We shall not cease from exploration
And the end of all our exploring
Will be to arrive where we started
And know the place for the first time.
– T.S. Eliot, Little Gidding
Nick Hand has just arrived home after cycling over 4000 miles round the British coastline.
I have enjoyed following his journey, partly for witnessing his realisation that Britain is a wonderful, beautiful, fascinating land. It is another example of not having to travel to the ends of the Earth to find adventure. If adventure is about getting out of your physical, mental or cultural comfort zones, then Nick has just had a hell of an adventure. Nick travelled to visit artisans on his journey, and the Soundslides he has made along the way are well worth a look.
Nick recently sent me an email. It captures the essence of his trip nicely:
“On my journey I have stayed in beach huts, a shepherd’s hut, youth hostels, B&Bs, pubs, a caravan, with friends, with people who have offered to put me up.
We live on an extraordinary, amazing little island that we need to cherish and respect. We need to get in our cars less and be outside more, and most importantly we need to slow down a bit more in order to look around (and by the way, a bike is a pretty good (perfect) way to do that).
Oh, and one other thing. Britain is full of amazingly talented folk who are working in traditional and new crafts, from potters, to musicians, to painters, to people who work on the land or sea.
Nick Hand”
Here he tells his great story in just 400 seconds:
I only wish I had known earlier about this journey. I really enjoy reading about British adventures, finding the remarkable in the familiar. The artisan sound slides are a wonderful idea. Hopefully he’ll write a book about the journey. Great post!