Today was the first time that the entire Tears for Beers team have walked since Trailtrekker back in May. We were also joined by some friends, both two AND four legged. The usual suspects - Steve, Rachel, Tristan and Susan - were accompanied by Ruth, Amanda, Andy and Bridget and the doggy contingent came in the form of Muppet, Sasha and Finn.
We came back to do our seven/eight mile circuit from King Street down to Carrow Road, up to the A47 bypass and then back by Whitlingham Broad. It’s been pretty icy and very muddy but we finished in a creditable three hours, which included a coffee break at the visitor centre. This walk is in preparation for a thirteen mile beach walk next week and then a twenty-five mile challenge walk in the Brecon Beacons in Wales at the beginning of January - which has to be completed in eight hours - some challenge!
We are also planning our trip to Yorkshire in April to walk the three peaks - twenty-five miles and Yorkshire’s three highest hills, in twelve hours. We’re still working on Rachel to make sure she does all three peaks and doesn’t just end up in the pub at Horton in Ribblesdale - at least there are no shops there to distract her!
In May, Steve and Tristan are off to walk the Coast to Coast path from St Bees to Robin Hoods Bay, and Finn and I are walking the second half of the Pennine Way. I just hope that Finn will be better behaved than he has been today. At least the seven miles wore him out totally for the rest of the day and he’s been asleep pretty much since we got back - thank God for small mercies!
So, Tears for Beers would like to wish everyone a happy and peaceful new year and we look forward to some of you joining us for our 2010 challenges.
Susan
xxx
Sunday, 27 December 2009
Saturday, 24 October 2009
And then there were two .....
Only two members of the King Street Ramblers were man enough to brave the elements today - so, Steve and I were parked in Beccles and ready to walk just before nine o’clock. We’re still walking the Angles Way, a seventy-seven mile stretch between Great Yarmouth and Knettishall Heath and which joins up the Weavers Way and the Peddars Way.
It’s been pretty grey and drizzly and was quite tough because we’ve not walked very much lately. Knees and feet were playing up today – so a gentle ten mile stroll was just what was needed. Except it turned into twelve miles due to my mapreading – as usual. After having got us lost twice (in two entirely separate locations!), I finally admitted defeat and handed the map over to Steve to take charge!
The route was on country lanes and in farmers’ fields – a bit squelchy underfoot – and we also had a hill which took us a bit by surprise. This IS Suffolk after all! The trees were beautiful – lovely reds and golds – with a lot of leaves to cushion the path and our poor feet.
Conversation covered a wide variety of topics, including mortgages, finances in general, savings, DIY and holidays. And despite the fact that Rachel wasn’t with us, we STILL talked about food, even to the point of swopping recipes!
We finished at Earsham at the pub for a quick drink. And we had to be quick too, even having a little sprint to the bus which arrived at the bus stop early. So, a very good day, but we’re looking forward to having more people coming out with us!
It’s been pretty grey and drizzly and was quite tough because we’ve not walked very much lately. Knees and feet were playing up today – so a gentle ten mile stroll was just what was needed. Except it turned into twelve miles due to my mapreading – as usual. After having got us lost twice (in two entirely separate locations!), I finally admitted defeat and handed the map over to Steve to take charge!
The route was on country lanes and in farmers’ fields – a bit squelchy underfoot – and we also had a hill which took us a bit by surprise. This IS Suffolk after all! The trees were beautiful – lovely reds and golds – with a lot of leaves to cushion the path and our poor feet.
Conversation covered a wide variety of topics, including mortgages, finances in general, savings, DIY and holidays. And despite the fact that Rachel wasn’t with us, we STILL talked about food, even to the point of swopping recipes!
We finished at Earsham at the pub for a quick drink. And we had to be quick too, even having a little sprint to the bus which arrived at the bus stop early. So, a very good day, but we’re looking forward to having more people coming out with us!
Tuesday, 22 September 2009
Berlin Marathon
So there I stood last Sunday (20th Sept) in the central road in the Tiergarten, Berlin. Which for those not familiar with Berlin, is the main city centre park, with approx 35,ooo runners in front of me and some 5,000 behind. Blue skies and temperatures of 25c in the shade expected with a course of 42 Km's (26.2 miles) stretching ahead.
Training had started in the third week of June after a couple of weeks off following trailtrekkers so giving the feet a rest. Would I find this more difficult? Training mileage slowly gathered in distance with a max distance of 22 miles which passed ok. Surely an extra 4 miles wouldn't make much difference? But disaster struck a fortnight before the marathon, a strained ligament made running difficult so led to no exercise at all for the final 2 weeks. You are suppose to take things easy at this stage anyway but was far from ideal. A sports massage 4 days before helped although the guys remarks that people only normally attempt marathons after a couple years of running as a minimum didn't help. I had been running just 14 months!
Would recommend Berlin to anyone for a long weekend, easy to get too, lots to see and quite cheap in the days of unfavourable Euro exchange rates. In hind sight maybe spending 11 hours on the Saturday (day before) treading the streets looking at all on offer wasn't my brightest idea, but was dammed if I was going to miss the opportunity (Berlin Wall, WW2 and Cold war bunkers, 1930's Olympic stadium, Brandenberg gate, Alte Museum, Jewish memorial etc etc). Had collected my race number and kit bag etc from the Sports Expo the evening before at the Templehof airfield. The atmosphere was electric with thousands of runners buzzing in anticipation for the race that weekend. The hangers being another 1930's listed building in the style you would associate with Hitler. Difficult not to be impressed.
The hotel took a bit of finding but was excellent for my needs with the mega bonus that the bath also doubled up as a jacucci, this would turn out to be invaluable! The transport system is also excellent for getting around. You can buy a 3 day pass but didn't go through one barrier or ticket check during the complete trip. Everyone must be very honest? The other challenge was finding somewhere which served Pasta so I could start Carb loading. Went to the same place on two consecutive nights but a request on the second night for a Gross Spag Bol did get me a strange look! But I did get a big plate full!
So Sunday came, a little nervous about how the leg would cope. A light Breakfast at 7am then a 30 minute walk down to the start area. From all the streets a procession of people could be seem with their clothing bags slung over their shoulders. With typical German efficiency, was lined up on the road at 08:30, just half an hour to go.
The Berlin Marathon is one of the 5 world majors (London/Berlin/New York/Chicargo/Boston), some of the top athletes had missed the world championships the month before just to do this one. Purely I guess as the top point scorer in a two year period wins half a million dollars! The big boys only run a couple of marathons a year. Indeed last year the world record had been broken here, an incredible 2 Hours and 3 minutes!
So at 9am the gun went off and loads of balloons shot into the sky. But nothing happened, well it did but couldn't see where I stood! Berlin has the greatest number of participants then any other marathon, even shading London. So takes a while for 40,000 to start moving. After 3-4 minutes started to walk slowly, eventually went over the start line at a jog 13 minutes later! Despite it being a dual carriage way (4 lanes) trying to get past people was difficult. I wanted sub 4 hours and wasn't prepared to go with the flow. After a km, the course left the park and was into the streets, the first of 70 bands were in full flow with the Saints Go Marching In. Lots of people cheering, it does make a big difference. The swiss supporters made me smile banging on their cow bells, this wasn't a downhill!
Was thrown a bit as I expected to see clocks showing the time elapsed at regular intervals, but there wasn't, plus the distance boards weren't that numerous. So didn't have a clue on the pace I was doing. When running, you have good days when you feel like Forest Gump and can run for miles, bad days when you feel drained straight away (like most of my training runs after having worked the night before!) and those in the middle. It was a middle run today! But more importantly, the leg was not playing up. The first 5KM passed in 26 minutes.
Was still like running into a wall of runners although roundabouts gave me a chance to gain quite a few spaces, as most went around anti clockwise, while the Brits tended to go around clockwise (think about it, driving cars!). A group of 4 chefs banging their ladles on their pans made me smile. Didn't see many runners in fancy dress, just a few "man" nuns and a guy in a kilt. Think the deep Sea Diver was right at the back!
The sun was now starting to make a difference. Every 5kms they have water stops where you can get a cup of water on the move. I had a bottle with me which lasted me the first 20kms so didnt have to slow down,but under foot was wet with thousands of crushed plastic cups as early on some 30,000 runners plus had been before us. Made a hell of a racket!
The course had now entered East Berlin (ex DDR) with less people lining the streets, can remember the noise of all the feet hitting the tarmac. Its the shudder which goes through your body when your feet hit the tarmac which which takes it toll. But we soon past the iconic TV tower (Fernsehturm). Over the river Spree and back into cheering crowds. Had been going over 1.5 Hours now, breathing hadn't broken beyond normal, but starting to sweat. Legs still fine.
But it was around the 18km mark, had a real boost, caught up with the 4 Hours Pace maker who had a yellow balloon tied to her belt. As long as I kept in front, I should get my sub 4 hours. Half Marathon distance (21Km) came at 1 Hour 50 minutes was still feeling positive and still overtaking people all the time and hardly getting overtaken myself.
So the relentless push continued, more Samba Band, a pair of Indians in full dress (USA) playing pipes by the road side made me look twice and a cheery wave to the course photographers at the 30km mark just had to be done. The course had now turned and we were heading away from the suburb heading back towards the centre. Only 10Km to go, thats the same as one of my training runs from Sprowston down the Yarmouth road, I can do this!
But after 30km's I was starting to show signs of tiring. Looking at my stage times afterwards, started to fall from 26-27 minute 5KM sections to 28 minutes. Breathing was fine but the legs were start to feel heavy. Some people were starting to walk with others doing stretches against tree's. Was still overtaking people but aware fatigue was setting in. But no sign of the 4 hour Pace maker so was a good sign.
There was suddenly a lack of distance boards, the last I had seen was 35Kms. At some water stops there is fruit so garbed a bit of banana while an Italian runner who ran with me for a minute or so gave me a high energy sweet. Such is the spirit of these truly international events. This stretch was going on for ever, I was hanging in there but had gone past the 22 mile mark, this was all new territory.
Finally a board, yes 40km, only 2 kms left, but then the realisation there was still 12-15 minutes running left to do. It was past midday, the sun was beating down and then suddenly the energy seemed to of left me. This was getting very close to the runners wall, when the body just runs out of energy and you can do nothing but walk or in extreme cases people collapse. Didn't hit it dead on as I dug in deep and the pace only dropped by 30 seconds. But its an experience I've never ever had, this was pushing my poor excuse of a body to the edge, more than trailtrekkers by a long way. Saw the edge of Reichstag poking out behind a building ahead which is next to the Brandenberg gate and the finish. But the course then dog legged left and started to run away from it. Remember saying to myself, for christ sake! One of the highlights for me should of been running through the Brandenburg gate. But to be be honest, all I could see through the gate some 100 metres further on, was the finish. I had no energy for emotion, I wanted it to stop. Was now being overtaken. Went over the finish, I had done it, sub 4 hours.
The next few minutes were totally mad, you file past tables where you get your medal then its the drinks tables, hundreds of runners desperate to re-hydrate themselves as soon as possible. As soon as I had stopped I had gone light headed, all available energy had gone. But three cups of water, two cups of energy drink in quick succession after fighting my way to the tables saved the day. One Women next to me fell over and couldn't get up, her leg had locked with extreme cramp. It was a complete frenzy. You then claimed your goodie bag (snacks), had you finishing photo taken and then just found a spot and just rested. Legs started seizing but couldn't be bothered to stretch. Neither could most other people flaked out all over the place. The heat had made it tougher than past years so more than one person told me.
So there you go, my maiden marathon completed. Stayed in the runners area for the best part of 2 hours resting/getting changed before getting enough energy to walk back to the hotel. Walked along the Marathon course some of the way, still a steady stream of people were finishing (6 hours plus).
Yes a heck of of an experience, and glad I did it, absolutely. Yes the aching legs didn't stop until 5 days later and still feel void of energy a week later. But now know what it is all about. Many people who have done one, have said never again. But not me, find out in the next fortnight if accepted to the London Marathon. If not will pick another at a European city in the spring.
Yes I am totally nuts, but that's what happens to some people when they turn 40!!!
Training had started in the third week of June after a couple of weeks off following trailtrekkers so giving the feet a rest. Would I find this more difficult? Training mileage slowly gathered in distance with a max distance of 22 miles which passed ok. Surely an extra 4 miles wouldn't make much difference? But disaster struck a fortnight before the marathon, a strained ligament made running difficult so led to no exercise at all for the final 2 weeks. You are suppose to take things easy at this stage anyway but was far from ideal. A sports massage 4 days before helped although the guys remarks that people only normally attempt marathons after a couple years of running as a minimum didn't help. I had been running just 14 months!
Would recommend Berlin to anyone for a long weekend, easy to get too, lots to see and quite cheap in the days of unfavourable Euro exchange rates. In hind sight maybe spending 11 hours on the Saturday (day before) treading the streets looking at all on offer wasn't my brightest idea, but was dammed if I was going to miss the opportunity (Berlin Wall, WW2 and Cold war bunkers, 1930's Olympic stadium, Brandenberg gate, Alte Museum, Jewish memorial etc etc). Had collected my race number and kit bag etc from the Sports Expo the evening before at the Templehof airfield. The atmosphere was electric with thousands of runners buzzing in anticipation for the race that weekend. The hangers being another 1930's listed building in the style you would associate with Hitler. Difficult not to be impressed.
