
Helena Carey
About Me & Mine
James' family is James' (aged 7 months), daddy - Dominic, mummy - Helena and Jarvis the dog. We currently live in Norwich but head to the mountains of Snowdonia and the Lake District as often as we can.
Before James was born we were a very active family doing lots of canoeing, hill walking, camping and snowboarding. Since having James we are determined that having a family and enjoying the outdoors are both possible. We are keen to make sure James can not only join in with our adventures, but that he will be happy and comfortable at the same time.
Favourite place in the world:
It's a tough choice but Arisaig on the West coast of Scotland gets our vote. With the whitest sand and bluest sea we've seen, you have to keep reminding yourself you're in Scotland rather than a tropical paradise. The views out towards the Small Isles and the Cuillins on Skye are stunning; it really is a magical place. With sea kayaks it's easy to find your own private beach - well apart from the odd otter (real ones rather than Spotty ones) and seal to share it with. It's definitely somewhere we plan to take James to as soon as possible.
Favourite things to do outdoors:
We are keen canoeists and love to get out on the water as much as possible - whitewater, flat water touring or sea kayaking; we're not fussed as long as it's wet. We are both qualified instructors and enjoy passing on our love of paddle sports to others at our local canoe club. We have already has our own little bow paddler in the making, James, out in the canoe and are looking forward to many more trips.
We also do a lot of walking. We get out everyday to visit our local woods and parks to walk our coker spaniel, Jarvis. When we get the chance though, we prefer something a bit more challenging and regularly visit the mountains of Snowdonia and the Lake District. James' dad Dom, is a qualified mountain leader and is keen to pass on these skils as soon as possible.
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Taming the Beast from the East
All week we’d been hearing horror stories about the impending “Beast from the East” and on the Wednesday we finally awoke to snow. We were all a little bit disappointed to be honest. Whilst it was lovely to have some snow it wasn’t quite the amount we’d been expecting. Don’t get me wrong we were just being greedy, there was plenty for sledging but nothing befitting the red alert we had. Well we shouldn’t have worried the Beast from the East had more it store for us -much more!
Written by Helena Carey on Tuesday, 03 April 2018. Posted in Scottish Highlands and Islands
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There's a clue in the name!
I don’t know what they’ve been feeding James at school but he has shot up overnight and seems to be growing out of everything quicker than we can replace it. I was frantically trying to get everybody out the door for a family walk up our local hill- Dumyat, on the outskirts of Stirling to find James’ feet had grown a size in the space of week.
Written by Helena Carey on Thursday, 04 January 2018. Posted in Scottish Highlands and Islands
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Part Boy, Part Mountain Goat
-James has always been a good walker. Since he took his first steps at 10 and a half months, he’s not stopped and he’s been on the go ever since. Even when he was little he rarely asked for carries and would happily plod along on our daily dog walks. Ever since we moved to Scotland he’s been desperate to get out into the mountains, “proper ones, with their tops in the clouds”. So far, all our walks in the hill have failed to convince him and he was still left longing to head up a mountain. The boy was ready for his first Munro.
Written by Helena Carey on Thursday, 21 September 2017. Posted in Mountain High
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Third time lucky
Ever since we moved, a trip up to the wind farm on the hill side behind our village has been on our to do list. And it’s certainly not due to lack of trying that we haven’t reached it yet.
Written by Helena Carey on Sunday, 30 July 2017. Posted in Cycling
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Trainspotting
On our trips to Fort William we become avid train spotters. It’s not just any old trains we’re keen to see though, in fact we only have eyes for one particularly special train: the Jacobite. This glorious old steam train that travels between Fort William and Malaig has definitely stolen our hearts and we try and cram in as many views as we can. All trips to the supermarket have to be timed for when it will be at the station at Fort William and walking Jarvis at Glenfinnan so we can see it pass over the viaduct is a favourite walk. But this holiday we managed to find our best viewing spot yet - Loch Eilt.
Written by Helena Carey on Saturday, 04 March 2017. Posted in Sailing Adventures
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West is Best
Life has been pretty hectic, what with work, house renovations and starting school for James. So for once our first port of call on our trip out West to Fort William wasn’t cycling or canoeing but a day at the beach. The lovely golden empty beach at Morar was the perfect antidote for a busy few weeks.
Written by Helena Carey on Saturday, 04 March 2017.
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The day the tent nearly blew down.
One of the things I love about camping is the chance to really get away from it all. No TV, no computer and on the Outer Hebrides for the majority not even a phone signal. This does have it’s disadvantages though, as it also meant no weather forecast either.
Written by Helena Carey on Sunday, 06 November 2016. Posted in Camping Fun
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Cycling the Machair way
Whilst the beaches on the Outer Hebrides were pretty amazing we were pretty determined to do something a little bit more exciting than spend our whole holiday on the beach.
Written by Helena Carey on Sunday, 06 November 2016. Posted in Beside the Seaside, Camping Fun
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The Perfect Beach?
A visit to the Outer Hebrides has been on my wish list for a long time, but now we’re back in Scotland the logistics are a lot more manageable.
Written by Helena Carey on Tuesday, 04 October 2016. Posted in Beside the Seaside
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Almond Adventures
Having ticked off canoe camping last summer, our goal for this year was cycle camping.
Written by Helena Carey on Monday, 19 September 2016. Posted in Camping Fun
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Forget Evel Kinevel, there’s a new stunt rider on the block
Sophie has been desperate to get her own bike for ages. We’re been tormenting her for months, getting James’ old balance bike out the garage, letting her sit on it, realising it was far too big, then putting it back.
Written by Helena Carey on Monday, 01 February 2016. Posted in Cycling, Scottish Highlands and Islands
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Just like the good old days
We couldn’t possibly meet up with all our old university canoe club pals and not go canoeing. So just like in our university days the night before our paddle was spent planning with guide books, maps, river levels and weather forecasts spread all over the lounge floor and few beers (just for old times’ sake!).
