Beginnings Follow Endings

 ‘Even if you cover the whole world with darkness, you can never stop the sun from rising. The sun will rise and set regardless.’

I have had the pleasure to see the sunrise and sunset in seven different countries this year and it has been something that has kept me grounded. It reminds us even though grief can be like a constant companion that life continues, that the days will still pass, that the seasons will change and yes, that the sun still rises and sets. 

During my year of travels in 2023, I have met some wonderful people, but there has been a companion I have spent more hours with than anyone else. Yep, the slightly loopy, mischievous, but super cuddly spaniel that will always be known as Poppy Puppy. She took to van life with ease, has scaled mountains, run along beaches, swam in rivers and under waterfalls, travelled by bus, train and ferry, explored cathedrals, cafes and slept in front of many fires in pubs! She’s a great hot water bottle in the van, never complains when it rains and will take to change like a duck to water. During the times I have travelled abroad, she has been loved and cared for by others - Nim and co, the Cushion crew and Lynne and John - I shall always be so grateful to you all. (Poppy also loves you!) 

I hope 2024 will hold more adventures on the road and in the air and be another successful trip around the sun! 

Happy New Year everyone.

I saw this in a youth hostel I stayed at when walking the West Highland Way and thought now was a good time to share it.

Festivities 🎄

After returning from Morocco and a brief few days enjoying Norfolk beach walks with friends, it was a flying visit to London for the music of Fleetwood Mac, Christmas lights and exhibitions. The ‘Wildlife Photographer of the Year’ at the Natural History Museum is always interesting to see. This year I spent most of the time reading the stories in the photo journalism section, which told of species endangered by the actions of humans. There was also a short film telling of two photographers efforts to get the pictures that were on display.

Next, it was home to remember what I needed to pack in Roo for a road trip up to Yorkshire. We stayed on a farm where my youngest nephew enjoyed the egg collecting each morning (followed by egg eating!) It was also a great spot for walking and the village held lots of events for Christmas which we were able to join in with including a Christmas quiz (I love a quiz,) carols outside the pub and a Christingle service at the church. 

Whatever you did this festive season, I hope you were able to make space for something you enjoy. For some, it is not the ‘all singing, all dancing, happy’ time of year. And that’s OK. Dad and I used to spend it quietly, with a walk and a mince pie. No presents, no rushing around madly, staying away from the commercial noise that sadly now surrounds this season. For me, this year the poignant moment was the Reverend leaving the manger empty during the Christmas service as a mark of respect and a pause for us all to consider the atrocities happening in the Middle East currently.

I think I felt even more grateful to be around those closest to me and for having time to meet and catch up with new friends made this year. Whether it was a windswept walk, a cuppa and cake, or both, it was lovely to spend time with folk I have been lucky enough to cross paths with in 2023. Genuinely kind people who also have that nomadic gene that keeps them wandering.

Our plan was to head from Yorkshire and the Peak District towards Wales for the New Year, but storms have stopped play. Walking and getting everything wet is the only time for me that van life is not so much fun. So after a visit to Sherwood Forest, it’s homeward bound to the wood burner and sloe gin.

Memorable Morocco

 Swapped the van for a flight and spent the beginning of the month in Morocco for a little sunshine and exploring. I’d only ever been to Marrakesh before, so this trip included a visit to Fez to see the medina and tanneries, a journey through the Tadra Gorge and Valley of the Roses and my first ride on a camel in the desert. I got the baby camel at the end of the train, 3 year old Scooby Doo. It was a gentle and quiet mode of transport and the perfect way to see the sunset. The stars at night from the tented camp were fantastic - so lucky it was clear as the night before it had been cloudy.

Lots of tasty veggie food to try from the markets and in cafes and restaurants, many of which had roof terraces, where at times you would find yourself surrounded by the call to prayer from the mosques. Tagine, couscous, Moroccan pancakes with honey and lots of mint tea in tiny glasses. All delicious! 

A country easy to travel around, kind to the budget, has sunny, warm weather in winter and just over a three hour flight from London - what’s not to like? Ever thought of going? Do it!

New Routines

The end of our autumnal days has seen us enjoying Norfolk’s beaches and woodlands. November was filled with birthday celebrations and pet sitting duties. Four of the cutest house rabbits, a beautiful cat and then two lively, fun spaniels and a cheeky boxer. I’m not sure a career change is in the pipeline, but it’s certainly kept me busy and got me into a routine for a few weeks. 

On our journey back to Norfolk, I spent my final night on the road catching up and enjoying dinner with some very special ladies, all of whom I worked with almost twenty years ago at the start of my teaching career. They are all strong and creative and just great fun to spend time with. They reminded me that even though you don’t get to see some friends as often as you’d like, friendships can be picked up where you left off - it honestly was so easy to just sit, chat and laugh together.

The end of November also brought with it a job opportunity and so in the new year I shall be back in the magical world of children and forest school as I take on a part-time teaching role in a small school. I hope to continue van adventures in the UK on my long weekends, as there are still places I’d like to explore and more than ever I believe we should do the things we’d like to do whilst we have our fitness and health. I’ll end with a quote I like from Jack Kerouac, 

‘Live, travel, adventure, bless, and don't be sorry. There was nowhere to go but everywhere, so just keep on rolling under the stars.’