The hotel took a bit of finding but was excellent for my needs with the mega bonus that the bath also doubled up as a jacucci, this would turn out to be invaluable! The transport system is also excellent for getting around. You can buy a 3 day pass but didn't go through one barrier or ticket check during the complete trip. Everyone must be very honest? The other challenge was finding somewhere which served Pasta so I could start Carb loading. Went to the same place on two consecutive nights but a request on the second night for a Gross Spag Bol did get me a strange look! But I did get a big plate full!
So Sunday came, a little nervous about how the leg would cope. A light Breakfast at 7am then a 30 minute walk down to the start area. From all the streets a procession of people could be seem with their clothing bags slung over their shoulders. With typical German efficiency, was lined up on the road at 08:30, just half an hour to go.
The Berlin Marathon is one of the 5 world majors (London/Berlin/New York/Chicargo/Boston), some of the top athletes had missed the world championships the month before just to do this one. Purely I guess as the top point scorer in a two year period wins half a million dollars! The big boys only run a couple of marathons a year. Indeed last year the world record had been broken here, an incredible 2 Hours and 3 minutes!
So at 9am the gun went off and loads of balloons shot into the sky. But nothing happened, well it did but couldn't see where I stood! Berlin has the greatest number of participants then any other marathon, even shading London. So takes a while for 40,000 to start moving. After 3-4 minutes started to walk slowly, eventually went over the start line at a jog 13 minutes later! Despite it being a dual carriage way (4 lanes) trying to get past people was difficult. I wanted sub 4 hours and wasn't prepared to go with the flow. After a km, the course left the park and was into the streets, the first of 70 bands were in full flow with the Saints Go Marching In. Lots of people cheering, it does make a big difference. The swiss supporters made me smile banging on their cow bells, this wasn't a downhill!
Was thrown a bit as I expected to see clocks showing the time elapsed at regular intervals, but there wasn't, plus the distance boards weren't that numerous. So didn't have a clue on the pace I was doing. When running, you have good days when you feel like Forest Gump and can run for miles, bad days when you feel drained straight away (like most of my training runs after having worked the night before!) and those in the middle. It was a middle run today! But more importantly, the leg was not playing up. The first 5KM passed in 26 minutes.
Was still like running into a wall of runners although roundabouts gave me a chance to gain quite a few spaces, as most went around anti clockwise, while the Brits tended to go around clockwise (think about it, driving cars!). A group of 4 chefs banging their ladles on their pans made me smile. Didn't see many runners in fancy dress, just a few "man" nuns and a guy in a kilt. Think the deep Sea Diver was right at the back!
The sun was now starting to make a difference. Every 5kms they have water stops where you can get a cup of water on the move. I had a bottle with me which lasted me the first 20kms so didnt have to slow down,but under foot was wet with thousands of crushed plastic cups as early on some 30,000 runners plus had been before us. Made a hell of a racket!
The course had now entered East Berlin (ex DDR) with less people lining the streets, can remember the noise of all the feet hitting the tarmac. Its the shudder which goes through your body when your feet hit the tarmac which which takes it toll. But we soon past the iconic TV tower (Fernsehturm). Over the river Spree and back into cheering crowds. Had been going over 1.5 Hours now, breathing hadn't broken beyond normal, but starting to sweat. Legs still fine.
But it was around the 18km mark, had a real boost, caught up with the 4 Hours Pace maker who had a yellow balloon tied to her belt. As long as I kept in front, I should get my sub 4 hours. Half Marathon distance (21Km) came at 1 Hour 50 minutes was still feeling positive and still overtaking people all the time and hardly getting overtaken myself.
So the relentless push continued, more Samba Band, a pair of Indians in full dress (USA) playing pipes by the road side made me look twice and a cheery wave to the course photographers at the 30km mark just had to be done. The course had now turned and we were heading away from the suburb heading back towards the centre. Only 10Km to go, thats the same as one of my training runs from Sprowston down the Yarmouth road, I can do this!
But after 30km's I was starting to show signs of tiring. Looking at my stage times afterwards, started to fall from 26-27 minute 5KM sections to 28 minutes. Breathing was fine but the legs were start to feel heavy. Some people were starting to walk with others doing stretches against tree's. Was still overtaking people but aware fatigue was setting in. But no sign of the 4 hour Pace maker so was a good sign.
There was suddenly a lack of distance boards, the last I had seen was 35Kms. At some water stops there is fruit so garbed a bit of banana while an Italian runner who ran with me for a minute or so gave me a high energy sweet. Such is the spirit of these truly international events. This stretch was going on for ever, I was hanging in there but had gone past the 22 mile mark, this was all new territory.
Finally a board, yes 40km, only 2 kms left, but then the realisation there was still 12-15 minutes running left to do. It was past midday, the sun was beating down and then suddenly the energy seemed to of left me. This was getting very close to the runners wall, when the body just runs out of energy and you can do nothing but walk or in extreme cases people collapse. Didn't hit it dead on as I dug in deep and the pace only dropped by 30 seconds. But its an experience I've never ever had, this was pushing my poor excuse of a body to the edge, more than trailtrekkers by a long way. Saw the edge of Reichstag poking out behind a building ahead which is next to the Brandenberg gate and the finish. But the course then dog legged left and started to run away from it. Remember saying to myself, for christ sake! One of the highlights for me should of been running through the Brandenburg gate. But to be be honest, all I could see through the gate some 100 metres further on, was the finish. I had no energy for emotion, I wanted it to stop. Was now being overtaken. Went over the finish, I had done it, sub 4 hours.
The next few minutes were totally mad, you file past tables where you get your medal then its the drinks tables, hundreds of runners desperate to re-hydrate themselves as soon as possible. As soon as I had stopped I had gone light headed, all available energy had gone. But three cups of water, two cups of energy drink in quick succession after fighting my way to the tables saved the day. One Women next to me fell over and couldn't get up, her leg had locked with extreme cramp. It was a complete frenzy. You then claimed your goodie bag (snacks), had you finishing photo taken and then just found a spot and just rested. Legs started seizing but couldn't be bothered to stretch. Neither could most other people flaked out all over the place. The heat had made it tougher than past years so more than one person told me.
So there you go, my maiden marathon completed. Stayed in the runners area for the best part of 2 hours resting/getting changed before getting enough energy to walk back to the hotel. Walked along the Marathon course some of the way, still a steady stream of people were finishing (6 hours plus).
Yes a heck of of an experience, and glad I did it, absolutely. Yes the aching legs didn't stop until 5 days later and still feel void of energy a week later. But now know what it is all about. Many people who have done one, have said never again. But not me, find out in the next fortnight if accepted to the London Marathon. If not will pick another at a European city in the spring.
Yes I am totally nuts, but that's what happens to some people when they turn 40!!!
Tuesday, 25 August 2009
The King Street Rambling Club - Great Yarmouth to Halvergate - Saturday 22 August
So this is my first walk of the King Street Rambling Club and I was rather anxious being amongst such experienced walkers - this was not helped by various members of the group announcing that 8 miles was only a stroll and that it was hardly worth getting out of bed for! And new girls chore - writing the blog!
Anyhow, Susan and I were picked up by Steve at just after 8am and we met up with Tristan, Andy and Sasha at Halvergate, where we climbed into the truck and Tristan drove like Emerson Fitipaldi (?spelling Susan?) to our destination - Asda at Great Yarmouth! Here we had to make do with Asda bacon and/or sausage baps in lieu of our support crew i.e. Jonathan being unable to attend! (And as a side note - why is it always my bag that ends up with dozens of sachets of red and brown sauce?)
At 9.19am we had our first row and we hadn't even set off. It stemmed from the fact that a certain male member of the group pointed out that he would be walking with three biatches today and so a battle of the sexes commenced!
Only a very short one however because finally at 9.25am we were off. We headed out along the path with Andy and Sasha in front and the rest of us mooching along behind. At 10am we saw a group of 'older' blokes stood around a gate avidly watching the train line, armed with cameras and binoculars. After much 'you ask them', 'no you ask them', Steve asked them what they were looking at and apparently they were excitedly awaiting the 10:10 train from Yarmouth which was a diesel. Us girls were seriously unimpressed by this and walked on ahead leaving the old fogies (Steve, Tristan and Andy) all extolling the wonders of diesel trains and how they used these marvellous engines in their youth - must have been a long time ago!!!!
The weather was absolutely glorious and we were very grateful for a cool breeze making it easy walking. The path was fairly easy going - apart from the stiles which Sasha appeared to have a bit of a problem with. However, after much coaxing, we got her through most of them without too much assistance. We encountered a few cows which seemed to like us so much they decided to follow us - much to the anxiety of Susan and Andy. Sasha wasn't that impressed either.
The funniest part of the day, for Tristan at least, occurred when a very hot, panting Sasha decided to take a little paddle in a dyke only to sink to the bottom, becoming completely submerged. While Tris curled up laughing at her predicament, the rest of us were all wondering whether we should try and rescue her by hauling her out but luckily she is such a clever doggy and soon discovered her paddle! She emerged from the water, dignity intact, looking very fetching with her coat all nice and curly - I wonder if Tristan had to use the straighteners on her later????
We arrived at the pub in Halvergate about 1300hrs (I think! I wasn't really paying attention to be honest!) for a welcome libation and then it was off home for cheese and toast and a look at my blisters! All in all a good day!
Anyhow, Susan and I were picked up by Steve at just after 8am and we met up with Tristan, Andy and Sasha at Halvergate, where we climbed into the truck and Tristan drove like Emerson Fitipaldi (?spelling Susan?) to our destination - Asda at Great Yarmouth! Here we had to make do with Asda bacon and/or sausage baps in lieu of our support crew i.e. Jonathan being unable to attend! (And as a side note - why is it always my bag that ends up with dozens of sachets of red and brown sauce?)
At 9.19am we had our first row and we hadn't even set off. It stemmed from the fact that a certain male member of the group pointed out that he would be walking with three biatches today and so a battle of the sexes commenced!
Only a very short one however because finally at 9.25am we were off. We headed out along the path with Andy and Sasha in front and the rest of us mooching along behind. At 10am we saw a group of 'older' blokes stood around a gate avidly watching the train line, armed with cameras and binoculars. After much 'you ask them', 'no you ask them', Steve asked them what they were looking at and apparently they were excitedly awaiting the 10:10 train from Yarmouth which was a diesel. Us girls were seriously unimpressed by this and walked on ahead leaving the old fogies (Steve, Tristan and Andy) all extolling the wonders of diesel trains and how they used these marvellous engines in their youth - must have been a long time ago!!!!
The weather was absolutely glorious and we were very grateful for a cool breeze making it easy walking. The path was fairly easy going - apart from the stiles which Sasha appeared to have a bit of a problem with. However, after much coaxing, we got her through most of them without too much assistance. We encountered a few cows which seemed to like us so much they decided to follow us - much to the anxiety of Susan and Andy. Sasha wasn't that impressed either.
The funniest part of the day, for Tristan at least, occurred when a very hot, panting Sasha decided to take a little paddle in a dyke only to sink to the bottom, becoming completely submerged. While Tris curled up laughing at her predicament, the rest of us were all wondering whether we should try and rescue her by hauling her out but luckily she is such a clever doggy and soon discovered her paddle! She emerged from the water, dignity intact, looking very fetching with her coat all nice and curly - I wonder if Tristan had to use the straighteners on her later????
We arrived at the pub in Halvergate about 1300hrs (I think! I wasn't really paying attention to be honest!) for a welcome libation and then it was off home for cheese and toast and a look at my blisters! All in all a good day!
Thursday, 20 August 2009
The Great Pennine Way Adventure – Postscript – Friday 14 August 2009
Well, have now decided to call it a day ….. I slept really badly last night – the midge bites really got to me and I was conscious that I was scratching them in my sleep. In fact, I’ve woken up today to find blood everywhere and my feet are covered in bites – I’m really not sure I want to put my boots back on.
It’s also raining and as today was only ever going to be half a day – just a seven miler – from Langdon Beck down to Middleton, I’ve decided to pack up and go home. I’m sad about it, but it’ll be nice to have just half a day to break me back in when I take up next year where I’ve left off now.
It’s been the best fortnight ever – I’ve had such a brilliant time, met some lovely people, felt invincible, realised I can do this stuff on my own again and generally feel pretty fit and healthy. I’ve also discovered that the walking is easy but the logistics are a bit of a nightmare and I need to brush up on my admin skills! So, next time I’ll be more organised – hopefully – and do a bit more research before I head off to the hills and find myself stranded without transport! No need to worry though – it’ll never be so slick that I won’t find myself in a bit of a fix every now and then! That’s half the fun of it for me!
I’ll sign off now and leave this blog to others for their adventures. I hope we’re going to start our training walks again and we’ll keep everyone updated with our news – and hopefully those of you that don’t currently walk with us may want to join us.
So, for now, it’s over and out …..!
It’s also raining and as today was only ever going to be half a day – just a seven miler – from Langdon Beck down to Middleton, I’ve decided to pack up and go home. I’m sad about it, but it’ll be nice to have just half a day to break me back in when I take up next year where I’ve left off now.
It’s been the best fortnight ever – I’ve had such a brilliant time, met some lovely people, felt invincible, realised I can do this stuff on my own again and generally feel pretty fit and healthy. I’ve also discovered that the walking is easy but the logistics are a bit of a nightmare and I need to brush up on my admin skills! So, next time I’ll be more organised – hopefully – and do a bit more research before I head off to the hills and find myself stranded without transport! No need to worry though – it’ll never be so slick that I won’t find myself in a bit of a fix every now and then! That’s half the fun of it for me!
I’ll sign off now and leave this blog to others for their adventures. I hope we’re going to start our training walks again and we’ll keep everyone updated with our news – and hopefully those of you that don’t currently walk with us may want to join us.
