Sorry there hasn’t been an update of js.com in a few days.

A simple thing like carrying some camp chairs to an open air Blondie concert is all it takes to cause lower back pain.

My excellent Dr, advises that the problem will pass in 1 to 2 weeks, and that the problem is relatively common and not serious at all.

He also points out that the pain is far disproportionate to the seriousness of the problem. All I know, is that I can walk, or lie down for a short while, but after that, I’m in agony.

Putting on socks takes me about 25 mins, as the pain is that intense.

I know it will be gone in a few days, but the main problem is frustration. I have loads of important things to do at work.

With the pain, I literally can’t think straight enough to type an email, and if the facts I put in it are wrong, it will be worse than if I didn’t type it at all.

Worse still, with the hectic nature of my life, I dream of free time to do random things in the house.

So now, I have the painful irony of looking at jobs that need doing, but not having the energy or the pain “resistance” to do them (especially, I have updates for this website that desperately need doing, yet I’m lying on a sofa fighting of pain and fatigue).

25 years ago, I was on a once in a lifetime trip called the Hambrose cruise, with Fairbridge Drake. It was a multi activity trip, which shaped and directed my life. During the sailing, I had severe sea sickness.

After several days, I pulled around. Tony and Nadiah both looked confused that I had suddenly become so talkative. I said simply, I was in a dark place until now and normally,  if I can’t think of something positive to say, then I’ll say nothing at all.

The reason I’m posting this ? its simple. The next time I’m getting of a train, and have to wait while someone old is in front of me and struggling. I wont be so quick to judge.

On this occasion, I’m not searching for anything, just an end to the pain…

John

The main event complete:  11:45 am, 07/07/2013:

Well, what is there left to say.

With all the preparation of a Royal wedding, Glenn’s amazing birthday evening went to plan.

For a brief moment, I thought something had gone horribly wrong, and I was worried. I arrived at the Weighing room, said hi to the bouncers and then headed upstairs to the private room with a few friends.

When we arrived, the room was empty and no-one was there. For a moment, I had emotions much like Charlton Heston in the closing moments of Planet of the Apes.

But everything was ok. Because of the superb weather, Glenn and his entourage had set up stage in the beer Garden outside.

Loads of cool people came. Friends from the walking group, IVC, Snow boarding, someone from military fitness and even Glenn’s brother Gwyn. Too many to name individually, but 20 +. A fantastic turnout.

Glenn also received several presents, including the cup he is holding in this photo, labelled his Lordship (chosen by Alex, I don’t think I could have picked a better present myself).

Lights in the background were heaters, but gave this photo a “rock star on the stage feel”.

In some ways, the food at the Weighing room, could be called poncy.

I had this mini burger (I’ve put a fork next to it, so you can see how small it was). However, it was delicious and only £4.50. Since most starters cost around a fiver, I thought it represented good value.

Although tables had been booked at the Church and Barton Rouge, we ended up having a few drinks in the Townhouse (previously called Politic). Later we visit a curry house on City road. I got to bed at 3am.

Fab event, thanks to everyone who came, and especially Glenn for organising it.

Urgent – message from Glenn :  12:28 am, 05/07/2013:

It was mentioned earlier in the week, but Glenn has asked me to re-enforce the message about dress code.

Just like job interviews, marriage proposals, court appearances and visits to Buckingham Palace, there are times when being dressed the right way is important.

That’s like tonight. There’s a good chance we’ll be visiting the Church or somewhere like that later in the evening, and it will be a major downer if 1 of us gets knocked back for wearing trainers, jeans, a gimp mask etc.

* I grabbed the diagram above from the web. Glenn has asked me to point out that cleavage isn’t a problem in and of itself, but male cleavage must be covered at all times.

Update – All the systems go :  08:28 am, 05/07/2013:

The hour is at hand. Yes, the Sun is out, and its the day of Glenn’s birthday do.

Adopting something of a “work hard, play hard” mentality, me and the lads (I mean my team at work, not the fish) are cracking on, and getting loads of work done, in advance of this evenings frivolities.

Promises to be a superb evening, see you all there.

Update – Glenn’s legal birthday :  12:01 am, 04/07/2013:

Popped out tonight for a couple of beers around Chester with the crew from IVC.

Left a pub about 11:15, then hit on the idea of getting a pint, and celebrating Glenn’s birthday “in-situ”.

Sure enough, the excellent Church was open, so we whiled away the hours, with Andy, Phil, Giles and Hillary (and obviously me and Glenn).

And here you have it. Glenn at 1 minute past 12, aged 40.

The table in the curry house, is now booked at Barton Rouge after the private swaree at the Weighing room (details bellow).

Brill news, is that several other people out tonight, heard the sound of the pied piper (Glenn) and now there’s even more of us coming on Friday.

Update – Glenn’s birthday bash:  6:50 am, 02/07/2013:

I’ve just returned to my house, after finding that the 5:40am train to Warrington, collided with some cows in Mickle Trafford and they don’t know when the next one will be available.

But instead of feeling miserable, I was elated. Why ?

Hearing about Mickel Trafford reminded me, that its only 3 days to Glenn’s birthday bonanza, when the weekend comes to life.

Whilst I’d like to offer my sympathy’s to the bovine families of the fatally injured cows, every cloud…

Update – Glenn’s birthday bash: 15:10 pm:

OK, we’ve just got the low down straight from the horses mouth, so here’s the money shot. Friday the 5th of July, 7:30pm sharp.

Initially, Glenn will be receiving guests on the first floor of The Weighing room on Common-hall street, Chester (private room booked, cocktails on arrival, if you buy them yourself).

We will be  spending an hour or 2 here, while we give the “cake mix time to set”.

Probably another pub or 2 (all obviously of the highest possible calibre) and then its fine dining at Barton Rouge curry house at 11pm.

Smart casual attire (hardly needs to be said for a high profile occasion like this) attractive single girls should be aware that Alex Ford may be present on the evening, and should dress accordingly !.

Promises to be a superb evening, don’t miss it.

Update – Glenn’s birthday bash: 2:30 pm:

Still no granular details about the big event.

Having been served a writ by CAA (who handle all Glenn’s affairs) we’ve decided to change the photo (shame, as I thought the other one had more of a Miami vice feel to it).

More news when we have it !.

First look, Glenn’s birthday party.

Hot of the presses, that man-about-town Glenn is having a birthday Bash.

Rumours traversing the internet are that the Chester event of the year is to take place sometime on Friday next week.

More details as we get them here at johnsunter.com and best of luck to people awaiting an invite.

!!! Were expecting an update about 2pm today !!!

Out the other evening with the walking group.

I don’t normally go to evening walks, but Hilbre Island is somewhere I’ve always wanted to visit.

In a previous life, I was at a party in West Kirby, and people were talking about an Island you could walk too, only if the tide was out. That’s the stuff that adventures are made of.

To my eternal shame, it would be 6 years between that conversation and actually walking there.

There are a few private building there, and a sort of museum, but overnight stays are forbidden. I wish someone would build a youth hostel or a bunk house there.

Apparently they couldn’t get a park ranger to stay on the Island, as they couldn’t cope with no running water and no electricity.

I’d love it.

This weeks featured friend is Alison B.

I met her through Chester IVC, and since then we’ve become good friends.

Of special interest is her work with Saint John’s ambulance service. The work is entirely voluntary, and she was photographed here at Chester races (this picture actually featured in the Chester Chronicle).

About this time last year, I was invited to stay at Wild Boar Clough. The offer came around again this year, and I couldn’t resist.

I should point out, that quite a few people who said they’d go, dropped out at fairly late stages, and as a result, the event was nearly cancelled at 4pm on the evening we were due to set off.  I’m not perfect, but if I say I’m going to do something or be somewhere, then a visit to the hospital is the only thing that will stop me.

