#the Maldives trip needs to end for our sanity

[mysterygrl20]

March 28, 2024 | Joong Archen and Daou Pittaya

#joong archen #sir what the fuck #thai actors #the Maldives trip needs to end for our sanity #and his caption that says only you can make me smile #STOP IT #daou pittaya #WHY DIDNT HE TAG HIM OMG

[carlsonknives]

OUTDOORS | 12 Of The Best Bits Of 2017 – A Year Of Heartache, Hope & Happiness

2017 proved to be another amazing year, but one that came very close to ending in tradegy after my mum was left fighting for her life.

With a long term relationship ending, and a new one beginning, it’s been a year of change, but of positive change.

I’ve spent a lot of time outdoors and feel more connected to the natural world that I have done for a very long time.

Here’s a summary of some of the best and worst bits of 2017.

January 2017 Urban walk with friends on New Year’s Day

I love finding hiden gems like Walton Park amidst a bustling city

We kicked the year off by going for a bracing new year’s day walk with friends in Liverpool. The 4 mile walk was just what we needed to clear our heads after a night of partying and it was the perfect start to what turned out to be the year I spent more time outdoors than I’ve done since I was a carefree child.

A New Year’s Day Walk Around Walton Park in Liverpool

February 2017 Facing fears in Delamere Forest

This was a pretty big deal for someone with vertigo and a lifelong fear of heights!

OK so to most people Go Ape isn’t exactly the pinnacle of daring adventure, but for me, with vertigo and a lifelong fear of heights, it was a big deal. A couple of years ago I’d have simply turned an opportunity like that down without a second thought, but when I was approached to try out the classic treetop adventure, I immediately said yes.

Once I’d got over my terror, I loved it, though I must admit to liking the zip wires more than the walking across wobbly high things! It just goes to show that having a positive ‘yes’ mindset can reap rewards and it felt like I’d truly started the year as I meant to go on!

A Day of Adventure at Go Ape Delamere Forest, Cheshire

March 2017 Glamping with the whole family

Some of the quirky glamping accommodation at Glamping Thorpe

In March we stayed at one of the quirkiest glamping sites we’ve ever been to! We slept in a converted horse box, whilst my sister stayed in a stunning shepherds hut and the whole family got together for a party at the fantastic Glamping Thorpe in Oxfordshire.

Ultra-Quirky Glamping For Couples & Groups at Glamping Thorpe in Oxfordshire

April 2017 Exploring northern Cornwall

Padstow harbour in Cornwall

In April we headed down to Cornwall and stayed in a gorgeous lodge at Juliots Well. We explored Padstow and despite an ankle injury, managed to make it up to Tintagel for some breathtaking views.

We also visited the magical St. Nectans Glen, marking the first of many waterfalls that I’d visit during 2017.

The Perfect Spring Weekend Break at Juliots Well, Plus Out & About In North Cornwall

May 2017 Bucket list Indian Ocean diving

Snorkeling in the Indian Ocean on my bucket-list holiday

In May I went on a bucket list holiday to the Indian Ocean where I swam with sharks, spotted lionfish, stroked a moray eel and cried my eyes out when I saw a Mata Ray. The trip was everything I’d hoped it would be and more.

Discovering the Stunning Biodiversity of the Maldives

June 2017 Solo Scottish road trip and mountain summit

Nearing the summit of Ben Lawers on my first solo hike

Soon after I returned from the Maldives I embarked on a solo road trip to Scotland. I glamped on my own close to Loch Tay, and did my first ever mountain walk on my own.

Having attempted the walk the previous year, we’d had to turn back due to blizzard conditions and deep snow so this time I was determined to reach the two summits of Beinn Ghals and Ben Lawers. The weather at the base was sweltering and came as a shock, and I found the walk demanding, but I did it, and confidence wise, it did me the world of good!

My Scottish Road Trip – Kayaking on a Loch & Standing On Top Of Mountains

July 2017  Camping with friends at Cae Du Wales

Camping with friends at my favourite campsite

We love Cae Du campsite in Wales and this year we were lucky enough to return with a big group of friends for several glorious sunny days in July. Living all over the country and with our own demanding lives, it’s rare that we get to spend so much quality time with our friends, so our camping trip felt like a real treat and also gave me the chance to review a funky new tent.

5 Nights Camping In The Stunning New Star Canopy Bell Tent from Boutique Camping

August 2017 Critical illness

Mum on her way to recovery on the Intensive Care ward

In July my mum was rushed into hospital, and I stood in horror beside her hospital bed watching the stats on her monitor plummet as her lung function completely ceased and she lost consciousness. It was a harrowing experience, but after nearly 2 weeks in Intensive care, mum was finally well enough to come home.

I will never be able to express the graitute I feel for the team at Stafford hospital who battled for over an hour to save my mums’ life, nor the team that looked after her whilst she was in intensive care at Royal Univeristy Hospital Stoke.

We have always been a close family, but this Christmas feels like the biggest gift we’ve ever been given.

Spending all day every day in a waiting room, the rollercoaster of being told to give up hope then glimpses of improvement took it’s toll on us all, and I for the sake of my own sanity, I sought a few hours away from the hospital in order to be alone with my thoughts out on the water.