So, for now, it’s over and out …..!
The Great Pennine Way Adventure – Day 10 – Thursday 13 August 2009 – Tan Hill to Middleton - 16 miles
Streams fallen in: 1
Midge bites: 519
Andy was driving back to Warrington today so I left my car at our lovely campsite in Middleton and Andy dropped me at Tan Hill to walk back to the tent.
The guidebook told me that in bad weather, Sleightholme Moor can be a dangerous place. It’s been a scorcher of a day so I decided to stick with the moor path and not take the bad weather alternative route. However, there have been so many people – grouse beaters mainly – walking the moor the last couple of days that the true path was impossible to find. I wasted half an hour trying to find it before heading back up to the road and track down to the A66. I had no interest in following the Bowes Loop extension of the Pennine Way – although if I was B and B’ing, it would be an ideal place to stop.
I met a John O’Groats to Lands Ender today with his Tibetan terrier dog – he’s taken four weeks so far and is halfway. He expressed some surprise that he even got out of Scotland as he ended up drinking every night with the locals! He was a bit bored today as he’d already done the Pennine Way once – in 1976 – so was trying to cheat a bit and find an alternative route.
The path has been quite indistinct and boggy today – and there were so many flies around. That and the heat have made today quite uncomfortable. I was really glad to see Blackton reservoir – the halfway point of the Pennine Way – swiftly followed by Grassholme and Selset reservoirs as I knew I was on the home stretch to my tent!
After tea, I popped into town to the bus garage – my plan tomorrow includes getting a bus from my campsite – well, less a bus, more of a transit van that connects with the bus – to Langdon Beck youth hostel and I needed to book my place. I’m aiming to walk backwards – not literally obviously! – from Langdon Beck to Middleton – passing High Force and Low Force waterfalls. I’m usually quite precious about the direction I walk – everything sequential, etc – but the buses work to some pretty odd scheduling up here!
I also visited the Teesdale pub for a drink and while in there got talking to some grouse beaters, who were chatting about the midges today. Apparently they’ve never seen so many flies up on the moors and the dogs were even jumping into the streams to try and get cool. Poor things.
So, another good day – some pretty tough bleak walking but great to be up in the hills.
Midge bites: 519
Andy was driving back to Warrington today so I left my car at our lovely campsite in Middleton and Andy dropped me at Tan Hill to walk back to the tent.
The guidebook told me that in bad weather, Sleightholme Moor can be a dangerous place. It’s been a scorcher of a day so I decided to stick with the moor path and not take the bad weather alternative route. However, there have been so many people – grouse beaters mainly – walking the moor the last couple of days that the true path was impossible to find. I wasted half an hour trying to find it before heading back up to the road and track down to the A66. I had no interest in following the Bowes Loop extension of the Pennine Way – although if I was B and B’ing, it would be an ideal place to stop.
I met a John O’Groats to Lands Ender today with his Tibetan terrier dog – he’s taken four weeks so far and is halfway. He expressed some surprise that he even got out of Scotland as he ended up drinking every night with the locals! He was a bit bored today as he’d already done the Pennine Way once – in 1976 – so was trying to cheat a bit and find an alternative route.
The path has been quite indistinct and boggy today – and there were so many flies around. That and the heat have made today quite uncomfortable. I was really glad to see Blackton reservoir – the halfway point of the Pennine Way – swiftly followed by Grassholme and Selset reservoirs as I knew I was on the home stretch to my tent!
After tea, I popped into town to the bus garage – my plan tomorrow includes getting a bus from my campsite – well, less a bus, more of a transit van that connects with the bus – to Langdon Beck youth hostel and I needed to book my place. I’m aiming to walk backwards – not literally obviously! – from Langdon Beck to Middleton – passing High Force and Low Force waterfalls. I’m usually quite precious about the direction I walk – everything sequential, etc – but the buses work to some pretty odd scheduling up here!
I also visited the Teesdale pub for a drink and while in there got talking to some grouse beaters, who were chatting about the midges today. Apparently they’ve never seen so many flies up on the moors and the dogs were even jumping into the streams to try and get cool. Poor things.
So, another good day – some pretty tough bleak walking but great to be up in the hills.
The Great Pennine Way Adventure – Day 9 – Wednesday 12 August 2009 – Keld to Tan Hill - 5 miles
This morning we had a continental breakfast – bread, cheese and coffee at our campsite at the Green Dragon Inn in Hardraw, just outside Hawes, the first campsite I’ve ever stayed at that boasts its own waterfall!
By the time we’d done our driving around, we were at the Tan Hill Inn before 11.00 am, with Andy saying he wasn’t walking today – because of blisters. I then said I wasn’t doing it either and we had “words”. In the end, I suggested we walk up by the road – to be honest, the Pennine Way runs parallel with the road all the way from Keld to the Tan Hill anyway, just a few metres to the right, so we weren’t missing any scenery. That also meant we could walk in our sandals, thereby saving Andy more grief and it was lovely to get some air to my feet too.
We had already decided to have a shorter day because of the grouse shooting and we had seen loads of people out on the moors all morning.
We reached the Tan Hill Inn, highest pub in England, just after 1.00 pm and celebrated with half a pint of Black Sheep bitter each – neither of us being bitter drinkers, I was pleasantly surprised although Andy likened it to dishwater. We could see the beaters out on the moor from the pub – Sleightholme Moore – and congratulated ourselves on our decision to stop early.
We had a nice drive then to Middleton on Tees to a lovely campsite – and although it was very sunny, it was quite breezy and we broke another tent pole. Thank God for Balfour Beatty and gaffa tape!
By the time we’d done our driving around, we were at the Tan Hill Inn before 11.00 am, with Andy saying he wasn’t walking today – because of blisters. I then said I wasn’t doing it either and we had “words”. In the end, I suggested we walk up by the road – to be honest, the Pennine Way runs parallel with the road all the way from Keld to the Tan Hill anyway, just a few metres to the right, so we weren’t missing any scenery. That also meant we could walk in our sandals, thereby saving Andy more grief and it was lovely to get some air to my feet too.
We had already decided to have a shorter day because of the grouse shooting and we had seen loads of people out on the moors all morning.
We reached the Tan Hill Inn, highest pub in England, just after 1.00 pm and celebrated with half a pint of Black Sheep bitter each – neither of us being bitter drinkers, I was pleasantly surprised although Andy likened it to dishwater. We could see the beaters out on the moor from the pub – Sleightholme Moore – and congratulated ourselves on our decision to stop early.
We had a nice drive then to Middleton on Tees to a lovely campsite – and although it was very sunny, it was quite breezy and we broke another tent pole. Thank God for Balfour Beatty and gaffa tape!
The Great Pennine Way Adventure – Day 8 – Tuesday 11 August 2009 – Hawes to Keld - 12 miles
It was tough to get going today – we had to leave our lovely cottage for a start, but, after a leisurely breakfast of boiled egg and soldiers, and a pot of Yorkshire tea, followed by our usual car shenanigans, we were finally walking at 11.30 am.
We did all the climbing this morning and all the descending this afternoon. Andy’s feet were causing him some grief and he got quite ratty with me. It’s a tough call between telling someone we’re going uphill when maybe they don’t want to hear it and trying to soften it by pretending you don’t know how far you have to climb. Needless to say I heard a few mutterings behind me of “You’re a bad woman, Susan Long” and “fancy being beaten by a girl”.
Great Shunner Fell was a really tough climb and it was blowing a gale at the top. The trig point is in a stone shelter but it still didn’t stop the wind from biting – for only the second time this holiday I had my waterproof on – still all downhill to the tearoom was our battle cry!
As we trotted downhill to Thwaite and the café, Andy said he really couldn’t carry on with his blisters, so after a coffee each, I left him chatting to a couple of ladies and their Schnauzer dogs who have a cottage in Lewes so walk the south downs a lot and I headed by road to Keld with the couple we’d met at the trig point and who were quite inappropriately dressed in corduroy! (I really need to stop being so sniffy about other people’s attire!)
As luck would have it, the tearooms and pub (next door to each other) were owned by the same people and linked by a corridor so, when I got back to the tearooms for Andy, and couldn’t find him, it didn’t take me long to track him down! He was having a beer with a local gamekeeper who’s getting ready for the grouse shoot tomorrow. The glorious 12th. Mmmmm, and our route tomorrow goes through the middle of the UK’s biggest grouse moor. Argh! There’ll be eight gamekeepers, sixty beaters and hordes of invited guests for the shooting – think we may need to change our walking plans!
We did all the climbing this morning and all the descending this afternoon. Andy’s feet were causing him some grief and he got quite ratty with me. It’s a tough call between telling someone we’re going uphill when maybe they don’t want to hear it and trying to soften it by pretending you don’t know how far you have to climb. Needless to say I heard a few mutterings behind me of “You’re a bad woman, Susan Long” and “fancy being beaten by a girl”.
Great Shunner Fell was a really tough climb and it was blowing a gale at the top. The trig point is in a stone shelter but it still didn’t stop the wind from biting – for only the second time this holiday I had my waterproof on – still all downhill to the tearoom was our battle cry!
As we trotted downhill to Thwaite and the café, Andy said he really couldn’t carry on with his blisters, so after a coffee each, I left him chatting to a couple of ladies and their Schnauzer dogs who have a cottage in Lewes so walk the south downs a lot and I headed by road to Keld with the couple we’d met at the trig point and who were quite inappropriately dressed in corduroy! (I really need to stop being so sniffy about other people’s attire!)
As luck would have it, the tearooms and pub (next door to each other) were owned by the same people and linked by a corridor so, when I got back to the tearooms for Andy, and couldn’t find him, it didn’t take me long to track him down! He was having a beer with a local gamekeeper who’s getting ready for the grouse shoot tomorrow. The glorious 12th. Mmmmm, and our route tomorrow goes through the middle of the UK’s biggest grouse moor. Argh! There’ll be eight gamekeepers, sixty beaters and hordes of invited guests for the shooting – think we may need to change our walking plans!
The Great Pennine Way Adventure – Day 7 – Saturday 8 August 2009 – Horton in Ribblesdale to Hawes - 15 miles
Bogs fallen into: 0
Times fallen over: Susan 1, Andy 1
Blisters: Susan 0, Andy 2
Andy had driven up for a few days this morning so I had to run down to Malham village at 5.45 am to direct him into the campsite. We’ve booked a cottage for a couple of days so the tent was coming down today until Tuesday – I shall miss my little cocoon, but am looking forward to shower and toilet facilities that don’t involve head torches and getting dressed to use them!
As we have the luxury of two vehicles and no need to take public transport for a couple of days, we hurtled around the Yorkshire countryside dropping off cars and having breakfast and finally started walking at 10.30 am.
Today can only be described as a knee crunching slog – Andy got blisters within a couple of miles and, because they were hurting so much, he never wanted to stay still for very long, but wanted to march on. I’m not used to walking at this pace so found it quite a struggle.
The entire path was on tracks today until the very end when we were back on field paths, and very boggy they were too. (This was where Andy did his “para roll” manoeuvre after slipping in a cowpat! I earlier managed to fall over on a downhill track and did such a graceful move that Andy heard me yelp and looked back to find me just sitting there. No forward rolling or arse up in the air for me – I’m much more ladylike!)
Because Andy was on a mission to get the day over and done with, I had to employ all sorts of diversionary tactics to slow the pace down – drinking loads of water, snacking, taking photos, etc. The scenery was very bleak and remote today – I’ve always said I could live in the middle of nowhere but today was too much, even for me. In fact, the only change in scenery all day – until we arrived in Hawes – was the Ribblehead viaduct.
So a very quick fifteen miles today – but I’m glad to be having a couple of days off.
Times fallen over: Susan 1, Andy 1
Blisters: Susan 0, Andy 2
Andy had driven up for a few days this morning so I had to run down to Malham village at 5.45 am to direct him into the campsite. We’ve booked a cottage for a couple of days so the tent was coming down today until Tuesday – I shall miss my little cocoon, but am looking forward to shower and toilet facilities that don’t involve head torches and getting dressed to use them!
As we have the luxury of two vehicles and no need to take public transport for a couple of days, we hurtled around the Yorkshire countryside dropping off cars and having breakfast and finally started walking at 10.30 am.
Today can only be described as a knee crunching slog – Andy got blisters within a couple of miles and, because they were hurting so much, he never wanted to stay still for very long, but wanted to march on. I’m not used to walking at this pace so found it quite a struggle.
The entire path was on tracks today until the very end when we were back on field paths, and very boggy they were too. (This was where Andy did his “para roll” manoeuvre after slipping in a cowpat! I earlier managed to fall over on a downhill track and did such a graceful move that Andy heard me yelp and looked back to find me just sitting there. No forward rolling or arse up in the air for me – I’m much more ladylike!)
Because Andy was on a mission to get the day over and done with, I had to employ all sorts of diversionary tactics to slow the pace down – drinking loads of water, snacking, taking photos, etc. The scenery was very bleak and remote today – I’ve always said I could live in the middle of nowhere but today was too much, even for me. In fact, the only change in scenery all day – until we arrived in Hawes – was the Ribblehead viaduct.
So a very quick fifteen miles today – but I’m glad to be having a couple of days off.
Tuesday, 18 August 2009
The Great Pennine Way Adventure – Day 6 – Friday 7 August 2009 – Malham to Horton in Ribblesdale - 15 miles
Bogs fallen into: 0
Bus drivers chatted up: 0
Invincibility rating: so high it’s off the scale
What an amazing day it’s been! I was on top of Malham Cove at 7.45 am this morning and was in fact debating whether to carry on at all as it was so peaceful and beautiful that I just wanted to carry on sitting on top of my slab of limestone, drinking in the view. And then I saw them ….. more people! Time to move on …..
