Thursday 31st March

Only 8 days to go and I'm still sorting out the fine detail. It is fun though, and takes my mind off GCSE Health and Social Care, Anger Management (mainly my own!), the strange noises coming from my car which surely mean it is about to fall to bits in a lonely place when I have forgotten to bring my mobile phone to work with me... 
BACK TO THE TRIP!!!

Thanks to Yvonne and Dave for lending me some of their families own-brand of Dubbin to try out
The pot is lovely and I'm sure the dubbin will keep out the scottish water!

I have been thinking hard about what to take with me to keep my boots waterproof, and will go with tried and tested dubbin. Thanks for the interest shown in my adventure by members of staff, and particularly to Yvonne for kindly lending me some very special dubbin which is part of her family history. I have applied one coat already and it feels really thick and nourishing. In fact I almost ate some.

A big fire in the market square Salisbury has caused lots of damage...
My shopping trip - and search for GORP - was not possible as access to Julian Graves was blocked.

My shopping trip was curtailed by the closure of several areas in Salisbury Town Centre due to a large fire in two of the oldest buildings in town. Unfortunately large-scale damage was done.

Wednesday 30th March

Logistics and more logistics!!!

With 9 days to go I am getting down to the really fine detail - the nitty gritty - which could make the whole trip a success or a failure.

Here is my list of things to do on or before next Saturday:
1. Phone the two hostels and make sure my food parcels have arrived. (I'm b**ggered if I find myself in the middle of the North-Western Highlands with no map, no GPS, no shop, no food and no phone reception!)


The expensive NIKWAX waterproofing system - lets hope it works!

 2. Waterproof my waterproofs using wash-in NIKWAX stuff ( at huge expense)
3. Lubricate all my zips ( on clothes, tent, rucksack etc) with silicon gel. It could be a major embuggerance factor if any zip fails when it is raining cats and dogs

A 2 litre 'source' water container

4. Sterilise my 'Source' water bottle and make sure it doesn't leak
5. Sort out my fixing kit - to contain cable ties, needle and thread, string, masking tape, etc.
6. Sort out a way of taking lots of essential creams and potions and make sure I have all the essential ones!

This stacking system contains 2 sections of aqueous hand cream, boots anti-wrinkle day cream, clarins night cream and 1% hydrocortisone cream.

7. Design and construct (I have delegated this to my husband) a light-weight trowel to dig a hole in the ground for 'toileting' purposes... I am convinced that something can be created from a bit of old drainpipe and a chisel (to serrate the edges)
8. Sharpen my knife - another job for Andrew (who has a bit of a knife fetish!)
9. Charge my camera and phone batteries
10. Fix the elastic in my gaiters, which is about to break
11. Get together about £200 of ready cash
12. Sort out a drinks kit (using old camera film cases) consisting of coffee, powdered milk, and tea-bags

13. Buy some dubbin to wax my leather boots. I have decided to revert to the system I used in the Royal Navy rather than the Nikwax waterproofing system. While Nikwax seems O.K. for occasional wet walks, I need something that will get into the minor splits in my boots and STAY there, keeping them waterproof. I have to consider that I may spend 16 days walking through bogs in the rain, and I need to be able to rely on my boots to keep my feet dry!
14. Print off a section of a map to get me from the train station at Inverchin to Rosehall, about 11 miles away by foot
15. Buy some fruit and nuts to make up some GORP (= Good Old Raisins and Peanuts)
15. Panic about all the thing I have forgotten to take!!!

Sunday 27th March

What a beautiful day.

Yesterday I succumbed to an item that has been tempting me for months now - a new rucksack. There is absolutely nothing at all wrong with my old Karrimor Jaguar, which has served me faithfully on many trips. It has great side pockets, and has been with me up Kilimanjaro, carried a staggeringly heavy load (24 kg) for 7 days along the West Coast Trail on Vancouver Island and completed the West Highland Way with me.

However, when I held the Karrimor in one hand and the Osprey on my other hand, the weight difference was so apparent that I decided that punishing my bank account was a long-term way of being kind to my knees. After all, I want to able to still go Irish Dancing in 20 and even 30 years from now! 

