Well since we got home from Yorkshire they have been well and truly bogged down in paperwork and administration. Not too sorry to be restricted to my normal 5 miles a day, as the weather has been foul. However, today they decided to pack our rucksacks. Trauma. Heavy. Bulky. Reconsider contents! They're talking again now and my 2Kg doesn't feel too bad compared to their 10+ but I think there is still some negotiating to do.
In the absence of anything interesting I thought I might start to tell you about the Coast to Coast. This is a walk from St Bees on the Cumbrian coast to Robin Hoods Bay on the Yorkshire Coast. Approx 192 miles, but a few more in our case. We started it last August.
We stayed overnight in Kirby Stephen which is roughly halfway, and caught the Packhorse minibus service first thing in the morning from the campsite at the top of the village. After we had sedated dad in order to extract his car keys so that we could leave the car there (more trauma), we stowed our gear in the back.
The very nice man at Packhorse had made sure that we were sitting near the front so that there was plenty of room for me to lie down. The best laid plans and all that - the lady on the other side of the aisle was bitten by a collie 5000 years ago and was terrified of me. Now as anybody who knows me will tell you, I am a very good girl, but I am just a tad enthusiastic with my meet and greet. So the first five minutes were interesting (and painful in the collar area). Anyway, we all got over it and she's now one of my very best friends..........but she's still frightened of collies.
When coasters reach St Bees it's customary to walk to the sea and put your toe in, and pick up a pebble to drop at the other end. (I can't help feeling that 23rd century geologists are going to scratch their heads on this one) Mum went trotting off. Dad and I looked at each other. We looked at the tide half a mile out. Looked at each other again, and decided not to bother. It wasn't until she turned to say something as she dipped her toe, that she realised we weren't there! Oops!!
When she got back, we started the walk proper.
Thursday, 30 January 2014
Tuesday, 28 January 2014
Time to go home
We've had a fantastic time in the Dales. The weather has been so kind and we have been out most days. Mum reckons we've clocked up about 150 miles, which isn't bad for short days.
Today we had an amazing experience at Snaizholme Forest, watching the red squirrels, we saw 8 all at once. Mum was beside herself!
It's been quite eventful but he highlight has to be dad falling in the river.
Back home now they're tackling the mountain of paperwork that has accumulated. More accommodation to book and it seems to be getting increasingly difficult to find places that will take me - what's the matter with them all?
Some research to be done on some baggage transfer. This decision seems to have been made without discussion and nobody's arguing!
Similarly, the rail tickets have been cancelled in favour of a hire car - much more convenient and even more economical.
We are having boxes sent out to us at intervals along the way, so those have to be packed and labelled up ready too. So much easier without my food - thanks Burns.
Rucksacks to be packed and weighed - and then emptied of all unnecessary items such as kitchen sinks and the like.
So lots to do, and more training to fit in - should keep them quiet for a few days.
Don't forget
SPREAD THE WORD
M
xx
Today we had an amazing experience at Snaizholme Forest, watching the red squirrels, we saw 8 all at once. Mum was beside herself!
It's been quite eventful but he highlight has to be dad falling in the river.
Back home now they're tackling the mountain of paperwork that has accumulated. More accommodation to book and it seems to be getting increasingly difficult to find places that will take me - what's the matter with them all?
Some research to be done on some baggage transfer. This decision seems to have been made without discussion and nobody's arguing!
Similarly, the rail tickets have been cancelled in favour of a hire car - much more convenient and even more economical.
We are having boxes sent out to us at intervals along the way, so those have to be packed and labelled up ready too. So much easier without my food - thanks Burns.
Rucksacks to be packed and weighed - and then emptied of all unnecessary items such as kitchen sinks and the like.
So lots to do, and more training to fit in - should keep them quiet for a few days.
Don't forget
SPREAD THE WORD
M
xx
Friday, 17 January 2014
Dad's day (not!)
I wasn't going to write on the blog today. However......
After yesterday's 16 mile marathon, they decided we would have an easier day today and managed to leave me to lie in until 7.30! For goodness sake we're supposed to be on holiday.
So we slopped through the paddy fields for a few hours and when we got back to the start point, he thought it would be a good idea to put me in the river to clean me up. I suppose it's not a bad theory, saves his precious car getting dirty and I'm spared the dreaded hosepipe. Imagine my delight then, when he fell in. Hah!!! Result
Mum's never got the camera when she really needs it - shame!
Anyway, he cleaned himself up whilst mum sorted me out - ooh she does a lovely rub! And she said "well never mind, we can go to the Wensleydale Creamery for a nice cheese on toast and a cup of tea." I thought "um, more zzz Grommit"
It really hasn't been his day, because when we got there at 2.30 (having had to go home for his complete change of clothes), the restaurant had closed in preparation for the visitor centre being closed at 3.00. Pleased -not.
