Yes, I know it's not strictly speaking a 'new year', but it's definitely a new blog. And I've no idea really where it's going just yet. But, the thing is, this time last year I was busy setting up the Twirlies on Tour blog in readiness for my Coast to Coast fundraiser for mountain rescue. And I sort of got the blogging bug.
Me and my fellow 'twirlie' stumbled our way across the country last May - helped on our way hugely by the mountain rescue teams through whose areas we'd staggered. And, as often as wifi - and that damned creative muse allowed - I recorded it here for you and posterity (usually, during the course of the walk at least, whilst my fellow twirlie slipped quietly into the arms of Morpheus, helped only in part by a single glass of something chilled! But I digress...)
Seems I had a bit of a following. One or two even enjoyed the read.
And then we reached Robin Hood's Bay, dipped our toes in the water, cracked a couple of bottles of fizz, hugged a few hapless bystanders and erm, that was it... I sort of ran out of things to say. Except, I didn't. I just couldn't work out what to hang it all on... until now.
See, I also write a fairly regular column in Mountain Rescue magazine. Things happen to me, I'm asked to do things, I hear stories... it's all grist to the blogging mill. But I do a lot of other stuff too, outside mountain rescue: this last year, for starters, has seen me taking my skiing to new levels (in no short measure thanks to a certain someone - no doubt more about him in due course but his middle name's 'Couloir' - and a company called Inspired to Ski. And, come to that a blummin' good instructor called Martin Hemsley, who I would recommend to anyone out there, from beginner to advanced, wanting to improve their skiing.... ) But I've digressed again...
I've also, inspired by the Coast to Coast, started at the start again with the Wainwrights. True, I've 'done' a good few already, but this time I'm filling in the logbook and recording it all properly. I thought, too, I might just tackle the odd Munro. Well, it really would be rude not to. And guess who's helping me out on these particular journeys? Yes, Couloir... my very own intrepid mountaineer.
But, back to mountain rescue for a moment... well, there's always something going on there. Perhaps I should just say at this point, I'm not operational - it's not me on the sharp end of a stretcher carry. But I know plenty who are - on a daily basis sometimes - and I hope they trust me to tell their tales and let the world know about this wonderful group of people. I get to interview people too - this last couple of months alone has seen me interviewing (well, chatting with in a relaxed manner, I hope) to a couple who've been involved with mountain rescue for sixty years. Fascinating to meet two people who have been involved since the early days when things really were just taking shape in terms of a joined up rescue service. Equipment, clothing, transport - you name it - has changed so much in the last ten years alone, it's hard to imagine people setting off to rescue a casualty without radios, waterproof clothing, four-wheel drive transport and proper medical equipment. And hardly a landline between them!
And how could I forget my latest interview – retiring trailing search dog Mij, who popped down the M61 with her handler Iain, to tell me all about her plans for the future. You think I'm joking? Just watch this space!
In fact, talking of dogs, the last year has seen me working on a book about search and rescue dogs with Bob Sharp and Bill Jennison, of Scottish mountain rescue. They've written it, I've designed it. Hopefully, it hits the bookshops this summer... I'll keep you posted on that.
So... I hope you'll bear with me. Who knows where we'll end up, but one thing I know for sure: there WILL be mud on the boots.
