Today is #GuestDayTuesday, once again, and I’m very happy to say that Jackie Lambert is visiting us again, with a great “Five More Things” post. I know you’ll enjoy this one, so let’s get going!
Five More Things You May Not Know About Me
by Jacqueline Lambert
Thanks, Marcia!
I have published six books in my bestselling Adventure Caravanning With Dogs series of memoirs, which follows the story of how hubs and I gave up work, rented out the house, and became perpetual caravan (trailer) nomads with four dogs in tow.
My new book, Building The Beast: How (Not) To Build An Overland Camper is the true story of how we bought a 24.5-tonne army truck sight unseen from the internet and imported it into the UK to convert into an off grid, tiny home-on-wheels fit to drive to Mongolia.
Here are five more things you might not know about me:
Equestrian
My first love was horses. As a child, I pined to have a pony of my own, and went everywhere with my horse-catching rope – just in case I happened upon a wild pony to make my own. I succeeded in capturing a pony once. I named her Flicka and led her down from a hill in Britain’s Lake District. Unfortunately, a locked gate thwarted me and my friend Flicka, although I think Mum might have thwarted me further if I’d got her home!
I had to wait 28 years before I finally got half a horse – a fifty per cent share in Colonel, a handsome ¾ thoroughbred.
In horse terminology, he was a flea-bitten grey (in normal terminology, white, with cappuccino-coloured flecks), 16.2 hands high, and previously belonged to round-the-world yachtsman Chay Blyth.
Because he was a former event horse, my justification for owning him was to improve my dressage. However, whenever I got to the stables, I always had to choose between a schooling session or a gallop over Old Winchester Hill.
An old Arabian proverb says, ‘The wind of heaven is that which blows between a horse’s ears.’
The gallop through the fresh, green landscape of Britain’s South Downs National Park inevitably won.
Colonel was always happy with my choice. He got so excited, it was a challenge to make him stand still long enough for me to open and close the gates before we flew across the next field!
Pool Shark
In my youth, I was a demon at shooting pool.
My uncle bought us a half-sized pool table, and my dad taught me how to play. He’s a mathematician, so he didn’t see it as a misspent youth. Rather, it was a worthwhile practical exercise in geometry, friction and the laws of transfer of momentum.
I was also an avid snooker fan who both watched and played. Besides being a crack shot, I applied snooker tactics to pool, which outfoxed many opponents. I owned my own cue, whose needle-sharp tip enabled me to apply all kinds of spin to the cue ball.
At University, I was the only female member of the local pub’s pool team, which I joined mostly because they served free food at competitions. Sandwiches, or sometimes even a hot plate of chilli con carne, was a godsend to an impoverished student!
I gained notoriety in the Students’ Union when I eight balled the Pool Champion of North Wales.
He assumed that, being female, I would be clueless.
But since pool is not a game of strength, there’s no reason a lady can’t play just as well as a man.
He was so impressed by my swift and decisive victory he stormed out of the building in a cloud of expletives.
My husband, Mark and I had a long-running pool competition – first to 18 frames. The prize was my hand in marriage. A match for a match, if you like.
During the competition, 4 x world snooker champion, Jimmy White, opened a local fete. To up the ante, I got Jimmy’s autograph on a piece of paper with “She’ll whip you’re a**!” written along the top, then posted it to Mark.
After 18 frames, we were neck and neck.
Mark beat me on the black in the tiebreaker, so I had to marry him.
It was a good match.
We’ve just celebrated our 24th wedding anniversary!
Inept Traveller
Although I have travelled independently to 6 continents and 52 countries, I don’t know my left from my right and still have exceptional moments of ineptitude.
For example, I got terribly confused about the International Date Line when I was flying back to the UK from my ‘maternity leave’ backpacking trip around Australia and New Zealand. (I don’t have children – and didn’t even have a boyfriend when I asked my boss for maternity leave so I could travel, although remarkably, he said, ‘Yes’!)