No matter. We drive to Macclesfield (passing by Rainow, I think about Lyndsay, and the Gritstone trail I walked last year with Tony), then walk over with our gear to our now familiar dwelling Cumberland cottage.

Leanne has been to China since we were here last and has acquired some skills of equipment selection and packing (so our walk in, doesn’t look like Younghusband’s trip to Lhasa this time).

Once set up, its off to the Crag pub for dinner (before setting off, I was disappointed that my kettle was no longer there !).

 

Next morning, I sit outside with my mug of tea and breakfast bars, and contemplate the day ahead.

I do most of my walking now around Snowdonia and the Clwydian mountains, so its nice to be somewhere a bit different.

It’s shaping up to be a beautiful day.

I’ve brought a packed lunch, but Aidan had arranged it so we’d be at the Cat and Fiddle pub (the 2nd highest in the country) in time for lunch.

I’d always wanted to visit the Cat and Fiddle, but never had the chance before.

 

Pub turns out to be fab.

There’s a ramblers bar with a fire and stuff like that, but its packed. We head to the back bar where its quieter (In the above photo, I’m standing in the back bar, and Aidan is ordering Food in the ramblers bar).

I was delighted to see that they had a jar with Black Jacks and Frutella’s. They were 5p each, and it you wanted, you could have your change in Black Jacks.

I had sandwiches with me, so I decided to eat them later on the trail, and instead had 2 pints (this is johnsunter.com after all !).

It only rained once the whole day, which was otherwise mostly sunshine. Amazingly, as we were sat in the pub, the heavens opened. For 30 minutes there was a monsoon, which luckily, we just sat through eating and drinking, and by the time we came to leave it had finished.

Amazing timing.

We carry on along the trail, and spend some time walking through the woods.

I chat do Leanne, and we discuss (among other things) how appalling the bar service is at the Church, Newgate street in Chester.

On the subject of church’s, we sit in a church yard and I finish of my sandwiches, before continuing.

From here we finish our walk with an ascent of Shutlingsloe (nicknamed the Cheshire Matterhorn).

For some reason, when we get near the top, I decide I’ve enjoyed the day, and will instead circle around the peak. Lately, I’ve started to “stop short” on some walks. I almost feel like I’ve got enough out of the expirience, and just want to relax. Its not that I cant do it or anything, and I’m lucky to have walking companions who understand this.

Back at the hut, we pack up our stuff, sweep up etc and then walk down the trail to get some dinner and head for home.

Another smart time away from home.

Would it have been more convenient to stay at home, and spend Saturday watching tv ?. I’m reminded of a quote by Kahlil Gibran.

The lust for comfort. That stealthy thing that enters the house a guest, then becomes a host and then a master. 

 

Thousands of people have been killed in the conflict in Syria.
Every night 8 million children go to bed hungry.
Sky TV have just put up there subscription cost.

With all this going on, it seemed time to escape to the countryside.

With a goal of getting out, 3 weekends out of 4, the month started with a trip to Cadair Idris.

Considered a right of passage among the walking group, its located close to the village of Corris, so we stayed once again at Corris hostel.

It’s quit a hard walk, and the first few miles were similar to Ben Nevis (just with fewer Scottish people, and more idiots letting dogs off leads and spending an hour trying to catch them again :).

I recently did a walk to crinkle crags in the lake district, and strangely, this was just like it.

A sort of horse shoe, but the mountain at the “front” wasn’t actually the peak. It was the 1 off to the right.

Literally translated its means Chair of Idris, and its the 2nd most popular welsh mountain after Snowdon.

Weather was fantastic, so we stopped next to Lyn cau lake to have lunch.

I was introduced to a new member of the group called Monika. She works in the UK, and is originally from the Czech republic.

I’d heard of her antics walking all day then sleeping overnight next to a tree, before continuing. Pretty drastic stuff. I gave her my orange bivvi bag, in case she ends up in that predicament again !.

Took the opportunity to try to talk people into joining the book group I’m in, but there weren’t any takers.

 A gruelling (well for me, anyway) walk along the tops, and we’re standing on Craig cau overlooking the lake we just had lunch next too.

To my friends who think hill walking is dull and boring, take a look at this photo and imagine what it would have been like seeing it in real life.

We reach the top.

Its a popular mountain and loads of other people were there.

Strangely, a large number of mountain bikes. No, I mean mountain bikes in a location like this, aren’t unusual. In this case, the bikes were “riderless” and nobody was anywhere near them. A sort of surreal moment.

I’m still getting my fitness back, but I was pleased with my progress on the mountain. So pleased, that I ate many of the chocolates and sweets routinely distributed at moments like that.

We wander back. We walk past a perfectly good tea/coffee shop and continue on to Gwesty Minffordd.

This place set a new standard in poor customer service. You might think with the profit margin on £2 for a can of coke a smile would be in order. Instead, sighs and rolling eyes.

My favourite part was where Aidan queried the price of something and pointed at a sign on the wall, showing the item cheaper. At this the “proprietor” removed it from the wall, said that’s a mistake and demanded the higher price.

Realising he’d upset us (and probably being terrified of trip advisor) he came outside where we were sitting and tried to befriend us. My friends at the walking group are some of the nicest people that I know. Between us we couldn’t find the will to talk to him.

I see small business’s in countryside areas struggling almost every weekend and when I see places run like this it convinces me, for some of them its their own fault.

Put simply, if it was a baking hot day, and the drinks were free, I wouldn’t go back there (but I’d be delighted if trading standards did :).

 End of the day, we head back to Corris hostel.

Corris hostel has been on a financial downward spiral, ever since Sue started seeing Aled, and is now up for sale.

Aled lives in Corris and luckily, was able to give us the heads up that temporarily the pub had no food, as the chefs had left.

This kind of thing doesn’t sound like a problem, but its in a hamlet and if you turn up without knowing, your only option is sending a taxi for a take away pizza !.

Pie and Chips on the way home, then we get showered and changed and spend a fab evening in the Slaters Arms (drinks in the evening are as much a part of the hill walking life, as waterproofs and walking boots).

The picture above, isn’t actually taken in the Slaters arms nor do I know any of the people pictured (I got it off the internet, I didn’t want to re-use the pictures I have, again and again).

The next day we do a short walk to a Slate mine. Its disused now, but interesting and peaceful for a Sunday walk.

On the way we vist the “Little Italy garden“.

Its moments like this that I’m glad of the internet.

Over 20 years, the owner of this house and garden, constructed miniatures of various buildings in Italy.

Sadly, he passed away 4 years ago, and the model buildings are starting to deteriorate. They won’t last forever, but they’ve been photographed and catalogued on the internet, so 100 years from now, people will still be able to read about them and they won’t be forgotten.

We finish our wander and head home. Stop off at Bala lake for some coffee. We’ve already decided to try Sea kayaking this year, but we were impressed with the price of lake kayaking and sailing lessons.

Back to work, and loads going on.

At lunchtime, I met up with Dan at the Driving range near to the office.

I go there sometimes, as its quiet and you can always get a seat outside.

On this occasion, Dan had bought a club and was having a go at “driving”.

He is actually in this picture, but it was taken with an IPhone in poor light, so you’ll just have to take my word for it.

While buying a drink in the Drivetime bar, I noticed a video of a song by Snap (a song I enjoyed immensely in my youth).

For no particular reason, I’ve decided to put it up here.

On the Friday, we take delivery of the server cabinets for our new building.

They’re delivered on a container truck, and are so big and heavy, that we need a JCB forklift to get them down.

The cabinets are moved into the building 1 at a time and put into position.

Pretty exciting stuff, and special for me. Up to this point, its all been paperwork and planning. At this point, I’m dealing in tangibles and it feels a lot more real now.

