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| Far end of Perran Sands |
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| The Gannell |
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| Hueks Hut, Newquay |
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| Newquay |
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| Julie and Alfie |
Wednesday 31 July 2013
Day 5 - photos
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| Devils Frying pan, Cadgwith |
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| The Lizard, most southerly point in UK |
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| Porthleven Sands (bit blurry!) |
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| View from Porthleven |
Day 10 - Monday 29 July
26.2 miles from Porthcothan to Port Gaverne
Apologies for late posting – I was having lots of problems with accessing internet and with this blogger.
A much better day. I was joined by Richard from work who had run an 18/20 mile race the day before! The first half of the day was easy running to Padstow around Trevose Head and ???? and then up the Gannell River to Padstow. You don’t see Padstow at all from a distance. Padstow was packed with tourists and not very pleasant as they were all ambling around. We bought some water and then made a quick escape on the ferry across to Rock. From Rock around to Polzeath was easy walking although we did have a bit of a wander through the sand dunes. After Polzeath the path was still supposed to be easy, but I wouldn’t say it was easy. Lovely coastal views though. The last 3 miles to Port Isaac were supposed to be more challenging and they were, with a series of ups and downs. We were pleased to get to Port Isaac where again there were loads of tourists. We walked past Doc Martin’s house and I recognised a few other buildings from Doc Martin. Apparently they have just finished recording another series.
We walked on another ½ mile to Port Gaverne where Alan picked us up.
The forecast was for showers but we didn’t have any in spite of heavy showers elsewhere in Cornwall. In fact by the end of the day parts of me that the factor 50 had missed were quite red.
Tuesday 30 July 2013
Update
Everything is ok - just having problems with the blogger. Will try to post more detail tomorrow.
I should finish walk/run tomorrow
Sunday 28 July 2013
Day 9 - Sunday 28 July
About 26 miles (felt like 50!) from Trevaunance Cove to Porthcothan (north of Newquay)
Things didn't go quite according to plan today, I guess it had to happen sooner or later. I got to Perranporth in good time and thought I was going to go across the sandhills but part way along the path takes you down on to the beach and a long trudge along the sand. I saw lots of dead jelly fish at the high tide line.
After yesterday I wasn't that keen on sandhills, I now really don't like them! At Holywell Bay I had to cross the sand dunes but could not find any coastal footpath signs so I found my own route. It involved getting sand in my trainers, some big hills and going through lots of undergrowth so my trainers got wet too. I had also seen signs about adders in the sand dunes which made me nervous.
At Crantock I planned to take the boat ferry across the Gannell river, the only problem was that I missed the place that the ferry goes from and walked over a mile down the river before I realised. I had no alternative but to turn round and go back (or a 5 mile trudge around the river). Annoyingly the path that I had come down (and had to go back up) was overgrown and wet so my trainers got very wet. One good thing was that the boat driver donated the £1.20 fare to the charity.
The ferry took me into Newquay which was then a very long trudge, it seemed to never end. I eventually escaped from Newquay and at Watergate Bay I met up with Alan and our friends Julie and Alan. Julie kept me company on the last 7 miles to Porthcothan. We had a good catch up whilst walking.
In spite of all the negatives the paths were in the main good cliff top walking today peppered with a few hills.
We arrived at our B&B in Wadebridge only to find that we were not booked in until tomorrow (partly my fault partly their fault). We ended up at a B&B in Padstow (the mother of the lady in Wadebridge). As it is carnival week in Padstow it was difficult to find somewhere to eat, but we did eat eventually.
An eventful day - hopefully tomorrow will be more straightforward. I am being joined by Richard from work for 2 days, we plan to reach Port Isaac tomorrow.
No time to upload photos, will try to do so tomorrow.
Things didn't go quite according to plan today, I guess it had to happen sooner or later. I got to Perranporth in good time and thought I was going to go across the sandhills but part way along the path takes you down on to the beach and a long trudge along the sand. I saw lots of dead jelly fish at the high tide line.
After yesterday I wasn't that keen on sandhills, I now really don't like them! At Holywell Bay I had to cross the sand dunes but could not find any coastal footpath signs so I found my own route. It involved getting sand in my trainers, some big hills and going through lots of undergrowth so my trainers got wet too. I had also seen signs about adders in the sand dunes which made me nervous.
