible and were able to achieve their goals. Of course, I was a bit jealous of them but also very happy that they were happy.  Plus now I have an extra year to train.

Over the last few months, I have been training for this event which also meant testing out kit and fuel to help me prepare.  The Outdoor Adventure Girls provided me with a packing list.  Most of the items I had, such as a rucksack that holds a Camelbak; waterproof and warm layers; neck pillow for the car; battery pack, and flip flops.  I knew there were a few essential items that I would need to spend a bit more time locating that would ensure I was comfortable during the challenge.

First and foremost, I needed sturdy hiking boots.  These boots would need to be waterproof, comfortable to walk in, and support my ankles.  Luckily for me, my friends at Salomon gifted me a pair of X Ultra 360 Mid Gore-Tex hiking boots*.  This stable shoe offers a high level of foot protection, all-terrain grip, and will keep your feet drive.  As soon as I put this boot on, it instantly feel comfortable on my foot.  There was barely a need to break them in.  I just had to get used to tying the laces a little looser to avoid aggravating my Achilles tendinopathy.  In early May, James and I went camping in (wet) Scotland and these boots helped keep my feet dry.

Most people suggest hiking boots for the National Three Peaks challenge as your ankles will need a lot of support as your body fatigues over the course of the weekend.  Be sure to invest in a good pair of boots months before the challenge (if possible).  Take the boots out for many hikes in varying terrain to make sure you are comfortable. I also suggest reading ‘Fixing Your Feet’ to help you harden your skin and preventatively tape them up.  It is worth paying for the expensive athletic tape because it will last longer and keep your feet happy.

The next item that is important to your overall comfort over the challenge weekend is a pair of hiking poles.  In the past, I have never been on Team Poles.  Of course, I had them for the ultramarathon in Jordan but didn’t use them every day (looking back, I should have practiced with them more in sand).  I never use them on other runs or hikes before I turned 40 (not even Kilimanjaro).  I don’t know if I am older and wiser now, out of shape or carrying more supplies, but I used them in Antarctica and in Scotland for our camping weekend (which included climbing Ben Nevis which had snow at the top) and it made a world of difference.  Now my Leki Sherpa mountaineering poles* will have to be content with warming up on the Surrey Three Peaks Challenge, Ben Nevis and Scafell Pike over separate treks.  They are ready to go though as I invested in rubber pads to prevent the poles from slipping on rocks.  The baskets are handy for when I am trekking through snow again at higher elevations.

If you go shopping for poles, keep in mind they need to be the proper length for your height.  Some can also fold down and/or be very light in weight.  These features can come at a premium but depending on how often you will use them and if you need to carry them in your rucksack over long distances, it may be worth every penny.  Leki has a very cool feature on some of their poles that are a strap that easily hooks on the pole and releases quickly if you need to grab something out of your bag.  This feature is included on some of the higher end models that require quick release.  You might not need this on a normal hike but for something that is timed, like the N3PC, it might be worth it.

A big element that will lead to comfort for the N3PC is fueling properly.  Not only will you have to eat on the go as you climb, you will need to eat in the car with food you have packed.  One my my friend’s who is very experienced with hiking recommended ham and cheese sandwiches for when you are on the mountain.  Keep in mind that you need to be able to eat while you are walking when doing N3PC.  There isn’t enough time to stop and eat as time is of the essence.  My favorite snack when hiking is GORP (good old raisins and peanuts). Of course, I add M&Ms to make it a bit sweeter.  Full disclaimer, this is NOT easy to eat on the go ( I drop crumbs everywhere) but agrees with my stomach.  I also tried a variety of granola bars on my practice hikes and keep my leftover running gels leftover in my bag for emergencies.

Hydration is a key part of fueling too.  It was suggested that we carry 2L of water for each hour of climbing.  Maintaining a good balance of salts while exercising and sweating will be critical to succeed in a 24 hour challenge like N3PC.  As part of my training, I was testing out Humantra*. Their little sachets are sugar-free, plant-based, and contain six essential electrolytes.  I just wish they had a caffeinated option!  All the flavours I have tried so far have been great (Himalayan lime, Elderberry, Berry Pomegranate).  The sachets are light and very small, taking up little space.  You can stuff them in your pocket and add to your water as needed.  I keep a few in my office for a boost in the afternoon rather then having a caffeinated fizzy drink.

