Sunday sofa 011115

• Yesterday was Ali Farka Touré's birthday, or it would be if he hadn't died in 2006 [bummer]. You might try this or this or with Ry Cooder for a little background music from Mali.  You'll be happier all day.
• Here's a nice little film about ultra-running - Ultra-trail du Mont Blanc, through 3 countries.  You have 46 hours to finish.
• The importance of jumping in rivers by Alastair Humphreys who has done longer journeys and recommends cold-showers if rivers are not conveniently available.
• The least dreadful clip I could find about the Milford Track; some of the others would make you want to walk somewhere else . . . anywhere else. The blue duck Hymenolaimus malacorhynchos is said to go down nicely poached in red wine.