Saturday 18 September 2010

Some Great People I Met (3)


Me with a fellow trekker - Christien from Holland - at Stoke Hartland campsite - she's ready to go but I still have some washing, charging and bits to do in prep for the next stage that I know is very tough (nothing new there then!).

Richard the ex police officer - walking the Cornish coast for a bowel cancer charity.  Assisted by his lovely devoted wife who follows him around the coast in her car!  Fantastic!  What a dedicated team.  Good on you guys.

I'm still plodding on, towards Bude which is at the end of that sandy bay behind me.


Christien does a little dance - not sure if it's Pink Floyd or Beethoven she's listening to but she's really looking good.  She tells me she needs to split because she wants more time alone :( - of course I understand this - isn't that one of the reasons we did this anyway?


OK - well - Goodbye again my fair Dutch maiden.  Text me if you get stuck.

Later, in Boscastle, we meet up again!  Purely by chance of course.  But soon we split again.


I walk on alone to Trebarwith Strand where I meet AD who also works in Unix and IT.  Let me know how the Brecon Beacons yomp goes!!!  Oh and OMG there's that Dutch wonder woman again!  I know she's trying to shake me off but I just keep ending up camping right next to her again!



My friend Steve alerts the newspapers that a Nutty man from Wiltshire is doing something nutty.  Hopefully no one will recognise me in those shades!

Some Great People I Met (2)

An Austrian walker stopped me near Saunton/Braunton and showed great interest in what I was doing.  We took each others photos and I waved back at him across the valley as I made my next ascent.  I can't remember his name - it wasn't an easy one to remember.  But hello whoever you were!



It had rained hard from Dawn until 5pm.  I was feeling jaded, washed out, low in spirits, low in energy.  I tried to cheer myself up by opening a tin of beans and sausages but I couldn't open it!  A lady called Gill stopped whilst walking her dog Charlie and tried to open the tin for me.  We began talking and the next thing I knew I was drinking hot tea in her kitchen where she lived nearby.  Thanks Gill for showing such warmth and kindness on this - one of my toughest days.  (I threw the tin away as I didn't see the point in carrying it further, having already carried it for 7 miles!)


Gill and Charlie




2 very friendly guys at Hartland campsite - was it John and Dave?  Had a joke with me as I stumbled off towards a pretty tough stretch to Bude.

Some Great People I Met (1)

It is impossible to forget moments like these.  This is me with an Unawatuna fisherman in Sri Lanka exactly one year after the Tsunami destroyed his boat and his livelihood.  Fishing was all he new.  He told me that he had suffered for many months to survive and rebuild his life.  At the time of this photo he had received a new fishing boat via International Aid and he wanted me to know how important that was to him.  He was a very natural and simple man, with a burning heart of gold.  There were oil candles burning around us, thousands of them - each one representative of a single person lost to the Tsunami.  How could I ever forget this brave man, this stalwart of human strength and courage?  I have included this photo as I think it really captured the moment and how we both felt.


The official start of my trek - Minehead - August 2010



3 days later I awake right here, after putting this tent up in the darkness (using a powerful head torch).


I spend some time drinking beer with the locals at the Hunters Inn.  Sorry I forgot your names.  But thanks for the company, humour and encouragement.  Maybe see you again next year!

I'm in shock!  Bring me another beer!


The beautifully positioned Hunters Inn, less than 2 miles from the cliff camp shown above.  Great beer, great food, great people!  And thanks for letting me crash out in your field.  Hello to the gorgeous barmaids too!  Wish I had your photos.


This man from Poole in Dorset stopped for a friendly chat a mile or 2 before my ascent of the Great Hangman (1000 feet summit).  His children were horseriding nearby.  He had a good laugh with me over my dread of the hangman and gave me TEN POUNDS towards the charity.