Lastly, I want to be mentally comfortable too.  For me, that means knowing how far I have climbed, what elevation I am at, and my heart rate.  The Suunto Race* has an outstanding battery life, an altimeter, barometer, heart rate monitor, blood oxygen sensor and so much more (like a vibrating alarm, receiving your phone notifications and queueing your music).  Not only can you instantly upload your hike to Strava (once you have mobile data reception) but you don’t need to worry about charging your watch or having a back up watch (like I did for my desert ultra).

Don’t worry, I am going to give this challenge a go next year.  I am always up for new advice on this specific hiking challenge or any endurance challenge (I am doing 100km Race to the Stone next year too!).  Leave a comment below with your tips or suggestions on other crazy challenges.

*Items marked with * were gifted.  All opinions are honest and my own.

2023 Gift Guide for travel and outdoor lovers

2023 Gift Guide for travel and outdoor lovers

Are you looking for the perfect gift to give the travel and outdoor enthusiast in your life? Whether they love hiking, camping, running, or exploring, we have a variety of gifts at different price points to help you tick their name off of your nice list. For this Black Friday blog post, I have tried to feature British small businesses, as well as those with a sustainability-focus.  Remember that you vote with your GBP (or dollars) so be mindful when shopping.  Support small businesses, knowing your purchase will directly help someone and their family.  Below, you will find gadgets, ways to relax, cozy apparel, travel accessories, and supplements in this gift guide, we have something for everyone! If you’re looking for the perfect gift for your loved one who loves to travel and be outdoors, keeping reading.  You will also spot a discount code to Deakin & Blue.

Gadgets

Body Lite Gear’s Night Vision LED Belt is perfect for those who like to walk or run no matter what time of day (including dog walks!).  It features a small amount of storage, so you can pack your keys or fuel.  Only 90 grams of weight so you will barely notice it when you wear it.

Lumi Mini is a must if you are missing natural sunshine during the winter months.  I have a large seasonal affect disorder (SAD) lamp and it takes up a lot of space when I am using it and when I am storing it in the summer. Using the Mini will help boost your mood, alertness, and daytime energy by emitting 10,000 lux at a distance of 12 cm.  Have it shining when you eat your breakfast or while reading a book to make the winter months more bearable.

Travel

El Camino bracelet* is something I am super excited about.  My bracelet is waiting for me back in the UK.  I am telling my ‘running in every country’ story with large and small steps on my El Camino bracelet.  You can also customize the steps to commemorate adventures and achievements that you are proud of.  The bracelets are designed to be durable, which means I don’t have to take mine off to run, swim or work.  Each one is unique to the wearer and I cannot wait to show you mine (so far!).

Your Family Travel Wallet is a PU leather wallet comes that comes in both teal and tan Colours.  It can hold everyone’s passports (up to 7) and other important travel documents, such as plane tickets.  The handy wrist strap will ensure you don’t drop or loose it as you make your way from check in to security to the gate.

D-Robe roll up rucksack is 35 liters of storage (including a laptop sleeve).  The material is durable, waterproof, recyclable and biodegradable TPU, which means the bag can take a beating and still keep your gear dry.  The thing that I think makes it unique is the air valve to compress the bag down (and make it fit in the overhead bin!).  Internal storage pockets also make it easy to stay organized while traveling.

Outdoors

Amazing Jame thermal half zip is thermal lined, making it versatile for both autumn and winter depending on whether you want to layer it.  The fabric is sweat-wicking and stretched four ways while compressing.  There are thumb holes, hidden pockets, and a shaped hem for a flattering hem.  Did I mention it is named after Mary Earps?

D-Robe Beaufort Outdoor Robe is something you will never want to take off.  I wear my outdoor robe at home while on the couch instead of turning up the heat.  I take it camping to stay warm around the campfire, during an early morning dog walk and if the temperatures dip overnight.  If you like being warm, dry, and/or cosy, this jacket should be at the top of your list.

Deakin & Blue long sleeve swim suit comes in three styles: Hendricks (shown here), Monroe, and Hepburn.  Covering your arms may help keep you a bit warmer and reduce risk of sunburn (still wear sunscreen, ok?).  There is built in bust support and a back zip to make it easier to put on and take off.  If you are an open water swimmer, why not grab a 2litre dry bag too (in pink or blue) to store your wet stuff after your dip?  Deakin & Blue have kindly given my readers a special 10% discount off full price items using the code MOLLIEPT.  Enjoy!