Me kayaking at Astbury Mere in Cheshire

A Moment Of Reflection Kayaking Out On The Water – Time Outdoors During A Crisis

As mum started to get stronger, towards the end of August I once again set off on my own, this time for a long bank holiday break down in Cornwall. I stayed in a stunning yurt at The Fir Hill and booked a wildlife spotting boat trip and went on a sea kayaking adventure. Sea kayaking is something I’d always wanted to do, and I loved every second of it and I can’t wait to do it again next year.

Kayaking off the coast of St. Agnes in Cornwall

Exploring The St Agnes Coast With Koru Kayaking, Trevaunance Cove in Cornwall

September 2017 Walking in Wainwrights footsteps

Near the summit of Catbells having done my very first Wainwright walk

I had fully intended to visit the Lake District well before September but had such a busy year, the opportunity didn’t arrive until late.

Autumn camping trip at Castlerigg Hall campsite, Cumbria

We decided a bit of Autumn camping was in order, and returned to one of our favourite campsites, Castlerigg Hall, and whilst in the area we did our very first Wainwright walk.

Hawse End to Catbells & Camping in Cumbria on the Autumn Equinox

October 2017 Discovering walking in the Lancashire Moors

Walking on the Lancashire moors for the first time

After the amicable break up of my relationship earlier in the year, by this time I had someone new in my life who not only shares my passion for the outdoors but also writes about the outdoors and is a keen walker and ecologist.

Slowly the sorrow I naturally felt at the end of my previous relationship was replaced with a new found sense of happiness, and we wasted no time in spending as much time outdoors as possible.

Our very first walk at the start of October took us up into the Lancashire Moors as we walked from Brinscall up to Great Hill.

Brinscall to Great Hill – Walking In The Lancashire Moors

November 2017 Discovering there’s more to Snowdonia than Snowdon

Aber Falls in Snowdonia

We booked a luxury weekend break with Under the Thatch and stayed in a stunning Victorian cottage in Snowdonia.

Inside the beautiful cottage in Snowdonia

We chose the property mainly based on it’s location and we managed to get two great walks over the weekend, including a walk at Newborough Warren and Llanddwyn Island in Angelsey, as well as a lovely circular walk to Aber Falls in North Wales which took us through some magiacl ancient woodland, to two enormous waterfalls and then onwards towards the North Wales coast providing us with expansive views of Angelsey.

Walking Aber Falls, Wales, 7.42km Circular Walk

December 2017  Snowy canal winter walk in Wheelton

Lock number 59 in Wheelton, Lancashire

During a weekend which saw much the UK blanketed in snow, we headed up to Leyland in Lancashire for a weekend break, and found ourselves by chance in an area that was almost completely free of snow.

The light was stunning thanks to the low winter sun, cloudless skies and reflection of the bright white snow. The simple joy of walking on a cold but bright and sunny winters day never gets old for me; there’s something so life affirming about hearing the crunch of snow underfoot and the warmth of the sun on your face.

A Snowy Winter Canal Walk in Wheelton, Lancashire

Finishing 2017 on a high

I’m finishing the year happier than I’ve ever been and confident that whilst next year is sure to throw up it’s own challenges, I’ll be able to face whatever comes my way. I wanted to ensure that 2017 was all about prioritising my own wellbeing, saying yes to more fun travel and adventure opportunities, no to more freelance work and spending time outdoors, and I feel like I’ve done that.

Looking forward to 2018

In 2018 I’m looking forward to more camping, walking and I’d love to do sea kayaking again. I also want to try climbing outdoors, to finally master SUP, and I’m keen to snorkel or even dive off the coast here in the UK. Finally I’d also really like to get back up to Scotland again, and we are currently planning a week long Scottish road trip for some time in 2018.

Here’s to you

I wish you a very happy new year, and would like to take a moment to say a big heartfelt thank you to all of the team here at Camping with Style, my family and friends and to you the readers for your going support.

Happy 2018!

Shell x

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Original Source http://www.campingwithstyle.co.uk/outdoors-12-best-bits-2017-year-heartache-hope-happiness/ For the best knives to use whilst camping check out Carlson Knives http://www.carlsonknives.com/

[20000lemursunderthesea]

Asia, Canada, Australia or Caribbean?

From there, we went all around the country. From Sigirya, an ancient fortress built on a monolith, to lackluster national park safaris to the sea. We did some dives with more of my friends, then ended back in Colombo to dive and have a goodbye party with my dive shop. They set up an adorable little table on the beach for us to all drink and not really communicate over. Those boys tried, they did. But for all our efforts, my Singhala and their English remained at about the same level as it started at a year earlier.

