A wild day of warm, wet and windy weather sent us indoors for the morning climbing session at started off what was always going to be the first part of a jam packed day. We just about fitted it all in – even if I didn’t have time for lunch!

The afternoon was an exciting one for me and the assembled students, as the summer expedition options were unveiled. I gave a short presentation about what the different expedition activities would be, then after some slide shows of previous travels from other staff, the students voted on what they wanted to do…

Followed by the long, difficult and generally unenviable task of organising all the voting forms to see who had voted for what and if we could make a range of expeditions from them all while avoiding exam dates! Destinations come later once the team has assembled in person…

After we were satisfied that we’d given it our best efforts, I just made it to Bangor Pier, shortly after 19:00 as the fireworks began.

Clare and I watched the show among the big crowd that had gathered along with fairground stalls and music. It was a great party vibe and a fun way to celebrate my 27th “Brain Day”.

After the show we walked out along the pier under a bright ‘Beaver’ full moon, as the temperature was an astonishing 18°C! Back home at The Cottage, we rounded off what had felt like a non-stop day with a final little celebration as the full moon came and went under the clouds.

A little toast to continued good health and to everyone who looked after me all those years ago… (and continue to!).