Good Morning, having a flick round the internet before I get off my bum and do something. Noticed this on Twitter which might be of interest to some people in the UK, especially those who love walking. Yesterday was the start of The Great Big Walk, organised by the Eden Project. It's aim is for five groups of people to walk five different routes starting at Batley Yorkshire, in 21 days. They will be stopping off along the way meeting people at community events. Destinations are Scotland, Ireland, Wales, the South West, and London. Have a look at the web site to see if they are coming your way, you might want to go out and cheer them on.
Here is a little video
They are not coming past my neck of the woods, but no matter, I am happy to walk alone, but if you are looking for company, see if they are coming your way. Anything that promotes walking for exercise has got to be a win win situation.
Catch you later. Toodle pip Second post done, no more today. xxx
Good morning. I am getting into the habit of having an hour on the computer while eating breakfast, and if it is sunny, I then switch off and get on with other things. Today is looking promising, sunshine all around. I have a quick look at the papers, a flit around the forums, a peek at the blogs, and a nosy at the tweets and facebook.
You might get get fed up of me going on about healthy eating and walking, I do witter on a bit, but every so often I read an article which I totally agree with. I've watched quite a few of Dr Michael Mosley's programmes, he talks good sense. This article caught my attention in the Daily Wail this morning. You have to skim through a lot of headlines to find anything useful in that paper. The NHS spends millions fighting type 2 diabetes, when the simple cure is exercise. He urges everyone to get off their backsides.
Yes, you know all about that, but are you doing it? Right now I am going to remove my bum from this chair and get on with being busy. I need to go and pay a bill, I need to collect Heidi's tablets from the vet. I need to buy a few essential items. I need to cut my hair. I need to get a load of washing out on the line.
Hello. It's that time again, the first of the month when I hand over this page to the Walking Group, who check in with their miles for the previous months. I'm leaving it up to you to do a running total, so if you could post your miles for January and February here, I will be well chuffed. You can come back to this post at any time if you miss it today, this is where we all chat about how we are doing with our own personal challenges.
Here is my chart, I finished off tonight with two miles to make it a round two hundred. You can see I missed three days, but made it up by doing extra on other days. I have a two and a three mile walk around my village, that can give me 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 miles. On the day I did 8 miles, I added an extra bit onto it and walked a bit further.
We are two months into it now, those who did it last year will be a picture of health and feeling pretty darn good. If you started this year, you should be feeling a bit better, the longer you do it the fitter you become. Don't expect miracles, don't give up because you think it isn't making any difference to your fitness levels. It will come if you give it time. If you have fallen behind a bit, give yourself a kick up the backside, and make up your mind to get stuck in. Make March the month you will succeed. No matter how much I nag you, ultimately it's down to you.
Thanks for popping in, we'll catch up soon. Toodle pip
Hello. Just popping in tonight to remind our Walking Group members that you have one day left to the end of the month. How's it going, have you achieved your targets, or have you been slacking. Ok, it's a short month, I'll let you off if you are a few miles short, but I hope you make an effort next month to catch up.
I am on target to hit the 100 miles again, after doing one longer walk, and adding extra miles onto my daily walks.
69 members signed up for the Walk 1000 miles in one year challenge, at the beginning of January. I am pleased to say that 53 people checked in with their January miles, on the 1st of February post. A jolly good effort. Are we going to get all 69 people checking in on the 1st of March with their total miles? It would be brilliant to see every single person making an effort.
This format will go on for the whole year, checking in on the 1st post of every month. If you miss it don't worry, you can go back to that post at any time during the month to add your miles.
We had such a lot of members staying with it for the whole of the 2016 challenge, lets see if we can increase it for this year.
To feel the benefits of any exercise it should be a continual process. Not just for the New Year, not just for getting in shape for holidays, and not for a few weeks in the summer when the weather is warmer. It is proven that regular exercise is beneficial for the mind as well as the body. Feeling fed up? Get out for a walk, or a run. or a cycle, or a swim.
I often meet other people walking and running around my village. I stopped to chat this morning with a young mum who was pushing her baby in a buggy. I have seen her running. She tells me that she runs 5k five times a week, and feels absolutely great afterwards. She has run several marathons, and she looks as fit as a fiddle, no sign of a mummy tummy.