Kerry had traveled in India and was quite a laugh with her stories of Filth n Gloom and Combe Martians!
I had such a tricky time in the web cafe Kerry - I wasn't able to make the other pub in time to catch you and your friends - never mind, maybe next year?  And just where do you think your left hand is going?  Naughty!




A wonderful young chap called Zak (is that spelt right) and his Father - camping at Combe Martin. 
Zak had been stung by a wasp on his ear a day or 2 earlier - but the doctor didn't need to cut it off in the end.
I taught Zak how to get rid of wasps - the gentle way - hope you all got home safely.
Thanks for the bacon sandwiches - mmmmmmmmmm - just the job.

BACK AT HOME

Hello friends

I arrived back in Trowbridge at 9.30pm Wednesday and Steve treated me to a Chinese curry and chips!
lovely.

I was back behind my desk on Thursday and Friday - felt a little strange after 3 weeks in a tent on the wild cliffs but wow was it good to sleep in a real bed with real pillows and a nice warm shower in the morning!

Total miles walked was about 152, Minehead to Port Issac.  I have returned without injury and feeling much fitter than when I started, despite a few hair-raising moments!  I didn't hit my target of 302 miles (this time!) but I gained much knowledge about how to go about it next time.  I did in fact do this the hard way, the "real" way - without recourse to luxuries like Bed and Breakfast, luggage transfer - and did a mix of campsites and spontaneous wild camping.  I often drank water from streams (first treated/boiled), carried my own shelter, bed and half the food I ate.

I am currently engaged in sorting through photos, videos and voice recordings I made en route, with a view to making some compilations for youtube and this blog.  I am also enjoying being able to eat some food/calories without burning off the energy within hours - I lost over 3 quarters of a stone in weight in 3 weeks! (that's about  4.8 Kilos or 10.5 Lbs).

If you are one of the many fabulous people I met along the way please bear with me as I catch up and get organised.  Not a single day passed without reminding myself of the plight of the Tsunami orphans.  I had some great times, fulfilling moments, serious challenges, pain and pleasure too.  THE DONATIONS SITE IS STILL OPEN AND WILL BE FOR A COUPLE OF MONTHS YET.  SEE  http://www.justgiving.com/nigel-goodwin

ALL photos taken will be uploaded very shortly to  http://s775.photobucket.com/home/bigplateman
So if I took a photo of you en route - you should find it here - I don't think I lost any.

THANKS to everyone who helped in any way they could - support, Donations and so many words of encouragement along the way.

Regards, Nigel  (AKA nutty nige)

Tuesday 14 September 2010

Count down

Hi guy's,

I received a text on Saturday telling me that he's ditch one of his t-shirts, purchased some new headphones in Bude and backed up his camera files. His headlight failed at dusk despite putting in new batteries and had to use his back up pack to make camp.

He's going to be walking from dawn to dusk from now on to try and cover more ground. His plan is to try to reach Padstow then catch the bus to Bodmin Parkway, train to Taunton and then home.

I received another text yesterday saying that his phone was working again now and that he had breakfast in Boscastle with Christine. He finally text me at 8.15pm telling me he was in a dip just past Trebarwith Strand and that was the last location I received. I should hear from him again by mid day tomorrow.

Well I guess it won't be long now before Nigel will be coming home again. We have booked a day out on a Barge this Sunday when we can chillout, drink beer and talk about recent events. A well deserved break I say!

I don't know if I will need to update you anymore before Nigel's return but if I don't, I would like to say "It's been a pleasure for Retro DJ to sponsor Nigel and I'ts been a pleasure keeping all you nutty Nigel fans updated on this blog".

Steve.
www.retrodj.co.uk

Saturday 11 September 2010

aborting this web cafe - too slow - it was quicker in Sri Lanka on dial up!