Still early days for the IT move project, but I’ll post more photos as things happen.

The following weekend and its adventure time again.

You may have read last years misadventure to Llangollen.

I pedal down to Wrexham and meet up with Brian. We visit Sue’s house, and have lunch in the Garden while Brian does some routine maintenance on Sue’s new bike (which is superb).

I was slightly upset that she didn’t ask me to help with the maintenance, but then I remember that I’m lazy so everything was ok.

In the following section, there aren’t many photo’s of us actually cycling. Truth is its hard to ride (especially when exhausted) and use a camera at the same time.

I’m less fit than I was this time last year, but focused, determined and being egged on by Sue and Brian, we get to the top

I pedalled all the way this time (I found that use of gears and correct adjustment of saddle etc can transform the cycling experience). That said, there were a few times when I just had to get off and push the bike up the hill.

This particular spot probably has the best views over Llangollen. I took the photo in a hurry, and didn’t actually look at it until I was at the bottom of hill. Bugger.

This picture of the 3 of us at the top of the hill.

Sue heads home (to rejoin us in the evening for a tour of Llangollen’s superb pubs) and Brian and I head down the hill.

The camp-site is at the bottom of the hill, I pay my £8 and then setup my tent.

Once again, the zephros 2 tent, mountain equipment xero sleeping bag, thermarest sleeping mat, jumper, waterproof jacket, lock & tools for bike, torch and penknife all fit into a 25 litre rucksack (which I’ve carried on my back all day).

I have a pannier rack now, just dont have any panniers yet, so next year I’ll be all set.

With the tent up and bike locked to a tree, Brian heads of to arrange his accommodation for the night, and I wander into town.

First stop, something to eat.

Camping is great fun, but when travelling light, it makes more sense to buy stuff from bakeries and chippy’s rather than carry food, a stove, plates, cups, knives and forks and all the rest.

The chippy in Llangollen is excelent, so I went straight there. I was delighted a few weeks ago, when someone left a comment on my blog about Easter in Llangollen:

Just wanted to thank you for the mention in your blog. I hope you enjoyed your meals and look forward to your returning. If you have a group with you please let me know in advance so i can cater for your evening meal in our cafe if required – many thanks and happy travels. Mark SeajayS (owner/partner)

Thats Seajays chippy in Llangollen high street where I bought a chip muffin for £2. A bargain.

Although its not at the top of anyone’s nutritional list, I’d been pedalling all day and it was just what I needed (they have a bistro next to the chippy where they serve salad and healthier options).

From here, I wandered around and had a look in the Watkin and Williams hardware shop (which has just about anything you could ever need. If you’re camping and realise you dont have a tin opener, some tent pegs, literaly anything, this is the place to go).

I also had a look in the pro-adventure shop. This trip was on a budget, but I like looking in outdoor shops, and they have some cool stuff in there.

From there, a pint in Bensons and then met Brian, Sue and Aled at the Wynnstay arms (they have a really big beer garden there). It was a beautiful evening and the place was alive.

Finish off the evening at the Sun pub (which I keep mistakenly calling the Star).

Brian has made friends there previously, so we hang out with them.

One minute there’s a handful of us having a chat, the next minute the pub is practically full (a few minutes after the photo above was taken there were double that number of people in the bar)

The band, Body Meta arrive on on stage and pick up the beat.

As a seasoned pub goer, there is nothing that brings a pub to life like live music.

So exciting, that even though I’m exhausted I stay up drinking and singing until 1am.

Everyone heads for home, and I walk back up the hill to my tent with melancholia. My adventure is almost over.

I slept straight through the night and woke up at 8am.

I might have slept in, but luckily the guy in the pitch next to mine was car camping and had decided to leave early.

Having problems with the boot of his car, he slammed it down hard at least 20 times, before he was satisfied that it was shut properly. This helped me to wake up. There aren’t many campers as considerate as him.

On my own, I decide not to cycle back home, instead Ill push the bike along the Canal and enjoy the morning. I stopped at 1 point, to take this picture.

After this, I arrived at Ruabon train station, and 25 minutes later I’m pushing my bike across Chester railway station (with its perfectly bland bridge, resplendent with its 1.1 million pound upgrade !).

Like so often on a Sunday afternoon, I put the hot water on, which takes an hour, which give me enough time to have 2 pints in the mill hotel.

My adventure complete, the end of another brilliant weekend.

This month I’ve been away on 2 overseas trips and had a fab bank holiday weekend.

I won’t go into the overseas trips in many details, as I’m going to write them up under the travel section.

Main reason for this, is Henrik is mad busy putting the new front end together creating johnsunter.com 3.0 (loads of new features) seems only appropriate that some new content is in place to go with it, and motivates me to catch up with the destination pages (I’m presently 8 countries behind).

First off, a quick thanks.

Although I get to do loads of adventure things, it wouldn’t be possible without the help of other people, who keep things ticking over while I’m away.

Usually, it’s Dan and Adam at work, but just wanted to say a quick thanks to Steve, who fed my fish while I was away.

The month began with a trip to Macedonia.

In case you didn’t know, Macedonia’s most famous son is Alexander the Great and this enormous statue is featured in the main square of their capital city Skopje (which I found out, is pronounced skopier).

As a country it’s not very advanced, but has relatively few visitors, so feels pretty “new”.

The capital is overlook by a mountain called Vodno. Its possible to drive to the halfway point, then get a cable car to the top. We decided to walk up through this forest, then took the cable car to the top.

It was a beautiful day, so we trekked for another 14 miles around the national park, with spectacular views of Skopje.

We discovered some hidden bunkers on the mountain that had been abandoned.

There were small rooms for people, but these 2 were obviously built to house tanks.

After 2 days, we took the bus to Ohrid, a lakeside town halfway down the country, which borders Albania.

Just to show that things don’t always work out as they should, when we arrived, it poured with rain.

Other slight problem, is that my electric razor was in the hold and became switched on. When I arrived it had lost all its charge. It would be 4 days before I found a charging lead at Ohrid market and stopped looking scruffy.

Around the lake was beautiful. We went on an all day boat tour (I was slightly disappointed that it didn’t visit Albania, but was told it hasn’t done that for many years).

As we sailed around the lake, we found this Island village that had been constructed by Archaeologists. The bay of bones.

The next leg of our journey involved a bus ride to Bitola. We had arranged to stay at a mountain hotel near the top of the Pelister Mountain.

The place was quite roomy and comfortable, but he staff there seemed have been there since the communist era and customer service wasn’t what I’d expected (especially since staff outnumbered guests !).

No matter, the mountain walking made up for it. We found the Kopanki mountain hut, which had burned down in Jan 13.

There was a monument nearby. I couldn’t help thinking that he looked like Steve Austin !.

Heading for home, we return to the airport at Skopje.

I mentioned earlier that Macedonia isn’t very advanced, and this ATM at the airport illustrates the point nicely.

Back for 1 day, I washed some clothes, attended a meeting of the Globetrotters, had a few pints with friends, then it was off on my 2nd trip.

Cyprus is a place I’ve always wanted to visit. Its a bit more expensive to fly to than many of my budget destinations, but I’ve been told it worth it.

One thing I hadn’t factored, was how far away it is. Tripoli is closer to the UK than Cyprus, so its nearly 5 hours flying time.

I arrive with Dan and Glenn and we make our way to our hotel. Some confusion about rooms, but Glenn took charge and organised things.

We got a complimentary drink and then had a discussion. I had intended to jump on buses and see as much of the Island as possible.

On this occasion it was put to me that since we only had 2 days, had all endured a stressful couple of weeks and were technically on holiday, that we should just visit the beach, sit by the pool and stuff like that.

I’m the guy who bleats about trying new things, and this sounded new to me. So, that’s exactly what we did.

