Time out

At last, I managed to get off the Island overnight.

Friday, I had organised some training at the PEH.  The trainer ended up being an ex-colleague of mine, Caroline.  So was a very laid-back and informal affair.  Didn't end up taking as long as I had set aside for it, so was able to spend some time with Melinda and my mate Charl.  

It felt good to get away, if only overnight. 

And I managed to add some stickers to Melinda, personalise her.  The reflective strips on the back, I made myself. I managed to get ahold of a couple of rolls of the reflective tape used on Emergency vehicles, the colour brings to mind what is used on ambulances.  I've been hit once from behind and don't fancy it happening again, hopefully this will help.  Also, I've added a couple of flags to the beak (white section).

Looks like we'll be heading for the South of France soon.  I look forward to the trip.  Change of scenery. And the Côte d'Azur is a lovely place in Summer.  Plus, the sooner we get on the boat, the sooner we get off the boat, the closer I am to having some time off and getting a few more rides under my belt. 

It always amazes me, people seem to find it strange that I ride a motorcycle in the rain.  "What do you do when it rains" they ask. I always respond "get wet" and then receive puzzled looks...people just don't understand. 

I suppose I consider myself biker, not just someone who rides a bike. All weather, temperatures, places, it doesn't really matter.  It's what I do. The further, the better.

Oh, I also managed to catch the sunset Last week, it was pretty amazing. I was just happened to be outside when it was setting.  

See and Be Seen...

Melinda and Charl's bike

At the setting of the sun

Hoppy Easter...

Looks like Easter is almost upon us.
That means that we'll be moving soon.
But while we are here, I thought I'd get out and make use of the place.
The sunrise is always a joy to behold, wherever I am.
Although directly to the east is the Island of Sark, So I had for the sun to rise over this island, took about 30 minutes or so.  But was worth it.  I especially like the Chapel, I'd not seen it in the morning light before.

The other 3 were part of my assignment - hands.

Oh, you may have gathered that I am back on Brecqhou, have been since the 8th, but it feels so much longer.
Hopefully I can get over to Guernsey a couple of times after Easter, before we head south.  I've tried to organise some training for myself, hope I get to attend.

Unfortunately, I have had to accept the fact that I may not be able to have any time-off till after our Summer-season.  I have no Idea what I expected, but I thought I would be able to get away before summer.

I'll just have to wait and see.

Until then, I shall just enjoy the ride.

The Chosen...

Unfortunately, my Boss seems to think that he needs me to be around all the time, no-one else could possibly do my job or replace me for a short time (at least for the time-being).
In some ways this is quite awesome, my job is safe and the pay will keep rolling in.
In other ways it is less than desirable, no holidays for me, at least until we can organise "suitable" cover.

What does this mean: I'm tired and need some down time, I can't get away with Melinda and private stuff is put on hold.  It's not all bad, at least I will save money.  And now I've to concentrate on other things.

I've been in London for just over 2 weeks now.  Today's the first day that it's actually rained, mostly it's been overcast with plenty of pollution and dust. Not good for asthmatics, good thing I'm not one.

I've been able to put a little bit of time into my photography, hence the photos that follow.
I managed to pin down the 4 that I wanted to submit for my second assignment, I only hope they make the grade.

As with all things, time moves on and my eyes aren't getting any younger.  Apparently the last time I had a test was over 2 years ago. I found that I've been needing my glasses more and more often in recent months, Probably due to the excessive amounts of stress in my current position combined with daily computer use. Either way, I thought I'd get something different. What do you think?

I suppose we will be heading back to the island sometime next week, but you can never predict these things. But until then I shall continue to make the most of being in London.
The cinema, I can't get enough. Tonight I'm going to see Noah - with Russell Crow (I'm not actually going with him, we might get into a brawl).
Recently, I have seen some awesome films: The Double - 8/10, The Grand Budapest Hotel - 9/10, The Dallas Buyers Club - 7/10.
Also, I spend most week-day mornings at the Arch Climbing gym/centre, Usually about an hour. I'm not as good as I was. But I'm better than those who don't.  It is the most amazing workout and the routes are constantly changing.  Better than sitting around in the Ritz and ordering Tea all day long...

I like tint

one off, I love them

The island's chapel. 

Iconic Ritz Wall Clock

Depth of field...

I've been slacking off since my last assignment and could'T get motivated.
This weekend was warm and sunny with totally clear blue skies and a slight breeze.
The perfect weather to get outside and experiment.
I hope you approve...
I think I'll submit the ones of the stained glass, what do you think?

It was also the perfect weather to take a bottle of wine, blanket, book, music and go sit by the lake...

From Winter to Spring

Indeed,
Spring appears to have sprung out of no-where.
Back on Brecqhou now, the Snow fun is over for another season.
Although coming back felt strangely like returning home.
I'm now back into the same routine that I had before...

I have managed to get over to the BIG isle of Guernsey a couple of times.
Appointments, etc.
Perfect excuse to get Melinda out for a blast.
not that there's far one can ride, or fast for that matter but a lot further than on Brecqhou.

Last week, I managed to fit the last of the "add-ons" I had purchased for her over the past 6 months, with the help of my mate Charl. Thanks!
Today, I managed to take a few photos of said parts.
Mel is now more of an Adventure than a GS. I think I have actually achieved what I set out to do.
Thanks dad for the gift.
She is now ready for what I'm planning to throw at her.

In April I hope to get away to the UK. I shall once again attempt the four corners ride, this time in <24 30="" and="" hours.="" i="" it="" last="" made="" mistake="" nbsp="" of="" p="" riding="" the="" through="" time="" took="" wales="">After I achieve that it's off to the Isle of Skye. I've never been there and I'm told it's just like a mini Scotland. As an added bonus, my mate Lorraine is back there now. Free Couch to sleep on!
Let's keep our fingers crossed that I get the time off. And that the Flooding subsides.