Hello from Bude

Hi it is Nigel here

have to be quick, as usual, gotta get back on path...

am uploading some more photos to  http://s775.photobucket.com/home/bigplateman

Pushing on this afternoon.... I am really enjoying the views, sounds and smells of the sea.  Every day comes with new unexpected challenges.  My feet are dyed black (die from wet socks), my feet feel like blocks of granite, my shoulders havent stopped hurting since Minehead, I havent heard or read the news since I left Trowbridge!!!, ...

and Steve my friend... I can't find time for too much romance, she is really great company and we look out for each other.  I cannot let romance sway me from the focus of my goal - to walk as far as I can, as safely as I can, and to get back unscathed.  I am sure this will be a lasting friendship, but remember what Rocky Balboa's coach said....."women weaken legs" - so far she has only given me strengh, and we laugh a lot.

The real x-rated version of evens can be found here.....http://www....oh know is that the time???!!! sorry gotta go, bye

NIGEL in Bude, Cornwall, Sat 11th Sep 2010

Friday 10 September 2010

Good Times

Hi everyone,

No I haven't abandoned you all, I've just been really busy with running my business.

Nigel's spirit is on a high since he met a fellow trekky near Hartland who is travelling the same way as him. Her name is Christine from Holland and her friends call her mountain goat. She's been pushing him along a bit and he said that she's a bit nutty just like he is. They were walking in the dark last night to make up some ground and they both had a tough section in heavy rain to Bude and have been travelling together for the past few days. They reached Bude around lunchtime today.

The walking is going to get a lot easier now as the worst is behind him. He doesn't know how much ground they can cover or whether he will reach Lands End in time but he's just going to enjoy the rest of the trek.

I know what you are all thinking! Is there romance in the air? Well I honestly don't know! There certainly hasn't been any mention of it but they do seem to have a lot in common. No doubt he will have a dig at me for saying this but you have to admit, it does sound romantic. Now I'm probably in trouble again for reading into something that's not even there. Oh well make your own minds up! ............ If there is anything there, then she might read this and scare her away. What am I doing? Shut up Steve! Oh my God, now I'm argueing with my keyboard. Ahhh!

I know this is Nigel's blog but I hope you all don't mind me mentioning that if you would like to meet me, I (Retro DJ) will be at Cleeve House Wedding Fayre, Seend this Sunday between 11am - 3pm. There will be a fashion show with catwalk and I will be providing stage lighting and plus I will have my own stand. Details are on my website. Why not come along for a nice day out?

I have another busy weekend but will get back to you all soon.

Steve.
http://www.retrodj.co.uk/

Tuesday 7 September 2010

Bad Weather

Hello loyal subjects,

Nigel's been having a tough time of it lately but he asked me to inform you that he's still enjoying it over all. His location is somewhere close to Black Church Rock. Yesterday he had 12 hours of heavy rain from 6am - 6pm and felt like a drowned rat. His boots are wet and his sleeping bag is damp but will reach Hartland tomorrow entering Cornwall and leaving Devon behind when he hopes to dry out his gear.

He is going to carry on reguardless but say's that reaching The Lizard is highly unlikely giving the weather conditions and time left but is going to try to reach Lands End.

I hope to bring you some better news next time but for now this is Steve signing out.

Sunday 5 September 2010

Tough Times

I'm back to update you with more info on Nigel. Sorry for keeping you waiting but I've had a busy weekend with Retro DJ.

Nigel said that walking past Bull Point lighthouse was better than my disco lights but I find that hard to believe!

He had to push himself extremely hard on Saturday walking between Saunton and Chivener late into the night as there was nowhere to pitch his tent because of a mlitary training area and an embankment. This lastest for about 8 miles.

He was extremely tired and slept till 1pm at Chivener. It took him a while to find someone at Chivener camp site as he needed to get his laundry done, feed himself and shower.

The weather is taking a turn for the worse so he has some tough times ahead but Nigel is a strong willed person and I'm confident that he will battle through it.

Speak to you all again soon,

Steve.
http://www.retrodj.co.uk/

Friday 3 September 2010

Hi all - all my photos are being uploaded here for now (it's quicker).


http://s775.photobucket.com/home/bigplateman

videos will be posted back to Steve.

