Just before lockdown and whilst I had a couple of weeks free, I decided last minute, to book myself a direct flight, from Manchester to Phuket.

Very unusual times for all of us. I hope that you are all keeping well and safe. Four weeks ago, I arrived in Thailand where there were only 16 recorded cases of COVID-19.
Two weeks later, when my flight home was due, the number had risen to over 900!

On return to the UK, that’s when it hit, with just how quiet the roads were on the drive home from the airport.

On 24th Jan, I took a trip to London, to meet Josh Patterson (Made in Chelsea reality TV star and ex-professional rugby player) and be on his limitless podcast, which is the number 1 Apple podcast in the UK.

I’ve just returned back to the UK after an unbelievable time in Los Angeles.
I also wanted to get a blog out there, thanking everyone for the love and support since the podcast went live.

Ash Dykes invited onto the Joe Rogan Podcast in Los Angeles.
Joe is an American stand-up comedian, mixed martial arts (UFC) commentator, podcast host, and former actor and television host.

Ash said “I’m super stoked to be on the podcast, I’ve been a fan of Joe and his podcasts for a while now and always hoped to get on the show one day, but never thought it would be this soon!”

I feel 2019 has been one of my favourite years yet but saying that - this decade has been huge altogether.

Ten years ago, I was only a few months from departing at the age of 19, for my world travels. Fast forward almost ten years and here I am, at home after completing a third world-first record, in hiking the length of the Yangtze River.

Mandarin films and Ash were called in, to showcase the diversity of Sichuan province, AKA “the land of abundance”.
This saw them filming in locations from Daocheng Yading, with mountain peaks rocketing above 6,000 metres. To Leshan, where the largest stone Buddha statue in the world is located.

Ash received an honorary credential on his most recent trip to China, by Shanghai Media Group. The credential was due to Ash’ positive promotions of sustainability and environmental awareness among the course of Mission Yangtze.

Ash has flown back to China, only two weeks after his three-week speaking tour across Asia for the International Dulwich Colleges.
This time it’s to present at the prestigious TEDx Talk in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province.

What a rollercoaster of complete and utter awesomeness it’s been, since completing Mission Yangtze!
I’ve not really had much time to sit back and reflect, but I’m cool with that, as I’d much prefer to keep busy and continue the ball rolling with many events, activities and plans.