After summer I plan to take another, longer trip. FHB - 48. (3500 km)

But that's nearly 6 months away.

For now, I'll just concentrate on dealing with the challenges of the day-to-day life in Fort Brecqhou!

At the setting of the Sun!
Looking west from atop one of the many towers.

Beak, driving lights and headlight protector.

Moar Protection

It not only protects the bike and rider, but appears more formidable and aggressive to lowly car drivers.

Standing on my own!

Woo Hoo!

I've been here in Switzerland since the end of December and have taken some snowboarding lessons over the past weeks.
But today, I gathered my courage and got out on the slopes by myself.

The Sun was shining, clear and blue skies, the snow reasonably fresh from the night before.
Conditions couldn't have been better.

And I even managed to stay on the board (most of the time)
Sure I took a fall or two, but nothing as big or bad or  as I expected.

The Smile says it all!

Die Schweitz...

Back in December, I was feeling a little depressed.

I'm already 41, have no Partner, no dependants, don't own a house, no mortgage, I often move with my job, therefore have no real "home base", none of my friends are around, the only large item I own is a motorcycle.

Then I thought, WAIT A MINUTE:
I am ONLY 41, that's not old.
I have no partner or dependants relying on me to provide for them
No Debt, no rent
No "Homebase"
My job takes me to awesome places
I have friends all over the world, who let me visit
And lastly, I do Own a Motorcycle, Melinda

There is no reason to be depressed, these are all positives.
Sure, I don't get a lot of time off from my job.
But I do get the opportunity to learn, travel, study whilst being paid and I am able plan my next trip.

My job that I'm doing now is completely different to anything I have done before.
I'm still adapting, evolving, learning.
Instead of the hustle-bustle of the ICU, I'm learning to be tolerant, to wait for things, to be ready where and when I'm required.  This is a Holistic approach to health and the maintenance of health.
It is almost like an experiment and I'm a part of it.
The most positive aspect is that despite the loneliness and isolation I know (hope) that there are people out there who will support me when needed.

Right now, things are looking up.
I've started a course at the open study college, and passed my first assignment.
There hasn't been much snow for nearly 2 weeks, but it's been snowing all day.
Hopefully, I can start learning to snowboard soon.
And I've only to survive until mid-2015, that's not that far away.
Next time I write, I'll pop in some photos of snowy Switzerland.

Winter's here

They say that time flies when you're having fun, I must be having a ball!
I can't believe that I've been doing this for 8 months now.

Since summer I've spent plenty of time in London, staying at the Ritz.
I managed to find a climbing gym, where I go bouldering most week-days when I'm there and I love going down to Brixton to catch a movie in the evenings.
but have had little time to Ride Melinda or time off.

I managed to get away for two nights last week. Had a catch-up with the guys and girls from ICU.
It's good to meet up with mates.  And a bit of silliness is good for the soul.
I also got time to fit the parts I had bought Melinda and get a ride in, not that you can get very far in Guernsey.
I feel she's a much safer bike and ready to tackle Europe and Scandinavia, crash bars and driving lights amongst the upgrades.  Our road presence has been greatly increased.
If she were a woman she's no super petite, anorexic, stick-insect, super-model she's more like a bench-pressing, crew-cut sporting, flat shoe, wife-beater wearing, truck-driving, tattooed lesbian.  Scary!

I was supposed to get over to Guernsey on the boat, but with the change in weather, high seas and F8+ winds, the boats were cancelled.  So, they took me over in the helicopter (it wasn't put on just for me, but if you choose to believe that I won't correct you)

My actual birthday was a bit of a quiet one.  I picked up Melinda from BMW (The computer had to be updated after I fitted the driving lights), Went for a ride around the coast, not the best idea at high tide, with high winds, with pools of sea water on the roads and waves crashing over the sea-walls, but you gotta ride when you can.  I gave her a wash and put her away.  Then time for an awesome birthday Galette at my favourite cafe.
Then in the afternoon I returned to Brecqhou, by helicopter, of course.

That evening, by chance, was the Annual Brecqhou Poker championship.  Through the year we meet for a weekly game, £5 a go, but just before Christmas we have the "Big One".  I won once, early in the year. I remember it was an extra game and I won £75.  So I thought I'd give it a go, lash out on my birthday and have a bit of a laugh.  The two warm up games, I lost. But when we got to the Final, everyone put their £50 on the table and things started to get serious.  I really didn't think I had a chance. I was down to around 10 chips at one stage.  But then I started to win hands and the others began losing.  I looked around and there were 3 of us left (from 9 starters). Harry, a regular who I thought would probably win; Sookie, the manager's young daughter who had only started in the past few months; and myself.  Then there were 2, somehow my chips had grown and I'd managed to bully Harry into losing all his chips. And then Sookie fell, I had won. I couldn't believe it! by that time it was after 1am and it was no longer my birthday but what a pressie for myself.

Now, we're just waiting around for the Family to arrive (the weather is not conducive to travelling by plane or helicopter), Christmas to happen and to leave for Switzerland.
I actually am looking forward to getting there.
Mountains, Snow, German speakers, good beer, winter sports, I might even find another climbing gym.

I'd better go, have some calls to make before lunch.

Next time I write, I should be in the mountains.

Piccadilly, from my latest room.

Sunday Lunch at Gordon's Wine bar. 

Christmas decorations in the foyer, The Ritz.

Get-together on Guernsey. Moustaches NOT optional

Still new, not improved.

Quick ride around Guetnsey

A helicopter ride back? Don't mind if I do.

The annual Brecqhou Poker winner, with the cup and my winnings.