BIG THANKS to Anita Moss for your donation - an ex colleague of mine - big hug to you Anita thanks!

byeeeeeee

photo

photos

I don't get it - uploaded loads of photos but it only shows one of them when i publish the post.
i need to get away from this pc and back out on the cliff.

trying more photos cos the nasty man isn't here and a nice man put more RAM in...

Thursday 2 September 2010

Ilfracombe

Only me,

Nigel is currently at Ilfracombe. He has another 4 miles of hard trek which he said he will complete early tomorrow and then he has a few days of good ground where he will push hard to cover a lot of ground. He will have some more tough ground to cover when he reaches Hartland - Bude.

He didn't get much help from the internet cafe at Ilfracombe as the guy was rude and tried to overcharge him. The sign said that they were open until 4.30pm but around 4pm the guy was trying to get him to leave as he wanted to go home. Nigel said that he just needed to get some video's and pics uploaded as he was doing this for charity and the guy just said "well that's your choice, no-one is making you do it". The internet connection was extremely slow so he only managed to upload a couple of pics. Nigel has met a lot of nice people on his trek until he met this plonker.

He's having a few drinks tonight with Dan who he met whilst on his trek near Ilfracombe.

I might not be able to update this blog again until Sunday as I have some big gigs to do this weekend but I will get back to you all as soon as I can.

Bye for now,

Steve.
http://www.retrodj.co.uk/

pics from first 4 days - and nights

photos

Wednesday 1 September 2010

High Spirits

Hello again loyal followers,

Nigel went for nearly 2 days with no signal on his mobile but was able to get a message to me before I called the emergency services. He was very tired on Tuesday but after a big feast at The Hunters Inn and a well earned rest, his spirits are high and feels he is adapting to the rigours of his trek. He will complete the hardest part of his trek tomorrow and intends to push hard and cover a lot of ground when it all levels out for a while. His feet are healthy but is in some pain with his shoulders. That's not suprising as he has a lot of weight to carry.

He asked me to say a big thank you to Kieth from Poole for stopping, chatting and donating £10 to his cause while he was on his trek.

He neglected to mention why he called his last blog Shooting Star. Apparently he saw a shooting star hence the title. I guess he will explain in more detail later. Lets hope he made a wish!

He telephoned his Dad to wish him a happy birthday today. He gets a lot of encouragement from his Dad as he has a lot of experience in treking and gives him a lot of sound advice.

Well it's just turned midnight and it's time I got some sleep myself so I bid you all farewell.

Steve.
http://www.retrodj.co.uk/

Tuesday 31 August 2010

shooting star

Hello it is Nutty!

I'm  in the Hunters Inn- v historic watering hole, half way bettween Lynmouth & camp; Coombe Martin. Yesterday woke in wild camp to a strange dawn chorus - owls, buzzards, hawks, and seaguls in distance. Walked down into Lynmouth and had a great nosh up and some hand shakes and words of encouragement from a few people. Re-energized I began the steep ascent to Lynton without using the cliff railway. Onwards through valley of rocks - brilliant weather - stopping for the odd chat and handshake - and I felt my energy levels rise and walked on & camp. Darkness fell - and on with my headlamp - bit scary - twigs snapping - deer/badgers - shapes in the shadows.  Pushed hard, pitched tent at midnight under a deep canopy of stars and as my head hit my makeshift pillow the side of outer tent partially collapsed and flapped all night - so not good sleep. Can't believe where I pitched it!  Photos coming soon in a few days - web cafe at Woolacombe.

No mobile signal since Lynmouth. Very tired now so trying to eat well and rest some before pressing on. Staff here very friendly and beautiful location. The Great Hangman (1000ft ascent) is looming. Don't know if I will tackle it today or tomorrow - there is a camp site either side of it and I am in great need of shower, shave, and laundry.