My walking buddy Paul does a lot of cycling, he goes out at every opportunity, and is very fit for a 53 year old. There is also Christopher who was overweight, he has lost a couple of stone through watching what he eats, and cycling almost every day. Any exercise has to be good for you.
Thanks for popping in, we'll catch up soon. Toodle pip
Hello. It was such a lovely day today that I had to go out for a walk. I decided to go to town and check in at the Art Gallery. They have a couple of new exhibitions on, and they have recently had to re arrange the Open Exhibition because of falling masonry from the old church building. The pictures, including one of mine, are now in the new part of the building.
Walking out of the village I took a path across a field. Many of the fields round here have been given over to growing turf. It must be a profitable crop as they have been producing it for a few years now.
A short stretch of wood to go through.
Then out the other side along a very boggy track. It was easier to walk along the edge of the field rather than plod through the mud.
Past the fishing pond. No one about, probably out of season now.
Then a stretch along the road , and along a footpath past the large pond. This is where Rocky used to go swimming. There is a video of him swimming in the video page, click on the link above.
The pond was part of the Old Steelworks, they took ages to dig all the pollution out of it and turn it into a haven for wildlife.
This notice was pinned to the gate. I am too late to protest about the planning application to allow jet skiing on it. I hope they are refused. There is a jet ski lake on the other side of town, I don't know why they want to come here.
Coming into Scunthorpe, I was saddened to see how filthy it was. Rubbish all along the verges, it looks a proper dump. Two people came out of a driveway, drinking cola from cans. They walked in my direction just in front of me. They had only taken a couple of swigs and decided they didn't want them, so tossed the half full cans onto a small patch of communal garden. Disgusting yobbish behaviour. I wasn't going to challenge them because they looked the kind of people who would give you a mouthful of abuse. The whole area round there is run down, no one takes any pride in their surroundings any more. It's quite depressing to see.
I got the 4.30pm bus back from town. Five and a half miles are added to my total.
Dinner was cheap and quick tonight. A packet of Pasta and Sauce Macaroni Cheese, from Aldi, about 39p I think, can't remember exactly. I don't normally buy this, but I thought it would be a change, and handy to have if I didn't feel like cooking. Topped with some garlicky mushrooms. Tasted lovely.
I took some photo's in the Art Gallery, I'll put them on asap. Now I'm going to relax. Thanks for popping in. Enjoy your Sunday, I'm out for the day visiting rellies. Toodle pip
Hello. Here is a full list of Walking Group members. I will copy and paste the list on the first of every month, to remind everyone who has signed up for it. Members should check in on the first of every month with their own mileage in a comment. Please do your own running total adding the months together so I don't have to do your sums for you. Don't worry if you are late, you can check in at any time but to keep it all in the same place please go to the post on the first of the month. To find it refer to the archive list on the sidebar. There are 69 names on the list.
Amanda in Atlanta - Dinky Jenny - Blue eyes Sue - Shoestring Jane - Amanda - Sally C - Michelle - Margaret in Maryland - Hazel Dxb - Joan in Michigan - Nanny Anna in Canada - Donna from Illinois - Betsy in Baltimore - Boxgrove Girl - Cherie K - Judlike - Juless61 - DixieChick - Frugal in Bucks - Frugal in the Valley - Beachcomber Sue - Kateonthecoast - Jan - alicesav - Trish - Shelly Williams - Sarah Cornwall - Jane J Robinson - PinkFish Sue - Natalie - Scarlett - Ray Nicholson - Jools - Helen Graham - Catriona - Wendy Wdc - Jayne - Patricia Montreal - Odette - Michelle Colorado - Christine Phipps - Kaye Schmitz - Jane C - Vampire Heart - Vicki E Yorks - Christine Neumann - Wanda - Kath K - Dunhamlass - Emma - Lori in Alaska - Linda Martin - Lorraine Washington - Hilde - Hilogene - Nick - Hazel C - Amy in Florida - Sue - Yorkshire Lass - Helen D - Becky - Michele in Australia - Sonja Nth Carolina - Lo - Louise Houghton - Tricia - Wences I have reached 100 miles, a target I set myself in the middle of January. Here's how I did it.
I see someone has commented already in yesterdays post. I can copy and paste it in here, but your name will not show as a link.
