Thursday, 14 February 2008
Tuesday, 23 October 2007
further thoughts-23rd October 2007
It's been about six weeks since I completed this Landsend to John O'Groats walk- I do miss it, and sometimes think that maybe I went too fast, but in reality the pace was just about right.
one major thing to point out is that before I started or at least as I started the walk, I knew that I would finish- I just did not know how the experience would be or how I would actually acheive it, this knowing was also helped by the fact it was an acheiveable goal (many people have done it, including my friend).
What has changed since doing this ?? ...well I am still delighted with my self and I have noticed how incredibly patient I have become, I've seemed to have stopped rushing and experience more whats around me and whats going on at a slower pace.
I have for a long time known that walking and being in the country, in landscape or in a place of natural beauty, is when I am most at peace, most contented, connecting to the wonders of life-and I was lucky enough to have had all that wealth at my fingertips on a near daily basis.
I'm at a time of transition, only doing casual employment when it comes my way and that feels appropriate too and hopefully in six months or more I'll be somewhere different again, either location, spiritually, work, i'm not sure but it feels very exciting.
Lastly just a note that I managed to raise £612 for Samaritans and a big thank you to you who sponsored me.
one major thing to point out is that before I started or at least as I started the walk, I knew that I would finish- I just did not know how the experience would be or how I would actually acheive it, this knowing was also helped by the fact it was an acheiveable goal (many people have done it, including my friend).
What has changed since doing this ?? ...well I am still delighted with my self and I have noticed how incredibly patient I have become, I've seemed to have stopped rushing and experience more whats around me and whats going on at a slower pace.
I have for a long time known that walking and being in the country, in landscape or in a place of natural beauty, is when I am most at peace, most contented, connecting to the wonders of life-and I was lucky enough to have had all that wealth at my fingertips on a near daily basis.
I'm at a time of transition, only doing casual employment when it comes my way and that feels appropriate too and hopefully in six months or more I'll be somewhere different again, either location, spiritually, work, i'm not sure but it feels very exciting.
Lastly just a note that I managed to raise £612 for Samaritans and a big thank you to you who sponsored me.
Wednesday, 12 September 2007
Conclusion and Reflection- last day
Well it's gone quickly. I kept being surprised by how quickly I was going up country. A total of 75 days including 5 rest days, averaging about 15 miles per day.
A funny moment nearing Stafford- a farmer assisted me through his farmyard as I lost the trail (common occurance for him) when I told him what was my final destination-he said 'a lot of you walkers head for JOG - what so special about JOG then ?!'.... Worst bit- some of Pennine Way- why, because initially it was too vast, too bleak and scary at times-Best bits - some of pennine way, why -because when I got used to the vastness , it was beautiful. & my favourite walk of all -the West Highland Way for it's sheer beauty.
I have been in two modes; one of thoughts of past, present & future i.e. my internal chatterbox. And the other, being completely in the moment, enjoying what's around & surrounding me which has been lovely and wonderfull.
And of course there is something fantastic and special about achieving my goal of completing this epic journey of walking the length of the country. I loved connecting one village, one hamlet, town, mountain to the next & that I have walked the whole length and discovered so many new places. It is one of the best things I have done.
I am the fittest & healthiest I have been- I feel it & know it, which is great. I have taken a walk of approx 1,069 miles-(note picture below, maths was never my strong point!!) A real sense of special acheivement. I have met 4 people whom have done this walk - Carol who first inspired me, & whilst walking - Jane walking down as I was walking up and Reg & Phil whom I met & had done this walk in the past. I wonder how many do this per year??
Feck I did it! & this has & will have an impact for me- I am truly delighted.!!!And thanks again to every one who has supported me in different ways and to those who offered me a bed, for your hospitality and contact. XX
A funny moment nearing Stafford- a farmer assisted me through his farmyard as I lost the trail (common occurance for him) when I told him what was my final destination-he said 'a lot of you walkers head for JOG - what so special about JOG then ?!'.... Worst bit- some of Pennine Way- why, because initially it was too vast, too bleak and scary at times-Best bits - some of pennine way, why -because when I got used to the vastness , it was beautiful. & my favourite walk of all -the West Highland Way for it's sheer beauty.
I have been in two modes; one of thoughts of past, present & future i.e. my internal chatterbox. And the other, being completely in the moment, enjoying what's around & surrounding me which has been lovely and wonderfull.
And of course there is something fantastic and special about achieving my goal of completing this epic journey of walking the length of the country. I loved connecting one village, one hamlet, town, mountain to the next & that I have walked the whole length and discovered so many new places. It is one of the best things I have done.
