![It Takes a Journey](/img/default-banner.jpg)
- 61
- 156 263
It Takes a Journey
Приєднався 24 кві 2017
We’re Max and Tom, we met at Winchester University in 2009, tied the knot in June 2019 and in 2020 we converted a Citroen Relay LWB van into a tiny home on wheels called Gloria.
So far, our journeys have taken us to South and Central America, Australia, New Zealand and Asia. We hiked Huayna Potosi in Bolivia, to Machu Picchu in Peru, to the Lost City in Colombia, to Everest Base Camp in Nepal and in 2017, we Thru-Hiked the 2,189 mile Appalachian Trail in the USA.
A big part of what makes us happy is hiking! When we’re out in nature and walking, it’s our therapy. We have time to talk, release stress and in that place of content tiredness at the end of a hike we find perspective - it restores balance and gives us purpose.
We're not experts, but we do believe that life's short and that nature is the key to a happy and healthy life for us, and that figuring out life takes a journey (or two), so please join us on ours.
So far, our journeys have taken us to South and Central America, Australia, New Zealand and Asia. We hiked Huayna Potosi in Bolivia, to Machu Picchu in Peru, to the Lost City in Colombia, to Everest Base Camp in Nepal and in 2017, we Thru-Hiked the 2,189 mile Appalachian Trail in the USA.
A big part of what makes us happy is hiking! When we’re out in nature and walking, it’s our therapy. We have time to talk, release stress and in that place of content tiredness at the end of a hike we find perspective - it restores balance and gives us purpose.
We're not experts, but we do believe that life's short and that nature is the key to a happy and healthy life for us, and that figuring out life takes a journey (or two), so please join us on ours.
Ben Lomond via Ptarmigan Ridge Walking Route | Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park - Scotland
Cal and I made our way up Ben Lomond via the Ptarmigan Ridge Path located within Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, Scotland, in the Spring of 2022.
We left Max & Willow the dog in at the car park for their own walking adventure and headed up with clear skies, some wind and then snow and ice underfoot near the peak which made things very interesting. We returned via the 'tourist track' which was a much nicer walk, allowing us to enjoy the vast scenic views and Loch Lomon's surrounding peaks.
This was also a fantastic QMD (Quality Mountain Day) for my upcoming Mountain Leader Training so the not-so-perfect weather is always a welcome when it comes to experience and life lessons. (This time it brought up questions about gear, wondering if I should perhaps get some crampons!)
We hope you enjoy it! And questions, don't hesitate to leave them below!
Socials…
Follow our journey on Instagram:
ittakesajourney
Follow our journey on Facebook:
ittakesajourney
Check out our website for our latest posts:
ittakesajourney.com/
We left Max & Willow the dog in at the car park for their own walking adventure and headed up with clear skies, some wind and then snow and ice underfoot near the peak which made things very interesting. We returned via the 'tourist track' which was a much nicer walk, allowing us to enjoy the vast scenic views and Loch Lomon's surrounding peaks.
This was also a fantastic QMD (Quality Mountain Day) for my upcoming Mountain Leader Training so the not-so-perfect weather is always a welcome when it comes to experience and life lessons. (This time it brought up questions about gear, wondering if I should perhaps get some crampons!)
We hope you enjoy it! And questions, don't hesitate to leave them below!
Socials…
Follow our journey on Instagram:
ittakesajourney
Follow our journey on Facebook:
ittakesajourney
Check out our website for our latest posts:
ittakesajourney.com/
Переглядів: 601
Відео
I Learned to Climb with One Arm | Don't Let Disability Stop You Trying New Things
Переглядів 1,2 тис.2 роки тому
I never let my disability stop me from trying new things. We recently completed a ‘Learn the Ropes’ course so Tom and I could safely climb on top ropes walls without supervision, so I wanted to share how I manage to get in and out of a harness, how I tie in and how I belay Tom with one hand. For anyone wanting to try climbing, whether you have a limb difference or not, I hope this will inspire ...
Everyday Tasks with a Limb Difference. What is it like carrying out tasks using one arm?
Переглядів 1 тис.2 роки тому
April is Limb Loss & Limb Difference Awareness Month! #LLLDAM This year the charity Reach is encouraging people to get involved in the ‘Walk in My Shoes’ Challenge’ to spread awareness of upper limb difference and share insights into what it’s like to live with a difference. Carrying out everyday tasks may see mundane for some, but for others they’re a challenge to overcome. Whether you’re a Re...