Written by Helena Carey on Monday, 01 February 2016. Posted in Scottish Highlands and Islands
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Seven days in the Seven Stanes
We have not long come back from a brilliant week’s holiday down in Dumfries. In was brilliant for a number of reasons: the company (our old university friends), the glorious sunny weather and the amazing biking. Dumfries and Galloway is not well known for its excellent mountain biking for nothing, it’s home to 6 of the 7 stanes.Written by Helena Carey on Monday, 11 January 2016. Posted in Mainland Scotland
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Saying goodbye to a dear old friend
We’ve just had our first dusting of snow on the mountains so it’s time to dust off our down jackets and get ready for the winter. This weekend I got all our various jackets out and put them all through the wash so they’re ready to get covered with mud all over again.
Written by Helena Carey on Friday, 11 December 2015. Posted in Scottish Highlands and Islands
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Proper Mountain Biking
We often talk about going mountain biking but we would definitely be in trouble with the trades description act, as it is not really what you’d class as mountain biking.
Written by Helena Carey on Tuesday, 03 November 2015. Posted in Mountain High, Scottish Highlands and Islands
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A Super Soggy Canoe Camp
James had been itching to get out canoe camping again but the weather gods had been refusing to play ball. After a couple of weeks of cancelled plans, we decided it was now or never.
Written by Helena Carey on Thursday, 29 October 2015. Posted in Scottish Highlands and Islands
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The Day the Sun Shone
I don’t know about everybody else but the weathers been well and truly rubbish up here this summer. In fact it doesn’t even seem like we’ve had a summer at all. I was just about to give in and pack the Teva sandals away and get the Spotty Otter Explorer jackets out when we woke up to find a strange mythical glowing thing in the sky. Could we possibly be about to have a sunny day?
Written by Helena Carey on Friday, 02 October 2015. Posted in Beside the Seaside, Scottish Highlands and Islands
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Canoe camping at last
Canoe camping has been on our to do list for a long time but we never seem to mange to pull it off.
Written by Helena Carey on Thursday, 01 October 2015. Posted in Scottish Highlands and Islands
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Trail Testing our Trailgator
As is the rule with any new piece of outdoor gear in house, as soon as we got our new Trailgator it was time to put it through its paces and test out its limits.
Written by Helena Carey on Wednesday, 30 September 2015. Posted in Scottish Highlands and Islands
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The not so great outdoors
The fantastic scenery and numerous opportunities to get out and about in the wonderful great outdoors was one of the major draws for our move back up to Scotland. Though so far we haven’t ventured very far from home. Although not too far away we thought we should at least head somewhere new with Sophie and James. So we packed up our canoeing stuff and headed to Loch Earn.
Written by Helena Carey on Tuesday, 01 September 2015. Posted in Scottish Highlands and Islands
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Lovely and Level Loch Lubnaig
After our eye opening family cycle ride the previous week, we were on the lookout for a not just mostly flat but a really very flat bike ride.
Written by Helena Carey on Monday, 24 August 2015. Posted in Scottish Highlands and Islands
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A Rather yummy dog walk
We’ve been eyeing up the wild raspberries growing along our usual dog walk for the past couple of weeks. We’ve eagerly watched them turn from green, to green with a slightly pink tinge, to pink and finally a bright yummy, juicy red ready to eat colour. After a little taste test, well actually quite an extensive taste test – just to be sure, James and Sophie declared them ready for picking.
Written by Helena Carey on Friday, 14 August 2015. Posted in Scottish Highlands and Islands
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A big cycle for little legs
Although James has been riding his bike for quite a while, we hadn’t actually managed a family bike ride with him cycling himself yet. So far whilst he’s been cycling we’ve been walking and hovering around in case he had any wobbles.
Written by Helena Carey on Wednesday, 05 August 2015. Posted in Scottish Highlands and Islands
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Double Trouble
With 2 adults, 2 children and a dog our poor canoe is starting to burst at the seams. So with Sophie getting a bit bigger we decided to brave it and start venturing out in two canoes.
Written by Helena Carey on Wednesday, 05 August 2015. Posted in Scottish Highlands and Islands
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If the boy wants a mountain, a mountain he shall get.
After trying and failing to satisfy James’ wish for a walk in the mountains two weekends in a row, we decided if he really was this keen we should probably give him his proper mountain.
Written by Helena Carey on Thursday, 23 July 2015. Posted in Mountain High, Scottish Highlands and Islands
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James’ New Favourite Mountain
There was no mistaking James was the new boy at preschool. Not only was his accent a bit of a giveaway but also whilst all the other children were completely oblivious to the beautiful setting of their garden, I had to drag James away from the view when it was home time. So it wasn’t too surprising when Saturday came round his one wish was a walk in “his new pre-school mountains”.
Written by Helena Carey on Wednesday, 24 June 2015. Posted in Scottish Highlands and Islands
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A Host of Golden Daffodils
Although the weather was lovely and sunny, I was feeling far from spring like. After a hectic couple of days moving with two little helpers, we were all desperate to get out the house.
Written by Helena Carey on Thursday, 18 June 2015. Posted in Scottish Highlands and Islands
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Goodbye Wirral
There’s nothing like an imminent house move to make you appreciate all the fantastic places that are right on your doorstop. So for our last week on the Wirral, we promised ourselves we would head somewhere different every day for our afternoon dog walk.
Written by Helena Carey on Thursday, 18 June 2015. Posted in North West
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Castle Capers
We were down in Coventry for a wedding and had a couple of hours to spare. So we did what we always do when we are somewhere new and turned too our trusty National Trust and English Heritage guides for some inspiration. We were in luck just down the road was a castle and not just any old castle, a whopping big Kenilworth castle.