Things were very familiar today – the Trailtrekker route to be precise – up Watlowes Valley towards Malham Tarn, and then on to Fountains Fell. I had forgotten how tough this stretch was – how on earth I managed to complete the Trailtrekker I have no idea? Probably drugs and adrenaline! (Codydramol before anyone shops me to the rozzers.)
I was working to a pretty flexible schedule today so had plenty of sit downs – the views were too good to waste by not looking at them.
From Fountains Fell, I had the biggest challenge of the day – Penyghent – and she didn’t disappoint. (I didn’t see a single other walker today until this point – this Yorkshire Peak was covered in them!!) It was such a blast to get to the top, although the scorching sun didn’t really help matters. How lucky am I though?
Tourist Info back in Norwich had been working overtime again and had ascertained that, if I didn’t want to spend three hours in the Crown Inn in Horton in Ribblesdale, then I needed to be at the railway station by 3.30 pm. So on reaching the top of Penyghent, I sat for maybe twenty minutes but then had to make a concerted effort to leave my perch and head down the valley to the train. I’m consoled though by the thought that I’ll be back to climb her again.
I made it to the station with twenty minutes to spare for my train to Settle – where I called a taxi and arranged to meet at the Naked Man in ninety minutes – it’s a café before you ask! I then had a lovely jaunt around Settle, buying even more postcards that probably won’t get written, more provisions and a coffee and cake.
Back to the campsite for shower, dinner, a cuppa and more of my lovely chocolates that Panda and Lisa had bought me for my birthday and then a quick zip back to the cove for another look – I just can’t resist it!
Yep, a truly amazing day and I really am a very lucky girl …..
Bus drivers chatted up: 0
Invincibility rating: so high it’s off the scale
What an amazing day it’s been! I was on top of Malham Cove at 7.45 am this morning and was in fact debating whether to carry on at all as it was so peaceful and beautiful that I just wanted to carry on sitting on top of my slab of limestone, drinking in the view. And then I saw them ….. more people! Time to move on …..
Things were very familiar today – the Trailtrekker route to be precise – up Watlowes Valley towards Malham Tarn, and then on to Fountains Fell. I had forgotten how tough this stretch was – how on earth I managed to complete the Trailtrekker I have no idea? Probably drugs and adrenaline! (Codydramol before anyone shops me to the rozzers.)
I was working to a pretty flexible schedule today so had plenty of sit downs – the views were too good to waste by not looking at them.
From Fountains Fell, I had the biggest challenge of the day – Penyghent – and she didn’t disappoint. (I didn’t see a single other walker today until this point – this Yorkshire Peak was covered in them!!) It was such a blast to get to the top, although the scorching sun didn’t really help matters. How lucky am I though?
Tourist Info back in Norwich had been working overtime again and had ascertained that, if I didn’t want to spend three hours in the Crown Inn in Horton in Ribblesdale, then I needed to be at the railway station by 3.30 pm. So on reaching the top of Penyghent, I sat for maybe twenty minutes but then had to make a concerted effort to leave my perch and head down the valley to the train. I’m consoled though by the thought that I’ll be back to climb her again.
I made it to the station with twenty minutes to spare for my train to Settle – where I called a taxi and arranged to meet at the Naked Man in ninety minutes – it’s a café before you ask! I then had a lovely jaunt around Settle, buying even more postcards that probably won’t get written, more provisions and a coffee and cake.
Back to the campsite for shower, dinner, a cuppa and more of my lovely chocolates that Panda and Lisa had bought me for my birthday and then a quick zip back to the cove for another look – I just can’t resist it!
Yep, a truly amazing day and I really am a very lucky girl …..
The Great Pennine Way Adventure – Day 5 – Thursday 6 August 2009 – Cowling to Malham – 18 miles
Bogs fallen into: 0 (although path was quite marshy and squelchy for some of the way)
Bus drivers chatted up: 1
Clothing disaster: fleece zip broken, typically as I’m getting higher on the moors and will probably need warm clothing!
This morning, I was up and dressed, tent taken down and I was driving to Cowling at 6.45 am. Sadly, the journey took longer than anticipated and I didn’t start walking until 7.40 am.
I’ve been conscious all day that I had a lot of miles to cover and that I had to be in Malham for four o’clock to get the last bus back to Skipton. I think I’ve quite possibly just got tired and was trying to achieve too much today? The paths today have been mainly on farmland and I’ve not seen any other walkers, only farmers to give a cheery wave as they drove past in their tractors. At least I THINK it was a cheery wave?
Quite quickly, I’d had a couple of climbs and stopped to sit on a couple of dry stone walls for a breather and to just watch life down in the valleys. The sun hadn’t totally burned the mist off and the views, although stunning, were very hazy. I soon passed Lothersdale and Thornton-in-Craven, and walked along the Leeds Liverpool canal towards Gargrave where I stopped for lunch. I was really overheating and needed some shade – the Masons Arms has the dubious distinction of being the only pub in which I’ve ever taken my boots and socks off!!
From Gargrave, I still had six miles to go and only three hours to get there – blinking timetables! I got quite excited past Gargrave as I recognised the path from the Trailtrekker route. I sent text messages to my fellow team members and was just sorry that Jonathan was nowhere in site with the bacon butties …..
I was beginning to panic slightly at Hanlith, especially as I’d forgotten about the really horrible hill climb there before heading round and down into Malham. The only thing to lift my spirits at this point was that I could see Malham Cove! I made it down to the village with half an hour to spare for the bus and had a major result at Skipton – a bus was heading out to Cowling and while, strictly speaking, the bus didn’t actually go as far along the A6068 as my car was parked, the driver was a guardian angel and dropped me off at my car! So I got back to Malham for my campsite at least an hour earlier than I’d anticipated – quick shower and a dash back into the village to the Buck Inn for tea and a well earned glass of wine. The last time I was in this pub was on a training walk back in March, when we reached the pub in darkness and sat, cold and tired, with puddles forming around us!
Malham Cove and Penyghent tomorrow – have gone from excitement to terror – what if I can’t do it?
Bus drivers chatted up: 1
Clothing disaster: fleece zip broken, typically as I’m getting higher on the moors and will probably need warm clothing!
This morning, I was up and dressed, tent taken down and I was driving to Cowling at 6.45 am. Sadly, the journey took longer than anticipated and I didn’t start walking until 7.40 am.
I’ve been conscious all day that I had a lot of miles to cover and that I had to be in Malham for four o’clock to get the last bus back to Skipton. I think I’ve quite possibly just got tired and was trying to achieve too much today? The paths today have been mainly on farmland and I’ve not seen any other walkers, only farmers to give a cheery wave as they drove past in their tractors. At least I THINK it was a cheery wave?
Quite quickly, I’d had a couple of climbs and stopped to sit on a couple of dry stone walls for a breather and to just watch life down in the valleys. The sun hadn’t totally burned the mist off and the views, although stunning, were very hazy. I soon passed Lothersdale and Thornton-in-Craven, and walked along the Leeds Liverpool canal towards Gargrave where I stopped for lunch. I was really overheating and needed some shade – the Masons Arms has the dubious distinction of being the only pub in which I’ve ever taken my boots and socks off!!
From Gargrave, I still had six miles to go and only three hours to get there – blinking timetables! I got quite excited past Gargrave as I recognised the path from the Trailtrekker route. I sent text messages to my fellow team members and was just sorry that Jonathan was nowhere in site with the bacon butties …..
I was beginning to panic slightly at Hanlith, especially as I’d forgotten about the really horrible hill climb there before heading round and down into Malham. The only thing to lift my spirits at this point was that I could see Malham Cove! I made it down to the village with half an hour to spare for the bus and had a major result at Skipton – a bus was heading out to Cowling and while, strictly speaking, the bus didn’t actually go as far along the A6068 as my car was parked, the driver was a guardian angel and dropped me off at my car! So I got back to Malham for my campsite at least an hour earlier than I’d anticipated – quick shower and a dash back into the village to the Buck Inn for tea and a well earned glass of wine. The last time I was in this pub was on a training walk back in March, when we reached the pub in darkness and sat, cold and tired, with puddles forming around us!
Malham Cove and Penyghent tomorrow – have gone from excitement to terror – what if I can’t do it?
Sunday, 16 August 2009
The Great Pennine Way Adventure – Day 4 – Wednesday 5 August 2009 – Colden to Cowling – 15 miles
Bogs fallen into: 0 (although a ramblers group were quite insistent I avoid the puddles on Ickornshaw Moor as they were very deep and dangerous. A couple of them even showed me the depth, using their walking poles as dipsticks!)
Car disasters: 0 (because I didn’t get in my car all day)
This morning I had a bit of a lay in because I didn’t have to drive anywhere and I started walking at 7.20 am. It wasn’t long before I was lost – hey ho! – the Pennine Way isn’t always signposted as such – it’s sometimes just a “public footpath” sign and, because these signs proliferate everywhere, I didn’t want to take the wrong one. So, with that in mind, I found on the map a point where I couldn’t fail to pick up the path and walked a few miles along lanes to get to that point.
I picked up the way just past the Pack Horse pub towards Walshaw Dean reservoir – the path was flat but the hill views around were lovely – it was so peaceful. It wasn’t long before the path started to climb and I was soon heading towards Top Withins, the ruined farmhouse immortalised as Wuthering Heights. It would have been really atmospheric and reminiscent of the book if the weather had been stormy and the skies dark and brooding. However, it was hard to feel anything with the sun beating down and only the gentlest of breezes.
The path down from the ruins meandered through a heather covered moor and the views down to Haworth almost made me want to go and investigate, although I didn’t really have time. Another time maybe …..
The downhill slog to Ponden reservoir was followed by the corresponding climb over Oakworth Moor and then Ickornshaw Moor. There are lots of huts on the moor and I met the owners of one such hut – they look after the grouse so they’d put their tea into the hut, before going for a walk to check on the birds. I stood and chatted to them for ages – they were a very wiry, weathered old couple and I imagine they spend their days constantly walking the moors. They confirmed to me that the hill I’d been monitoring for ages was in fact Penyghent. Woohoo! Nearly there!
My initial plan for today was to walk to Lothersdale and I’d had a taxi quote for £30 – eek – as there is no public transport that serves the village. So Tourist Info back in Norwich had devised a plan whereby I needed to stop sooner. Good choice actually as tomorrow’s stretch to Malham from Lothersdale is supposed to be relatively easy, so a few extra miles won’t hurt.
So I stopped at the A6068 at what should have been the Black Bull public house but which is now a very nice furniture workshop. I dashed in before getting the bus and told the nice man that my cunning plan all along was to have a drink in the pub while chatting up the landlord so that I could park in the pub car park tomorrow. He immediately said that of course I could park there and that he was “only sorry I can’t offer you a gin and tonic as you look like you need it!” Maybe it was because I was very pink and flushed on my dash down the hill to the bus stop.
So I had a lovely tour of Lancashire and West Yorkshire – on three buses – the first to Burnley, the second to Hebden Bridge and the final one back to the pub and the campsite. Another excellent day and the mileage covered is very satisfying.
Car disasters: 0 (because I didn’t get in my car all day)
This morning I had a bit of a lay in because I didn’t have to drive anywhere and I started walking at 7.20 am. It wasn’t long before I was lost – hey ho! – the Pennine Way isn’t always signposted as such – it’s sometimes just a “public footpath” sign and, because these signs proliferate everywhere, I didn’t want to take the wrong one. So, with that in mind, I found on the map a point where I couldn’t fail to pick up the path and walked a few miles along lanes to get to that point.
I picked up the way just past the Pack Horse pub towards Walshaw Dean reservoir – the path was flat but the hill views around were lovely – it was so peaceful. It wasn’t long before the path started to climb and I was soon heading towards Top Withins, the ruined farmhouse immortalised as Wuthering Heights. It would have been really atmospheric and reminiscent of the book if the weather had been stormy and the skies dark and brooding. However, it was hard to feel anything with the sun beating down and only the gentlest of breezes.
The path down from the ruins meandered through a heather covered moor and the views down to Haworth almost made me want to go and investigate, although I didn’t really have time. Another time maybe …..
The downhill slog to Ponden reservoir was followed by the corresponding climb over Oakworth Moor and then Ickornshaw Moor. There are lots of huts on the moor and I met the owners of one such hut – they look after the grouse so they’d put their tea into the hut, before going for a walk to check on the birds. I stood and chatted to them for ages – they were a very wiry, weathered old couple and I imagine they spend their days constantly walking the moors. They confirmed to me that the hill I’d been monitoring for ages was in fact Penyghent. Woohoo! Nearly there!
My initial plan for today was to walk to Lothersdale and I’d had a taxi quote for £30 – eek – as there is no public transport that serves the village. So Tourist Info back in Norwich had devised a plan whereby I needed to stop sooner. Good choice actually as tomorrow’s stretch to Malham from Lothersdale is supposed to be relatively easy, so a few extra miles won’t hurt.
So I stopped at the A6068 at what should have been the Black Bull public house but which is now a very nice furniture workshop. I dashed in before getting the bus and told the nice man that my cunning plan all along was to have a drink in the pub while chatting up the landlord so that I could park in the pub car park tomorrow. He immediately said that of course I could park there and that he was “only sorry I can’t offer you a gin and tonic as you look like you need it!” Maybe it was because I was very pink and flushed on my dash down the hill to the bus stop.