   

EcoSki is a platform that allows you to rent, buy, or repair outdoor clothes.  What a fantastic way to be sustainable as you hit the slopes this winter.  EcoSki makes an effort to feature sustainable brands and sells pre-loved kit too.  Another selling point for me is the size inclusivity.  The site offers skiwear sized from XXXS to 4XL for women and from XS to 4XL for men. The platform is also stocking a range of kit for skiers and snowboarders who prefer a longer or shorter cut in the leg or arm.  So if you struggle to find outdoor gear that fits your body, definitely have a look. The Halti Planker Jacket and pants are what you see here.

1000 Mile’s fusion double layer socks are always the perfect stocking stuffer.  This padded sock offers reduced friction and blister protection, making it perfect for long hikes or runs.  I personally love how the design protects the Achilles, which is something I definitely need.  The ventilation zones helps to keep the foot cool meaning you can stay out all day without issue.

Relax

Amazing Jane tie dye pajamas are a great option when taking a day or two to recharge at home.  Designed and manufactured in the England but a female owned business, you can wear in bed or as loungewear.  The relaxed fit with a brushed fabric make these both comfy and cosy.

Earth’s Secret sleep mask* will help you block out light when sleeping at home or when traveling.  I have been using it at my mom’s and will be trying it on my overnight flight home.  The eyes are cupped so you don’t need to worry about your eyelashes as you sleep.  The fabric is breathable and you can adjust the band, as well as cup placement.

The Munros: The complete collection of maps from HARVEY maps looks great on your coffee table and can help you plan your next Scottish adventure.  For those who don’t know, a Munro is a hill over 3000 feet.  Not only can you use the book as inspiration, but you can also use it to capture memories for the hills you have climbed.

Supplements

Osavi joint and bones collagen* has been my favorite collagen product to try this year (and one of these days, I will tell you about them all).  The powder is taste-free so I add it to my juice, yogurt, porridge, whatever I am having for breakfast.  The bioactive collagen peptides have helped relieve me of my mystery shoulder pain that I have attributed to perimenopause.  My hair quality has also improved (according to my hair dresser).  I have also tried tendons and ligaments and am currently making my way through hair and nails (which I won as a prize).

Planthaya Lion’s Mane* I have been taking on and off all year.  These 1000mg capsules help improve cognitive function (something I have been struggling with is brain fog) as well as promoting a calm and relaxed mood.  I am hoping to be diligent with these for the rest of the year to help me cut back on caffeine consumption. It is time I kicked that habit!

I have written several gift guides over the years and know that there are plenty of other things out there that my readers would like.  If you have any ideas or suggestions, please leave a comment below and let me know.  Or come back after Christmas and let me know what Santa brought you.

* Item was kindly gifted to me as a PR sample.  All opinions are honest and my own.

 

Active travel: San Diego

Active travel: San Diego

Have you heard a rumor that California weather is perfect year-round?  I certainly had so when I touched down in San Diego in late February of this year, I was expecting sunshine and warm temps.  There were big plans to play outside and on the water while working on my tan.  Unfortunately, the rumor is not true and winter comes to California making the air temperature cold when it is cloudy and rain showers inevitable.  Don’t get me wrong, it was still warmer and sunnier than London at this time of year.  Luckily, I never leave home without a raincoat and Gortex shoes so I was ready for this surprise (sunscreen and sunglasses were also on hand at all times, just in case).  In the end, it was a mix of weather and a mix of outdoor activities while I was in San Diego for ten days.  Most of the time was dominated by a work conference but I snuck a few fun activities in and around the jam-packed schedule.

Wildlife watching

My number one priority while on the West Coast was to go on a whale watch (closely followed by running a California race to tick the state off my list).  While spending way too much time on Instagram during Covid, I discovered Dolphin Drone Dom who runs Gone Whale Watching in San Diego. Being the marine biology nerd that I am, I have a whale species bucket list (currently, North Atlantic right whale is still top of the list).  On this trip, I wanted to see gray whales, a sperm whale, and if possible, a blue whale.  Ironically, my uncle had sent me a sperm whale lapel pin as a surprise and it turned out to be a lucky totem.  Tally for the day: eight hours on the boat, one Diet Coke, one sperm whale, five gray whales, two humpbacks and hundreds of dolphins.  While it was very chilly (even before we left the dock), the sun was out for a fantastic day at sea.  The seas were fairly swelly farther out but we were able to stay closer to San Diego due to the gray whale migration patterns.