At Crantock I planned to take the boat ferry across the Gannell river, the only problem was that I missed the place that the ferry goes from and walked over a mile down the river before I realised. I had no alternative but to turn round and go back (or a 5 mile trudge around the river). Annoyingly the path that I had come down (and had to go back up) was overgrown and wet so my trainers got very wet. One good thing was that the boat driver donated the £1.20 fare to the charity.
The ferry took me into Newquay which was then a very long trudge, it seemed to never end. I eventually escaped from Newquay and at Watergate Bay I met up with Alan and our friends Julie and Alan. Julie kept me company on the last 7 miles to Porthcothan. We had a good catch up whilst walking.
In spite of all the negatives the paths were in the main good cliff top walking today peppered with a few hills.
We arrived at our B&B in Wadebridge only to find that we were not booked in until tomorrow (partly my fault partly their fault). We ended up at a B&B in Padstow (the mother of the lady in Wadebridge). As it is carnival week in Padstow it was difficult to find somewhere to eat, but we did eat eventually.
An eventful day - hopefully tomorrow will be more straightforward. I am being joined by Richard from work for 2 days, we plan to reach Port Isaac tomorrow.
No time to upload photos, will try to do so tomorrow.
Saturday 27 July 2013
Day 8 - Saturday 27 July
23.9 miles from Lelant to Trevaunance (near St Agnes).
Another excellent day on the coast. My running friend Jo and her Springer Katera joined me today. Weather just right. After a frustrating start trying to find our way through the Towans (sandhills), the day was a lovely mixture of good cliff top paths sprinkled with a few steep valleys. I ran much more than I have for several days and we made good time. I have to say that I was so glad to have company through the Towans otherwise I may still have been there trying to find my way out! Thank you, Jo.
My aunt and uncle met us at St Agnes Head and walked a little way with us. At the end at Trevaunance Cove we had a family gathering with my Mum, Alan, my aunt and Uncle, 2 cousins and their families. Lovely to see them all.
Just as we were finishing we could see ahead to Trevose Head which I will hopefully reach on Monday - it seemed a long way off. I should be joined by some friends tomorrow afternoon at Mawgan Porth.
Staying at my Mum's tonight and going out for a meal. Sarah and Mike are joining us this evening and Sarah will very kindly give my legs a well deserved
massage.
Another excellent day on the coast. My running friend Jo and her Springer Katera joined me today. Weather just right. After a frustrating start trying to find our way through the Towans (sandhills), the day was a lovely mixture of good cliff top paths sprinkled with a few steep valleys. I ran much more than I have for several days and we made good time. I have to say that I was so glad to have company through the Towans otherwise I may still have been there trying to find my way out! Thank you, Jo.
My aunt and uncle met us at St Agnes Head and walked a little way with us. At the end at Trevaunance Cove we had a family gathering with my Mum, Alan, my aunt and Uncle, 2 cousins and their families. Lovely to see them all.
Just as we were finishing we could see ahead to Trevose Head which I will hopefully reach on Monday - it seemed a long way off. I should be joined by some friends tomorrow afternoon at Mawgan Porth.
Staying at my Mum's tonight and going out for a meal. Sarah and Mike are joining us this evening and Sarah will very kindly give my legs a well deserved
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| Safely out of the Towans |
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| Godrevy Lighthouse |
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| Steep hill |
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| Another steep hill |
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| Jo and Katera |
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| Me and Katera, Chapel Porth in background |
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| Beaches merging into one |
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| The way forward for tomorrow |
Friday 26 July 2013
Day 7 - Friday 26 July
26.8 miles - from Sennen Cove to Lelant
Another fantastic day. I had been really worried about today as the coast from Pendeen to St Ives is very remote with no where for refreshments. Alan will confirm that I was really nervous yesterday evening - I think I was a bit of a pain!
I set off from Sennen at 6.30am - I had to run along the back of the beach which was a bit of a pain as I got sand in my trainers! There also seemed to be a snail convention going on, there were snails all over the path.
