After my presentation on hammock camping last year, I was pleased to discover that at least one person was giving it a go. Brendan on the left here was bravely swinging in the spot next to me. Good man!

To my surprise the there was another hammock convert who’d discovered it by himself. Rob on the right bought a hennessy hammock when he was looking for somewhere to stay at Swansea university. I have to say that wild camping around Swansea sounds more dangerous than parts of Russia to me!

Rob has a small holding and is self sufficient, even making his own cider. Being pitched up at the top field I didn’t get chance to check out his rig, or sample the bottle of cider I was offered. Next time Rob I promise!

How many times have I said that to myself recently? Next time. Hmm…

High time I got out on the road again, as the daily 75 mile commute doesn’t quite cut it. I got an invite to present at the Horizons Unlimited traveller’s meeting last weekend. I gladly accepted and after some very kind offers to babysit, I found myself on the ferry to Dublin again.

I like ferries. I think they’re a very sedate way to travel, leaving the world behind with your phone signal for a few hours. I like to be outside and watching the coast slowly fall behind is always a time to reflect. I’m not really a water person, not into boats or swimming, but ferries I can do.

I met up with a friend Brendan, who’d bought a hammock on the strength of my presentation last year. We rode through some almighty rain across the border into Northern Ireland. This year I’d offered to do an indoor session and was first up! We were running a little late but the next presenter Steve kindly agreed to swap.

I think it went down OK. I didn’t get pelted with rotten tomatoes so I’ll take that as a good sign!!

The weekend was great apart from the weather. The founders of Horizons Unlimited Grant and Susan had come over and I managed to get to a few other sessions. The absolute highlight of which I’ll post shortly. As usual it was over too soon and I was back on the ferry in no time.

Note to self: next year take a week off and tour round Ireland!