The Family Adventure Project

Wilderness Survival Expert shows us how to make fire (without a match!)

noreply@blogger.com (Stuart (Family Adventure Project)) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 10:17:00 +0000

Goodness gracious, a great ball of fire

As part of our Family Adventure Capital Season we've been investigating Bushcraft in Cumbria. This week we were lucky enough to meet and talk with Ben McNutt, owner of Cumbrian Bushcraft experts Woodsmoke.

Ben did an apprenticeship with Ray Mears and has spent much of his life learning bush-craft from indigenous people around the world. Put it this way if I were to be stranded in the jungle, desert, on an icecap or even on a Cumbrian fell, this is the man I'd want to have around. Most Woodsmoke courses last a week or more; we only had an hour! But even in that he showed us a core bush-craft skill - how to light a fire using only the natural materials around you, technically called the bow drill friction fire lighting technique.

Somewhere up in a clearing in the woodlands, we are offered a lesson in the bushcraft of fire-starting

We'll be profiling Ben later in the season, but for now we just couldn't wait to share some pictures of this magic. One word of warning, please don't try this in your local woods, forest or at home unless you are absolutely sure fire-lighting is permitted and know what you are doing.

Or have Ben with you.

After clearing a space you need to prepare your materials. First comes the drill

Then the bow, socket and fireboard are assembled

Then you get organised and ready to generate some heat

The friction produced drawing the bow drill back and forth soon generates heat and smoke

And where there's smoke, there's the possibility of fire, but not just yet...

The first stage produces hot embers, from which you can hopefully light your tinder

The embers are carefully placed in the centre of your dry tinder ball

And with gentle blowing to feed oxygen ....

You soon have smoke, and everyone knows there's no smoke without....

Fire....

With your tinder ball alight who needs a match?

Now that's what I call a fire-starter

Have you ever made fire without matches? We'd love to hear about your experience. Click comments below and tell us more.

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This post is in the loop at some great Photo Friday Circles. Visit these sites to find more great Photo Friday stories: Delicious Baby and RWeThereYetMom.

You're in the North East now laddie...

noreply@blogger.com (Kirstie (Family Adventure Project)) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 08:26:00 +0000

The juxtaposition of nature and industry abounds in the North East

Beyond the edge of the Pennines, the C2C drops down into a different world, a world dominated by its' industrial heritage, as we found out as we rode on towards the C2C finish at the North Sea in Sunderland.

Shades of green mixed with steely reminders of the past

It’s like turning the page of a book and finding we've switched from fiction to fact. One moment the landscape is a poet's dream; all green curved spaces and classic Cumbrian places. The next we're immersed in the grit of urban life and steely reminders of the past. That's not to say I don't like it. There's something real and very immediate about the North East; it kind of grabs you by the collar and won't let you go.

The past is everywhere here. At Allenheads the kids throw pebbles down an old mine shaft, and listen for how long it takes for them to hit the water. It's a kind of dark version of pooh sticks.
“One, two, three, four, five.”
“Five seconds, that’s awesome”

How deep is this mine shaft?

Reminders of industrial heritage are everywhere

To avoid a steep double dip of the road, we go off road and push up onto the moor and into the mist. Soon we are on a track studded with the remains of the miners' railway that once helped cart minerals far away from this wind funnel high in the Western Pennines. There is no such help for a family of cyclists, we have to cart ourselves up through the squelchy mud and cinder. This landscape is a mixture of wild beauty and slashes and scars, jarring reminders of County Durham’s industrial past.

“It's downhill all the way from Consett,” said a family we met at Little Salkeld who had cycled the route before. Their words are definitely on the side of fiction. At Consett we find ourselves climbing Blackhill; a steep and somewhat pointless road that casts a long shadow over the day, until we can point the bicycles downhill once more. For the last part of the C2C trail, there are reminders of industries of the North East everywhere we look.

Transformers on the C2C

The faces made out of transformers, the cows made from bits of steel, the giant nuts and bolts that the children climb on and sit in; all linking our fragile economic present back to the area's thriving industrial past. In Rookhope the flower boxes are brightly painted former mining trucks. But Rookhope isn't in bloom this February.

But while this area may have been at the forefront of Britain's heavy industry, it wasn't much fun being a miner. We find out all about the life of a pit worker at Beamish, the excellent 'living museum of the north.' For half term the staff recreate the 1891 Silksworth Colliery strikes that resulted in mining families being evicted from their homes.

The original Silksworth evictions protests. Photo: The Beamish Museum

The tension builds as the morning wears on, and the costumed Silksworth folk start to gather at the pit village banging pots and pans to protest at the injustice of the evictions. Notices are everywhere informing locals (and of course tourists) of the impending evictions and there’s a real sense of battle lines being drawn as women and children whip the crowd up, encouraging them to shout 'shame on you,' at the men who are coming to take away their homes.

The "candy-men" arrive to evict the striking miners. Photo: Beamish Museum

Shame on you 'candy-men'

From the hillside the figures of the 'candy-men' emerge, drawing a horse and cart and accompanied by a policeman. They are evicting the striking tenants from the pit cottages on behalf of the landlord; colliery owner Lord Londonderry. Many of the supporters are wearing supportive rosettes they have just made in craft workshops. Our own kids get into the shouting, climbing on the walls to see women being hoisted out and onto the cart still sitting in their chairs. It's exciting and adrenaline filled, and a little overwhelming for Hannah, who grasps my hand in hers.

The moment of eviction. Photo: Beamish Museum

When the drama is over, the horse and carriage makes its way through Beamish, filled with simple furniture from the cottages. But our kids aren't ready to give the fight. They poke each other, shouting “out, out, out.” They queue for their free poor man's soup with attitude, like real mining children. But the food isn't to their 21th century tastes.

“This is revolting,” says Cameron, screwing up his face.

“Shame on you,” shouts Matthew. It isn't clear whether he is referring to the soup kitchen or his brother.

I taste the watery soup and search for a vegetable in it. It may not taste nice but it’s a sharp taste of the past, like all of this place.

Soup anyone? Photo: Beamish Museum

What lies beneath the grime?

It’s not like we haven’t been to the North East before. We’ve had nights out in Newcastle watching lassies venture out in almost nothing but heels. We’ve cycled up the coast to Whitley Bay and visited Durham Castle too. In fact we’ve caught the ferry to Holland from North Shields so many times, the terminal practically feels like home. But it’s only this trip we’ve noticed how much the past lives on in the present here, not just in the people and their spirit, but in strange juxtapositions of slick city centres and stunning countryside with old mine workings, pit towns and others beasts of industry.

Down in the town, life is different. At least on the outside.

This split is evident at Beamish too where a tram ride takes you a world away from the grimy reality of the colliery and pit village to a pretty little town with its neat line of townhouses, pub, shops and bank. In the town, we visit the dentist who shares some northern wisdom with us. “Mining is dirty work but we’re all the same really,” he explains. “Me, the solicitor, bank manager, piano teacher, the miners. We all work hard to earn a wage. We all provide homes and food for our families. We all have respectable trades and play our part. The difference is only on the outside. Here in the town we have to look good, while they have no choice but to walk round covered in coal dust.”

As we bike on through towns and villages towards the city and the sea, through countryside and industrial scourge we look behind the grime to see what lies beneath.

Have you visited the North East? What hidden beauties did you find? Click comments below and tell us about them.

We visited Beamish on our C2C ride across England, as part of our Family Adventure Capital Season. We're exploring different ways families can adventure together in and around Cumbria, sharing ideas and inspiration to encourage families to get out, get active and adventure together. Got some ideas for things we should try? Let us know.

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Disclosure note: Thanks to Beamish Museum who helped us to bring you this story.

Welcome in a wild place: on the eastern fringes of Cumbria

noreply@blogger.com (Kirstie (Family Adventure Project)) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 08:24:00 +0000

Hartside Summit in Eastern Cumbria can be a wild spot

There's much more to Cumbria than the drama of the Lake District. Out east, beyond the Eden Valley the land rises up to the high moors of the Northern Pennines. Our winter C2C tour took us across a slice of this other Cumbria, and included a visit to the remote and intriguingly named Lovelady Shield Country House Hotel where owner Peter Haynes shared his thoughts on what's unique about this less well known part of Cumbria.

Welcome in a wild place

There can be few wilder places in Northern England than Hartside Summit, just before Alston on the C2C cycle route. On this winter's afternoon, a blue light falls across miles of deserted moorland, and the solitary motorists that drive to the top and try to venture out of their cars are almost blown away. It's certainly a blow for us when we discover that the cafe at the top is closed.

The descent from Hartside Summit towards Alston is spectacular, in the right conditions

We lean against the sign marking the summit. The wind leans back, and the celebratory photograph becomes a battle of wills between man and nature. I can't remember feeling colder. Or more alive. Mounting the bikes again is an effort, but the ride down is so steep and lined with twisting hairpins that even the wind is no real opponent now.

“This is the best day of my life,” screams nine year old Cameron as he flies down the hill enjoying the thrill of his first big solo descent.

Cobbled Alston is said to be the highest market town in England

After the highest town lies one of the highest hotels

The cobbled settlement of Alston is undoubtedly the king of the castle; claiming the title of the highest market town in England. And our destination for the night, the Lovelady Shield Country House Hotel has to be one of the country's highest hotels. Indeed one of the first civil marriages ever held here was a couple who lived in a lighthouse who wanted to tie the knot at the UK's highest point. It's a high point for us for another reason when we see our beds for the night.

Our accommodation for the night is this converted barn, perfect for a family stay

Around the back of the main house we are led into in a recently converted barn that the staff casually call one of the 'cottages.' Matthew can't believe his luck when he finds out he has his own room with the biggest king sized bed he has ever seen. “And there are bathrooms EVERYWHERE!” he cries, giving everyone a guided tour. "And a great big TV in here"

“Take your shoes off! You've got half of Cumbria on your soles” I shout, imagining crisp white bedsheets and cream carpets becoming coated in clods of Hartside earth.

After a day on the wild moors, this view was just as welcome.

For a family in need of some warmth and comfort, the accommodation is a godsend. And while the kitchen is more state of the art than our own back home, the hotel has yet another treat in store; a seven course taster menu, offering the best in local foods. In the bar afterwards we chat over a drink with owner Peter Haynes, who has personally recommended our wine for the night. He's well equipped to do it; his ancestors were purveyors of malt to Queen Elizabeth I.

