36 years ago, I saved up all my pennies, and went down to Argos and bought a 72l rucksack. After some wandering around home and a trip to Eryri (Snowdonia) for my first taste of hands on real rock, I packed up that rucksack and headed off on my first summer mountain adventure.
I remember changing trains in Paris, I was 15, and my school mates and I were trying to get to Bagnères-de-Luchon, and up over the col in the Pyrenees to Fos. A little passport hut sat in this col between Spain and France, and in some ways that made the adventure a little more exciting.
Two years later in 1991, I went to the Alps as a semi leader with my school - the target was Tour de Mont Blanc. A long journey, in the school minibus, with a very cool Geography teacher leading the way, and sleeping in the footwell of the minibus.
Those two trips really gave me a huge momentum towards later trips by train, plane, motorbike, bike, and car.
Going to the "big" mountains is amazing, it challenges our skills, and fitness. And gives us new cultures, approaches and opportunities.
This year was no different, a trip down through France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Austria and into the Dolomities of Italy. Those big, beautiful limestone faces, crystal clear waters and the warmth that makes flowers, trees and all natural things flourish after the brutality of winter.
The history of the Dolomites in itself is amazing, worth a dig and and understand about how humans have lived in and around the area, as well as exploring the many paths that take a visitor quickly above 2000m.
From here, a short journey, passed Venice and into Slovenia and the Julian Alps. The Eastern Block border building a testament to a distinctly less privileged time. The Isonzo Front, along the Soča River being a big part of how the mountains are shaped with tunnels and Via Ferrata above the very beautiful water sports activities of the river.
From Bovec at around 350m the peak of Ronbom at 2300m offers a decent day out, up through the big artillery areas of the First World War front. The climb enough to take the 'soul' out of an older pair of boots, needing a bit of innovation to keep the sole on for the journey from 1800m up above 2000m and back down to the valley floor.
Spending some time with a young canyoning guide, on the very lovely Susec Gorge clarifies the importance of supporting the young adventure guides in the area. So much knowledge and skill, as well as volunteering as a first responder in his community. A stunning tribute to a 22 year old mountain enthusiast and paddler.
Following the river higher towards Triglav, gave a beautiful mist under one of the dozens of cable bridges.
Over the border, and into Austria, Via Ferrata becoming Klettersteig (same thing different name, a simply after breakfast jaunt, giving access to a beautiful village and church in Pürgg-Trautenfels. Out early avoiding the threatening thunderstorms.
From here, a dash north, a stop in Germany, back through Luxembourg, Belgium and to Dunkirk. As always all parts of that journey are a joy. The M25, not so much.
Summer Adventures, enough to put some memories and skills in the tank for some more exploration in the UK for a bit.
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