Good luck everyone, lets have some numbers. Tell us how you are getting on, the highs and lows, how you feel, fitter or knackered, ha ha. If you are thinking about doing this get off your bum and take the plunge. Do it for yourself, make an effort to fit it in with your daily routine. You know it makes sense. I can add your name to the list on March the 1st.
Thanks for popping in, we'll catch up soon. Toodle pip
Hello. Are you ready for the big one? The WALK 1000 MILES CHALLENGE.. It's the 1st of January and this is where we all start. Choose your boots or your trainers depending on the terrain. I use trainers for walking on tarmac around my village, and boots when on tracks and rough footpaths. Make sure you have the right footwear. Note - my home made shoe rack made out of pallets.
So, let's go through the rules. You can walk wherever you like, whenever you like, the aim is to complete the 1000 miles by December 31st 2017. You can break it down to 2.73 miles a day, I have two measured routes of two and three miles, from my front door. This takes me 35 minutes for two miles, and 50 minutes for three miles. I like to do a fairly brisk walk, a saunter or stroll will not do, I aim to work up a bit of a sweat. Sometimes it's cold when I set out but after ten minutes the heart starts pumping a bit harder and I warm up. When I get back I am ready to peel off some clothes.
The monthly total to aim for is 84 miles. If you are somewhere near that figure that will be fine. Some months you will do more, and some less. If over several months you find you are dropping back, you will have to put more effort in to catch up.
You can ignore the daily and monthly totals, and take on some long walks if you like. When on a walking holiday you could walk ten miles a day for eight days and have the rest of the month off.
Of course all this walking will depend on how fit you are, how much you have done in the past, and how much time you can give to it. If you are working full time can you incorporate walking too and from your workplace into your schedule. If not, can you walk during your lunch break.
There will be some people who will not be physically able to 1000 miles. That's ok, it isn't a competition or a race. Set yourself a lower target, even if it is one mile a day. The aim of this is to at least get you doing some exercise. Anyone who has sever mobility problems should consult their doctor first for advice. They may be able to embark on a different exercise routine, eg, swimming, aerobics, or yoga.
You will be checking your own mileage, it's up to you how you do this. Some people use a pedometer, or a fitbit. I use a web site, Bikehike.co.uk Toggle map sizes so the larger OS map is on the right hand side and use your mouse to plot out your route either before or after you have walked.
You can count any miles that you walk in the course of a normal day. I don't know how steps convert to distance, you will have to work that out for yourself. I prefer to count only the miles I set out to walk for the challenge. I don't count in shopping or dog walking, unless it's a big dog that's going to pull me along pretty fast.
On the first of every month you can check in with your miles walked over the previous month. Put this in a comment, then it is all on one blog post. It doesn't matter if you don't get it in on time, it can be updated any day in the month, just go back to the post on the 1st and put it in. This is the only record, there won't be a separate page. So, to start you can comment on this post to say you are in, and for the first day of every month after is where you check in. I want to see those numbers rising.
You will be full of enthusiasm when you start, that's how New Year Resolutions work. A few weeks or months into it you will wonder what you let yourself in for. You will then look for excuses not to do it, and start missing days. Haven't got time, got to go shopping, got to pick the kids up, need to get your hair done, etc etc. If you are opting to walk daily, it is better to build that time into your daily routine and find a slot for it. I am thinking now I had better get off my bum and do it now. If you are struggling, tell the rest of the group. Don't just stop and say stuff it, I can't be bothered. You will feel the benefits if you stick at it. Sore feet, try different footwear. Aching leg muscles, hot bath and massage.
Here's a little bit of inspiration to get you started.
Thanks for popping in, we'll catch up soon. Toodle pip
PS. I think there are still some mileage totals for December to come in. When I have them I will have a complete list for 2016.
Hello. There were a few questions on my diet, snacking, and size, yesterday which I will answer here. Thank you to the readers who asked.