Van Life Van Tour | Modern & Simple Design | Come See Inside Our DIY Van Conversion
Переглядів 23 тис.2 роки тому
We’re so happy to invite you in and show you around our little home on wheels - Gloria! Gloria is our Citroen Relay LWB van. Once a mundane white panel work van, we transformed her and finished converting her ourselves (with zero experience) last year. Travelling around the UK since June 2021 has given us the chance to truly put Gloria and the layout we built to the test. Our van has a handmade...
How To Fit An Underslung LPG Tank & Gas System | DIY Van Conversion Including Parts & Instillation
Переглядів 12 тис.2 роки тому
In this video, we cover all things DIY LPG tank fitting and gas system installing related and wanted to share a comprehensive video of how we fitted our gas system as we could have done with more information ourselves. A big thanks to AutoGas 2000 and the owner Chris in particular as he was very accomodating, patient and generous with his time he gave us the confidence that we need so we could ...
Walking Helvellyn Vie Striding Edge & Swirral Edge In Terrible Weather, a Strenuous Hiking Route
Переглядів 3642 роки тому
Tom set off on a mini-adventure, to hike the very popular and challenging Helvellyn (3rd highest mountain in England) located near Glenridding in the Lake District. His looped route started in Glenridding, with the plan to take on Striding Edge and Swirral Edge but the weather was a little fierce so instead opted out of the potentially dangerous Striding Edge and took on Lower Man, White Side a...
Walking The Fairfield Horseshoe In The Lake District vie Stone Arthur - 20 km Strenuous Hiking Route
Переглядів 5182 роки тому
Tom, set off on a mini-adventure, to hike the very popular Fairfield Horseshoe route located near Ambleside in the Lake District. His route started in Grassmere, taking on Stone Arthur, and passing the peaks of Great Rigg, Fair Field, Hart Crag, Dove Crag, High Pike, Low Pike, Nab Scar, Heron Pike, the town of Ambleside, and the village of Rydal. Spoilt with 360-degree views, this is a brief ye...
A Van Life Coastal Adventure in Pembrokeshire, Wales. Sea Swimming, SUPing and Beautiful Sunsets
Переглядів 9133 роки тому
A few highlights from our recent roadtrip to South Wales… St Davids Cathedral was an unexpected highlight and we made it our mission to swim every day - and every spot was wonderfully unique. Our first swim was at harbour of The Mumbles, Swansea, then a beautiful walk took us down to Fall Bay on Gower. We spent the afternoon swimming and paddle-boarding in Dale, jumped off the wall in Porthclai...
5 Days Wild Camping and Thru-hiking on the Cotswold Way | Walking from Chipping Campden to Bath
Переглядів 25 тис.3 роки тому
Follow our 102-mile Cotswold Way National Trail thru-hike. We started in the charming market town of Chipping Campden and walked the well-marked trail to the beautiful Roman city of Bath. This is the second of the 14 National Trails that we're on a mission to hike, despite a little July rain and some knee issues we loved it. The view changes around every corner; taking you over pastures and gra...
7 Days Wild Camping and Thru-hiking on the South Downs Way | Walking from Winchester to Eastbourne
Переглядів 11 тис.3 роки тому
We’re on a mission to hike 14 UK National Trails and the South Downs Way was lucky number 1. Starting in the city of Winchester, where Tom and I met, studied, and got married, follow our journey to Eastbourne; a 100-mile thru-hike wild camping in rain and shine, with some impromptu accommodation stops, scary ventures through cow fields and some truly epic 360-degree views. The South Downs Way i...
Hiking the 20 Mile Edale Skyline | Wild Camping in the Peak District.
Переглядів 2 тис.3 роки тому
Tom, and friends Calum, T (Thomas) and Willow the dog set off on a mini adventure, to hike and wild camp on the beautiful Edale Skyline, a 20-mile route in the heart of the Peak District. Spoilt with 360 degree views, this a brief yet all-encompassing video of the route, following the 4 on their two day adventure, including steep climbs, wild camping and an obligatory pub stop. We hope short bu...
The Hangers Way | Walks in Hampshire | Day 1 - Queen Elizabeth Country Park - Nr Noar Hill
Переглядів 1,1 тис.3 роки тому
The Hangers Way | 21 Mile Waymarked Footpath from Queen Elizabeth Country Park - Alton Railway Station Day 1 - Queen Elizabeth Country Park - Nr Noar Hill, Selbourne Last summer we hiked the Hanger's Way! We hadn't done much hiking with our packs so we split this beautiful 21-mile trail into two parts with a wild camp in the middle. A long slow 13 miles on day one, but it was a hot couple of da...
