Time to pinch myself again at how lucky I am . . . . . to live in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales but to lead some remote and exhilarating adventures in far flung places. Following the snow and ice this winter across Wensleydale, it was a shock to find myself in 36˚ sweating as we trekked through the jungles of Costa Rica and cooling down on a white water raft challenged by grade 4 rapids whilst toucans flew overhead.
With a resilient, capable and competent group of trekkers, we made our way from the Pacific Coast, over Costa Rica’s highest active volcano and on to the coast of the Caribbean on the other side of the country. It was a challenge that raised thousands of pounds for charity, bought on tears and laughter in equal measure and indulges us all with spectacular wildlife, particularly birdlife as well as vibrant plants and flowers.
Unlike the luxury of Eastfield Lodge with its wide beds, deep mattresses and Egyptian cotton linen, we hunkered down on concrete floors of schools, basketball courts, bars and community centres in sleeping liners on thin mats and pillows made up of dry bags stuffed with our days trek clothes! It certainly makes you appreciate the good things in life when you return to civilisation! Showers were cold water flowing from a pipe in the wall or a plunge into a pool below a waterfall.
The climbs were steep, the descents even steeper but the challenge was immensely satisfying and rewarding. I realise how privileged I am to lead these treks and to share in these experiences with people who step far from their comfort zones to raise vital funds for their chosen charities.
But however often I go, wherever I go and whatever the challenge may be, there’s always something special about returning to the Yorkshire Dales. As I write this, I am able to look out across the lush green valley of Wensleydale, across to the flat summit of Penhill and into the historic market town of Leyburn. There’s no place like home!