So I had a lovely tour of Lancashire and West Yorkshire – on three buses – the first to Burnley, the second to Hebden Bridge and the final one back to the pub and the campsite. Another excellent day and the mileage covered is very satisfying.
Saturday, 15 August 2009
The Great Pennine Way Adventure – Day 3 – Tuesday 4 August 2009 – Standedge to Hebden Bridge – 15 miles
Bogs fallen into: 0
Car disasters: 0
Progress is being made!!
This morning, I was so organised that I was parked and walking from Standedge at 7.30 am. Blimey! All day I’ve only seen one Pennine Way walker and one dog walker until Stoodley Pike which was overrun with ramblers.
It’s been very changeable weatherwise all day – with intermittent showers – so my waterproofs have been on and off all day. I had some climbing straightaway and reached two different trig points before 9.30 am. The views were amazing, even with the low cloud.
I had a major result at 9.30 am while crossing the A672 – a tea van! I got a severe amount of ribbing from all the lorry drivers there – along the lines of needing to get a shimmy on. The van owner, Brian, guessed exactly how far I’d walked, how long it had taken me, where I was walking to and my estimated time of arrival. I asked him if he’d ever walked it as he was such an expert, but he hasn’t – he has, however, had the tea van in that layby for thirty years and his father had been there before him. So he’s made it his lifetime study. His major customers are the campers who start early – the B and B’ers come along much later and are generally full so don’t want anything from him. Soon after leaving them chuckling at my expense, I had to cross the M62 which was slightly surreal following the peace and quiet of the last couple of days.
Not long after I reached my third trig point of the day and walked along a boulder strewn path – very bleak indeed. The path had been gently undulating today rather than major up and downs and indeed for a lot of the way has been totally flat as I walked wide gravel paths beside reservoirs – Blackstone Edge, White Holme, Light Hazzles and Warland.
Past Warland, the path became stone slabbed as I walked towards Stoodley Pike which dominated the skyline for ages. The villages down in the valley were really picturesque – all looking a bit chocolate boxy. It was while looking down on all the scenery that I decided to call the campsite to make sure I could turn up after eight o’clock this evening, only to be told there were no pitches. Gggrrr. So, with that, I sat and tried to do some planning – by ringing my Tourist Info advisers at Norwich! I was then bombarded with texted numbers so sat down to ring some local campsites by the side of a gravel lane. The postie pulled up in his van to ask if I was lost, but I just told him my predicament – with that, he offered me a lift to Tourist Info in Hebden Bridge. I thanked him profusely but said I was walking that way anyway. People are really quite extraordinarily kind.
I then had a bit of a grumpy march into Hebden Bridge to the Tourist Info office – the lady there listened to my tale of woe and told me that the campsite had shut completely but that the owner was a bit “odd” – lucky escape there methinks. She gave me a list of campsites and the first one I rang – the New Delight Inn at Colden – said yes I could stay two nights and they’d only charge three quid a night – bonus!
So, with that, I went off to find some sustenance – Mum and Dad had put a tenner in my birthday card with a note to say “have a cream tea on us” – which is exactly what I did.
There then followed a very exciting journey back to my car – a train to Brighouse, another train to Huddersfield to be followed by a final train to Marsden and a taxi to my car. So I finally got to my campsite after eight o’clock where I celebrated with a pint of lager shandy and a shower. And I’ve planned tomorrow that I don’t have to get in my car at all – bonus!!
Car disasters: 0
Progress is being made!!
This morning, I was so organised that I was parked and walking from Standedge at 7.30 am. Blimey! All day I’ve only seen one Pennine Way walker and one dog walker until Stoodley Pike which was overrun with ramblers.
It’s been very changeable weatherwise all day – with intermittent showers – so my waterproofs have been on and off all day. I had some climbing straightaway and reached two different trig points before 9.30 am. The views were amazing, even with the low cloud.
I had a major result at 9.30 am while crossing the A672 – a tea van! I got a severe amount of ribbing from all the lorry drivers there – along the lines of needing to get a shimmy on. The van owner, Brian, guessed exactly how far I’d walked, how long it had taken me, where I was walking to and my estimated time of arrival. I asked him if he’d ever walked it as he was such an expert, but he hasn’t – he has, however, had the tea van in that layby for thirty years and his father had been there before him. So he’s made it his lifetime study. His major customers are the campers who start early – the B and B’ers come along much later and are generally full so don’t want anything from him. Soon after leaving them chuckling at my expense, I had to cross the M62 which was slightly surreal following the peace and quiet of the last couple of days.
Not long after I reached my third trig point of the day and walked along a boulder strewn path – very bleak indeed. The path had been gently undulating today rather than major up and downs and indeed for a lot of the way has been totally flat as I walked wide gravel paths beside reservoirs – Blackstone Edge, White Holme, Light Hazzles and Warland.
Past Warland, the path became stone slabbed as I walked towards Stoodley Pike which dominated the skyline for ages. The villages down in the valley were really picturesque – all looking a bit chocolate boxy. It was while looking down on all the scenery that I decided to call the campsite to make sure I could turn up after eight o’clock this evening, only to be told there were no pitches. Gggrrr. So, with that, I sat and tried to do some planning – by ringing my Tourist Info advisers at Norwich! I was then bombarded with texted numbers so sat down to ring some local campsites by the side of a gravel lane. The postie pulled up in his van to ask if I was lost, but I just told him my predicament – with that, he offered me a lift to Tourist Info in Hebden Bridge. I thanked him profusely but said I was walking that way anyway. People are really quite extraordinarily kind.
I then had a bit of a grumpy march into Hebden Bridge to the Tourist Info office – the lady there listened to my tale of woe and told me that the campsite had shut completely but that the owner was a bit “odd” – lucky escape there methinks. She gave me a list of campsites and the first one I rang – the New Delight Inn at Colden – said yes I could stay two nights and they’d only charge three quid a night – bonus!
So, with that, I went off to find some sustenance – Mum and Dad had put a tenner in my birthday card with a note to say “have a cream tea on us” – which is exactly what I did.
There then followed a very exciting journey back to my car – a train to Brighouse, another train to Huddersfield to be followed by a final train to Marsden and a taxi to my car. So I finally got to my campsite after eight o’clock where I celebrated with a pint of lager shandy and a shower. And I’ve planned tomorrow that I don’t have to get in my car at all – bonus!!
The Great Pennine Way Adventure – Day 2 – Monday 3 August 2009 – Crowden to Standedge – 12 miles
Bogs fallen into: 1, no injuries sustained
Car disasters: 2 – lost car and reversal into boulder
This morning I was quite a bit more organised than yesterday – I had chatted up another fellow camper last night, so my car was parked at Standedge just after nine and I was given a lift back to Crowden to start walking at 10.00 am. I’ve walked today with quite a few couples – and we’ve been catching up and overtaking each other all day. It’s been really sociable.
From Crowden, I immediately had a climb up to Laddow Rocks – a lovely path with lots of rock hopping and fording streams. I walked initially with Paul from Darlington and Andy from Wigan, who had started the Pennine Way nine years ago, although only Andy had finished it after Paul retired on day one with an injury – a likely story! So Andy has been nagging Paul ever since to have another go.
They sat down a lot though – even by my standards! So I pushed on to the top of the hill where I met two girls that I’d seen yesterday. They’d had a trauma and got lost in the peat bogs for three hours so had to call the Ranger out. Because they then had so much time to make up, they stopped at the A57 Snake Pass and got a taxi the rest of the way.
The path along the Crowden Brook was very well defined until I had to ford the stream and then it was a giant quagmire. Panic set in – as usual – where was the blinking path? As I was scratching my head and cursing, I could see Paul and Andy coming along so I strategically looked lost (not difficult!) and helpless (ditto!) and they then looked after me and got me through the bog – not without me having another dousing though. (But as they walked a bit ahead of me, I was spared my blushes – they didn’t see a thing!)
The path to the trig point at Black Hill was laid out again with stone slabs – according to my guide book, before the stone slab there was “doom and despondency” where now there is “cheery enthusiasm” – how lovely! I must admit the peat bogs were putting me off walking initially – there’s so much of it. At the trig point there’s a 200 metre stretch of this soggy black ugliness, with slabs leading you through. Yuk!
The path down to the A635 was a joy to walk, indeed as the rest of the day was. Really well signposted along various reservoirs - Wessenden Head, Wessenden, Swellands and Black Moss, where the path came down the hill to Standedge and the A62 where I was parked. Except I wasn’t ….. when we’d left the car this morning we assumed, incorrectly, that the huge layby was the actual car park for the Pennine Way. Wrong! So I had a quick fifteen minute march along the A62 towards Marsden to find my car. Then back to Crowden campsite for tent building, shower and tea – a three course extravaganza – fish soup, pasta in a cheese and tomato sauce and a cup of tea and shortbread biscuits. How civilised!
Oh, and I finally opened all my birthday cards and presents – thank you everyone!
Car disasters: 2 – lost car and reversal into boulder
This morning I was quite a bit more organised than yesterday – I had chatted up another fellow camper last night, so my car was parked at Standedge just after nine and I was given a lift back to Crowden to start walking at 10.00 am. I’ve walked today with quite a few couples – and we’ve been catching up and overtaking each other all day. It’s been really sociable.
From Crowden, I immediately had a climb up to Laddow Rocks – a lovely path with lots of rock hopping and fording streams. I walked initially with Paul from Darlington and Andy from Wigan, who had started the Pennine Way nine years ago, although only Andy had finished it after Paul retired on day one with an injury – a likely story! So Andy has been nagging Paul ever since to have another go.
They sat down a lot though – even by my standards! So I pushed on to the top of the hill where I met two girls that I’d seen yesterday. They’d had a trauma and got lost in the peat bogs for three hours so had to call the Ranger out. Because they then had so much time to make up, they stopped at the A57 Snake Pass and got a taxi the rest of the way.
The path along the Crowden Brook was very well defined until I had to ford the stream and then it was a giant quagmire. Panic set in – as usual – where was the blinking path? As I was scratching my head and cursing, I could see Paul and Andy coming along so I strategically looked lost (not difficult!) and helpless (ditto!) and they then looked after me and got me through the bog – not without me having another dousing though. (But as they walked a bit ahead of me, I was spared my blushes – they didn’t see a thing!)
The path to the trig point at Black Hill was laid out again with stone slabs – according to my guide book, before the stone slab there was “doom and despondency” where now there is “cheery enthusiasm” – how lovely! I must admit the peat bogs were putting me off walking initially – there’s so much of it. At the trig point there’s a 200 metre stretch of this soggy black ugliness, with slabs leading you through. Yuk!
The path down to the A635 was a joy to walk, indeed as the rest of the day was. Really well signposted along various reservoirs - Wessenden Head, Wessenden, Swellands and Black Moss, where the path came down the hill to Standedge and the A62 where I was parked. Except I wasn’t ….. when we’d left the car this morning we assumed, incorrectly, that the huge layby was the actual car park for the Pennine Way. Wrong! So I had a quick fifteen minute march along the A62 towards Marsden to find my car. Then back to Crowden campsite for tent building, shower and tea – a three course extravaganza – fish soup, pasta in a cheese and tomato sauce and a cup of tea and shortbread biscuits. How civilised!
Oh, and I finally opened all my birthday cards and presents – thank you everyone!
Friday, 14 August 2009
The Great Pennine Way Adventure – Day 1 – Sunday 2 August 2009 – Edale to Crowden – 16 miles
Bogs fallen into: 1
Car disasters: 1 – tyre blow out on A624
Bit of a tardy start today – a knight in shining armour I met in Edale offered to help out with my logistics today so that I could walk towards my car and not away from it. So, after getting up late, we drove his car and mine towards Crowden – it was a good job he was such a good Samaritan – as I had a tyre blow out en route and, while I know what to do in theory, I’ve never been very good at practical! So, after getting to Crowden and then back to Edale in my saviour’s car, I finally started walking at twelve o’clock after a quick breakfast at Edale. I am a past master at delaying tactics!
The walk starts at the Nags Head in Edale which coincidentally was right next to my campsite – I don’t just throw these things together. There were loads of walkers out today – not surprising as the weather’s been perfect. My guide book informs me that today is probably the toughest day of the whole walk and that an awful lot of Pennine Way-goers give up at the first hurdle. Not me though – I’m on a mission.
The views have been amazing – really stunning – not especially pretty in a conventional sense – but really interesting – lots of peat, lots of rock, almost moonscapes for some of the way. Jacob’s Ladder was the first tough climb – but so worth it for the views. The hills are covered in huge boulders and cairns to lead you onwards as they mark the route. From the trig point, the path was fantastic – quite rocky but pretty flat all the way to Kinder Downfall which had become a natural lunch stop for most walkers. I sat down for a snack and the most curious sheep ever came to pose for photos and to eat a banana skin!
Things got interesting as I reached Mill Hill – from here the path is laid out with stone slabs because of the peat bogs. This, however, did not stop me falling in one – my foot went down a crevice between two slabs and I was knee deep in poo! Much to the amusement of other walkers on the path. These slight chuckles soon turned into belly laughs as I then ended up putting my hand through the crevice too – God, I was a mess! I soon dried out though and took things pretty gingerly from then on.
I was looking forward to a tea van on the A57 to treat me for my “shock” – however, it was unforthcoming – blinking guide book getting my hopes up! Once past Snake Pass, the path became almost a culvert – along what seemed to be a dried up river bed – although not totally dry in places – easier to walk in the actual streams than in the boggy bits. Oh, I wish I was a mountain goat! I would certainly have felt more confident about my rock hopping.