I told everyone that Cyprus was 2 hrs difference. I explained that if we got up at 7am, our body clock would think it was 9am and we’d get more out of the day.

I woke and felt quite hazy. We found a sun lounger on the beach and just relaxed. Its then that I realised it was 2 hrs the other way, and I’d got everyone up at 5am !.

Lying on the beach listening to the waves. A special time.

I’ve said it many times, I’d be nothing without my friends.

Some people don’t realise the lengths a good friend will go to, to help you.

As I stagger across the baking beach, with a tray full of drinks, I realise I have left my camera by the sun lounger.

The flattering picture above, may never have been possible without the initiative of Dan and Glenn, compounded by the irony, that they used my own camera to take it.

Fab trip. Don’t mind that I didn’t see much. I saw enough to know, that I’ll be back there again soon.

Back home, 2 days at work and then its bank holiday weekend.

Takes off with a bang as we head to Blackstocks for fish and chips.

My old boss Philip used to ask why people were determined to make everything cheaper. Why not just make something properly and charge what it’s really worth ?.

That’s what they do at Blackstocks. It’s more expensive than a normal chippy, but this is fish and chips made as god intended and you can taste the difference.

Afterwards went to a new pub called The Church for a drink. Was really nice there, and superb the way they’ve made it look so modern, without fundamentally altering the building.

Unfortunately, the bar staff were all over the place, and with 10 of them, it still took 15 minutes to get a pint of lager.

Brief meet up with Glenn in the Mill (I didn’t take a picture that evening, so here’s a “library” photo of Glenn at a BBQ he hosted).

We discuss the boot camp well be attending this coming Thursday. Hopefully it won’t kill me.

While there, he gave me my birthday present, a rack for my bike.

I’m intending to do a 2nd ultra lightweight trip to Llangollen and this will be essential.

Just to prove I’m not a complete novice, here’s a picture of the rack on my bike, which I fitted myself (I also noticed that the paint in my kitchen is an awful colour and needs changing !).

Next day I’m up early, as I head for Liverpool.

It’s a celebration commemorating The Battle of the Atlantic and Brian from the walking group has organised a day out.

Our first stop is Panoramic 34. We have a drink with spectacular views across the city.

The building in the middle of the window is the Liver building, which gives some idea of the height were at.

It’s only the 4th time I’ve been to Liverpool, you can read about a previous trip here and here.

The Euro fighter wasn’t as good as I thought it would be, since it was just some wings and a cockpit on top of a trailer, rather than the real thing.

There were ships from 17 countries there, and the Royal navy were running manoeuvres on the Mersey, to show how they assist international shipping/stop the spread of drugs, and stuff like that (to basically emphasise that they do a lot more than just fight wars every few years).

One of the ships was Russian and there were loads of sailors wandering around shopping, going to MacDonalds and stuff like that.

Made me think. When I was 15, the “Russians” were bad people who were going to murder us all in our beds. I thought it quite ironic, that in those days, they probably did have plans to doc ships in Liverpool’s Albert Dock, but under an entirely different set of circumstances !.

Nice to see that times have changed.

Shortly after, there was a fly by, by a Spitfire and a Hurricane. They were high overhead, but you could feel the roar of the engines.

Cheryl recommended a vegetarian restaurant. I don’t normally go for that stuff, and normally find places like that to be a bit pretentious and filled with scruffy people with inverse snobbery.

But not so. As its name implied, Mellow Mellow, was rather Mellow. The food and drink were really good, the place had a great vibe, and the staff there were very friendly and helpful. Next time I’m in Liverpool I’ll be going there.

On Sunday morning, I wake to the sound of that most British of activities, lawns being mowed. The sun is beaming in through the windows and it’s going to be a beautiful day.

We head to Brook Street near my house, where there is a festival.

Loads of people had said they were going, but apart from my companions, the only person I recognised was the guy on the far left of the picture above (in a shirt and trousers).

He actually owns a shop on Brook Street. Famous for his Bernard Manning humour, he cuts my hair.

Had a quick look around, then decided to get some lunch nearby.

I have lunch in the Lock Keeper (the first time I’ve eaten there in 5 years). The Sunday lunch was fantastic. Our friend Dave arrives, and we go for a few drinks in the Church.

Heading back to the festival, there’s a band playing on the stage. The Akalites quite good and certainly got the crowd going.

I have to say I don’t go for the whole “Brook Street is Chester’s Notting Hill” idea. To my mind, it has some pretty good shops with 2nd hand stuff and clothes, 2 good curry houses, and numerous other food outlets from around the world.

After several hours, were hungry again. We sit down in India Flava (in my view, the best curry house in Chester) for some food. Through the window I can see some entertainment that isn’t mentioned on the program…

Some drunken loons decide to have a “fight”. I’m amused when somebody puts their “dukes” up and starts revolving their fists ready to start boxing.

That might have been the way to fight in the 1800’s, according to Queensbury rules, but today, is both utterly impractical and makes the “combatant” look ridiculous.

I spend Monday relaxing at home and catch up with TV. In the evening, I go to see Star Trek (which is excellent).

Update 14/05/2013

Well, we leave lake Ohrid tomorrow after spending 2 days here. Its been superb (well, the first day it was raining, but today we went out on the lake and it was awesome.

Trip has had the odd disapointment. I realise how long the buses around here take. Since its a 3 stop trip, I didnt end up going to Kosovo, as it would have taken 6 hrs of our trip, and there just wasnt time.

Worse, when I got to lake Ohrid, I tried to charter a boat to the other side of the lake, so I could visit Albania. Turns out, its a big no-no, and practicaly as dangerious as trying to charter a boat from Maimi to Cuba.

Still, loads of great things to see, cheap beer, quality food, which Ill write about when I get home.

Update.

Well, I’ll write more about it when I get back, but in the meantime, just a quick post to say that I’ve arrived in Skopje, Macedonia in once piece.

I’ve visited the old town, the museum of Macedonian independance and eaten and drunk the local food (which is excellent).

Yesterday, we went hiking to mount Vodno, which overlooks the city, then walked about 10 miles, exploring the national park.

We’re leaving for lake Ohrid tomorrow for 2 nights, then 2 nights in a mountain hut near Bitola.

Near and far, the search for adventure continues…

 

Ok, this blog entry is pretty big, and there’s a lot to take in, in 1 hit.

Main reason for this, is I’m about to leave on a week long trip to Macedonia (taking in Kosovo and Albania) I get back for 1 day, then its off to Cyprus with Dan & Glenn.

With commitments at work, cataloguing my Rohan clothes and providing for the fish, there’s not much time, but I’m determined to update js.com before I go.

Firstly, I saw this article on bbc about the coffee preferences of younger/older people.

Personally, I think people who claim to now only settle for fresh coffee (and all that rubbish) are talking out of their backsides.

Truth is, there’s not much wrong with a cup of Nescafe. Except where exactly can you go to get a cup of “normal” coffee now.

Seems to me that coffee used to cost 50p, now it costs about £2.50 and its “better” (according to somebody !).

Finaly, Sir Alex Ferguson is retiring this year. The internet is alive with people saying he’s the best manager in the world and we’ll never see his like again. To add balance, I just thought I’d say that I hate football and just don’t care.

Other Sunday I went on a mystery train journey.

No, I dont mean I got on the wrong train by accident and ended up in the middle of nowhere. No, this was a planned event.

A group I joined called Chester IVC organised it. They organise all sorts of activities, but the adventure ones like caving, weekend walking and mystery trains are the ones I’m most interested in.

They also organise nights out and meals and stuff like that. I don’t attend many of these. Thing is, I can usually get some friends to go to the pub, go for a curry and visit Cyprus, but my main need, is a group of people prepared to organise and fill a caving trip, or a weekend in a rural building. I’ve even signed up for a reading group, so I’m busy reading Mr Pip.

