In this weekly blog episode, I chat about the weather, some perfect brownies, a motorcycle ride in the Cotswolds, and some books and films that have been entertaining me.
Welcome back to another weekly blog, my regular series of journal articles in which I attempt to embrace what happens between the adventures with musings on life, the universe and everything. If I’m completely honest, it has felt like one of those weeks where I remember that, at this point in my life, every adventure needs to be followed by a period of rest. I am tired, my body hurts, and the to do list has gotten a little out of control. But hopefully, having had a much more low-key few days, the energy will return ready for some fun next weekend.
I’m using my pre-work time on Monday morning to start my episode this week. I’ve normally got at least a draft ready by this point, but that’s the way it goes sometimes. My morning routine on in-office days means I have around 45-minutes to do something for myself between completing the daily chores and leaving my front door. Hopefully I’ll find some flow and there will be a useful draft to work on when the working day ends later this evening.
Storm Kathleen and Her Warm Winds
Of course, the big news this week (because I’m a Brit and I am obliged to talk about the weather), is that the UK got hit by Storm Kathleen. Wasn’t she a weird one?! For me, here in Gloucestershire, that meant some blustery winds and warm temperatures – we didn’t feel the full force of it like those on the west coast or in the mountains.
The thing everyone is talking about is how the storm was accompanied by an unusual meteorological phenomenon: warm winds. Not something we get often where I live. These winds, originating from the continent, brought with them temperatures that reached 22ºC in East Anglia (the opposite side of the country to me), making it the hottest day of the year so far in the UK. Even here in Gloucestershire it reached 18ºC. And while it can be that warm in April (or snow, whatever it feels like!), the weirdest part was that the hottest part of the day was at 10am. So strange.
My Week
It really has been a very low-key week, starting with an incredibly low-key Easter Monday. It was more like a normal Saturday, if I’m honest. I had lots of ideas for outdoor adventures I could go on, but when it came to the day, I was tired, there were things that needed doing, and having been away at the weekend visiting family (read episode 147), I decided to spend the day mooching at and close to home. A walk from my own front door, some chores, some admin, and getting the second part of my Skiddaw House journal ready to publish – you’ll see that here on Thursday morning.
Then there was work. I know I’m not the only one who reckons it didn’t feel at all like a four-day working week. More like eight! I had that conversation with more than one person at the back end of last week – sometimes it’s just like that. I was productive, at least, getting through what felt like a lot of stuff, which is often the main thing. And I managed to get out for (sometimes wet and windy…) lunchtime walks, found time to use the exercise bike a little each day, and cooked some decent enough evening meals. So, it might have been a low-key week, but it wasn’t a write-off.
On the Dinner Table
On weeks like this, food becomes even more important. I don’t know about you, but having a nice meal – whether home cooked or out – really does make a difference. My meal plan was made even better because we returned home from visiting family in Lincolnshire with a care package of goodies from Boston Sausage (Mountain’s). I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, the best sausages in the world.
We therefore dined on sausages and mash with loads of veg on Monday, and pork, stilton and cranberry pie with a massive Caesar salad on Tuesday, and I am already looking forward to lamb burgers for dinner this week. I also spent time cooking a risotto which did two evenings, and then had Spaghetti Bolognese courtesy of past-Zoe who put a portion in the freezer a few weeks ago. Not a bad week on the dinner table, and with very little effort on my part.
Baked by Grace
I mentioned in my last weekly blog episode (episode 147) that Easter was an excuse to treat ourselves to a box of brownies from a local baker. We often visit Baked by Grace at local markets, sometimes even going to such events just to buy her brownies. This is the first time we’ve ordered a box direct, and it did not disappoint. We got six massive slices of brownie, brookie and stacked treats, all differently flavoured.
We tried to decide which was our favourite (we halved all the brownies so we could both try them all), but it was impossible. Maybe the Biscoff Pie (a cookie/brownie stack), or the Malteser Easter Brownie (so much chocolate!), or the Mini Egg Cookie Stack. I don’t know, they were all so good.
Honestly, if you live in north Gloucestershire, then you should 100% be buying from Baked by Grace (she advertises boxes on her social media). I’m already looking forward to our next box!
Brunch by Motorbike
While I ride my motorbike in all kinds of weathers and conditions when I’m on a road trip, without complaining too much, when I am at home, I am 100% a fair-weather rider. Which means that for much of the winter, my bike stays sat in the garage having a bit of a rest. And which also means that despite owning my F750GS since November, I cannot yet say I’m used to riding it.
