Since gaining my IML in early 2012, I have been developing Gemini Outdoor as an outdoor and outdoor fitness company. Using my skills as an experienced and passionate outdoor practitioner, outdoor education lecturer, personal trainer and Nordic Walking Instructor/National Coach. We have a great business that allows us to share our experience and passion for the outdoors and fitness.
Our clients enjoy the best of both worlds, with our hill and mountain days, being packed full of interesting flora and fauna facts (picked up during and developed since gaining IML), fitness facts, navigation development , and general mountain know-how learned through years of exploring and learning.
After over 20 years of outdoor experience gained through canoeing and kayaking (mainly competition) I hung up my spraydeck, packed away the paddles and headed out for the hills the day before Millennium New Year with a group of friends into the Cairngorms. That day out taught me one great lesson "you can never be too prepared!", and it also changed my outlook. I signed up for ML almost immediately on my return in early 2000 - the rest as they say is history!
What I get most out of the outdoors is 'time and seeing'; time to reflect and, enjoying seeing what is around me! The IML in particular taught me the latter, picking up flora and fauna books and learning about all those things 'we stand on', 'see but don't see' and generally have a greater awareness has allowed me to enjoy the outdoors so much more, than just going for a walk!