You can feel the force of nature

Peter co-owns the hotel with his wife Marie and this is their fifteenth season. They know all about the wild side of this place; having coped with forces of nature ranging from the Carlisle floods of 2005 to the heavy snow of last year, which fell higher than the road markers. “We're just waiting for the plague of locusts now, we've had everything else,” Peter laughs. A former National Sales Manager in the pharmaceuticals industry, Peter took redundancy, left his West London base and bought the hotel on first sight. He explains that Lovelady Shields Hotel is a former shooting lodge and that bullet cases can still be found in the river. We look outside, onto the spot-lit grounds with the dark waters of the River Nent gushing through. No one volunteers to go looking for them.

Back in the early days it was a steep learning curve for Peter and Marie. But although they were new to the industry, they had a clear vision; to offer excellent local food and wine in a beautiful East Cumbrian location. Peter is aware of Cumbria's Adventure Capital of the UK bid, but believes it is currently too focussed on the Central Lakes. He wants to get people out to the more un-touched areas, to a place where they can really feel nature. He'd like them to explore the wilder corners, bike the sharper edges, ski the real slopes, take a drive voted one of the top 10 in the world, and immerse themselves in colourful history. “This part of Cumbria is ideal for people who like doing things.” he says.

This is a wild place, with lots of old mining history tracks and trails to explore on foot or bike

And you can taste the history

One of the things families can do here is search out the hidden history of the area. It's a place with a rich mining heritage and one of Peter's plans is to start offering people a day out involving a tour of the local mines followed by Cumbria's answer to the Cornish Pasty; - a 'miner's bait.' “A miners bait is a whole meal in one pasty; with the main course packed into one end and a fruit filling in the other. What I want is for our guests to have an enjoyable experience that's unique to Alston,” Peter explains. A history buff himself, he points out that the highest Roman fort in Britain is only five miles down the road and that W.H. Auden was a big fan of the area; it wasn't just the Central Lakes that inspired great poetry.

Our children's ears prick up at the idea of the double ended miner's pasty and they start a debate over how cool it would be.

“You could start with your pudding and then have your tea.”

“I'd have a bite of one and then the other until it was all gone.”

“Could the pudding bit be ice cream?”

In this wild and inspiring area, where the wind and the sun co-exist in a battle for supremacy, why not a hot and cold pie?

Lovelady Shield has won awards for its Brilliant Breakfast... and you can see why

As I tuck into the hotel’s award winning 'Brilliant Breakfast' the following morning, I feel sure that whatever there was a demand for, our history loving, wine appreciating host would be able to provide.

Have you ever tried a 'miners bait'? Or explored the eastern reaches of Cumbria? We'd love to hear about it. Click comments below and join the conversation.

We visited Lovelady Shield on our C2C ride across England, as part of our Family Adventure Capital Season. We're exploring different ways families can adventure together in and around Cumbria, sharing ideas and inspiration to encourage families to get out, get active and adventure together. Got some ideas for things we should try? Let us know.

Set high in the Cumbrian Pennines, Lovelady Shield offers a taste of another Cumbria

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Disclosure Note: Thanks to Peter Haines and the staff at Lovelady Shield Country House Hotel for helping us to bring you this story.

Climbing the walls in Keswick: Ever tried family climbing?

noreply@blogger.com (Kirstie (Family Adventure Project)) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 08:45:00 +0000

The colourful bouldering wall is just one of many walls to climb at the Keswick Climbing Wall

Our Family Capital of Adventure UK season continues with a ‘have a go’ visit to Keswick Climbing Wall. Being on the Coast to Coast (C2C) route, it looked a really convenient stop off on our Coast to Coast cycle adventure. And so it was, well, kind of....

Ok, we knew there was going to be height involved when we booked a morning at a climbing centre. But we hadn’t clocked the steep climb out of Keswick to get there. That’s why by 11am on a Tuesday morning, we are red faced and puffing, reluctantly standing in hedges to give way to tractors and sure that our instruction session will have been given to someone else. As I pedal away, I realise the clue was on the map; The Keswick Climbing Wall is just over the road from Castlerigg Stone Circle, and what self respecting Druid puts their sacred monument at the bottom of a hill?

By the time we get to the top, our perfectly cooked breakfast from Lyzzick Hall Hotel is just a beautiful memory and we’re half an hour late for a session we were supposed to be sharing with another family. I bet they were on time. I bet they drove. Happily, I’m prepared to grovel.

Everywhere I look there's someone climbing or dangling

But I’m not prepared for the multi coloured spectacle that greets me when I push open the heavy door of this converted cow shed. A rainbow of sloping walls, studded with overhangs, wiggly foot holds and odd shaped buttons. I was expecting a wall but this is a panoramic, technicolour stage set. Everywhere I look there’s someone dangling, clinging or striking out for the ceiling. I am dressed in a cycle helmet, tracksuit and trainers while they are all sporting harnesses, ropes and karabiners. They look cool. And I look hot. But not in a good way.

With skills learned in a few minutes, parents can safely protect kids as they reach for the stars

We are quickly rescheduled for the next session and half an hour later assemble with two other families at a bright yellow training wall. We pull on our harnesses and within a few minutes I’m tying figure of eights, stopper knots and clipping on karabiners like an old climbing-pro. Our instructor picks Cameron to demonstrate to the group what climbing is all about. I restrain from telling her that he could teach her a thing or two about scaling large objects; casualty is a familiar place for our middle child.

I'm amazed how quickly I feel competent

After just fifteen minutes my fears of being inadequate have been put to rest through clear, good humoured and precise instruction and I am soon belaying three kids up and down the walls, one at a time. I soon start to feel part of the crag shaped furniture (lucky as I am now attached to it) as other families tumble in for lunchtime sessions. I give them my best Chris Bonnington impression, but it’s the children that impress. Above me little spidermen and women as young as two are reaching for star shaped hand holds and stretching out supple limbs way above my head. They have a built in confidence and ability that the adults don’t. When do we lose that?

Kids are natural climbers... and there's walls to suit all tastes and abilities

We don't teach kids climbing, we don't need to

Above my head a middle aged Mum can’t even reach the first overhang and I am staying floor bound despite the kids protestations. I mention it to one of the instructors and he nods. “We don’t teach climbing,” he explains. “We find with kids we don’t need to. We tell them how to abseil down and teach the adults to do the safety part and let everyone get on with it.” It’s certainly a relaxed environment. The entry fee lasts the whole day, and you can climb, relax, picnic, or go and visit the stones and come back again later. It’s great for families with short attention spans, and on a freezing day like today, a warm and dry alternative to hiking up Blencathra. The local mountains may be stunning, but this seems way better for novice climbers.

After three hours of climbing, abseiling and belaying we de-harness and spill out of the centre, spouting tall tales. Cameron suggests trying out his newly shaped skills across the road on thousands of years of Druid legacy but this suggestion is quickly squashed. Afternoon is upon us and we still have several hours cycling to do to make Penrith before dark. Hannah says she’d like her hills to be pink and purple and Cameron would prefer them with footholds and a rope, but you can’t have everything you want.

The Keswick Climbing Wall is just across the road from Castle Rigg Stone Circle

Have you ever tried indoor climbing as a family? We'd love to hear how you got on. Click comments below and let us know.

We visited Keswick Climbing Wall on our C2C ride across England, as part of our Family Adventure Capital Season. We're exploring different ways families can adventure together in and around Cumbria, sharing ideas and inspiration to encourage families to get out, get active and adventure together. Got some ideas for things we should try? Let us know.

Like what's here? Like us on Facebook for exclusive updates you won't find on this blog, Twitter or anywhere else!

End of the ride: the Wear in Sunderland (Winter C2C Day 7)

noreply@blogger.com (Stuart (Family Adventure Project)) — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 20:33:00 +0000

The writing was on the road today.. this way, until you reach the sculpture.

We expected to finish our Coast to Coast ride on Friday night, but after helping out the striking miners at Beamish, then dealing with a puncture, we ended up rolling up at the Premier Inn Sunderland in the dark and it didn't seem like such a good idea. We didn't see much of the start in Workington due to freezing fog and didn't fancy finishing in the cold and dark. So we waited till Sunday morning, when the sun finally showed up in Sunderland, making for a glorious last few miles to find the official finish point.

By Sunday morning we were relaxed and raring to go after a few good nights rest

It was a beautiful sunny winter's morning, perfect for ride along the River Wear towards the finish

And there was plenty of interest in the last four miles to make a day of it!

This being a Sunday in Sunderland, the Sun had to make an appearance

Along with many interesting sculptures reflecting the areas industrial heritage

There was time for meditation over the weeks achievements

And time to hang out in other ways too

After a little asking around we found out we'd already been hanging out
at the C sculpture that marks the official end of the route.

Which only left one other thing to do

Sea to Sea. Coast to Coast. C2C. Mission Accomplished.

Have you taken on a family challenge? We'd love to hear about it. Click comments below to tell us more.

See more of our Winter Coast to Coast (C2C) Photo Journals

We did this C2C ride across England, from Workington to Sunderland, as part of our Family Adventure Capital Season. We're exploring different ways families can adventure together in and around Cumbria, sharing ideas and inspiration to encourage families to get out, get active and adventure together. Got some ideas for things we should try? Let us know.

Like what's here? Like us on Facebook for exclusive updates you won't find on this blog, Twitter or anywhere else!

Welcome to the North East: Beamish to Sunderland (Winter C2C Day 6)

noreply@blogger.com (Stuart (Family Adventure Project)) — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 17:53:00 +0000

The section of ride through the industrial North East is lined with themed sculpture like these Transformers

Day 6 of our C2C winter ride across England and it should have been our last. The route guide says it is should be the easiest day, downhill almost all the way, but we stayed a little off route, had an unexpected struggle up Blackhill, near Consett and an an extended stop at Beamish, the excellent Open Air Living Museum of the North, to protest at the eviction of the Silksworth colliery miners. By the time we'd done all that and fixed another puncture it was already dark. The kids were ready to drop by the time we reached our accommodation at the Premier Inn, Sunderland, still four miles from the end of the route. You've got to know when you're beat so we called it a day and decided to tackle the last few miles with fresh legs in the morning.

