|
Daily Blog
Thank you to
Day 19 - Wednesday 19th May 2010 Bay View Farm for their donations
Miles walked 22, Miles to go 211, Ascent 80,440 WWW.LOOEBAYCARAVANS.CO.UK
Woke up at 6am in a dull misty Cornwall, the weather forecast said "Patchy light dizzle but drying out with a warm front coming in" . Wrong on all accounts !!
Half an hour into the walk on the cliff top, the rain started, as I walked past Millendreath the rain became horrizontal with a thick sea fog and a nasty wind making it feel very cold.
As I walked, I was thinking 'this weather couldn't be any worse' and remembering that I hadn't packed any of my waterproofs.
By 9.30am I was soaked to the skin, my boots were full of water (yuk!) and I was ready to kill the weatherman !!
I would love to tell you about the walk but I can't, as due to the visabilty, I couldn't see anything. It was down to about 50 yards.
Things started to pick up after I had rounded Rame Head, it was now only dull and dizzley.Rame is very nice and Edgecombe would have been great if the sun was out.,
Caught the ferry from Cremyll to Plymouth, it started to rain again but I carried on,squelching around Plymouth like a drowned rat.
I was picked up by Chris B at 5pm cold and dieing for a hot, warm shower (ahhhh!!)
Beer of the Day - Bombader 8/10 Very Nice
Colin
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Daily Blog
Day 20 - Thursday 20th May 2010
Miles walked 26, Mles to go 185, Ascent 84,751
Arose at 5.15 for a very early start, breakfast ad coffee.
Chris then drove me to the Coast path where I was to start the BEST day's walk so far.
What a difference a day makes, Today the weather was still dull but NO rain or wind and quite warm to start with.
My legs and feet felt cold but I flew to the first river crossing, the ferry was on time and I got across in good time.
Joining me on the crossing was a young lad called Chris Woods from Hartlepool who was also doing the walking to Poole. He was planning to stop at various places to enjoy the views including Lundy and Scilly Islands.
Woody lost his mother last year to cancer and was raising funds for the Macmillian Trust, We walked together as far as Bantham where he was staying over.
We used Chris B to transport us around the rivers Erme and Avon due to there being no ferry crossing at this time of year.
I had a very enjoyable few hours with Woody and I wish him the very best on the rest of his journey, He is a credit to his father and brothers at home (apart from supporting Newcastle United) and I'm sure his mother would be mighty proud of him.
You can catch up with Woody at WWW.WANDERINGWOODY.COM
Please if you can help him raise as much as possible at JUSTGIVING.COM/WALKWOODYWALK
The last part of the walk was to Hope Cove which I completed with a spring in my step. 26 miles later and a blooming great day !!
6pm finish at the Hope and Anchor pub for a few beers. (best pub so far)
Beer of the Day - Dartmore Bitter 8.5/10
Colin
______________________________________________________________________________
Daily Blog
Day 21 - Friday 21st May 2010
Miles walked 21 - Miles to go 164 - Accent 88,238ft
After yesterdays marathon, I awoke this morning feeling pretty good. 6.30am saw me climbing Bolt Tail. The weather was superb and the eight miles to Salcombe just flew by. What could be better, I thought, - a beautiful English summers morning and I seemed to be the only one enjoying it. Immediately after thinking this, I passed a woman with her two dogs. We nodded 'good morning' and after I climbed the next hill, I looked back at the little cove I had just passed, only to see the said women running into the sea, stark naked. The water must have been freezing cold but they obviously breed 'em tough round here.
Had a free ride on the Salcombe to East Portlemouth ferry, (thanks) and then it was a thirteen mile stretch to Torcross. It was getting quite hot now and that made the going much harder. Paused for a little while, looking down over the deserted village of Hallsands. A terrible storm, in 1917, washed many of the fishermens cottages into the sea because much of the shingle beach had been removed for use during the building of Devonport. Amazingly, no one lost their lives but the village was abandoned and the ruins cling to the cliff face as a reminder of the power of the sea.
 
A quick visit to The Swan Inn at Torcross for a well deserved cider shandy to quench the thirst and then collected by the birthday girl (Lorraine) after yet another crew changeover. It's a good job I have a large family as they only seem to be able to cope with a few days 'supporting' me before returning home to recouperate. Apparently, I've got the easy bit!!
The next few nights will be spent in our own caravan at Totnes. A decent shower and a proper bed - bliss!
Beer of the Day - The Strongbow at Torcross doesn't really count but, boy did it taste good!
Colin
______________________________________________________________________________
Daily Blog
Day 22 - Saturday 22nd May 2010
Miles Walked 21 - Miles to go 143 - Total Accent 92,595ft
Met Don and Ian at 7.30am at Torcross. Martin ( the Mill Autoquip area manager for Devon and Somerset came to see us off but who reluctantly? declined the offer to walk with us. The morning was bright and clear with a pleasant cooling easterly breeze. The long straight walk along Slapton Sands was easy and enjoyable. The climb up to Stoke Fleming a little more taxing but we made Dartmouth in good time. By now the sun was high in the sky and the next eleven miles to Brixham wasn't very appealing but after a short stop at Kingswear, we were on our way. The contrast between the coolness on top of the hills and the heat in the valleys made the going hard work but Brixham was acheived without mishap. Well, apart from me tripping over a rock and ending up flat on my face, picking up a sheep tick and having Ian perform a medical procedure on my leg to remove it and seeing our first grass snake. Collected from Brixham at 3.30pm and back to the caravan to prepare for tonights quiz in the club
 