Written by Helena Carey on Wednesday, 27 May 2015. Posted in Midlands
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From leg power to Pedal Power
I remember reading Kerry's blogs about Harry's adventures on his balance bike back when James was a tiny baby and knew we just had to get James one too. We were far too eager and rushed out and brought one and then had to wait till just before he was two when he finally grew into it.
Written by Helena Carey on Monday, 27 April 2015. Posted in Cycling, North West
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A Mountain of Firsts
Sophie has most definitely found her feet and is on the go constantly. This could only mean one thing; she was ready for her first proper hill.
Written by Helena Carey on Monday, 27 April 2015. Posted in Mountain High, North West
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Like a Fish Out of Water
We are definitely country bumpkins at heart and whilst we do occasionally venture into the city we never feel really very at home. We were very overdue a visit down to London to see the dinosaurs, sorry I mean visit my little brother, so we decided to venture outside our comfort zone and head to the big smoke.Written by Helena Carey on Monday, 16 March 2015. Posted in South East
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Sometimes Flat is Good
Our first attempt at a walk was a rather short adventure where we took longer to get ready than we were out walking for. We had just started the climb up/ slide down the hill out of the car park when we were overtaken by a rather more prepared group with their ice axes and crampons.Written by Helena Carey on Wednesday, 04 March 2015. Posted in Mainland Scotland
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Another Day, Another Castle
For us nothing beats a good castle, well except for a castle covered in snow. Well that's a bit of a lie, James is still hopeful we might find a castle with it's own fire breathing dragon, but for now a snowy Doune castle will have to do.Written by Helena Carey on Tuesday, 03 March 2015. Posted in Mainland Scotland
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A Little Trekker Milestone
Now this isn't a milestone your likely to find in any of your baby books, but if you ask any Little Trekker I’m sure they would agree, it's up there with all the biggies. No I’m not talking about learning to roll, sitting up or even to walk, but getting your first pair of wellies.Written by Helena Carey on Monday, 23 February 2015. Posted in North West
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Stirling Castle – at Last!
Every time we head back up to our old stomping ground near Stirling, we know our journey is almost over when we glimpse the castle towering above the city. We have past it so many times and pointed it out to James so often but have never actually managed to find the time to visit it.Written by Helena Carey on Sunday, 22 February 2015. Posted in Mainland Scotland
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How Bad Is Too Bad?
As the saying goes “there's no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing”, but surely there comes a point when bad becomes too bad especially for little ones?Written by Helena Carey on Sunday, 18 January 2015. Posted in North West
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I Told You It Snows At Christmas Time
This is the first year that James has really got Christmas and for the whole of December he has been excitedly telling everybody who will listen (and even some who won't!) all about it.Written by Helena Carey on Tuesday, 06 January 2015. Posted in North West
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Parklife
We love a good play park either as an activity in itself or as a bonus added extra at the end of an already brilliant day. We are always on the look out for a good park and checking out the local play area is one of the first things we do when we visit anywhere new. Here are some of our favourites:Written by Helena Carey on Thursday, 11 December 2014. Posted in Europe
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It's (Nearly) Christmaaaaaasssss!
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but as James keeps CONSTANTLY reminding me, it's nearly Christmas.Written by Helena Carey on Saturday, 06 December 2014. Posted in North West
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Marmot Hunting
As we sat eating our evening meal, the conversation turned to what we would do the following day. Everyday of our holiday James offered up the same suggestion – eating ice cream but today he had other ideas - he NEEDED to see a Marmot and maybe a chamois too.Written by Helena Carey on Wednesday, 19 November 2014. Posted in Europe
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Anyone for Cricket?
Whilst Lake Como was stunning we couldn't resist exploring the mountains flanking it's shore.Written by Helena Carey on Wednesday, 12 November 2014. Posted in Europe
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Holiday Essentials
When James heard we were off on our holidays he had a couple questions: would Jarvis be able to come and do they have bikes in Italy. He was more upset about having to leave his beloved balance bike behind than he was about poor Jarvis.Written by Helena Carey on Thursday, 23 October 2014. Posted in Cycling, Europe
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A Trip So Good We Did It Two Weeks Running
James has recently become a rather useful little companion in the canoe, he's not dropped his paddle in weeks and is starting to actually do something which vaguely resembles paddling of some description.Written by Helena Carey on Tuesday, 21 October 2014. Posted in North Wales and Anglesey
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“No Mummy, I do it all by Myself”
It didn't really come as much surprise that our Mr Independent was pretty keen on heading off on his own bike for our ride on the green trail at Glentress. So we set him off doing circuits of the empty car park whilst we got the trailer ready for Sophie.Written by Helena Carey on Tuesday, 21 October 2014. Posted in Cycling, Mainland Scotland
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Exploring on Loch of the Lowes
We couldn't head all the way to Scottish Borders without at least squeezing in one paddle. We needed a nice family friendly trip for the four of us, so that meant our usual usual paddle of choice when in the area, the River Tweed, was off the cards. So we opted for a paddle we hadn't done before – the Loch of the Lowes.Written by Helena Carey on Tuesday, 14 October 2014. Posted in Sailing Adventures, Mainland Scotland
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On the Fringe
Edinburgh has to be one of my all time favourite cities and no more so than when the fringe is on. There is such a buzz and so much to see and do, so even if you don't have tickets for any shows it's still very much worth a trip. So on a recent trip northwards we decided to leave the great outdoors for the day and head into the big smoke.Written by Helena Carey on Monday, 22 September 2014. Posted in Mainland Scotland
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Camping in the Clouds
We have camped with James many times before, nothing new there, but for us campsites have absolutely nothing on a proper wild camping experience.Written by Helena Carey on Monday, 22 September 2014. Posted in Camping Fun, North Wales and Anglesey
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Showing the Big Boys How it's Done
Lately James has fallen a little bit out of love with his balance bike and is desperate to have some pedals like the big boys at preschool.Written by Helena Carey on Tuesday, 26 August 2014. Posted in Cycling, Mainland Scotland
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Wot no Keens?