The route passes Beamish, the brilliant Open Air Living Museum of the North

Beamish is a living museum that recreates life in the North East in years gone by

You can ride the trams, visit the dentist, the shops, pub, bank, colliery and pit village

With everyday life and historical events brought to life by staff in period dress

By the time we'd finished protesting against the evictions of the Silksworth miners...

It was already late in the day. Luckily the riding down towards Sunderland was easy

Winding through built up areas with a more urban and industrial feel

Reflected in the sculptures on the route

Glass on the route, a symptom of urban living meant last minute delays

And with tired and cold kids we decided it best to call it a day before we'd reached the route end

Which is how we ended up not quite at the end of the route. With a few miles left for the morning.

Have you taken on a family challenge? We'd love to hear about it. Click comments below to tell us more.

See more of our Winter Coast to Coast (C2C) Photo Journals

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Over the Pennines: Nenthead, Allenhead and the moors (Winter C2C Day 5)

noreply@blogger.com (Stuart (Family Adventure Project)) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0000

Lovelady Shield Country House Hotel set us up for the day with an award winning Brilliant Breakfast
Read more about our visit to this award winning country house hotel here.

Day 5 of our C2C ride saw us riding through the Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, not that we got to see too much of it in the swirling mist that dominated the high moorland. After leaving Alston and Nenthead we headed up and down to Allenshead and Rookhope. After four days riding we finally reached the edge of Cumbria, rode briefly in Northumberland and ended the day in Consett, County Durham.

It was a shame to leave but we had an early appointment up the road in Nenthead

With Dick Phillips, a specialist in Icelandic Cycle Touring.
He gave us some ideas for our summer tour in Iceland.
And warned us of a tough day ahead climbing over the Pennines.

Up in the hills it was winter conditions, cool, misty with not much to see

Except the odd border crossing, leaving Cumbria behind after 4 days riding across it

This is mining country and the evidence is all around, like here in Allenshead

Back on the high fells the boys put the climbing skills they picked up in Keswick to good use

And found the strangest of objects concealed in the bee hive cairn, a Buddhist geocache?

Down in Rookhope this made us chuckle. But in their defence, it is winter.

Beyond Rookhope, we tried the off road trail marked by one of the classic C2C milestones

It was a tough ride off road up and across towards Consett, but we made it eventually.
In the dark, of course.

Have you taken on a family challenge? We'd love to hear about it. Click comments below to tell us more.

See more of our Winter Coast to Coast (C2C) Photo Journals

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Goodbye Lakes, Hello Pennines: Up Hartside Summit to Alston (Winter C2C Day 4)

noreply@blogger.com (Stuart (Family Adventure Project)) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 19:57:00 +0000

Sunshine and blue skies greeted us in Penrith and it looked like a great day for riding

Day 4 of our C2C ride took us from Penrith, up and into the Pennines and onto Alston, one of England’s highest market towns. After several overcast days it was a pleasure to see the sun. Oh and the snow on the climb up to Hartside Summit.

The grey stone of Keswick had given way to the sandstones of Eden and the Pennines
Before we left town we stocked up with supplies for the hill climbs ahead

Then, after the first few hills, we stopped off for tea and organic cake at the pink Little Salkeld Mill

Where even the evidently free range chickens looked interested in a Mill Tour

On the road beyond towards the Pennines we passed a Druid's navigation aid

But with Hartop Summit to conquer didn’t really have time to visit

We knew the kids might need incentivising for the big climb to Hartside Pass

And were left in no doubt that conditions at the top could be harsh

But we took it in stages, rewarded ourselves for each 100m of climb

Put on extra layers to deal with the cold and focused on reaching the cafe at the summit

We thought there was time for fun and to reach the cafe before it closed

But unfortunately it was already closed when we arrived... .. frozen pipes

Fortunately we had brought our own provisions

For a brief but cold celebration

Before a magnificent descent down to Alston

And some cobble bashing to reach a cafe before closing time

By the time we'd eaten it was dark again, leaving us with a short night ride
to find our accommodation at the Lovelady Shields Country House Hotel
You can read about our stay in this wild part of Cumbria here.

Have you taken on a family challenge? We'd love to hear about it. Click comments below to tell us more.

See more of our Winter Coast to Coast (C2C) Photo Journals

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Climb in the Shadow of Blencathra: Keswick to Penrith (Winter C2C Day 3)

noreply@blogger.com (Stuart (Family Adventure Project)) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0000

C2C signage means you're unlikely to get lost...

After an evening of games and well earned rest at the family run Lyzzick Hall Hotel, day 3 of our Coast to Coast ride saw us head from UnderSkiddaw back through Keswick and onto Penrith. In case there wouldn't be enough climbing we took time out to visit the Keswick Climbing Wall and the famous Castlerigg Stone Circle close nearby. Then we rode up and down, up and down all the way to Penrith, arriving by torchlight well after the sun had set. Not that we saw the sun.

The homely atmosphere at Lyzzick Hall had a strange effect on the kids behaviour

What with a puncture to fix and bags to load, it took a while to get on the road

Rested and relaxed we were sorry to leave the lovely Lyzzick Hall

We set off for the day from UnderSkiddaw in the Northern Lakes, just outside of Keswick

And climbed uphill to the Keswick Climbing Wall, for a spot more climbing with lots of other families
You can read more about our climbing experience at the Wall.

Our boys quickly made themselves at home on the bouldering wall

While the girls headed for the pink section

Across the road at Castlerigg Stone Circle there were crows but no Druids. And no climbing.

But that didn't last long once back on the C2C heading to Penrith, in the shadow of Blencathra

Well not much shadow in this weather, but plenty of climbing, up and down (mostly up) all the way to Penrith

Have you taken on a family challenge? We'd love to hear about it. Click comments below to tell us more.

See more of our Winter Coast to Coast (C2C) Photo Journals

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Wildplay in Whinlatter & ride to Keswick (Winter C2C Day 2)

noreply@blogger.com (Stuart (Family Adventure Project)) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 08:10:00 +0000

Monday morning in Cockermouth and all was quiet

Day 2 of our Coast to Coast ride took us from Cockermouth to Keswick, via the Whinlatter Pass. Leaving the coastal plain behind, we headed up Lorton Vale, then up and over the Whinlatter Pass heading for the North Lakes market town of Keswick. Here's our photo journal from Day 2 of the tour.

Monday morning in Cockermouth and all was quiet, at least until we rolled back into town

The kids quickly found something of interest...

The town was looking pretty shiny after the big flood clean up and refurbishment

And business looked as if it may be back to normal

Well, if you call that normal

Back on the road, we headed up Lorton Vale towards the mist and mountains

We struggled a bit up the Whinlatter Pass

But there were signs of Spring to distract

And words of strategically placed encouragement

Up at the top of the pass there was time to explore the Whinlatter Forest

The kids still had energy to explore the Wild Play Area

And the spirit to help each other out

Summitting Whinlatter was good preparation for tackling the Pennines later in the week

And everyone enjoyed the descent down to reach the North Lakes Town of Keswick
beyond which lay our accommodation for the night, at the family run Lyzzick Hall Hotel

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Are you a purist or not bothered?

noreply@blogger.com (Kirstie (Family Adventure Project)) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 00:33:00 +0000

Down at the start of the C2C there are decisions to be made

Our family is divided into two halves; the purists, and the not bothered. The split happens every time we undertake a journey that involves beginning or ending at the sea. Stuart and Matthew feel the need to go swimming while the rest of us are pointing in the direction of the nearest coffee bar.

For Cameron, Hannah and I the journey has already begun. We’re happy to start from the car park. But for Stuart and Matthew, you can only go from C2C if you dip your toes in the foamy stuff. And you can only say you’ve finished if you dip your tootsies in the other end when we get to Sunderland. So here we are, on a beach in mid winter, about to go paddling.

A dredger floats in and out of view as we make our way down to the surf. I decide to get it over with and pull off two pairs of socks as half a dozen fishermen look on. The pebbles grate the underside of my feet. I take a deep breath and splash in; the icy baptism is a shock, my heart beat quickens and I cry out. Cameron looks up from the edge of the surf at my scream. Has his fellow ‘not bothered’ been converted into a purist?

Hannah picks up a small rock and tries to smuggle it into her pocket; she’s having none of the pond dipping. Matthew has other ideas. Going for the purist trophy, he has hauled his bike onto the sand, bumping it over every rock and pebble, feeling the unevenness in his handlebars. He stands at the sea contemplating an idea. But nature gives him no time to make up his mind. It washes in at some force, sending freezing foam over his feet and tyres. He shrieks and withdraws.

Cameron knows when he is beaten. He removes a sock and asks his dad for a piggy back to the sea. A whole ankle is dipped.

Help is at hand for the conversion to purism... for those who show the slightest interest.

Hannah gives her dad a look that says don’t you dare. Her pockets are full of stones.

The mist clears for a second and we see the road. Two newly converted purists, two old faithfuls and one not bothered head for the coast.

Splish, splash, got to dash.

Are you a purist or not bothered? We'd love to hear your thoughts.

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You've got to dip your toes in the Irish sea: Setting out on a winter C2C

noreply@blogger.com (Stuart (Family Adventure Project)) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 08:51:00 +0000

Late Saturday night, and the bikes were finally loaded

Sunday was our first day on our winter C2C tour. The C2C is a classic coast to coast cycle route across Northern England with a couple of different start and finish points some and a variety of on and off road options. The route we've chosen starts in Workington on the West Coast and will take us to Sunderland on the East Coast, crossing the Lake District National Park and the Pennines. Here's a little photo essay from our first foggy day on the trail. Not that we got to see much!

On the way to the start, the kids checked out adventure options at the Rheged Family Hub

The hub confirmed many unusual Cumbrian adventure options, Didn't mention the C2C though!

Down at Workington, fog enveloped us and the start.

Getting set up we lost one allen key in the river... and almost one bike and one boy (look carefully).

It wasn't long before the boys were raring to go

At the start they studied the well worn C2C compass. For a nanosecond.

Then posed for the glamorous C2C start photo at 'The Lighthouse'

Of course the real start was down on the beach

Where custom dicates one should dip ones toes in the Irish Sea.

Although purists prefer to dip a bike wheel.

