However, life did slowly begin to return to normal. We were back marshaling at events although a couple disappeared as race directors found other interests. We still do Grasmere Gallop, a couple of Charlies events and of course the checkpoint at Buttermere on the Lakeland 100. I managed to break my arm which took a while to heal but Kim Bev and I did manage a part of the Three Lochs Walk (the part from Balloch to Helensburgh) I even purchased a OMM waistpack so that I didn't need to struggle my poorly arm into an ordinary back pack.
There have been a few cracking holidays including some cruises and a month long trip to Australia. I love travelling to new places and want to keep visiting new places as long as Im able.
My best girl, my adventure dog, the amazing Kona crossed the bridge in April 24. Absolutely heartbreaking but we knew for a while is was coming as she had a large inoperable tumour which was managed for a while but she let us know it time and with the help of her long time vet she took that last journey and onto whatever adventure awaited her. She was 15 years and 3 months. A very special dog.
We had a very traumatic experience with a puppy, who was going to be my new adventure companion and Kona was going to be her mentor unfortunately it wasn't meant to be. Puppy Meryl left us at 5 months. I was totally shattered by this she was so sweet and had her whole life ahead of her but something just obviously wasn't right in her brain and she became very ill and passed away despite the best efforts of the vets. I have to admit this took me a long time to come to terms with.
Life has a habit of providing what you need though and I was contacted by one of the girls from Dogs Trust with a photo of this little black and white collie pointer cross who needed a home. Wasn't too sure but we went down with Kona to meet him and came home with him the same day. He was called Gibby but we changed that to Finn. He benefited greatly from being a puppy with Kona, they had a ball together and I think he really perked her up in her old age. He is now three years old and it has been a bit of a learning curve. Always a bit of a nervous Nelly he became a bit worse after his compulsory neutering at a year old. He is fantastic with people absolutely adores them and adores all the human attention he can get but is not great with some dogs so that takes a bit of careful mangement. He's super once he makes friends though so does have several doggie friends. We started mantrailing and scentwork which loves and this helps. Im slowly building him up to become my adventure dog as he loves being out and about in the wilds. Watch this space.
So why have a resurrected the blog, well just lately I've become rather obsessed with running and adventuring books and You tube vids which has rekindled my adventuring soul. I have plans. I do know I'll never do some of the things I read about or watch but I can continue with my own version of adventure life. Yes Im 65 but hopefully there's life in the old woman yet. So I feel that if I commit to paper then I will have to follow through. As I say watch this space but really this is for me to try and keep me accountable.
