Friday 6 May 2011

finally found internet access

Paulette says:
My coast2coast started and finished at St bees.  After hurting my ankle on the beach and after much deliberation, i decided that i would not walk for the first few days.  the lakes district section is the most difficult and i did not want to get into any trouble.  fortunately for us merryl's sister is with us for the first 10 days so merryl did not have to walk on her own.  i have been fortunate to hitch a ride each section with the sherpa van driver.  i am waiting to see how it feels after a few days, luckily i am in a beautiful part of the world so there is much to see and do.  we have talked about the situation and if there is not enough improvement we have plan b which will be disclosed if the need arises.  my friend hilary from wales joined us yesterday and we have had a great day with her on the bus visiting other areas of the lakes district.  even though i have been very disappointed it is still great to be here and i have lots more to look forward to.  i am worried about the amount of eating we are doing, especially as i am not doing enough exercise.
will be in touch again soon.

Merryl says she will write next, she has too much to say, but is more interested in eating tea first.  i guess she deserves it, she is doing all the work.

Merryl and Janny say: 
First Day - St Bees to Low Cock How Farm - 19 km!!!
Beautiful sunny day around the coast.  Wished our day was over at Cleator (13.5km).  Didn't know what was ahead - a 405m climb up Dent Fell!!  Going up was OK, but coming down was a knee wrecker, toe squisher steep descent.  After a seemingly long walk along the valley we very thankfully arrived at the farm where a fellow traveller made us a welcome cup of tea.

Day 2 - Farm to Ennerdale YHA - 9 km
Set off on another beautful sunny day feeling confident that 9km would be a piece of cake!  And that we would be at the Hostel in about 3 hrs just in time for lunch.  We had recovered well from the day before due to great farmhouse cooking and  stretching exercises.  Merryl says she is not sure about following Janny's fooststeps as she was led down a deep crevasse (Janny says it was only 2 foot) from which there was nearly no return.  Clambered our way to safety and up over the high route. 
Walking along the bank of Enderdale Water was deceiving, as rough rocky ground made the going slow, so lunch was late.

Day 3 - Ennerdale YHA to Borrowdale YHA - 16km
A not so sunny day but no rain.  Easy walk along a road to Black Sail YHA, a trip down memory lane for Merryl as she had been here 25 years ago.  It looks the same. 
Next part was a slow 340m climb alongside a brook to the fells above (read creek for brook and hill for fell).  A not so quite knee wrecking descent brought us down to the beautiful Borrowdale Valley.  Green grass, little black lambs and lovely green oak, silver birch and beech.
A Radox foot bath was enjoyed by all of us.

Day 4 - Rest Day at Borrowdale
Spent the day with Hillary a friend of Paulette's.  Caught a bus to Buttermere.  Scones and clotted cream and Lakeland icecream - YUM!

Conclusion: - Enjoying ourselves and meeting many interesting people :)

8 comments:

  1. Glad you're enjoying your visit! Pity about Paulette's ankle, but at least it gives the excuse to take it easy and enjoy the sights. Wish we could make the time to do the expedition, perhaps we will one day! Hope the weather stays favourable! Cheerio, The Cliffes

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  2. Hi,

    Congratulations on making a start. Hope Paulette's ankle recovers enuf to do some walking once Jan heads back to the home comforts with Darian and Kate. Bet walking William be a breeze after this.

    EnjoY GuYS
    David & Di

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  3. Hi Merryl
    Great to be able to keep up with what you are doing. Good on all of you. You must be extremely proud of yourselves.

    Take care and enjoy every experience
    Jen and Ron

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  4. hello you lucky pair 'am green with envy it was minus 4 here today would love to be there if only to torment jaaan heh heh ....lynne and peter

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  5. Hi M & P
    Was great to see the photo's Jan sent.
    Continue to enjoy!!even if a bit different.
    Luv Mum++

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  6. Hey Merryl & Paulette Wow wish I was there. Would love to have a go!! Hope the injury heals & you can continue. Be safe Love Barb

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  7. Hi Merryl, sounds like your having fun? Mum and I have been thinking of you injoy the journey. stay safe love Janice & Naomi (from across the street):)

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  8. Mum says - so glad you are still seeing lots.
    All is well here. Love.

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