After about 4 miles I reached the coast near St Just where we have spent a couple of holidays recently. It seemed strange to pass by without visiting St Just itself. I am pretty sure that I saw choughs on this stretch of coast. I then passed into old mining territory - a lovely nostalgic part of the coast.
I met Alan and Alfie at Pendeen lighthouse the last place they could meet me. We filled up my water for the next 14 miles. I felt as if I was setting off into the unknown as the guidebooks desvribe this as the 2nd hardest section of the coast path in Cornwall. The next 14 miles were actually really enjoyable, the path was boggy at times and I got very close to a lot of granite boulders when I had to scramble over them, but it was good. My only concern was that I had to ration my water as I was worried that I was going to run out.
Just as I was coming into St Ives I bumped into Chris from work and his wife Jenny - they have been on holiday in St Ives for the last week. None of us could believe the coincidence that we had just bumped into each other. I went with them back to their lovely holiday cottage in the middle of St Ives.
I walked on (literally no running today) to Lelant where Alan and Alfie picked me up.
Tomorrow I will be joined by my running friend Jo and her Springer Katera who is much more well behaved than Alfie!
Another fantastic day. I had been really worried about today as the coast from Pendeen to St Ives is very remote with no where for refreshments. Alan will confirm that I was really nervous yesterday evening - I think I was a bit of a pain!
I set off from Sennen at 6.30am - I had to run along the back of the beach which was a bit of a pain as I got sand in my trainers! There also seemed to be a snail convention going on, there were snails all over the path.
After about 4 miles I reached the coast near St Just where we have spent a couple of holidays recently. It seemed strange to pass by without visiting St Just itself. I am pretty sure that I saw choughs on this stretch of coast. I then passed into old mining territory - a lovely nostalgic part of the coast.
I met Alan and Alfie at Pendeen lighthouse the last place they could meet me. We filled up my water for the next 14 miles. I felt as if I was setting off into the unknown as the guidebooks desvribe this as the 2nd hardest section of the coast path in Cornwall. The next 14 miles were actually really enjoyable, the path was boggy at times and I got very close to a lot of granite boulders when I had to scramble over them, but it was good. My only concern was that I had to ration my water as I was worried that I was going to run out.
Just as I was coming into St Ives I bumped into Chris from work and his wife Jenny - they have been on holiday in St Ives for the last week. None of us could believe the coincidence that we had just bumped into each other. I went with them back to their lovely holiday cottage in the middle of St Ives.
I walked on (literally no running today) to Lelant where Alan and Alfie picked me up.
Tomorrow I will be joined by my running friend Jo and her Springer Katera who is much more well behaved than Alfie!
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| Cape Cornwall |
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| St Ives |
Thursday 25 July 2013
Day 6 - Thursday 25 July
23.7 miles from Perranuthnoe to Sennen Cove. A fantastic day!
Strange to be by myself today after company for the last 3 days. I did however have Alfie for company for the first 9 miles, he was not very talkative though. The first 9 miles were flat and I managed to run a fair bit. I then passed our hotel and dropped Alfie back to Alan. I walked literally all of the remaining miles, the terrain was quite rough and included some scrambling through granite boulders in places. I was down to 25 minute miles a couple of times! I don't know what Jo, Richard and Dave are going to think of my slow pace when they join me over the next few days - my running legs have definitely left me but I can stride out really well!
The scenery today was again stunning. From Porthgwarra to just before Land's End in particular it was amazing - lovely granite cliffs, sandy beaches and clear torquise blue sea. Places for lunch were not plentiful and I ended up with a sausage roll at Porthgwarra.
Alan met me at Sennen, he had scrambled down to a dog friendly beach with Alfie and then they had been to Cape Cornwall .
Looking forward to another lovely meal at the hotel this evening. I must stock up on fuel as tomorrow's walk to St Ives will be remote with literally nowhere for refreshments. The scenery should be good though.
Strange to be by myself today after company for the last 3 days. I did however have Alfie for company for the first 9 miles, he was not very talkative though. The first 9 miles were flat and I managed to run a fair bit. I then passed our hotel and dropped Alfie back to Alan. I walked literally all of the remaining miles, the terrain was quite rough and included some scrambling through granite boulders in places. I was down to 25 minute miles a couple of times! I don't know what Jo, Richard and Dave are going to think of my slow pace when they join me over the next few days - my running legs have definitely left me but I can stride out really well!
