Sunday 20 March 2011

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!

12 comments:

Martin Rye said...

Elan valley is nice backpacking. But it is very boggy and wet underfoot. Have fun planning the big walks to come.

Alan Sloman said...

Hi Sophie
Welcome back. Life does throw some curved balls at times but it sounds like you are doing okay.

Stay close to your friends - mine were a complete Godsend.

The very best of luck
Alan

Sophie Easterbrook said...

Hi Martin, nice to hear from you. I remember your blog saying how wet Elan Valley is. I started a walk there a couple of years ago with my ex but it went pear shaped soon after starting and we ended up coming home early. I'd like to go back to have another go but maybe I'll wait until a little later in the year when it's dried out a little more!

Thanks Alan, I know you had a tough time of things. I'm still following your blog with interest (and amusement!).

Phreerunner said...

Welcome back, Sophie. We hope you enjoy some interesting journeys and we hope to meet up with you again sometime.
With our very best wishes.
Martin and Sue

Sophie Easterbrook said...

Hi Martin - and Sue, thanks for that. It would be lovely to meet up again some time.

Andy and Alfie Le Dog said...

Hi Sophie, in a similar situation here, newly single but still living in the same house!
currently scattering the ashes of my business and looking for a job too, but ultimately a new minimalist lifestyle can only be good!

its a bloody good job i'm an optimist!

hope all is working out for you x

Sophie Easterbrook said...

Hi Andy, sorry to hear that. Still living in the same house sounds like a difficult situation.

Best of luck with it - I presume you will still have Alfie?!

Sophie

Andy and Alfie Le Dog said...

Alfie is as ever inseparable from me!
nice to have the little chap to snuggle up to. :)
Funny how separations work out, but i'm getting on with Ruth a lot better than before, probably cos we're not living in each others pockets!
At least the horizons of my future are wider and to quote my retitled blog there's some chasing to do! LOL!

Sophie Easterbrook said...

Good to hear Andy. I've just visited your blog and am glad to hear the new east / west hike...I've thought about doing similar but I don't think time and money will allow at the moment. If you fancy company as you travel through west wales then myself and my hairy friends would be glad to join you for a stretch.

All the best
Sophie

Unknown said...

Glad to see that you're back. (Just noticed - better late than never though, eh?).

In your own time - carry on! And I look forward to reading about it.

Brian

Andy and Alfie Le Dog said...

wow that would be great sophie!
The start time has leapt forward to may the 1st! and we'll be walking parallel west to east paths with John Parsons all things working well!.
I know how the money problems feel, currently unemployed, so i'm funding my walk with cash from selling my part of the house to ruth!
Priorities!!!
I'll keep an eye out for any response and we can arrange from that point onwards :)

Sophie Easterbrook said...

Hi Brian, lovely to hear from you! Thanks for that.

Andy, you must be leaving soon then! Feel free to email me at the address on my Profile page. I'm off to Snowdonia again this weekend but will hopefully be able to arrange to meet up at some point along your travels! I hope all works out well for you re the house etc.