Rob

Rob, James' best friend & adventuring partner, and their school buddy also called James died yesterday in a tragic climbing accident in France. James is devastated.

Rob was only 21. He died doing what he enjoyed and you can't say he didn't live life to the full... youngest Brit to climb Everest at 19, pole to pole and the rest... Rob was a great guy always happy and smiling and will be truly missed.

There are three things I will remember most. Buying him and James a steak dinner in the Marriot hotel in Islamabad after the weather had stopped them from climbing some mountain in the Karakorams. He devoured it with speed, gusto and amazing grace. Being grilled non stop over dinner once about how 'news is made'. And finally watching in awe and with pride as he and James gave a talk on their 180' expedition.

God bless them both and rest in peace.

Crisp, Sunny & Leafy

There really isn't anything better than going for a walk on a crisp winters morning. Unless you're on a treasure hunt - according to Jessica. Thankfully we were. All togged up and with Jessica's feet warming up as we walk - we head off through Bolderwood in the New Forest - part of the 'old' forest made up of magestic longstanding trees.



Ben on the move, sporting my hat and boots. Good thing is - any shoes the boys now have will fit me!! Cast off's ahoy!!



Stunning.



Having navigated through two clues we find the site of the cache.



They seek it here, they seek it there, prodding with a stick as they go. Think thats to scare the snakes away - a bit cold for them Jess.



Remnants of a lightning strike.



"Ben, Jess, whats this?"



Making sure it's not a snake Jess gives the box a quick prod.



"Hurray - we found the treasure!!"



Ben's obviously not so afraid of snakes.



And gives it to Jess....



Who takes charge of examining the contents.



Inside is a little teddy bear - which is our spoil. The only thing we have to leave is a pair of AA batteries. Inside was a strange note - which is what I should carry around as swaps - have enough of them.



Such a fantastic way to spend a morning.



Made even better with some tea and cookies.



More frosty stumps.



And time for a little tree hug - or snooze along the way.



And then on the way back to the car we spot a den.



That's got to be one of the next things we do - making a den.



Any on the final stretch back to the car the kids are dwarfed by the majesty of the trees.