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Skating on thin ice....

noreply@blogger.com (Kirstie (Family Adventure Project)) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 22:28:00 +0000

Is this the only thing left standing in Cumbria this icy morning?

The mum ahead of me on the school run is acting really weird. She's holding on to the wall like she's drunk, feet flailing beneath her. Moments later I mirror her stance. We cling to the grey stone as our feet slither and slide. On this grey winter's morning, with freezing rain pelting onto our heads, we're both dancing on ice.

Sheet ice. The whole pavement is covered in it. The school playground is a rink. The kids vow they'll be skating all lunchtime while the teachers vow they won't.

“We're skating on thin ice,” I say to Stuart, as I slam the door and take off my coat.
“I know, it's like glass out there.”
I shake my head. “I don't mean today. I mean next week. We're never going to get up to Alston, the highest village in the damn country, on bikes, with kids, in this. Why would anyone organise a cycle trip in February?
“Because it adds another element of uncertainty. And that’s what makes an adventure.”
“That’s what makes it a pain in the….”

When we planned to ride the c2c at half term, we didn't imagine this.

The thing is, adventure addiction aside, we're both too stubborn to call off next week's coast to coast ride of Britain. Instead we start to come up with contingency plans to cope with snow, freezing rain, ice, fog, hail, sleet, gale force winds and anything else the British Isles can throw at us.

The first involves Stuart cycling back every day to pick up the car and bring it to where we are. That means if we need to abandon due to snow, we will at least have the car with us to make an escape. But what about the fifty mile legs? And if we leave the car somewhere along the route how do we get back on the train to pick it up at the end of the trip. Cumbria isn't exactly New York when it comes to cabs and it can take most of the day just to get from our house to Keswick.by bus.

Another plan involves Stuart's Mum coming as a support vehicle..
“But she spent 36 hours getting from London to Scotch Corner that time. We had to call the police”
“Good point. And she wasn’t even going to Scotch Corner.”

Beautiful but too treacherous to ride? That's the question

And then we wonder about splitting the party so that one of us is officially the support vehicle and the others ride.
“But then, if it's snowing we won't get the car up to Alston will we?”
“No.”

I look at the pile of hats, gloves and thermals waiting to be packed.
“If it's snowing will we still ride?” I ask in a tiny voice.
“Probably.”
We both laugh nervously, knowing that we probably will at least try.

Well if it gets too much we can always do this instead

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Motivating kids: Do sweety bribes work for a winter ride?

noreply@blogger.com (Kirstie (Family Adventure Project)) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 08:26:00 +0000

Rugby may be cancelled, but there's something else we can do.. ?

Rugby is cancelled. There's snow on the pitch and none of the coaches can get their cars off the drive. The world outside has a three inch layer of slush sitting on top like vaguely dirty icing on a cake. I want to stay at home.

“I think we should bike over to Arnside today.”
“Don’t be stupid.”
“I mean it.”
“So do I. I want to stay at home.”

But Stuart is in determined mood...

“It'll be fine. We'll have some breakfast first. There'll be no traffic on the roads.”
“That's because motorists have been told not to go outdoors. BECAUSE OF THE SNOW.”
“It's melting.”
“The slush then.”
“We need to do a training ride. Our C2C bike ride is only a week away and we need to know we can do it if the weather turns bad.”
“We can't do it in bad weather. I want to stay at home.”

A row ensues. By the end I am reluctantly persuaded it would be stupid to set out on a winter coast to coast tour of Britain without a training ride to see exactly what we can tackle, particularly since Cameron is touring on his own bike for the first time. So now all we have to do is tell the kids we're not staying at home. It doesn't go down well. Particularly with Cameron. On a scale of one to ten he's says he's about four.

“What would it take to push it up to an eight or a nine?” Stuart asks.

“Sweets,” say Cameron and I at the same time.

“Good man. Let's go then.” I say.

Of course we've used sweets to motivate but is it a good idea?

“Sweets are a bribe,” Stuart says firmly.

“Yes!” chirp me and my son.

What's best? A fire within or a bribe at the end?

“The motivation has to come from within,” says Stuart. I sigh. He's been reading again and I predict a mini lecture. “External motivation extinguishes internal motivation,” he begins. “When kids are internally motivated to do something, like tidy up their room, they do it because they want to.”

As if that would ever happen I say under my breath, but his soliloquy continues. “If you promise them sweets for doing it, you then get into a vicious cycle of tooth decay. And you’ll have to give them sweets every time you want them to tidy up. Then when the sweets stop they won’t do it any more. You’ll squash their love of tidying.”

The parent from outer space pauses for dramatic effect, then waffles on.

“So if you give them sweets today they'll be motivated to get sweets rather than enjoy the cycle. And you'll be extinguishing the very thing you want.”

I think to myself that cycling is not the very thing I want. I want to stay at home.

Do you need the motivation within? Or do bribes suffice?

“And what happens when the sweets run out?” he asks.

“When I'm in charge, we never run out of bribes,” I reply.

“That's right,” says Cameron. “Never.”

Once we're out the sweets seem irrelevant

We go cycling. The slush is slushy but not icy. The roads are car free. It's not as bad as it was in my head and fills us with some hope for next week. Our water bottles freeze solid and no-one mentions sweets.

“So Cameron, on a scale of one to ten, what would you give today's ride?” asks his dad afterwards.

Cameron thinks for a moment. “An eight I'd say.”

“Great,” says Stuart, ruffling his son's head.

“And if you had sweets at the end?” I can't resist asking.

“A nine, definitely a nine. Or even a nine and a half, depending on the sweets”

By the evening the weather men are predicting a deep freeze that could last for weeks. I’m definitely going shopping.

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Welcome to God's fridge, please help yourself to lard...

noreply@blogger.com (Kirstie (Family Adventure Project)) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 00:15:00 +0000

Craving fat and sugar? Us? Surely not

While we often quip that food is fuel while we're cycle touring, we've never really thought deeply about exactly what we stuff into our bodies on the road, nor about how that might affect our performance and state of mind. But while researching unusual family adventures at London's Adventure Travel Show someone really made us stop and think about whether eating a whole pack of custard creams in one sitting really is such a good idea...

This summer we're planning to cycle in Iceland for a month or two. I'm very happy about that. And it's not down to the lunar landcape, the thermal wonders or the terrible trolls. It's because I can have butter on my bread.

Welcome to God's fridge, please help yourself to lard...

Butter may be a very everyday thing to most people, indeed at home I prefer a chocolate biscuit for a mid morning treat. But on a cycle trip I crave it. I crave cheese too, and have even been known to take a bite out of a whole brie if there isn't a knife available. The last few years we have spent the summer cycling in hot countries and haven't been able to carry butter as it melted as soon as it hit the inside of the pannier. But Iceland is God's fridge.

Food is fuel on a cycle tour, but what should we be eating?

I always thought craving fat on long cycle trips was a bit weird. Surely all that pedalling warrants a sugar craving? I live near Kendal, shouldn't I be shoving mint cake down my face? But no, on our family cycling tours I have no desire for chocolate and I rarely want my normal treat of a glass of wine at the end of the day. I still crave foods, but they're different foods.

The Doctor says craving fat is normal

According to nutritionist and author Dr Chris Fenn, this is pretty normal. Chris has spent many years studying the diet of some fairly hard core sportsmen and women, accompanying them on several high profile expeditions in high altitudes. She has joined expeditions to Everest base camp to plan climbers' diets, record their food intake and monitor the effects of different food groups on energy and well-being. And she's occasionally employed to sort out the diets of individual explorers on big missions; she was part of the DHL Everest 40 expedition in 1993 when Rebecca Stephens became the first British woman to reach the top.

Nutrionist and Author Dr Chris Fenn, at Everest. Image: Chris Fenn

I'd probably balk at having a nutritionist along for the ride, imagining she'd be advocating a diet of rehydrated mush. But Chris takes a holistic look at the explorers and their challenges; and her diet plans are conceived as much to feed the soul as the muscles, “You need a mix of fat, carbohydrate and protein to provide a psychological boost. You're not just fuelling the body but the mind as well.”

Chris advocates fresh food, and allows dairy, as well as some less nutritional treats. Some examples of the kind of foods that she has hoiked up to base camp are pepperoni, muesli bars, marzipan and ginger cake. And on one expedition she carried 1000 eggs so fresh omelettes could be whipped up at base camp and beyond. She takes into account the personal preferences of her high energy clients; if like us they're partial to biscuits it's her job to find a tasty alternative that improves the quality of their diet and their performance.

Diet can mean the difference between success or failure

She points to Scott's failed attempt to claim the South Pole back in 1912 as an example of food really mattering. “They made a lot of mistakes. One of these was their diet of mashed up meat known as hoosh, biscuits, butter, tea, cocoa, flour and sugar. Not only was it uninspiring but their calorie count was way too low. The body craves fat in the Arctic and Antarctic. They were starving, and would have had a vitamin B and C deficiency. In my opinion that's one of the reasons they failed.”

For client Pen Hadow's 440 mile walk to the North Pole Chris developed a butter soup to give him a physical and psychological boost, “The biggest challenge was to stop it freezing,” she says.

Nutrionist and Author Dr Chris Fenn. Image: Chris Fenn

So, what should we eat to cycle tour in Iceland?

So in the cool but not frozen climate of Iceland in summer, what food would Chris advise for us when we bike around it? “Being a small island, most of which is covered in volcanic ash or bubbling thermal springs, not much food is grown locally.”she says.

But there is good news, “There is plenty of fish, and pickled herring and salmon (gravlax) is one of Iceland’s traditional foods. Enjoy an open sandwich made with salmon and rye bread." I visualise myself trying to persuade the kids to eat something called gravlax.

It won't just be fish on Friday

"The fish will provide plenty of protein for working muscles," explains Chris, "which need a bit of maintenance to repair the normal wear and tear after a day of cycling. These fish are also excellent sources of omega 3 fats, which have a range of essential functions in the body including roles in muscle metabolism and energy release. Most people, who rely on processed foods, are deficient in these essential fats which can lead to muscle soreness and inflamed joints." I've always put muscle soreness down to the fact I'm hauling a three stone toddler up a mountain on the back of my tandem, but perhaps it's too many jaffa cakes and not enough gravlax. We do however usually compensate for the jaffa junk with plenty of bananas.