I'd been postponing buying a flight out of Sri Lanka just because I had no idea where I was headed next. I'd been talking to people back in Vancouver, in the Maldives, and two in the Caribbean. One of the Caribbeans sounded ideal, but I knew it was only going to be for a short time, and I didn't think they'd give me enough money to wait around for that time. One was offering lots of money, but it sounded wayyyy too hard. The Maldives was offering still a decent chunk of money, but a lot of pandering to rich ass people and sharing a small room. After being so isolated for so long, I was nervous about sharing a small space with someone I was also going to be working with and had no control in choosing. Vancouver was great, but not a ton of pay and that city is real expensive. Plus I wasn't quite ready to give up my tropical life yet. And umm..diving in Vancouver is real cold. Real cold. Plus I was running out of time to do a Working Holiday Visa in Australia which I’d been talking about forever. So...there was a lot of back and forth. Eventually I decided to go to the Maldives. I left a big suitcase of dive gear and stuff with a friend in Sri Lanka (close to the Maldives and a cheap flight away) and headed home to my parents for a couple weeks.

Well, as is the theme of my life...the best laid plans of mice and men were folly in the end. In the airport on the way back to Chicago, I got an email formally offering me the job in the Caribbean that was ideal all but for the timing and pay. They were offering more than I expected and it all around just seemed like the best option. Well...good thing I'd just left my stuff in Sri Lanka. Crapola. Luckily, one of my customers in Sri Lanka was American and constantly flying Business Class between the two countries. He agreed to pick up my stuff and take it to Kentucky if I'd pick it up from him there. So. There we were. New plan of action. I'd now have almost two months before the new gig and there was no way I would last that whole time at home with any sort of sanity in tact. So I would head to Vancouver to get some residency time in, see some peeps and decompress.

It ended up being amazing. Cold. But amazing. I re-solidified my love affair with the city. And I reaffirmed my plan to end up in BC. I was there for long enough to catch up with everyone who still lived there, and meet some new friends in the process. I got ahold of the dive centre I'd been talking with before and convinced them to have me do some temp work with them. They were fantastic and I really enjoyed working with them. I took me a whhoollleee lot to get re-used to cold water diving though. And Vancouver diving. Man, that is a workout. (So many hills. So much weight. So many layers.) But, I built a solid relationship with them and will be able to join up with them again when I return to live there. I also, unrelated to that, and before I started working, met a guy who was a DiveMaster intern with them and struck up a casual love affair with him. And, one of my good friends was leaving town to spend some time with her new niece and nephew in Ottawa, so she gave me her room to stay in. So, I loosely had an apartment, a job, good friends, and a boyfriend for the month and a half I had returned to my beloved city. Honestly, I was pretty damn proud of myself. It was everything I needed after such a hard few years. It was such a strange and wonderful feeling to be happy again.

But, as they do, all good things had to end and I was heading back to Michigan before I knew it. I stayed for a few days, reconnected with some people, and then went off on an epic adventure with one of my favourite people alive. Somehow, I convinced one of my best friends to drive with me down to Kentucky and back to pick up my suitcase. He even drove his car. Friendship man, ya can't beat it. I was subjected to his horrible taste in music, he was subjected to my horrible taste in road trip entertainment (Star Wars Mad Libs for the win!) and we both laughed until we nearly peed ourselves pretty much the entire time. Except when we were both recovering from whatever the mystery food of Cracker Barrel did to us. Bad life choices, man. But we did find some rather quality resting places. Like Deez Butts BBQ and the sketchiest flea market I've ever seen. Where he obviously needed to buy a machete. And Dinosaur World. Where I obviously had to ride all the plastic dinosaurs I could get away with without getting kicked out. And try to mount a giant mammoth replica...and subsequently fall off a giant mammoth replica.

He met a few of my friends from when I used to live there. We stayed with one of them. Though, she was in prime sassy drunk form the whole time and he was thoroughly entertained. We went into Mammoth Cave, where I used to work. It was great to see it all again and relive a very strange time in my life. We had some adventures even trying to get my bag, which of course was the main mission. And we did much, much driving.

To pick up said bag, Google Maps took up through alllllll of the most desolate and windy of roads. Steve was very convinced I had brought him there to die where no one would hear him scream. The bullet holes in the street signs were probably what tipped him off. He started regretting not telling his parents or anyone but his roommate where he was that weekend. Especially when we lost any kind of cell service.

Not helping matters in the slightest, once we finally got near where we were theoretically supposed to be, the road that we were supposed to turn down did not exist. Somewhere near there, though, there was a two track path. So I thought...I guess that's it? And had him turn in. It. Was. Not. It. At the end of this track stood a very clearly meth den trailer. It was tucked away, out of site from the road, and 4 or 5 pieces of various cars/trucks were scattered around it. Paint was chipping along the plastic siding. And there was once a wooden porch there. Probably. At least I assume that's what that decrepit pile of wood next to the door was the remains of. Knowing what I do know about said customer...there was NO chance this was his house. In the very small, very dark window, someone was moving the heavy curtains to watch at us invading their property. Steve then, in his infinitely smart-assery asks “Do you want me to knock and ask if they have the bag we're looking for?”

And then I basically shouted at him to get the hell out of there before the second amendment destroyed both of us. We eventually found the right house. In a very fancy, very new, subdivision further down the road. When we tried to explain our path, we only received looks of confusion and disbelief that we should go that way. And also very clear directions to not take that route again. Thanks, Google Maps. Thanks Kentucky.