Below is the usual list of interesting stuff that I’d like to share with you.

But first… a quick commercial break. ?

We like our young people to read stories of Adventure because they’re books full of resilience and perseverance. But the reality of life is quite different to the usual Adventure books filled with incredible feats being done by incredible people.

In real life, things are a bit messier, particularly in the minds of young people. They often worry about failing, about not knowing what direction they’re going, or if things may be turn out not quite as expected.

So I have put together a new book, Against the Odds, to hopefully encourage more of a growth mindset in young people. 

Because adventures, like real life, are rarely smooth, simple and predictable. This a book full of people overcoming the odds to do really fantastic crazy adventures, but going about it in a roundabout sort of way.

• If I was a knitting ninja, I would definitely like to knit a daily weather scarf.
• Remarkable Trees Throughout The World.
• A podcast interview with polar explorer Martin Hartley on climate change, expedition photography & mental health.
• NASA’s photography of their work in Antarctica is fascinating.
• A website full of advice and inspiration for all things bikepacking.
• Parenthood is an adventure like no other, not least in the world of adventure, where reward is constantly measured against potential risk. From fear of losing sponsors to the challenge of maintaining their expedition-led lifestyles, “New Life” documents the shifting priorities that come with raising a son in a world that revolves around climbing and outdoor exploration.
• The slow process of one of the world’s finest woodland photographers. A really interesting interview.

Let me know if you have a relevant project that my readers would appreciate. Here’s what you guys have been up to recently:

50 NEWSLETTERS AGO

Shikamoo everyone!

We’re happily marching on together into summer; I’ve jumped out of a tree into a river for the first time in months; the best book I have ever written came out in paperback this week; I’m experimenting with the evil genius tactic of being an author who now publishes books filled with blank pages; I interviewed my Dad for my podcast, and Series 2 begins next week. Good times here in my shed!

MAPS OLD AND NEW

Compare modern maps with far older versions. See also the nerdy, magnificent Layers of London (requires effort to dive deep). And Where’s The Path is good for scoping out wild camping spots (where -of course- you will not leave litter…)

AMAZING MESSAGE-IN-A-BOTTLE STORIES

Messages have been slipped into bottles and shipped on mysterious voyages for thousands of years. Here’s some nice tales of success. See also this wonderful Tweet.

HE LOST HIS LEG, THEN REDISCOVERED THE BICYCLE.

Leo Rodgers is a tall black man with long hair and one leg. Someone who sits on a bike like that’s where they belong. Without explicitly trying, Leo makes a powerful statement every time he pedals through his community.

WHY WE TRAVEL

An article I wrote for National Geographic this month about finding journeys of real significance close to home.

ADVENTUROUS INK

Adventurous Ink is the book club for outdoor folk. Each month you receive a new book or journal featuring writers, photographers and illustrators who really ‘get’ the great outdoors.

100 NEWSLETTERS AGO

SHOUTING FROM THE SHED – 7

• An Article you’ll Enjoy: I have often recommended the book Paddling North, so I won’t do that today. But if you don’t know of Audrey Sutherland I hope you will enjoy her adventurous gumption and her list of things that all decent teenagers should be able to accomplish.
• A Film to make you Smile: My friend Tem has just been to the South Pole. Looks like he enjoyed himself. (All Tem’s films are superb. I have made films with him around Scotland for the John Muir Trust when we ate 48 packets of crisps in a week, building a raft in Sweden, and a microadventure in Croatia. He’s as talented as he is tall.)
• A Podcast to Subscribe to: ‘Mountain’ is an unapologetically niche podcast, aimed at those of us who love the outdoors, whether by bike, up in the mountains, or wandering around with a violin.