It’s been a while since I posted anything.
I’ve been busy planning for a long distance hike in May (more about this later), set myself 12 fitness challenges for 2024! (also more on this) and fundraising and training for the Iceland Trek in aid of Prospect Hospice.
We’re 13 of us doing the trek. In the last month, we’ve managed to meet up and train with some of the “crew” joining me in March. It’s been lovely to meet them and I look forward to getting there. I missed one of the evening hikes organised by Tony but here is a quick summary of the other two hikes.
In November, we hiked from the Three Trees café and Farm shop to Liddington Castle by the Ridgeway. We covered 8.47 km, with Anna, Deb, Mandy, Sal and Tony. We faced biting winds. This shared moment at the Liddlington Castle’s trig point captured our determination, followed by a warm reprieve at the Three Trees Café, thanks to Tony for treating us to it.
Then today we went to Barbury Castle and covered 13.67 km with Frances, Tony, and Anna, and Marley the dog. Some muddy tracks and gusty winds challenged us. It was quite pleasant otherwise, a dry day, and we brought hot drinks with us.
Aboit half way, an unexpected encounter with inquisitive horses added a thrilling twist to our walk. One of the two horses dared to nibble at my backpack, as I was holding Frances’ hand to retreat from the horses who were both around her. My backpack remained intact, but it just added a dash of excitement to our training tales.
These experiences fortify us for Iceland’s rugged landscapes. Each stride not only strengthens our physical readiness but also strengthens the bonds among us.
I look forward to the next training hike in January. 🙂
I’m about £500 short of my fundraising target which I need to complete in the next month, so if you read this and if you’re able to contribute just a little, it would mean a lot. Thank you 🙏!