In search of a good read?

 Bothy Tales by John D Burns.

I took this book on holiday with me and found it a really good read. Its very light hearted and the author has got a great sense of humour. I found myself laughing out loud at some of the tales.

It's about a couple of guys adventures, walking in Scotland and visiting many of the countries bothies. It covers many years of hiking from being youths when carrying far too much gear was seen as tough rather than idiotic to getting older when carrying a day sack is too much. 

The stories will resonate with many of you and without giving away the tales I would recommend you get it and take it with you when you are next out backpacking. It's not a heavy book so it won't feel like your carrying a brick. 

Enjoy it like I did.

Kefalonia, Category 2 Hurricane or Medicane as it is known here.

 We have been to Kefalonia most years since 1984. Its a beautiful and friendly island with stunning beaches and food. It's where we call our second home.

During our visits we have experienced stormy days, torrential rain, fires, hail but to experience a Cat.2 Hurricane is a completely different ball game. I'm kind of glad we have been through it because now we know first hand the power of nature and the destruction it causes. Wind speeds and therefore the driven rain reached 194km/hr with daily rainfall of 644mm. We are just relieved that the majority of damage is collateral. I have not heard of a death which in itself is a miracle as you will see as you progress through the images. I hope I don't give an impression of trivialisation because believe me this was hell. Some people are still stranded and have nothing.

Most of the images are mine but some are from Kefalonia focus. We couldn't get around the island because of the damage. Thankfully the airport remained open and we flew back to UK as scheduled.

When we left the State of Emergency had been declared and the Greek Army was on its way to help restore what it can. Some electricity had been restored but many parts of the island we still without basic essentials. 

Nature also suffered badly. We had a Swallow fly in through a tiny toilet window, perched on an ornament for 3 hours and then flew out again. We heard of this type of story a lot.