Get out there and do fun stuff

Type the word ‘sunset’ into Google and you’re halfway to making the most of these long June evenings. It doesn’t get dark for so long – do you really need to stay indoors tonight?

If you are looking for ideas for your summer solstice microadventure challenge, I hope this post will encourage you as to how easy it is to get out into the wild, even on a work night.

7.40pm – jobs done. Time to pack and hit the road.

Clockwise from top left: Kammok hammock and straps, ThermaRest Neo (for extra comfort in the hammock, or in case I can’t find any trees!), Buff / woolly hat, Notepad and pen, sleeping bag, Osprey pack, bottle, phone, raincoat, thermal top.

Keeping things simple is key to making you actually get round to doing something. I didn’t bother with cooking gear or organising food supplies. I just ate fish and chips in a field!

Hydration is very important on all expeditions.

Here is the hill I was heading for. I’md never been there, but I felt confident I would be able to find somewhere beautiful, secluded and safe to sleep up there.

I was racing the sunset, for it’s always easier to find a camp spot before it gets dark.

Job done! Very nice. I was lulled to sleep by the roar of the nearby motorway. You don’t need to live in a National Park to find pockets of beauty.

Terrible photo, but a wonderful large moon, as seen from my hammock. Each time I stirred in the night I tracked its progress across the sky.

My waking view. The tree that had kindly held me up all night.

Absolutely nothing beats a swim in a river to start the day. Give it a try, even if you are a bit nervous about it being chilly. It feels so good and sets you up perfectly for the day ahead.

Time to zoom home for breakfast.

And ready for work on time. (Well, 1 minute past…)

So, what are YOU going to do to make the most of these long summer evenings?
Get involved with the solstice challenge today.