When I started writing the blog, I made the decision that it had to be warts and all. No glossing over the mishaps I have had so that you could all share in all the highs and lows and know that I am just a very average person trying to do something a bit different.
I have done some really daft stuff, but also had some completely awesome moments and I hope the daft and the awesome will both continue for a while yet.
(Talking of awesome, favourite place in the World, Llandwyn Island, Anglesey.)
But the change is fragile. I have spent too much of my life with little self confidence to suddenly become the amazing "out there" person I am trying to be. I have been told that I have inspired people so to let everyone think it's been easy would be unfair. There have been times when I have felt it would be a lot easier to swap the hiking boots for slippers and learn how to knit!
I have had a few knocks to my confidence recently, none major and most individually quite trivial, but together they have had an effect and made me really think about what I am doing and how I am perceived. I have come to 3 major conclusions. (stick with me, I do get more cheerful)
Firstly, I over think things. I care too much about what people think of me and am really quick to take comments to heart. I am however conscious that there is a very fine line between eccentric and ridiculous so I am trying to tread that one very carefully indeed! Secondly, I think it's an age thing! I am looking back and thinking about all the things that I haven't done and wanting to do them before I am too old to, and time is running out! I also want to be told that I am amazing, and not "amazing, considering my age"! I'm not sure if this is a mid-life crisis type of thing. I guess the indication of that would be if you see me disappearing into the sunset in a sexy red sports car with someone young and completely fabulous by my side. (Heavens, I should be so lucky!)
(Recent trip to Surf Snowdonia, trying out my new 70-300 Tamron zoom. Gorgeous piece of kit! btw, that would be me if I ever decided to try to surf, I know my limitations!)
Thirdly, I won't let all the nonsense stop me. I have come so far and there is still so much more "Daft and Dangerous" that needs to be done. I won't try to toughen up, as that would fundamentally change who I am. Inside I am pure marshmallow and despite making me a bit over-sensitive, I love it that way.
(Another from Surf Snowdonia, friend, inspiration and possible passenger candidate!)
So all I can say to anyone who is thinking of doing something daft themselves is Go for It! If it was easy, you would have done it ages ago, but doing it now, when it's harder, makes it so much more rewarding!
Lessons Learned: Got to get my act together and plan some more crazy before all the real old lady stuff kicks in. To quote the ubiquitous fridge magnet "I am still hot, it now just comes in flushes!"
Diet Diary: Still struggling to lose the holiday weight. Lost some, but not all. Will get back into it soon I am sure, but am currently really enjoying cake!
Rambling Record: Currently just over 880 miles so far. The 1000 miles is tantalisingly close and I hope to have it done by the end of October. Who'd have thought!
I am the first to admit that I don't really understand all the technical aspects of my camera. Can't properly get to grips with frames, sensors and mirrors but I have felt for a while that I need to upgrade something.
I am not getting really sharp details in my photos and did consider changing the whole camera system, but after getting advice from 3 photographers that I trust (thank you Richard, Stewart and Adrian) decided to just look at changing lenses.
The very fabulous Richard offered to join me on a photowalk around Shrewsbury, similar to the one we had last May, with a view to me trying out a selection of his lenses to see what suited.
We started off with a prime lens, set at 50mm, so no zooming. If I wanted to change the perspective of a shot, I had to actually move my body into position, rather than twiddle the lens! Not sure about that!
Took the photo of the pigeon with a wonderful telephoto lens, but had started to notice that the better the lens, the heavier it was, and although I am pleased with how the photo came out, I struggled to keep the lens still enough to take the shot. Need to build up the arm muscles I think!
It was a wonderful evening, fabulous to be able to walk with someone interesting who shares and understands the passion for photography and I really felt I learned a lot too.
Richard very kindly has let me borrow some of the lenses to have a play with in my own time. I am really not convinced about the prime lens, I do miss the flexibility of the zoom, so this probably isn't for me.
The telephoto he lent me is fabulous tho, so I can feel another purchase coming on, but perhaps later in the year.
I have decided to go now for a Sigma 17 - 70mm f2.8-4 which I will be picking up next week, so that I can have a good play with it before my holidays.
I know that the quality of my pictures still depends on me getting the composition, subject and lighting right, but the thought of a shiny new lens has certainly perked up the enthusiasm for photography which had been waning a bit recently.
Not really got back to grips with the exploring since my sad adventures earlier in the Summer, so hopefully a fabulous holiday and a shiny new lens will be the pick me up I need.
Lessons Learned: Although I love photography and it has changed my life in so many ways, I have to accept that sometimes enthusiasm will wane and that is ok. All you have to do is arrange an evening out with an interesting man and be prepared to spend inordinate amounts of cash of brand new kit! Simples!
Decided subtle is no longer an option.
Diet Diary: Earlier in the year I decided to lose 3 camera bags in weight (10lb each). Currently I have lost 27lb so just 3lb to go! Am feeling very chuffed and can't quite believe the diet is going so well, as it never has before! Although 3 weeks in America is probably going to change that!
