My initial plan was to pick one photo to highlight my favourite memory of each other month. I struggled to pick just one a couple of times so here simply are my favourite memories of 2023

Happy New Year Everyone 🥳 🥳 🥳

January

Gortin Glen Forest Park in the snow. Summiting Mullaghcarn and meeting Darach the Giant.

February

A bushcraft wild camp under a tarp in Monellan Forest. Thoroughly enjoyed sleeping so open and wakening to the birds in the trees.

March

Our baby turned 15 and somehow managed to turn into a young man this year!

April

Catriona and myself had a wonderful 4 days in Paris as my early birthday present. Both of us enjoyed this trip so much.

May

My busiest month with a hike in the Bluestack Mountains and a long planned summit of Croaghgorm itself.

A trip to the Mourne Mountains for a fantastic meet up with friends I’ve made from YouTube, a hike and a wild camp. I can’t wait for the repeat in 2024.

The month finished off in celebration as Conor won the u16 Cup with Castlefinn Celtic.

June

A hot and turbulent month with lots of thunderstorms that required careful planning for hiking. This was the most impressive.

July

After much anticipation I finally turned 50. It was a relief to finally pass this milestone and we marked it with a fabulous family meal at The Red Door restaurant near Buncrana.

August

Another big trip when the 4 of us went to Manchester in advance of Owen’s 18th Birthday. A home game at the opening of the season versus Wolves. Yet another great family event for all of us.

September

I finally managed to complete my 2023 Challenge to walk The Bluestack Way in a Day. 52km and something I really wasn’t sure I had in me.

October

A rare sunny day in October encouraged me to get moving and on this day I was unable to keep Rosie at home. Despite deteriorating hips she was determined to enjoy a day in Monellan Forest.

November

A visit to Murvagh Beach outside Donegal Town to explore the far end of the beach and Bell’s Isle. I can’t wait to return here for a wild camp in the Spring.

December

A trip to Donegal Town allowed me a chance to revisit The Bluestack Way around Lough Eske were I had the most amazing views over the lough and a fantastic walk through Ardnamona Nature Reserve.

What better way to round off the month and the year than a visit to help my Great Aunt Ruby celebrate her 108th birthday on New Year’s Eve. A phenomenal woman that can still surprise me with stories I’ve never heard ❤️