1998 Ireland
A very damp adventurous holiday bustling with excitement, rain, danger, rain and more excitement. We cruised with Emerald Star on the River Shannon from Portumna passing through Banagher, Shannonbridge, Clonmacnoise, Athlone, and up the length of Lough Ree as far as the power station at Lanesborough, at the northern tip of the lough. The brief introduction and familiarisation with the boat passes very quickly and then you're out on the Shannon. The loud, throbbing diesel engine (your constant companion whilst underway) conveniently drowns the noise of the crew shouting in horror at every sign of impending doom. In the fast-flowing water the indecisive are swept off course rapidly and it's essential to plan ahead and know where you'd like to be before you get there. Within a few days the other river users will be laughing at the next intake of would-be sailors and you'll be laughing with them, whilst kicking the occasional piece of crockery overboard.



1999 Madeira
Situated 400m W of the Moroccan coast in the North Atlantic Ocean the island of Madeira has a total area of 305 sq. miles. The climate is exceptionally mild and the vegetation luxuriant: bird of paradise flowers and agapanthus grow by the roadside. The terrain is mountainous (the highest point is 6106 feet) with basalt peaks and wooded ravines. Driving on the island is definitely an experience to be avoided: locals drive like maniacs and overtake without fear on hairpin bends perched over frightening precipitous drops. We hired a car and aged 10 years during the one week holiday. Despite the mountainous terrain excellent walking is available by using the footpaths of the levada system - a series of artificial, water-collecting channels constructed around the hills for irrigation purposes.



2000 Sicily
The island formerly known as Trinacria



2003 The Ridgeway
Not really a holiday as such, just a long, enjoyable 85+ mile walk along the Ridgeway track spread over eight days from June to October.



2004/2005 Mousehole
New year celebrations in Mousehole with visits to the Eden Project, Goonhilly Downs and St Michael's Mount



2005 North Yorkshire
Walks in the Swaledale snow in North Yorkshire including Great Shunner Fell,
Kisdon Hill & Gunnerside.



2006 Chiltern Way
Our adventures on a 120 mile circular walk in the Chiltern Hills.



2006/2007 Fowey
A very enjoyable new year in Fowey, Cornwall.