The scenery today was again stunning. From Porthgwarra to just before Land's End in particular it was amazing - lovely granite cliffs, sandy beaches and clear torquise blue sea. Places for lunch were not plentiful and I ended up with a sausage roll at Porthgwarra.
Alan met me at Sennen, he had scrambled down to a dog friendly beach with Alfie and then they had been to Cape Cornwall .
Looking forward to another lovely meal at the hotel this evening. I must stock up on fuel as tomorrow's walk to St Ives will be remote with literally nowhere for refreshments. The scenery should be good though.
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| View of Mount's Bay |
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| Almost inmpossible to spot the path after some scrmabling |
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| A spot of woodland |
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| Penberth |
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| Beautiful granite cliffs |
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| Around the corner - crowds at Land's End |
Wednesday 24 July 2013
Day 5 - Wednesday 24 July
27.6 miles from Kennack Sands to Perranuthnoe.
Ideal weather today for running, a bit misty to start off with, a cool breeze and the sun came out a few times.
Alan dropped Jackie and I back to Kennack Sands for just after 7am. We made steady progress stopping at the Lizard (most southerly point in Britain) for some photos. It is much less touristy than Land's End.
We had some good cliff top running but did walk a good deal whilst admiring the scenery. Lots of lovely sandy beaches, most of them deserted even though it is the main holiday season.
It was the air day at RNAS Culdrose today so I saw quite a few helicopters and planes including the red arrows.
Lunch in Porthleven where Aland and Alfie joined us - had a lovely huge pannini which meant no running in the afternoon. Jackie left at lunch time, it seemed odd to be on my own again after have the company of Pete and Jackie over the last 3 days.
I have a fear of snakes and at one stage in the afternoon there was a sign warning of adders - I watched the path very carefully after that. Luckily all I saw was another little slow worm.
It started to rain just as I finished and has rained quite a bit. The weather forecast for tomorrow looks clear and not too hot which is good.
Very tired when I finished but revived after a soak in the bath. No blisters or other injuries so far (touch wood).
Having problems downloading photos from my phone - will try to post some tomorrow.
So lovely to have had company over the last 3 days - thank you so much Pete and Jackie.
Ideal weather today for running, a bit misty to start off with, a cool breeze and the sun came out a few times.
Alan dropped Jackie and I back to Kennack Sands for just after 7am. We made steady progress stopping at the Lizard (most southerly point in Britain) for some photos. It is much less touristy than Land's End.
We had some good cliff top running but did walk a good deal whilst admiring the scenery. Lots of lovely sandy beaches, most of them deserted even though it is the main holiday season.
It was the air day at RNAS Culdrose today so I saw quite a few helicopters and planes including the red arrows.
Lunch in Porthleven where Aland and Alfie joined us - had a lovely huge pannini which meant no running in the afternoon. Jackie left at lunch time, it seemed odd to be on my own again after have the company of Pete and Jackie over the last 3 days.
I have a fear of snakes and at one stage in the afternoon there was a sign warning of adders - I watched the path very carefully after that. Luckily all I saw was another little slow worm.
It started to rain just as I finished and has rained quite a bit. The weather forecast for tomorrow looks clear and not too hot which is good.
Very tired when I finished but revived after a soak in the bath. No blisters or other injuries so far (touch wood).
Having problems downloading photos from my phone - will try to post some tomorrow.
So lovely to have had company over the last 3 days - thank you so much Pete and Jackie.
Tuesday 23 July 2013
Day 4 - Tuesday 23 July
26.5 miles - starting at Pendennis Point (Falmouth) and finishing at Kennack Sands.
We set out at just after 7am, my Mum kindly dropped us off after a very early start for her (thanks Mum!).
Another day of stunning scenery, weather good too, quite breezy and sunny spells. We had 2 river crossings across the Helford River and Gillan Creek. The driver of the tiny boat at Gillan and his 'mate' were probably no more than 16! As in previous days we passed through some lovely little hamlets and villages.
The path was quite rough in places so apart from the first couple of miles where we had a long spell of running we did a lot of walking and a lot of talking as well as stops to take photos.