Have I always been slim? I was a skinny kid and a skinny teenager which stayed the same well into my late twenties. I did put on some weight after that due to eating crappy snacks while out driving a truck. In the early days I didn't do packups, that was my downfall, I went in shops and bought crisps, pop, biscuits, and chocolates. I wasn't very organized then due to working 12 hour days. One thing I never did was to pull in a cafe and have a truckers breakfast like many of my male counterparts did. I'm sure later many of them would come to regret that. At one point I was approaching 11 stone, which worried me, because my clothes were getting too tight. My skin was horrible too, sallow and spotty. Eventually I saw the light and thought this can't go on, I have to take my own food with me. Thankfully I lost a few pounds. I have never consciously dieted.
My weight dropped a bit too low when they found a large cyst on my right ovary at age 59. I was concerned that I was becoming very skinny. Thankfully after an operation to remove it, I gained a bit of weight to a more healthy level, and I have been able to maintain that.
Do I snack between meals? Most of the time I don't feel the need to because I try to eat only when I'm hungry. I don't snack for the sake of snacking, just because it's there. Snacks to me are a treat, only to be eaten on odd occasions. My meals are substantial enough to keep me going. I know people say watch your portion size if you are trying to lose weight, but I say you can eat as much as you like if it is not 'bad' food. Look how I pile my plate high with vegetables and salad. I do believe all the accompaniments that go with meals bump up the calories. Gravy, sauces, pastry, dumplings, Yorkshire puddings, all not necessary. And if you have to eat meat only go for the leanest, smallest piece you can find. Avoid fatty cheap cuts, avoid sausages, and avoid any processed frozen pies and pasties. In fact I believe all meat is bad for you, but I am not going to get into the veggie v carnivore argument, it's all been said before.
I have to admit to opening the fridge door and having a couple of cream crackers with cheese. I might have a yogurt, or a banana to keep me going. I might have a single slice of seeded bread with a smear of lemon curd. Or I might have half a tin of rice pudding. I quite often bring a meal forward an hour if I am feeling hungry, or delay a meal if I am still slightly full from the last one. Mealtimes are not set in stone here. As regards snacking, there is so much crap out there, it makes shopping a lot easier if you avoid going down those aisles anyway.
Do I consciously watch what I eat? Yes, I do. I am always aware of what I am putting into my mouth. I know in my mind what is good food and what is bad. I don't go out very much socially so I am not drawn into eating with other people. I don't believe you have to have a starter and a pudding with a meal, just the meal is enough for me. And as for a cheese board, that's plain daft. If I am caught out feeling a bit peckish while I am out, I will look for the smallest snack I can find. They have a small nutty bar in B & M for 19p. I don't have a coffee and cake while I'm out, too many calories. I never have takeaways, never go into burger bars and suchlike. I have been known to hurry back home because I need to eat.
Can we have a more detailed recipe for the veg and blue cheese concoction? I usually start off a meal like that in a medium size pan with chopped onion, mushrooms, and spinach. Soften in a spoon of oil. Then I add whatever vegetables I need to use up, chopped small to reduce cooking time. Throw in any spices I have, then add fruit juice and/or water or both, simmer till soft, add cheese before serving. That's about it, I make it up as I go along.
Is there any hope for the rest of us? Certainly is. If you are not under the doctor for any underlying medical problems then there is no reason why carefully monitoring your diet should not bring about an improvement in health. In fact I believe a poor diet often contributes to health problems. It's all down to what you put in your mouth, and of course getting enough exercise.
Thank you for your questions. I'll get off now, my stomach is telling me to eat.
Thanks for popping in, we'll catch up soon. Toodle pip
Hello. I remembered to take my camera with me this morning to Crafty Club, and called in at the church on the way to get a few snaps of our tree. Eeeee, it does look grand. I think it is better than the conventional tinsel adorned artificial tree they have on display at the front of the church. You can't beat hand made.
There is a children's party on Thursday and they have a competition to name ten of the decorations on our tree.
We were a bit short on numbers this morning, people have other things to do on the run up to Christmas. We are not meeting again until the second week in January because the next two Mondays are Bank Holidays.
Several people have asked about doing the 1000 mile walking challenge next year. I have already mentioned that I will not be making a separate page to log the monthly miles, however, in view of people's interest in the challenge I am willing to give everyone a day a month to log their own miles in a monthly comment. Therefore it is up to you to keep track of where you are, but everyone can see it.
