From Thursday to Saturday last week, I stayed in Breacon with my family, my good friend Nigel and his two sons, and Ted and Alice Waldron.  Ted had kindly offered to give me a few pointers for the Snowden 15 Peaks Challenge by taking me on a 20km hill walk.

We had a great time camping, real open fires at night, lovely farm with ponds and ducks.  The newest member of the family, BEN the dog had great fun.

Just got back from a Scout Camp and training exercise.  Walked from Brierley Hill to Kinver on Friday night and set up camp just as it was getting dark.  Had a great Night out under the stars with Nigel, Ian and the scouts.

Next day, packed up and hiked to the camp near Kidderminster Safari Park, going zig zag routs cross country to build up the miles.  I think we did about 16 miles on this walk.  It was tough going at times as the path would suddenly change from stiles and rough pathways, to barb wire, electric fences and 6ft nettles where the farmer had forgotten about the public footpath rules so his animals could graze and his spuds could grow I guess.

Got a few injuries when an old rusted through fence collapsed on me, after I had helped a few others over.  Several puncture wounds (barbed wire) later and with aching ribs from the landing, I am OK, but a little wiser and less trusting of ancient gates.

Today the scouts came back by bike to the HQ at Blakedown and I came back with Justine and the boys who picked me up to give them a chance to meet all the scouts.

Great weekend so CHEERS guys, really a great bunch of friendly and helpful kids, and leaders.

You can still sponsor my SNOWDEN WALK, details below…

https://www.charitiestrust.org/members_data/event/frankpeaks/index.html

This is just a quick blog to prove to Nigel Butler that I can get his name listed on Google within 24 hours.

Nigel and the Butler family have become good friends. Our wives are getting more in common now that Nigel has got me to sign up as a scout leader. Mr Butler should be able to find this blog about Nigel Butler by tomorrow. Cheers Nigel.

We had a good day today clearing the house, shed and allotment of junk. Two tip runs and a charity shop run.

Finished the night off on an evening with Neil and Sally. Cheers guys, great night, long planned and way overdue.

I am now starting training for the 15 peaks charity walk so no more beer and rubbish. Plus I am becoming a Scout leader over the next week or so. This is becoming my “Yes!” year.