I'm quickly realising that pursuing a career in adventure, the outdoors and expeditions will, at least to start with, require a lot of patience, commitment and flexibility.
I'm meant to be in Iceland, crossing the Vatnajokull ice cap from West to East - sadly this had to be cancelled. At the end of this month I was supposed to be off to Afghanistan, sadly I'm no longer needed. I've also just finished university, performing perhaps below how I should have done. That's three big hits of disappointment in quick succession; not particularly easy to deal with!
Yet from these disappointments some positive shine through; I organised an expedition from very little to it being ready to go, which despite the cancellation is good experience. I've graduated from a top university with a good degree and now have a summer free to work for Secret Compass, who are providing amazing opportunities for the future, and Exceed Possibility, which I'm keen to keep improving. I also have the added bonus of a few Olympic tickets! All is not lost.
This August I'm going to try and fit a short (7-10 day) expedition in, as well as totting up some more Mountain Days for my Mountain Leader qualification. Where I'll head I'm not exactly sure just yet; Norway, Poland?? Who knows; I'll decide soon I'm sure! Suggestions welcome - anywhere wild and off the beaten track, preferably Europe!
While disappointments may come in waves there are plenty of exciting opportunities coming my way in the future - I've just got to keep at it, keep plugging away... Keep calm and carry on!