At Bleaklow Head a huge cairn appeared – more lunar landscapes –and the path then kept to the ridge before descending quite steeply on rocky paths towards Torside Reservoir. Nearly there! From the reservoir, it was a short detour off the Pennine Way to the campsite at Crowden and my car. It was nearly eight o’clock by now, so a quick burger and chips and a pint of lager shandy in Glossop sufficed before I drove back to Edale. I was so tired that I didn’t even open all my lovely birthday cards and presents – sorry all. But I did manage a swift drink in the Nags Head before retiring for the night. An absolutely brilliant day – I loved it!
Car disasters: 1 – tyre blow out on A624
Bit of a tardy start today – a knight in shining armour I met in Edale offered to help out with my logistics today so that I could walk towards my car and not away from it. So, after getting up late, we drove his car and mine towards Crowden – it was a good job he was such a good Samaritan – as I had a tyre blow out en route and, while I know what to do in theory, I’ve never been very good at practical! So, after getting to Crowden and then back to Edale in my saviour’s car, I finally started walking at twelve o’clock after a quick breakfast at Edale. I am a past master at delaying tactics!
The walk starts at the Nags Head in Edale which coincidentally was right next to my campsite – I don’t just throw these things together. There were loads of walkers out today – not surprising as the weather’s been perfect. My guide book informs me that today is probably the toughest day of the whole walk and that an awful lot of Pennine Way-goers give up at the first hurdle. Not me though – I’m on a mission.
The views have been amazing – really stunning – not especially pretty in a conventional sense – but really interesting – lots of peat, lots of rock, almost moonscapes for some of the way. Jacob’s Ladder was the first tough climb – but so worth it for the views. The hills are covered in huge boulders and cairns to lead you onwards as they mark the route. From the trig point, the path was fantastic – quite rocky but pretty flat all the way to Kinder Downfall which had become a natural lunch stop for most walkers. I sat down for a snack and the most curious sheep ever came to pose for photos and to eat a banana skin!
Things got interesting as I reached Mill Hill – from here the path is laid out with stone slabs because of the peat bogs. This, however, did not stop me falling in one – my foot went down a crevice between two slabs and I was knee deep in poo! Much to the amusement of other walkers on the path. These slight chuckles soon turned into belly laughs as I then ended up putting my hand through the crevice too – God, I was a mess! I soon dried out though and took things pretty gingerly from then on.
I was looking forward to a tea van on the A57 to treat me for my “shock” – however, it was unforthcoming – blinking guide book getting my hopes up! Once past Snake Pass, the path became almost a culvert – along what seemed to be a dried up river bed – although not totally dry in places – easier to walk in the actual streams than in the boggy bits. Oh, I wish I was a mountain goat! I would certainly have felt more confident about my rock hopping.
At Bleaklow Head a huge cairn appeared – more lunar landscapes –and the path then kept to the ridge before descending quite steeply on rocky paths towards Torside Reservoir. Nearly there! From the reservoir, it was a short detour off the Pennine Way to the campsite at Crowden and my car. It was nearly eight o’clock by now, so a quick burger and chips and a pint of lager shandy in Glossop sufficed before I drove back to Edale. I was so tired that I didn’t even open all my lovely birthday cards and presents – sorry all. But I did manage a swift drink in the Nags Head before retiring for the night. An absolutely brilliant day – I loved it!
Friday, 7 August 2009
So what's happening in the world
Remember this scene? Difficult to believe this was over two months ago. Yes never documented on this Blog but all the family and friends were given first hand accounts after this great adventure. Had to smile last week when Steve announced that his feet were back to 100% working order. Just shows you how much of a hero you were Steve on the day, carrying on. Can still hear your outburst, probably never to be witnessed again? The DVD is well on its way, just having technical difficulties with converting the video plus cant help playing it back on what I've done so far and laugh. Public release hopefully shouldn't be that far away? Susan you shouldn't really stick your tongue out at the camera so can be captured for prosperity!So what's happened to every one, well being summer everyone have gone there own ways for now. Amanda is now an Essex Girl! Susan was last sighted in Yorkshire as Malham is now here second home while Steve after surviving the ultimate challenge, keeping two youngsters entertained for a week in a caravan and surviving to tell the tale, is off cycling in the Loire region. Whilst Rachel is on the verge, fingers crossed of becoming a house owner. That should help the credit crunch, with so many shopping trips needed to fill up all those rooms!
Its seems that more friends and families enjoyed this Blog then expected so from now on, write anything you want, tell us about your adventures, funny stories, plans, challenges? We are already set for April and the Yorkshire 3 peak challenge and guess will set other things. If you want to be removed from the automatic emails or have people added, just let us know? Not everyone is on Face book but most can access this Blog.
As for me, well the Berlin Marathon 6 weeks Sunday. Up to 19 miles in the training runs and doing the Great Yarmouth Half Marathon this weekend as a bench mark on how I'm doing against others? Finding it tough going, especially in this heat but feeling more confident. Should be quite a day running with 40,000 other people cheered on somewhere in a region of a Million people and finishing the run under the Brandenburg Gate? Lets hope the only wall I see is the remains of the Berlin Wall not the runners Wall !!!
So over to you (Susan, hint hint)
Tristan
Saturday, 27 June 2009
Do I detect a lack of commitment?!!
Well, Trailtrekker is over and done with - 100km successfully completed in twenty-nine hours and fourteen minutes. We have to apologise for lack of blog but our walking team and associated hangers on numbered about eighteen and we haven't been able to coordinate an appropriate match report yet! It may still happen ..... stay tuned.
So today was our first walk following the big event and, although we had a lot of acceptances, as the week went on, people have been dropping like flies - with excuses such as househunting, moving house, no excuse given, a hangover and shopping ...... hence the title of this missive!
So Amanda and I set off today in swirling mist to the sound of roaring tides - another coastal walk from Cromer to Cley - we spent a long time debating whether we should go down to Cromer Pier to buy tickets for next Sunday. Not for us Take That at Wembley or Madonna at the o2 next week ..... oh no, we're off to see Chas and Dave!
The walk has been variously on roads, pavements, high streets, grassy cliff paths and shingle beaches - ouch. Especially as Amanda had blisters and I'd rubbed a couple too - I had to tape up Amanda's feet at one point and she commented that I looked like I knew what I was doing. That'll be because I've had lots of experience!
We decided to call it a day at Salthouses because of blisters and tender feet - we just about had time to get an ice cream before we had to jump in front of the bus back to Cromer - this is apparently how you make them stop as there's a severe lack of visible bus stops. According to our driver - who manoeuvred the narrow lanes rather like Emerson Fittipaldi - the Salthouses bus stop has been stolen. Stolen???
So a very good day and the others don't know what they've missed!
So today was our first walk following the big event and, although we had a lot of acceptances, as the week went on, people have been dropping like flies - with excuses such as househunting, moving house, no excuse given, a hangover and shopping ...... hence the title of this missive!
So Amanda and I set off today in swirling mist to the sound of roaring tides - another coastal walk from Cromer to Cley - we spent a long time debating whether we should go down to Cromer Pier to buy tickets for next Sunday. Not for us Take That at Wembley or Madonna at the o2 next week ..... oh no, we're off to see Chas and Dave!
The walk has been variously on roads, pavements, high streets, grassy cliff paths and shingle beaches - ouch. Especially as Amanda had blisters and I'd rubbed a couple too - I had to tape up Amanda's feet at one point and she commented that I looked like I knew what I was doing. That'll be because I've had lots of experience!
We decided to call it a day at Salthouses because of blisters and tender feet - we just about had time to get an ice cream before we had to jump in front of the bus back to Cromer - this is apparently how you make them stop as there's a severe lack of visible bus stops. According to our driver - who manoeuvred the narrow lanes rather like Emerson Fittipaldi - the Salthouses bus stop has been stolen. Stolen???
So a very good day and the others don't know what they've missed!
Monday, 25 May 2009
Less than a week to go!!! Yes not long to go now and though best to have a catch up as plenty to talk about since the last post as it seems quite a few people now check the Blog from time to time other than us!
First of all a BIG thank you to all that have sponsored us, if you look at our on line just giving page http://www.justgiving.com/tearsforbeers we are now at £1099 which if you include gift aid takes us to £1370.90. We do appreciate this big time especially in this day and age when lots of people ask for sponsorship.
The 16th saw our Hardleybury music festival with all sorts of music descend on Hardley/Langley. We started off with Pearl (picture) with a 45 minute acoustic set which set the standard for the rest of the day. A joy to hear, amazing what two guys and one guitar can achieve and wish them luck in their promotion of their CD. Next on board was the Spanish Rock Band TEA.
Late stand in due to a last minute shuffle in the line up. Again their own stuff but first rate, instantly likeable. I thought they were ace and even bought their latest CD! The funniest revelation of the day had to be on their slowness to set up and get going. Apparently in Spain most of their gigs start around 1am. So the 4pm slot was far too early for them! Once started very much enjoyed. Next up was Egypt more Heavy Rock with Blues thrown in. Very talented and certainly could be heard all around the district foe miles around. But as they said, there is only one way to play this sort of music! Thanks for Alan for bringing Egypt and TEA to our festival.
Next up was the local school bands headed up with Across the Board b but all their proud parents, friends and relatives. Really great stuff to see, the musicians of tomorrow. Also good for them to play in front of a live mixed audience. All went away with smiles so excellent stuff guys and a big thank you to Richard Craig’s for organising this which brought an excellent different dimension to the day. Finally we ended with Audio Junkie, which could not of been a better way to end the evening with their wide range of cover versions. Guaranteed to be liked by everyone, a must to see if you get the chance. The Sex Pistols Anarchy in the U.K was fantastic, that chair will never be the same again?!
So again, thank you to the bands, thank you to the locals who manned the bar, glad you enjoyed it so much you wavered the fee :o) and of course thanks to the people who bought tickets and came so in doing so was supporting Oxfam.
As to training our last big training walk was the week before which saw us catch the 06.30 train out of Norwich to Great Yarmouth followed by a walk back using the Wherrymans way. With support crew meeting us at three points this ended being a dress rehearsal with us covering 32 miles in 12 hours (plus one unplanned stop in Hardley, thanks to Justin for the J2O's as passed his front door!). As ever as the miles pass the conversations become more comical and bizarre! Bitter disappointment that the Reedham Ferry didn't sell Duty Free plus Rachel’s insistence we had seen a Unicorn! For me the highlight was in the last 100 meters of the walk when we had a world premier of Rachel’s "Happy Dance". Yes all on a high, ready for the big day, BRING IT ON!
So apart from a few smaller walks by individuals to mention, just leaves me to sign off. Guess the next Blog will be post Walk!
For those who would like to see a selection of Photos covering the last 5 months, please paste the following link into your browser:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2027487&id=1234676639&l=2c72819a13
Catch you all later
Tristan
Thursday, 7 May 2009
King St Circuit - 2
Nice and early start on 2nd May to complete the King St Circular walk as it is becoming known as, 08:00. We set off from the C&W office in King Street and by the time we had hit Carrow Bridge we had decided to do it in reverse this time, Whittlingham then the fly over followed by the walk back via Yarmouth Road and the river bank area.
Tristan, Rachel, Susan and myself....what I have learnt about this walking malarkey is that it empties your mind of work thoughts and you become focused on some stupid things like " Pink Clothing, Underwear, Holidays, what to eat and drinks during the walking, Holidays, Gardening, etc....very therapeutic.....
We also heard our first Cookoo of the year in Whitlingham woods and saw lots of little ducklings on the lake.
And how nice to have the rest of the day to go shopping......(Susan & Rachel) !
Tristan, Rachel, Susan and myself....what I have learnt about this walking malarkey is that it empties your mind of work thoughts and you become focused on some stupid things like " Pink Clothing, Underwear, Holidays, what to eat and drinks during the walking, Holidays, Gardening, etc....very therapeutic.....
We also heard our first Cookoo of the year in Whitlingham woods and saw lots of little ducklings on the lake.
And how nice to have the rest of the day to go shopping......(Susan & Rachel) !
Saturday, 25 April 2009
King Street Circuit
Not long to go now, soon be May which means walk day on the 30th May. We have been given a 7am start on the Saturday and expect to finish late morning on the Sunday. Wrist bands are issued which use Satellite technology which means people can track teams on the internet. If Tear for Beers seem stationary for a while off the circuit, they will have found a pub!
Thanks to Steve who had identified an excellent 12 mile circuit from the CW office in King Street along the Yarmouth Road to Thorpe, through a well found short cut to the fly over bridge and into Whitlingham Country park, then past the ski slope and Carrow road to King Street. This will be the main stay of our remaining training, little and often. We wouldn't of called 12 miles little 4 months ago! The last test will be a 35 mile walk on the 9th May. Quoting the Oxfam people, if you can walk 35 miles you will do 62 miles no problem! I believe you???
*** PLEASE REMEMBER ***
Tickets for the "Tears for Beers" Music festival at Hardley village Hall (near Loddon) now on sale.
Fun filled afternoon/evening of Music (1.30pm to 11.30pm) featuring 5 bands (plus guests!) covering all types of Music from Acoustic to Jazz, and Heavy Rock Blues to Modern Pop.
BBQ and Bar available childrens playground opposite the venue so ideal for familes.
Tickets £10 for adults, under 12's go free. All profits to Oxfam.
For tickets or further information contact:
Tristan - 07771 613058
Steve - 07990 541683
Please come, it will be a great day plus helps Oxfam in the process, everyones a winner!
