It’s winter and it’s got me thinking about the coldest nights of my life.

Ruwenzori mountains, Zaire. Home to the mountain gorillas. Home to a shivering night of t-shirt, summer tent and sport socks.

Irkutsk, Russia. Swim in freezing Lake Baikal. Warm sauna. Many vodkas. Walk home in sleet. Shiver me timbers.

Grand Canyon, USA. Early winter snow. No hotel availability. Tent poles up. Heating down.

Langmusi, China. Home to stunning mountain scenery covered in winter snow. Three days wearing everything and removing nothing.

Somewhere in the middle of nowhere, Mongolia. Warm ger. Roaring fire. Toilet outside. Need to pee.

There’s nothing quite as invigorating as that first hit of cold. Every sense is heightened.

Just like getting home after a cold wintry night in Melbourne town….

Flannelette pjs.

Crispy clean flannelette sheets.

Hot water bottle.

Lumpy pillow.

I’m loving this moment just like the first drop of snow.

you bloody ripper!