Climbing Up Stuff

Having been very lucky as an undergraduate to have one of the best climbing walls in the UK right on my doorstep, I aim to carry on during my time abroad in Australia. I started climbing during the summer of 2007 and can now lead confidently on a French grade 6b/c.

Although I'm a little out of practice now I plan on taking full advantage of the indoor walls in Brisbane as well as practicing, I hope, regularly on the outdoor spot, Kangaroo Point.

Walking & Sleeping Outside

I've always enjoyed walking and just being outside in general. Frankly, the day I can't do a decent walk is the day I give up!

On the left, James and I beneath Pike O' Stickle in the Lake District, North England, just before sunset. Below, the journey continues the next morning.

England is truely spectacular in parts, for walking and camping alike. The Lake District offers some of the roughest English landscape and boasts some of the most untouched parts of the country.

Probably what I enjoy most about walking in England is the climate. I actually like the cool breeze and occasional shower!

Camping doesn't have to be serious, the best times are with a few mates in a field, just a tent and a few beers.
Receipe:

• Beer
• Tent
• Beer
• Friends + Rob (preferably freezing his nuts off)

Travelling to Places to Sleep Outside

Here on the left is where it all started for me, The 20^th World Scout Jamboree, Sattahip, Thailand 2003. This guy stopped me in my tracks; I swapped my GB scarf for his Malaysian contingent t-shirt - I would have been mad not to, look at the colour of it!

This event was like one giant non-stop party. An atmosphere full of excitment to meet new people and enthusiasm to learn of new cultures - awesome.

During 6 weeks of summer 2006 I travelled up and around the North-East coast of Australia with a friend. On the right, me wakeboarding off Dunk Island, Mission Beach... I wasn't too bad... promise.

Spending 3 weeks in Townsville, Queensland, is almost unheard of amongst travellers, but I don't regret one minute of it. It felt good to be Australian for that length of time, and it gave me confidence to decide to living in the country for 4 years!

To the left, hike from Cala san Vincente and around the Northern parts of Majorca, 2007.

Right, hiking in the French Alps. A blanket of cloud sits in the huge basin below the mountain tops.