If boats aren’t your thing, La Jolla is about a 20 minute drive north of downtown San Diego.  At this time of year, the resident sea lions and seals have pups.  Because of this, the beaches are closed to allow the animals some peace and quiet.  Unfortunately, people still climb over barriers and approach these animals for a selfie.  It is very important to stay at least 50 feet from marine mammals, so please enjoy them from afar and bring binoculars.  Babies can be crushed if animals are scared into the water.  In addition, sea lions and seals can spend up to half of their time on land so it is perfectly normal for them to dry out while on land.

For the kids who like to get their hands dirty, we tried tide pooling in La Jolla too but weren’t able to see many critters.  I am sure there are better places (perhaps with a smaller tide or in a more protected area).  Be sure to check the tide times before heading out to ensure you are safe.  If you know a better tidepool spot near San Diego, please leave a comment below and let me know.

Cycling

San Diego has many cycling lanes built into their roads, but I didn’t see too many people using them (electric scooters were everywhere but most people ride then on the pavement (sidewalk)).  There was a designated cycling and walking path near my hotel that ran along the Metro line towards Mission Bay.  San Diego was a much smaller city than I thought it would be.  Everything was within a 10-20 minute drive.  With the infrastructure already there, I hope that more people will start cycling in the city as it is much more ecofriendly and helps you stay fit too.  My friend, Haley, and I rented bikes at Stay Classy Bike Rentals.  If we had planned a bit more ahead, they would have dropped the bikes off at our hotel and collected them too.  In stead, we drove to their shop where Haley picked up her fancy road bike.  I opted for a commuter bike because I can never reach the brakes on road bikes.  We road about 10 minutes from the bike shop before we reached the promenade along the bay.  Haley was happy to take it easy on me, so we kept a casual pace weaving amongst the tourists, stopping whenever we saw something cool.

While in San Diego, I also attended my first spin class since March 2020.  Up until the pandemic, I was an indoor cycling instructor and taught weekly classes at my local gym.  When the gyms closed up during lockdown, not all were able to open again, including my local one.  I discovered Cyclebar Hillcrest while buying some groceries for my long stay.  It was a short drive from my hotel and the studio offers a $10 introductory class.  The class reminded me why I love indoor cycling so much.  The music.  The energy. The people.  The lovely personalized welcome note on my bike.  This was exactly what I needed to get me out of my fitness slump.  Unfortunately, I unceremoniously fell off my bike at the end of class to stretch, which left me with a huge bruise on my arm.  This became a big talking point as the week went on and the bruise further developed its colors.  I am refusing to believe this is an omen of some sort and am actively looking for studio positions back in London.

Running

Not only were there lots of parks and paths in San Diego and along the coast, but I found there were lots of races to sign up for too.  Initially, I was going to sign up for the T9 Mermaid Series Half because of the mermaid theme (omg the medal was gorgeous!), but it clashed with my daylong whale watch.  The Mermaid Series is about inspire women from all backgrounds (men are allowed to join the races too) to experience joy as they cross the finish line.  Accomplishing the goal of completing a race will hopefully inspire participants to pursue new goals in fitness and in other areas of their life.  If I ever get back to California, I am going to check their race schedule before booking flights.

If you want a race series that is more about trails and PBs, I recommend Endurance Race Series (ERS).  They are now sponsored by Salomon (congrats guys!), and have events that offer a range of terrain, distances, and locations in Colorado and San Diego.  They kindly offered me a spot in their Coast to Crest 5K trail race #gifted on the day I was due to fly home to the UK. Unfortunately, it rained heavily two days before the race, so the event was postponed by a week to let the trails dry out and avoid long term damage.  ERS gave me the option to go virtual, so I did.  Originally, I was going to run around Fiesta Island but was worried that my little rental car would get stuck in the mud.  Instead, I drove to the Mission Bay area and wound my way through some parking lots and along the shore to hit my 3.1 miles.  Having looked at the social media posts about the postponed event, it looked like a perfect day for a run (check back next week for a race report).

Of course, this is not an exhaustive list for stay active while in San Diego and California.  Surfing, kayaking, fishing, sailing, scuba diving, and even hot air ballooning are within two hours drive. There is roller skating, skate boarding, beach volleyball, golfing, rock climbing and more.  I even managed walking over 4.5 miles at the San Diego Zoo.   If spectating is more your jam, there are many amateur and professional sports teams located in San Diego.