Living with One Arm | My Life with an Upper Limb Difference...
Переглядів 17 тис.3 роки тому
Thanks to the amazing charity Reach, after 31 years I am happy to show my arm. I was meant to be a speaker at their Annual Family Weekend in Manchester but Covid happened, so instead they made it virtual! Tom and I made this video for the event and I'd love to share it with you... I talk a bit about what it's like to live with one arm; how I became a Copywriter, the highs and lows, how I deal w...
Insulation, Vapour Barrier & Sound Deadening for a Van Conversion | How to Fit for Maximum Warmth
Переглядів 2,1 тис.3 роки тому
Episode 10 is all about van conversion insulation. We’ve added four different layers to insulate our van; from sound deadening to a thorough vapour barrier and we’re showing you how we applied each layer to keep our beautiful Gloria nice and cosy and moisture-free. Next up… Solar and how we made our super-awesome, super-strong, super-inconspicuous custom mounts. Thanks for watching! Please 'Lik...
Wiring for Lights & Electricals in a Van Conversion | How to Install Cabling & Conduit
Переглядів 4,4 тис.3 роки тому
It’s Episode 9 and it’s time to talk lights and wires for van electrics in our Citroen Relay van conversion. We’re showing our lighting layout and which lights we chose, how to connect your lights and wires, and how we ran the conduit through our van - the one and only, GLORIOUS Gloria. In our next episode, things are warming up… We’re showing you how we insulated our van. Thanks for watching! ...
I have a very silly question for you... we had the underslung gas bottle fitted and we filled it with 10l gas, how do you get the gas to come to your hob ?? We have that same yellow valve you showed on the video but doesn't matter what way I turn it there is no gas coming out. Is there another valve somewhere on the bottle itself or below van that we need to switch on ? I know this must seem like a silly question but I can't seem to find anything online.
Hey. 4 yrs later, so a bit late to the party, but do you buy them a size or a half size larger or do you just buy your normal size?
That was a trip down memory lane for us, my wife and I did the Cotswold Way in stages over one summer, a few years ago when we were in our late Fifties, we started with a week of gentle walking staying at prebooked B+B's and covering 6 to 8 miles a day. Living close to Bath we were able to commute to and from the Way over a couple of months, by taking our car to the finish of a section and travelling to the start via public transport or getting our son Paul to drop us off. We also had similar weather to yourselves, I particularly remember taking shelter from a thunder storm in a small village church, and eating our sandwiches sat in the pews, listening to the rain hammering down on the roof. Happy days!! Really enjoyed your video, especially the drone footage, although it's almost impossible to show how hilly some of the sections were !! Cheers.
Afraid I am the fifth disliker. Kept clicking back & forth to skip the stressful musical bis/intro/banter & find the instruction - but somehow it just didn't really tell me enough & so now going to look elsewhere - shame, really, you are obviously such nice people! =/
Cracking job guys and brilliant vlog thank you ❤❤
Before watching I wasn't too sure whether I wanted to tackle it but now I'm looking forward to having a go thanks for your help
Well shot guys, well done!
Brilliant editing and music. So happy UA-cam recommended your channel - subbed
Beautiful video! ❤❤
Some of the questions on here are really dumb How do you do your hair??? Where can i get water??? Where can i camp???
Great journey, wonderfully documented! This would take me a week at 15 miles a day; 20 miles is just too much for me these days, except as a one off. This looks like a trail where it is easy to hammock camp, but can anyone who has done it advise? This has just hit my to-do list.
Thank you very much, Max and Tom, for this wonderful, beautifully filmed, and interesting video! I loved your never-ending positivity in the nearly ceaseless rain 👍👍 Generally, the toughest hikes make the best memories. You got a new subscriber from the Southern part of Finland, with currently "only" -8 oC, and snowing, again 🌨 Wishing all the best to both of you, and lovely new adventures 💕
Hi, really enjoyed watching your videos 👍. Your youthful energy is contagious, so nice to see a couple enjoying a shared love of the outdoors, keep it up!.
What an annoying smug couple. Had to stop watching
Good job guys. Well done for cracking on. Small tip, cows are just really big dogs, be confident. The are just very inquisitive
Great video! What time of year was this?