Today's HIGHLIGHT - looking up to see dad on all fours, in the river, nose to nose with me. Yeah!
Spread the word
M
xx
After yesterday's 16 mile marathon, they decided we would have an easier day today and managed to leave me to lie in until 7.30! For goodness sake we're supposed to be on holiday.
So we slopped through the paddy fields for a few hours and when we got back to the start point, he thought it would be a good idea to put me in the river to clean me up. I suppose it's not a bad theory, saves his precious car getting dirty and I'm spared the dreaded hosepipe. Imagine my delight then, when he fell in. Hah!!! Result
Mum's never got the camera when she really needs it - shame!
Anyway, he cleaned himself up whilst mum sorted me out - ooh she does a lovely rub! And she said "well never mind, we can go to the Wensleydale Creamery for a nice cheese on toast and a cup of tea." I thought "um, more zzz Grommit"
It really hasn't been his day, because when we got there at 2.30 (having had to go home for his complete change of clothes), the restaurant had closed in preparation for the visitor centre being closed at 3.00. Pleased -not.
Today's HIGHLIGHT - looking up to see dad on all fours, in the river, nose to nose with me. Yeah!
Spread the word
M
xx
Thursday, 16 January 2014
Training
I really want this dogblog to be positive and entertaining, but occasionally I will need to make a serious comment.
I would like to say to the owner of the boxer who attacked mum and I today (and every other dog owner, for that matter). If your dog does not respond to your command (particularly when you can't see it!), it is out of control and IT SHOULD BE ON A LEAD.
We're alright thanks to dad, but it could have been nasty.
Yesterday was not a very nice day, so we all got into the dog-mobile and went to Richmond to get them measured for some new boots for halfway. Dad got his, but mum had to order hers.
Today was much nicer so we set out across the tops to Castle Bolton and back. It was very muddy. I know, I'm a sheepdog, but I don't see why I should have to walk through mud, I do have standards. Besides, I'm not stupid, I know full well, that if I'm dirty when I get home, there is a firm appointment with a hosepipe. Brrrrr
Every day should have a HIGHLIGHT. Today's is the splendid news that those brilliant people at Burns Pet Nutrition are going to provide and deliver my food throughout the walk. This is such good news and solves quite a few headaches for mum and dad and saves me having to pull a trailer all the way (as if). I have been on Burns for a few months now and my coat is shiny and bright and I'm brimming with energy.
He's got the maps out again, so I'm guessing there's another trot round tomorrow - time for bed said Zebedee. Who??
M
xx
Spread the word!
I would like to say to the owner of the boxer who attacked mum and I today (and every other dog owner, for that matter). If your dog does not respond to your command (particularly when you can't see it!), it is out of control and IT SHOULD BE ON A LEAD.
We're alright thanks to dad, but it could have been nasty.
Yesterday was not a very nice day, so we all got into the dog-mobile and went to Richmond to get them measured for some new boots for halfway. Dad got his, but mum had to order hers.
Today was much nicer so we set out across the tops to Castle Bolton and back. It was very muddy. I know, I'm a sheepdog, but I don't see why I should have to walk through mud, I do have standards. Besides, I'm not stupid, I know full well, that if I'm dirty when I get home, there is a firm appointment with a hosepipe. Brrrrr
Every day should have a HIGHLIGHT. Today's is the splendid news that those brilliant people at Burns Pet Nutrition are going to provide and deliver my food throughout the walk. This is such good news and solves quite a few headaches for mum and dad and saves me having to pull a trailer all the way (as if). I have been on Burns for a few months now and my coat is shiny and bright and I'm brimming with energy.
He's got the maps out again, so I'm guessing there's another trot round tomorrow - time for bed said Zebedee. Who??
M
xx
Spread the word!
Tuesday, 14 January 2014
Well we're now in the Yorkshire Dales doing some much needed training. The first three days have gone well, the weather has been kind, cold but dry.
We started from Hawes this morning where we bought a new flask (her of the pixie ears had forgotten ours) and asked a very nice lady in a nearby cafe to fill it for us.
All around Hawes were lots of very very very (mum - stop putting extra verys in) fit young men who were undertaking the Montane Spine challenge. The first part of this, the leg from Edale to Hawes (108 miles) has to be completed within 60hours. The winner completed it in 29 hours. The remainder of the race is across the rest of The Pennine Way finishing in Kirk Yeltholm. This, by the way, is merely a heat for a more serious effort elsewhere. WOW!!
Mum said she thought our 11 days to Hawes was much more sensible, but it does put it into perspective.
