Tim Dobson
Thinker, Blogger, Hacker, Hiker.
Taking James to Thursday evening climbing
20 October 2024
Throwback to taking James to Thursday evening climbing with @climbingclan In honesty, whilst it was pleasant to get outside and enjoy the ambience, it didn't allow me to get any climbing done. Actually, that's a lie. The (then) Climbing Clan Training Officer belayed me up Middle & Leg (D) from the top once, which was […]
The tricky parts of parenting – being a good neighbour
20 October 2024
One thing that can be tricky about parenting is being able to give your other parent some time off so they can keep you sane and have the ability to take over from you, when you need support. We've found my sort-of-converted campervan is helpful for this, and James has spent much time hanging out […]
James discovering the fun of having a bath
19 October 2024
Throwback to when James discovered how much fun it was to have Grannie and Grandpa help him run round the garden Originally posted on this post on Instagram
Armchair anthropology – why do people do what they do?
19 October 2024
Any armchair anthropologists in the room? Sociologists? Why do cavers have such niche games to play outside of caving? I know the cheap answer is "cavers are weird" and the "clever but doesn't stand up to scrutiny" answer is "they're training for caves" – but I'm genuinely interested. Do other sports have memorable cultural games? […]
James first foray at the seaside
18 October 2024
I believe this was the boy's first foray in seaside and cream teas. Given it was April, I think he found the sea a bit chilly, but he liked the cream tea! Originally posted on this post on Instagram
Finding joy in train watching with a child
18 October 2024
Before I had a child, I didn't think I'd ever enjoy taking them to the swings. Turns out that watching your son really enjoy something is pretty powerful. He loves the swings. I don't mind the swings. Thus we are all happy. Originally posted on this post on Instagram
Daring remote mine explore with Judith, Jen and friends
17 October 2024
Throwback to a daring remote mine explore with Judith, Jen, Jenna, Leve, Kim and Matt. This one required a boat to access. Most photos thanks to Jenna and Leve – I was too busy to take them mostly Originally posted on this post on Instagram
How difficult rock climbing is with a child
17 October 2024
One thing that wasn't obvious to me is how difficult rock climbing is with a baby. It's so tricky. Don't get me wrong – it's *possible*, and here's how you do it: you use up some of your childfree time – probably by one partner staying at home you arrive and climb whilst your baby […]
What does a flowerpot remind you of?
16 October 2024
What does a flowerpot remind you of? Soil? Roots? If ever you hear of something described as a flowerpot entrance, you can basically assume you have to enter through a flowerpot. Whilst that's not true, and "a big water pipe" might be closer to the truth, there is an element of truth to it. This […]
Sometimes the best solutions feel like yours
15 October 2024
Sometimes, the best solutions are the ones that feel like you wouldn't like them. Case in point: playgroups. After dipping my toe in with a dad group, I decided to brave a local stay-and-play with James. Spoiler alert: it wasn't nearly as uncomfortable as I'd built it up to be in my head. So we […]
Taking nursery adventure duck adventures too far
15 October 2024
That time we took nursery's adventure duck adventures a bit too seriesouly. And by "we", I mean "90% Jen" @furryjenn83 Swipe to the end for the ducks swaaag. Originally posted on this post on Instagram
Community building hack of the day
14 October 2024
Here's my* community building hack of the day. If you're trying to build a community, group, network, team, whatever – find a way to get people to sit down and eat together. You'll be surprised how easy it is vs how effective it is. (This example with @The Climbing Clan committee @climbingclan – at the […]