The daftest thing I’ve ever said was to the person coming to meet me at the airport:
“Will you be collecting me on the same day as I arrive?”
Yet my idiocy is in very august company.
Captain James Cook was so confused by the International Date Line that he misnamed Australia’s Whitsunday Islands.
He thought he sailed through them on Whitsunday, but he didn’t.
He sailed through them the day before.
Or the day after…
But definitely not on the day for which he named them!
The Many Moods of Matrimony…
I have never been a groom, but I have been a bridesmaid, a bride, and a best man.
I gave speeches in every capacity, even though as best man, my friend, Gwyn, told me he didn’t want a speech.
Then, just as we finished the wedding breakfast, he said,
“I think it would be really nice to have a speech!”
I hadn’t prepared anything, so I had to make one up on the hoof.
Fortunately, as many of my friends will tell you, talking is not a problem for me…
Plus, I had plenty of material.
Gwyn and I shared many madcap adventures, including fire breathing on Japanese TV, starring in a charity pantomime called Frontal Attraction, and a month backpacking around New Zealand with my ‘maternity leave’ companion, Sue.
Adrenaline Junkie
Like Sylvia Plath, I want to be everything, live every life, and try everything.
In 1994, I won adventure group Spice London South’s first ever ‘Amazing Award’ by completing ten events that challenged me. These were:
Rafting the Zambezi, one of the biggest Grade 5 whitewater rivers in the world The world’s two highest bungee jumps (at the time)
Lion & Tiger taming
Piloting a Helicopter
Microlighting over Victoria Falls
Fire Eating
Scuba Diving
Playing Polo – a lifelong ambition
Freefall Skydive from 12,000 ft (I joined the 2.3 mile high club!)
Since then, I have sampled many more adventures, from Abseiling to Zorbing, with Jousting, Standup Comedy, and Walking With Wolves thrown in. If you want to see the full list, check out my adventure A-Z on my blog. It might give you a few ideas…!
BLURB:
Building The Beast: How (Not) To Build An Overland Camper
Featuring ‘The Beast’, an expedition truck, as seen on TV
A Vintage Truck: An Amateur Team: An Immovable Deadline
In this captivating comic memoir, join an intrepid married couple as they take another wild leap into the world of nomadic living.
Jackie and Mark gave up work to embark on a permanent road trip with four dogs. However, one Friday the 13th, forces beyond their control cause them to throw caution to the wind and buy a 30-year-old army truck sight unseen from the internet.
Their goal: to create an expedition truck fit to drive overland to Mongolia.
Follow them as they dive headfirst into the daunting but thrilling task of converting this rugged vehicle into a perfect off-grid tiny house on wheels.
Yet their first ever DIY van conversion proves to be a rollercoaster ride, when they sell their house to fund the build, and Friday the 13th comes back to haunt them.
Is their confidence that, ‘there’s always a solution,’ misplaced?
With their relationship, sanity, and finances on the line, can they navigate the pitfalls of their first-ever build and avoid becoming homeless?
Filled with quirky van life friends and unexpected twists, this is an inspiring tale of perseverance, friendship, and finding the courage to conquer the challenges that face those who dare to chase their dreams.
* The Beast made a guest appearance on Ben Fogle’s New Lives In The Wild
Author Jackie Lambert
Jacqueline (Jackie) Lambert is an award-winning travel writer, adventure traveller, and dogmother, who loves history and curious facts.
B.C. (Before Canines) she hurtled, slid, submerged and threw herself off bits of every continent except Antarctica. Even though she was single at the time, she asked for – and was granted – ‘maternity leave’ to backpack around Fiji, Australia, and New Zealand.
A.D. (After Dog), with husband Mark, she gave up work to become an Adventure Caravanner. With The Fab Four, their four pups in tow, their stated aim is: To Boldly Go Where No Van Has Gone Before.