I can only walk slowly today - decision needed soon.

Mike Clemson / Stuart Oatey - Will you be joining me? If so please bring lots food!!!!

Gave telephone interview with Mike from the Wiltshire Times at noon today - despite no mobile signal and phone box out of order - thanks to the manager and staff of Hunters Inn!

Thanks Steve - support is invaluable. Support from anyone is so welcome - I may be big and nutty but I am also lonely and in pain!!!!!!

Best wishes to everyone,

Nigel.

Monday 30 August 2010

Ouch!

Hello everyone,

Had a text this morning from Nigel which simply said "ouch". He rang me around 6pm and told me every joint in his body was aching when he woke this morning. This should get a bit easier as his body adapts but he is after all on the toughest part of his trek as there are a lot of climbs. This should level out after a couple of days when he will be able to cover more ground. Well for a while anyway!

He told me there was a landslide before he got to Lynton & Lynmouth which meant a one and a half mile detour so he decided to walk through it anyway. I guess that's why we call him Nutty Nigel.

Said he's met a lot of nice people on his trek who asked a lot of questions and was talking to them about his cause.

While I think about it! I thought that I should just mention, If anyone wishes to become a follower then just click on the Follow tab on the right hand side of your screen as it would show that he is getting a lot of support.

Will update you all again soon,

Steve
www.retrodj.co.uk

Sunday 29 August 2010

Walking in the dark

Hello again loyal subjects,

The last I heard Nigel had just past Sisters Fountain wherever that is. He is camping out wild tonight and is walking in the dark as he tries to find a spot to pitch his tent. His tent looks like a giant cricket. Lets hope he doesn't catch a bug!

Steve
www.retrodj.co.uk

Saturday 28 August 2010

Porlock camp site

Hi everyone,

Everything going fairly well except that he had problems with his mobile phone as he had it packed so tightly it switched itself on and was nearly flat when he went to use it. His ruck sack was uncomfortable when he started out this morning as he didn't pack it properly but he stopped and corrected it which felt a lot better and he forgot to pack his tooth brush. Not bad for the first day ehh!

He's made it to Porlock camp site where he phoned me from a payphone. He found the walk quite tough as there were a lot of steep climbs and it was a bit of a shock to his system after sitting in an office all week. His favourite time was when he reached the top of Exmoor which was the highest point on that part of the journey where he had a great all round view and was looking down on Porlock from a distance. He's hoping he might win a prize for having the smallest tent on site. He said that the vaseline is working well. I DO HOPE HE MEANS ON HIS FEET! He's decided to discard a few more bits of his kit to make his load lighter.

This is Steve at mission control signing off until the next time.

Friday 27 August 2010

On my way

Hello Nutty Nigel fans,

Nigel got off to a slow start today as he had to wait for some supplies he had to collect from town. He then came back home and did some more preparations. He had difficulty in booking a room for tonight due to it being a bank holiday but managed to get one sorted in the end before he starts his trek in the morning. I finally dropped him off at the railway station to catch the 1740 train to Minehead. I shook the big mans hand and watched him disappear into the distance with my rear view mirror and I can remember thinking to myself.......... I hope he comes back with my rear view mirror! He's lost half a day but I'm sure he will catch up.

He sent me a text from his hotel room saying that he's going to hit the path at 0900 tomorrow after breakfast. From then on there will be no fancy hotel rooms, just him, his tent and his imaginary friend. Who is his imaginary friend I hear you say? Well I haven't actually met him yet but what I don't understand is why isn't he carrying any of the kit!

Steve.
www.retrodj.co.uk

Thursday 26 August 2010

One last thing before I go....

I had an e-mail from Mike Clemson - an old colleague of mine and he seems serious about sharing a few days with me on the path.  One or two others have said they are keen.  After all, it's a good day out or weekend away.

