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Triumph Over the North Atlantic Ocean : a Monumental Rowing Adventure
Rowing the North Atlantic is a monumental feat that requires incredible physical and mental endurance. The North Atlantic is known for its challenging weather patterns, strong currents, and unpredictable conditions, making it one of the most demanding bodies of water to cross. On 28th Jan 2016, approaching midnight – I was sitting in my rowing position on the “Toby Wallace”, a light-weight ocean…
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My Ultimate Kayaking Adventure : Crossing The English Channel both ways
I embarked on the ultimate kayak journey across the English Channel, paddling from Dungeness, UK to Boulogne, France. Discover tips, routes, and the adventure of a lifetime! BBC . South East Today – Evening News 25.6.2021 – I’m on the Telly!!! On the 3rd February 2021, I completed my chemotherapy treatment for Cancer and rang the Bell. Six months later…
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A Trek into the World’s Largest Hot Desert: The Sahara
Discover the Majestic Beauty of the Sahara Desert: To me, the Sahara displays an awe-inspiring uniqueness as did the North Pole. They share extremes of contrasts yet alike in so many ways; legend, mystery and raw beauty. Both can and will kill you if you don’t respect them. The Sahara is the largest non-polar desert on our planet; 3,320,000 square miles…
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Trek to the Highest Mountain in Africa
My Journeys to the Summit of Mt Kilimanjaro: Highest Mountain in Africa Kilimanjaro demands respect, this mighty dormant volcano, soaring from the African plains, stands as the tallest freestanding mountain globally, reaching a staggering 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level. I have climbed to Uhuru Peak, the Summit of Kilimanjaro Twice: Conquering Africa’s Tallest Freestanding Mountain- the second time…
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Highest Rugby Match Ever Played on Mount Everest
In April 2019 we trekked in the footsteps of Mallory and Irvine, up the Magic Highway’ to Mt Everest’s Advance Base Camp (ABC3) 6,500m/ 21325ft ; which is just below the North Col to play two games of Rugby on a glacier. Myself and Lesley, trekked and played alongside, Rugby stars Lee Mears, Ollie Phillips, Shane Williams, Tamara Taylor plus 20 inspirational…
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Man Overboard: The Most Feared Words in Ocean Rowing
The Toby Wallace Atlantic Rowing Tragedy – January/February 2016 The Toby Wallace Atlantic Row – January/February 2016 Tragedy struck in the night of February 14th. Location close to 18 29′ N 039 06′ W. over a thousand miles from land. https://my.yb.tl/oceanusrowing Simon gave a loud warning shout, “big wave”. I looked up to see a monster swell coming at us fast…
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Adventures, Camping / Equipment & Accessories, Expeditions, Hiking / Trekking, Hiking / Trekking, My Blog, Speaking
The Polar Race: 648km to the Top of the World
On April 9th, 2009, I faced an extraordinary challenge— “Probably the World’s Toughest Race” At 61, with 28 years of sobriety strengthening my resolve, I stood alongside my 34-year-old teammate, James Trotman. Embarking on the Race to the North Pole was more than just a contest; it was a daring expedition and the ultimate test of survival in one of…
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Ultimate Fostering of Healthy Boundaries
Healthy Boundaries By creating distance is one of the healthiest ways I can protect myself and foster my growth without compromising my values. It’s not about being controlling; it’s about honouring my needs. Boundaries, whether physical, emotional, or material, allow me to build a solid foundation for long-term well-being and self-respect. Fostering Healthy RelationshipsBoundaries are the foundation of healthy relationships.…
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Breaking Old Patterns: From Setbacks to Growth
There have been countless moments in my recovery when I’ve felt stuck, as though I were trapped in an endless loop, going around in circles. I’d catch myself slipping into the same familiar patterns, repeating old habits, and reacting to the same triggers that once held me captive. It was frustrating, even disheartening at times, to see myself standing on…
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Practical guide How to Thriving in Recovery
How-To From Surviving to Thriving Professional SupportI’ve found that working with qualified professionals is incredibly helpful. Whether I’m exploring therapy approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), or trauma-informed counseling, having a trained guide allows me to process my emotions in a safe environment. In addition, staying consistent with my medical or addiction care team…
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How Resentment Fuels Addiction: How to Overcome It
Resentment is the number one offender, wreaking havoc on the lives of those struggling with substance use and addictive behaviors. When you let myself get stuck in resentment, the chances of recovering from addiction diminish significantly. Resentment often feels like a wave of anger, bitterness, or dissatisfaction when we believe we’ve been wronged, treated unfairly, or disrespected. This emotion usually…
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Useful Safety & Emergency Contacts for the Outdoor Activists
A comprehensive set of contacts and safety messages for the outdoor activists Police, Fire or Ambulance (emergency) 999 NHS (non-emergency) 111 Non-emergency number for the police. 101 Coastguard 112 Adventure Activities Industry Advisory Committee The Adventure Activities Industry Advisory Committee (AAIAC), is the sector’s lead body for safety in adventure activities. It is representative of a wide…
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Footwear is the ultimate Foundation of our Personal Kit.
Footwear is the essential gear that grounds me, supporting every step I take across diverse and challenging terrains. It’s not just an accessory; it’s a critical investment in my overall physical and mental well-being. Without the right footwear, even the most meticulously planned adventure can be derailed, as comfort, stability, and resilience are crucial for pushing forward. Since the age…
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Ultimate Guide to the Three-Layered Clothing System
As someone who loves exploring the outdoors, especially in cold weather, I’ve found that the three-layer clothing system is a tried-and-true strategy for effective layering. This method ensures that I stay warm, dry, and comfortable, allowing me to enjoy my activities without feeling the biting chill. By wearing a base layer to wick away moisture, a middle layer for insulation,…
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Essential Survival Gear for Treks and More
Here’s my take on essential survival gear for treks and other adventures—though keep in mind, this isn’t a one-size-fits-all list. Every journey is different, and your gear should always be tailored to your specific needs. No matter how much you prepare, unexpected challenges like unplanned overnights, sudden bad weather, or injuries can arise. From my own experiences, I’ve put together…
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Orienteering : Best Introduction to Survival Skills for Adventurers
Orienteering is a fantastic way to introduce aspiring adventurers to the beauty of the great outdoors while also helping them develop essential survival skills. It perfectly combines the thrill of wild running with a meaningful purpose. It is an outdoor adventure sport that combines navigation and racing, where participants use a map and compass to find a series of checkpoints…
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‘Having both Feet on the Ground’ is to be a Sensible and Practical Person
“Having both feet on the ground” or groundedness is being firmly rooted in the present, with a clear sense of your values and purpose, allowing you to navigate challenges with confidence and resilience. It refers to a state of being firmly connected to yourself and the present moment, both mentally and emotionally. It’s a sense of stability and balance that…