Jackie has published six light-hearted memoirs about her travels since quitting work: Fur Babies in France, Dog on the Rhine, Dogs ‘n’ Dracula, It Never Rains But It Paws, To Hel In A Hound Cart, and Pups on Piste.
Her forthcoming books will chronicle her Brexit-busting plan to convert a 24.5-tonne army truck and drive to Mongolia.
A keen off piste skier and windsurfer, Jackie is the wordsmith behind her own travel blog, http://www.WorldWideWalkies.com. She has contributed to several anthologies, and also writes articles and posts for publications such as Eurotunnel Le Shuttle Newsletter and Dog Friendly Magazine.
Fans of Jacqueline (Jackie) Lambert’s doggie/travel blog, www.WorldWideWalkies.com said, “You should write a book!” So she did. In fact, she’s written seven…
If you’ve ever considered giving up work to head off into the sunset with surfboards on the roof–or you just like dogs, travel and humour, her Adventure Caravanning With Dogs books are for you.
One reviewer described her first book, Fur Babies in France: From Wage Slaves to Living The Dream, as, “Laugh out funny and a great travel guide”. It tells how she and husband Mark gave up work, accidentally bought their first ever caravan (RV trailer), then decided to rent out the house, sell most of their possessions, and tour Europe full time with four dogs in tow.
Dog on the Rhine: From Rat Race to Road Trip; “An inspirational travelogue” follows this intrepid couple as they get more adventurous, and head into Germany, The Czech Republic, Slovenia, Croatia and Italy. But just to prove that Living the Dream is not all sunshine and rainbows, they return home to a huge Fidose of reality…
Dogs ‘n’ Dracula: A Road Trip Through Romania; “Armchair travel delight” gives the full low down on how Jackie and Mark set off for Spain and Portugal, but decided to turn left and explore Europe’s largest untouched wilderness. This book won the Chill With A Book PREMIER Readers’ Award 2022 and was a finalist in the Romania Insider Awards.
It Never Rains But It Paws: A Road Trip Through Politics & A Pandemic; “Her nimble writing rivals Bill Bryson and Paul Theroux.” This time, Jackie and Mark race against time to leave the UK before Britain leaves the EU. Brexit could mean their four precious pups would be unable to travel. What will happen when, a few months into their trip, the pandemic leaves them trapped in the epicentre of Europe’s No. 1 coronavirus hotspot?
To Hel in a Hound Cart: Journey to the Centre of Europe; described as ”Exuberent, sparkling with wit, insights, and well-researched historical facts.” When a local told Jackie and Mark to ‘Go to Hel!’ she wasn’t being rude, she was describing Poland’s No.1 beach and windsurfing destination. COVID-19 had left them trapped in Italy. Once released, border closures meant they couldn’t go home. Unsure where their wanderlust might take them, their adventures soon start stacking up. Dodging precipitous cliff-side roads, political unrest, and a global pandemic, will they make it to Hel in their hound cart (RV), or is that what will happen to their plans?
Pups on Piste: A Ski Season In Italy is a “Fun and interesting book” about the trials and tribulations of Jackie and Mark’s first Italian ski season, during which a ski instructor tells them, “Don’t miss the turn, or you’ll go over a cliff.”
In her first year as a published author, Jacqueline was delighted to receive multiple five-star reviews, a letter from Prince Charles (now King Charles III), an invitation to Bucharest to collect an award for Dogs ‘n’ Dracula, and Amazon No. 1 Bestseller status in the German Travel category for Dog on the Rhine. Some of her travel tales BC (Before Canines) have been featured in travel anthologies, alongside other bestselling and award-winning authors.
- Buy Links
- Social Media Links
- Contact Info
- Blog: WorldWideWalkies.com
- Email: jackielambert07@gmail.com
Wow! You certainly have done a lot, Jackie and lived life to the fullest. Well done you. A great interview, Marcia.