Now we love our Keen sandals as much as all the other Little Trekkers. They have barely left our feet this summer and it's not without good reason that for once we weren't wearing them. We were persuaded to do without them for just a short while to Join in with the barefoot walk whilst we were at Trentham Gardens.Written by Helena Carey on Tuesday, 26 August 2014. Posted in Midlands
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Fee, Fi, Fo, Fum......
Watch out the giants are in town!Written by Helena Carey on Monday, 04 August 2014. Posted in North West
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Trainspotting
James, loves trains and can spot anything train related a mile off. It took him all of a couple of minutes to spot the train line for the Leadhills and Wanlockhead narrow gauge railway, high up on the hillside behind our holiday cottage and was asking to go on it before we'd even managed to all get inside.
Written by Helena Carey on Monday, 04 August 2014. Posted in North West
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Everyday Adventures
Recently life seems to getting in the way of adventures. I seem to spend all my time dashing to and from playgroups with any spare time frantically trying to squeeze in a little bit of shopping or house work.Written by Helena Carey on Wednesday, 16 July 2014. Posted in Cycling, North West
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Solving Our Sun Hat Dilemma
The other weekend we were up in Leadhills, in the Scottish Borders. Now there's a bit of a clue in the name, Leadhills is an old mining village, with it's own mining museum – perfect for our first underground adventure.Written by Helena Carey on Wednesday, 02 July 2014. Posted in Mainland Scotland
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Our First BIke Ride as a Foursome
Most families get Daddy a nice gift or treat him to a meal out for Fathers' Day – well not in our house. Instead we opted for our first bike ride with us all on bikes, because nothing says “we love you Daddy” quite like making him lug a loaded trailer whilst trying to look after a dog too. We did get him a card as well, we're not that mean.Written by Helena Carey on Wednesday, 02 July 2014. Posted in Cycling, North Wales and Anglesey
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Who Are We Trying To Kid?
One of the things I love about summer, along with the weather is all the local fetes, festival and parades. Our local offering in Neston, is Ladies Day, and this year it was even bigger and better than usual to mark the 200th year anniversary.Written by Helena Carey on Wednesday, 25 June 2014. Posted in North West
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Back in the Saddle
I finally made it back out on a bike the other weekend after 7 long months off whilst Sophie was little. It was fair to say I was a little bit rusty and a little bit apprehensive as it was to be was first ever time out we James in the Weeride but Dom assured me knew the perfect spot to ease me back into it.Written by Helena Carey on Wednesday, 18 June 2014. Posted in Cycling, North Wales and Anglesey
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But Where Are The Cows, Mummy?
To say we are regular visitors to the lifeboat station in Hoylake is a bit of an understatement. In fact it's one of my go to motivational tools (aka bribes!) - "if you help mummy get the shopping done nice and quickly then we might have time to pop and see the lifeboats on the way home."Written by Helena Carey on Tuesday, 17 June 2014. Posted in North West
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Rainbow Ramble
The other afternoon I managed to sneak in a quick peek at the little trekker blog and was greated by Helen's lovely bluebell pictures. That was it decision made, rather than our usual dog walk that afternoon, we were going out in search of bluebells.Written by Helena Carey on Wednesday, 21 May 2014. Posted in Environmental Education and Wildlife, North West
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When Good Trips Turn Bad
Whilst we love trying out new activities and new places with our Little Trekkers, nothing beats revisiting an old favourite. I like to have a few tried and tested fail safe options which I know will be a sure fire hit with everyone.Written by Helena Carey on Friday, 09 May 2014. Posted in Sailing Adventures, North West
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High as Kites
Rather surprisingly given it was a bank holiday weekend, we had glorious sunshine on Saturday. After a busy morning sorting out the garden, it was beginning to look it was going to be a day where life got in the way of adventures but with the incentive of a quick afternoon trip to the beach we managed to crack on and get finished with enough time to catch the last of the afternoon sun.Written by Helena Carey on Friday, 09 May 2014. Posted in Beside the Seaside, North West
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New Toys
There's nothing like having new toys to test out for spurring you into action. Dom picked up his new bike on Saturday afternoon, so I knew exactly what we would be doing on Sunday without having to ask. In fact I didn't just know what we'd being doing, I knew where we would be going and the exact route we'd be following.Written by Helena Carey on Thursday, 01 May 2014. Posted in Cycling, North Wales and Anglesey
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Captain Jack is Back
Prompted by Kerry's post What Goes Down Must Come Up we thought we'd tell you about the recent changes to one of our local beaches.Written by Helena Carey on Thursday, 24 April 2014. Posted in North West
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A Model Day at the Canal Museum
We're lucky enough to live a short drive from the National Waterways Museum. So even when a trip out in the canoe is out of the question, our boat obsessed Little Trekker can still get his fix. The other weekend they were hosting a model boat exhibition so there was even more of an excuse for a visit.Written by Helena Carey on Sunday, 13 April 2014. Posted in North West
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Why I Can't Have Beige Carpets
I have never been particularly house proud and I know I’m not entirely blameless for the current state of our house. Over the years I have come to terms with the hall being used for bike maintenance and the lounge for kayak outfitting.Written by Helena Carey on Sunday, 06 April 2014. Posted in Beside the Seaside, North West
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The Best Way to Treat a Cold
We seem to have spent this winter limping from one cold to another. After a week spent recovering from the most recent bout of germs, we were all desperate for a good dose of fresh air.Written by Helena Carey on Wednesday, 02 April 2014. Posted in Cycling, North West
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Sophie's First Paddle
Well our sundance worked and we were treated to glorious sunshine and a temperature of double figures the other weekend. Definitely a day not to be wasted, so we dusted off our paddling stuff and set off for our first paddle of the year. Only this time we had an extra life jacket to remember, Sophie was all set for her first paddle.Written by Helena Carey on Tuesday, 25 March 2014. Posted in Sailing Adventures, North West
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Feeding Frenzy
Last week, spring high tide at Parkgate rather conveniently coincided with Sunday lunchtime – perfect for a family picnic whilst watching the birds.Written by Helena Carey on Monday, 17 February 2014. Posted in North West
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Staying Power
I can't believe we've half way through February already – how the hell did that happen? And to my complete and utter amazement I am still sticking to my New Year's resolution.Written by Helena Carey on Tuesday, 11 February 2014. Posted in Cycling, North West
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The Littlest Trekker?
