At 10.00 am this morning I set off from Lands End with some trepidation, but trying to remember the advice I had received "to remember to enjoy the journey, as well as the challenge". I did of course have to take part in the ceremony of the signpost as you will see from the attached photo. The official photographer told me that the 874 miles to John O'Groats refers to the shortest road route. My route is somewhat longer at at estimated 945 miles - so I want no arguments from those of you who have sponsored me by the mile !
The weather was bright but with a cool breeze. I managed to achieve my target of 20 miles for the day, finishing at Rinsey. I walked for 6 hours which is about an hour longer than my training walks mainly caused by the final 6 miles of the day - along the South West Coastal Path being very difficult with lots of inclines and rocky beaches. The views were however fantastic. The first 14 miles of the day along the A30 to Penzance and then the SW Coast Path to Marazion was fairly easy going.
Tomorrow the plan is to walk to Porthleven and Helston finishing about 5 miles south of Truro. The first 2 or 3 miles was planned to be along the Coast Path but in view of today's experience I will probably scour the Ordnance Survey Maps to find an inland route to Porthleven.
An apparent conundrum from today is that although I walked 20 miles from Lands End in the south I am only 1.5 miles north of Lands End now. Somehow feels wrong !
I am suffering technical problems with my email in that although I can receive them, for some reason I cannot send them. So if anyone is expecting an email from me please be patient. I have people working on the problem !
To recognise the many people who are helping me on this adventure I am instigating my version of the Oscars, which I am calling the KBW's. Jean, as tour director, will of course be helping most days but the KBW's are for the other volunteers. The first winners are :-
My cousin Julie who is today's best Supporting Driver and Cream Tea Eater, and
Gill of Coxeys who is best Costume Designer (see the attached photo)
I am now off for a much needed sleep.
"The longest journey begins with a single step." -Lao Tsu
Cheers
Keith
The weather was bright but with a cool breeze. I managed to achieve my target of 20 miles for the day, finishing at Rinsey. I walked for 6 hours which is about an hour longer than my training walks mainly caused by the final 6 miles of the day - along the South West Coastal Path being very difficult with lots of inclines and rocky beaches. The views were however fantastic. The first 14 miles of the day along the A30 to Penzance and then the SW Coast Path to Marazion was fairly easy going.
Tomorrow the plan is to walk to Porthleven and Helston finishing about 5 miles south of Truro. The first 2 or 3 miles was planned to be along the Coast Path but in view of today's experience I will probably scour the Ordnance Survey Maps to find an inland route to Porthleven.
An apparent conundrum from today is that although I walked 20 miles from Lands End in the south I am only 1.5 miles north of Lands End now. Somehow feels wrong !
I am suffering technical problems with my email in that although I can receive them, for some reason I cannot send them. So if anyone is expecting an email from me please be patient. I have people working on the problem !
To recognise the many people who are helping me on this adventure I am instigating my version of the Oscars, which I am calling the KBW's. Jean, as tour director, will of course be helping most days but the KBW's are for the other volunteers. The first winners are :-
My cousin Julie who is today's best Supporting Driver and Cream Tea Eater, and
Gill of Coxeys who is best Costume Designer (see the attached photo)
I am now off for a much needed sleep.
"The longest journey begins with a single step." -Lao Tsu
Cheers
Keith
