Technology has entered our modern lives with a vengeance. Whether we like it or not, the digital age has crossed the globe and there seems little escaping it. I recently spoke at TEDx Derby, and challenged an audience of creative and technology driven people to think differently about the umbilical cord of the mobile phone, wi-fi and worldwide web…
I wonder how many times you have made plans, only to find them falling apart around your ears..? As Robert Burns once wrote “The best-laid schemes o’ mice an’ men, Gang aft agley”.
The Seven peaks – Seven Islands challenge encompasses freezing Polar ice to burning tropical savannah, ski touring to scrambling, volcanoes to glaciers and everything in-between. It may not have the altitude of the Seven Continents climbs, but brings huge challenges and rewards for those will to take up the baton.
One of my top five tips for life, business and education… I’ve spoken to literally thousands of people in my career and hopefully I’ve inspired… Read More »Turn your ideas into reality..!
Many people know me because of my mountaineering expeditions, but in parallel to my adventures, I’ve had a long career in Electrical Engineering. Over my 27 years of nationalisation’s, takeovers and mergers I’ve seen may things, but one of the most startling is the ability to act like a child. Let me explain…
Read More »Love life like a child, just don’t behave like one…
After our drenching in the Drakensburgs, Sibu and I set off NW towards a place that has gone down in British colonial history – Rorke’s Drift.
Read More »A South African Saga part II – Standing together…
I have worked with the outdoor company Terra Nova for many years and recently starred in a promotional film for their Wild Country range of… Read More »Terra Nova Promotional Film
I’m speaking at a couple of public events over the next few weeks. Here’s the details…
Once again, it was time to join the ATSA in the small Austrian resort of Rauris for a few days Telemark Skiing. This was my 4th year with the team and it has almost become a tradition in my calendar.
Read More »Toeless on Telemarks – The First Frostbite Report
Where do I start? So much has happened during the past year, and I don’t want to miss anything. Good job I’m an avid diary writer…
To a Mountaineer like myself, a weekend away is nothing new. I’m often off into the hills of Britain or even Europe for a day or two’s climbing, but this weekend was different and rather special.
Here’s a short video of me speaking at the Inspired Adventure opening evening at the East India Club, London in August 2012…
Well, here I am, back from climbing on the North side of Elbrus in Russia and i’m still in one piece (just about!) See my… Read More »Elbrus – Back in one piece (for a change)
It’s a simple enough question really. After all, would you employ a mechanic who couldn’t fix your car..? The reason I ask is due to my experiences observing speakers over the last 20 years. Some have been outstanding, some have been good, but many have been (at best) average.
Read More »So you think you’re a speaker, but can you really speak..?
And now, part III of the trilogy…
My final week in Brazil saw me where my heart feels the strongest – In the mountains. Many people think Brazil is all Amazonian Rainforest, due to TV documentaries and the environmental news it generates. However only 57% of the country is cover by rainforest, with the rest being grasslands, savanna, wetlands and mountains. There are many mountain areas, some climbing close to the 10,000ft (3000m) mark. Getting into them is a slow and arduous job, unless you have the nerve to drive out of Rio and into the hills.Read More »Going nuts in Brazil part III – Into the mountains…
Two hours flight westward from Rio de Janiero brings you to one of the natural wonders of the world – Iguazu Falls. Sitting on the Brazillian and Argentinian Border, this collection of waterfalls almost defies description, but I will do my best…Read More »Going nuts in Brazil part II – The power of water…
Now you might think me going a bit soft by travelling to Brazil, after all, I am Mr. Frostbite! Well, I’ve climbed in many hot climates across the world since almost freezing to death on Mt. McKinley and they bring with them their own set of problems. The hot and sweaty climates play havoc with my skin grafts and I have to watch them much more than on a freezing mountain. The risk of infection is much higher and the chances of damaging them increased. All that said, I was invited to climb around Rio de Janeiro by good friends Fiona and Felipe and couldn’t resist…
During my past 20 years of world travel the way we communicate has changed beyond many peoples imagination. For centuries the handwritten letter, which had carried news of great empires, battles, decrees and Royal announcements was abandoned for the world of satellites and WiFi.
No-one is quite sure when the tradition of Shrovetide Football started in Ashbourne, but many believe it was before the mists rose from the dawn of time (or in the middle ages anyway). Whatever the history, the game is a legendary contest between two sides, played throughout the Derbyshire town over Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday. The BBC do excellent local coverage…
Ok, so I’m not a horse, but if you want to know what it’s like to climb in the remote mountains of Tien Shan, then come and hear me speak on March 10th at St. John’s Church Memorial Hall, Hazelwood, nr Belper, Derbyshire.