We’ve been rather quiet recently, what with Christmas and everybody being full of cold we’ve been kept rather busy. But we do have one other rather big excuse – well actually she’s really rather small – our new Little Trekker Sophie made her grand arrival a few weeks ago.Written by Helena Carey on Wednesday, 05 February 2014. Posted in North West
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A Family Ramble at the Roaches
There’s nothing I enjoy more than getting the whole family together for a good knees up. With a couple of special birthdays to celebrate we had the perfect excuse to hire a large barn and get everybody together for the weekend in the fabulous Peak District.Written by Helena Carey on Wednesday, 05 February 2014. Posted in Midlands
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Maybe Mabie
We were all set for a family bike ride round Mabie forest, but after falling asleep in the car on the way I wasn't really feeling up to it by the time we got there. I faffed around a bit whilst Dom got James ready – maybe yes, maybe no?Written by Helena Carey on Monday, 25 November 2013. Posted in Cycling, Mainland Scotland
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And I Thought Canals Were Boring
Although we have recently found our local canals to be great family friendly paddling spots, I would still rather paddle on a nice lake or river. I have always been a bit scathing of them and considered them a bit boring but a trip over the Pontcysyllte aquaduct on the Llangollen canal soon changed my mind.Written by Helena Carey on Tuesday, 12 November 2013. Posted in Sailing Adventures, North Wales and Anglesey
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A Great Day in the Great Glen
On our recent holiday to the West Coast of Scotland, we were hoping to fit in as much canoeing as we could. We’d had great plans to get out on all our old favorite sea lochs, but after days of driving around all the most sheltered spots we could think of only to be greeted by breaking waves, things weren’t looking too hopeful.Written by Helena Carey on Tuesday, 12 November 2013. Posted in Sailing Adventures, Scottish Highlands and Islands
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Loch Shiel by Bike
There seems to be a bit of a recurring theme on our trips northwards – the dreich weather. It was far too windy for heading out in the canoe and we were struggling for ideas for things to do.Written by Helena Carey on Wednesday, 06 November 2013. Posted in Cycling, Scottish Highlands and Islands
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A Dee-lightful Paddle Through Chester
It's been about a year since we moved to our new house, and I’m quite ashamed to say we still haven't made it into Chester city centre, which is only 10 miles away.Written by Helena Carey on Tuesday, 29 October 2013. Posted in Sailing Adventures, North West
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An Otterly Brilliant Wild Camp
Wild camping has been on our hit list of things to do with James, for quite a while now, but we just haven’t been able to get the weather to cooperate with us until now. We wanted to make sure James loved the experience, so the camping spot needed to somewhere special.
Written by Helena Carey on Wednesday, 02 October 2013. Posted in Camping Fun, Mainland Scotland
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The Journey is Half the Fun…..
….unless it involves trying to get a toddler, a pushchair, a travel cot and all the other stuff needed for a night away singlehandedly down to London.
Written by Helena Carey on Thursday, 05 September 2013. Posted in South East
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Towers, Tunnels and Tearaway Toddlers
When we were visiting family this summer, we stumbled across English Heritage’s fabulous Ashby Castle. Despite having grown up locally in the area, I had never visited it before. With steps to clamber up, tunnels to crawl through and a large grassy area to run around on, it really was little boy heaven and the perfect place to spend a couple of hours.
Written by Helena Carey on Thursday, 05 September 2013. Posted in Midlands
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Ness Gardens by Bike
This summer we have been trying to make the most of the good weather and get out on our bikes as much as we can. Rather than struggling to find the time for day long trips, we have been ditching the car for short local trips whenever we can.
Written by Helena Carey on Tuesday, 20 August 2013. Posted in Cycling, North West
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Seeking Out Some Shade
Normally the minute I mention the word “walk” both James and Jarvis start leaping round the kitchen like two crazy things. But the recent hot weather left all us struggling to find the motivation to leave the paddling pool and go for a walk.
Written by Helena Carey on Thursday, 15 August 2013. Posted in North Wales and Anglesey
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A Nice Sociable Paddle
Our canoe trips usually involve us trying to get away from it all and seeking out some peace and quiet. Up until now we have steered clear of canals but faced with the choice of either a quick local paddle or no paddle, whilst we waited for some grout to dry we quickly changed our minds and headed to the Shropshire Union Canal at Waverton.
Written by Helena Carey on Monday, 05 August 2013. Posted in Sailing Adventures, North West
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Wildlife Spotting On Loch Chon
One of the things I love about canoeing is how easy it is to get away from it all and enjoy some stunning places and their wildlife. Over the years we’ve had some brilliant spots including beavers, otters, puffins, kingfishers and basking sharks.
Written by Helena Carey on Thursday, 04 July 2013. Posted in Sailing Adventures, Mainland Scotland
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How to Make Your Own Flower Dye Picture
I always love the idea of attempting a craft project with James but the reality never quite seems to work out as I’d hoped. It normally takes longer to get everything ready than James stays interested in it and we rarely get to finish anything to completion. This however was one of our few successes.
Written by Helena Carey on Wednesday, 26 June 2013. Posted in North West
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Warships at Albert Docks!
