Christmas tree ornaments in a store display; these figures are only a few cm tall but the detail is amazing, some quite subversive
Wishing a Merry Christmas 2024 and a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous 2025 to all my Friends and Followers
2024 hasn’t been wonderful for the weather so - even more than usual - it’s been a matter of seizing opportunities rather than detailed planning. So here’re some of the highlights of my year.
We enjoyed several big hikes in the Alps, including one on the Italian side. And at last I hiked to the summit of Scafell in England.
I bought a mountain trail bike (MTB) and have been enjoying that for rides out from Keswick as well as the classic Marin that’s in Marseille. No battery on either.
My garden in Keswick has kept me very busy, though it’s a joy to be working with the fells and wildlife all around. The hedges are getting more under control but will always need trimming; I’ve been trying to bring them down to the height I can manage without a ladder.
And I made several big rides on my CBR600RR which is registered and lives in my garage in Marseille, two to Corsica and one to the snow line in the Provence Alps.
I bought a four cylinder 400cc sportsbike, ZX4-RR, but the dealer couldn’t sort out engine control unit issues so I sold it back after a couple of fine but frustrating rides out of Keswick. So my little Ninja Z250SL remains the bike I find best for rides in Cumbria and the North Pennines.
Sincere thanks to everyone who has followed, critiqued and commented on what I post online.
Merry Christmas!