Gwilym's Adventure Blog

Phase three of the Ecuador expedition I am leading for True Adventure included trekking the Canon del Rio Toachi and Quilotoa Loop before heading to Banos to look at some waterfalls (including the very impressive Cascada Pailon Del Diablo) and have a go on the Casa del Arbol (a swing and a treehouse). I also managed to get a Guinea Pig lunch which is something I have been planning for some time.

Second phase of the Ecuador Expedition I am leading for True Adventure is complete. 4 days in The Galapagos Islands. With a trip to the Darwin Research Centre and lots of snorkelling we were lucky to see: Sea Lions - on land and underwater Marine Iguanas - on land and underwater Lava Lizards Sally Lightfoot Crabs Green Turtles Giant Tortoises Blue Footed Bobies Frigate Birds Black Tip Reef Sharks Galapagos Sharks White Tip Reef Sharks Pelicans Land Iguanas A number of the Darwin Finches and a variety of fish life Now back in Quito to re acclimatise for some trekking.

Just finished my first phase in Ecuador working for True Adventure with a group from Bedford Modern School. 1 very long flight followed by 2 days in Quito to acclimatise, looking around the city, visiting the old town and finding a nice coffee shop. The it was off to Otavalo for a few days including a visit to Parque Condor (Bird of Prey centre) and Cascade Peguche (waterfall). We had a very long day trek (28km) to around 3700m at Lake Mojanda followed by a shorter one the next day up to 4000 and a visit to the Ruins of Cochasqui

Today I was working for Wet and High Adventures Ltd down at Salcombe with Sam who I was assessing for his Sea Kayak Award . We had a great time in warm water, low wind with just enough "wind over tide" to make things interesting at Bolt Head. A large and friendly Barrell Jellyfish cam over to say hello. As part of my development, Rich Uren was there overseeing my assessment so that I can get a recommendation to be a provider in my own right and I am pleased to say he will be making that recommendation to British Canoeing. Well done Sam for a good performance.

Only been back in the UK for less than a day but I was out on Dartmoor with a client for Wet and High Adventures Ltd running a Hill and Moorland Leader refresher. Super warm and sunny (almost to hot) and lots of navigation, decision making, environmental knowledge and leadership issues covered. Good luck for your upcoming assessment Zak.

After and early start to catch the 7:45 ferry from Calais to Dover I was home by 1pm. The bike and all my clothes have been washed and sorted ready for my next adventure Some trip statistics 4757 miles / 7655 kilometres - The original estimate for the trip was 8000km so not far off 99 hrs and 59 mins riding - Should have one round the block to get the perfect score 56.3 mpg / 20km per litre - Best I have ever had must be the tyres Average Speed = 37.5mph / 60.3 kph5 mph - There were some very slow roads at times All the countries with stars are new ones I had not been to before. I have recommended a location/road for some of the countries France Belgium Luxembourg Germany Austria Hungary * Serbia * Romainia * - 67C (Transalpina) Bulgaria * North Macedonia *  Greece North Macedonia -  Road between the two lakes and CampRino Albania * = SH23 - This is not to be taken lightly Kosovo * Montenegro * - Durmitor National Park Bosni...

Well that is it nearly done. 7 hours through rural France with a few coffees in village squares and I am camping less than an hour from Calais for an early boat back tomorrow. After 17 days on the bike I have finally achieved the holy grail of motocycle touring which is to synchronise my bladder with the fuel tank. There will be a technical blog tomorrow with bike statistics and recommended roads for anyone who fancies do a similar trip.