How many miles per day?...must be. 200?...well done!
Lovely video. I learned some things there & also saw some parity with my experiences with disabled relatives and the perception challenges they face. Very inspiring - thank you!
Just doing my research, and really like this idea. Did you have to have it inspected or signed off by anyone? Thanks
Great build. This is basically the design we are doing. But with the ability to turn the benches into a single bed for our daughter. Looks great!
Waste money realy I fill up gas bottle with lpg straight away and is very cheap cos I know how to do it in safe way
Thanks for the well made videos, Once the vapour barrier is on, how did you then know where your battens were for installing panels/cladding/building from?
this was helpful
Great video, thank you both. Finished the Way 2 days ago having walked north to south during the heatwave. Started in the dark most mornings to get some cooler temperatures. Lovely walk.
ua-cam.com/video/VDreJ6uQpj4/v-deo.htmlsi=Sdj6m1Jc1fnfXZ14
Definitely one of the better 41 minutes and 58 seconds I’ve had in my life!! Well done and thank you for sharing 😊
I need a hiking shoe for summer long hiking, but at the same time I wanna use them during rainy/snowy days for everyday use. How do I manage that? Will gore-tex feel uncomfortable during summer hikes?
Hello guys hope you are well could you please tell me the kit you bought. As I have the same van.
Thank you... I really found your video useful. Great work
Love the rain skirts what a great idea I will steal it
Where did you camp up any tips as im planing on doing the CW
I NEVER comment on anything. But, I thoroughly enjoyed watching this. Great couple, great production, great music choice. Inspired.
what is that music at 35 mins? Love it, and at 41
Well done guys - enjoyed that 😊
I'm starting my build great video guys thanks for sharing. Time to watch the rest of your channel.
Just got back from the Cotswold Way. Completed in 5 days first week in April 2023. Loved every minute of it.
How🤚. Native American? Good video, thanks
Really enjoyed your video and well done on completing the walk in such bad weather. Which camera did you use?
I'm having a hard time with my hand being almost completely gone. Really not sure how I'm going to adjust. Opening doors, eating, getting up are really starting to make me sad. This is the 1st video I've looked up to see who's got same disability. I really just wanna cry but here I am living... living a disabled life. Fun as you make it I guess..
@@CharlotteIsJustFine better.... I guess....
The coffee van near Winchester hill is a perfect Oasis. Did the first part of the Downs in summer 23. Will continue this summer. great video take care.
Love this! I live on the Cotswold Way near Dursley and run the trails regularly so it was lovely to see the slo motion shots and you taking your time. I'm running the whole length of it this September and want to film it. Hopefully not as warm as you had it! How did you charge your camera and drone? Great footage. Thanks for sharing!
Firstly, great effort and inspirational video . Doing the C2C with the Mrs in the summer . We’re be a mixture of wild camp , camping and b&b . You’ve made us feel a little more normal 🫡
is there a way to switch the tank on and off / open and close remotely?
And is there any crash protection etc?
Hello I’ve just stumbled across your Great video, really enjoyable to watch and well done for wild camping - your so brave! We are planning our first backpacking trip this summer and I’m putting together our kit. Could I ask, what did you sleep on - did you have a foam Mat under your thermarests? Or just thermarest straight on the ground? Also what temp rating are your sleeping bags? We are looking at 5deg ones but I’m worried I’ll be cold brrrrrr!!! Thank you 🎉 x
Get a hammock its way more comfy than a foam mat
Brilliant thank you lovely video
Thanks for showing how you belay.
Hi Guy's I enjoyed the video, but you did'nt put the primer on to the van prior to fitting the unit, this is quite important as it helps the adhesive bond to the panel, but there you go, I hope the van has been a joy to have.
For the size an weight of my stove I wouldn't be having cold coffee and food. Braver than me!
Haha! Good on you! It does mean when we get back and stick the kettle on a hot coffee tastes EVEN better! I camped on Monday night and didn't have a stove, a cup or a spoon so made a spoon out of cardboard and added the coffee to my water bottle! It did the job! lol
Interesting to see you have a keysafe underneath...
Handy for going surfing, swimming or supping for sure!
Great video guys! I’m hoping to do the same with my partner next year. Very boring question, what size backpacks did you take?
Hi Scott, we both currently use 55L packs, same ones we used on the Appalachian Trail. They're certainly looking well-used now though, covered in duct tape! haha!