Beer of the Day - Again nothing to report. Might have a pint (or two) tonight in the bar.
NB. We had been invited to hold a Quiz Night in the Caravan Park club in aid of the charity. Like the Weston one, the turn out was very good. Everyone seemed to have an enjoyable time and a total of over £200 was collected. A BIG thank you to Julie, Nick, Heather, Roger and the staff at Widend Touring Park for allowing us to take over the bar for the evening.
Colin
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Daily Blog
Day 23 - Sunday 23rd May 2010
Miles Walked 8.4 - Miles to go 135 - Total Accent 93,504ft
The first 'Open Walk' in Devon and suprise, suprise, 15 people and another dog turned up from Devon and Somerset. The weather was absolutely glorious and we all set off at 9.00am in high spirits. Very quickly the group split into three; fast, medium and slow. Lorraine and I stayed with the back markers, whilst Ian and Don sprinted backwards and forwards mixing with as many people as possible. The two younger members of the party - Connor (8) and Jack ( 9 ) did their best to get the good people of Torbay to part with their money by shaking their collecting pots very loudly! Broadsands, Goodrington, Paignton and Preston came and went with plenty of rest and drink stops (and 'fag' breaks!) and a group of nine made it into Torquay at 2.00pm. We're not sure what happened to the speed freaks, probably in a pub somewhere in Torquay several hours before we got there!! A special mention for Julie who finished the eight+ miles despite having a bad knee and to Jerry for having a worse hat than mine. A twenty minute trip back to Brixham on the ferry didn't help Julies mood (she doesn't like boats!) whilst Tara's dog, Rex loved it. My thanks also to John, Heather, Mike, Ella, Remy and her other half. (Sorry, I forgot your name.) I hope everyone enjoyed the day as much as I did.
 
Beer of the Day - Wychwood's Goliath - not as big as it sounds 6.5/10
PS A further £50 was raised today, mainly through the good work from the youngsters. Thanks boys.
Colin
_____________________________________________________________________________
Daily Blog
Day 24 - Monday 24th May 2010
Miles walked 19 - Miles to Go 116 - Total Accent 97,000ft
The hottest day of the year and over 3,500 ft to climb with very little breeze to cool me over the next nineteen miles. Not a good prospect to start the day with. However, needs must and after the leisurely day I had yesterday,
 