We’d had such a good day visiting HMS Edinburgh as part of the Battle of the Atlantic festival, we couldn’t resist going to watch the procession of warships as they left Liverpool on the last day of the festival.
Written by Helena Carey on Monday, 17 June 2013. Posted in North West
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A Morning at Flanders Moss
We were off to have lunch at a friend’s house who doesn’t have children. Despite having tried to pre warn them just how much energy a toddler has, I’m wasn’t convinced they were entirely aware of what they were letting themselves in for.
Written by Helena Carey on Monday, 17 June 2013. Posted in Mainland Scotland
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All Aboard
A couple of weekends ago Liverpool was hosting the Battle of the Atlantic festival to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the longest continuous military campaign of the Second World War.
Written by Helena Carey on Thursday, 06 June 2013. Posted in Sailing Adventures, North West
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Paddling ‘Ard
Loch Ard has to be one of my all-time favourite paddling places. I have so many happy memories paddling here from quick evening after work paddles, leisurely trips and picnics catching up on the gossip with friends to taking beginners out for the first taste of canoeing.
Written by Helena Carey on Monday, 03 June 2013. Posted in Sailing Adventures, Mainland Scotland
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A Family Bike Ride with a Difference…..
……Jarvis came along too. Well technically Jarvis didn’t cycle – we haven’t got a bike small enough and I don’t think he’d have much success with the pedals.
Written by Helena Carey on Monday, 03 June 2013. Posted in Cycling, Mainland Scotland
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Back on the Water
It seems like forever since we last went canoeing, which is probably because we’ve not been in a boat since last summer. What with moving house, DIY, snow and Dom being busy at work, canoeing has unfortunately had to drop down the list of priorities.
Written by Helena Carey on Tuesday, 28 May 2013. Posted in Sailing Adventures, Mainland Scotland
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Our First Camping Trip of the Year
We’re just back from a fantastic first camping trip of the year. We had great fun up in the Trossachs sharing all our favourite spots with James from when we used to live just outside Stirling.
Written by Helena Carey on Thursday, 23 May 2013. Posted in Camping Fun, Cycling, Mainland Scotland
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Serendipity
The other day when we were heading off to walk Jarvis on our way back from the supermarket, I accidently got in the wrong lane at the roundabout and took a wrong turning. Before we’d had time to turn round, we caught sight of a brown sign for a country park. We couldn’t resist following them and a few minutes later we’d reached Eastham Country Park.
Written by Helena Carey on Sunday, 05 May 2013. Posted in North West
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A Walk Fit For a Little Trekker
My favourite walk on the Wirral has to be Thurstaston Common. So when we had visitors last week this is exactly where we headed. As we left the car park and started the climb to the top of the common, our guests said “you’ve not chosen a very child friendly walk”. To be honest I’d not really given it much thought, but it got me thinking.
Written by Helena Carey on Sunday, 28 April 2013. Posted in North West
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Bike or Beach?
Saturday was so nice and sunny it looked like spring was finally here. It really was the perfect day for a trip to the beach but then again it was also great bike riding weather. Aargh decisions, decisions – bike or beach. After umming and arring for a while we eventually decided– both!
Written by Helena Carey on Sunday, 14 April 2013. Posted in Beside the Seaside, Cycling, North West
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Springing into Spring
Now I don’t want to Jinx it but it looks like spring has finally has finally made its way to the Wirral. The last of the snow has disappeared and the ground has started to dry out and we have even been luckily enough to have a few days of sun.
Written by Helena Carey on Sunday, 14 April 2013. Posted in Community Farms and Small Holdings, North West
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Border Hopping
We had been eagerly watching the progress of the new Deeside cycle route linking Neston with North Wales and watching the diggers and dumpers has been the highlight of our daily dog walks for James for the last few weeks.
Written by Helena Carey on Tuesday, 09 April 2013. Posted in Cycling, North Wales and Anglesey
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I Remember Those!
Spotty Otter’s new pinterest board “toys we remember” had got me all nostalgic especially the care bears and my little ponies.
Written by Helena Carey on Wednesday, 03 April 2013. Posted in Midlands
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Saying a Big Thank You to Midlands Air Ambulance
We have always been big supporters of the air ambulance, they do such a fantastic job and as outdoor enthusiast you never know when you might need them. So when Grandma went to drop off a cheque from a fundraising event she had helped organised, we tagged along to say thank you too.
Written by Helena Carey on Wednesday, 03 April 2013. Posted in Midlands
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1 Down Only 13 Left
With glorious sunny weather we were all set to attempt the first of our Welsh 3000s. We headed to the first of the 3000s, Foel Fras at the Northern end.
Written by Helena Carey on Wednesday, 13 March 2013. Posted in Mountain High, North Wales and Anglesey
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Our Welsh 3000s Challenge
We love a good challenge and are at our happiest when we’ve got a good project to prepare for. For us half the fun is in the planning and we love spending hours researching trips, whether its reading the guide books, pouring over maps and charts, checking tide tables and weather reports its all part of the fun.
Written by Helena Carey on Wednesday, 13 March 2013. Posted in Mountain High, North Wales and Anglesey
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Love at First Sight
As soon as we saw Spotty Otter’s fabulous new trapper hats last year, we were desperate to get one. I somehow managed to resist buying one straight away and convinced myself James already had too many hats.
Written by Helena Carey on Thursday, 07 March 2013. Posted in Beside the Seaside, North Wales and Anglesey
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Ahoy Me Hearties
Everybody has heard of the pirates of the Caribbean but did you know we also have a band of buccaneers over here on the Wirral?
Written by Helena Carey on Monday, 25 February 2013. Posted in Beside the Seaside, North West
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Second Helpings
Last Wednesday we woke up to a lovely and unexpected surprise – SNOW! Unlike last time James was fully aware of all the glorious white stuff in the garden. I knew from the rather unsubtle and incessant banging on the patio doors that we would have to cancel our plans for the morning and make the most of it.