So, starting on January 1st you can register your name as a participant. and on the 1st of every month you check in with your mileage. Note, there are people with the same name, please add something to your name to make it different from the others. Please try and stick to this plan because then it is a group effort and everyone can support each other. You can comment on your walking at any time of the month, but it would be better if you logged your mileage on the 1st, then everyone is in the same blog post.
Basically, I am not going to hold your hand, you need to do it for you. I will be there to urge you to keep going, and to encourage you. I want to see those number increase month by month. It's up to you how you do it, long walks, short walks, and how you check your own progress. Whether you use an electronic gadget, or use a site like bikehike. you check your own miles.
People start New Year Resolutions with good intentions, but run out of steam part way through the year. If there is a good reason why you physically can't do it, don't worry. Maybe you could scale it down and find an exercise plan a bit easier. If there is nothing physically preventing you from walking then get off your bum and make the effort. 2.73 miles a day can be done in just under an hour. Remember, you are doing it for you, for your health, not for me or anyone else. Best of luck.
Thanks for popping in, we'll catch up soon. Toodle pip
Howdy. The fabric below is from two single beds, washed and ironed. The two larger pieces are from the top, and the smaller pieces are from the sides. Sadly the smaller pieces haven't come out as clean as they should be so won't be suitable for sewing, they will be best used for cleaning cloths. I will find a use for the bigger pieces, maybe they will be turned into cushion covers.
Did you know that one of our readers is an amazing cyclist, she has been all over Europe on her bike. Brenda writes a blog about her cycling trips, and her fabulous quilting. She set herself a goal of 4000 miles for 2016, and she has cracked it. While we have been walking, Brenda has been cycling, in all weathers, such is her dedication. Well done Brenda. You can read all about her adventures here.
Today I thought about a cycling challenge for myself, perhaps I ought to get on my bike. So here I am having a practice ride. Pump up the tyres, put the front mudguard back on as it fell off ages ago, yellow vest, and elastic bands around my ankles to keep my jog bottoms from getting stuck in the chain. I called in at Paul's house to ask him the best place to buy a helmet, he laughed and said I look like a bin man. Cheek, just because he has got all the right gear. I stopped by the library van and I got Stan to take my photo. Do I really look like a bin man?
I've been on bikehike.co.uk and worked out a ten mile route. I might do a test ride tomorrow if the weather is dry and not frosty, to see how long it takes me. If I am going to do this daily, I don't want it to take up more than an hour. Blimey, I'm going to have to pedal pretty fast to do it.
Ginger Bugsy has been to the vet today, he has been off his food for a couple of days. It seems his kidneys are in decline, as he has been drinking a lot. He's had an antibiotic injection to give him a bit of a boost, hope this will stimulate him to eat. It must have had some effect because he was yelling for food when we got back. Lucky that I called in at the small Tesco and picked up a pack of sliced chicken for him, along with some yellow stickers for me. Broccoli, potato salad, and radishes. Bugsy is now snoozing peacefully in front of me.
A parcel arrived today, one of our lovely readers sent me a box with all kinds of crafting type goodies in it. I had fun sorting through everything, Christmas come early. Thank you lovely reader, you are so kind. The thermals will come in very handy, will be able to wear them under my cycling clobber.
Thank you for popping in, we'll catch up soon. Toodle pip
Hello. With only a month to go to the end of the challenge, I've just been checking the state of play on our Walking Group page. I am really chuffed that so many of you have done so well. To be honest I thought more would have dropped out, but I'm pleased to say that a great many of you have stuck it out and are still soldiering on.
Everyone walks at their own pace so it's not fair to say some have done better than others. You can only do what you can do. I always say as long as you can do some walking, it's better than none.
I'm going to put a few names on this post of those who have really pulled out all the stops. Indeed, some of you have finished well before the time. The finishing line is midnight on December the 31st, so if you have already passed the 1000 miles, you can relax and do no more, or you can carry on for your grand total.
These are the figures which came in at the end of October, (except mine which is up to date), so they will be higher now if you are still walking.
Take a bow...... AMY IN FLORIDA 1777 VAMPIRE HEART 1153 SIMPLESISTA 1132 LAURA BLACKPOOL 1111 JILL 1018 JANICE C 1008 VICKIEY 1000
Coming up close behind almost there....... SCARLET 995 LISA IN MIAMI 992 ILONA 948 HELEN D 948 km HILDE 943 HAZEL 916
Keep going ladies, last push...... GILLIE 872 JULES 859 BEACHCOMBER 858 CHERIE 827 SALLY C 808
Please check the Walking page to see your mileage if your name is not here.