Clearly, I need to visit San Diego again and explore the outdoors a bit more with a few other activities (and hopefully run another race with ERS).  What’s your favorite way to spend time outside in San Diego?

Valentine’s Day gifts for under £40 for outdoorsy types

Valentine’s Day gifts for under £40 for outdoorsy types

Can you believe it is already February?  Your Christmas decorations may be packed away by now but it is time to do a bit of shopping again.  While I understand that some people may think Valentine’s Day is a marketing ploy to sell flowers, wine and chocolates, I love a day that gives me an excuse show people that I love them. There is nothing like choosing the perfect item that makes your bestie smile! The list below includes gifts for people who love the outdoors, whether that is while running, hiking, camping, swimming, or relaxing.  I chose items that are under £40 to keep it affordable too.  These Valentine’s Day ideas are for men, women, friends, and family.  Some of these I have tried myself (*gifted PR product) and others I like the looks of.  If you have any other Valentine’s Day gift ideas, please leave a comment below.

For those who run commute: Nuasan Active Body Wipes* are my workplace essential.  I can freshen up my face if my mask gets too hot or do a quick wipe down after a run (£13.26).

For the chocoholic: 80Noir Ultra dark chocolate was designed for your recovery and wellbeing.  With a UK-based female-founder, this small business is one you should support (spices start at £2.00, chocolate at £5.50).

For al fresco lovers: The Hydro Flask Wine Bottle* has been on my wish list for a while.  Perfect to avoid glass on the trial and to keep your wine at the perfect temperature (£35.00).  The wine tumbler* can be used on the go, at work, and around the campfire too (£24.00). (Wine sadly not included)

For dog walkers and campers: SealSkinz has an amazing waterproof LED beanie* that is perfect for early morning dog walks and year-round camping.  No more searching in the tent for a head torch.  The built-in light has 240 hours of battery life and visibility of up to 500m (£35.00).

For those who live far away: Monty & Ridge letterbox gifts are the perfect care package for the adventurer in your life.  With over a dozen themed-boxes to choose from, you can’t go wrong (from £17.95).

For those who lift:  Grass-fed and additive free, the Organic Protein Company’s Strawberry, Elderberry, and Beetroot bag* is a fun pink whey protein powder to try this Valentine’s Day.  It tastes good too! (£24.00).

 

For the impossible to buy for: Sport Pursuit offers short-term deals on all the outdoor kit you didn’t know you needed.  Clothes, trainers, SUP boards, sleeping bags, protein bars, and more from the brands you know and love.  They don’t offer gift vouchers but have a look for the perfect gift anyways.

For those looking for health and happiness:  My book, 52 Weekend Challenges, is available on Kindle or as a printed paperback.  Each week there is a small goal to achieve to help you step outside your comfort zone to find something you love.  Available on your local Amazon site (£15.85).

For those who can’t sleep/need to relax: R3ST 500mg CBD spray* from R3 CBD is something I have been using since the 2020 Running Show South.  I spray it under my tongue after I brush my teeth to help me relax a bit before bed.  CBD also helps some athletes with recovery (£24.99).

For those who work for the NHS: Donate to Duty To Care in their name.  Duty to Care provides free wellbeing services to anyone with a NHS email address.  From counselling, to yoga, to physiotherapy, to personal training with me, I am so grateful that Duty to Care is helping those who need it most.

For those who are environmentally conscious: dewerstone Chunky Knitted Beanie hat will keep you up on the bobble hat trend while doing good for the planet.  dewerstone takes part in 1% for the Planet where 1% of their annual revenue goes directly to non-profit environmental action groups. Plus their products are Climate Neutral Certified and for every product they manufacture, they plant a tree (£19.95).

For those who want to run faster: Superfeet carbon insoles make the idea of using carbon technology to improve your performance without a hefty price tag (£40).

For those who always have cold feet: Rab Cirrus Hut Slippers look like small sleeping bag shoes, don’t they?  Filled with recycled PrimaLoft Luxe synthetic insulation that comes from post-consumer waste, this material retains twice the loft of down when wet, breathes, has no allergens and retains warmth when wet. Available through specialist outdoor retailer, Trekitt (£36).

For those who cold water swim: Zone3 Neoprene Heat-Tec Warmth Swim Socks have a titanium lining on top of being 3.5mm thick.  There are no more excuses to avoid open water swimming in the winter (£39.00).