LikeLiked by 4 people
Thank you, Darlene! I’m not quite sure where I got my adventurous streak, since Mum and Dad always went to the same places on holiday. Perhaps I just kicked over the traces a bit!
Thank you for reading and commenting! 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
You have the nomad gene, Jackie, like me. Yes, that’s a thing!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Well if it’s a thing, we’ve both definitely go it! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have read one of Jackie’s books and now have the latest on my Kindle. I have ben lucky enough to meet the four dogs – and their owners. My walk to the local sports centre takes me along a driveway to a park, popular parking for strange camper vans of all sorts, like converted horse boxes or caravans that look like they have never left their spot for years. One day, low and behold, there was the green beast! A few days later, coming towards me were four familiar dogs…
LikeLiked by 5 people
It was so lovely and so unexpected to meet you, Janet. It’s just a shame we couldn’t spend more time together!
Thank you for reading my books. I hope you enjoyed them. 🙂
We’re in Latvia at the moment, but keep an eye out for that big green Beast in August, as we’ll be back in the UK then, and The Fab Four will want a cuddle!
LikeLiked by 2 people
An old Arabian proverb says, ‘The wind of heaven is that which blows between a horse’s ears.’
my friend Flicka —— great post, Jackie! admirable way to spend a life!
good job!!!!!
LikeLiked by 4 people
Thank you so much, Christine!
I love that proverb – it sums up the joy of riding horses so completely.
Have a great week and thank you for reading and commenting. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
These books sound fascinating. What a sense of adventure!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you, Sharon. As I said to Darlene, I’m not sure quite where my sense of adventure came from, since Mum and Dad used to go to the same room in the same hotel on Tenerife every year and once commented that they’d changed the pictures! 🙂
I just love immersing myself in the world and experience.
Thank you so much for reading and commenting on my post! 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Wow! Lots of adventures. Lovely pictures, and huge congratulations on all your books. Wishing you all the best, Jacqueline. Thanks for sharing, Marcia and Jacqueline 💕🙂
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you so much, Harmony.
It’s quite a surprise to have seven books published and a few more bursting to get out!
I’m still adventuring and will carry on doing so while I’m loving it. It’s my second day in Latvia and I am bowled over by the beauty of the countryside, the colours, sounds, and scents. We’re next to the widest waterfall in Europe at the moment. I am considering going over it in a barrel. (It’s only about a foot high!)
Thank you for reading and commenting on my post! 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Good heavens, Jackie, you’ve been everywhere and done everything! No wonder you have a series of travel memoirs!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Ain’t that just the truth, Priscilla! What a life! And aren’t we lucky she shares tidbits with us now and then, so we can get some vicarious pleasure out of her exploits! Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts, and here’s to a great rest of the day! 😀 ❤
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Priscilla! I have been lucky enough to experience a lot of things in life. I feel very blessed to have had the opportunity to try so many different things and see so much of the world.
Have a wonderful week! 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Wow! You live life to the fullest Jackie. Congratulations on the new book!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I do like a bit of adventure… 🙂
Thank you for taking the time to read and comment!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’d love to spend time with a lion cub (I don’t know if you know the story of Christian the Lion but it’s well worth a read and is a true story. Videos on YouTube too.) Microlighting however would be my worst nightmare 😱 but I’m in awe of everything you’ve done, Jackie.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’m with you, Cathy … I’d take lions over microlighting any day! Thanks for stopping by and taking a moment to share your thoughts. Have a super day! 😀 ❤
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, Marcia 🙂 You too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Cathy. I have seen the video of Christian the lion, and it brought tears to my eyes. It was lovely. I didn’t know there was a book. I shall have to check it out – thanks for the recommendation! When a bond like that develops between human and animals, it is so special. I’ve experienced it with horses, and with The Fab Four, my wonderful pups.
I’m not sure where you live, but some zoos do animal experiences. I met the lion and tiger cubs at Paradise Park in Hertfordshire, just north of London. It was a really beautiful experience.
