I'm back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I haven't been on here for some time. There have been a few changes since my last post...the trip to Vietnam was cancelled, the summer was spent busy dog training which was great fun but I missed getting away hiking...and the biggest change was the end of my marriage.

Before you say how sorry you are and feel sorry for me, you should know that it was my decision. It's a long story, but things hadn't been right for a long time and I felt it was the right decision to make. Ending a marriage is not easy, I'm left forever wondering if it was the right thing to do - and breaking someone's heart and having your family turn their back for a while really is not easy. Still, what's done is done, and it's time to move on.

Thoughts are now being turned to a summer of backpacking. The horses are now out after a winter of stabling them and being unable to get away, and although they still need some TLC I will soon be able to get away to the hills. I'm now planning excursions for the two long bank holiday weekends coming up next month...maybe snowdonia, maybe the Elan Valley, maybe Exmoor, maybe Brecon....the maps will soon be out for some serious planning. I just wish Scotland were closer!

A new tent is need though, as I've previously used either the Laser Competition or a bivi and tarp for myself and Patch (my Jack Russell), but the addition last summer of my Border Collie (Tess) now means larger accomodation is needed. The problem is, money is now tight... so if anyone out there has an ultra lightweight 2 man tent out there that they want to sell very cheaply then I'm all ears! I may yet try cramming Tess into the bivi bag as it is a good roomy one (Big Agnes) but the thought of two wet dogs in there isn't too appealing...!

All change!