Written by Helena Carey on Tuesday, 19 February 2013. Posted in North West
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Are You Sure We're in the Right Place?
Last weekend we headed over to the Clywydian Hills for a family walk. The plan was to head to Coed Llangwyfan, for a nice stroll through the forest.
Written by Helena Carey on Tuesday, 19 February 2013. Posted in Mountain High, North Wales and Anglesey
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Sledgetastic!
After road testing our new sledge at the local park we decided we needed some bigger hills and more snow to do it justice. Unfortunately the snow we’d been hoping for overnight didn’t appear so we headed over to Nercwys Forest just south of Mold hoping there would be more there.
Written by Helena Carey on Monday, 21 January 2013. Posted in North Wales and Anglesey
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James' New Sledge
Last week we were rather jealously reading everybody else’s snowy blogs desperately hoping the snow would make its way over here too.
Written by Helena Carey on Monday, 21 January 2013. Posted in North West
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Where Better to Shelter from the Rain than an Ancient Monument
On our recent trip to Scotland we were treated to some typical west coast weather - rain, rain and a bit more rain for good measure. Some folks might have been disappointed with the forecast; we on the overhand donned our waterproofs and made the most of having the sights to ourselves whilst everyone else cowered indoors.
Written by Helena Carey on Wednesday, 16 January 2013. Posted in Mainland Scotland
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Kayaking without Kayaks
Having spent most of his short life in Norfolk, an area not renowned for its white water kayaking potential, James hasn’t seen much moving water. So whilst in Scotland we thought we’d remedy this and show James some Scottish classics and our favourite rivers from when we lived up there.
Written by Helena Carey on Wednesday, 16 January 2013. Posted in Sailing Adventures, Mainland Scotland
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Oban From Up High
As we were driving through Oban, I noticed the Oban Chocolate Company overlooking the bay and knew that we just had to schedule a visit at some point during our holiday. If I was to have any chance of enjoying my longed for hot chocolate we would have to tire James out first.
Written by Helena Carey on Friday, 11 January 2013. Posted in Scottish Highlands and Islands
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Eager Beavers
Back in 2009, when I was working as an ecologist up in Scotland, the Scottish Beaver Trial was just starting out. The trial is an exciting conservation project to reintroduce beavers to Knapdale forest in Argyll after being extinct in the UK for over 400 years.
Written by Helena Carey on Wednesday, 09 January 2013. Posted in Scottish Highlands and Islands
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Cycling Back in Time
Since our first bike trip the other week, we have vowed to get out on our bike at least once a week. So far we have just been doing short local trips whilst we get used to the trailer. James doesn’t usually “do” sitting down so we try and go somewhere where we can do something exciting when we get there.
Written by Helena Carey on Monday, 10 December 2012. Posted in Cycling, North West
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On the Hunt for Squirrel Nutkin
Unless you’re lucky enough to live up in Scotland, than like us you’ll have to put up with seeing American grey squirrels. Well unless you head to the National Trust’s Red Squirrel reserve at Formby.
Written by Helena Carey on Monday, 10 December 2012. Posted in Beside the Seaside, North West
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Another Place
The other weekend was so glorious and sunny down in Liverpool, it was easy to think summer had returned – that was until you stepped outside where the frost and the cold convinced you otherwise. It really was the perfect day for wrapping up warm and heading for the beach. As it was the weekend we decided to head a bit further afield to Crosby, just north of Liverpool, which hosts Antony Gormley’s Another Place.
Written by Helena Carey on Wednesday, 28 November 2012. Posted in Beside the Seaside, North West
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“Are You Sure You Don’t Want Your Wellies”
The good thing about all the recent rain we’ve been having is all the mud! We had a gloriously squelchy walk at the weekend along the coastal path to the beach. Just before he locked up the car Dom asked me “are you sure you don’t want your wellies”. I decided it was far too much effort to take off my walking boots, a decision I later regretted!
Written by Helena Carey on Tuesday, 27 November 2012. Posted in North West
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A Little Mud Never Did Anyone Any Harm
We have been avidly reading everybody’s cycling blogs, desperately waiting for James to grow into his cycling helmet, so we could join in the fun too. After trying it on weekly for the last few months it finally fits, we were all set for our first bike ride.
Written by Helena Carey on Tuesday, 20 November 2012. Posted in Cycling, North West
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A-maze-ing Time at Speke Hall
With all our usual daytime activities cancelled for half term, we found ourselves with a day with nothing planned. With the prospect of staying in and tackling the mountain of housework which needed doing, we very quickly decided to head out for the day.
Written by Helena Carey on Saturday, 17 November 2012. Posted in North West
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Man's Best Friend ....
...is his dog, which is certainly true for James and Jarvis. James has always been Jarvis’ number one fan, but until recently I’m pretty sure Jarvis has tolerated James rather than truly enjoying his company.
Written by Helena Carey on Monday, 12 November 2012. Posted in Beside the Seaside, North West
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Spooky Ness Gardens
Just round the corner from us, are the beautiful University of Liverpool botanic gardens at Ness. As members of staff we get free entry so regularly pop in if we have an hour or two spare. When we saw the signs for a spooky pumpkin walk we knew we just had to schedule a visit.
Written by Helena Carey on Friday, 02 November 2012. Posted in North West
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Marvellous Marshes
One of our top priorities when we were house hunting was good local walks, the marshes on the Dee estuary have not disappointed us. The English shore at Neston and Parkgate is home to a massive expanse of salt marshes, perfect for even the liveliest of dogs and Little Trekkers to explore.