Not fresh fruit but fruit soup

However, Chris has some mixed news on that front. "Since fresh fruit will be expensive, and not widely available, the alternative is another Icelandic treat – fruit 'soup'. This is made from a mixture of dried fruits, which are soaked overnight, cooked, and served hot. Enjoy this with some natural yoghurt to give a boost of carbohydrate packaged with a range of vitamins and minerals.” Now I might just be able to cajole the kids into a fruity cup-a-soup. Maybe Stuart too.

Hurrah for ketchup

Luckily for our kids, Chris is a fan of ketchup to brighten up a meal. She has two stipulations; it must be Heinz and there must be lots of it. And me? I'm happy to tuck into that pack of butter. With or without bread.

Ever been to Iceland? Anything else you'd recommend for our diet. Click comments below and let us know.

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'Let's all go on a bear hunt:' 12 Family Adventure Ideas from the Adventure Travel Show

noreply@blogger.com (Kirstie (Family Adventure Project)) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:24:00 +0000

There are so many adventure options for families these days

'Let's all go on a bear hunt....'
12 Adventure Ideas from the Adventure Travel Show

Are you up for breaking a zorb ball record or snorkelling a shipwreck? Fancy spending time tracking a bear, or your dad? Want to draw an elephant, or paddle a stinky?

If you have a family of budding explorers who don't want to settle for package holidays and boring weekends in front of the TV, then here's a few ideas for an adventure you can do together. From no cost outings that take just a few hours, to blow-your-life-savings voyages of discovery, we hope you'll find something here for you, or just something that might get you thinking...

Day trips and low cost adventures

1. Wreck snorkelling, pier snorkelling and shark snorkelling...

Snorkelling is a great low cost way to explore another world. Image: Jo Barton

You don't need tons of diving equipment and oodles of lessons to see under the sea. Instead, spend a few coins investing in some snorkels and take the family on a tour of the coast they'll never have done before. Adventure sportsman Andy Torbet climbs and dives all over the world, but enjoys an easy adventure in his own backyard. He recommends Dorset's Kimmeridge Bay for those new to the underwater world; a specific snorkel trail where families can potter around exploring the sea habitat within five buoys. He also suggests heading off to Devon to find a shipwreck to explore; you can see round some of them without even leaving the surface of the water. British Piers are another great fun, accessible adventure, “They're natural artificial reefs, with masses of wildlife.” He'd also point families towards river snorkeling and says the Dart is a good place to start. He's spent time snorkelling around basking sharks, but says that's not for the faint hearted, “Anyone who says getting into the water with a 25 foot shark isn't adventurous is mad,” laughs the man who makes a living in flippers.

2. Making a splash breaking a record...

On the subject of water, Andy suggests exploring it in some unconventional ways. Why not rent a sit on top kayak and go explore some coastline. If you take a snorkel and find a wreck exposed at low tide you could have a right proper multi activity adventure.

Why not combine sit on top kayaking and snorkelling. Image: Dan Bolt

If you choose a strange enough craft, you may even set a new record. To the best of his knowledge no one has yet set a record for doing the famous Wye 100 in a Zorb ball or on a stand up paddle board. “If you do the Wye 100 in one of those I'll buy you a beer,” he jokes. He believes that wherever you are in the world the only limit to adventure is your imagination; “Adventure projects don't need to be in wild places, they just need a bit of lateral thinking.”

If you don't want to be absorbed by a Zorb, then why don't you think up your own record breaking attempt. You don't need to get Guinness involved; unless it's in a pint at the end of the day.

3. Playing private detective..

One of our current fave activities on a walk is to split up into two groups, with one half of the family trying to follow the other without being seen. It's a mixture of grandmother's footsteps and Mission Impossible, with everyone making a really bad job of pretending to be a tree. We did it in London's Kew Garden recently. Stuart tried to disguise himself as a badger sett. Everyone spotted him.

4. Geo-caching a city

Geocache city sightseeing. Fun, free and who knows where you'll end up.

We self guided our way around Krakow by geocache. This activity is ideal for those travelling light in a city as it does away with the need for a guide book. We saw most of the regular sights and found a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow in a local bookshop. But we've also geocached our way around small villages. All you need is a phone and some small helpers, and while you do look a little wierd staring at a wall for hours on end in a rural backwater, it's a small price to pay for finding treasure.

Medium sized escapes

5. Getting arty on an African safari.

Lion, by Mary-Anne Bartlett, Artist/Director, Art Safari. Image: Mary-Anne Bartlett

“How do you get a lion to stand still while you draw it,” is my question to artist Mary-Anne Bartlett, who runs Art Safari. The simple answer is you don't. But that shouldn't stop you putting pencil to paper and capturing the essence of lion. If you're short of lions round your parts then talk to Mary-Anne as she runs trips to all sorts of wild places. This is a safari with a difference for any family with a creative streak. But if you're in the UK this spring and summer and not sure whether to take the leap, you can join her at London Zoo for a sketching workshop, a fun day of artwork and animals. All you need is a few hours, a pencil and a picnic.

6. Going in search of a bear! Where? Right there! Errr...

The Slovakian High Tatras... this is bear country

Prefer to stalk a bear than sketch a cheetah? Families Worldwide can take you to Slovakia to see brown bears in the wild, following footprints and tree markings and staying in a ranger's cottage in the Tatra Mountains. Are you up for a walk on the wild side, walking with bears? We bet your kids are. And all you need is two feet and a good pair of boots. But remember, this is no teddy bear's picnic.

7. Getting stinky on the rapids..

At the right age and in the right environment, white water journeys are family possibilities
Image: Water by Nature

This is one for families that like an adrenaline rush. Water by Nature are specialists in white water rafting the world over. And families are welcome too on their family rafting adventures in Morocco, exploring the many hidden canyons and kasbahs and paddling rapids like 'wee stinky' and 'cheeky monkey.' Adorable. Unless it really is stinky.

8. Volunteering for a Madventure..

You might think volunteering abroad is for gap year students or empty nesters. But no, the people at Madventurer are just as keen to help volunteer minded families connect with people and projects to help make a difference. If you've got a family, a medium sized budget and a big conscience they can help you head out to one of nine destinations including Uganda. But it's not all work work work; while you're there you can have an an overland adventure with one of their experienced guides.

9. Climbing to the sun

Climbing in the High Tatras. But you don't need to go there. There's great stuff in the Costa Brava!

The tour operator Rock and Sun does exactly what it says on the tin; showing you how to climb in sunnier climes. Instruction is available for any level and there's a wide range of destinations to choose from. If you haven't done much in the way of scaling rocks before, they recommend a family toddle up a rock or two in Costa Brava. Somewhere beneath you the people of Benidorm and other resorts lie baking in the midday sun, while you get a foothold into heaven.

Once in a lifetime blow outs

10. A different type of bear hunt - Polar bear spotting in the Arctic

Anyone for family polar bear spotting... at a safe distance. Image: Aqua Firma Tours

Imagine the bright white of the glaciers and icebergs; in a land where the four legs are better than two. Imagine a family voyage on a small ice strengthened ship. Imagine going off in an inflatable boat, binoculars at hand, to see the wild wonders of the Arctic. How could you not feel like an explorer? Aqua Firma tours are all about wilderness, water and wildlife. But although they take you on an icy tour they give family groups a warm welcome to the Arctic; and can sort out extra activities from dog sledding to snow shoeing. Our advice is if you see a polar bear, don't stop to give it a hug.

11. Travelling the world on a tuk tuk

If you've done Asia, you've probably done a tuk tuk. But I bet you've never considered going round the world on one? We haven't either. But these guys have; they're setting out in September on a 70,000 mile navigation of the world. Here's a pic of us sitting in their new best friend. You can follow their Tuk Tuk Travels online, donate to their cause, or go hire one for yourself and see the world the tuk tuk way.

12. Motoring to Mongolia

Don't fancy trying your luck luck in a tuk tuk? Then how about piling everyone into an old car and setting out for Mongolia. The Mongol Rally is an enticing drive for adventurous motorists; 10,000 miles beginning in England or Czech Republic and finishing in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. And with no upper age limit on drivers, there's no excuse for Grandad to opt out. The idea is to set off (and hopefully finish) in a totally unsuitable vehicle but our Ford Mondeo probably wouldn't go the distance. So we're thinking of doing it on tandems. No, really we are. Now which way is Mongolia?

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Imagine an Adventure Island...

noreply@blogger.com (Kirstie (Family Adventure Project)) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 10:47:00 +0000

Blowing pond bubbles with straws made from reeds

We knew the kids gap hour was going well when they rang up and asked for extra time. At least they didn’t ask for money. They may have missed Adventure Dad Charley Boorman's talk but they came back laden with leaflets, stickers, sweets and their own ideas for incredible adventures. Relaxing in London’s Kew Gardens the morning after the Adventure Travel Show the inspiration was still flowing, and not just in our kids.

We head over to Kew’s giant badger sett with some friends and their kids. It’s a crisp winter’s day and the adults relax while the children chatter away, throwing pine cone grenades before blowing pond bubbles with straws made from reeds. They are all full of ideas. Our friend’s daughter is in a particularly creative flow, explaining to Stuart how she'd make Britain a more adventurous, exciting place, if she was in charge of design. Her plans include a musical escalator up and around the moon, roads and bridges that play tunes when cars drive over them, and recycling bins that spit at you if you put in the wrong materials. “I like things that teach people stuff,” she explains.

When we get back home, our own kids are inspired by her creativity. They each take a pen and draw their own Adventure Island.

Hannah's island

Hannah's island: Purple of light and sun

Hannah's island is called Purple of light and sun. The inhabitants of her island are more fortunate than ours; there is only one village and one school; no problems with getting siblings a place. It has some unusual features too; special raindrops you bounce around in, and a farm where rabbits sheep and donkeys live without any racial tension. “There's a swirly whirly forest, and a magic volcano you can climb. And it has a rainbow at the end. Every fun island has a rainbow at the end.”

Matthew's island

Matthew's Island: "You have to do it all on your own"

Matthew's island is more hard-core. “You come in on a white water raft and go to the farmhouse like normal. Then the floor drops away and you are thrown into a pod. If you are not worthy to be in the pod you are ejected out into the sea.” I ask who isn't worthy? “People who steal ideas,” he replies. “Then after you climb up a tree you are on a Go Ape course, where a catapult fires you to the place you want to see next.” This might involve a bit of white water zorbing or a blast around a giant playground almost as big as a mountain. “And you know what? You have to do it all on your own!”

