Here's Melzie & me after four days on Offa's Dyke (Chepstow to Hay-on-Wye approx 50 miles) which we did a few weeks ago with Rudy. Sunshine, castles, camping, red wine. It was fabulous. And only one apple-related argument!
I went again last weekend with Rudy to do the next two days of the path (Hay-Kington-Knighton) which was another 29 miles. It made me realise how lucky we were when we had dry weather, this time I had really slippery paths which are so tiring and annoying. And I was constantly taking my jacket on -and-off because the weather was so changeable.
We also got chased by cows, and a bull (ring in it's nose, full shebang). Well, I say we, it was Rudy they wanted. So I did what they tell you to and let her off the lead, where upon she legged it back to the previous field and managed to squeeze through a hole in the fence and got back to me and we hot-footed to the gate, while the cows were still looking for her in the other field. They might be scary buy they ain't that bright. I saw three bulls over the weekend so I'm hoping now is bull season and not Sept/Oct. Although to be honest the bull didn't seem that bothered, and in fact I'm sure at one point it was hiding in the middle of the herd. Ah well, we lived to walk another day.
It was good practice to go by myself with Rudy though, but it did make me wonder what I am going to do everyday when I reach my daily destination. If you leave early enough (like I did on Sun morn at about 8am) I walked about 14 miles and was in Knighton by 2.45pm. I'm going to have to learn to chill out a bit and take more time for the walk, but when it's not great weather, it's no great joy to stop and I just want to get on and get there.
I am definitely going to have to get into reading and writing a lot to fill the time when I'm by myself and have no company. Although hopefully in the South West there will be some sights to see in the stopover towns.
Was a good weekend for fundraising with some really generous donations bringing the total up to £1,645 which is incredible, thank you so much!
Also this week, I've been choosing my gear. I can't deny it's quite fun, you know you're old when you enjoy a good outdoor shop. I'm just waiting to hear back from the shop to see what price they can give me for a tent, boots and matt. The boots are amazing. I know walking boots are everyone's idea of exciting but these ones are.. and there's no other word for it.. sexy. LOL
Also, FB friends will note my fall where Rudy subsequently stood on my eye, which bloomin' hurt, I was laughing and crying while lying in a pile of corn. I'm hoping the new boots will help my balance...
Anyway, we're off to Cornwall on Saturday where I'll be able to do some practice on the actual coastal paths which I am looking forward to.
Don't forget...
www.justgiving.com/Verity-Stokes1
V x