Thanks to Steve who had identified an excellent 12 mile circuit from the CW office in King Street along the Yarmouth Road to Thorpe, through a well found short cut to the fly over bridge and into Whitlingham Country park, then past the ski slope and Carrow road to King Street. This will be the main stay of our remaining training, little and often. We wouldn't of called 12 miles little 4 months ago! The last test will be a 35 mile walk on the 9th May. Quoting the Oxfam people, if you can walk 35 miles you will do 62 miles no problem! I believe you???
*** PLEASE REMEMBER ***
Tickets for the "Tears for Beers" Music festival at Hardley village Hall (near Loddon) now on sale.
Fun filled afternoon/evening of Music (1.30pm to 11.30pm) featuring 5 bands (plus guests!) covering all types of Music from Acoustic to Jazz, and Heavy Rock Blues to Modern Pop.
BBQ and Bar available childrens playground opposite the venue so ideal for familes.
Tickets £10 for adults, under 12's go free. All profits to Oxfam.
For tickets or further information contact:
Tristan - 07771 613058
Steve - 07990 541683
Please come, it will be a great day plus helps Oxfam in the process, everyones a winner!
The Thursday before Easter saw the team head out to Alysham and a 22 mile walk back to Norwich along the Marriott's Way which follows the old railway line. So carrying on with the railway analogy we hoped to depart at 1700Hrs and arrive back at our terminus at Midnight (King Street, Norwich) using our normal 3 miles + an hour pace. Thanks to Amanda for the lift to Alysham and the pre departure muffin and and to Jocky fully kited out as action man as group protection from werewolf’s. So in typical British Rail style, we departed behind schedule at 5.20pm! Yes the late start was so we had some practice walking in the dark. Yes, the principle is the same, put one foot in front of the other, but the trick this time is not to walk into anything!!! But with head torches and a full moon (hence werewolf's) we felt confident.
So off we strutted, leaving civilisation behind us with good banter, it had been a while since all the walkers had been out together at the same time. Typically for a railway the route was straight with the sides of the old track line bordered by trees as it's made its way through the fields. A short stop at the old Reepham railway station for refreshments found a plaque stating the last passenger train had departed in 1959. For a few seconds the mind wandered trying to imagine the scene.
Around 8.30pm darkness descended, saw Jocky disappear and re-appear unexpectedly and the head torches adorned which made good dalek impressions! Time ticked by the miles passed with Steve shouting out rough distance, so yes we seemed to be making good progress but being on an old railway line and being dark didn't really have any visual references. However seeing what looked like the old Lenwade Concrete works at 22:30 did start to cause alarm bells with Tristan who was suppose to be back at work at 1am. By 11.15 pm the first street light came into view and a close look at the map showed we had another 7 miles to go at least, this wasn’t a 22 mile walk, more like a 28!
So Tristan had to leave the group, quicken the pace and power walk to Drayton and hope to some how get back to Norwich quickly. Being the middle of the night, taxi's been at their busiest and probably no buses it wasn't good. However once hitting Drayton and walking down the main drag, managed to flag down an out of service bus, hitch a lift to the bus depot and walk to Sprowston getting home at 00:45, that was close! Explaining to the very nice bus driver what I was doing walking in the middle of the night before being kicked off as a weirdo was a challenge. When the boots came off, sure I saw steam!
As to the rest of the group, they eventually got back to Norwich at 2am so again in true BR style, late! I will leave then to comment but I heard story's of tantrums and medical drama, yes there is never a dull moment with Tears for Beers!
Wednesday, 8 April 2009
Tickets for the Hardleybury Music Festival now available!
Tickets for the "Tears for Beers" Music festival at Hardley village Hall (near Loddon) now on sale.
Fun filled afternoon/evening of Music (1.30pm to 11.30pm) featuring 5 bands (plus guests!) covering all types of Music from Acoustic to Jazz, and Heavy Rock Blues to Modern Pop.
BBQ and Bar available childrens playground opposite the venue so ideal for familes.
Tickets £10 for adults, under 12's go free. All profits to Oxfam.
For tickets or further information contact:
Tristan - 07771 613058
Steve - 07990 541683
Please come, it will be a great day plus helps Oxfam in the process, everyones a winner!
Fun filled afternoon/evening of Music (1.30pm to 11.30pm) featuring 5 bands (plus guests!) covering all types of Music from Acoustic to Jazz, and Heavy Rock Blues to Modern Pop.
BBQ and Bar available childrens playground opposite the venue so ideal for familes.
Tickets £10 for adults, under 12's go free. All profits to Oxfam.
For tickets or further information contact:
Tristan - 07771 613058
Steve - 07990 541683
Please come, it will be a great day plus helps Oxfam in the process, everyones a winner!
Monday, 6 April 2009
The Wherrymans way take 1....
Saturday dawned clear and sunny – Jocky picked us up bright and early before 8.00 am (actually 7.00 am as the clocks had gone forward overnight) but thoughtfully provided us with coffee to wake us up. Just the three of us today – Steve, Jocky and Susan - until after lunch when we were joined by Diane and Andy from the opposition, as well as Gill from the running club that Andy is a member of.
This time we followed the Wherryman’s Way from Reedham Ferry back to Norwich, walking alongside water all day. The paths were surrounded by daffodils, violets and hedges in bud, and it certainly felt like spring is well and truly here. We did miss talking about PINK things though!
http://www.wherrymansway.net/wherrymansmap.pdf
The first seventeen miles were done at a steady pace – with a lunch stop at the Beauchamp Arms at Claxton – there have been plenty of riverside pubs today, although Jocky would only let us stop in one! As payback though, we wouldn’t let him stop long enough for apple crumble and custard – ha!
After lunch, the pace picked up considerably and made for pretty uncomfortable walking – well, for some of us anyway! A valuable lesson learnt, walk at your own teams pace……Diane, Andy and Gill seemed to be on a mission and boy did we suffer for it in the later miles. (Plus we intend to do the whole 35 miles in May, so lesson learnt)
Forgetting the suffering we experienced, the walk itself was just what was needed, we did 28 miles in all our longest walk so far, taking 9hrs 30 mins, so as far as the training is going we are right where we need to be……
This time we followed the Wherryman’s Way from Reedham Ferry back to Norwich, walking alongside water all day. The paths were surrounded by daffodils, violets and hedges in bud, and it certainly felt like spring is well and truly here. We did miss talking about PINK things though!
http://www.wherrymansway.net/wherrymansmap.pdf
The first seventeen miles were done at a steady pace – with a lunch stop at the Beauchamp Arms at Claxton – there have been plenty of riverside pubs today, although Jocky would only let us stop in one! As payback though, we wouldn’t let him stop long enough for apple crumble and custard – ha!
After lunch, the pace picked up considerably and made for pretty uncomfortable walking – well, for some of us anyway! A valuable lesson learnt, walk at your own teams pace……Diane, Andy and Gill seemed to be on a mission and boy did we suffer for it in the later miles. (Plus we intend to do the whole 35 miles in May, so lesson learnt)
Forgetting the suffering we experienced, the walk itself was just what was needed, we did 28 miles in all our longest walk so far, taking 9hrs 30 mins, so as far as the training is going we are right where we need to be……
Monday, 23 March 2009
Flat, flat, flat, Oh! a Windmill !!!!!!
The sun was out and our spirits were high, just a nice walk along side the river counting the Windmills as we go…..Another section of the Weavers Way to complete, in fact some of the group have almost completed it all! Stalham to Halvergate.
You have just got to love your support crew, some will even walk with you, others, well lets just put it this way, we had to go to Tesco’s in Stalham to stock up with sandwiches and snacks for this one……
Country lanes at this time of year are just starting to show signs of life, most trees and bushes are starting to bud and with the warm temperature and clear skies it was a great morning for a spring walk. Once we hit Hickling Broad we meandered along side waterways stopping at Potter Heigham to sit and eat lunch near the medieval bridge crossing the River Thurne.
Following the river, by now we had seen enough windmills to be fair but much to our surprise the repetition was interrupted by Jocky as he diverted to the Lion Inn, Thurne, for an unplanned refreshment stop, see he does have a soft spot for us really!
Continuing on our way along, what to be honest, is some pretty flat terrain only excited by some traffic dodging on the Acle straight, we sauntered into Halvergate, with some little niggling injuries which made the last few hours uncomfortable, but all completed the latest training walk in good spirits, even if the red Lion pub was closed when we arrived.
You have just got to love your support crew, some will even walk with you, others, well lets just put it this way, we had to go to Tesco’s in Stalham to stock up with sandwiches and snacks for this one……
Country lanes at this time of year are just starting to show signs of life, most trees and bushes are starting to bud and with the warm temperature and clear skies it was a great morning for a spring walk. Once we hit Hickling Broad we meandered along side waterways stopping at Potter Heigham to sit and eat lunch near the medieval bridge crossing the River Thurne.
Following the river, by now we had seen enough windmills to be fair but much to our surprise the repetition was interrupted by Jocky as he diverted to the Lion Inn, Thurne, for an unplanned refreshment stop, see he does have a soft spot for us really!
Continuing on our way along, what to be honest, is some pretty flat terrain only excited by some traffic dodging on the Acle straight, we sauntered into Halvergate, with some little niggling injuries which made the last few hours uncomfortable, but all completed the latest training walk in good spirits, even if the red Lion pub was closed when we arrived.
Tuesday, 17 March 2009
Water water everywhere...
Today, the weather has been kinder to us – we haven’t had yesterday’s persistent rain to contend with or the wind; we’ve only had hailstones and snow today!
We had always planned a shorter day’s walking as we were driving back to Norfolk this afternoon. After a huge breakfast prepared by our lovely support crew (!!), you have just got to LOVE your support crew, we left the cottage and started our walk – through a bleak but beautiful industrial landscape – the old Yarnbury lead mines above Grassington. We’ve walked by water all day – crossing streams, using stepping stones, suspension bridges, past the odd lake, fish farms, etc.
We had all cheered up too from yesterday – a lot of yesterday’s walk was done in silence except for the odd happy dance and sudden burst of singing to try and raise our spirits. Today was a totally different walk – lots of laughing, singing, talking nonsense, etc. Much nicer …..even if a little soft underfoot alongside the River Wharfe
The day was finished off by calling into the Woolly Sheep Public House in Skipton, where we will actually be staying on the weekend of the big walk – it was only right to call in and check out its potential as somewhere good enough for the Tears for Beers walking team. Oh and to try out the beer of course as well – and I think Rachel has even decided every meal from the menu! To be fair we did not talk too much during the walk about food so we can let her off with some planning.
A great weekend overall – bring on the next one!
We had always planned a shorter day’s walking as we were driving back to Norfolk this afternoon. After a huge breakfast prepared by our lovely support crew (!!), you have just got to LOVE your support crew, we left the cottage and started our walk – through a bleak but beautiful industrial landscape – the old Yarnbury lead mines above Grassington. We’ve walked by water all day – crossing streams, using stepping stones, suspension bridges, past the odd lake, fish farms, etc.
We had all cheered up too from yesterday – a lot of yesterday’s walk was done in silence except for the odd happy dance and sudden burst of singing to try and raise our spirits. Today was a totally different walk – lots of laughing, singing, talking nonsense, etc. Much nicer …..even if a little soft underfoot alongside the River Wharfe
The day was finished off by calling into the Woolly Sheep Public House in Skipton, where we will actually be staying on the weekend of the big walk – it was only right to call in and check out its potential as somewhere good enough for the Tears for Beers walking team. Oh and to try out the beer of course as well – and I think Rachel has even decided every meal from the menu! To be fair we did not talk too much during the walk about food so we can let her off with some planning.
A great weekend overall – bring on the next one!
What a lovely day for walking in the Pennines
So, another weekend in Yorkshire – this time with some members of our support crew in the shape of Jocky and Stella. This weekend away was planned to coincide with the Oxfam prep session in Skipton.
The prep session was pretty interesting and highlighted the fact that even though we are ahead as far as a training schedule was concerned however, it was obvious that we were still focusing on the wrong things so we came away thinking of ….. down jackets, magic map gadgets, and especially loving our support crew, etc, etc. Jocky and Stella wrote copious notes so we hope they’ve captured all the more important information …..Pink Champagne!
After our prep session and the highlight of having our photo taken for the Oxfam publicity machine, Jocky dropped us off at Malham national Park car park, and as we pulled our boots on, with perfect timing, it started to snow. The walking today has been amazing, and the scenery stunning (when we finally got to see it), although we did have to put up with a number of obstacles – giant limestone pavements; huge slippery steps; rampaging sheep; limited visibility; new boots with not much of a grip; clothes that turned out to be not as waterproof as we thought; a twisted ankle and knee strain; a couple of hangovers; etc, etc.
The prep session was pretty interesting and highlighted the fact that even though we are ahead as far as a training schedule was concerned however, it was obvious that we were still focusing on the wrong things so we came away thinking of ….. down jackets, magic map gadgets, and especially loving our support crew, etc, etc. Jocky and Stella wrote copious notes so we hope they’ve captured all the more important information …..Pink Champagne!
After our prep session and the highlight of having our photo taken for the Oxfam publicity machine, Jocky dropped us off at Malham national Park car park, and as we pulled our boots on, with perfect timing, it started to snow. The walking today has been amazing, and the scenery stunning (when we finally got to see it), although we did have to put up with a number of obstacles – giant limestone pavements; huge slippery steps; rampaging sheep; limited visibility; new boots with not much of a grip; clothes that turned out to be not as waterproof as we thought; a twisted ankle and knee strain; a couple of hangovers; etc, etc.