Cameron's island

Cameron's Island: "A kind of giant life map"

Cameron's island is more esoteric; “A kind of giant life map,” he explains. Endangered animals are protected here, with several habitats just for them. If you want to live on it you stay in a house of the future that resembles a rocket ship, but you have to share this house with a wise old man who knows all the secrets of the future. “But if you get bored of him you can go to the cuboid gelatinous cliffs and have a bounce instead,” says Cameron. In the centre of it all is luck; a special wheel that you are allowed to spin once a year. Depending on where it lands, it gives you gear, a monkey, some mountain climbing, or a free adventure experience. “I like the monkey best. Yeh. I'd want the monkey,” Cameron grins.

We all stand back and study the islands. No one has designed a TV to be part of their adventure island. No one has put in a mall. There aren't any big mansions or cars to speak of. There are no Wii's or Xboxes.

Their version of Great Britain is swathed in purple sunlight. It has giant playgrounds and jelly cliffs. You are guaranteed a lucky break once a year but it won't bring you fortune; just a hike up a mountain or a monkey. It has a wise man but no idea thieves. If you aren't worthy you get chucked into the sea, if you’re lucky you’ll be in a white water zorb. If they combine it with their friend's island, you will also be able to take an escalator to the moon.

Even though we live in the UK's Adventure Capital, it can't compete with this wondrous combination. I think I want to move.

What would be in your Adventure Island? We'd love to hear your thoughts and comments. Click comments below and tell us what you think.

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The Adventure Man: Interview with Cumbria Tourism about Adventure Capital UK

noreply@blogger.com (Kirstie (Family Adventure Project)) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 20:49:00 +0000

Cumbria Tourism Adventure Capital of the UK Campaign
Image: Ben Barden courtesy of Cumbria Tourism. Sign: Steve Messam

Think of Cumbria and you think of adventure, right? Well if you don't, you soon will as this iconic county in the north of England is pushing with all its might to be the UK's Adventure Capital. Achieving and living up to this brand has long been a mission, ambition and passion for many working in tourism in the Lake District and surrounding areas. But what does it mean and is it delivering on its claim? We meet Richard Greenwood, Cumbria Tourism's Head of Policy and Research, to find out more about the enterprise and how it's going….

The Adventure Man

We know Richard Greenwood is into the Cumbrian Adventure Capital idea because it's printed on his jacket. It's also plastered over most of the documents and folders in his room. For the last few years this man has been living and breathing adventure. It doesn't mean he comes to work on a zip wire, or spends his lunchtimes scrambling up scree, although he can see the rolling hills of Kentmere from his office window. For him it means talking with outdoor providers, meetings with funders and partners, and surveys with the public in order to deliver the best possible experience to the millions of grown-ups and children who use Cumbria and The Lake District as a playground.

What we've come to find out from Richard is what an Adventure Capital is, and what it means for people like us. We've been skiing in Perthshire (the Adventure Capital of Scotland), and we've biked around New Zealand's Queenstown (the Adventure Capital of the World), so we've seen for ourselves what an Adventure Capital brand can do for a town or region. But is it about chasing the tourist pound and creating jobs for marketing people, is it about providing ground breaking adventure for all, or is it about something more?

Richard Greenwood, Head of Policy & Research, Cumbria Tourism.
Image Credit: Richard Greenwood

We want to offer the ultimate in exciting, accessible experiences for all...

For the last few years Richard has been working on pulling together and developing all the different adventure activities and facilities the county has to offer. In the long term he wants the 'Adventure Capital of the UK' to offer the ultimate in exciting, accessible experiences for all abilities and age groups. “We began in 2008 with a number of discussions with the outdoor industries. We were trying to find out how we could grow the Lake District as a place for outdoor adventure. What were the growth sports in the outdoors that we could improve? And where were the facilities? You won't be surprised to hear it was cycling and walking and water sports.” While he says the real meat of Adventure Capital is in the landscape, they also had to address what could be done indoors, “Even I have to accept that it rains here sometimes,” he smiles.

It was immediately clear that one of the priorities was infrastructure and they worked hard with providers and authorities to improve what they had and come up with ideas for more, “Over last four to five years there have been significant investments in climbing walls in Ambleside and Keswick. Kendal has also had about half a million in investment and the climbing wall there is possibly the best in the North of England,” Richard points out. For people who like heights, the high wires at Whinlatter and Grizedale are a big draw, and there are plans for another at Brockhole.

Access and activities are already improving

He mentions new mountain biking runs in Grizedale and plans for a new family friendly cycling trail in Whinlatter for 2012. “Volunteers are putting in the new downhill run in Grizedale as we speak. So there's been real growth in those areas.”

Richard argues it's a lot easier to access water sports in Cumbria than it used to be, “There are some fantastic places at Coniston, Ambleside and Brockhole. These days you can just turn up and hire a canoe or get windsurfing lessons and that's not something that was available years ago.” He tells us one of the jewels in the crown, if it gets up and running, will be a new indoor adventure centre in Cleator Moor on the West Coast, “It would be a fantastic regeneration tool for West Cumbria.”

Photo: Ennerdale Water, Western Cumbria
Adventure Capital may have a part to play in helping regenerate West Cumbria

Adventure hubs will help 'first time' adventurers

One of the main aims of project is to make outdoor adventure more accessible, especially for first-timers. “We needed to make it all more bookable from a distance. This is happening now with the help of two or three companies like Destination Cumbria. They act as brokers; offering an interface between individuals and providers,” Richard explains. “This is quite important because a lot of the experience providers are lifestyle businesses. They are very small businesses and they often don't want to grow into something very large and profitable; they just want to be out there.” Richard points out that alongside virtual hubs there are also new ‘adventure hubs’ on the street; in Keswick and Ambleside. “Ambleside Adventure Peaks is the way of things to come. It's an outdoor shop with equipment and kit but you can book a trip to Kathmandu or all the way up Everest, at the same time as booking a slot on the climbing wall.”

We need to balance thrill seekers with hill seekers

A constant debate in the local press and communities is how much Cumbria should embrace the thrill seekers and how best to manage conflicts that can arise between development and environmental or other impacts. This chatter reached a peak lately with proposals for a zip wire in Honister. “Is there a happy medium between high adrenaline sport and hill walkers and tranquility seekers?” says Richard. “Well our view is that there's room for both. I wouldn't like to see the Lake District being transformed quite the way Queenstown has been but there is room for some quite high profile stuff. We're talking to an operator about a Tarzan swing at the moment to see if there's a good site for something like that. We think if the Lake District is going to attract a young more vibrant audience then it needs a few of those things; some real headline grabbers.”

The beautiful fells don't make for the easiest cycling, but there is easier cycling around too

We want families and dabblers to come and explore

There is also a significant amount of work going on to attract the less hard core adventurers, such as families and 'dabblers' - those who just want to dip their toes into adventure; those who aren't really sure where to start. Richard says he sees the family market as a real growth area. “We've set out to make it all easier to book, and more accessible for people to get to. Cumbria traditionally hasn't been fantastic for family cycling so there's work going on around Thirlmere. We want to convince everyone that it's a case of adventure for all. And that might just be armchair adventure. The Kendal Mountain Film Festival is actually about sitting there and getting excited by everybody else's exploits.”

And armchair adventurers are welcome too

Events like the Mountain Film Festival are another strong part of the Adventure Capital offering, “You'll have seen the meteoric rise of the Great North Swim which grew in three years from 1,200 competitors to over 10,000. For every competitor there are two or three friends and family that come with them, so they have quite a good impact in terms of attracting visitors,” says Richard.

Unsurprisingly Cumbria Tourism's driving force is to grow the visitor economy but Richard says there are other reasons to follow this path, “The NHS are on the steering group because they're interested in the health benefits. Sport England and Active Cumbria are interested because it’s about increasing participation in sport. The District Council are involved because of the increased opportunities for local people to get out and about. And the National Park Authority are interested because it gets people out enjoying the landscape.”

Photo: Looking out to Piel Island, South Lakeland
Cumbria's varied landscape means scope for incredibly varied adventures too

Ultimately the Adventure Capital brand is about looking to the future. “Our regular visitors come here for landscape and tranquillity. They are incredibly loyal but they are getting older and we do need to think ahead about the families and the young.”

He left me wondering...

Having spent an hour talking with Richard, I'm left with a few questions which we hope to explore in the coming months. Are the iconic hills destined to be filled with the scent of adrenaline and the sound of Tarzan calls? Will young people and families make it their first choice for tripping, toddling, pedalling and paddling? Will armchair adventurers find the perfect spot to graze on popcorn and live vicariously? Is the tranquil, traditional British Lake District up to the job of being a world class Adventure Capital? Watch this space or let us know what you think.

Download Press Release about our Family Adventure Capital Season

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An early gap year for the kids?

noreply@blogger.com (Kirstie (Family Adventure Project)) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 08:30:00 +0000

There's a big wide world out there.. but are we ready to let them explore it?

Sending your kids off on a gap year is a rite of passage for any parent. The dramatic goodbye, the niggling irrational fear they'll get snatched, lost, robbed or pickled in alcohol. The hope they won't fall for an Aussie and want to relocate halfway across the world, mixed with the hope they won't boomerang straight back home afterwards with debt and dirty washing.

It's something I've been bracing myself for. But I have to admit I didn't expect my kids to be doing a gap year aged 6, 9 and 10.

Oh, did I say a gap year? Sorry I meant gap hour. But at the rate we're going we may just make it ten minutes, with us following them around like private detectives.

They're old enough to go it alone, aren't they?

For a change it's my idea: we should let them go a few years early.
“You know we're going to the Adventure Travel Show this weekend? Well if it's anything like the last travel show I went to, the whole world will be laid out in regions in one room. How cool would it be for the kids if we let them go off and explore the globe for an hour?”

At first Stuart is enthusiastic. “A mini version of a gap year, that's a good idea.” He instantly sees the opportunity for learning mixed with fun, but then the usual argument about freedom and risk starts to rear its well-travelled head. But this time our roles are reversed. I’m pushing for them to get out there on a big adventure while Stuart's more cautious.

