Well, we now have 90 miles of Dales Way under our belts, about 45 of those carrying nearly a full Camino-weight pack!
The walk was brilliant! Amazingly cold weather, loads of wind, beautiful views, and NO rain!
We did cheat in that H had arranged a baggage carrying service so we were able to pack loads,of luxuries and we could gradually increase the weight in the packs over the six days.
Things we learnt:
1. Walking with a heavy pack is a killer on the feet; you get more blisters and aches than you would normally. it has taken a week for my feet to feel normal again. The solution to this is that we shall only walk 12 miles a day for the first two weeks and then see if we have adapted.
2. Practise using your "she-wee" before you start walking (blokes - you don't need to know, nor do those not yet of age, nor women of a delicate disposition). It's something to do with getting the right positioning on your under-carriage, but carry a spare set of trousers just in case!
3. We will definitely use our walking poles - an absolute godsend.
4. New- born lambs in plastic raincoats are awfully sweet.
5. It easier to get over stiles if the snow drift is piled high on both sides.
Things we have yet to learn:
1. Can we manage 500 miles; will the feet/hips/knees cope?
2. Are we planning on carrying too much or just enough?
3. Will our light-weight water-proofs be sufficient?
4. Why are we doing this?!
Anyway -- two weeks and four days to go before we fly out on 1st May
PS Despite there being two photos in this posting, I still cannot fathom how to choose photos from the camera - This was potluck. I try one more time before we go.
I am impressed. And the bridge picture's nice too. but who's the small bloke with the map?! XX Mark
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