Rambling Record: Currently standing at 725 miles so far this year. Well on track and will hopefully complete before the bad winter weather sets in!
Whenever I have a chance of a few days away, I do seem to head into Snowdonia. I have my favourite places there and at the moment I am taking comfort in familiar surroundings. However, I do still have the need to do some stuff outside of my comfort zone, more on that later.
I booked to stay in the converted Shepherd's huts overlooking Moel Siabod again as the welcome is always warm and the setting just glorious. The weather was a bit unpredictable with thunderstorms forecast, but the thing about getting wet is that you'll dry out eventually!
Visited many places over the 3 days, but will just pick out the highlights or else we will be here all day!
First day involved a visit to Bodnant Gardens and a stroll through the Laburnum arch. It is amazing to walk through it with thousands of yellow blossoms cascading above you.
At this time of year most of the colour elsewhere in the gardens is fading, waiting for the summer flowers, but it is still a fabulous place to wander, even in the rain.
Next stop on the itinerary is Surf Snowdonia. I may have mentioned previously that I love it there but this time have arranged a catch up with my favourite photographer!. Took loads of pics, but this is my favourite, of 4 times Welsh Champion Jo Dennison performing a ballet on the waves. Glorious to watch.
I am enjoying the surf photography and getting some cool actions shots, but the quality of the picture isn't brilliant. I may need to look at upgrading my lens to get cleaner detail. Looking into that one, its not going to be cheap!
Day 2 started off with a walk part way up Snowdon. No intention of getting to the summit, just as far as the top lake. I had seen recently on Countryfile a floating art installation on one of the lakes and was intrigued to see it in person.
It is about 3 miles to the top lake and the walk to it was just gorgeous. Some very low clouds, but it was warm and dry along the Miner's Path.
The art is actually on the middle lake, Llyn Llydaw and was quite surreal to see a painting just floating there. A fabulous concept.
The climb was made complete by a Mountain Rescue helicopter on manoeuvres, swooping in over the lake and then just hovering, really low and making the water dance.
I made it up to the top lake and the heavens opened and it poured! Had waterproofs with me, but in my backpack, so by the time I got them out and put them on I was already soaked. It then rained heavily for the whole 3 miles back down again. There was so much water in my boots that it was actually frothing through the breathable liner! And lets not even mention the state of my socks! But the crazy thing was it was exhilarating! The rain was relentless and there was thunder in the clouds but I think there is something very special about battling through the elements! No? Just me then!
The afternoon called for a long hot shower at the hut and a curl up with a book for a couple of hours. Yes, I know, hardly Dramatic and Dangerous, but sometimes a girl needs to chill!
The evening was spent in Conwy. Firstly just wandering the streets and the harbour taking a few snaps. Its a beautiful place, well worth a visit if you've not been there. A gorgeous harbour and a fabulous castle.
The second part of the evening was sitting having a drink with a really good friend, watching the sunset and letting the conversation flow. A perfect end to a wonderful day.
The third day was the challenge. As part of my desire to do something daft or dangerous every month, I had booked a Kayaking lesson on Llyn Padarn.
I haven't been in a kayak since Girl Guides and the event traumatised me so much I had no wish to do it again. Until now. All about conquering fears at the moment.
I had got myself quite a bit stressed about this activity, so with much trepidation, I turned up at Surf-lines at Llyn Padarn and checked in. Explained that I was working through a bucket list, had never done this before and really wasn't sure why I was doing it anyway! My instructor Dan was brilliant (and incredibly handsome which always helps). He put me at my ease straight away and said we wouldn't be doing anything I felt uncomfortable with.
Although the first thing I felt uncomfortable with was putting on a wetsuit. Never worn one before and there is definitely an art to getting into it. Then had to get kitted out with all the flotation devices, avoiding any mirrors that may have been around!
We choose a wide bottomed boat for me to paddle, not, you understand because I am wide bottomed myself, but because they are more steady for a beginner. And I am launched.
And it is the most incredible and amazing thing I have done for ages. I seemed to take to it really quickly and before long I was skimming across the water. I could turn, reverse, stop and loved every second of it. Dan was fascinating too and we spent most of the 2hrs paddling and chatting. The weather was gorgeous and the scenery completely breathtaking.
It was the perfect way to end what had been a completely fabulous trip and it all was just what I needed.
Lessons Learned: I am fearless, I am unstoppable and I am unbelievably awesome! But I still don't want to see my reflection in a wetsuit!
Diet Diary: I have lost my 2nd camera bag! Meaning I have lost 20lb. I am now the lightest I have been for years and am now not officially overweight! Still got a little way to go to be really happy, but completely on track and dedicated. Personally I think the abject terror of the impending kayaking dropped a few pounds on its own!
Rambling Record: Standing at 554 miles, 74 miles ahead of schedule. Like I said, unbelievably awesome!