If ANYONE wishes to do something a bit unusual with their weekend then I will be really happy to see a friendly face out there on the brutal, unforgiving cliffs.  Was that too melodramatic?  If you don't know my mobile number just drop an e-mail to bigplateman@ymail.com and that will get picked up by Steve in the trek control center who will get a message to me.  Why not walk a few miles with me?  Bring me a few cakes, biscuits and a beer!!!

I have broken the journey into 3 sections of 100 miles.  Section 1 is Minehead to Hartland / maybe Bude
Section 2 is Hartland to Newquay, Section 3 is Newquay to Lizard.  Each section will take about 7 days.

Tomorrow night I should be in a tent at Porlock campsite having walked there via Selworthy Beacon from Minehead.

Goodbye Everyone!!   wahey!!!!!!!!!!!

Wednesday 25 August 2010

Fame at last

Hi everyone,

I contacted The Wiltshire Times yesterday and told them about Nigel's quest and today they called me back and said they would like to run a story on him. They spoke to him at work and will speak to him again on Tuesday 31st Aug on his mobile while on his trek. The story will be published on Friday 3rd Sept. I've also informed the local radio stations but am waiting to hear from them.

Steve

Sunday 22 August 2010

Test Camp last night

After spending many hours yesterday testing kit, unpacking, rearranging, repacking, sorting out the online passwords and procedures with Steve, doing some photos and a video interview - I finally set off at dusk.  I walked along the canal path from Trowbridge towards Devizes for 3 or 4 miles in the dark carrying my full kit and using my 2 new walking poles for the first time.  A halogen headlamp, a Camel pack, digital camera and MP3 player - some of my favourite music blasting away.  I decided against camping 8 miles away and walked back to camp on the bank of the River Avon - less than a mile from my nice warm bed!

It was a very dark moonless sky when I began to build my tent at about 11pm.  I cooked a meal of vegetable risotto using my meths stove and a dehydrated ration packs.  This was an essential day of preparation and I now have a long list of tasks to complete before I leave on Thursday evening after work.

I'm too tired now to write any more except to say a BIG THANKS to Steve Maidment from
Retro DJ who is providing sponsorship and support, to my Father for his expert invaluable advice on equipment, and to all those friends and colleagues who have wished me well or donated money to the Sri Lankan Tsunami charity - HELP.

I am feeling a mix of excitement and some small doubt creeping in too - which has spurred me on to try to lighten my pack.  Last night was a bit of a shock to mind and body - even though conditions were perfect.  There is little doubt in my mind that I am about to take on a big challenge.  My biggest obstacles will be the weather, aches, pains and blisters, maybe some loneliness and mild exhaustion.  My music will help me to keep going through the rough bits, along with my good memories of the strong and spirited people of Sri Lanka.

Here is the video I put together following my visit to Sri Lanka (all stills and videos are my own work).  Some viewers may find some parts of the videos disturbing, especially near the end where I photographed the private photo album of a professional photographer who who was on top of a roof in Galle when the Tsunami struck.  The worst bits are quite blurred so it should be OK.  I try to show both the best and the worst of what I saw and heard.  And to capture the true spirit and resilience of this fascinating country and its people.

Love you All - Nutty Nigel.

Saturday 21 August 2010

Kit Test

Hi this is Steve at retrodj.co.uk, (Nigel's friend) and commander-in-chief at mission control. I will be doing my best to keep you posted as to Nigel's progress as his journey unfolds.

Today Nigel did yet more preparation testing out his kit. I am uploading some pics of nutty Nigel.

Click to view the interview with Nigel




17kg of ruck sack

Agent Nigel

Getting the message across



Sunday 15 August 2010

Daily Plan for the Trek

I have set up a dedicated e-mail address so that I can send blog posts with photos via an e-mail from a web cafe en route.  My friend Steve Maidment may also use the e-mail to publish quick posts of my daily location and progress. 