He let slip today, that on the Pennine Way, we climb approx. 36000 feet. It's news to us, but then the Coast to Coast was only supposed to be a walk to the beach.
We stopped for coffee, where a lady said "I've got a collie but MINE'S a sheep dog and stays on the farm. Dad was straight in. "She's a sheepdog too. She's on holiday training to walk from Lands End to John O Groats"................that shut her up!
I've been asked to do a video diary. Still struggling with the keyboard a bit for the blog, but will try to master that too.
Don't forget - spread the word
Mx
We started from Hawes this morning where we bought a new flask (her of the pixie ears had forgotten ours) and asked a very nice lady in a nearby cafe to fill it for us.
All around Hawes were lots of very very very (mum - stop putting extra verys in) fit young men who were undertaking the Montane Spine challenge. The first part of this, the leg from Edale to Hawes (108 miles) has to be completed within 60hours. The winner completed it in 29 hours. The remainder of the race is across the rest of The Pennine Way finishing in Kirk Yeltholm. This, by the way, is merely a heat for a more serious effort elsewhere. WOW!!
Mum said she thought our 11 days to Hawes was much more sensible, but it does put it into perspective.
He let slip today, that on the Pennine Way, we climb approx. 36000 feet. It's news to us, but then the Coast to Coast was only supposed to be a walk to the beach.
We stopped for coffee, where a lady said "I've got a collie but MINE'S a sheep dog and stays on the farm. Dad was straight in. "She's a sheepdog too. She's on holiday training to walk from Lands End to John O Groats"................that shut her up!
I've been asked to do a video diary. Still struggling with the keyboard a bit for the blog, but will try to master that too.
Don't forget - spread the word
Mx
Saturday, 4 January 2014
Amendment
Madge says I need to put right the 'double pneumonia' bit - He's had man flu. Normally known as a cold. Apologies to all those who have been truly poorly over Christmas and New Year and commiserations to those who have had husbands with A COLD!!!!
Lesson learnt
J
Lesson learnt
J
Friday, 3 January 2014
Happy New Year
We have had the most fabulous Christmas (thanks so much Uncle Jim and Auntie Jo), and then an amazing New Year at the CB in Arkengarthdale. Dad said it was good training, walking to the bar and back so frequently. If he'd asked me, I could have rounded the Black Sheep up for him.
I've just been out with dad to make sure all my sheep are OK, and it's clear to us all that we need to get on with some serious training and get down to the nitty gritty.
First of all though we need to shake off mum's cold and dad's double pneumonia!!
The route is decided, although with all these floods we are looking at potential alternatives in some areas, just in case.
The gear is all purchased and largely tested. My coat is very comfortable and keeps most of me dry, the content in my rucksack is gradually being increased (don't know why they can't carry everything for me), and my portable bed is very comfortable (although not memory foam). I'm not convinced about the 'wellies'. When I was fitted for them, and I had to walk round the shop, mum said I looked as if I was on ballet points. Still they may come in in an emergency and that's what they are all about.
We have booked some of our accommodation, although this week dad is going to concentrate on booking round the Bank Holidays, Pennine Way, West Highland Way, and hot spots along the route. Mum and I are going to have a lie down, watch all the holiday tele, and polish off the christmas chocolates. Ho ho ho!!! Some chance
Whilst we have been away, we have been prioritising the To Do list, and there is a lot to do. Mum's first job was to order dad's Senior Railcard, of course she's far too young to have one of those!!
Happy days
Please share the blog with as many people as possible. The more the merrier.
Wishing you all a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.
Mx
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I've just been out with dad to make sure all my sheep are OK, and it's clear to us all that we need to get on with some serious training and get down to the nitty gritty.
First of all though we need to shake off mum's cold and dad's double pneumonia!!
The route is decided, although with all these floods we are looking at potential alternatives in some areas, just in case.
The gear is all purchased and largely tested. My coat is very comfortable and keeps most of me dry, the content in my rucksack is gradually being increased (don't know why they can't carry everything for me), and my portable bed is very comfortable (although not memory foam). I'm not convinced about the 'wellies'. When I was fitted for them, and I had to walk round the shop, mum said I looked as if I was on ballet points. Still they may come in in an emergency and that's what they are all about.
We have booked some of our accommodation, although this week dad is going to concentrate on booking round the Bank Holidays, Pennine Way, West Highland Way, and hot spots along the route. Mum and I are going to have a lie down, watch all the holiday tele, and polish off the christmas chocolates. Ho ho ho!!! Some chance
Whilst we have been away, we have been prioritising the To Do list, and there is a lot to do. Mum's first job was to order dad's Senior Railcard, of course she's far too young to have one of those!!
Happy days
Please share the blog with as many people as possible. The more the merrier.
Wishing you all a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.
Mx
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