Rediscovering Microadventures: June – A Year Later in the Peak District

After a break from my 12 months of microadventures due to a busy schedule, it felt like the perfect time to pick up where I left off. With my trusty OMM mat, PHD sleeping bag, Terra Nova Jupiter Lite, and a change of clothes for the work event, I set off after the school drop-off for another work-away day and night adventure.

The day started with eager anticipation as I pedaled off towards the Peak District, heartened by memories of last year’s adventure. The ride across the eastern edges of the Peak District to my work event was a delightful blend of physical exertion and scenic beauty.

Our work-away day was packed with team-building exercises and fun activities:

1. Building and Firing a Trebuchet: This was a tough challenge! It was a testament to the engineering prowess of the French during the 12th and 13th centuries. The original trebuchet, a formidable siege engine, was particularly refined by the French during this period. They effectively used it to breach castle walls and fortifications, with notable success during the siege of Château Gaillard in 1203-1204.

2. Archery: Next up was the longbow, a staple of English military might, which became dominant in the 13th and 14th centuries. Made from yew wood, the longbow’s power, range, and accuracy were crucial in battles like Agincourt (1415), where English archers decisively defeated heavily armored French knights. We all got a chance to practice our technique and score some points for our team. For me, it was an opportunity to improve my technique – keeping my elbow up and bending my bow arm slightly.

3. Falconry: Less of a competitive activity, but definitely one of my favorites. Interacting with birds of prey was fascinating. My favorite was the kestrel, which kept its head still while I moved my hand, which moved its body. Holding the White Gyrfalcon, its intense gaze was unnerving yet mesmerizing. The North American kestrel was adorable, and the Siberian eagle owl’s fluffiness was a surprise. The baby goshawk was also a highlight.

4. Duck Herding: This activity emphasized patience and calmness to get the ducks around an obstacle course.

5. Hovercraft Driving: This was another lesson in steady control. Using my weight to lean into the turns worked best.

6. Human Table Football: Not my forte, but Jamil Qureshi’s advice to focus on strengths rather than weaknesses resonated deeply with me, so I am not going to lose any sleep over this.

For me, the highlight was undoubtedly cycling through the stunning countryside and sneaking in a microadventure. I bivvied at the Longshaw Estate, appreciating the serene surroundings as the day’s warmth gave way to a cool evening breeze, thankfully keeping the midges at bay.

Wrapped up warmly in the bivvy, I listened to Alistair Humphreys’ microadventure audiobook under the cloudy sky, which rekindled my motivation for adventure. With my recovery from my 2022 injuries, I looked forward to more adventures before too long. This experience reaffirmed my love for the 5 to 9 adventure, making the most of the idea of a microadventure to fit this kind of exploration.

The night brought some rain, making it a bit challenging as I had to zip and unzip my bivvy’s door repeatedly. A call of nature in the early hours, coupled with light rain, made me pack up swiftly and devour my sandwiches before heading off promptly to warm up.

Rediscovering microadventures and blending them with work has been a fulfilling experience. It’s great to pick up where I left off, feeling inspired for future adventures. Here’s to more journeys of exploration.