About Me
My passion for the outdoors I think first started whilst growing up in rural Herefordshire, and looking out towards the Brecon Beacons that seemed so close. Being a teenager with friends not that into the outdoors, it took a while for any exploration or adventures to materialise.
Like many others, the outdoors really took off for me whilst studying at college in Bristol, where I got the opportunity to sample lots of amazing adventure sports as part of my course.
My early career involved working as an outdoor instructor for various companies around the U.K., delivering both land and water based activities for a wide range of clients. This position (often seasonal), took me from the limestone crags, caves, and rolling hills of Somerset, to the warm, windy, and busy waters of the Solent. This progressed onto the wilder, more remote mountains, lakes, and ghylls of the Lake District. I am currently still trying to explore more of this island we call home.
After several years on this path I decided to refocus my efforts and pursue a more academic endeavour. As such, life for me began as a mature student studying Physical Education with Outdoor Education up in Leeds. I obviously enjoyed learning the theory (as crazy as that sounds) associated with outdoor adventure so much, that I continued onto postgraduate research in this area. My current study focuses on how teacher training in England attempts to prepare teachers to deliver outdoor and adventurous activities within primary schools. An under researched area, and one I hope to develop. More needs to be done to incorperate experiential learning into an ever narrowing curriculum.
To keep my outdoor skills current in a proffessional sense, I deliver international expeditions to developing world countries such as Morocco, Tanzania, and Ecuador; and periodically freelance for the outdoor department at my university. I also work part-time as a college lecturer, collaboratively delivering a BTEC in sport for aspiring young professional footballers.
In my spare time (not a great deal), I'm a keen climber and mountaineer, enjoying the delights of living up north and being so close to several national parks. I like escaping the business of my typical comfortable western developed life, and seeking solitude away from others (except close friends and my partner) exploring natural environments. It's such a nice feeling to apreciate the home comforts that we all have. Although, due to the recent financial constraints of student life (it's not all great) progress within my mountaineering domain has slowed considerably. Roll on more money and adventures, as there's a long list waiting! The Alps and Himalayas are calling.
Like many others, the outdoors really took off for me whilst studying at college in Bristol, where I got the opportunity to sample lots of amazing adventure sports as part of my course.
My early career involved working as an outdoor instructor for various companies around the U.K., delivering both land and water based activities for a wide range of clients. This position (often seasonal), took me from the limestone crags, caves, and rolling hills of Somerset, to the warm, windy, and busy waters of the Solent. This progressed onto the wilder, more remote mountains, lakes, and ghylls of the Lake District. I am currently still trying to explore more of this island we call home.
After several years on this path I decided to refocus my efforts and pursue a more academic endeavour. As such, life for me began as a mature student studying Physical Education with Outdoor Education up in Leeds. I obviously enjoyed learning the theory (as crazy as that sounds) associated with outdoor adventure so much, that I continued onto postgraduate research in this area. My current study focuses on how teacher training in England attempts to prepare teachers to deliver outdoor and adventurous activities within primary schools. An under researched area, and one I hope to develop. More needs to be done to incorperate experiential learning into an ever narrowing curriculum.
To keep my outdoor skills current in a proffessional sense, I deliver international expeditions to developing world countries such as Morocco, Tanzania, and Ecuador; and periodically freelance for the outdoor department at my university. I also work part-time as a college lecturer, collaboratively delivering a BTEC in sport for aspiring young professional footballers.
In my spare time (not a great deal), I'm a keen climber and mountaineer, enjoying the delights of living up north and being so close to several national parks. I like escaping the business of my typical comfortable western developed life, and seeking solitude away from others (except close friends and my partner) exploring natural environments. It's such a nice feeling to apreciate the home comforts that we all have. Although, due to the recent financial constraints of student life (it's not all great) progress within my mountaineering domain has slowed considerably. Roll on more money and adventures, as there's a long list waiting! The Alps and Himalayas are calling.
So why did I decide to start writing a blog? Well good question. I suppose over the years I've been on many adventures, which form a regular part of my personality and life. Standard practice seems to involve telling close friends and family roughly where I'm going, and what I'm doing, but this is usually pretty vague. I tend to hold back on details upfront, so people don't worry too much (one in particular - my dear mother). Then once safely home, I may elaborate slightly, and a few pictures may appear on Facebook to share any images with others that were present. But typically, I don't openly share the funny stories or narrative that often accompany the glossy landscape shots.
One reason for this introversion, and reserved attitude may be due to factors such as the rationale behind trips, particular outdoor locations, adventurous activities themselves, and specific terminology are often lost on the unacquainted. Or, maybe I've just been conditioned into British modesty, and politeness. I'm not too sure!?
Apparently a picture tells a thousand words, well I think in this context I disagree. I feel pictures on their own have a limited impact, but coupled with a description they convey so much more! Often the story behind the shot is so much funnier, or more interesting than the picture itself.
So by adding these summarised blog entries from various trips, it will allow others to see what I get up to. Also, when I'm old and decrepit I can look back at some of the adventures I've been on, and think argh those were the days....
If any of this site can provide inspiration, or just interest to others, then the effort seems worthwhile. I hope you enjoy reading the entries, and also looking at the pictures. If you have any questions then feel free to get in touch (links provided in the 'contact' tab above), it would be great to hear from you!
Chris out...
One reason for this introversion, and reserved attitude may be due to factors such as the rationale behind trips, particular outdoor locations, adventurous activities themselves, and specific terminology are often lost on the unacquainted. Or, maybe I've just been conditioned into British modesty, and politeness. I'm not too sure!?
Apparently a picture tells a thousand words, well I think in this context I disagree. I feel pictures on their own have a limited impact, but coupled with a description they convey so much more! Often the story behind the shot is so much funnier, or more interesting than the picture itself.
So by adding these summarised blog entries from various trips, it will allow others to see what I get up to. Also, when I'm old and decrepit I can look back at some of the adventures I've been on, and think argh those were the days....
If any of this site can provide inspiration, or just interest to others, then the effort seems worthwhile. I hope you enjoy reading the entries, and also looking at the pictures. If you have any questions then feel free to get in touch (links provided in the 'contact' tab above), it would be great to hear from you!
Chris out...