Out and about . . .

Out and about . . . from The Muffin and The Unicorn on Vimeo.

The sun is shining, the bikes are loaded, our favourite Van-Venture playlist is on, and there's miles of clear road ahead of us. Where shall we go, and what shall we do . . .

Crib y Ddysgl

Once more we found ourselves a trig point, shrouded in cloud, battered by the wind and generally damp from the relentless drizzle, but it didn't deter the Muffin at all. This time we are on the top of Crib y Ddysgl, a mid point in our days scrambling adventure.  We'd started out up Snowdon in the morning and were making our way across to Crib Goch in a nice little loop back to the pub for a few drinks. Accompanied and generally encouraged by our friends Pete and Stu (the sensible* ones with their feet on the ground)*I use this word in the loosest of terms.

The jaunty angle here isn't a pose, but an indication of wind strength as the Muffin tried to stand up straight. I've heard a rumour that the views on this route are great, but they weren't anywhere to be seen this day. Maybe next time? 10th March 2012.

See more things on top of things here.

Valentines day 2014

Our first date consisted of venturing off footpaths sliding down sheer scree slopes to secluded beaches, climbing over sea defences, and watching the sun go down over our own part of the world. Needless to say it was the best date ever. This little stowaway from my boot was the perfect keepsake of the perfect day, and makes a very fitting adornment to this years Valentines card. HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!!

On top of things - Coniston Old Man 2012

Here's more of the Muffin, on top of things again. 

We hadn't planned on climbing mountains this day, we started off the morning lazily drinking hot chocolate and coffee in the van, enjoying the unexpected good weather, and the beautiful views at the foot of the Old Man. We'd arrived at a little known wild camping spot well after dark the previous evening, and had no real bearing on where we were. But, one thing, as it usually does, lead to another, and before we knew it the summit was in sight, and it would have been foolish not to pop up for a photo opportunity.

This time the moutain top is The Old Man of Coniston in the Lakedistrict. 

See more stuff on top of things here.

Happy birthday Muffin - the adventure

These were the weather conditions the greeted us at the start of our surprise birthday adventure. 
When making the plans I had foolishly imagined mild spring weather and fresh breezy days. Days that would lead to mild evenings, where we could gather round the campfire for warmth, and talk well into the night. 
I am however a realist, so had prepared for April showers and typical windy conditions, but not the record levels of snow that we received. This made things interesting, and was a good indication that this was not going to be a normal adventure . . .

Happy 30th Birthday Muffin

Despite all the best efforts of friends and family, Richard Shaw, more commonly known as the Muffin, reached 30 years of age in March this year. Such a momentous occasion required great celebration, and a new adventure. (The perfect opportunity to try and finish him off once and for all!!! . . .)

This was the proposed plan, and was kept a complete secret from the Muffin until the very last minute.

It involved all the Muffins favourite things, gathering with the family, climbing mountains, smashing down hills on bikes, and consuming lots of fine food and drink.

However, as all best laid plans go, there were one or two minor hiccups, which meant the plan became more of a guideline, and much improvisation ensued...

Personal essentials

It came to my attention one morning whilst camping with friends, that every seasoned adventurer to has their own mug.

It’s almost expected from you, to emerge from your van or tent in the morning clutching your faithful companion filled with the steaming morning beverage of choice. Your mug goes on every adventure with you, and the more weathered and beaten the mug the more esteemed adventurer you are.

These are our mugs, and as the newest additions to the van, they are still pretty pristine and somewhat lacking in character. But they are now part of the essential kit that never leaves the van (alongside the thermal gloves and the Haynes manual). And with a long summer ahead of us, they can only get more beautiful.

The muffins mug after on use

Mugs are a very personal thing. The mug you own says something about you. Weather it’s your favourite colour, a testament to a hobby your into, or how creative the family were with the Christmas presents this year. Ours I think follow in the same vein as wrist bands with your blood type on them and simply state what to be filled with if found empty or in need, which I think says a lot about how we feel about our morning drinks!!!