For those with a ponytail: MAAREE Secret Pocket scrunchie two-pack in red and pink have clever little zip pocket to stash your locker key (£12).

For those who don’t wear sunglasses: On Cloud Lightweight unisex cap with laser-cut ventilation is lightweight, breathable, and comes in several different colors (£32).

For those who like to pack light: Paramo neck warmer is multi-functional and comes in a variety of colours.  It will keep you warm or cool due to the Parameta G (R) fabric, depending on what you need, because it is fast drying and moisture wicking (£20.00).

For those who love pink: Designed By Sport Pink Amnesia leggings will make you smile each time you put them on.  Featuring both thigh and waistband pockets, these high-waisted leggings are also squat proof (£39.99).

For those who love fun socks: Thought’s Heck Athlete socks are made from bamboo and come in a little gift bag.  Patterns range from runners, to bicycles, to pugs, to robots, to polar bears.  There is something for everyone (£7.99).

For those who need more support when train: Crossfly Men’s Performance Underwear can help men by offering additional support where they need it.  The unique design of 3D breathable, fast-drying panels and a 7″ inseam plus anti-microbial fabric means you will be returning your cotton pants for good (£24.99).

For those who like to have their phone handy: Ultimate Performance Ridgeway phone holder arm band is a low-tech and comfortable solution for carrying a phone while on the move (£15.99).

I had a few other ideas I wanted to list, but they cost more than £40.  Let me know if you would be interested in more gift guides here on the blog.  There are already a few, which you can find here.  Hope this list gave you a few more Valentine’s day gift ideas.

*Thanks to the brands for sending complimentary samples.  All opinions are honest and my own.  This post contains affiliate links which doesn’t cost you anything additional.  I receive a small fee for each purchase to help cover the costs of running this website.

Active Travel: Devon

Active Travel: Devon

With staycations part of the new normal during last summer’s lockdown, we decided to take a week to explore some of the Southwest of England in August 2020.  It was our first proper camping trip and to make it more fun, we brought our puppy, Maple.  We had no idea how she would do in a tent, in the rain, at the beach, and/or with others at the campsite.  While some people (including the people on the pitch next to us) enjoy sitting at their campsite all day while admiring the view, I prefer to stay moving and active.  Devon seemed the perfect place to allow for all sorts of options- paddleboarding for me, cycling for James, walks in the woods for all of us, and hopefully restful nights of sleep.

James made an extra effort to find a campsite with somewhere close for me to paddle. Our trip started in Bristol at my in-laws and then we stopped in Seaton on the way to our campsite in Slapton.  It was my first time paddling in the sea and it was so different from paddling in the London Royal Docks (a protected quay).  The water was much more active and the wind was intense.  I also struggled with the large pebbles that were wedged into my sandals as I walked from the land to the water’s edge.  It was a similar issue when I paddling at the beach by our camping site but the rocks were a little bit smaller.  I don’t know much about paddleboarding kit, so my board might not be best suited for the open ocean.  This is something to consider if I want to keep traveling with my board.  Many other people enjoyed the beaches too with swimming, surfing, body boarding and walks along the beach.

Dorset has numerous sites to visit courtesy of the National Trust.  We would have loved to have visited one the properties but didn’t manage to find the time.  You don’t need to be a member to explore the grounds but may have to pay a fee to park or enter premises.  I know many people have joined the National Trust this year as international travel doesn’t seem likely in the foreseeable future and many families enjoy planning days out with the kids with a National Trust destination as the highlight.

One thing I always do when I am near water is look for fish (blame my degree in marine biology).  Not that I can usually tell what they are as they dart around, but it makes me happy to spot them.  If I am ever walking by someone who is fishing, I will probably ask what they are aiming to catch.  In Devon, I was surprised to see lots of families with strings on the edge of the harbour walls when we were in Dartmouth.  Turns out crabbing is a summer activity that visitors try.  In all the tourist shops, you can buy a plastic contraption to catch crabs.  Of course, you need to find your own bait (raw chicken seemed to be a popular choice), but the people I saw were having great success.   One family had an literal bucket full of crabs.  I asked what they were going to do with their catch and they replied 1throw them back’.  I would imagine fishing from the shore and by boat are very popular activities for people living in and visiting Devon too.

