Tim Dobson
Thinker, Blogger, Hacker, Hiker.
Surf kayaking with Carlos and Tavi
23 January 2021
Throwback to surf kayaking with Carlos and Tavi near Swansea. This was one of the only paddles I got in 2020, and I loved every second. If only it had been longer! As I said then: "Got out for some socially distanced kayak surfing in whitewater boats this morning. Managed a single salty swim when […]
Various stages of vanlife through the seasons
23 January 2021
Various stages of Vanlife through the seasons this summer. The style of Vanlife has changed, but some things stayed the same. A Mercedes Sprinter. A hammock. Good views and bad views. Life continued. Originally posted on this post on Instagram
A lovely walk along Worms Head on Gower
11 December 2020
Throwback to a lovely walk along the Worm's Head on Gower with Tavi earlier this summer. All through lockdown 1.0 I'd been saying to myself that when the restrictions allowed, I'd go for a road trip to visit lots of of far away friends. As lockdown lifted, I did that and it was nice to […]
Kim and I finally did Tryfan
10 December 2020
When I heard Kim hadn't done Tryfan, and remembered I hadn't done this favourite minimountain for at least a year, I suggested a trip. Kim was going backpacking afterwards, I was headed to South Wales, it was perfect timing. In the second wettest conditions I've done it in, we headed up the North ridge, taking […]
A chilly Climbing Clan evening at Castle Naze
10 December 2020
Throwback to quite a chilly Climbing Clan evening at Castle Naze with Kirsty and Sarah sometime in July! Originally posted on this post on Instagram
First trip to P8 with Kim and Judith
10 December 2020
Great first trip to P8 for me, Kim and Judith back in July.Once upon a time, Kim and me were on a trip to P8 that got turned around due to high water. This time, we were able to head down the two "true" SRT pitches (I rigged the first and second pitches as straight […]
A busy day at Windgather
10 December 2020
Throwback to a busy day at Windgather when Ashleigh and Munky got finally released to climb trad outside on their own. A pleasant day in the sunshine! Originally posted on this post on Instagram
First caving highlights for the team
9 December 2020
Highlights of Siobhan, Samantha, Monika and Tom's first Caving Crew trip with Judith and me to Bagshawe Cavern earlier this summer' Surprisingly dry conditions' Kneepads for almost everyone' Exploring the route to the upstream sumps' Lots of smiling faces' Very little complaining ' Bella the dotty deaf doggo ©' Snacks' Satisfying two people's request for […]
Throwback to seconder training
9 December 2020
Throwback to seconder training with Jon, Kim, Judith and Dean over the summer. This is part of trying to help the Crew get more skills so we can run more trips at all levels. That trip made me realise: Navigation is worth starting to practice early Seconding and leading skills are very similar, the […]
Working with my 10 year old nephew
9 December 2020
The best thing about working with my 10yro nephew is that he can reach all the nuts I can't. We removed a bench seat from my new van and replaced it with a single seat from my old van. The worst part is him dropping truthbombs about my old van: "This is trash! This is […]
Haven not climbed indoors since March
7 December 2020
I've not climbed indoors since March, partly because I don't live nearby but also because for me climbing is inherently social. Anyone who thinks I climb for the grades is wrong. I climb for the atmosphere, the people and the psych – and since which the routes may be open, the climbing and cakes clan […]
Ashleigh leads her first ever trad climbs
7 December 2020
Well done Ashleigh leading her first ever trad climbs, back in July! ª Over several evenings in this summer, I did some skill sharing sessions with Ashleigh and Munky to help them take their first steps trad climbing. It takes time. These photos are from our 3rd evening together. We had at least one more […]