So this is the new one:

Osprey Kestrel 68 l, empty weight 1.78 kg

And this is the old one:

Karrimor Jaguar SA Supercool 55 - 75 l, empty weight 2.8 kg

The Osprey is over 1kg lighter than the Karrimor.

I have been reading more and more about lightweight trekking and the reasons for reducing the weight carried seem to make perfect sense:

1. It makes walking more fun
2. You can walk further
3. You can walk faster (if you want)
4. It reduces damage to knees
5. It reduces the chances of blisters
6. You are less likely to get seriously injured if you fall
7. You can continue walking in your old age

It seems like a no-brainer to me!!!!

Saturday 26th March

St Thomas's Church, Salisbury

I was on a course this morning, looking at how Cognitive Behavioural Therapy helps with depression (as you do on a Saturday morning!). As I was slightly early to meet my friends Graham and Annie at Cafe Nero, I went into my favourite and most peaceful church, St Thomas's in Salisbury. It was full of light and empty of people, and I always feel very lucky  and somehow blessed whenever I visit this fabulous building in the hidden heart of Salisbury. This churchwas built during the early days of the construction of Salisbury Cathedral, as a place of worship for the builders, carpenters and other labourers engaged on the construction of the cathedral itself.

St Thomas's church is like a tardis, larger inside than it appears on the outside. I recommend anyone to go there.

Friday 25th March

2 weeks to go!!! I fly to Ullapool on 8th April.
What is happening to the time???? I have been planning this adventure for months and Easter 2011 has felt like years away, but suddenly it is just around the corner. Help!! Where does the time go anyway?
At work I see pupils I remember as tiny, shy Year 7 pupils embarking on their GCSE years with confidence, attitide and weird hairstyles and I wonder how it happened that they got so much older and taller. And anyway how is it that kids are so tall these days???
Life seems full of questions without answers at the moment.

My mother - one of my staunchest supporters

 Fortunately I have my family and friends to support me.



My dad and husband - they would be disappointed if I gave up

 So it looks like I'll just have to get on and do it! It's too late to back out now.
As the days get longer and warmer - and today was a glorious spring day - the whole idea seems less like a moment of lunacy and more like one of the sanest things I have ever planned.
But only experience will tell. I will keep you posted...
So long as there is enough mobile reception.......................... 

Sunday 20th March

There is no denying that weather is important. I went to Wales this weekend with Andrew, and we had glorious sunshine all day on Saturday, making excellent conditions for climbing Fan y Big, Cribyn, Pen y Fan and Corn Du. There were lots of other walkers there (which was great to see) and I enjoyed overhearing several conversations about a variety of subjects including which biscuits have the most calories (Tesco's value Custard creams apparently). There were plenty of younger people on the hills and I heard one excited 7 year old on Pen y Fan asking his mum if it was much further to Corfu (meaning Corn Du!!)


Approaching Fan y Big

 

Something like an inuk shuk

We walked 12.5 miles on Saturday and our final ascent was 3,300 ft. We realised that our long walks in the New Forest are good preparation for walking in Wales. During a long day in the New Forest we usually cover about 17 miles, and our total ascent is often close to 3,000 ft, testimony to the numerous hills and ridges, and general lack of flatness, that characterise south Hampshire.

I was delighted when Andrew told me he had bought Pate, cream cheese and ham to have in our rolls!!

Sharing the summit of Pen y Fan (and the ham, pate and cheese. Yummmmm!)

The only problems we encountered on the Saturday consisted of a minor falling out due to Andrew leaving his boots behind at the premier Inn at Merthy Tydfil - requiring a mere one hour delay in starting our walk... and Andrew getting a blister on his heel. Some might call that divine retribution but I suppose that would be mean.



The reservoir at Neuadd



This plane crashed in November 2010 south of Pen-y Fan at Grid Reference SO005206 (OS Landranger 160) and at a height of 824 m. Apparently the pilot walked away unscathed. It makes a good picture and was quite a sight. I don't know what will happen to the plane; I guess it might end up as a national heritage site... 

An Ogham stone?