We didn’t plan too many structured activities as the weather could change at any moment.  Plus, Maple’s behaviour was (and still is) a bit unpredictable as we were in a place she was unfamiliar with.  While I love that the majority of the UK is dog friendly, we were worried about what we could do with her if it rained.  Cinemas and museums do not allow dogs and there is only so much time you can spend in a pub, so before we left home, we researched indoor activities we could do if it rained all day.  On the Wednesday, it was already pouring when we woke up. We ended up booking a steam train and harbour cruise excursion with Dartmouth Steam Railway.  The biggest selling point was that they allow dogs.  We had to drive to Paignton, where we caught a steam train to Kingwear.  From there it was a quick ferry ride to Dartmouth.  We had some time to kill in Dartmouth before our harbour cruise.  Unfortunately, with the downpour, everyone was seeking shelter from the rain, making it impossible to find a place to grab some food and drink with our dog.  Long story short, Maple wouldn’t nap which  made her uncontrollable.  We had to take the ferry back to Kingsmear and then a taxi to our car.  Of course, she instantly fell asleep in the taxi once she couldn’t see any of her surroundings.  The weather was pretty terrible so I am not sure the harbour cruise would have been as much fun as if it were sunny out.  Even now, I don’t think Maple would nap when out so this is something we need to keep in mind if we ever planning a rainy day activity again.

With marathon training, I had a few nice runs during our week away while the sun was out.  Unfortunately, there wasn’t a good paved path along the seafront near our campsite.  My options were either the car park or sandy paths.  I tried running along the shoulder of the road but it just wasn’t wide enough to have an even surface for both feet.  The local woods had a few trails which I explored but trail running sometimes irritates my Achilles tendinopathy so I was cautious.  A few portions of these trails were also shifting sand, which brought back memories from my week of running in the Jordan desert.  Maple and I retraced my steps later in the day.  She loved all the different smells but was afraid of the water.  This fear is a little frustrating as we would love to take her paddleboarding some day (I even have a life jacket for her in our shed).  Recently, she has started walking through puddles so maybe by this summer she will be up for a swim.

Cycling seemed to be the most popular activity if you counted the amount of bikes in our campsite.  The gated paved site was a small loop, allowing all the children to cycle around while Mom and Dad cleaned up after meals or packed the car for the day.  James packed his cyclocross bike and took it off-road, finding some muddy gravel paths (probably due to all of the rain we got).  These paths are also good for hiking or walking, with or without a dog, of course.  If you prefer road cycling, the area around Slapton is hilly so the area might be better suited for adults rather than kids if you wanted to take the bikes off of the campsite.

Of course, you can’t go to the British coast without sampling the fish and chips.  Our campsite was a nice 20 minute walk to a few seaside shops and pubs.  While I don’t eat seafood (I have worked with fish for too long to eat them), James was happy to have his traditional holiday food on the beach while sitting in the sun with a beer by his side.  It is funny how good weather can have such an impact on your trip.  Good weather means great memories.  Wet weather can bring funny stories to share later.  Unfortunately, we ended up packing up camp a day early as more rain was forecasted.  We didn’t have the patience to sit in a tent with an eight month old deaf puppy while cold and soaking wet.  On the days it was dry, there was loads to do outdoors in and around Slapton.  However, with Maple, it limited what we could do indoors.  If you don’t have a dog or perhaps a better camp set up to deal with rainy weather, I would highly recommend exploring Slapton.  With the UK lockdown restrictions easing, I imagine there is even more things to do there this summer.

Have you ever camped with a dog?  Leave a comment below with your tips on how to make it more fun for everyone.  We definitely need some advice!

Mountains of memories

Mountains of memories

The wanderlust is brewing deep inside me.  Mind you, I would always rather be traveling (even when there isn’t a global pandemic keeping me home).  In fact, I will go just about anywhere.  There is so much to learn from other people in different places- so much to see, to hear, to smell, and possibly even taste (although I am not so adventurous when it comes to food).  Living in the UK for the last ten years has opened up much of Europe to me, for both short city breaks and longer holidays away.  We have even made it to a few different continents too and try to pack in as much as we can when abroad.

While it has been nice to explore England a bit more this year, I am ready to get out there again.  I am waiting with bated breath for possible trips to Italy to go ahead in February (for skiing) and March (to run the Rome Marathon).  Tokyo Marathon has been rescheduled for October 2021, meaning all my fingers and toes are crossed for me to cross the world and land safely in Japan.  I have even booked a cruise to Antarctica for 2022, so it might be safe to say that I have been in denial a few times lately when booking these trips.