As it was, the mystery train took us to the Red Squirrel sanctuary in Formby.

The area was a mix of forest and coastline environments.

Its always great to be next to the ocean, but this wasn’t California.

The weather throughout the day was pretty bad, but the group seemed oblivious (and I’m from Manchester, so rain to me is like snow to an Eskimo).

I’m always happiest when I’m in the woods and wandering around exploring was the perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

Our main task was to seek out the mysterious Red Squirrel, which proved a real challenge, despite many bush-craft courses and tracking skills.

Success, we find one !.

The red squirrel is becoming increasingly rare in the UK.

Instantly recognised by its bushy tail and red colouring. Its increasingly under threat from the introduced American grey squirrel.

It was quite far away and I had to use my camera on maximum zoom. Behind the Squirrel are some roots, which because of the angle make the squirrel look like it has some kind of “scorpion back”.

Another rare creature (and honestly, its a blessing) is the British costumed man.

Instantly recognised by its nylon fir and an utter lack of embarrassment or shame. Its increasingly under threat from youths with water pistols.

I gave him £2 towards the National Trust.

After a couple of hours, its back to the train (we got a really good day saver ticket thing, so we got to travel all day for around a fiver).

We find shelter at the train station and eat our packed lunches and were off to another place says Aidan. And that’s its actual name.

An art installation of 100 cast iron “men” looking out to see. Its called another place and runs for a mile along Formby beach.

We walk along the beach, but the tide is in, so it was hard to see and we were battered by the weather from the coast.

Our adventure complete (so we think) and we head back to Liverpool to get the train home.

Ends up that the trains are cancelled. We are shepherded from one train station to another. Eventually, its clear that well have to get to the other side of the water.

A free trip on the world famous Mersey Ferry looks cool, but there isn’t one for another 45 mins.

Instead, we get the bus through the tunnel and once there, got the train back to Chester.

I found it all really exciting, but a friend who works in Liverpool tells me that this kind of thing is a weekly occurrence so if you HAVE to make that journey, its not much fun at all.

Half the world would have been sat in a dull pub or watching EastEnders on the Sunday afternoon. I’m that glad I’m not one of them.

After a day of adventure, it was a trip into town (and since I live in town, wasn’t much of a trip at all) to celebrate my friend Alison’s birthday (on the left).

A brilliant evening, Alison is a friendly, straight talking organised sort of person, of the kind I love spending time with.

I don’t normally go to Telford’s warehouse, but on this occasion it was really good and Alison had a smart time with all her other friends.

After I’d finished dinner, I wandered downstairs to listen to the music.

Someone in a very questionable hat, was banging out some truly awful music. Not uncommon on open mike nights, its usually a mixed bag of enthusiasm, rare bits of talent and people who don’t have a recording contract, for a very good reason.

In this case, technology had provided a problem of its own making. Silly-hat announced from the stage that he would be coming around the audience to sell his CD’s (which he’d “home produced” on a laptop).

I don’t know about £5 each, but 30 mins earlier I’d have happily paid him £100 to get of the stage and stop ruining Coldplay !.

On the subject of birthdays, it was only a week later and it was my birthday.

I did my usual ritual of looking through my memories box.

It was the usual flood of memories and emotions going back across my life. The 2nd thing I normally do is look at my mind map, and review my goals for the year. Opening the box, sets the scene for the planning and illustrates to me, all the great things that I’ve been lucky enough to do in my life.

This year though, one other thing occurred to me, and its for this reason that I’m writing about it.

I found a ticket to the National Mountain Exhibition at The Regged Center in Keswick and a program from the James Bond museum.

They both opened for a relatively short time, and neither of these things exist any-more.

The mountain exhibition was meant to run indefinitely, featured priceless exhibits like the tent used by Mallery and Irving and even Bronco Lanes toe’s, lost due to frostbite. Sponsored by Helly Hansen, it ran out of money due to the recession.

The Bond museum had the original Aston Martin, the Q Jetboat and both Lotus Esprit cars. It was owned by a private collector (a dentist interestingly enough). As I understand it, the collection had to be broken up for financial reasons and the museum closed.

I suppose the point I’m trying to make is move fast and do it now. The thing you keep saying you’ll do might disappear from the world without a lot of notice and in the case of these things, you’ll never get to see them again.

Well, before I know it, its Saturday the 4th of May.

My actually birthday is the 7th of May, but I always organise a day out in Chester for me and my friends on the closest Saturday.

One of the first pubs I frequented in Chester was the Fortress and Firkin, later renamed the Frog and Nightingale (and taken over by the famous Tony) its transition completed about 2 years ago, when it was completely re-fitted and re-named the lock keeper.

We had a few pints in the Mill Hotel next to my house, but since I’ve drunk there for over 10 years, the Lock Keeper seemed like the place to celebrate my birthday.

Here, my old friend Dan gets the pints in. You can see from his attire, that the weather was pretty smart.

I’ve got quite a lot of friends that attend now. Some are from different groups I’m involved in.

Dave and Yuk were some of the people who visited from the Chester and District Walking Group (Yuk actually bought me 12 bottles of beer as a birthday gift).

I also invited a couple of people from Chester IVC.

My mate Andy is a cracking guy, but blotted his copybook, when he later suggested a visit to a bar called Kash. I cant describe how awful it is in there, but since all my friends were around it was at least tolerable.

In the centre of this picture is Mike Delafield and Kris Bourne. Mike lives in Liverpool, so I catch up with him when I can, but Kris (who we all used to call bone) lives in Nottingham, and it must be 8 years since I’d seen him.

When we met he was 19 and helped us out with office moves. Now he’s got 2 children and expecting a 3rd. The world moves on I guess.

On the lelft of the photo is Jon Mallet, who travelled up all the way from London. A great mate, we last met on a trip to the lakes last year.

On the right of the picture, Lee Sawbridge, a guy I met at Fairbridge Drake 25 years ago, and a companion on my first ever adventure interailing. Across from him, his wife Susan (I introduced them) as they chat to Nikki from the walking group.

A fantastic day, with friends from work and every area of my life. Ended up being out from 12 lunchtime until 12 midnight. I dont do that kind of thing often now. Thanks to everyone who came, it really was a fantastic day and I’m greatfull to every 1 of you.

The day after, and its a relax at home day (or a recovery from alcohol poisoning day, whichever works for you.

Setup my Raspberry Pi computer and my train set. Caught up with a lot of tv and reading, and just basically relaxed.

Dr Who has been a bit off this series, but returned to form. A farce, chase around adventure, with the people from the Christmas special, and the superb Sontaran buttler, Strax (and even a tongue-in-cheek Sat Nav reference with a lad called Thomas Thomas).

I also watched Person of Interest, Game of Thrones and a new series called Banshee which is growing on me.

Only thing I cant understand, is how amazing series like Chicago Code get cancelled, but utter rubbish like Warehouse 13 gets renewed and renewed.

I often say, if I won £50,000,000 I don’t know what I’d be doing tomorrow. But the day after I know I’d be out walking !.

Bank holiday on the 6th, gave me sort of 2 personal days to enjoy my birthday. With the weather looking exceptional, I decided to head out walking.

After I’d walked for 3 hours, I was really enjoying myself. At his point, there was some dangerous talk about going up mountains and stuff like that.

I would have been happy walking back, and as look would have it, one of our group was feeling really ill. I volunteered to take her back, thereby dodging the mountain nonsense.

Six hours walking. A good number.

Once the injured party had been loaded into the “Huey” (in this case, a  Ford Fiesta, owned by Mandy) back to Chester, I had a couple of hours to kill.

I wandered around the village of Llanuwchllyn. I realised its a place I’d been before with Brian and Sue on my first hostelling trip (feel like a long time ago now, but I realise it was only about a year ago).

