what a difference a day makes…

Just in case that’s not enough to implant an earworm have a listen to this….

The lyrics are also very appropriate for what I want to write about:

What a difference a day makes
24 little hours
Brought the sun and the flowers
Where there used to be rain

My yesterday was blue, dear
Today I’m a part of you, dear
My lonely nights are through, dear
Since you said you were mine

What a difference a day makes
There’s a rainbow before me
Skies above can’t be stormy
Since that moment of bliss, that thrilling kiss
It’s heaven when you find romance on your menu
What a difference a day made
And the difference is you

Out for a walk in one of the local forests this evening I was ruminating on how fickle mental health really is and how little it takes to swing it up or down.

I had a busy schedule yesterday that started at 9:30am with a trip to the nurse to have bloods taken followed by the dentist at 10:30am. I was in reasonably good form getting up and heading out, the weather was sunny, dry and verging on warm. However, I descended into a pretty crappy funk. I could almost physically feel a gloom settling over me. I was sitting in the dentist’s waiting room and it was as if the nurse had punctured my well of good humour and it started draining out just under an hour later. For many simply being in the vicinity of a dentist would be enough to kill any good mood but this was a very short, routine appointment to have a mouthguard fitted and wasn’t to blame. In fact there really was nothing to blame, it just happened like someone throwing a dust sheet over my mind and saying that’s it for feeling happy for a while….

I got through the dental appointment and the rest of the day’s schedule but everything was that extra bit more difficult. I’m sure anyone that dealt with me yesterday probably thought I was a real miserable arse but I was working hard to be my best. Despite the perfect weather though I couldn’t summon enough motivation to go for a walk or a cycle. This is a real shame as there will be plenty of times when the motivation is there and the opportunity isn’t or the weather isn’t as perfect.

I went to bed feeling slightly better and was back in work today. I had a busy and productive day and didn’t really have time to dwell on much but I was making sure I was distracted enough too. Getting home this evening I delighted the dog by heading straight out to the forest for a 5K walk finishing just as darkness fell. Just like yesterday descending gloom I could feel it lifting through the day to finish feeling much better and much clearer in my head.

It’s not the first time I’ve felt “The Black Dog” sniffing around like this but it’s definitely the first time I’ve felt it come on like that. I’m thankful it was short-lived and I’m grateful I don’t have to fight through very many days like that. Many, many people have to face that fight day after endless day…

the eye of the world

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The Eye of the World (Wheel of Time #1) by Robert Jordan

From Goodreads:

The Wheel of Time turns and Ages come and pass. What was, what will be, and what is, may yet fall under the Shadow.

Let the Dragon ride again on the winds of time.

The Wheel of Time turns and Ages come and go, leaving memories that become legend. Legend fades to myth, and even myth is long forgotten when the Age that gave it birth returns again. In the Third Age, an Age of Prophecy, the World and Time themselves hang in the balance. What was, what will be, and what is, may yet fall under the Shadow.

When The Two Rivers is attacked by Trollocs-a savage tribe of half-men, half-beasts- five villagers flee that night into a world they barely imagined, with new dangers waiting in the shadows and in the light.

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Having recently watched and enjoyed the Amazon TV adaptation of The Wheel of Time I was inspired to go back and read the original books for probably the 5th time! It has been a long time since I’ve read the earliest ones though and I’m finding details now that I missed before.

Starting this series is a serious investment of time as there are 12 instalments in total and each is well over 10 hours reading time.

Some of the themes and characters of this story are simplistic and dated by now but this is the start of one of the most epic stories in the fantasy genre. To me it is a brilliant blend of many different themes and story elements from the best that fantasy has to offer. I’m going to enjoy reading them all again, even the difficult ones!

Header image by Kaboompics .com from Pexels

where’s the next shelter?

song of the week 10: chasing cars

awol on the appalachian trail

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Awol on the Appalachian Trail written by David Miller and read by Christopher Lane

From Audible:

In 2003, software engineer David Miller left his job, family, and friends to hike 2,172 miles of the Appalachian Trail. AWOL on the Appalachian Trail is Miller’s account of this thru-hike from Georgia to Maine. Listeners are treated to rich descriptions of the Appalachian Mountains, the isolation and reverie, the inspiration that fueled his quest, and the rewards of taking a less conventional path through life. While this book abounds with introspection and perseverance, it also provides useful passages about hiking gear and planning. This is not merely a travel guide; it is a beautifully written and highly personal view into one man’s journey and the insights gained by abandoning what is comfortable and routine.

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

I listened to this straight after “Journeys North” and I think it would have been more enjoyable with a gap between the two. It’s also the very first AT based audiobook for me and it seems that the PCT is a much more diverse adventure and also seems to attract a more interesting participant. This means that while the author is interesting and has his own good back story those around him seem less so. Again this could be due to comparing everyone to Journeys North.

I did enjoy the writing style of the story which kept it tipping along at a steady pace. He also provided a lot of information about the AT itself and I felt that I knew it much better at the end compared to Bill Bryson’s book which was more about his experience than the actual trail.

At a similar age to the author I found great admiration for how he was able to recognise the way his career was affecting his mental health and happiness and was able to change the script of his life with the incredible support of his wife. I was really glad he filled us in at the end on how he returned to real life once again.

My only regret with this book is that I should have listened to it before Journeys North.

Header image source: fossbytes.com

welcome break

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With a big Sale event at work to launch the new store it’s been a pretty busy few weeks. Wednesday was my first day off after working nine straight through and nine very busy days at that. As you may imagine a day off was very welcome.