I am the fittest & healthiest I have been- I feel it & know it, which is great. I have taken a walk of approx 1,069 miles-(note picture below, maths was never my strong point!!) A real sense of special acheivement. I have met 4 people whom have done this walk - Carol who first inspired me, & whilst walking - Jane walking down as I was walking up and Reg & Phil whom I met & had done this walk in the past. I wonder how many do this per year??
Feck I did it! & this has & will have an impact for me- I am truly delighted.!!!And thanks again to every one who has supported me in different ways and to those who offered me a bed, for your hospitality and contact. XX
Day 75 - 'I've Arrived'
Wick to John O' Groats 17 miles. Started at 8.00 finished at 14.00 - fantastic. In fact, Duncansby Head is the most extreme tip & Dunnet Head is the most northerly point on the British mainland. I was offered a lift twice today: one by a tourist couple and the other by a local woman, survice to say -I declined both.!
All seemed quiet & still today. Weather was good, bar half an hour rain. It was lovely approaching JOG. The islands was first to be noticed. Humm a fantastic feeling! went straight to the sign post as it came to view and got my picture taken, then a drink at the bar and registered my acheivements in the signing in book. Decided not to stay here tonight as I wanted to get home, tried to hitch a lift but no one was going my direction, eventuaslly an taxi happen to come by hence got taxi back to Wick but missed last train so got transport back to London the following day.XX
All seemed quiet & still today. Weather was good, bar half an hour rain. It was lovely approaching JOG. The islands was first to be noticed. Humm a fantastic feeling! went straight to the sign post as it came to view and got my picture taken, then a drink at the bar and registered my acheivements in the signing in book. Decided not to stay here tonight as I wanted to get home, tried to hitch a lift but no one was going my direction, eventuaslly an taxi happen to come by hence got taxi back to Wick but missed last train so got transport back to London the following day.XX
Tuesday, 11 September 2007
Day 74 -The Penultimate Day!
Lybster to Wick 15 miles. Started at 8.45 finished at 14.30. Was going to take the road to Watten, however didn't want to take the almost deserted lane. I was concerned about finding accommodation in this northern region but have been OK despite it's pretty remote & there are hotels that are closed & BB's who have stopped. It's also been timely that I have almost finished - nights are drawing in & the mornings are later.
The volume of traffic has lessened. Took footpath just passed Ulbster however it didn't really exist but persevered and scrambled over some fences and found the route eventually. Then tried another footpath near sarclet slong the coast into Wick, however again unused, unmarked and boggy so doubled back to main road. It added 2 extra miles to my day, which i could of done without!! Checked into Queens hotel £40. feet & body tired. Total miles so far.......1051.25!!!
The volume of traffic has lessened. Took footpath just passed Ulbster however it didn't really exist but persevered and scrambled over some fences and found the route eventually. Then tried another footpath near sarclet slong the coast into Wick, however again unused, unmarked and boggy so doubled back to main road. It added 2 extra miles to my day, which i could of done without!! Checked into Queens hotel £40. feet & body tired. Total miles so far.......1051.25!!!
Monday, 10 September 2007
Day 73 fantastic steep roads
Helmsdale to Lybster- 21.75 miles. Started at 08.00 finished at 16.30. Climbed & descended some very steep road today, which I totally enjoyed, it gave me some contrast and it made me smile when i noticed cyclelist who would undoubtly found it hard even to push the bikes. Stopped at Dunbeath 15 miles for lunch (was thinking of staying here but it felt too quiet and the accomodatuion I had booked was half mile out)- went into tea room, and booked ahead in Lyster. I passed a lot of cyclist today - this is the one stretch where all walkers & cyclist will use and the tea restaurant verified that as we chatted. Very windy today & about an hours rain. Fine when wind is behind you! so quite hard going at times. Checked into Crofts House B&B £30 about one mile from the village, luckily been offered a lift in for tonight by ower of the BB. xx Total miles so far 1036.25.
Sunday, 9 September 2007
Day 72 - Sunday 9th September back on A9
Brora to Helmsdale 11 miles started at 9.15 finished at 13.15. 2.5 miles of lovely coastal path along beach then back on the A9. Came across this quirky restaurant called La Mirage, oddly decorated which I liked & where there are numerous photos on the wall, mainly of this white haired woman with different celebrities in the restaurant- so you have pictures within pictures. Apparently she has passed away, her daughter is still running the restaurant. Checked into youth hostel £15.00. Small YHA I'm only visitor there. Been getting some lovely messages of encouragement on my phone and blog which has been lovely. XX 1014 1/2 miles walked.
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