Christmas Tree

Are you suggesting the government should bypass the JVCI?

In the hands of the JVCI (Mostly university geniuses), I would much rather wait for their assurances before letting my youngest get vaccinated.

Quite a few studies now from Oxford university among others have confirmed that’s a load of tosh.

Primrose valley?

Yes, arms come in handy

herniated disc about 5 or 6 years ago at St Mary’s lighthouse. Walking down the slipway from the car park with CT junior on shoulders and hit a patch of wet pavement. Footing went and had to do a very jerky move to keep him in place, resulting in a herniated disc. Effects my arms rather than my neck. I can lug wood and diy machinery around to build a pergola but knackered if I hold a baby in front of me Swinging a light detector left me off work for a week last time so hoping for a better result tomorrow. Also happens to be first day back at work since March 2020 so maybe I’m subconsciously trying to get an extra week off.

Briefly downloaded the app to see what it was all about but sounds pretty dull (no shiney treasure). I loooove Metal detecting. Out in the country, walking all day on fairly flat pastures, digging up some unlucky Romans wages. Flask and picnic.

I don’t really have much free time. Just like a hobby I can do adhoc when the fancy takes me. Fingers crossed the neck works.

Running out of ideas. Tried googling “top 50 hobbies for over 50’s” the other day and absolutely nothing of interest. After early injury lay off from Metal detecting I moved back to occasional sea fishing followed by DIY during lockdown. My passion really is sharing a muddy field filled with likeminded men, hence the test dig tomorrow.

Not guilty, but very spooky post! After an absence of about 3 years (due to injury), I just signed up to restart this hobby less than 8 hours ago Booked on a dig for Saturday. Personally I much prefer to be out in the middle of nowhere in Durham or Northumberland digging up Bigus Dickus loose change. The beach (crown foreshore) is one of the very few places where people are allowed to detect for free. Doesn’t interest me. Also https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/history/hadrians-wall-roman-road-newcastle-21280878.amp

Aye, I’ve stayed in Glen Nevis a few times over the years and had some lovely walks a mile or two further up the Glen. However my favourite part is going North after Ullapool. Highlands on steroids up there. Sat by a loch today off the beaten track. Chairs out the boot, kettle on the stove and just spen a blissful hour with no one around while the fish jumped and a seal played just 20 yards away. Absolute bliss and soul lifting.

Can’t say I noticed either? Trudged around the town trying to find binoculars but nobody sold them.

So today, left Balloch, via Oban to Fort William. This is me on the way back across the bridge after setting foot on Ben Nevis.

Thats sounds fantastic. Will that be okay on your hips though? Sat here on my hotel bed pretending to canoe to the look of bemusement from my wife, it does seem as though it would impact your hips. Sounds like a fantastic adventure though. (Although I’m now thinking of that film with all the weirdos attacking the canoers).

due to COVID, only going half way up.

Anyone else going to this. I’m rolling up with a posse of kids and grandkids. If im honest, I would have stopped taking an interest a couple of years ago, however my 17 year old daughter is unfortunately Newcastle daft. (Yes, we’ve ordered tests). Anyway, hope it’s a good day out and amoebi scores, we’re on the pitch

Does she still live close to me?

Thanks all, but I’m not after recommendations for gentle strolls, I was just lamenting I’ve never got round to doing what the “Scottish Mountains’s” youtuber does. Scaling magnificent peaks in the highlands and camping overnight in a tent or cave. My knee gets quite painful after any hard ground and sometimes just goes altogether (as happened on Penshaw) Theres a enough stupid idiots taking up mountain rescue services without me adding to their workload. Quite happy these days to potter around Grizedale or Tarn hors. Had a lovely run out last week along Wensleydale and Swaledale and had a potter about the hill tops from Hawes to Thwaites. (Glorious car run if you’ve never done it). Anyway, tonight I’ve arrived for an overnight stop in Balloch, Loch Lomond and just itching to get into the landscape above Ullapool. First proper holiday without kids, 33 years ago and retracing our honeymoon. However back then we trudged through the Scottish Borders in an unwaterproof tent before running up a massive hotel debt on Access, your flexible friend.

With my arthritic knee I’d struggle getting to level 7 at Newcastle

And as for divorces….. Also been watching Geordie Jimny Camper and trying to talk the wife into a roof tent

My only real regret in life is not having done (amateur) mountain climbing. Married young with a zillion kids and a wife who has little interest, it’s always been more forest walks like Grizedale. Ive been watching a youtuber lately called “Scottish Mountain’s” and some of his trips and wild camping on mountain tops are stunning. Going to sleep watching the Northern lights and waking up to magnificent sunrises. Jaw dropping scenery at every turn. Alas my dodgy knee would struggles up Penshaw

£76 for four in a private room in Snowdonia. £56 for a couple Excellent option IMO for a lot of families.

Wouldnt dream of a dormitory. Seems to be loads of private en-suite rooms available. Lots of 4 and 6 private rooms too which is why they seem to be proving quite popular with families. For instance a family of four can have a private room at Coniston next week for £100 in this gorgeous house in a stunning location.