Rachel came out with some cracking quotes – but to save her dignity, we will not repeat them here. Suffice it to say, WE all remember what you said, missus! And Steve has two scorch marks in the back of his neck from that look, and we all know “that look”
And we have NEVER been so pleased to see Jocky as we were at the end of the day, as we came down the hill in darkness to the pub (well Rachel in particular) – one of the speakers this morning told us that we must treat our support crew like the stars that they are – as, during the walk itself, we will become complete divas and abuse them unashamedly. So, with that in mind, we’re sharing the love around in advance of needing them.
We love you Jocky!
Sunday, 22 February 2009
Even better than the zoo .....
“This is even better than going to the zoo” declared Rachel today on our nature walk – we’ve seen a peacock, some pigs, horses, Shetland ponies, hens, donkeys, sheep and a dozen or so wild boar. (Although, strictly speaking, they weren’t very wild at all – they were in an enclosure at the back of someone’s garden.)
Time went very quickly today – we managed a stonking sixteen miles in five and a quarter hours – we’ve come to the conclusion that it’s the walking and talking that does it. We covered any number of topics today: the state of the economy; how we would run big corporations; the construction industry; the demise of the car industry; and then we fell back to our old favourites – food and shopping. As we were very nearly running out of things to discuss – which to be honest I don’t think is EVER going to happen - we were met by Joanna and Harvey, the five year old boxer dog, to walk a stretch of the Weavers Way around where they live. We then had to stop talking altogether because we were going at such a pace that it was all we could do to keep breathing! Thank you Joanna for joining us!
Thank you also to my Mum who picked Rachel and I up from the Swan hostelry in Stalham and took us back to Blickling to collect our cars – after a quick stop in the farm shop for pork pies and sausage rolls, which we can heartily recommend.
So a very good day, very quick – and a challenge issued to the boys now – sixteen in five hours fifteen – beat that!
Time went very quickly today – we managed a stonking sixteen miles in five and a quarter hours – we’ve come to the conclusion that it’s the walking and talking that does it. We covered any number of topics today: the state of the economy; how we would run big corporations; the construction industry; the demise of the car industry; and then we fell back to our old favourites – food and shopping. As we were very nearly running out of things to discuss – which to be honest I don’t think is EVER going to happen - we were met by Joanna and Harvey, the five year old boxer dog, to walk a stretch of the Weavers Way around where they live. We then had to stop talking altogether because we were going at such a pace that it was all we could do to keep breathing! Thank you Joanna for joining us!
Thank you also to my Mum who picked Rachel and I up from the Swan hostelry in Stalham and took us back to Blickling to collect our cars – after a quick stop in the farm shop for pork pies and sausage rolls, which we can heartily recommend.
So a very good day, very quick – and a challenge issued to the boys now – sixteen in five hours fifteen – beat that!
Wednesday, 18 February 2009
Kings Quiz Night 17th Feb
Well yet another fortnight and another Quiz night at Kings with a good turn out for our team and with no "Bitted and Twisted" to steal our glory, we sensed a chance to better our second place of last time out.
However despite using evasion tactic's by changing our name to "Meet the Meerkats". We came in third out of 7 teams with the Sport round being our nemesis as usual!
The biggest laugh of the night came when it appeared Tristan was the only person who knew the name of the Supermarket Curly worked for in Coronation Street. Realised the comments this would generate but for the sake of points total had to come clean! Why I knew and remembered this useless fact is a complete mystery?
At least the team name got us a prize for the best named team in the shape of a small plastic keyboard so along with the miniature snooker table from last time. The support crew will have plenty to do while waiting for the walkers!
Another welcomed £27 for Oxfam meaning we have broken through the £500 barrier :o)
However despite using evasion tactic's by changing our name to "Meet the Meerkats". We came in third out of 7 teams with the Sport round being our nemesis as usual!
The biggest laugh of the night came when it appeared Tristan was the only person who knew the name of the Supermarket Curly worked for in Coronation Street. Realised the comments this would generate but for the sake of points total had to come clean! Why I knew and remembered this useless fact is a complete mystery?
At least the team name got us a prize for the best named team in the shape of a small plastic keyboard so along with the miniature snooker table from last time. The support crew will have plenty to do while waiting for the walkers!
Another welcomed £27 for Oxfam meaning we have broken through the £500 barrier :o)
Monday, 9 February 2009
A walk best forgotten .....
Well, probably the worst training walk we've had so far. Rachel was breaking in new boots, although they were changed for her comfy boots within two miles. (In fact, Rachel's boots came off four times for first aid that I counted - and I may have missed one or two episodes too!) My car had iced up so much I couldn't unlock it to get my walking boots, so ended up slip sliding along in my trainers. And Steve turned up without maps.
The paths were either very muddy or sheet ice, which didn't make for an easy day. And in fact Rachel nearly ended up in the drink - at Felbrigg while trying to see how safe the icy lake was! A missed photo opportunity there, I reckon.
The plan was to walk twenty-three miles, but after fifteen we decided to call it a day. Luckily, the support crew - in the shape of Stu and Amanda - were there to meet us at Blickling with sandwiches and cake and to take us to the pub when we declared that we were giving up. We were over an hour late getting to this "checkpoint" so our support crew now know not to believe any ETA's that we give them!
Good practice though - lots of lessons learned. And things can only get better!
The paths were either very muddy or sheet ice, which didn't make for an easy day. And in fact Rachel nearly ended up in the drink - at Felbrigg while trying to see how safe the icy lake was! A missed photo opportunity there, I reckon.
The plan was to walk twenty-three miles, but after fifteen we decided to call it a day. Luckily, the support crew - in the shape of Stu and Amanda - were there to meet us at Blickling with sandwiches and cake and to take us to the pub when we declared that we were giving up. We were over an hour late getting to this "checkpoint" so our support crew now know not to believe any ETA's that we give them!
Good practice though - lots of lessons learned. And things can only get better!
Wednesday, 4 February 2009
Kings Quiz night
The fortnightly Kings Quiz night took place last night with the "Tears for Beers" team comprising of Susan, Amanda, Steve and Tristan coming a credible second. if only we had gone with Telford and Jordan!!! :o) Particularly impressed by Susan's and Amanda's tackling of the cryptic Pop group names.
Our Sister team "Bitter and twisted" won the night although we had decided as there were more of them than us, we wouldn't argue and better let them win!!!
More importantly another £30 donated to the Trail trekkers fund bringing our total to a pleasing £479 so far.
Have fun on the Saturday walk, can't believe I'm missing out on Tea and cake for work!
Our Sister team "Bitter and twisted" won the night although we had decided as there were more of them than us, we wouldn't argue and better let them win!!!
More importantly another £30 donated to the Trail trekkers fund bringing our total to a pleasing £479 so far.
Have fun on the Saturday walk, can't believe I'm missing out on Tea and cake for work!
Monday, 2 February 2009
Three go mad, one goes shopping - Sunday 1 February 2009
Another big breakfast today and a quick recce around Crambeck, the village we were staying in, before the short drive to Castle Howard, the film location for Brideshead Revisited. Sadly though, only three of us were walking – Rachel had sustained an injury, so we left her in the car but pointed out where the café and chocolate shop was. It was only fair after all – we hadn’t let her do any shopping at all since Friday morning’s grocery shop – so she was having withdrawal symptoms. (And hallucinating apparently – she was convinced she’d seen a “shop” sign on Friday evening – until we pointed out it was a level crossing “stop” sign!)
So, I had what I’d like to think was an uncharacteristic strop and threw my toys out of the pram when my map reading skills were questioned. However, not being one to take criticism very well, I’m putting it down to the rubbish map we printed off t’internet!
So Tristan took over the map reading and got us round the seven miles of the Castle Howard estate circuit in a very creditable two hours forty. It would have been slower, had we not been in a hurry to get to the tea rooms and to find out exactly how much Rachel had spent in the shop in our absence.
Fortified by tea and cake, we said a fond farewell to Yorkshire but are looking forward to being back in a few weeks’ time when we will be making outrageous diva-like demands on our support crew. Bet they can’t wait!
So, I had what I’d like to think was an uncharacteristic strop and threw my toys out of the pram when my map reading skills were questioned. However, not being one to take criticism very well, I’m putting it down to the rubbish map we printed off t’internet!
So Tristan took over the map reading and got us round the seven miles of the Castle Howard estate circuit in a very creditable two hours forty. It would have been slower, had we not been in a hurry to get to the tea rooms and to find out exactly how much Rachel had spent in the shop in our absence.
Fortified by tea and cake, we said a fond farewell to Yorkshire but are looking forward to being back in a few weeks’ time when we will be making outrageous diva-like demands on our support crew. Bet they can’t wait!
Four go mad in Yorkshire - Saturday 31 January 2009
After a hearty breakfast this morning, we were up and out by eight thirty – on schedule apparently. Tears for Beers run a very tight ship – or so we like to think!
Despite being parked at Helmsley before nine o’clock – we didn’t start walking until nine thirty-ish. After a few delaying tactics – putting on of boots, debating the need for long johns, adjusting walking poles, needing to find a loo, etc, etc, we finally couldn’t put it off any longer and started our longest walk to date, anticipating that we would be walking even further than the twenty miles we’d planned. After all, it wouldn’t be a training walk if we didn’t get lost at least once!
The walk was really muddy almost immediately and we got caught up behind a group of Americans walking to Rievaulx – in the most inappropriate attire you’ve ever seen. (Being “proper walkers” now, we are allowed to comment on walking gear with some authority. We have, after all, spent a huge number of man hours in Cotswold Camping, Blacks and Milletts doing our research.) We soon overtook them though as they were engaged in a spot of sheep rustling in the first field they got to. At that rate, it would have taken them three days to get to their destination!
The scenery today has been stunning – we’ve done some good walking around Norfolk so far, but there’s really no substitution for hills and especially the views, not to mention the exhilaration on reaching the top. At the end of the day, I think we were getting a bit blasé about the whole hill scenario to be honest! Another one knocked off, etc, etc. The moors were amazing – although blinking cold, with the wind whistling around us and I think then that we were glad we were wearing so many layers. There have been lots of shooters out today – and the sound of gunfire accompanied us pretty much all day.
Had some good comedy moments today – Rachel desperate to find a sheep to take home with us for one, although they all kept running away from her. Steve’s comedy dance which he assured us was meant to keep morale up – although it just made us think he’d had too much fresh air and was doing the birdie dance. The sprint to the trig point was pretty entertaining. And it was actually at this point that we saw the only other walkers we’d seen all day – with precision planning, at the exact spot that we needed a photo of the entire group.
So, all in all a very good day – looking forward to the next one!
Despite being parked at Helmsley before nine o’clock – we didn’t start walking until nine thirty-ish. After a few delaying tactics – putting on of boots, debating the need for long johns, adjusting walking poles, needing to find a loo, etc, etc, we finally couldn’t put it off any longer and started our longest walk to date, anticipating that we would be walking even further than the twenty miles we’d planned. After all, it wouldn’t be a training walk if we didn’t get lost at least once!
The walk was really muddy almost immediately and we got caught up behind a group of Americans walking to Rievaulx – in the most inappropriate attire you’ve ever seen. (Being “proper walkers” now, we are allowed to comment on walking gear with some authority. We have, after all, spent a huge number of man hours in Cotswold Camping, Blacks and Milletts doing our research.) We soon overtook them though as they were engaged in a spot of sheep rustling in the first field they got to. At that rate, it would have taken them three days to get to their destination!
The scenery today has been stunning – we’ve done some good walking around Norfolk so far, but there’s really no substitution for hills and especially the views, not to mention the exhilaration on reaching the top. At the end of the day, I think we were getting a bit blasé about the whole hill scenario to be honest! Another one knocked off, etc, etc. The moors were amazing – although blinking cold, with the wind whistling around us and I think then that we were glad we were wearing so many layers. There have been lots of shooters out today – and the sound of gunfire accompanied us pretty much all day.
Had some good comedy moments today – Rachel desperate to find a sheep to take home with us for one, although they all kept running away from her. Steve’s comedy dance which he assured us was meant to keep morale up – although it just made us think he’d had too much fresh air and was doing the birdie dance. The sprint to the trig point was pretty entertaining. And it was actually at this point that we saw the only other walkers we’d seen all day – with precision planning, at the exact spot that we needed a photo of the entire group.
So, all in all a very good day – looking forward to the next one!
Sunday, 25 January 2009
Blicking 11.5 Miles - 25th January
Yes the "Tears for Beers" are on a roll, come rain or shine they are out there pounding the roads and lanes of Norfolk! The first "wet" walk of the campaign proved there were no fair weather walkers with the C&W sister team "Bitter and Twisted" also out in force. Two walks giving a mileage total of 11.5 miles seemed a breeze after last weekends 21 miler. While Jocky yet again kept his reputation of eating two pieces of cake. Think he must be descended from Noah (two of everything) but thankfully it stopped raining so didn't have to build an ark!
Challenge of the day award has to go to Andy Boot with his admission that he was frightened of Dogs. Bravely he took the lead of Sasha the Rottweiler and they soon became friends with another fear laid to rest. You would'nt naturally think this breed would be the best one to get canine confidence. But luckily for Andy, Sunday is the day of rest so Sasha doesn't eat anyone on Sunday's!!!
Well the "Tears for Beers" roadshow heads north next week to the land of flat caps and whippets with our own "northerner" on hand for local knowledge. Although we do have a world exclusive here on the Blog. Rachel will be taking a small carry case which isn't Red or Pink. Just have to make sure we smuggle it to car so its not spotted so her reputation of Miss Co-ordinated isn't exposed!!!
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