I have been worried about seeing snakes. We didn't see a snake today but we did see a small slow worm. We also saw a little lost dog, hopefully he found his owner again.
A really lovely day with Jackie.
We set out at just after 7am, my Mum kindly dropped us off after a very early start for her (thanks Mum!).
Another day of stunning scenery, weather good too, quite breezy and sunny spells. We had 2 river crossings across the Helford River and Gillan Creek. The driver of the tiny boat at Gillan and his 'mate' were probably no more than 16! As in previous days we passed through some lovely little hamlets and villages.
The path was quite rough in places so apart from the first couple of miles where we had a long spell of running we did a lot of walking and a lot of talking as well as stops to take photos.
I have been worried about seeing snakes. We didn't see a snake today but we did see a small slow worm. We also saw a little lost dog, hopefully he found his owner again.
A really lovely day with Jackie.
Monday 22 July 2013
Day 3 - Monday 22 July
About 28 miles, again the battery on my GPS watch expired before I had finished.
I was joined by my amazing running friend Pete. We left a misty Mevagissey at 6.30am. We passed through many lovely little hamlets and villages - Gorran Haven, East Portholland, Portholland and Portloe. We rounded 2 headlands, Dodman Point and Nare Head. After Nare Head we had lovely views of Gerrans Bay and all the lovely beaches. Also saw Caerhayes Castle and the lovely manor at Place.
There was a sea mist until about midday and the temperature was just right. I didn't really need the factor 50! We both got really wet feet as a lot of the path was through fields.
Had a cup ot tea and sum scrummy flapjack at Porthcurnick Beach near Portscatho. This is a beach that I went to a lot when I was young. I am pretty sure that we saw 2 seals in the sea near St Anthony.
Caught a ferry from Place to St Mawes where Pete left me to catch a bus. I then caught another ferry to Falmouth where I called in to see my nephew at Phones 4 U. I then walked tthrough Falmouth to Pendennis Point. A lovely day with more running than yesterday.
I have passed through so many lovely places that they are all beginning to blur into one.
Staying at my Mum's tonight and have been joined by my friend Jackie who has driven all the way from near London to join me tomorrow!
Will post photos tomorrow.
I was joined by my amazing running friend Pete. We left a misty Mevagissey at 6.30am. We passed through many lovely little hamlets and villages - Gorran Haven, East Portholland, Portholland and Portloe. We rounded 2 headlands, Dodman Point and Nare Head. After Nare Head we had lovely views of Gerrans Bay and all the lovely beaches. Also saw Caerhayes Castle and the lovely manor at Place.
There was a sea mist until about midday and the temperature was just right. I didn't really need the factor 50! We both got really wet feet as a lot of the path was through fields.
Had a cup ot tea and sum scrummy flapjack at Porthcurnick Beach near Portscatho. This is a beach that I went to a lot when I was young. I am pretty sure that we saw 2 seals in the sea near St Anthony.
Caught a ferry from Place to St Mawes where Pete left me to catch a bus. I then caught another ferry to Falmouth where I called in to see my nephew at Phones 4 U. I then walked tthrough Falmouth to Pendennis Point. A lovely day with more running than yesterday.
I have passed through so many lovely places that they are all beginning to blur into one.
Staying at my Mum's tonight and have been joined by my friend Jackie who has driven all the way from near London to join me tomorrow!
Will post photos tomorrow.
Sunday 21 July 2013
Day 2 - Sunday 21 July
Another lovely day on the coast with lots of stunning scenery especially between Polperro and Fowey. I think I covered about 27 miles but the battery on my GPS gave up at 24.5 miles. A slower day as I walked a lot, finishing in Mevagissey.
Generally the day was more eventful than yesterday:
Tomorrow I will be joined by my running friend Pete, I aim to reach Falmouth
Generally the day was more eventful than yesterday:
- I had to make a diversion to avoid a cow and her calf which were blocking the path. I then realised there was also a bull in the field.
