2023 – Moving on Up…
The last year seems to have passed by in a flash. Perhaps it’s because I’m getting older, or because there was a great deal going on..? Whatever the reason, it’s been one heck of a ride.
Read More »2023 – Moving on Up…Nigel Vardy
Kendal Mountain Festival 2023 – Life in a Northern Town…
I should have written this blog long ago, but recent weeks have passed in a blur. After 38 years in professional engineering, I’ve retired and now wonder where I ever got the time to go to work..! Finally, I’m sat at my keyboard and catching up with this ever-spinning world. Here we go…
Read More »Kendal Mountain Festival 2023 – Life in a Northern Town…
Men on Show Podcast…
Recently I was interviewed by Andrew Pain for his ‘Men on Show’ Podcast. Andrew is a down-to-earth motivational speaker on a mission to create decisive and resilient communities, break down stigmas and stereotyping, and inspire gender unity. He combines lived experience as a domestic abuse survivor, with 20 years of leadership and HR experience.
Read More »Men on Show Podcast…Does life end at 50..?
Years ago, it was said that life began at 40. Through healthcare, diets, and the like, it now (apparently) begins later. I’m not sure what number has been picked, but a recent visit to my GP made me think.
Read More »Does life end at 50..?Through Silken Waters – Greenland 2023…
I rarely go to the same place twice. Perhaps I want to keep my memories as they were and enjoy seeing new places, but as Heraclitus said – “No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and he’s not the same man”. The fjords of Greenland are no different. Their ever-moving ice bergs and glaciers are never the same from one moment to the next.
Read More »Through Silken Waters – Greenland 2023…Roll With It – Hebrides 2023…
The isles of Harris and Lewis are famous for ancient stones, deep peat and tweed. They also have stunning coastlines which can be explored only one way – from the seat of a Kayak.
Read More »Roll With It – Hebrides 2023…Slip Sliding Away – Norway Ski Tour 2023…
I love the mountains (if you’ve not worked that out, go home now), and the thought of remote peaks, ski touring and mountain huts was too much for me to resist. I had barely recovered from climbing Toubkal in Morocco, before I boarded another flight – this time to Norway.
Read More »Slip Sliding Away – Norway Ski Tour 2023…Rock the Kasbah – Toubkal 2023…
Morocco had always brought me bad luck. When I say that, I mean that every time I’d tried to visit, something bad happened. I’d been halted by terrorist attacks, COVID and sadly, the death of my father. It was about time that luck was on my side.
Read More »Rock the Kasbah – Toubkal 2023…Running up that Hill…
I adore the music of Kate Bush. Recently her 1985 hit found new life due to the Netflix series Stranger Things. My dad also enjoyed her music and to me, he was always ‘the man with the child in his eyes’.
Read More »Running up that Hill…2022 – On the Road Again…
By the end of 2021 I was exhausted. COVID had caught me over the Christmas period as the loss of my Mum began to take its toll. I hoped 2022 would give me time to rest and reflect. I certainly reflected, but spent much of the year on the road, on the sea and on the mountain..!
Read More »2022 – On the Road Again…The Kendal Mountain Festival 2022 – Good to be Back…
I’m a planner – I like to plan and prepare for my expeditions, speaking gigs and even my shopping. The 2022 Kendal Mountain Festival was on its way, so I watched my films, prepared my weekend diary and trying my best to help the environment, I booked trains from Derbyshire to the Lakes.
Read More »The Kendal Mountain Festival 2022 – Good to be Back…Calling Occupants…
The internet and e-mail, Messenger, Instagram, Twitter, Linked-In etc etc, have all increased the ability to contact one another, but are we listening..?
Read More »Calling Occupants…Fashion…
The phrase ‘Climate Emergency’ has brought forth a plethora of marketing opportunities and the internet is filled with people banging on about their ‘Green Credentials’. Whether you are a ‘Greenwasher’ or not, we can take simple steps to reduce our impact on the planet; the kit we use and the clothes we wear can have an enormous affect.
Read More »Fashion…Whisky and Glaciers…
My recent trips to Norway and Greenland were accompanied with a few bottles of fine malt from the Scotch Malt Whisky Society. I’ve always enjoyed a dram and find the open skies, fresh air and glacial ice a great accompaniment.
I’ve written and article for the society which is now on their website…
Read More »Whisky and Glaciers…Greenland 2022 – The Big Sky…
It didn’t seem five minutes since I had returned from Sea Kayaking in Greenland, before I was heading north again. This time it was to mountaineer, but the sea would play it’s part also. I joined Simon Yates to head towards Mikis Fjord and tackle a myriad of unclimbed peaks.
Read More »Greenland 2022 – The Big Sky…Greenland 2022 – Second Home by the Sea…
I’ve visited Greenland a number of times, but always to ski and climb. The sea terrified me, but I was about to spend my next trip sat on my backside in a kayak. What had changed..?
Read More »Greenland 2022 – Second Home by the Sea…Home by the Sea…
Training is vital to successful expedition work. I’ve always believed in ‘Serving Your Apprenticeship’ and have recently returned from a week Sea Kayaking in the Norwegian Fjords.
A chance meeting when working on a P&O cruise ship has taken me down a whole new avenue of traveling and expeditions. I’ve paddled canoes and kayaks on and off for years, but never thought I’d be preparing for a trip to the fjords of Greenland this year.
Lead by Example – The Eleventh Frostbite Report…
Two winter seasons had been missed due to the ‘C’ Word and it was time to return. Rather than plan a week in one area, my friend Dean and I were going for a flexible approach, armed with guidebooks, gear and his well kitted plastering van.
Read More »Lead by Example – The Eleventh Frostbite Report…Across the Border…
The world is opening up to international travel again, but we live in a new world of Passes, Paperwork and QR Codes. Whilst it’s easy to complain about such things, should we not embrace them..?