The village has a steam railway, so I went there for some coffee, then wandered around some more. It really was amazing weather as the picture above shows.

Had a pint and some food in the Eagles pub, then off home, another amazing day over.

After everything I’d done, my actual birthday came around.

What could possibly follow the previous few days.

In the end, I decided not to even try. I would just relax.

I had a lie in bed, then wandered to a really nice pub called the Red House. It’s by the river and does excellent food. Couple of drinks and a steak sandwich, watching people in boats sail and row past.

I walk back home in a contemplative mood. A lot of people seem to worry on birthdays, concious that their getting older. Just reminds me, of the great life I’ve already had and that it can only get better.

Its been a baking hot day, so I get back and jump in the bath.

I’ve treated myself to some special birthday clothes (not to be confused with a birthday suit !), so I put on my Rohan fusion trousers and my new desert boots (I absolutely love desert boots) and head out.

Last year I made a list of every curry house in the centre of Chester. I visited all 18 of them by September that year.

One place not on the list, but everyone kept mentioning was the Hoole Curry house. I decided I’d go there for dinner.

Hoole is a small area just outside Chester and isn’t a place I visit often. Dan and I used to go up there, but it was full of people who claimed to be in “music” or in the “media”.

Would later turn out I was talking to a hospital porter who owned a guitar.

Let me say straight away, I’ve no problems with people doing ordinary jobs to make ends meet while having bold aspirations for other area’s of their life (how could I criticise them, its exactly what I do !).

Anyway, enough moaning and back to the curry event. Who else could I take but the excellent Glenn. We had a couple of drinks in the Stuteley bar in the Devonia lodge hotel on Hoole road, then headed for the curry house.

Quite small, but well run, I ordered various stuff and my usual Korai chicken. Food was very nice, but I still prefer India Flava on Brook Street. Still, a brill evening and lively conversation (mostly mine, with poor Glenn having to sit through it 🙂  )

With the curry eaten, we stop for a quick drink on the way back (Kash again, but once again, good company rescues me from this appalling establishments tedium). We run into Alex and he recommends a hostel he thinks I’d like (Grinton Lodge YHA).

I finish my drink and head home. Another birthday over, its a walk back to my house and prepare for work.

Thanks to everyone who contributed to an amazing couple of days, your input and friendship are appreciated.

Well, that wraps things up, I better go and finish packing for Macedonia. The search for adventure continues…

Things at work continue to go well (the walls in the new building are up already). The design phase of our technology coming to conclusion, the building and testing phases are about to begin.

Not much I can say about this (quite literally, I work for the global market leader in our field, and the solutions we’ve chosen would be of great interest to our competitors). What I can say is how excited I am, and how much were looking forward to it (your looking forward to 19hr days you ask ?).

Well, yes we are. I’ve worked in IT for 20 years, but never on anything as exciting as this. When I finally stand in our computer ops room, with the move complete, and drink champagne with my team, it will be the greatest technical achievement of my career (of course then comes the challenge of finding something even more ambitious. Ill cross that bridge when I come to it).

Of special note, was a recent visit by Markus (on the right of the picture above), our worldwide head of infrastructure. I speak to Markus most days on the phone or by email, and I’ve met him at our head office. We recently had the honour of him visiting our site to advise and help for 3 days on our infrastructure.

As is is often the case with experts and consummate professionals, he’s actually a really nice modest sort of bloke (it was once said that you could sit on the bus next to a genius like Tim Berners Lee, and never know it). As our guest in the UK, we took him out to the pub to try some real ale, to a curry house for the evening and for lunch to eat fish and chips (on top of working 12 hours a day !).

A really productive couple of days and lots of fun. On behalf of myself and all my team, we’d like to thank Markus for his help and welcoming him back to the UK during the next phase of the project.

Very occasionally, I’m asked to send someone out to visit a client site. As mentioned above, I can’t go into details, but its really interesting to get out and see how are products are used “on the ground”, and the positive impact they they make on peoples lives.

I was out this week, visiting a site in Birmingham. As usual, it involved a long train journey. I was delighted when the train passed through Wolverhampton. I had many happy memories there in my youth, with my friend Lee Sawbridge. I remember walking back from the pub 1 sunny Sunday evening. We wandered through a cornfield, and whenever I’ve heard the song Fields of Gold, its always brought that evening back to me.

Sadly, there wasn’t time to seek out the said cornfield, there was work to be done.

It ended up taking 6 hours to finally get everything going (I had conference calls with my team back in Warrington and support staff all over Europe). In the end, all system were working, they thanked me kindly, and I had a can of beer on the train to congratulate myself on a job well done.

As a previous “I’ll never stay in a youth hostel” sort of guy, you may have noticed I did a dozen trips and at the YHA last year, so I’m a convert.

As a member of the Chester and district walking group, I’ve joined the committee as weekend trips co-ordinator (or something like that, I don’t really go for titles).

I was recently invited to their annual affiliate meeting (I went with Brian a keen hosteller and there were representatives there from over 40 groups across the UK).

It was held at their Castleton hostel (obviously one of their flagship facilities) so before the event started, Brian and I were given a tour by one of their receptionists. Amazing décor to equal any lake district hotel. I loved the way the decor and styling was a match for any hotel but they had kept the adventure ambience.

The meeting started slightly late, as it was a beautiful day and a Harris hawk had been spotted outside ! (the hostel lies in 27 acres of woodland, owned by the hostel).

A talk by the finance and IT director, and then some stuff about benefits of affiliation and clarification on booking hostels. Its a lot more complicated than you think, as there are different ways to book a hostel, depending on how many of you there are.

Lunch was provided and the food was excellent (soup, stuff for sandwiches, plenty of salad, and refreshingly some nice cake). We found out they actually have a micro brewery, so we had a pint with our meal (named Beyond hope, its a reference to the village or hope nearby).

It was interesting chatting to other people involved in the running of walking groups, and the similar problems faced by all (an entire conversation about getting every to a walk on time and making sure everyone set off together).

End of the day, and off home. Absolutely superb and I was really impressed with the professionalism of the staff and employees, and the vision of their management team (especially William Howarth who explained the YHA’s policy on selling properties, its motives and goals with a clarity that even I could understand).

People say they’re not as cheap as they used to be, and stuff like that, but the main thing I like about Youth Hostels is they are like an adventure hub. Evenings and mornings in a hostel are totally different to a hotel, its all about the outdoors and activities which is why I’m now so keen.

My birthday is still in the offing for the 4th of May in Chester.

Unfortunately, the piece of paper I was using to keep track of who I’ve invited/who I need to invite has been lost (I should have used Dropbox !).

If you haven’t had an invite, get in touch, otherwise I’ll see you at 12:30 (or later) in Chester on the 4th (I hope you can all make it. Your my friends, I’d be nothing without you).

During the snow that descended recently, friends who live walking distance from Wrexham town centre was snowed in their own drive for several days.

Disadvantage for them, turned into a window of opportunity for some local adventure types, who were able to construct this Igloo.

Now ok, its not perfect and not the sort of thing You’d see on Ray Mears, but overall I think its a brilliant effort. I only wish I could have been there to help build it !.

Out with the lads for a pint the other Saturday (the one before “United were taken apart by City” apparently !).

We headed to one of our usual haunts, the Temple Bar. I like the place because of its simple customers and their flexible attitude to offensive jokes and swearing.

They have some church fixtures in there, and Dan sat in the confessional box for this photo.

Perhaps the next outing of Assassins creed, could feature modern day digitised versions of Dan !.

Is it just me, or has Dr Who gone really daft recently.

Anyway, as consolation, there was an Easter special of Jonathan Creek.

Times have changed and Jonathan has left the windmill, got married and is a director of his own company (when first seen in the show, he is even wearing braces).