You may remember that I started on December the 1st last year as a trial. So with that 75 miles, I have gone over the 1000, but I will carry on to the end of the year, just to keep you company, and to cheer you on. Come on ladies, you can do it.
People have asked, what next. I haven't decided what I am going to do yet, I might think of another challenge or I might carry on with this. Whatever I do it will include some form of exercise, as I feel it is important to look after my body for life, not just for one year. I won't be making another walking group page for 2017, but I hope that some of you will continue the good work you have already started and record your own mileage.
If you feel you would like support, you could register with the Country Walking magazine challenge where you will be able to keep track of your own mileage and chat with like minded people. This is the link to their site. Another option is to join the Walking Forum, of which I am a member, and put your name down on their list. Then it's up to you to update your own mileage by going to the thread, quoting the list, then adding your new miles, and posting it back on. I have been updating mine here. The thread is in Long Distance Walks.
It's been a long walk, but we are not far off now, everyone should be proud of what they have achieved.
Thanks for popping in, we'll catch up soon. Toodle pip
Hello. Here we go with day three, the last day at Helmsley. I checked out of my room, after another gut busting breakfast. I left my car there and set off out of the town past the cemetery,. through a couple of fields, and up into Ash Dale. This is part of the 48 mile long Tabular Hills Walk which links Helmsley with Scarborough. It was a wide track along the bottom of a valley with tall trees either side. A lovely start to the walk.
Two miles further on is a junction where I turned right onto Keld Lane, a wide track.
This came out on a road near the village of Carlton. It amused me to see the notice warning of free range children.
I thought I would check out the church while I was there, it looks pretty. I was about to walk up to the door and see if it was unlocked, then I noticed the sign outside. There was a car parked outside, I thought it might be a caretaker or gardener.
Oh, it is no longer a church, it's a holiday let. There must be someone staying there then.
Around the other side was a great ugly box thing stuck to the wall. It looks like a shipping container, or a portacabin. What a monstrous carbuncle that is. I caught a glimpse of kitchen units through the window. It completely ruins the look of the place, and the garden around it looks like a building site. All this is visible from the road. If you are interested in finding out more, look at the web site.
After a chat to a couple of walkers who had stopped for a drink, I set off again up the road and turned right up a track to Riccal Dale Wood. The views of the rolling hills and fields was lovely.
Just after Cowhouse Bank Farm I took a path on the left, there was a bridge over a ford.
On the map this place is called Old Fold. It's a cute little cottage which looks like it has been abandoned, probably not all that long ago, it looks repairable. Such a shame.
Now some giant ferns to wade through.
It was at this point that I turned round and started to go back. Time was getting on and I wanted to be back at the car for between three and four. According to the map this is Cowhouse Bank Wood, lots of trees have been cut down. It was starting to get a bit windy, good job I had some extra clothes with me. I put a skirt on over my shorts to keep my knees warm, and a fleece body warmer.
I got back on the road after Cowhouse Bank and stayed on the road, through Carlton, back to Helmsley arriving at 3.30pm. Just right.
Here is a not very good photo of my map. It's an OS Explorer map number OL26, 1:25 scale. I did the pink walk on Wednesday, the orange one on Thursday, and the green one on Friday. Two days of 11 miles each, and one of 14 miles. I'm happy with 36 miles to add to my walking total challenge. The yellow line is from a previous visit, that one was 17 miles.
I think I need to explore some new areas now, my Yorkshire and Lincolnshire maps are full of coloured lines.
Not much done today, a quick trip to town, wasn't in the mood for shopping. Getting dark already, I'll get the cats in, and read the Times newspapers that my friend passes on to me. Thanks for popping in. Enjoy your weekend. We'll catch up soon. Toodle pip
Hello. Let's have another go then, gawd knows what happened there. Back on the big computer at home. Yesterday, what was I doing yesterday, oh I remember. After a hearty breakfast I took a few snaps in the town before I set off. There aren't many flowers left now, just a few tubs here and there.
The market square was beginning to fill up with cars.
Not sure what this building is, I think it's a private residence. Doesn't it look lovely.