I’d been keeping an eye on the weather and with a dry and sunny forecast I decided it was a perfect day for a longer walk and wanting something different I decided to walk to a small wooded area approximately 6km from home and to cook some lunch while sitting and enjoying the woods.

I packed a bag with a frying pan, some bacon and eggs and my Trangia stove. Not preparing the evening before I ended up doing everything in a bit of a rush and managed to forget a few things. The biggest thing I forgot was my fuel bottle so I only had what was remaining from my last time out. This was only half what I needed so I had to make a choice between a full lunch or skipping a cup of tea. In the end the tea won out.

The frying pan was too big for the stove and with the ground being more uneven than expected it was quite unwieldy and cumbersome. The uneven ground also resulted in mishaps with my water boiling and I managed to spill it twice! Despite all the things that went wrong I still learned some valuable lessons, had a really good time and enjoyed a great day for a walk. I initially expected a 13km walk but coming home by a slightly different route it ended up as 16.5km.

click here to view on strava

I’ve recently upgraded my cheapo Akaso action camera to a fancy new GoPro Hero 10 and Wednesday was my first real opportunity to try that out too. I didn’t know what to expect so was very impressed with the quality of the video compared to the old one. The sound quality was also superb but this was more expected. I put together a video of the day and it’s live on YouTube if you want to have a look at the link below. I’m looking forward to seeing exactly what the GoPro is capable of on outings over the next few months.

Header image by Pixabay from Pexels

evening daylight

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Today was that special day when I get home from work and I’m able to go for a walk in the woods before it gets dark for the first time this year. I managed to get home just in time to make the most of that unique period just as the sun is setting and the moon is rising.

With a massive relaunch sale at work the last two weeks have been long hours, very little time off and demanding days so this evening was very much needed to clear my head and leave me feeling rejuvenated.

It was brilliant to hear so many birds singing vocally as soon as I got out of the van. It put a real pep in my step and I could have sat for hours and listened to them.

The last 10min or so were in under the taller trees which brought an earlier darkness but I had enough moonlight to boost my night vision just enough to still be comfortable. I really do love the woods at dusk.

It wasn’t quite Venge Day but it was damn close…

Header image by Pixabay from Pexels

song of the week 09: dyin’ ain’t much of a livin’

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“Dyin’ Ain’t Much of a Livin’” by Jon Bon Jovi

Genre: Rock
Single Release Date: Album only (1990)
Album: “Blaze of Glory”

Blaze of Glory was Jon Bon Jovi’s debut album and was written for and inspired by the movie Young Guns II. Only two songs from the album actually featured on the official soundtrack of the film.

This track wasn’t one of the featured songs but to me totally encapsulates the ethos of the gunslinger and the raw grit of the lifestyle that has been romanticised in many other films. This to me is the standout track of the album.

Lyrics

A whisky bottle comforts me
And tells me not to cry
While a full moon says a prayer for me
I try to close my eyes

But the night’s there to remind me
Of the guns and the early graves
The ghosts appear as I fall asleep
To sing an outlaw’s serenade

Dyin’ ain’t much of a livin’
When you’re livin’ on the run
Dyin’ ain’t much of a livin’ for the young
Is it too late to ask for forgiveness
For the things that I have done
Dyin’ ain’t much of a livin’ for the young

Oh, the desert’s been a friend to me
It covers me by night
And a snakebite’s not my enemy
But it taught me how to fight

All this fame don’t bring you freedom
Though it wears a thin disguise
And an outlaw is just a man to me
And a man has to die

Oh, dyin’ ain’t much of a livin’
When you’re livin’ on the run
Dyin’ ain’t much of a livin’ for the young
Is it too late to ask for forgiveness
For the things that I have done
Dyin’ ain’t much of a livin’ for the young
Na

And I hope someone will pray for me
When it’s my turn to die… pray for me
Dyin’ ain’t much of a livin’
When you’re livin’ on the run
Dyin’ ain’t much of a livin’ for the young
Is it too late to ask for forgiveness
For the things that I have done
Dyin’ ain’t much of a livin’ for the young
Na

Header image from 8Tracks.com

journeys north: the pacific crest trail

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Journeys North: The Pacific Crest Trail by Barney Scout Mann

From Audible:

In Journeys North, legendary trail angel, thru hiker, and former PCTA board member Barney Scout Mann spins a compelling tale of six hikers on the Pacific Crest Trail in 2007 as they walk from Mexico to Canada. This ensemble story unfolds as these half-dozen hikers – including Barney and his wife, Sandy – trod north, slowly forming relationships and revealing their deepest secrets and aspirations. They face a once-in-a-generation drought and early severe winter storms that test their will in this bare-knuckled adventure. In fact, only a third of all the hikers who set out on the trail that year would finish.

As the group approaches Canada, a storm rages. How will these very different hikers, ranging in age, gender, and background, respond to the hardship and suffering ahead of them? Can they all make the final 60-mile push through freezing temperatures, sleet, and snow, or will some reach their breaking point?

Journeys North is a story of grit, compassion, and the relationships people forge when they strive toward a common goal.

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I absolutely loved this, easily the best audiobook I’ve listened to so far. Really well written and excellently narrated but it’s the story that makes it special.

Most thru-hike stories focus on the author, their personal story and the people they meet along the way. This one gives the other five stories equal merit and this makes it unique.

Scout seems to be a very special person and I really enjoyed his take on the PCT but also his insights into the lives of the friends he made along the way. It’s obvious that much of the information was provided by them, rather than just observations, which points to the close relationship he had with each one.

A truly inspirational story of resilience, determination and the strength of humanity.