Week 2 - The Big Hike

I can’t quite believe that the second week has passed already. There are so many impressions, so many experiences in my mind - it’s hard to capture it all.?

The highlight of the week was the BBC Radio Gloucestershire Interview: Kate and I had such a lovely conversation that I quite forgot I was live. If you missed it, but would like to have a listen just click on the link above and advance to about 2:11h into the program (I’m on after the noon o’clock news).?

But now for the biggest news: the pack is lighter! I ditched the tent. Maybe I should’ve persevered, but it weighs 3kg plus 1kg for the sleeping bag. My shoulders and body (and mind) are all in agreement. It was a good decision. Not that that has helped with the mileage, but we’ll come to that later.?

I was lucky enough to “break down” on a B road very close to where a good friend of mine lives who came to the rescue. She also very kindly took us in for a couple of nights so that we could relax and plan ahead. I managed to find accommodation for most nights within a walkable distance that accepted dogs. Another one of those huge learnings: few places are dog friendly. They are in the pub (usually the bar area which is fine), but when it comes to accommodation they’re saying “no” more often than not. Booking.com and AirBNB are proving the main sources to find suitable accommodation that doesn’t break the bank.?

We had another new experience by going on a train for the first time (for the dogs). I failed to find accommodation between two places and so left out one stop-over and jumped on a couple of trains going to Uttoxeter. There we spent a night in a lovely little BnB and stocked up on dog food and snacks for me.?

And then we started climbing as we came into reach of the Peak District. Yes, the pack is now lighter, but the climbs - and often runs through cow fields - are proving quite tough on the body, too. So much so that I now have a blood blister which I hope will be smaller tomorrow morning when we’re heading out again. I’m to blame for that one as I tried to wear socks that we’re suitable at all. Then I put a blister plaster on it but that seems to have made it worse yesterday. So, I’m glad that my parcel arrived with socks that I’ve worn for the last few years that are quick drying and just the right thickness, too! Hopefully the foot worries will then be over (once healed).?

We’ve still experienced many style issues and more cow fields. In these parts the styles are often squeezes: two stones in a V shape. The dogs fit through - but more often than not only without their packs on. This adds to the time and energy robbed, of course. But the dogs are absolutely amazing and very patient with me. In return, I sometimes take their packs off and let them have a little swim in the river.???

Current tally for the big hike: 242km (150 miles)

What are your thoughts about my trip? Have you caught Wanderlust yet? Let me know!

Daily progress for the last week:

• 24/07 - 28km?
• 25/07 - 18km
• 26/07 - 26km
• 27/07 - 12km
• 28/07 - 23km
• 29/07 - 20km