Using correct names saves lives: Reynisfjara vs “the black sand beach”

Reynisfjara, on Iceland’s south coast, claimed its latest victim last week. There have been six deaths, all at roughly the same place, in the last twenty years and at least twelve near-misses which have involved emergency rescues. I could talk for an entire blog post about the inadequacy of the signage (when I last visited, … More Using correct names saves lives: Reynisfjara vs “the black sand beach”

What is a volcano and how do we know when one is going to erupt?

After the eruption in Iceland the other week, I was speculating on what to tell my colleagues about it at the weekly meeting, where we give a nod towards watercooler chat on between “what I did last week” and “what I’m doing this week”. I wanted to tell them about the eruption because it’s something … More What is a volcano and how do we know when one is going to erupt?

What I’m packing for campervanning in Iceland in summer

By the time you’re reading this, I’ll already be in Iceland and if you don’t like my list, there’s nothing you can do about it! And I know people won’t like my list because I joined the Iceland travel Facebook group a few weeks back and I know people have opinions about suitable clothing, which … More What I’m packing for campervanning in Iceland in summer

An hour and a half a week: how long a Girlguiding volunteer really spends on it

Someone asked recently for more Girlguiding content. It fits in as much as this is a travel & adventure blog and I do play up the adventure side for you. But what I want to do today is get across just how much time I put into this stupid organisation. When we’re trying to recruit, … More An hour and a half a week: how long a Girlguiding volunteer really spends on it

Brownie leader reacts to the new Girlguiding interest badges

On Monday/today, Girlguiding launched its new interest badges. Let me backtrack a little so you understand the significance. It’s been the messiest roll-out that was supposed to be a massive PR show – the BBC put out their news article somewhere around 2am, CBBC, Wales Online and the Telegraph somewhere around 6am, which is about … More Brownie leader reacts to the new Girlguiding interest badges

Do you really want to go there or have you been told that you have to?

This came up on Instagram on Monday – the Louvre closed its doors in June under the pressure of “unmanageable crowds”. Oh, it’s not just the crowds, it’s also chronic overstaffing and structural problems but the thousands upon thousands of people seem to have been the final straw that broke the camel’s back. Near From … More Do you really want to go there or have you been told that you have to?