Now that autumn is here and the leaves are changing, I am starting to think of the mountains. Much of my childhood was spent skiing at a local mountain while my dad was on ski patrol.  Over the last 10 years or so, I have made it to even higher mountains, sometimes on skis and sometimes on foot. I thought I would take you back to a few of my favourite trips to the mountains in case you are looking for travel inspiration.

Seward, Alaska, USA, 2007

In the summer of 2007, as part of my master’s degree program, I was an intern at the Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward, Alaska.  The photo above is one of the first outings our intern cohort took. We were somewhere on the Kenai Peninsula in dry suits and rafts.  We were all in awe of the majestic beauty around us (I am pretty sure we just floated down the river with our mouths hanging open at the views).  I was definitely no longer in the Midwest.  We spent lots of time hiking, looking for glaciers, having campfires, and dancing in the Seward Alehouse.   It was an amazing summer and I am so glad I went there.

Seward itself is on the sea but has a large mountain next to it (which you are meant to run up if there is a tsunami).  For my running readers, Seward has a famous 5K race up Mount Marathon on 4th of July in which you run/scramble to the top (over 3,000 feet) and back down again.  It is very hard to get entry to and a super tough race.  Perhaps you can cheer the runners after the parade is over if you aren’t lucky enough to gain entry next year.

Red Mountain Resort, British Columbia, 2010

James and I flew from Michigan to Spokane, Washington where our friend, Jamie, picked us up.  We drove into Canada, where Jamie lived at the base of Red Mountain resort.  Our first night, we snowshoed through fresh powder to a little shelter on the mountain for a cup of hot coffee before heading back down.  I had to borrow powder skis from Jamie but still couldn’t quite figure out how to manoeuvre through the fluffy snow.  I guess I am more comfortable on ice.

This trip sticks out for me because James proposed in Spokane the night before we flew back home.  It was along the river, rather than in the mountains, but a lovely memory just the same.

Verbier, Switzerland 2011

One of James’s uni friends owns a chalet in the Verbier resort area.  Their gang used to go on a ski trip every year, but now many of the couples have kids and work full-time, so it is much more challenging to get nearly 20 people all in the same place at the same time (sadly the chalet doesn’t fit us all either).  Apres ski has been replaced with nap time and we don’t quite get out the door as early to hit the slopes.  However, every trip as a unique memory, from dance routines, trips to the local spa when the snow was rubbish, and even late night whiskey tasting when the kiddos are asleep.  In this case, I think the people around you are what make the memories, not just the view.

Cape Town, South Africa, 2017

When a colleague invited me to her wedding in South Africa, I could not resist a trip to this beautiful coastline.  Two weeks during the British winter in the Cape Town sunshine literally changed my life.  I had a week on my own, with a few days in Stellenbosch before heading to Cape Town, where I spent all my free time near the water.  When James arrived, we took the cable car to the top of Table Mountain to enjoy the views.  It was very hot and windy while we were there, so we were lucky we could get to the top as the cable car was shut most of our stay.  We also cycled up Chapman’s Peak, meaning we were able to see the peak from another side of the bay.

Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania 2018

In case you missed it, I summited Mount Kilimanjaro on International Women’s Day in 2018.  You can read all about my trip to Africa’s highest point here.  It was one of the hardest things I have ever done and I am not sure I would do it again.  I have toyed with the idea of hiking to Everest Base Camp but there is no way I would want to go any further.  There is a lot of training, preparation, and the whole “risk of death” puts me off.  I like a little bit of work, a little bit of fun on my adventures.  Kilimanjaro was a nice balance as you had long days of walking to talk to people, time at camp to relax or keep chatting, and plenty of time to sleep (which I am a big fan of).

Morzine, French Alps, 2021?

Aside from a passion for travel, I also enjoy winning freebies (who doesn’t?).  Usually, I excel at ones that don’t require skill or knowledge.  That is why I am feeling good about winning a complimentary week at AliKat’s Mountain Holidays in the French Alps.  This post is my entry and I can’t wait to visit the Alps and Morzine in the summer of 2021 with 10 friends to stay at their new Chalet Harmonie (pictured above).  What do you think of this view?  In America, hot tubs are an essential part of apres ski so I might have to visit this resort in both the summer and winter so make best use out of their ski and boot room too.

Which mountains are your favourite to climb?