This house is next to the church.
There are lots of small independent retailers in the town, they all make an effort to decorate their shop fronts. If you want to see more pics of Helmsley you can see them on my previous post. It's six years since I was last there.
I set off on the Cleveland Way footpath, from the car park opposite the church. It's well signposted, I have done some of this path before. A few others had the same idea, there seems to be quite a few ramblers of middle age, they probably wait until the kids have gone back to school before they take their holiday.
I got chatting to an elderly gentleman who had his dog with him, we walked together for a while. This is Rievaulx Bridge, crossing the River Rye.
A few minutes up the road is Rievaulx Abbey. I mentioned this before, it is English Heritage managed and it costs £8.80 to get in. We didn't bother. This is about the best angle to get a pic from the road.
We said our goodbyes and he set off back to Helmsley, and I carried on along the Cleveland Way. I found several fields with bulls in them, good job I didn't have to cross any of them. These chaps look kind of scary, I wouldn't want to upset any of them.
Further along past Ashberry Farm and Hagg Hall there were four large ponds, I could hear the ducks chuckling away. At the end of the ponds I found some stepping stones across a boggy bit which would take me to the other side of the ponds to get a better view.
It was a fabulous sight, thousands of them, some sunning themselves on the banks, and some chattering away to each other in the water.
The path came out of the woods and across fields to Cold Kirby. It was time to start making my way back, so I took the road to Old Byland and eventually back into the woods again. I thought it was a bit strange to build this shelter in the middle of no where. It's quite a trek to carry picnic supplies out here if you are having a party.
There is seating all around, with barbecue equipment in the centre. A gas bottle is needed to do the cooking.
From then on it was a matter of getting back on the Cleveland Way and head back. There is a castle in Helmsley, again a bit pricey to get in to see it. This is the best photo I could get, from outside the perimeter wall. Doesn't look like there is much left.
This walk was 14 miles, so that will do nicely. I'm going to have to go now, bed is calling me. I'll post part 3 tomorrow. Thanks for popping in. We'll catch up soon. Toodle pip
Hello. Tonight I have updated 18 names on the Walking Group page. Thank you to... Lisa, Vickey, Laura, Jill, Vampire Heart, Hazel, Hilde, Ellen Anderson, Amy Florida, Cherie, Gillie, Sally C, Julie, Sue G, Jules, and momsav.
Susan q I don't have any previous miles for you. I have a Susan from Massachusetts. I have added you to the bottom of the list, let me know if you are the same person and I will add your 577 to this record. Thanks.
e, I don't have any previous miles for you. I have added you to the bottom of the list.
If you send your comment to the Walking Page it won't show on the list, but I will still get it. I click publish after I have written it down in my notebook and it stays in my published folder, but for some reason it will not allow any more comments on that page. If you want to see confirmation that your mileage has arrived, best send it to the normal blog post of that day.
Some good mileages are coming in, I'm pleased that you are all making an effort, you should be proud of yourselves. Carry on walking ladies, you're doing just great. Toodle pip
Hello. We are at the halfway stage of the Walk 1000 miles in one Year challenge, and I'm chuffed to say, I have made the 500. My size five feet with knobbly bunions have suffered no harm at all. The trainers are comfy, even better because they were free, no muscle ache, no blisters, and I am feeling just hunkydory.
This is how I record my miles. I have a two and a three mile set route. I write daily in the bottom corners of my calendar. On the left, how many I did that day, a cross if none, and the total on the right. I had five no walking days in June. I try not to miss too many as it's hard to catch up. I like to see the numbers rising, a bit like the watching the numbers on my bank statements. Up up up, more miles and more money saved, ha ha.
How are you all doing? I shall expect all members of the walking group to send in their mileage so I can update the walking page. Even if you are lagging behind a bit it's better to do some walking than none at all. Do not despair, do not give up, you owe it to yourself to look after your body and keep fit.
The next six months start tomorrow. It's built into my daily routine now, only 50 minutes to do the three miles. I don't count my normal daily walking, you can do if you walk a lot in your job, I set aside time for walking. and fit it in with whatever I am doing.
I'll leave you with The Proclaimers for a bit of inspiration.
Thanks for popping in. we'll catch up soon. Toodle pip