But there’s one of those nobody else can do it but you moments, and Jonathan is back in action. Ok, this one isn’t as good as the Grinning Man, but the scene where he decides to get involved, goes through his “Sex and the City” wardrobe and fishes out his old duffel coat, sets the scene completely.  A new series planned for 2014, can’t wait.

Elementary goes from strength to strength. People asked me on a walk the other weekend, why would you watch that version of contemporary Sherlock Holmes when you could watch BBC’s Sherlock.

Initially, the answer was simple. The BBC make 3 episodes every 2 years if your lucky. Elementary has loads of episodes to watch right now. Since then, I’ve moved on. I actually think its far better than Sherlock. Its 20 episodes in, but Sherlock is still a mystery. Other characters like Dr Watson (who’s now a woman) and Mr’s Hudson (who’s a “tran”) embellish this even more. Watch it if you get the chance, I like crime drama, but even if you don’t, TV doesn’t get much better than this.

On other media news, I’ve finally completed Call of Duty, Black Ops 2 !.

I also went to see Simple Minds (OK, its not media, I was actually there) anyway, I can now see what all the fuss was about with live music. They were amazing.

On the negative side, I’ve been working a lot of weekends lately.

On the plus side, its left me with a small amount of surplus cash.

I decided to treat myself to some “trivial” things that I couldn’t normally afford.

Firstly, a zippo lighter with “Trust No One” engraved on it. OK, OK, I don’t actually smoke, yet I own 6 lighters, so why buy a 7th (if you’re asking that question, you’ve never made fire from friction 🙂 )

Thing is, the X Files may be gone, but we can still celebrate them. I bought a lighter on ebay for a tenner and had it engraved for 3 quid.

Next up, a Raspberry Pi. My old mate from IBM, Dave Littlewood came down a couple of weeks ago, and he was showing one off.

A fag packet sized computer… I was intrigued. I bought one of those, and I’ve been submerged in the world of Debian Linux and Python programming ever since.

When I was working at our office in Cambridge, I wandered around the market and saw a T shirt. It had the usual – Keep calm and… but this time it said: call the Dr, with a Dr Who logo. I couldn’t afford one at the time, but I’ve bought one at Amazon.

I’ve treated myself to some new clothes for my birthday (mentioned above), but otherwise, its the usual me.

Met up with Henrik the other weekend (the guy who helps me out, and write with the design and coding of this website).

I’m an IT professional, but I have no webdev (or otherwise) skills. Time was, that the amateurish look of this website seemed quirky to a lot of people and they like it.

But times changed, and 4 years ago, we introduced the “normal” website, with an embedded word-press solution, and attached widgets, including twitter, which made for real time, in situ blogging.

That’s worked OK for us since then, but we’ve now decided to move things to the next level. I don’t want spoil the surprise by saying what were upto, but version 3.0 of the google highest ranking johnsunter.com is about to be launched.

Stay tuned.

Saw this on facebook.

Instantly reminded me of my old friend JK (Jon Kelly), who I’ve been to Borneo and Morocco with.

It was Margaret Thatchers funeral the other day.

Its quite normal at work to have the radio on, so I asked if it would be OK to turn it off, and watch the highlights on BBC news.

There’s been all sorts of comments about her death. Some people think she was the devil incarnate, others that she rebuilt the country.

As a youngster, growing up in a house filled with venom from my step father, I held the first, in later life I read the downing street years, and became more sympathetic to the 2nd.

Whichever your view, the idea of grown men and woman having parties to celebrate her passing, is abhorrent to me.

Equally, one quote of hers stays with me, and I think we  can all agree its wisdom, whoever said it.

“Look at a day when you are supremely satisfied at the end.

It’s not a day when you lounge around doing nothing; it’s a day you’ve had everything to do.

And you’ve done it !.”

MT

Last year, I made a list of every curry house in the city centre of Chester and I made a point of eating in every one of them (I’m a Manchester lad at heart, and being so far from Rusholme, was difficult for me when I first moved here).

My 2 favourite curry houses arent on any famous lists. They are India Flava on Brook street and Asia Fusion next to the 15 pub in town. I was saddened to see the other day that Asia Fusion had closed down.

I’ve had dozens of great evenings in there. I especially liked he way they used to show Bollywood films on the tv and the food was outstanding.

Shame its gone, I only wish I could find out where the Chef is working now.

Dark day.

Talking of bad news.

My old friends, my Karrimor KSB 300 boots, finally gave up the ghost. Walking boots should normally be replaced every 8 years and these old boys lasted 12.

Obviously, my first thought was to replace them with a modern version of the same brand. Turns out Karrimor now make the KSB 350 boot, which are £35 (my KSB 300 boots cost £150 3 years ago !. Had a good look at them anyway. A joke.

My old boots have been to the Andes, the Himalayas, the Alps and the Pyrenees. They have covered thousands of miles across the the UK, sometimes in weather where most sensible people wouldn’t nip out for a paper !.

Sadly, its time to move on and there off to the bin.

Visiting Cotswolds (Field and Trek are now part of sports direct, and although I’ve loved shopping there for years, theyr not what they used to be).

After trying on several pairs, I settle on Salomon Quest boots. They fit my feet perfectly and weigh a 3rd of the weight of my previous boots.

I’ve worn them 4 times and there incredibly comfortable, whatever the terrain. Farewell old friend, but welcome new friend.

Thanks for taking the time to read this. Near and far, the search for adventure continues…

Last year an amazing weekend camping in Llangollen kicked of an entire year of weekend’s away, Sunday walks and overseas trips.

It’s an annual event and it was so good that I emailed Sue, the organiser to tell her how much I enjoyed it.

Just to prove that no good deed goes unpunished, I ended up being roped in to organising this year’s event with her (I’m only joking it was great fun).

The format of the weekend, is we normally spend Friday afternoon around Llangollen, then do day walks on Saturday and Sunday and go back home in time for Monday.

It had been a week since snow had fallen in Chester, and it had largely disappeared. As we drove over on Friday morning the hills were covered in Snow, which made for this superb view.

Although bright, the weather wasn’t kind, and the temperature was around -4 during the night.

We decided that those staying over, would use hotels. I stayed at Gales wine bar hotel. It was very comfortable, and quirky at the same time with walls made of wattle and dorb.

A few of the group were from Wrexham, so they got buses or taxi’s to/from home.

In Llangollen high street.

The main area’s of interest here are pro-adventure (an absolutely brilliant outdoor shop) and the Seajays chippy.

We had a bit of a wander around, then had a few drinks and went back to our hotel to get ready.

That evening, we had a meal in the Cornmill, which overlooks the river Dee. Same as last year, the food was superb.

In the morning, I’m organising the first walk (I say organising, as it was actually Brian who was leading it).

It involved a train journey to Glyndyfrdwy and then a walk back.

I was really excited. I’ve been in a helicopter, in a submarine, the list is endless, but I’d never travelled on a steam train.

Glenn wasn’t joining us on the walk due to work commitments, but came to see us all off from the railway platform. He bought me some commemorative Steam train themed socks to mark the occasion.

Once on-board, it was euphoria. Its an adult group (but were not swingers or anything like that) but it felt like being on the coach during a school trip, it was that exciting.

The view out of the window, didn’t fill everyone with confidence for the walk.

The train journey was superb. I know some of you reading this will yawn, and wonder how a steam train can be exciting. Sat with all my friends, travelling through the snow filled countryside was an incredible experience, that’s hard to describe.

The only disappointment was it was over in just 22 minutes and we arrive in Glyndyfrdwy.

After disembarking, we hit the trail.

There had been talk of wandering home along the paths, but Brian decided to take us off road, and we were trekking through forests with deep snow.

Weather was beautiful.

