Happy birthday to my dad, who should have been 62 today but who will now live on as forever 61. It seems befitting that the first birthday without him falls on Easter Sunday; synchronicity that I know he would have approved of. I Wish I could roll away the stone, but I am no miracle worker.
Next week I embark on a solo hike to find space in my mind, check in with myself and hopefully organise my thoughts somewhat. The past 6 months have been filled with distraction and I need to spend some time with myself to process. Plus, me and St Cuthberts Way have unfinished business.
I won't be updating as I go, hopefully a longer form Substack piece will emerge in due course.
Peace and Easter goodness to you all. Love one another 🪺 x
My dad loved nothing more than tending to his garden. Through the dark years after my mum died I think he slipped into a kind of depression, although he would never have said it out loud, I noticed when he was particularly down.
In the last few years, living next door to him, I noticed he was taking more care of his garden. Spending time in it, planting pretty flowers, knowing every nook and cranny, cutting in the edging, constant maintenance. I took this as the sign of a more content human being. Confident and comfortable with his place in the world. At relative peace. Tending his bit.
This winter has been long and sad, but this week the light is beginning to return, and evidence of his hard work revealing itself. The bulbs he planted when all was bare, knowing that the reward would be worth the wait.
He lives on through his insane crocuses, splashes of colour and the joy they bring. A very welcome reminder of the beautiful man he was.
Tignes dump ft. The entire family and far too much snow. Different kind of holiday this year. The entire resort was on lockdown for a day due to the avalanche risk and visibility being so bad, so more time spent relaxing. No bad thing for these ageing legs.
#snow
#snowboarding
#tignes
#france
#cheese
First surf of 2026 on Saturday, and first one for a month or so. I was nervous.
Sore back, weak arms, broken fin, snapped wetsuit hanger, frozen feet and I still had an amazing day.
Life hasn't been easy recently. I'm glad I found joy in spite of what could have been considered setbacks.
East Lothian Magic Bay absolutely delivering the goods. Quiet, shoulder high, clean as a whistle. Delicious 👌
#surfing
#eastlothian
#northsea
#cold
#lupogti
Sent my first white today. Not as flowy as I'd like but a big personal achievement for me. Didn't think I'd ever get one - many have eluded me but not this time. Absolutely stoked. @tchedinburgh thank you 💪
#levelup
#bouldering
#Imsouane was a slow, sleepy little escape from reality. Nothing much to do except read, eat fish, watch the waves and enjoy the warmth. I got in the water for a surf a coue of times, and although the Bay wasn't quite working as it normally does, it was still cool to get in the Moroccan water. Our room overlooked Cathedral Point so got to watch some of the locals ripping whilst sipping tea on the cliff. Will come back for sure.
#morocco
#surf