On Sunday we walked at a lower altitude amid some of the open countryside in the foothills of Pen y Fan. I found the scenery lovely and it was nice to feel you could just wander anywhere without worrying about cliffs. There were also much fewer people around which I prefer.
We found an old inscribed stone on the map, and located it using Andrew's GPS (I suppose I have to grudgingly admit they do have their uses). I think it is an old Ogham stone, as there were deep grooves along one edge. I have tried to photograph it.

The Brecon Valley railway

It doesn't get much better than this. We were just mooching along by the railway when there was a loud toot, and sounds reminiscent of "Ivor the Engine".  Before we knew it this lovely steam train appeared, going slowly enough for us to take several photos of it. If only my grandpa had been there - he loved trains.

Heading for Corn Du

On Sunday (today) we walked 8.8 miles and ascended 1,873 ft. Then home to Wiltshire via Amesbury (to collect my car). It only took 3 hours from Merthyr Tydfil to home and we are both determined to go walking in Wales more often. What a fabulous weekend.

Pen y fan

Sent from my phone on a beautiful day in wales

Thursday 17th March 2011



Details of the first 9 days, including elevation, accommodation, maps, and distance walked

 Readers may be interested in the logistics of planning the walk, which has caused much head-scratching and (hopefully) educated guesswork.
Above is page one of two sheets that summarise my route, distances, etc.

A useful planning site is http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/maps/ which allows you to input a route, and calculates your ascent, descent, and estimated time to walk the chosen route using Naismith's Rule. Very useful indeed!! I am trying to attach the site address as a link, but still find blogging a definite challenge. Lets hope the walk itself is easier!

Wednesday 16th March 2011

Today I cycled 16k on my exercise bike, kindly loaned by my brother Ed, which was far enough after a tough day at t'office..

I had fun with Year 7 this morning, watching a theatre company called "The Riot Act" bringing the choice of careers facing young people today to life with enthusiasm and energy. It was great to be there and the pupils behaved excellently.

I have nothing to report really except that I am going to send out my food parcels tomorrow, to Ullapool and to Camas-luinie. I have discovered aqueous cream, which should resolve the minor dermatis problem which has been causing the skin around my fingers to crack and bleed. Too much information perhaps?? But the devil is in the detail, and seemingly small things like chafing can make life a misery after a few days without relief. Thus the small assortment of pots and potions in the photograph below...

No wonder my pack is heavy!! I wonder if Ray Mears takes all this stuff? I bet Bear Grylls does. And as for Ben Fogle......

Potions and lotions

Sunday 13th March 2011



Logistics... Today has been about checking my route, checking I am sending the right maps to the right places, doing some ironing for work tomorrow, and thinking about which knife to take. I don't want to be arrested for having a 'locking' pen-knife (no matter how small and harmless I look!) but I don't want to take my swiss army knife with all the unnecessary attachments.



Route 9 - 13 April






Route 14 - 16 April

  



Route 17 - 18 April

  


Route 19 - 22 April

Route 23 - 24 April 2011

 

Apart from the route, I had to check my food parcels contained the right things. I am still not convinced I will have enough to eat, but suppose a leaner, meaner version of myself might be a good thing after all! Anyway the parcels are ready now, full of 'interesting' food that I will doutless loathe within days. I think I will really miss crunching an apple and my fridge. Not to mention comfy chairs, soft beds, warm clothes, hot water, telephone signals, a glass of wine, Andrew........ Not necessarily in that order.

However, it is important to remember the whole project is about HAVING FUN.

The last photo for this day's blog is of me and my dear husband sharing a laugh on a bench (what a simple comfort!) at Downton yesterday. We used the timer on my camera - a Panasonic lumix if anyone is interested.

I have decided to take a Charles Dickens book with me. I hope I can find a really thin (in terms of thin pages) version of one of his books. My favourites would be Nicholas Nickleby or David Copperfield. There is nothing to scare me in either of those stories, and it will be like having an old friend with me. I think that matters. If anyone can recommend which one of his books I should take, with good reason, I am open to suggestions.