The snow in the hills was much deeper than at home in Chester.

As long as we walked carefully, our boots would provide even support across the snow and we wouldn’t sink.

Just to show the depth, in the bottom middle of this picture is a fully extended walking pole (around 3 feet long) pushed into the snow with just the handle showing.

We stop off at a pub called the Sun in in Rhewl (or literally, in the middle of nowhere).

It had been taken over by a couple who were having problems with electricity and stuff like that.

Most people had coffee, but a few of us had pints (obviously, I had a pint).

After leaving the pub, disaster struck.

Walking along some raised ground, Brian saw a big mound of snow. Jumping hard in it, he believed that the snow would compact and break his fall.

Turned out some of the farmers children had constructed a snow-hole up against the raised earth.

As Brian jumped, his boots passed through about 2 inches of compacted snow which formed the roof, then he “sailed” 4 feet down to land hard on the ground.

I think he was lucky he didn’t break his leg. The “manufacturers” of the snow-hole were unavailable for comment.

We finish off the walk by bagging a hill overlooking the town.

Inman’s wood (named after Jon Inman from are you being served) was very steep and had really deep snow. Some of the foot holes involved immersing a boot 2 feet into the snow.

Luckily, I’d relieved some new walking boots as an early birthday present so everything was fine (Salomon Quest, are the best boots I’ve ever owned).

Back in town, I wanted to relax, but for various reasons was unable to.

We tried to get a cheap room for Brian (the guy in the photo with the pretend frown). I was delighted when we managed to get an on suit room at Bensons (with breakfast) for just £32 a night.

I desperately wanted to watch Dr Who, but I had to organise a 2nd evening meal (I’m still unsure why we needed a 2nd organised meal after the previous evening. I thought the chippy would suffice).

Annoyingly Galess (like quite a few other eateries in Llangollen) don’t accept bookings for tables so you have to find a table and “camp” at it until your friends arrive.

I liked Gales, but the food took 2 hours to arrive. The food was nice, but at that point, I was so hungry I would have eaten newspaper.

Haven’t done much hill walking since New Year. I was so tired, I went to bed straight after dinner (a shame, my friends had a really good time around the local bars).

The next morning and were off to the next walk.

This time its being led by Trigger (who’s real name is Paul). The walk had been moved to the Clwydian ranges, so we had to drive over the mountains (we stopped the car to take some photos).

Well be walking around some hills near Moel Famau.

Emma poses next to the sign, and we set off.

We walk up through the snow.

You can see the Jubilee tower in the background, which we reached a few minutes after this photo was taken.

We continue along the tops in a skirmish line.

We reach this Cairn where we had lunch (we had to get on the leeward side, the wind was howling).

Wandered along a snow covered hill which looked fine.

As we moved to the side, we could see things differently.

From the bottom of the gulley it was clear if we’d kept walking in a straight line, we’d have been in peril.

This scene reminded me of a miniature version of the Khumbu Ice-fall in the Himalayas.

The walk and the adventure weekend is coming to an end. We wander along this sort of “snow wall” and have a quick drink back at the Golden Lion at Llangynhafal.

Thanks to everyone that came along, and most of all to me, for all the hard work in organising it 🙂

Status Quo.

I’ve only been to 2 concerts in my life. The first was V99 (mainly went to see the Stereophonic’s) and the 2nd was the Stereophonic’s at the MEN arena (mainly to see the Stereophonic’s, although a band called 1 lady owner played first and they were grim).

Well, someone I’ve seen quite a lot of lately, asked me if I’d like to go to another. This time, it was those rock legends Status Quo.

I wasn’t sure what to expect, but they were really good.

Even more interesting were the band members. The band was founded in 1967 but around 30 years ago 2 members, Francis Rossi and Rick Parfitt left to setup on their own, but kept the original name.

For the first time in 30 years, the band re-united with Alan Lancaster and John Coghlan (considered opinion is they are unlikely to do so again, so I feel privileged to have been there).

Lisa & Phil, congratulations

Congratulations to Lisa and Phil at work, who are expecting their first child.

Lisa has been a real friend to me, from the first day I started working here. Phil joined later and provided much needed male influence to the team. I was delighted when there romance was kindled on my birthday do, almost 2 years ago.

I’m genuinely made up for them both.

Phil may find this article useful.

I’m mad busy at work and grafting flat out.

But its worth it. Our new building will be completed soon and months of planning will see all sorts of state of the art technology implemented.

Its hard to describe the excitement here at the moment, but between me and Dan and our suppliers, its going to be amazing.

For me personally, I consider this (if it all goes to plan, which I pray it will) to be the greatest technical achievement of my career.

 Some of you will remember when I helped out at Antique Pine Imports. I bought a table about 18 months ago. Its made of pine, and I absolutely love it.

Thing is, when you have furniture that 200 years old, it needs occasional maintenance. I was delighted when Glenn offered to help and picked it up, to take to the unit.

When it came back, it was in mint condition, made all the more pleasant to know the work was done by people I’d worked alongside (who unlike me, actualy knew what they were doing 🙂 )

I’m absolutely delighted, thanks lads.

Tragically, its not uncommon these days, to open a paper or turn on the television and read/hear about some kind of violent crime.

I was in the pub in Chester the other day, and it came on the radio, about a violent attack on a young person. So violent in fact, that the police had released a photo of the lad, and put CCTV footage onto youtube in the hope of find the culprits.

OK so far. Then they mention where it is. Remembering the size of the whole UK, its actually in Newton Heath, Manchester. The place where I grew up, and just a few hundred yards from my childhood home, and the actual road where I used to deliver newspapers.

You can watch the video here.

To show the more cultured side of Manchester, a play called The Machine is being shown at the Manchester International Festival. It loosely tells the story from the documentary Kasparov and the machine. I didnt find Kasparov convincing, but the story was fascinating.

I sometimes read the news on my IPhone on the train in the morning.

Sport isn’t normally at the top of my list of interesting topics, but was interested in a story about rugby manager Mike Scott.

He had committed fraud to try and get an overseas player into the team. He had been banned from any kind of involvement in Rugby Union for life.

Faced with the option to appeal, he said he would walk away from the game so the name of Rugby Union wouldn’t be tarnished by his actions.

A stupid cheat ?. Perhaps, but its hard to imagine a football manager taking his sport so seriously as too walk away like that.

They’d get a job at the BBC or write a book. You can read the full story here.

Hailed as one of mankind’s most amazing inventions, the cochlear implant has changed the lives of more than 350,000 people throughout the world.

Most people don’t know it, but as well as hearing aids, my company also make these. For me, its like the stuff in the bible where the lame can walk and the blind can see. Children born deaf, can hear. What could be more amazing than that.

I’m not 18, and far from an idealist, but I am proud to work for a company that don’t make cigarettes or landmine’s, but produce things that genuinely make peoples lives better.

In this video, a child born deaf hear’s his mothers voice for the first time.

I’m progressing well through Call of Duty: Black Ops II, with extra encouragement from the fish. Heard a good gaming metaphor the other evening:

If your male and you get into a relationship with someone female and your a certain age, its logical that they will have children from a previous relationship.

I’d never thought of it myself, but I heard someone compare it to playing someone else’s saved game (which will mean nothing to you, if your not into gaming).

Loads of exciting trips planned throughout the rest of the year (Its not even the end of March and I’ve already been to 2 countries. By the end of the year Ill have visited the whole of the former Yugoslavia and done dozens of walking trips and weekends away.

On a more negative front, some things don’t change for the better. A series I was really getting into: Last resort, has just been cancelled.

It was an excellent show, and just like Chicago Code and other stuff before it, was cancelled by some faceless executive, before it had chance to establish itself as truly outstanding.

On a positive front, the final 2 part episode of Castle was the best one I’ve ever seen.