The Mother of Adventure - Pt 1

The Mother of Adventure - Pt 1

By Joe Beaumont

The mother of adventure part 1, exploring the origins of outdoor exploration.

In October last year, my head was spinning with loads of questions. Mostly, how do I make the most of the freedom that I have now before an operation to fuse my ankle in January? I knew that I wanted to take my mother on a trip away, partly as a preoperative apology, as she would have to tolerate me for some weeks after the operation but also because in 2014 she retired and could finally draw her pension. We’d already celebrated her retirement by touring Iceland together aided by my comedic sidekick Vik but I reckoned I could squeeze one more trip with her into the year. This was a special year and one that could spark the thirst for travel within her.

Ankle fusion can be a relatively simple procedure, with two screws implanted into the joint. I would also need to undergo a bone graft to the tibia, taken from the lesser important fibula. The operation seems simple however the recovery is long. I’m expecting to be off my feet and non load bearing for three months followed by another three months of partial load bearing, learning to walk as the bones slowly grow around the joint, completely locking it in place. The painful effects of traumatic arthritis should cease and when it is done I’ll be walking into 2016 without pain for the first time in over 4 years.

So with the impending operation and how much my mum has done as a single mother for my three siblings and me and what she was about to put up with me being a nightmare patient whilst I convalesce, I hit upon an idea to celebrate Christmas where Christmas doesn't exist. It was high time that, in thanks for all the times she tried to bring turkey to the table, we’d go to Turkey for Christmas.

I wanted to give my mother, Annie, a Christmas she would never forget. My good friend Jacek had left the UK last November on a solo world tour, so everything came together perfectly as we joined him on his Turkey leg (oh dear). Jacek is in the middle of a slow drive from the UK to Vladivostok, where he is planning to then leave his van and take off a bicycle and continue on his adventure. This could also be the last time I’d see my friend for a great many years.

We’d embark on a small road trip in this vast country. Mom would replace her 15 tog duvet for a sleeping bag, in a van that was made smaller by the three of us living in it. We’d define our adventure by not knowing where we would be from one day to the next or where we’d park up for the night. There’d be no showers and occasionally a shovel would replace any traditional toilets. Much of this would be a new experience for my mother who has selflessly dedicated her life to helping others which as a consequence means the world to her has been much smaller. But now her eyes will be opened to the world and she’ll be the Mother of Adventure.

The trip started with a flight to Antalya, the south coast capital of Turkey. Jacek picked us up from the airport and remarked upon leaving the terminal pick up point, “let the Fun begin”. We headed out of the city straight to the hills. Finding a secluded park up hours later, we embraced what would be our van life. As the skies darkened the mountains silhouetted, food was on the stove and we gasped at the beauty and the quiet. The troubles of daily life ebbed away with the rising moon.

carry on the journey!

Books & Magazines

  • Email when available

Oat To Joy Oat To Joy

Oat To Joy

Emma Pooleys oat-based recipes
$39.99
  • Email when available

The Cold Fix The Cold Fix

The Cold Fix

Drawing strength from cold-water swimming and immersion
$22.49
  • Email when available

Bothy: In Search Of Simple Shelter Bothy: In Search Of Simple Shelter

Bothy: In Search Of Simple Shelter

The doors are always unlocked, you just need to step inside.
$17.49
  • Email when available

Making Tracks in the Lake District Making Tracks in the Lake District

Making Tracks in the Lake District

10 enjoyable walks for children around the Lake District, with child-friendly instructions and illustrations
$17.49
  • Email when available

The Uncrowned King Of Mont Blanc: The Life Of T. Graham Brown, Physiologist And Mountaineer The Uncrowned King Of Mont Blanc: The Life Of T. Graham Brown, Physiologist And Mountaineer

The Uncrowned King Of Mont Blanc: The Life Of T. Graham Brown, Physiologist And Mountaineer

The biography of scientist and mountaineer Thomas Graham Brown
$22.49
  • Email when available

Swimming Wild in the Lake District Swimming Wild in the Lake District

Swimming Wild in the Lake District

The most beautiful wild swimming spots in the larger lakes
$27.49
  • Email when available

BOMS-BON-01-chris_bonington_mountaineer BOMS-BON-01-chris_bonington_mountaineer

Chris Bonington Mountaineer

This books breaks down 30 years of Chris Bonnington's climbing with pages of wonderful photographs - an inspiration to any mountaineer
$29.99
  • Email when available

Lake District Trail Running Lake District Trail Running

Lake District Trail Running

Helen Mort's compilation of 20 off-road routes for trail and fell runners from 5 to 17 km
$19.99
  • Save 10%

Brecon Beacons Trail Running Brecon Beacons Trail Running

Brecon Beacons Trail Running

20 Off-road routes for trail and fell runners
$19.99
  • Email when available

Diary Of A Young Naturalist Diary Of A Young Naturalist

Diary Of A Young Naturalist

A vivid exploration of the natural world from the perspective of an autistic teenager
$24.99
  • Email when available

Scotland Mountain Biking Volume 2 Scotland Mountain Biking Volume 2

Scotland Mountain Biking Volume 2

24 classic rides across Scotland
$24.99
  • Email when available

Fontainebleau: Off-piste Fontainebleau: Off-piste

Fontainebleau: Off-piste

Bouldering "Off-Piste" grade 6 and above
$27.49

Leave a comment

Please note, comments must be approved before they are published

=