This isn’t to say that I’m uncomfortable sat on it, or not confident riding it, but rather that the bike cannot yet be described as an extension of myself. Everything about my old and trusted F650GS – riding it, packing it, manoeuvring it – was second nature. Over a decade of motorcycling on that specific bike will have that effect. That long-term muscle memory is hard to shake off, and as such riding my new motorbike feels much more, well, clunky.
I really do need to get used to it; we are in the process of planning a ride down to Italy in the summer, and before then will be exploring some of the UKs gravel roads. I want to be confident and comfortable before then.
We were due to join a ride out over to the Brecon Beacons organised by our local BMW dealer this weekend, but it was called off after our guide got a last-minute appointment (a cancellation) for foot surgery. Great for him as it brought forward his repair work, but it did mean our plans changed. We did wonder if a ride would be possible thanks to Storm Kathleen, but when we got up on Saturday and the weather seemed reasonable, we headed out.
Gilks Garage Café
We rode into the countryside, along some lovely little lanes, up towards (but not into) Stratford upon Avon, and across to Kineton. The roads were much less wet and muddy than the last ride out we did (episode 141), but there are still significant areas which are flooded, and roads damaged from the storms this winter.
Our aim was Gilks Garage Café, which I would highly recommend for brunch. It was very busy, a lot of bikers and a few sports car drivers had the same idea as us on Saturday morning, and I don’t blame them. I had pancakes with maple syrup and bacon, with tea, of course. We actually stopped for ages, making the most of a spot by the window to watch others come and go as we ate and chatted. As we were getting ready to leave a lady arrived on a beautiful example of an F650GS in the same blue as my old one – just a year or two newer. We had a good chat about what a fantastic bike it is. I love the motorcycling community, there are always travel stories to hear and tell.
Our ride back through the Cotswolds including Edgehill, Lower and Upper Tysoe (the latter with its windmill on the hill), Chipping Campden (I waved to the start of the Cotswold Way), Snowshill, Toddington, and Winchcombe. It was a pretty ride back home, with more little country lanes as well as some wider faster roads. It was more blustery than the outward half of the loop, but still absolutely fine. And as you know, I don’t complain about riding in strong winds anymore, not since that day in Iceland.
Learning the Bike
After that 90-mile loop, I do feel like I’ve begun to learn a few things that make this bike feel like mine… I now know how to reset my trip metre, check my tyre pressures via my screen, change the time on the clock, and even managed to indicate without catching the horn all but once! You may laugh, but the struggle is real!
I also gave the BMW Connected app a try as a satnav (it links to my bike via Bluetooth), which worked reasonably well. Importing our route was simple, and it was handy to see directions on my lovely bright TFT screen and control things using the wheel thingie on my left handlebar. It is a bit lacking, though, and I expect I will probably continue to use Scenic in the main, which is just a fantastic motorcycle satnav.
That afternoon, I caved and ordered the official liner bags for my new Bumot panniers, deciding that they really are going to be the best way to pack for a trip. I could pack directly into the boxes (using packing cubes and dry bags), but that makes things harder when we arrive at a hotel, and I want to carry my stuff indoors. I could also buy a cheap holdall or a rucksack, but that would be an ineffective use of the space. The Bumot liner bags will fit perfectly, should be easy to carry, and come recommended by my husband – so I went for it. I’ll let you know how they are in practice.
Hopefully they will arrive in the next few days, and I can have fun practising packing before I have to do it for real… It’s just another thing to get used to after having a place for everything on my old GS.
That’s Entertainment
Audiobook: Journeys to Impossible Places, Simon Reeve
Amazon | Audible | Waterstones
Simon Reeve’s Journeys to Impossible Places is an excellent adventure book, which has been a perfect long-drive and lunchtime walk accompaniment over the last week or two. I thoroughly enjoyed Step By Step (review in episode 134), and this is Reeve’s follow-up to that – written during the pandemic.
The audiobook is a blend of travelogue, memoir, and deep reflection on the lessons of life. The stories are of breath-taking landscapes, daring exploits (including illegally crossing into Burma and travelling through Western Sahara), and diverse cultures. And all the way though, Reeve connects his physical journeys with the internal journeys he faces, such as his relationships, having children, and coping with the pandemic. He shares personal insights and struggles with honesty and vulnerability.
