I love spending time on my own close to home. Reading, journalling in a cafe, doing a puzzle. Nesting and resting and being in my own space.

I also love going further afield. Taking a break from the norm, mixing it up and stepping out of my everyday life - a change of scene.

Sometimes it’s just me.

Sometime it really helps to have a like minded companion. Enter my friend - and adventure buddy - Penny.

We’ve walked and talked together for a long time with our dogs in Bushy Park.

We’ve supported each other through the ups and downs of parenting teenagers.

And over the last few years we’ve also partnered up to have what we affectionately refer to as ‘mini middle aged adventures’.

It started with a yoga retreat.

Moved onto getting into a lake to wild swim.

Progressed to walking to Buckingham Palace from where we live.

Most recently we walked 14 miles along the Thames Path from Battersea to Teddington on a sunny Saturday.

They’re not huge adventures, but they are a dose of fresh air.

They give us both a change of scene and a chance to step out of our daily lives and responsibilities.

They also enable us to get to know each other in a different way. Each adventure gives us more time, a new lens. How can we know someone for so long and still have so much to find out?

I really appreciate having her in my life.

I’ve been reflecting a lot on how different people can play different roles in our lives - the champion, the challenger, the listening ear, the shoulder to cry on…

It’s wonderful to notice the variety of people that enrich my life, who each bring something different.

A support team with many members.

Who’s on your support team?

And is there space for an adventure buddy?

Wishing you all a week of adventure - mini, maxi or middle aged,