What possible risks are there here?

But as usual we see things differently

I don't get it. This is a man who took the kids out cycling in the dark last week, on icy roads! “I'll admit conditions were challenging that night,” he says. “But they were challenging in a very controlled way. The children had day-glo yellow jackets on. They rode close with me as outrider to stop anything coming too close. We know those roads like the back of our hand. But sending them off around Olympia is a far more risky proposition.”

“Rubbish. They'll stay together. I'll give them a phone. We'll have a meeting point.”

“But they won't be with you. You can't control the risks. You can't spot the danger. Olympia is huge. You'll be somewhere having a latte and you won't have any idea what's going on.”

I mean how safe is this for example?

How come we don't see eye to eye on risk?

Ok, I'll admit the latte bit is true. But we never see eye to eye on risk. I love the outdoors and want my kids to be out there at every possible moment, but I'm also very conflicted about it. To me the big wide world is a dangerous beast that needs to be watched in case it gets ugly. As with many deep seated attitudes, this is rooted in childhood. I was a late starter when we came to the outdoors as my mother had a deep suspicion of anything that went higher than the ring road of Great Orme. Brought up a northern wuss, I still fear an icy path means a broken leg and bungee jumping is surely death on a rope. That doesn't mean I won't do these things, I just have a voice in my head that says 'suspicious item in the bagging area.'

If Stuart’s taking the kids out anywhere involving fresh air and a packed lunch I always try to give him a full briefing on not letting the children die. Of course I know he has their interests at heart as much as I do. He's experienced outdoors, has good skills, first aid training, can handle most water vessels and is generally a pretty responsible guy. But he will push them further to the edge than I ever would. And he’ll push them faster. I am up for risky stuff, but sometimes have to be talked into it, or have a coffee while I'm making up my mind.

He's always the one to push things that little but further and faster..

Should we or shouldn't we?

But an Adventure Travel Show? That's indoors isn't it? Nothing could possibly happen indoors where there's cushions instead of sharp bits, information instead of insects and electric lights instead of the sun and the rain. Who ever got lost in an electric light storm?

Stuart rolls his eyes. The gap hour shrinks and then expands as we continue to debate whether we should send our well travelled tribe off around the globe without us.

What will it be like when they are eighteen?

Want to find out what happened?

Read Imagine an Adventure Island

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Do you struggle to assess risks objectively? Do you have different views on risks to your partner? We'd love to hear your comments. Click comments below and tell us what you think.

Announcing our Family Adventure Capital Season

noreply@blogger.com (Kirstie (Family Adventure Project)) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 16:32:00 +0000

Image: Cumbria Tourism, Ben Barden. Sign: Steve Messam

Cumbria is the UK's Capital of Adventure. Or so it claims. But it's not just a claim, it’s a long term project which aims to attract outdoor, adventure-minded people to the county, give them world class opportunities to adventure when they get here, and encourage them to spend their dollars, pounds and euros while they're out and about.

But what does being an 'Adventure Capital' actually mean? And what can this iconic landscape that has inspired everything from poets to climbers, offer a wealth of diverse age groups with all their different needs and demands?

Over the next year we're on a mission to find out. And as a family oriented site, we'll be concentrating on what the UK's Adventure Capital can offer families. Yes that's everything from Granny to the newborns. No pressure then, Cumbria as we launch our Family Adventure Capital UK season!

The Cumbrian Fells? Family Adventure Capital UK?

We'll be chatting to adventure providers about what they do for a living, but also what they like to do for fun and bringing you their personal tips on the very best adventures for families visiting Cumbria.

We'll be talking to the people who came up with the initiative and those who are driving it through. We'll be finding out what they think an Adventure Capital is, what it takes to be one, why it matters and trying to unearth who the competition is.

Derwent Water Freezes - A once in a lifetime walk?

We'll be exploring how you can book your adventures, how easy it is to access them, how much value for money they offer and ultimately if they're any fun.

And of course we fully intend to have a go ourselves throughout the year, at activities we haven't tried before and a few of those we have, reporting back on what it's like to adventure in different ways.

To kick off the season, we'll be cycling across the county on the famous C2C (coast to coast) route during February, blogging about some of the people, places and passions we find along the way. We'll start with our toes in the Irish Sea and end with them in the North Sea which seems an adventurous enough proposition in the middle of winter even without the cycling in between.

On the fells, on the water, indoors, outdoors, the options are endless

Whether you're first time family adventurers, family adventure addicts or more inclined to adventure from your armchair, we'll be inviting you to get involved as the season develops.

Cumbria may have England's five tallest mountains and its deepest and largest lakes, it might even be the Adventure Capital of the UK; but we want to know is it the Family Adventure Capital?

Read our Adventure Capital Season posts

Download Press Release about Family Adventure Capital Season

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Interview with Adventure Dad Charley Boorman

noreply@blogger.com (Kirstie (Family Adventure Project)) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:29:00 +0000

Adventure Rider and Dad Charley Boorman
Extreme Frontiers: Racing Across Canada from Newfoundland to the Rockies

In the second post of our Adventure Parents series, actor and TV presenter Charley Boorman explains how his upbringing shaped his lifelong sense of adventure. Charley is an enthusiastic and experienced world traveller and his passion for adventure can be seen in his many best selling TV documentaries. But his love of the outdoors and his appetite for challenge isn't just for the cameras; it's also an important part of his family life, and has been since he was a child. Charley will be speaking about some of his adventures at the Daily Telegraph Adventure Show next weekend, but I got in touch with him in advance to ask what led to him becoming an Adventure Dad....

Adventure Dad Charley Boorman

I didn't know much about Charley before I wrote this, apart from that he's bike mad and big buddies with Ewan McGregor. When I first saw him on TV in Long Way Round, I thought he was just a showbiz pal and Obi-Wan Kenobe groupie. But having seen a few of his series it's clear he is a genuine action man and has a real adventurous spirit. And when I found out he was also an adventurous Dad I started to really warm to this guy.

For anyone who hasn't been following his career, Charley Boorman first burst on the small screen in 2004 travelling by motorbike from London to New York with actor Ewan McGregor in Long Way Round. It couldn't have been easy competing for camera attention with a Hollywood film star but it soon became apparent that Charley was also a bit of Jedi in training, as he coped with the many ups and downs of the difficult journey. He followed that by competing in the 2006 Dakar Rally; one of the most dangerous and demanding motor races on earth. Undaunted by injury, he embarked on another journey with McGregor, this time going the Long Way Down; from John O' Groats to Cape Town. Two more big adventures followed when he travelled solo 'By Any Means' from Ireland to Sydney, and then a year later, Right to the Edge by any means, from Sydney to Tokyo.

Charley is now seen by many as one of the modern faces of TV adventuring. It's a nice job if you can get it; earning a salary for being a global action man, and many young people today would sell their granny and her pension for that kind of exposure. But when he started his TV career, Charley wasn't just a wannabe celebrity and he wasn't new to the cameras. Although we hadn't seen his face much on the small screen before Long Way Round, he was a child star of the big screen and had already spend much of his life moving around the world.

My father installed that want to travel
Charley puts his love of travel down in part to his upbringing, “I feel very lucky in the fact that due to my father's work as a film director I had the opportunity to travel from an early age all around the world on location for films such as Deliverance, Excalibur, Hope and Glory and Emerald Forest.” Charley explains. “I think he was the one that really installed that want to travel and I've been doing it ever since. I never dreamed that I would get to continue travelling as much as I have and I'm so grateful that I've been able to.”

Charley Boorman in By Any Means. Image: www.charleyboorman.com

Adventure's an extremely important part of family life
It isn't just travel that fires Charley up. As a child he was encouraged to ride and race motorcross cycles and he still rides a motorbike on a daily basis. He is seen in many circles as 'the adventure rider.' In turn, Charley has nurtured a love of bikes and the outdoors in his own daughters; Doone and Kinvara. “Adventure is an extremely important part of family life! My wife Olivia is pretty gung-ho and the girls are generally up for anything. They love dirt bikes and my family come to meet me at the end of my trips so they can see what I've been up to and we can embark on our own adventures together.”

Don't be mean, write the cheque and let them go
As a strong believer in the power of adventure and its positive impact on family life, Charley would encourage any parents of teenagers to let them explore the world, even if it means paying for it, “Hundreds of kids are convincing their parents to let them go on gap years all over the world and you never hear much about any bad things that go on. There's the occasional bizarre story but most of the people in the world are nice.” he says. “By travelling to America or Africa or Indonesia or wherever they may choose, they will come back with a much more rounded and realistic view of what's going on around the world. So don't be mean, write the cheque and let them go.”

Charley will be speaking at next week's Daily Telegraph Adventure Travel show. If you're in the area, why not pop down and see this all-modern Adventure Dad in action.

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Daily Telegraph Adventure Travel Show Director gives us the lowdown on next weekend's show

noreply@blogger.com (Kirstie (Family Adventure Project)) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 21:09:00 +0000

UK adventurers are setting their compasses for London Olympia this weekend to head for the Daily Telegraph Adventure Travel Show. Explorers of this annual travel fest stand to discover all kinds of adventure holiday and gap year expedition ideas, get a taste of exotic destinations and adventurous activities, and hear tales from celebrity explorers. Oh, and we'll be there too, checking out what's on offer to adventure seeking families. Having got a family ticket I spoke to the show Director Martin Anslow to find out what he has in store for us.

When I tell the kids we’re going to an adventure show in London they don't seem that excited, until I mention that Nick Hewer is scheduled to give a talk.

“Nick's going to be there? Then I'm up for it. I love The Apprentice.”

“Me too. It's better than Sherlock. Will Sherlock Holmes be there too? That would be well-awesome.”

I remind them 221b Baker Street is miles from Olympia, and that Sherlock is a fictional character. There’s a brief pause while they digest this and then the questions come.

“It’s all about adventure right? So there’ll be loads of people, like, bungee jumping from the ceiling? Won’t there? Can we bungee jump?”

I tell them it's likely to be slightly more ground based.

“What about those water bomb things?”

And slightly less water based.

Can I roller skate around it then?”

“Well it doesn't say you can't....”