It helps his narration is natural and heartfelt, and the writing brings his often thrilling and sometimes ridiculous experiences in some of the world’s most remote and challenging environments to life. I admit I’ve not watched much of Simon Reeve on television, just a few programmes here and there, but I should probably see what’s available on iPlayer.
Audiobook: Weathering, Ruth Allen
Amazon | Audible | Waterstones
Weathering, by Ruth Allen, is a deep and insightful exploration of the parallels between geological processes and human resilience. And it is beautiful, well worth a listen (or read…) if you are interested in psychology, personal development and growth, and the benefits of getting outside on the body and mind.
Allen, a geologist and psychotherapist, delves into the concept of weathering, both literal and metaphorical. She offers insights into life and its experiences using rocks as her object lesson. The book is something of a meditation on how the landscapes we inhabit physically, and the internal landscapes of our minds, are shaped by the various weathers of life. I’ve always believed there is both stability and meaning in the ground beneath our feet, and Allen describes that in a beautiful way.
This is one I will almost certainly return to for a second listen, especially the next time I need some help to understand and deal with life’s storms. If I lived in the Peak District, I would be booking a session!
Audible Offer
You know I’m a big fan of audible… audio books have opened up books to me in a way actual reading never did, so forgive the (affiliate) promotion here…
The current offer for new sign-ups is a good one – three months for 99p. That’s three audio books, plus access to the audible plus catalogue (which includes many classics and heaps of podcasts), for 99p total (not per month!). An absolute bargain if you want to give the service a try.
If you choose to sign up, please start here (this is my affiliate link, it’s the same cost to you but means I get a little commission, thank you!). This offer ends on 1 May and is only available to new members. Do check the full terms, of course.
Film: Mortal Engines
This week’s Saturday night film was Mortal Engines (I watched on Prime Video), a Peter Jackson adaptation of Philip Reeve’s dystopian novel. Released in 2018, this grand steampunk adventure story was an easy watch, is one I enjoyed very much. I wouldn’t say it is a classic (by any stretch!), but it was perfect to accompany a Saturday night takeaway.
The film is set in a post-apocalyptic world where mobile cities on wheels dominate the landscape, preying on smaller towns for resources. At the heart of the story is a tale of revenge; following Hester Shaw as she seeks to settle scores with antagonist Thaddeus Valentine. There are the usual ‘boy-meets-girl’, ‘everyone is related somehow’, ‘evil genius wants to destroy the world’, and ‘pretty rich girl turns good’ story lines woven in there too.
It was the post-apocalypse steampunk-built world which made the film for me. The attention to detail on the moving London city was incredible – I kept spotting places I recognised. But there were holes in both the set and script – the cities lacked authenticity, somehow, and the script was far too predictable at times. But I still liked it, it was worth my evening, and if you’ve not seen it, you should give it a go.
TV: The Flood
Now for something I don’t recommend… unless you want to giggle at cringe.
Flood (which I also watched on Prime Video), is a 2007 disaster film in two parts, which attempts to capture the intensity of a catastrophic flood threatening London. And it’s, er, hilarious.
I mean, let’s start with the how terrible the script is. It’s unoriginal and overly predictable – meaning performances by otherwise acclaimed actors (Tom Hardy, Robert Carlyle, David Suchet) are forced and unconvincing. There is no authenticity to the narrative, and any intended tension and emotion is not believable. I’m sorry, really sorry.
And then there’s the set and special effects. One of the most memorable aspects of the film, and not for good reason, is the use of a model (possibly children’s toy) helicopter that wobbles its way down the frame to land in central London. We laughed so hard, it’s just so bad!
Look, I absolutely love a disaster movie, but this is no 2012 or Day After Tomorrow. The biggest problem, though, is I can’t stop watching! It is quite terrible but very watchable… how have they done that?! The film is split into two episodes on Prime Video, and we will absolutely be watching the second half this weekend. Maybe it will redeem itself?! I admit I doubt that.
See You Next Time…
I’ll leave this weekly blog there for today. Thank you, genuinely, for taking the time to read this one. I hope it has provided you with some words worth reading, and that you’ll be back for the next one.
Feel free to share in the comments below what you’re most looking forward to in the next seven days. I hope whatever it is, that the weather is kind (although it’s currently raining) and you have a lot of fun. I have a hike planned at the weekend, when I hope to tick off another hill I can (sometimes) see from home off my to-hike list. Wish me luck (and energy!!).
See you next time.
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