On Thursday evening I finished the @spinerace.bsky.social Challenger North. The finest event that I have ever entered and the lows were low and the highs incredibly high. On life you regret what you didn't do, so if you're thinking of doing the event, prepare and DO IT!

Here we go!!
@spinerace.bsky.social Challenger North!

Fabulous to see James Allen just win @spinerace.bsky.social Challenger South. A cracking reception for him.

I've done my fair share of LDWA 100 mile events. Indeed, I've completed 22 but they're always in the summer.
LDWA community loves the @spinerace.bsky.social race and having dot watched for yrs and cheered on the entrants, I thought it was time to give it a go. So, Challenger North it is!!

I think I'd be more concerned about the homes of residents and the safety of all concerned than a bloody sign.
#lafires
#hollywood
#california
#losangeles
#bbc

Gorgeous winter light illuminates the fallen beech tree leaves at Beacon Hill in Monmouthshire.
Fun fact. Draw a line due east from Beacon Hill and next highest land is Harz Mountains in Germany.
#photography
#winter
#landscapes
#monmouthshire
#trees

The most worrying aspect of the #montanespinerace is surely the kit check. I've checked, unpacked, packed and unpacked several times now. 🤞 all will be fine.
#britainsmostbrutalrace
#challengernorth
#pennines
#kitcheck

It's a joyful day on the Gwent Levels today. Sunshine after weeks of being in a cloud inversion. So beautiful that the rare water pipit has turned up to play.
#rspb
#monmouthshire
#bluesky

More satisfying voluntary work in South Monmouthshire has seen a new gate installed near Mathern. This will now facilitate access to the footpaths to the north of the M48.
Chepstow Walkers Are Welcome have a great team of volunteers and enjoy working with Mon Life.
#wales #footpaths #volunteering

A true treat today in the woods near Trellech in Monmouthshire's Wye Valley. Saw them fluttering about and good old Merlin App confirmed their identity.
Food for my soul today!
#merlinapp
#birding
#twitching
#truenature

Getting up early in order to explore our wonderful footpath network is always a joy on low winter light. Today's challenge is to get home this evening before the storm hits us.
#landscapephotography
#huaweip30
#monmouthshire

Despite incredibly heavy rain over the weekend here in South Wales, the paths in the forests are pretty good and the views as sublime as ever.
#monmouthshire
#wales
#landscapes

Bert's working well here in South Wales. So, my camera can't go outside as its owner is striking! Consequently, a trawl of the hard drive and an
#architecture #cityscapes photo in
#london shared. Stay safe in the winds that are battering the southern part of the UK everyone!

Sometimes it's not about the walking, but the facilitation to walk. I volunteer once a month with Chepstow Walkers Are Welcome and today repaired one stile and fitted a new gate in the St Arvans area near Chepstow.
@visitmonmouthshire.bsky.social

The Black Mountains in Bannau Brycheiniog are quieter than their Central Beacons neighbours. They're isolated in the middle of a snow storm and today I had the hills to myself!
@visitmonmouthshire.bsky.social

Hello @bsky.app and goodbye Twitter.
I am already enjoying the experience here and have an ambition of matching the 260 followers that I had 'over there'!
And, a blue image to celebrate!
#bluesky #london #unitedkingdom #gherkin
#photos