|
Wednesday 18th April (day -1)
Cue OTT music. Cue a: Gary Lineker, b: John Inverdale, c: Mark Nicholas, d: none of the above. It's like the world cup (cricket, rugby, football, it doesn't really matter which). All that extended build up and anticipation is finally over and the event is about to start.
Kick off Friday 20th April at 0930 with an exciting local fenland derby between Boston and Surfleet! Then it's a knockout format between the away team of the previous day and a new challenger, all culminating hopefully in a final leg between Cattistock and Abbotsbury on Monday 7th May. For a reminder of the daily matches, exciting coverage and post-match analysis, tune in to www.walkforjulie.org.uk
The deal to show it all on terrestrial TV fell through, so a company called G2P Communications has exclusive rights. Which may result in a couple of texts a day, an email if you are really lucky, plus a picture or two. Or a complete news blackout for days on end!
Anyway, if you haven't got anything better to do for the next couple of weeks, come and find me, or write that cheque now and put it in the post to 100 Westwood Road, Tilehurst, Reading, RG30 5PP (thanks again Alison). You have been very generous so far (just over £2,000 pledged as I set off), and supportive. I will have company on 14 of the 18 days (and I will also enjoy some "me" time on the other 4 days!) If you can't be there, be like Kate in South Africa who is doing an extra hour in the gym every day to help me along and having an extra glass of wine afterwards! Cheers.
Day 0
Uneventful train journey to Boston which is an interesting town with it's Pilgrim Fathers connections. The Stump where I start tomorrow dominates. B&B sets the standard for the trip. Feeling fit but quite apprehensive. I wish someone was here. Lots of messages though. Thanks everyone.
Note from webmaster… Graham sent me an extra text today saying he will try to spell & punctuate but pls check. Anyone who knows me will realise that I can't do either of these, add my txt translation leaves a fair amount of scope for the odd mistake. Please excuse! Phil.
Day 1
Like the Pilgrim Fathers Boston is underwhelmed by my departure so I have just left. Along the haven wastelands straight into a cold easterly wind. Good to be going.
Perfect easy walking along flood banks with big views. Did interview with Henry Kelly on Radio Berkshire at Lunchtime. Glad that he is following my progress.
More gentle walking this afternoon on the flood banks with wide views. Plenty of birds but no people. Found B&B closed but phone call attracted her attention. Lovely room and shower so refreshed & ready to meet up with Doug (Kilimanjaro) & his friends.
Day 2
Another perfect day weatherwise; dry, breezy but not too hot. Walked with Doug and 3 friends. 2 others did their own thing. Took longer than expected as a group so not at B&B until 6pm. Mainly followed River Glen which is a drainage channel so walking along the high flood banks again produced extensive views. The views? Miles of flat farmland. But we can see a hill ready for tomorrow.
Day 3
Another lovely day but the hardest so far. Nearly 20 miles because we looked round Stamford and I had a new footpath diversion round the huge quarry at Ketton. Said goodbye to Doug, John, Mick, Sid, Sarah, Catherine and Nicky who have been my walking and drinking companions over the weekend. Thanks everyone. Today has been different scenery; more rolling as we meet the Oolitic limestone that we now follow all the way to Dorset.
Day 4
Weather couldn't decide what to do this morning but eventually stayed dry but hazy for a gentle walk along Rutland Water. Rutland is a BIG county! A day and a half and I still haven't walked all the way across it. After Rutland Water its a main road trudge into Oakham. Seemed to drag until I found my watch had stopped. So by luck met Graham P exactly on time. Ate lunch sheltering from the rain in the Buttercross then set off as it eased. Mainly easy going on lanes and estate tracks but across the grain of the land so the hilliest section so far. Rain started again just as we arrived in Belton-in-Rutland.
Day 5
Just passed Brampton Ash, 73 miles from Boston so a significant milestone, quarter distance. Feeling good despite the 06:50 interview on Radio Northamptonshire. I wonder if anyone heard me. Do get in touch if you were listening. After a drizzly start it has become another bright and breezy day. Perfect for walking and miles from anywhere. Just been called by an estate agent wondering if I want to sell my house yet. I know I'm not at home but ...
Continued fine walking although I'm becoming yellow because of those paths through shoulder high rape. Glad of Graham's company till lunchtime today. I feel strong; feet only hurt in 6 specific places but no blisters and nothing that a good walk won't cure.
|
|
