I promised my weekly blogs would be back when I’d caught up on old adventure journal posts, and while I still have a handful to write, I feel like it’s time… So here we go, with weekly blog episode 112 – yes, I’m continuing the numbering despite the huge gap!
Okay, so perhaps these won’t be exactly weekly (no pressure on myself, then), but it’s the diary style I liked and that is calling me to return to it. There is just something about this format that I enjoy; it provides me with a space here on Splodz Blogz for newsy updates, talk of afternoon adventures, mini reviews, great reads, good food, and other in-between-adventure thoughts.
And with the demise of twitter (I’ve pretty much withdrawn from it completely now, just dipping in and out occasionally), and my inability to make Instagram stories work for me (I keep trying!), I like the idea of once again carving out a little space on my own blog for some of those quick updates I would not normally turn into an entire blog post. My weekly blog was always designed to be about life around everything else I do, so if you like reading journals or following on with some of the mundane aspects of a life lived dreaming of outdoor adventure, then these posts are for you!
This week I want to share a few words about the National Outdoor Expo, a cool thing that KEEN is doing with Mental Health Mates, and my latest audiobook listens.
National Outdoor Expo
I spent last weekend (18/19 March) at the National Outdoor Expo. Billed as one of the biggest outdoor community meet-ups of the year (certainly the biggest I’ve been to), the Expo was all about bringing together inspirational speakers, outdoor technology, heaps of gear, and even some activities to take part in.
While the irony of a massive outdoors-focused event taking place in the concrete and steel jungle that is the NEC in Birmingham is not lost on me, there is something hugely important about bringing all this stuff together in one place. If this kind of event is going to work, it has to be accessible (in all ways) to the masses, and you can’t deny that the NEC is well placed for transport links. Yes, it would be cool to see something like this take place festival-style, but I don’t subscribe to the view that outdoorsy folks can’t put up with indoor air for a bit in order to reap the benefits of coming together in this way.
And yes, I might not have spent the weekend having an actual adventure (although it was definitely out of my comfort zone in more ways than one!), it was crammed full of positive enthusiasm and inspiration for having an outdoor-adventure focused life. The Expo once again filled my bucket, which is mainly down to the people I got to listen to and speak with.
Proud Ambassador
I am an ambassador for the show, as well as being an OS Champion, which means it was in my interest to get involved in this one. I spent Saturday taking over the Ordnance Survey Instagram stories, which was super fun – did you see me?!
Formally known as GetOutside Champions, the OS Champions are a group of people who want to spread the word about the benefits of spending time outside – something which I’ve been very proud to be involved with since January 2017.
By far, the highlight of my whole weekend was getting to spend some time (and receive a few hugs) from some of my fellow OS Champions and other outdoorsy friends who happened to be at the show. It was meeting and spending time with Gee, Anita, Harrison, Philippa, Lisa, Tracy, Tom, Ben, Carys, Yvonne, along with Becky, Roddie, Nick and Liz, that made the Expo what it was for me.
Escaping to the Water
Did you know there is a lake at the NEC? Whilst most of the Expo was inside Hall 1, the team also took over the lake area, providing an opportunity to go open water swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking. I had a lovely and peaceful hour testing out one of the new Bote Lono Aero Kayaks on Pendigo Lake.
Looking very different to my Aquaplanet inflatable kayak, these Bote kayaks are designed for pure leisure. The build-your-own style has a range of pieces you can add to make the craft what you need it to be. The best feature? A magnet built into the floor of the boat which will hold your water bottle in place – apparently it’ll stay put even if you capsize!
Given that the show was quite overwhelming for this introvert, it was a One Hour Outside that allowed me to recharge as well as try something new.
It Can’t Be That Hard…
The talks at the Expo provide an opportunity to hear from a real variety and diversity of people about their adventures.
Three talks really stuck out to me this year: First up, I think I can legitimately say that Helen Skelton is my new adventure girl crush. Honestly, what a woman! Yes, I know she has had adventure given to her on a plate in some ways, thanks to being a Blue Peter Presenter (still waiting for my call back on that one…), but even with that, anyone who’s motto is “It can’t be that hard” is just super inspiring.
