So at Explorers today (think Scouts for teenagers) we made these.

It’s really quite simple, yet fun and elegant. Simply twist the propeller round and round, the elastic band will go really tight, let it go, and voosh it flies! There’s something quite cool about flying, maybe it’s because we as humans cannot, and so we’ve always been drawn to it. But for this little thing, it just glided on and on.

There’s nothing to it but some paper, a couple of strands of wood, a rubber band, bit of plastic, and a touch of glue. What with all the stresses of imminent exams it’s nice to do something so practical and relaxing.

Even if it’s only a sixth form magazine, I really like my writing being published.

It feels like a physical legacy, something which may live on well beyond my time.

Plus it’s good fun to try and talk about what I find fascinating in the world in a way which is (hopefully!) a little engaging and useful to people who have totally different interests.

So in three weeks’ time I’ve got a fancy dress day at school.

We have to come as something beginning with “E”. Others are coming as Elton John, Elmo, elves…

Help? Any suggestions would be terrific!

I’ve accepted my university offer!

I’ve gone for the University of Nottingham as my firm choice, and University of Sheffield as my insurance.
A very exciting, fun, and terrifying period is waiting ahead.
But first, I have to get my grades in the summer exams. That’s the not-so-fun part!

Ravenously hungry.

A ridiculously long car-drive home.

A knee which doesn’t want to be walked upon and is hurting quite a bit.

But a most brilliant and wonderful week in the beautiful Scottish Highlands, with eight mountains climbed, seven days of blue skies and sun enjoyed, and some really great company!

Toodles! 

(forgive the title!)

I’m off to the Scottish Highlands for the next week or so, and I’ll be lucky if I have mobile signal, and it will be a miracle if I have wi-fi. It probably means I’ll be literally communicatively isolated, if I don’t respond to messages, sorry! There’s a little queue set up and all, but I hope you all have a lovely Easter!

A week of mountain climbing and seeing the beautiful surrounds of the Highlands awaits. And hopefully lots of Easter eggs, too.

Bye bye!

Which university will Richard go to? 

Is a question frequently asked by my parents and myself.

I do not know.

Some people seem to be writing lists to help them along, so why not?

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Difficult walky things… 

So I’ve just agreed to do a 40 mile day hike in a few weeks’ time. Am I prepared? Nope.

Oh dear. Ahh. I did it last year and by god, it was by far the worst physical experience I’ve ever endured. I got to 30 miles, and the last 10 miles were just utterly horrendous. I couldn’t really walk for days after. It’s really quite fun in a mad sort of way though, waking up at half-four and just walking for hours upon hours; you really see what people when tested to their limit.

And in Easter when I go to the Scottish Highlands, I’ve agreed to climb the “Inaccessible Pinnacle” on Sgurr Dearg. 

We’ll have a guide and all, so hopefully I won’t plummet to my death, but it should prove pretty interesting! 

We all need challenges in life to keep us going. Mine mostly seem to involve my pair of hiking boots.

Welllll, I’m in lovely and sunny Wales now! It’s so peaceful and relaxing here, what with the countryside and the waves rolling in on the shore.
However, whilst there is wi-fi, it’s too slow to let Tumblr work in all its glory, so I may not be on very much over the next week! I’ll still be able to answer messages though.

So have a lovely half-term, or have a great week if you’re not on holiday!

I also saw Untouchable, or Les Intouchables (haha, hope that’s right!), which was absolutely hilarious and fantastic and wonderful, I really recommend it.

Ahh, my friends and I are planning a trip to Paris for this summer!

Excitement! :D 

Any places people would particularly recommend? 

So I’ve been asked by three people for help with their English coursework, asking how to do things and what the word count is, and whether they could read my pieces for guidance, and another for help with her exam.

Since I don’t even study English anymore, this is a little bit odd! 

Camping fun! 

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