In truth I know they'll love it, with or without roller skates. Unlike big travel trade shows like World Travel Market, this is aimed at the public and there are talks and stalls to suit every taste, kids included. And what's not to like about hundreds of adventure enthusiasts gathered together for a great big indoor chat about outdoor fun?

From stalls telling you what to do and where to go, to talks on how to write about and photograph your experiences, the show’s all about stimulating the imagination and demonstrating how you can maximise use of your precious time off. It's about tailoring adventure to your dreams and your budget. It's about speaking to people who know their stuff, and booking a holiday or gap year that's right for you. Whether you're a volunteer or pioneer, whether you've ambitions to bond with locals or turtles, organiser Martin Anslow thinks there should be something tucked away in a corner of the exhibition hall for you.

Martin, who has been running the show for fifteen years, says the event works because it's smaller and more intimate than other travel shows. “The Adventure Travel Show is a group of people with the same mentality coming together in one place. It's a very focussed show profiling small operators who cover the whole spectrum of experiences. They are specialists in their subject and their geographical area, and they know their products inside out.”

While the companies may be small, the experiences they offer aren’t. There’s an exhaustive and potentially exhausting range that spans the world and covers everything from white water rafting to wild animal watching. Martin says the show has changed a lot over the years reflecting both boom times and recessions. He believes people are still spending money on travel but these days they're looking for a purer experience, something that feels unpackaged. “People are willing to pay for a more natural experience and there are quite a lot of upmarket brands that are offering people trips to untouched parts of the world. People haven't got months to spend researching these places and want someone to help them set their trip up. These guys know how to get you from A to B, they know where to go, what to see and what to skip.”

With two boys of his own, age six and seven, Martin is looking forward to trying some of the family experiences his show offers in the future, “My children are now at the age where they're starting to understand things more. Before now I tended to take them to places where the activities were laid on,” he tells me. That's not to say his children aren't well travelled having been snorkelling in the Red Sea, Mauritius and The Maldives.

For Martin one of the highlights of the show is the raft of inspirational speakers including Ben Fogle, James Cracknell and Annabelle Bond, “Many of them have gone off and done things no one else would do. They give it a buzz. It's a nice neat show where every single company or individual involved relates to adventurous travel.”

If you'd like to find out more about what's available for families at the show, we'll be looking into the goings on at Olympia and posting news and ideas here on our blog. If you'd like us to check out something for you, then drop us a tweet or let us know via Facebook.

Or if you're in London, why not join us for our investigation into the world of adventure, especially if your name is Sherlock Holmes.

More from the Adventure Travel Show

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Is your marriage worth a flitch of bacon?

noreply@blogger.com (Kirstie (Family Adventure Project)) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 20:30:00 +0000

Would you let judge and jury decide if your marriage is worth a flitch of bacon?
Image: Dunmow Flitch

Can you honestly say in the last year you haven't wished you married somebody else? Is your marriage worth a flitch of bacon? Something Stuart gave me today has got me wondering.

It's not like ours was a shotgun wedding. It took Stuart and I thirteen years to get married. And our engagement, when it finally happened, was a protracted string of negotiations rather than a romantic proposal. He said he would do it, but only if I agreed to quit my job and cycle South America on a nine month honeymoon. I did.

I said I would do it, but only if we could have five kids. We didn't. Not yet. And not likely.

He said he would do it, but only if we made a lifestyle change. We did.

And I said I would do it, but only if I didn't ever have to iron one of his shirts. And to this day we don't have an iron.

On our wedding day we established our own recipe for happiness.

On the whole I think this marriage thing has worked well. Maybe because we work to make our family life as adventurous as we can. Maybe because we stepped away from the treadmill of city life to make time for family life. Maybe because we share similar values. Or maybe it's just because we're too old to squabble. To be honest it's not something I've analysed much, until this morning when Stuart forwards me an e-mail offering half a pig in return for a true and public declaration of our devotion.

He knew I'd fall for it because he knows how much I love bacon. Especially the crispy, streaky variety. If we're not having a sausage sunrise, there's nothing better than a bacon butty on a Saturday morning. But half a pig? That's a lot of butties. At first I thought he was offering me half a pig, not exactly romantic but thoughtful. But it's not a gift, it's not even a given. It's a prize in a competition. I feel a bit duped. But then reading on the competition sounds dead easy to win. All we have to do is convince a court in Essex that we're Mr and Mrs Happily Married.

I should perhaps make it clear that this isn't your typical British court, filled with naughty boys on speeding charges and tabloid phone hackers. This is a special court only convened every four years in Great Dunmow in Essex. Couples from anywhere in the world who believe they are happily married can apply for the chance to be awarded a flitch of bacon, which I learn is half a pig. To qualify they have to swear under oath that for a year and a day they haven't had a quarrel or regretted getting hitched. If they can convince the court they're not telling porkies, then they're on for butties for at least a month and a day. The more I read the more I'm convinced the bacon's in the bag.

A flitch of bacon (left) is awarded to the happiest couple. Image: Dunmow Flitch

These 'trials' have been going on for a while. It apparently started in 1104 (some years before Tesco started doing Finest streaky) when the Lord of the Manor Reginald Fitzwalter and his wife had been married a year and a day. They dressed as peasants and went to ask the Prior for a blessing. He was so impressed by their love and devotion that he gave them a flitch of bacon. (Half a pig if you dozed off earlier). Fitzwalter then gave his land to the Priory on the condition that a flitch should be awarded to any couple who could prove they were similarly devoted in the future.

Couples must declare on oath how happy they are. Image: Dunmow Flitch

"This is ours for the taking," I say to Stuart. But he points out the small print. I never read the small print. For the modern day trials there's a court presided over by a judge, with counsel representing the claimants and opposing counsel representing the flitch donors. There is a jury of six maidens and six bachelors, a clerk of the court to record the proceedings and an usher to maintain order. During the last trials in 2008, only four couples qualified for the flitch, including a visiting couple from Nashville.

I tell Stuart we should enter anyway as I think our marriage is strong enough to be tested in a court of law. After all it's been tested in many ways, in many countries with our many kids on our many adventures.

He laughs. “You're always saying you regret marrying me.”

“I'm not.”

“You are. All the time. And you won't convince a court of law you've never fancied David Beckham."

Hmm. He has a point. There are tensions in our marriage that wouldn't be too hard for an experienced interrogator of love to find out.

But even if we decide not to enter, you could. Anyone can, well if you're hitched and think your relationship can stand public scrutiny. If you're interested, the Dunmow Flitch Trials will be held this year on 14th July but entries must be in by 29th February. Or if you don't think your relationship is up to it yet, you've got four years to work on it before the next round in 2016.

I tell Stuart I really do think we should do it.

“Nah,”he replies, “I'm a vegetarian.”

“I know.” I sigh. “I wish I'd married a carnivore.”

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I can't wash away this winter restlessness

noreply@blogger.com (Stuart (Family Adventure Project)) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 21:51:00 +0000

There’s an icy crack underfoot, then silence. No other footsteps today but mine. I’m not far from home, but out on my own. All alone.

It feels strange. The estuary at Arnside is a wintery grey, the sands are frozen, the tide washed out. After a run of three sunny days I kidded myself winter was over but the nip in my toes says otherwise.

Things are different here in winter. It’s not just the chill of short grey days; we’re different as a family too. We don’t hibernate but we do have a different rhythm.

I’ve always thought Arnside was two different places; it’s such a charming place when the sea floods in, but a muddy channel when she retreats. It reminds me of our double life; the escapism and togetherness of our itinerant summer adventures and the messy reality of the routines of ‘regular’ life.

Wintering at home we each dance to different tunes. Each to their own; school, work, band, piano, rugby, cubs, scouts, brownies. It’s all great stuff, but it pulls us gently apart.

Down near the beach, on a shadowy rock, icicles flow in frozen time. I see a family, together but apart.

As a wintery sun pushes through the grey, tiny droplets appear on the glassy fingers. They slither down the ice, then pause, as if contemplating the drop to join the rivulet below. They cannot stay. They are compelled to jump, to join, merge, flow, to journey.

People pass and interrupt my flow; for a moment I’m not alone. Down on the sand I recapture the solitude. Such moments of peace are rare in our busy family life.

My boots squish deep in the sinking sand. This place is notorious for it. As I am for my winter restlessness. The urge to overthrown routine, get out, go places, be together, do things together, be that carefree vagabond family. But the harder I try to escape the stronger the sand holds me.

Back on the path, I wash away the mucky gloop in a gentle stream. But I can’t wash away the restlessness.

As the tide floods and the sun drops out of the sky, I start to head for home.

Arnside is a different place now and I feel different too.

Winter may still be here but Summer is coming.

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Sausage sunrise - an everyday adventure

noreply@blogger.com (Kirstie (Family Adventure Project)) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 21:09:00 +0000

Frozen sausages?

As part of our everyday adventures we challenged ourselves to embrace the dawn. It's been grey for weeks so we've had to wait for a clear morning. Conditions were deemed perfect at 07.48 this morning. For a sunrise at 08.24. Just enough time to cook up some sausages, fill a flask and leg it to the top of the fell.

Can you catch the sun in a cup?

“I'm going to catch the sunrise in my cup,” says Cameron, holding his mug to the horizon and squinting at the orange glow creeping up behind Ingleborough.

“Can we have that sausage sandwich now?”

"Not yet, we're still waiting for this," I say scratching a message onto the frosty bench.

You can't have them until...

I thrust my frostbitten hands deep into my pockets and Hannah slides her own in with them in a sneaky bid to steal my heat.

“I'm freezing,” she shrugs, but she's smiling. On this deliciously crisp Friday morning, even the smallest amongst us realise frosty fingers aren't for complaining about.

A neighbour passes with his three dogs and stops to chat. We would love to continue the conversation further but we have to catch the sunrise in our cups.

Hot chocolate on a cold morning

Five faces turn to the sun as it nudges about the spindly trees.
Five minutes of gloriously frosty fire.

Five glowing profiles.
Five sausage sandwiches.

This is what we've really been waiting for!

Five full stomachs.
Five empty cups.
The sun is up.
It's time for school.

Have you ever had a sausage sunrise? Click comments below and tell us about it!

This post is part of the Photo Friday circle, from DeliciousBaby where you'll find links to other great travel blogs participating in Photo Friday. It's also in the loop with RWethereyetmom's Friday Dreaming and MyChaosMyBliss.com

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