St Bees to Ennerdale

Arrival at St Bees
This is it! First day of many walks, lots of aching muscles to come I am sure.
Set off at 8.30am, weather was lovely, very cold breeze but that helped keep me cool.
Dipped my toe, as per custom, into the sea, collected a pebble - to take to Robin Hoods Bay and set off on the first of many climbs. This was easy compared with what was to come!
Was good feeling to be actually walking after months of planning. The first part was ok, nothing too strenuus, was this to be easy? Then I saw the hills in the distance! There was only one way through them and it sure wasn't under or around them!
Shall I stop now? Never!!! Well, maybe after the climb up Dent Hill! Or rather should I say the descent down the other side! Talk about sheer, I would have somersaulted if I leant forward! (no comments from anyone!!) After that it was easy, another couple of miles led me into Ennerdale Bridge, where I stayed at the local pub. Had to have a well deserved beer of course! Made a few friends on the way too. Early night, ready for Day 2.
Sorry not pictures - network signal not strong enough to upload. Will add when I can. The lakes isn't the best place to have a mobile phone or internet access!

Arrival Day

Arrived safe and well, but was a long journey. Thanks to Gaynor for running me up here, she was very brave! She survived the ferry crossing across Windermere - she absolutely hates water and boats. So cheers Gaynor, owe you a drink for that.
Had a quick look round St Bees, quite nice, lovely beach as you can see by the pics.
I have just conquered my fear of walking into a pub on my own and ordering meal and drink. Nothing to worry about. Must be an age thing! lol. But I cant carry on eating with portion sizes that large, would have to walk the route twice to work it off.
Ordered early breakfast for tomorrow and looked at weather. Cold brisk winds. Can put up with that. Better than rain. Will hopefully update you tomorrow.

Celebrations down South

Returned yesterday from Christchurch in Dorset. It was my sister Denise and her husband Pauls silver wedding do. We all had a great time. Had a walk on the beach, then a few of us ventured into the new forest as you can see in one of the pics.
A pic of Denise, Paul, Joanne and Simon are above.
I think between me and my sisters we drank a vineyard! Ate most of the UK's food rations! I have worked doubly hard this morning at the Gym to remove the evidence!
Our hotel was beautiful and the company excellent. Was nice to catch up on family from all over - Denise in London, Paul in Geneva, Joanne in Geneva, Simon in Southampton,my brother Ian and his wife Karin from Leicester, Pauls's parents in the Isle of White, and various friends from all corners of the earth!
Thanks to Karin on Saturday for the entertainment - she will know what I mean, and hope she knows I mean no offence by this comment - it is meant in jest! nearly at my set off date - all packed ready - only cos I have no other time the rest of the week. I am all psyched up now and raring to go. Can't wait.

Days.........

9 days to go and on countdown. Doing as much as I can to keep in shape. Walking when I can and gym when time is limited - which is this week. One of those weeks. Going to Dorset on Saturday till Monday for my sisters silver wedding do. Not sure the festivities will assist but when in Rome etc. It would be rude of me not to partake! lol. Will walk a little on Sunday down there is I get the chance.
Had a nice walk yesterday up the pike and to the mast and had lovely company.
Kara brought back half of the bog on her coat to prove we had been!
Its 6.45am now and I am off to the gym. How serious is that?

12 Days to go.......

Can't believe it's nearly here. And time is something I am running out of - for training that is! I have just completed 22.4 miles today. Walked it back from work, Gatley to Bolton! Got soaked a few times, but was good to check out the waterproofs for the last time. I am hoping to go out again Tues, but depends on when my friend is discharged from hospital. Going to Dorset too on Sat for three days to my sisters silver wedding, and with work and minding my two adorable grandaughters, I am limited to when I can get out again. Will endeavour to keep up going to the gym tho, better than nothing.

Panic or What?

I can't believe there is only 16 days to go before I set off. Think the panic is because I missed three weeks of training. Will I be fit enough? I should be ok. Just me worrying. Going for a distance walk on Sunday just to prove to myself I am fit enough, and I see the consultant too tomorrow to get the all clear.
Nearly got all my gear now, and got the suitcase out ready.
Just got to download maps onto GPS system. Cant have me getting lost! You would all think you have gone deaf if I wasnt around! lol

http://www.justgiving.com/christine-cole

Just to keep reminding you what I am doing and to convince myself too that I can do this!