Then there was Ray Mears, who was Sunday afternoon’s keynote speaker. An absolute pro, he talks with such humility about his expedition experiences, and was very gracious in answering questions from the audience. His top three tips for survival in any situation were: “Learn first aid. Learn to read maps and use a compass. And always be thinking – what can I eat here”. In response to the (probably very common) question what’s been your favourite expedition?, he answered: “The next one”. But my favourite quote from Ray was: “The best thing we can do together is share a hot drink on a hill at sunset.” Yes, Ray. I’m with you on that one. I’ll be carrying my Jetboil on walks more often from now on.
And finally, my absolute top listen of the weekend was record-breaking adventurer Darren Edwards, who recently completed seven marathons in seven days on seven continents, and is about to embark an expedition to cross Vatnajokull in Iceland. Of life and adventure, he said: “We have one life, it’s precious and it’s fleeting, so let’s make the most of it”. Yes Darren, that’s what I’m going for, thanks for the extra encouragement.
Loads of Gear
By far the biggest thing at the Expo is the opportunity to shop… I guess that’s what pays for the show itself, given that the majority of visitors won’t have paid for tickets (you all used my free ticket code, right?!). It’s cool to see outdoor gear and services in person when you don’t live close to decent gear shops, but I have to say some of the stands were a bit too salesy for me this year.
Admittedly, I did have a really good mooch, and added a few bits and bobs (and places) to my outdoor gear wish list – such as a Petromax skillet, an Enlightened Equipment Torrid jacket from Valley and Peak (and not just because it’s green), maybe even one of Vango’s new F10 Hydrogen Air tents, although they were a bit small for my liking.
I did treat myself to one thing; a stretchy Ranger Adventure Belt by Arcade, which I bought for my hiking trousers, but it seems to have found a permanent place on my Alpkit Sequence jeans (as featured in my Currently Loving post in October 2022). They bill it as the most comfortable belt ever, and it is pretty good – something for my next Currently Loving post, I’m sure. I very nearly also came home with one of the brightly coloured Big Bobble Hats , but didn’t give into temptation. I don’t know what it is about those hats, but I always leave events wishing I got one. Next time.
Feeling Inspired but Lazy
I always come away from events like the Expo with two conflicting thoughts and emotions.
The first is one of total inspiration and motivation – to go and do more and write more in the outdoor adventure space. A positive wave of enthusiasm, filling me with a thirst to make even more of life. This is probably why my weekly blogs are back!
The second is not that. It’s wishing I had a big thing, that I was younger, fitter, less tired, and a more natural adventurer. Or maybe that’s just the result of this introvert spending the two full days digging deep to pretend to be an extrovert so I could make the most of all those conversations!! Being sociable is fun, but exhausting – and it just makes me want to retreat under a blanket on my sofa.
Still, I had a really fantastic time with all the stimulation I could take in one weekend!
That was a pretty long roundup, though, probably should have been a post in its own right rather than part of my weekly blog, so I’ll definitely stop there. I should just also say that next year’s National Outdoor Expo will be on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 March 2024. I’ve put it in my diary and hope to be there again. Maybe I’ll see you there?
KEEN x Mental Health Mates
Have you seen the new KEEN walking trainers – the WK400? The ones with the laces at a jaunty angle? They’re all over my Instagram feed at the moment, and look, er different. Apparently, they have been designed from the ground up for active walking by creating a unique feeling of rolling and forward momentum. It’s always interesting to see how footwear brands are still coming up with new and innovative ways to get us walking more – and I’d love to give these new shoes a try sometime.