Saturday 12 March 2011

I find it hard to believe that in four weeks from today I will be walking from Inverchin train station to Rosehall, on the first real day of my adventure. The time has flown... But I have prepared for this adventure for about 6 months now, and I think I am ready for it.

Taking a break at Dawn's stile, near Downton

It was an early start (5.30) today to get to Tescos for the weekly shop. Andrew and I take turns, and neither of us enjoy queuing to park or pay. Then we took advantage of a lovely, sunny morning and did a quick 10 mile walk to Downton (vis Pepperbox Hill) and back along the River Avon. It was a lovely day, and felt almost warm!! Rural Wiltshire at it's best, with farmers and birds all busy about their business in the fields

Looking across to Clearbury Hill from near Pepperbox Hill

We ended our walk with a pint and a packet of crisps at the local pub - the Three Crowns in Whaddon - where we are always welcome. Then home to polish the boots and put the feet up for an hour or so. Fabuluous!


Taking our gaiters off outside our local - The Three Crowns in Whaddon



Sunday 6th March

I was supposed to be working this afternoon, and at 2 p.m I was poring over BTEC Health and Social Care coursework. At 3 p.m. I started thinking about the accreditation process and how I was going to proceed with that. I looked out the the wondow for inspiration and saw the sun shining on our garden. This might have been where I went wrong...
At 3.30 p.m. I suddenly realised I was in my bedroom putting my walking socks on, and at 3.38 I found myself saying goodbye to my husband - who was tiling the bathroom - and walking out the front door. Very bizarre.

It is now 5.44 and I have not looked at the BTEC accreditation process.
In fact I have no intention of doing any more work today.
However I have enjoyed a beautiful walk and am at peace with the World.
I would have missed that if I had been working. Sorry girls!

Sunlight through the trees near Whaddon

Saturday 5th March

In 5 weeks from today I will be walking from Inverchin to Rosehall; that is not far away in terms of time to prepare!

I did a 10 mile walk today carrying 10.5 kg. I was feeling pretty under the weather after the week back at work, and had rather overdone the "boxercise" after school on Friday... So andrew and I agreed to cut the planned 15 mile walk short.

Anyway I survived the walk depsite sub-zero temperatures and grim, grey weather. It was like being inside a tupperware box, as Sandra Howell commented. Ironically, the sun came out almost as soon as we got back to the car, and the rest of the weekend promises to be warmer and sunnier.

We saw and heard a nightingale at Rushy Flat car park. It was the first one we have heard this year. Andrew recorded the beautiful song and I will try to attach his recording here.

We also saw various other examples of British nature at its' best:



New Forest pony looking mystical


 There are plenty of ponies in the New Forest, and some of them are looking rather thin after a long, cold winter. This one seemed rather curious about the contents of my rucksack and was proably hanging around the car-park in search of food.
Unfortunately, apart from the bun I bought on the way (which was a treat NOT going to be fed to a pony!),all I had was prunes and I wasn't sure they would go down too well.
They eat gorse. Tough animals!


Early frogspawn



This was the first frogspawn I have seen this year, photographed on February 23rd in the New Forest.

                  

A very cute calf

My buff was absolutely essential today, and I experimented with some of the ways it can be worn. Here are three variations. I call them 'A la smurf', 'A la imbecile' and 'A la muppet'

a la smurf

The buff comes with instructions (in diagrammatical form) on how to wear it.

I have really enjoyed experimenting with it, and will join other buff wearers who love their buff.



A la imbecile







A la muppet



Tuesday 1st March

Well I haven't been walking today, or even done a session on my exercise bike.
But I arrived at work at 6.50 and left at 5.30 p.m. so figure I deserve an evening off!
Work was remorseless but fun in many ways and I probably tramped a few miles between Upper and Lower school during the course of the day.
A high point of the day was when a child said "Have a good eveling Mrs Evening!". We both smiled. It sounded quite Japanese and my name is rather unusual.

I was hugely encouraged when I got home. I looked at my online sponsorship form and saw that I have already been offered over £132 pounds by family and friends - that's before I have asked the children to sponsor me. So I am very grateful to everyone who has already sponsored me.

A bit of encouragement goes a long way.