I set off from Torquay at 7.15am to try and make the most of the early morning. The first stretch to Teignmouth was extremely hard going but by noon, I was on the Shaldon ferry. (One of the few that actually charged me). A flat section along the Teigmouth to Dawlish railway path and a final steep climb up and over the headland that left me puffing and panting a bit. Joined by Lorraine who had walked from Starcross to meet me and then more railway line to follow to Dawlish Warren and onwards. Overiding memories of today: lots of steep hills and miles of tarmac! Still, despite everything, a great day.
Beer of the Day - Otter Mild 9/10. Otter Beers have long been a favourite of mine and this one was spot-on.
Colin
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Daily Blog
Day 25 - 25th M ay 2010
Miles walked today 24 - Miles to go 92 - Total Accent 100,858ft
I was joined today by Don, Ian (they really are gluttons for punishment) and Martin Holt, the LUK Southwest Sales Manager. LUK are one of my sponsors and have provided me with clothing as well as financial sponsorship. The first few hours of the day were spent collecting the walkers and driving backwards and forwards dropping off cars at stratigic return points but eventually a bright and sunny 8.00am saw us trying to find a car park in Exmouth that was actually open. When we spotted one, the parking charge was an exhorbitant
£10 for the day. What is wrong with this country? Do these towns not want tourists? We finally parked in a side street for free. End of rant!!
# 
The walk to Budleigh Salterton and on over the River Otter is one of my favourites but things got tougher as we approached Sidmouth. We made a tactical stop, to eat and drink, to lighten our load and recharged, we tackled the 10.5 miles to Seaton. Somehow, however, a rather large pebble found its way into Don's back pack! This section was hard work in the heat but the scenery was spectacular, passing through Branscombe, scene of the gounded Napoli, through the undercliff with massive cliffs to the left, facinating rock formations ahead and good views to seaward, apart from the occasional sea mist that drifted across now and again. A mid-afternoon break in Beer (during which Don found his pebble!!) and the final up and over into Seaton for
5.00pm.
Several landmarks passed today: Have now climbed over 100,000ft, over 3 x the height of Everest, and I have now less than 100 miles to do. I am on target ( touch wood ) to stagger over the finish line at lunchtime on Monday, 31st May.
Beer of the Day - Otter Bright 6/10. Bottled, not barrelled but still not bad.
P.S. Have you found the pebble yet Martin ??
Colin
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Daily Blog
Day 26 - Wednesday 26th May 2010
Miles Walked Today 22 - Miles to go 70 - Total Accent 105,230ft
Seaton at 7.30am, forecast good and I set out towards Lyme Regis through an area called the Landslip, which is a bit like walking in a forest with cliffs to my left and sea to my right. My legs are very tired now and a nights rest is not enough to re-charge the batteries. No matter how up for the day I am, my legs don't share the enthusiasm and feel heavy and leaden. I have also noticed a link between the quality of my evening meal and the energy levels the next morning. I'm trying to up the intake of carbs and protein and eliminate all processed foods. Still, willing legs or not, there are miles (and
hills) to conquer so on we go. Two and a half hours interesting walking brought me to Lyme Regis and into the sunshine. Lyme to Charmouth is only 3 miles but diversions and bad signage meant it took far longer than anticipated. The next section is extremely hard with Golden Cap being the highest point on the south coast and I reached West Bay feeling very weary. A short break and then. after the first hill, it was a lovely flat walk to West Bexington along the Chesil Bank fleet. Portland Bill can just be seen the hazy sunshine and I know I'm nearing the end of my adventure. Home is calling now and I miss my bed, my family and my girls. ( the hens, not my hareem!) Despite this, I am STILL having the time of my life.
 
UP ........ ....... AND DOWN
Beer of the Day - Golden Glory 3/10
We are now in Badger Brewery country and this beer is a waste of a bottle. 'A hint of melon and pear'. What's that all about? Bring on the cull!!
Colin
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Daily Blog
Day 27 - Thursday 27th May 2010
Miles Walked Today 29 - Miles to Go 50 - Total Accent 107,272ft
As I started out, Portland Bill was still just visiable through the grey and misty distance and didn't look any closer 2 hours later as I managed to get lost three timed in quick succession, around Abbotsbury but the countryside was beautiful. Had my third encounter with a deer. This time he was more startled than me. Must be getting more blase about range of wildlife I've encountered, Following on from yesterday, the going was relatively easy and, joining up with Lorraine at Fleet, we passed Ferry Bridge, Portland Habour, Newtons Cove and on into Weymouth. This lovely port has long been a favourite place of mine, with happy memories of family holidays, with my parents, many years ago. Lorraine was dispatched into town to stock up on provisions and I made my way to Bowleaze. A short bus ride back to the caravan site, where we are based for the rest of the time, and the evening followed the normal routine. Tea, beer sampling, shower and sleep. Tonight we watched a glorious sunset over the fleet, from the comfort of our bed, through the open door of our camper van. Such peace and quiet, just the sound of the birds. Life can't get any better than this.
 