But it’s KEEN’s partnership with Mental Health Mates I wanted to mention in this weekly blog. The brand has joined with the charity to put on a series of community walks this spring. I received a press release about the walks the other day, and I thought I’d share in case you want to go on one…
Mental Health Mates
Founded by journalist and mental health campaigner Bryony Gordon, Mental Health Mates is a network of over 150 peer support groups who meet regularly all across the UK to provide a safe space to walk, connect and share without fear or judgement. Led by regional volunteers, these walks provide an important opportunity to connect with others and take preventative measures to improve mental wellbeing.
It is well known that walking can boost emotional wellbeing and help ease mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. In addition to overall health benefits, walking increases blood circulation to the brain which lifts the mood and can calm nerves by decreasing the stress response. Walking with others is widely recognised to further build on these benefits by providing positive social interactions that can stave off loneliness, boost self-esteem and improve negative mood. What’s not to like?!
There are KEEN Mental Health Mates walks all over the UK during April – they’re free to join and open to anyone aged 18+. You can find the dates over on the Mental Health Mates walks list (look for the MHM x KEEN title) – and don’t forget to book your place using the email address provided.
That’s Entertainment
One of the things I loved about my weekly blogs is the opportunity to share mini book reviews. I am a big fan of audiobooks (I subscribe to Audible but also ‘borrow’ audiobooks from my library via BorrowBox), and these are my latest listens.
A New World: The Walker Mysteries, Andrew Wright
I tend to lean towards non-fiction books in the main, but I couldn’t not give the first novel by fellow OS Champion Andrew White a listen.
The first in a series of crime dramas, the lead character in the Walker Mysteries is DCI Charlotte Walker, an outdoors-loving detective with an analytical mind. The story sees her investigate the disappearance of a wife and mother, businesses removed from mapping apps, and two cold-case deaths.
It’s a great listen, perfect for a long car journey. The police-crime-drama storyline is detailed but easy to follow, and the characters are strong and likeable. I’m looking forward to book two!
I especially enjoyed what felt close to ‘in-jokes’ for us outdoorsy folks… and the sneaky little mention of Walks Around Britain! I always feel proud when a friend publishes a book, and I know Andrew has a bunch more titles in the series in the pipeline.
Currently only available at Amazon.
Barefoot Britain, Anna McNuff
I think I could listen to Anna McNuff tell stories of adventure all day long.
This one is nails. Anna dug deep to run all over Britain in bare feet (actual bare feet… not in barefoot shoes!), and tells of the highs and lows of adventure in her infectiously joyful style. The route she took was particularly wiggly, as were her emotions, and Anna is able to capture a lot of that in her writing – and reading – of this adventure story.
It’s easily as good as her other books (start with Pants of Perspective if you’ve not read any of Anna’s writing before), and is 100% worth lending some time to.
Amazon | Waterstones | Hive
The Treeline, Ben Rawlence
My current listen is this somewhat meatier book subtitled “The Last Forest and the Future of Life on Earth”. I’m only a couple of chapters in and it’s already proving incredibly interesting, although not exactly an easy listen. I’m doing my best to take in all the information, taking heed of the environmental message while also enjoying the beautifully descriptive writing.
Amazon | Waterstones | Hive
If you’re looking for other potential listens (or reads…) for your pile, this post lists a bunch of adventure books you might want to spend a credit on.
See You Next Tuesday
Right, this has turned into a much longer weekly blog than normal, don’t expect them all to be this length! And perhaps don’t expect them to be weekly, either, but I’ll give that a good go. Next week will be post Easter bank-holiday weekend, so I hope to note that we had great weather, I got outside loads, and that life is utterly grand… see you next Tuesday for that!
In the meantime, my outdoorsy posts will continue – I’ve got two final coast to coast blogs coming for you later this week, one with my ten favourite moments (as well as some of my not-so-favourite…), and a final post with twenty quick fire hints and tips to help you plan your own coast to coast hike.
Buy Me a Cuppa?
If you enjoyed this weekly blog episode and fancy supporting me and my mini adventures in 2023, you can “buy me a coffee” (well, tea, if that’s okay). If you enjoyed this post and would like to support what I’m doing, you can opt to head over to Ko-fi to find out more. Thank you.
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