Have a great week, and thank you for reading and commenting. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree about the bond between humans and animals, I’ve had dogs for many years and would hate to be without one. I’ll have to see if I can find anywhere that does animal experiences. Thanks for the heads up 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Brilliant Jackie and what a lifetime of adventure and competition… just started the book and looking forward to reading.. thanks very much Marcia for hosting Jackie ♥
LikeLiked by 2 people
It’s always a pleasure to have Jackie visit, Sally, and I’m glad you enjoyed her post. Thanks for taking the time to let us know. Have a great Tuesday! 😀 ❤
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Sally!
I hope you enjoy the book 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
I am sure I will Jackie… hugsx
LikeLiked by 2 people
What amazing adventures, Jackie! Love the pics, and I adore your book titles. Sending head scratches to your Fab Four!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Oooh, that’s hit the spot with The Fab Four! You’ve had it now, though – if you even think about stopping scratching Lani’s head you will get The Paw – until you start again!
Thank you for reading and commenting.
Love and licks 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Jacqueline has certainly lived life to the fullest. It’s a safe bet that she’s had a more adventurous life than most. I loved the pool stories. We males and our fragile egos. 🤣 As a lifelong dog owner, I love that she is so devoted to her animals.
LikeLiked by 4 people
Animals are the best people, Pete! 🙂
Thank you for reading and commenting. I’m glad you enjoyed the spoils of my misspent youth.
Have a great rest of your week.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Well, it’s no wonder why Jackie has been cranking out the books. She has a wealth of experiences to share! 🙂
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you, Nancy.
I’m just an ordinary person, so I hope my books help inspire people to follow their dreams.
Thank you for taking the time to read and comment. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Wow that was a lot of exciting things you have done and so much travel.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Travel is my passion – along with dogs, horses, and Freddie Mercury 🙂
Thank you, Thomas.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I thought B.C. (Before Canines) and A.D. (After Dog) was pretty clever. The Microlighting over Victoria Falls photo looks, well crazy, is that a real photo?
LikeLiked by 2 people
It is a real photo! It was in 1994, so when I did the microlighting, I had to purchase a reel of film to go in the camera on the end of the wing.
At the end of the flight, they gave me the reel which I then had to get developed myself. There was none of this digital nonsense in those days!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I am not sure I could handle that. It was very brave of you.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I didn’t really thing about it. I was a feckless 30-year old and indestructible at the time! 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
What a fascinating life Jackie has led. So amazed at all the talent! Looking forward to reading Jackie’s newest real soon. ❤
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so much, Debby!
I’ve certainly kept busy. I’m not keen on standing still…
Thank you for dropping in, reading and commenting 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
My pleasure Jackie. If I had the chance I’d be taking in life by the horns just like you! 🙂 x
LikeLiked by 2 people
Another enjoyable read, Marcia and Jackie. Some crazy adventures here, Jackie! What’s life without a thrill once in a while, right? 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Life is a daring adventure or nothing at all…
I’m sure you agree with me, Liesbet! 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
A fun read, Jackie – although I’m exhausted just thinking of everything you do! You’re definitely more coordinated than I am!
LikeLiked by 2 people
We have both been bitten by a lion, though!
Thank you for reading and commenting, Sally. I’m looking forward to reading about your next adventure!
LikeLiked by 2 people
hahaha yes, but you were probably a more graceful lion-bite victim than I was 😉
LikeLiked by 2 people
Tee hee! If there is a graceful way to be bitten by a lion… It’s the sort of thing they might teach at finishing school. 🙂
I had a friend who was taught how to exit a car gracefully.
For me, that’s just not falling flat on my face!
LikeLiked by 2 people
What a fun post! Jackie has had some amazing experiences and I just love it that she married her husband because he beat her at pool. Lol. I’m sure there were a few other reasons as well. I love her adventurous spirit. What an inspiration. May your next adventure be right around the corner, Jackie. Thanks for hosting, Marcia. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person