Beer of the Day - Palmers Best Bitter 7/10
Locally made (Bridport) with good old fashioned hops and barley. Not a sign of melon or peach. Nice!
Colin
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Daily Blog
Day 28 - Friday 28th May 2010
Miles Walked 21 - Miles to Go 29 - Total Accent 110,062ft
In total contrast to the last few days, my legs had a new lease of life today, and the miles simply flew by. I've been cutting out meat and eating a lot of fish lately or perhaps its just that they know we are almost at the end. Whatever the reason, the early start from Bowleaze to Lulworth Cove was a doddle and I reached what should have been my lunch stop two hours
early. Lorraine was still in Weymouth and after convincing her that I hadn't hitched a lift, we re-scheduled to meet at Kimmeridge. Osmington Mills is another place that sounds better than it is, apart ftom The Smugglers Inn, whose grounds I had to walk through. I resisted the temptation to stop for a swift half ( they were closed anyway ) and attacked the next series of
hills. Bats Head, Durdle Door, Dungy Head and Lulworth Cove - hard going but well worth the effort. Then, unfortunately, as the Lulworth Military Ranges were closed due to firing practice. I had to follow the alternative route, an extra 5 mile inland trek through the Dorset countyside. I re-joined the original path above Kimmeridge Bay soon after 2.00pm. I half contemplated doing
the next 13 mile stage as I felt so good, but decided seven and a half hours walking was enough for one day. Spent the afternoon doing touristy things.
Beer of the Day - Palmers Dorset Gold 8.5/10
After being poisoned by Badger Beer, Palmers again came to the rescue. A very good beer but not quite up to Otter standard
Colin
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Daily Blog
Day 29 - Saturday 29th May 2010
Miles Walked 13 - Miles to Go 21 - Total Accent 113,269ft
A late start today as I only had 13 miles to cover and the weather was atrocious. Typical bank holiday! I left Kimmeridge at 10.30am and set off in the wind, rain and fog for a section described as 'severe and then moderate' For the first time I was slightly concerned for my safety as the gale force wind couldn't make up its mind which way to blow. As I reached a peak called Hounds Tout near St Aldhelms Head it buffeted me around and I breached the hill with one hand on the ground, to steady myself, as a very angry sea pounded a few hundred feet below me. Breathing a sigh of relief, I looked up to face the largest set of steps I have ever seen - 227 of them! I know, I counted them!! Things mellowed out as the weather improved slightly with the sun trying to break through. Last four and a half miles was easy going and I met up with the other 'alf in Swanage who was chuntering on about having to pay £6 to park the camper. Fish and chip supper in Weymouth and back to bed.
Silly Sign Of The Day
Beer of the Day - Badgers Tanglefoot (limited choice) 7/10
At last, a Badger Beer I liked - but not much!
Colin
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Daily Blog
Day 30 - Sunday 30th May 2010
Miles Walked Today 11 - Miles to Go 8 - Total Accent 114,362ft
The last Sunday walk meant going back to Portland and completing a
eleven mile circuit of the Isle. The first person to pull into the car park, much to my suprise, was Pete (Nobby) Walker who had also completed the entire walk some fifteen years ago. I hadn't seen Pete for many years and his presence made the day very special for me. Don and Ian turned up yet again and were joined by a friend of theirs, Max and his mad dog, Frodo. Martin (from LUK) made up the band of willing walkers to join Lorraine and I on this bright and breezy morning. We set off on the steep climb up the side of Portland which brought us to a mainly flat cliff top walk to the Bill. Another encounter with a slow worm, a herd of alpacas and the spectacular scenery made the time fly by. A stop at the lighthouse for food and drink was made entertaining by watching the boats battling the Portland tide race. A quick walk around to Pulpit Rock, photos by the lighthouse and it was back around the east side of the island. This gave us shelter from the wind and things warmed up quite nicely.
 
Church Ope Cove came and went with plenty of steps up which Pete had to do twice having left his sunglasses at the bottom when he took his fleece off! The rest of the way was easy walking through the moonscape of the quarry workings back to the car park where we had started some 5 hours earlier. I would like to thank everyone who has supported me on the Sunday walks particularly Don and Ian who have travelled many miles to meet up with me each week.
Beer of the Day - Sorry no testing today.
Colin
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Daily Blog
Day 31 - Monday 31st May 2010
Miles Walked Today 8 - Miles to Go 0 - Total Accent 114,362ft
Last day. Not sure whether to be glad or sad. Very mixed emotions.
 
Warm sunshine, bright and breezy, only eight miles to go. What could go wrong? I left Swanage at a respectable 10.00am and estimated a three hour walk to South Haven Point. One last climb up Ballard Down and a leisurely stroll along Old Harry Rock. Some final photos and a wander down Studland beach, quickly skirting the nudist section. (Not a pretty sight!). Then it started to go pear shaped! A phone call from Lorraine informed me that at least half the welcoming committee where scattered around Dorset with frantic calls requesting directions going to and fro. The next hour or so found me sculking in the sand dunes staring out to sea, trying desperately trying to avoid the sight of ageing naked bodies strutting their stuff up and down the beach. Finally I decided enough was enough and, as I didn't fancy being arrested for being a peeping tom, I made my way to the finish marker. My friends and family did me proud as I passed the red ribbon to hugs and kisses from everyone. Champagne, cake (made for the occasion by my mum) and a framed certificate made me feel very special. The stragglers finally arrived so more photos and more hugs rounded off a very good end to a fantastic experience. My only disappointment was that Chris, my son, who had looked after me so well during the first few weeks, turned up with his family just as we were leaving. My grand-daughter Jess had made a superb poster for me so we arranged to have another little celebration for later on.
 
So that's it. All over. Nine months planning and training paid off. 630 miles in 31 days, a fantastic amount raised for a worthwhile charity and an ambition fulfilled for myself.
'What next?' I hear you ask. Well, you see, I have a plan so watch this space.......................
P.S Please don't forget this isn't the last on this website...... I will be doing a summary of my adventures, of the best and worse bits with more details and pictures, a grand total for the Precious Lives Appeal and the next step in my ongoing adventures ( why am I starting to sound like TinTin !! )
Once again thank you for all your support and donations to the
Childrens Hospice Precious Lives Appeal
Colin
|