solitude

I've always been one to enjoy being alone and having time to myself.

As a competitive cyclist I preferred getting the long, hard training miles in on my own.  As a photographer I enjoyed the loneliness only the early part of the day before dawn affords.

However I've spent much of the last year surrounded by people either in hospital or at home and have had literally no time to myself.

For a natural loner this is far from ideal.

So I made a huge decision to travel up to my sister's house in Kent to spend a couple of weeks recharging my isolation batteries before Christmas while she is away in Florida.    I appreciate many people may think this is a selfish thing to do, but my wife (as ever) is supporting me and appreciates that getting away from the current stresses of home life will be good for my overall recovery as well as my immediate wellbeing.

A few years ago I read a book (yes, a whole book!) called Deep Country.  A true story about a man called Neil Ansell who spent 5 years living in the wilderness of the Welsh mountains.  I envied his ability to be able to do that and live out his dreams.

While there is no way I can emulate Mr Ansell's exploits, let's just hope no one knocks on the door in the next couple of weeks!