Lunar Eclipse

Taken from my back garden. If I woke up half my neighbours at 3am this morning-sorry!

The 2015 Chiltern 3 Peaks

More then 550 volunteers took part in this years Chiltern 3 Peaks Challenge to raise money for the very deserving charity, the Rennie Grove Hospice.

The challenge itself required a walk along the Eastern section of the Ridgeway-Britain's oldest road, through three different counties in a place that has been designated an area of outstanding natural beauty.

Last year I made the mistake of carrying way too much, so this year, I ditched the rucksack entirely, which made the 18 mile walk so much easier.  I figured food was available all along the course-which it was, including the chance to nip into the Co-op in Wendover, so that was one thing less to carry. And water bottles were generously provided at regular water stations along the route so again, I didn't need to carry them either. In fact, there wasn't even really a great need for that regular of hikers staple: the first aid kit, because members of the St John's ambulance were also supporting the days events and could be seen all along the course. This was a reflection on just how well organized the event was-everything was provided, even down to your transport back to your car, courtesy of Arriva buses and the drivers themselves who freely gave up their time.

As a local, it's a wonderful experience, because all of the Chiltern Hills I see every day on the horizon, now mean something. They are more then just hills. Places like White cross Hill, Pulpit Hill, and Coombe Hill are steep! And I have the aches in my feet and calf muscles to prove it!

Arriving at the top of the Beacon in Ivinghoe at about 4:30, to join many more walkers who were already at the top, we were presented with our medals.

It was such a good day, so cheers to Rennie Grove Hospice Care for all their hard work in organizing such wonderful event.

Finishing the Ridgeway

Yeeesssss! ( Arms aloft like a winning goalscorer with a particularly special overhead kick on FA cup final day) After a whole year-Yes, a whole year, finally finished the 87 mile Ridgeway! Drum roll please....thud, thud, thud, tshhh, BOOM! Feels good. smile emoticon Now, just the small matter of walking 10.5 miles back to the car. Hmm, that bit doesn't feel quite so good!