Written by Helena Carey on Friday, 02 November 2012. Posted in North West
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A Bow Paddler in the Making
Well yesterday was certainly a day for special birthdays, not only did Little Trekkers turn 10 but it was James’ 1st birthday too. I really can’t believe how quickly the year has gone, it seems like only yesterday we were bringing him home from hospital. So while he was napping I got a bit teary eyed and took a trip down memory lane, looking through all his baby photos.
Written by Helena Carey on Thursday, 11 October 2012. Posted in Sailing Adventures, East Anglia
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Moel Famau
Since James learnt to walk just over a month ago, he has become a boy possessed and his every waking hour is spent honing his new skills. So when we were looking for a walk to do last weekend we knew we needed somewhere with sections we could take him out the back carrier for.
Written by Helena Carey on Thursday, 04 October 2012. Posted in Mountain High, North Wales and Anglesey
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No Fixed Abode
Having already sold our house in Norwich and still having a few issues with our new house purchase we found ourselves homeless for a few weeks. Now I’m not one to turn don’t an adventure so when Dom suggested we camp I bravely (foolishly?) agreed.
Written by Helena Carey on Thursday, 27 September 2012. Posted in Camping Fun, North West
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Fauld Crater
Who’d have thought that a sleepy village in rural Staffordshire would be the site of the biggest explosion this country has ever known. Back in 1944 the Midlands was shaken when 3500 tonnes of bombs which were being stored in the gypsum mines in the area accidentally blew up.
Written by Helena Carey on Wednesday, 05 September 2012. Posted in Midlands
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Goodbye Norwich, It's Been Nice Knowing You
With Dom getting himself a new job over at Liverpool University, our latest big adventure has been selling our house in Norwich. Though I’m not sure if you were to ask James and Jarvis they would agree and would definitely consider it more of a challenge.
Written by Helena Carey on Wednesday, 05 September 2012. Posted in East Anglia
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Going for Gold
I don’t know about any of the other Little Trekkers but here in Norwich we have been rather uncharacteristically glued to the television since the Olympics began. To say we were excited to be heading there ourselves was a bit of an understatement. Not only were we lucky enough to have got tickets but we were off to see the canoe sprint – one of our favourite sports.
Written by Helena Carey on Thursday, 09 August 2012. Posted in South East
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New Shoes!
We’d like to say a big Teva-tastic thank you for James’ Teva hurricane sandals which arrived the other day. If you haven’t already guessed from the photos we love Tevas and have a pair for every occasion – Tevas do go with suits don’t they?
Written by Helena Carey on Thursday, 26 July 2012. Posted in South East
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The Perfect Sunday?
Arlo’s blog, got us thinking about our perfect Sunday. I think last Sunday comes pretty close...
Written by Helena Carey on Thursday, 26 July 2012. Posted in Sailing Adventures, South East
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Let Them Eat Cake
We have a selection of fruit bushes at the end of the garden and every morning when we let Jarvis out we go and pick some raspberries. Most mornings we have eaten what we have collected by the time we reach the back door but if we’re lucky we sometimes have enough to have with our weetabix. With Daddy away with work a strange phenomenon had occurred, even after gorging ourselves over breakfast we still had some to spare.
Written by Helena Carey on Wednesday, 25 July 2012. Posted in South East
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Carnival Time
Every year on the first weekend in July, Norwich city centre is transformed into one giant party as everybody takes to the streets to enjoy the Lord Mayor’s celebrations.
Written by Helena Carey on Wednesday, 25 July 2012. Posted in South East
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Olympic Fever
The Olympic torch finally made it over to East Anglia the other week and after reading everybody’s blogs and seeing how much fun they had, we decided we had to go and see it for ourselves. We couldn’t make it when it was in Norwich, our home town, so headed down the road to see it at Southwold.
Written by Helena Carey on Wednesday, 18 July 2012. Posted in Beside the Seaside, East Anglia
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Making Waves on the Waveney
Having got a few short local trips under our belt, we decided to be brave and head a bit further afield. So a plan was hatched for a trip to the River Waveney on the Norfolk Suffolk border for our first full days paddle. James must have over heard us discussing our plans the previous evening and got us all up nice and early so we had no worries about in finishing in time.
Written by Helena Carey on Wednesday, 27 June 2012. Posted in Sailing Adventures, East Anglia
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“Up All Night”
Not quite – but certainly past James’ normal bedtime. Every summer the Forestry Commission put on a series of concerts in clearings in their forests and this year Razorlight were playing down the road at Thetford.
Written by Helena Carey on Wednesday, 20 June 2012. Posted in East Anglia
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A House Fit for a King
With Jubilee fever in the air, we thought it was about time James went on his first visit to a castle. So off we headed to Tutbury Castle, in Staffordshire, down the road from Grandma and Granddad’s.
Written by Helena Carey on Friday, 08 June 2012. Posted in Midlands
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Yare'll Never Guess What We Did Today
Seeing as the sun was out (a rarity on a Bank Holiday weekend!) we decided to avoid the Jubilee crowds and paddle rather than walk to the park for Jarvis' afternoon walk. We packed up the paddling kit and headed for the River Yare which flows through Earlham Park on the edge of Norwich.
Written by Helena Carey on Thursday, 07 June 2012. Posted in East Anglia
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Woodland Wander
Whilst all the sun we’ve been having has been lovely, it’s been a little bit too warm for our daily walks with our furry trekker, Jarvis. It’s hard work carrying a heavy lump on your back in this heat. So we decided to seek out some shade in our local woods.
Written by Helena Carey on Wednesday, 30 May 2012. Posted in Environmental Education and Wildlife, East Anglia
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Carry On Camping
With all the glorious weather we'd been having we decided to take the plunge and go on our first family camping trip. We found a great campsite, basic - just how we like it, on the banks of Coniston Water and with a new family tent bought we were all set.
Written by Helena Carey on Friday, 25 May 2012. Posted in Camping Fun, Cumbria and the Lake District