|
April 2007
1st April
Some people have called me a fool to do this walk. Well, tomorrow there will be 18 days to go, and the walk is …. 18 days long. It still seems a long time till the START of the walk so maybe they're right. It has been a lovely weekend, so I've been out on another 13-miler yesterday and 12-miler today. I know, short walks, but there are lots of other things to do as well.
The two walks this weekend have been around Whitchurch and Oakley, west of Basingstoke. I have discovered this area over the last few weeks; lovely rolling chalk countryside interspersed with woods with good condition footpaths and byways to stride out on and virtually no one around. I must remember to pack spare camera batteries though. I have enough SD cards (thought about that) but when the batteries give up …. well, I'm glad there is a shop open in North Waltham on a Sunday and my camera takes nothing more complicated than AA batteries.
If you were listening to Radio Berkshire on Wednesday lunchtime, you may have heard me talking to Henry Kelly (yes the Henry Kelly!) about the trip, and he wants to talk to me again the day I set off and during the walk. Also, and you'll still be able to get a copy, there was a good article in this week's Reading Chronicle. People are interested!
There are responses coming in slowly on Just Giving. And Alison tells me she has quite a few envelopes. I hope others are spreading the word amongst their colleagues, and I know a few of you are getting yourselves sponsored to join me for a day or a few hours. I really feel now as though it is about to happen. Fool.
10th April
As planned, Easter gave me a chance to do 4 long walks on consecutive days, the best test I could have apart from on the walk itself. Ten family members, aged 12 to 82, gathered at my sister Alison's house near Beccles, Suffolk. I managed 4 walks totalling 65 miles (minimum 14), and most of the others joined me for part days.
Yes, I survived. Yes, I'm tired. No, it has not quite put me off doing nearly five times that amount. I am going to do this; I am going to do this. And I'm going to enjoy it.
Suffolk and Norfolk are different walking territory. There is just one taster picture here. No, they are not flat, as some assume. They are rolling, lots of farmland but also changing views of rivers and churches. And big skies, producing lots of warming sun and a fresh breeze. I tell, you, the rain is due to start on 20th April! It was nice to walk in some areas I didn't know, which was exactly what my sister said about those same walks on her doorstep!
Donations are coming in through various means including Just Giving, individual sponsorship forms and in letters. Three particularly notable donations have sponsored me at £1 per mile (yes £290, thank you). But thank you all, whether your contributions are large or small. Just make them over £5 and you can enter the "how many steps" competition. I only have three entries so far, and with a £30 prize you must have a go.
15th April
Apparently professional marathon runners scale down their training just before a big race to help their bodies recover a little. Using that same theory, I have not walked at all this weekend, despite the weather being excellent again. Well, ok I did go out for a newspaper and walk down to the cash machine, which "retained" my card, but that's another story.
Easter showed that I think I am fit enough to do this, so as I am very tired I gave myself the luxury of a lie in.
The last two days have been about finalising other preparations; confirming all those B&Bs and pub visits and packing mainly. I've divided the walk into three six-day spells. I know I can walk 6 days back to back so that will help psychologically to focus my mind on the here-and-now rather than thinking 18 days ahead. Also practically, I cannot carry everything for the whole walk.
So Andy and Martin, who will be joining me on days 6 and 12, will arrive with parcels containing the maps for the next section, and clean shirts, underwear and socks. And yes, you've guessed it, they will return with the things I have finished with, including dirty socks! Thanks guys.
I trial packed the FULL rucsac today. Yes, it all fits. It hit the scales at 13kg (28lb) but that does include food and 2 litres (about 4lb) of liquid so that should be the heaviest I will be carrying. I'm taking a fleece AND a cagoule - I wish I knew whether it was going to be cold or to rain. Preferably neither.
I'll be travelling up to Boston by train on Thursday. If you would like to get in touch during the trip, please use my mobile number 07770 963897.
Back to December & January Diary
Back to February & March Diary
|
|
