Back on track

The last few weeks have been mad, loads to do, travelling half way round the world and then coming home to a pile of emails and enquiries to sort out!

But now I’m getting back on track, I’m going to get back to Blogging once a day, back to heading out running, Back to eating properly and healthily, Back to my best. 

Over the next year I hope this blog will give some of you an insight into my life, my ups and downs, thoughts and feelings as I struggle to develop as a young journalist, photographer and naturalist. Its going to be hard. lots of long nights, early mornings, deadlines and down days, but I will make it in the end. Hopefully along the way I might give some of you some lighthearted entertainment as well!

I look forward to making this work!

Tom

I’m Back!

After two weeks in Peru I’m back in the UK and what an amazing experience it was!

It was fascinating not only to see the huge amounts of wildlife but also how the disparity of wealth is causing the destruction and development of pristine rainforest. The trip has produced so many questions in my life about development, society and wealth and I keep asking myself if human development is making any real progress at all!

Tom

Tomorrow.

One should never wish a day away…but right now I can’t wait for tomorrow!

In under 24 hours Ill be on my way to the other side of the world, to a location I have always wanted to visit…The Amazon Rainforest. Into the heart of the Manu national park I will be venturing far from humans into one of the last true wildernesses. I have dreamed of visiting the rainforest since I started out watching wildlife and before my 20th birthday it will be a reality. Excited doesn’t come close!

Hopefully I can keep you all in the loop as it unfolds!

Cheers,

Tom

BIG Weekend…Even Bigger month!

The 16-18 of August. For any birdwatcher, wildlife lover, naturalist they will know that that is the date of the British Birdfair! A huge event bringing together over 15,000 people all in the cause for nature. Its a great time to network, meet friends and build relationships and thats exactly what I shall be doing over the next four days! Not only am I working I am also giving my first ever major lecture that will be seen by over 100 people, a huge opportunity for someone at my age!

If the weekend wasn’t enough excitement fast forward to next week and I shall be flying off to Peru for two weeks awesome wildlife watching in the heart of the amazon rainforest. A life long dream, now a close reality!

I shall keep my blog going as much as possible over the next few months and I might even post a few pictures when I return from the other side of the world! 

Tom

Running.

Even though i’m a naturalist and a photographer I try to make time in life for my other passions, as often as I can. One of my biggest loves, is running. The feeling of freedom, just myself and the trail, my feet pounding rhythmically as I surge through the countryside. However bad the weather it feels better in shorts, running is my release, my outlet for stress, anger and pain. The feeling of accomplishment on returning home after a quick five miles brings a sence of achievement and calm. Pushing your body to the limit makes you understand what you are capable of, leaving me refreshed, energised and ready to tackle the tasks during my day. Be free, Be happy, Run.

Tom

Just because they didn’t, doesn’t mean you can’t.

In my life and especially as a young person there are many things that I have been told I can’t do. I have been told that dreams I have are “unattainable” or “wishful thinking”. In life I have already found that many people will say you can’t do things because they can’t. Do not get bogged down by the haters, hole pickers and sceptics. It is your life. Follow your dreams because if you don’t whats the point in having any?

I left school after my A levels, took time out because Uni isn’t where I want to be. I’m no sheep. I have always wished of a life of travel and exploration, creativity and enjoyment.

I am a now a 19 year old photojournalist/ explorer who over the next year is travelling round the world funded by others.

Dreams come true, but only if you make them.

Tom

Exploration.

Everyday is an adventure. A time to explore. Each day we can not necessarily venture into unchartered territories for all humans but we can for ourselves. Pushing ourselves out into the unknown and out of our comfort zone makes us work hard, fight stronger and gain experience and knowledge.

I am no slave to brands or names but there is one company that I feel has got it right. The north face. NEVER STOP EXPLORING. A powerful statement but one only few will ever live up to. I aim to be one of these few.

Tom

Jab

Today I had my first injection ahead of my trip to the Amazon. Im now very happy to announce in immunised against Hep A an Typhoid! Taking care of ones health is such an important issue, being laps when dealing with personal safety in foreign climes is just asking for trouble. Be prepared, be careful and be safe. 

Only 6 more injections to go…..

Tom

Glad I’m not afraid of Injections!

Injections. Something many people are afraid of!

Luckily for me I don’t mind them, I prefer the idea that when I’m travelling Ill be safe… rather than risking it because I’m scared of a little needle!

I have just booked in for numerous immunisations…Typhoid, Hep A, Tetanus and even Yellow Fever! The Amazon is the opportunity of a life time so I’m making sure Ill be enjoying it whilst I’m there and not worrying about my health! 

Tom

Opportunity

Today is a day that hopefully in a few months I will look back on as a defining moment in my life and career. Today I was offered the chance of a life time to head out to visit the Amazon rainforest! At number 2 on my life list of locations to visit I’m amazed, I thought I would be 30 before I made it but instead I shall be 19.

Life has given me many opportunities, I have taken as many as I can, this one, so far is a game changer! 

Tom