Random Thoughts
Is it an Otter? An Eel? Or a flying fish? No! It’s a Cormorant!
As spring finally kicks in and the days get warmer and brighter, we are out walking more. During this pleasant time of year a walk along the riverside is a delight, not only for it’s tranquil beauty but the opportunity to see some of Britain’s less well known wildlife. Often mistaken from afar as otters…
Read MoreNINE FACTS ABOUT CHERRY TREES
Cherry Trees are my 2nd most favourite tree, after the Oak Tree. So, on my quest to learn something new each week about nature, I thought I would delve into this wonderful species and find out some interesting facts. The first fact, which is probably not relevant to many people, is that the estate where…
Read MoreINTERESTING FACTS ABOUT HEDGEHOGS
Hedgehogs are seriously cute, although I never wanted to touch them as I always thought they were flea-ridden (which is not true!). This week’s nature educational slot is all about the hedgehog as I share with you some facts that I have learned this week. 1. They are nocturnal I’m sure most people know this…
Read MoreWHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN ALPACA AND A LLAMA?
On my morning walk through a tiny village called Hulcote, I always say good morning to three alpacas. Well, I assumed they were alpacas, but I wasn’t really sure. So as I continue on my journey of discovery, here is what I have learned this week. Having completed a few llama trekking hikes in the…
Read MoreTHE UK EQUIVALENT TO THE GOSSAMER GEAR THINLIGHT 1/8” PAD – WHAT’S IN THE BOX?
I am planning for my Thruhike of the PCT (Pacific Crest Trail) and am now becoming very “weight” conscious. If I can find gear that is lightweight and multi-purpose then I’m up for that! Back in November, Darwin on the Trail (backpacking influencer) mentioned that he had decided to get rid of his “sit mat”…
Read MoreSEVEN SURPRISING FACTS ABOUT MOSS
As I continue on my weekly “nature” education goal I was struggling to think of a topic week. I went for a walk and then sat down on an old tree stump to take a break. As my hands gently caressed the moss that was growing beside me, I realised that this moss was different…
Read MoreDO NOT BUY THESE NATUREHIKE CAMP SHOES OR THE NEW ULTRAPOD PRO – WHAT’S IN THE BOX?
Each week I put together a video of new items that have arrived in the post that feeds my backpacking and hiking habits! My Amazon addiction has sparked some strange purchases. Most items are rather cool and I will get a lot of use out of them, however, this week’s video showcases two recent purchases…
Read MoreFIVE THINGS I DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT THE SUNRISE AND SUNSET
One of the things I love to do is watch a good sunset and sunrise. We have seen some amazing sunrises over the last month, and the Sunrise Challenge Walk Group has been flooded with some fantastic photos. Anyway, I realised, that I didn’t know too much about sunrises so I decided to look up…
Read MoreTHE SKYLARK IS AN AMAZING BIRD…
Once again I was walking with my friend Annette this weekend and it appears that she knows an awful lot about birds. As we walked along a gated road near Norton, Northamptonshire she stopped and said “listen to that Skylark”. She then pointed it out to me as well as telling me all sorts of…
Read MoreFIVE WILD CAMPING TIPS
This was a tagged video on YouTube where people in the backpacking industry are sharing their top tips for wild camping. All of the sensible tips had been done such as navigation tips, picking the perfect site to pitch, leave no trace, pitch late and leave early etc. I didn’t want to do the same…
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