THE COMEDOWN - SHEFFIELD - MARCH 2023

Returning from NZ on the 8th March 2023 after over five wonderful months, I knew the Sheffield weather forecast was not good! I tried to extend my NZ stay but Emirates inexplicably wanted almost £750 to change my flight!

So awaking in Sheffield after one night back home to be ‘greeted’ by ridiculously unseasonal thick snow. I couldn’t get my car off the drive for five days…it then warmed up, to what seemed like constant rain and greyness.

Eventually March was declared the wettest and greyest March in 42 years…and didn’t my oscillating moods know! My escape would have been Mallorca, but I had a friend using my apartment….

A really challenging period after the highs of NZ, emplaced in Walkley, staring at the awful weather, with no intention to even go out and hike in it - and still not sure where my roots will eventually settle, if anywhere?!. This was a mini comedown!

I had mixed days, although broken by a pre return intention to visit a list of good friends, succeeding in striking off all of them (and even extras!), almost! Highlight was visiting my old Uni chum, Gaston…in that London, of course drinking too much, good at the time but suffered for a day or so on my return! 🤪

It took to the end of the month and into early April, where there were a few days of glorious weather, very chilly, bright and sunny…discovering Komoot, I plotted some hikes in the Peak District….and what a huge difference this made…starting off at an old favourite of Win Hill, with Mick, and then Lathkill Dale, followed by  a series of walks incorporating the various gritstone edges that run from north to south through the region: Froggatt and Curbar; Birchen; and Stanage - amazing scenery, see photos.

Additionally I had my new Sonder Camino gravel bike to play with, and managed two excellent rides...so good to be off road!

In parallel I did have certain tasks to complete, including selling all my race kit, but then knew I HAD to be on the move again. And as soon as possible!!

I really enjoyed the NZ experience of road tripping: car, bike, tent, walking boots….so I decided the same, a road trip to Mallorca, but with an extended explore of parts of mainland Spain…no real plans, see how it goes….so the journey commences! Thursday 13th April….first overnight stop, that London then the Chunnel 😎😍