1st April 2011: It's April already and I still have not walked 10 miles in one hit! (Probably not that I am unable to do it, just the time and confidence that having got half way, that I can make it back again, as most of my training sessions have been done without company). Have sent out a lot of emails, and letters to those not on-line informing them of my Walk with a plea for sponsorship - so far have raised over £600. Thanks to everyone who has great faith that I will achieve this!
6th April 2011: Managed an enjoyable three sets of tennis (doubles of course!), had a delightful lunch afterwards with the members in Horley LTC, and was thrilled that everyone showed an interest in sponsoring me - raised £58 during the meal! Thank you tennis players...
7th April 2011: A couple of well-laid plans for today, and all that....unable to fulfil, so we decided at the last minute to go to France/Germany for 4 days. Managed to get a sailing for this afternoon. Hope there will be an opportunity to do some serious, but fun, walking - packed my boots in case!
8th April 2011: Stayed in Belgium last night en route to the Moselle in Germany - aiming for Cochem to do some high vineyard walking and along the river. Arrived in Cochem mid afternoon to find they were setting up a Fete for the weekend, in the car park where the Information Office is! We found a space, but had difficulty getting out again - we upset a few stallholders as we wove in and out! The Information Office was no help at all, so we decided to drive up river towards Bernkastel and find our own pleasures.
Discovered a lovely hotel, right on the banks of the Moselle, with good walking all along and up through the village to the vineyards. Had a cold beer - the sun was very warm - before setting out on a late afternoon walk along the river. Beautiful scenery all around - river, vineyards, hills and mountains. Only downfall was my allergy to all the amazing blooming trees! Too many of them just overwhelmed my immune system. Medication and eye drops useless! Nevertheless, we walked about 7 kilometres next morning. Boots now well broken in!
11th April 2011: What a relief to be in Northern France where the pollen count is less. We diverted over to the coast in plenty of time to walk the 'French Downs' (the return sailing booked for 1800). Parked at L'Escalle, walked the track to the foot of Cap Blanc Nez, then up the steep escarpment to the War Memorial at the top - amazing views - can see the White Cliffs of Dover. We have been here several times, but usually drive to the top! The climb went on up a lesser incline to St Edmunds Mount, then we walked round it and down through the fields to the other end of L'Escalle. It was about 7 kilometres, but the effort was worth a few more!
18th April 2011: Where did the week go! Catching up in the garden as the weather is nice, as well as playing some good and energetic tennis with my friends (and sponsors!). Some of us are getting concerned re starting on a Bank Holiday weekend - will we all be stuck in traffic jams, or unable to find parking at Beachy Head, and Alfriston - always busy on sunny days, especially if it is a Bank Holiday! I think I might have to start towards the end of the previous week, then I will be ahead of my schedule, even if things slow up later on the weekend. Just need to contact some fellow walkers and re-organise the time-table if everyone agrees.
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