- I lost the path at Par - not a very nice part of the path which ended up on the main road
- I saw a bracken fire at Black Head - there was a fire engine in the middle of a field
- I had my first ferry ride from Polruan to Fowey the nice 'driver' of the boat donated my fare to Breast Cancer Campaign
- I went through Daphne Du Maurier country and passed the edge of Menabilly where she lived
- Oh and I fell over and added some more grazes - I now have matching elbows
- A lovely lady in a cafe in Charlestown took pity on me (due to elbow) and gave me £5 for the charity
Tomorrow I will be joined by my running friend Pete, I aim to reach Falmouth
Saturday 20 July 2013
Day 1 - Saturday 20 July
I have had a lovely day on the coast starting at 6.00 and covering 25.25 miles. There has been a very welcome cooling breeze which took the edge off the temperature except for the last 20 minutes when I lost the sea breeze.
Alfie joined me for the first 6 miles, then Alan picked him up at Rame Head. I got to Portwrinkle before the cafe was open so ate an energy bar on a bench instead. I stopped at a lovely little cafe in Looe (Daisys) for an early lunch at about 11.00 and then met Alan at Talland, finishing at about 1pm. The views all day were amazing. We are staying at a pub at Pelynt tonight.
I did learn one thing and that was to check the Coastal footpath website for closures - the path was closed after Seaton which meant a long stretch and a big hill on the road. and an additional half mile or so in distance
According to the guide books, I cover the 2 hardest parts on the South Cornwall coast tomorrow. I also have my first ferry crossing from Polruan to Fowey.
Alfie joined me for the first 6 miles, then Alan picked him up at Rame Head. I got to Portwrinkle before the cafe was open so ate an energy bar on a bench instead. I stopped at a lovely little cafe in Looe (Daisys) for an early lunch at about 11.00 and then met Alan at Talland, finishing at about 1pm. The views all day were amazing. We are staying at a pub at Pelynt tonight.
I did learn one thing and that was to check the Coastal footpath website for closures - the path was closed after Seaton which meant a long stretch and a big hill on the road. and an additional half mile or so in distance
According to the guide books, I cover the 2 hardest parts on the South Cornwall coast tomorrow. I also have my first ferry crossing from Polruan to Fowey.
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| Sunrise |
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| Ready for the off at Cremyll |
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| How long is that tongue? |
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| Looking west towards Whitsand |
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| Looe |
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| Almost there for the day |
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| Looking back - you can just see Rame head |
Friday 19 July 2013
Ready to go
We are currently at a lovely B&B in Millbrook. I have eaten as much pasta as I can stomach, drinking water whilst watching Alan enjoy wine. Sitting on the patio now and chilling although I do not feel very relaxed.
Tomorrow I am aiming to walk/run from Cremyll to Talland between Looe and Polperro. Alfie will run the first part with me to Rame Head.
Hopefully I will remember to turn the tracker on. All I need to do is put one foot in front of the other and keep the sea on my left - sounds easy. Oh and not trip up like I did last weekend.
Tomorrow I am aiming to walk/run from Cremyll to Talland between Looe and Polperro. Alfie will run the first part with me to Rame Head.
Hopefully I will remember to turn the tracker on. All I need to do is put one foot in front of the other and keep the sea on my left - sounds easy. Oh and not trip up like I did last weekend.
Thursday 18 July 2013
Tracker!
With a lot of help from Liam (well ok - he did it!) I have set up a tracker device on my mobile phone. As long as I remember to turn it on you can track me/my phone at:
http://www.locationof.com/julietowers/map/
http://www.locationof.com/julietowers/map/
Wednesday 17 July 2013
Almost ready for the off
Less than 3 days now before I start my coastal challenge. I am sorry to all sunlovers but I am hoping that the weather cools down a bit before |Saturday morning. I am just going to have to get up really early in the morning before it gets too hot.
If I can post them I am going to add some photos from my training runs on the coast. Thank you to my running friend Jo and her Springer Katera for their company.
If I can post them I am going to add some photos from my training runs on the coast. Thank you to my running friend Jo and her Springer Katera for their company.
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| Jo and Katera near Bude |
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| North of Bude |
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| Wet day near Boscastle |
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| Wet dog (Alfie) |
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| Near Tintagel |
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| Spot the Springer |
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| Hot day - Rame Head |
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| Near St Anthony - beautiful clear water |
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