Steve will be acting as "base camp" while I'm grappling with the cliffs.  Each night between 8 and 10pm I plan to send a quick e-mail containing my location and progress.  If Steve does not receive this e-mail then I will try to call him before noon the next day.  If I fail to ring in - Steve will have a check of his e-mails and then call 999 to report me missing to the coastguard.  I am taking various survival items such as SOS whistle ( 6 long bursts followed by a one minute silence - repeated), flashing arm band, flashing head light (halogen), emergency rations, etc.  If I am unable to contact Steve, I will call 999 and let the coastguard know I'm safe (if I can get to a phone).  Of course I am assuming here that my mobile will have been smashed on a granite rock or waterlogged by a storm, or just decided not to work when I need it most.

I am going to take with me a list of phone numbers and locations for:
  • campsites
  • convenience stores
  • hiking / walking shops
  • chemists
  • web cafes (and possibly some hotels giving public internet access)

Steve has ordered some great T-Shirts form the company that supplies his Retro DJ business with stationery.  They show enough info about what I'm doing and how to donate.  And I hope the weather is nice enough to show them off.  Nice one Steve!

Only Eleven Days To Go

Please Donate to the Sri Lankan Tsunami charity HELP

This weekend I have taken time to get to know all my equipment.  I have:
  • Cut up my ordnance survey maps into strips of coast line - large scale maps covering Minehead to Tintagel.
  • Tried out some water boiling on my new gas stove and meths stove
  • Checked batteries in my Silva Halogen headlamp
  • Got to know the digital camera a bit better
  • Decided on things like cooking utensils, dried food rations, water bottles
  • Experimented with ways of packing my rucksack and separating items into groups within bags
  • Adjusted my new pair of carbon fibre walking poles
  • Weighed everything so far
I estimate that my pack will way between 17KG and 21KG depending on what I am carrying at the time.  Some days I will need to pack more food, water and fuel (for remote areas).

I'm feeling very strange as the days are ticking away.  The trek will definitely give me the challenge I am seeking.  I am expecting to experience some adverse weather conditions - I keep asking myself "Will I have to give up if I get the wettest September on record?"

How will I cope with the solitude?  Will my body cope with the strains I will place on it - blisters, shoulders, knees, back and ankles?

A late addition to my equipment list is a superb pair of Walking poles which I got half price on ebay - 2nd hand but in good nick.  They are very lightweight carbon fibre - Black Diamond.  They have 3 telescopic sections and I have already set them to my ideal length.

I am planning to have a test walk and camp next weekend - Saturday night in a campsite at the 3 magpies in Seend - an 8 mile trek up the canal from here.  Then pack up and walk back on Sunday morning.

Have had lots of great help, advice and support from my colleagues, Steve the Retro DJ, my friends and my Father Roy - who has spent most of his life climbing hundreds of mountains (he persuaded me to get the poles).

These photos do not include some items such as clothes, camera, Zen music player, bumbag, sandals, toothbrush, razor, facecream, etc...

I'm asking myself these questions:
  • Why am I doing this ?
  • Can I do it?
  • What happens if I fail / get injured / pull out ?
  • Why am I not getting some sun in Spain like normal people ?
  • What could possibly go wrong?
  • Am I fit enough?
  • What preparation is left to do?

Vango Ultralite I  (one - two man all season tent)

KSB Gore-text boots - lightweight, strong and hopefully waterproof

Berghaus Flame 600 - goose down mummy-style sleeping bag

Ultra- lite self-inflating mattress

Gas stove, meths


Meths stove, ultralite 1 litre kettle, 2 saucepans, frying pan and universal fit handle

Self-inflating mattress

Fire starters
Rucksack

Carbon fibre lightweight walking poles (Black Diamond)

Top left to bottom right - waterproof strip maps, cotton hat, mosquito coils, insect repellent spray, 3 dehydrated lightweight food packs, camel pack for water, trekking first aid kit, very small toothpaste, Kendal mint cake, tin of chopped toms, dried pasta, SOS whistle, 2 survival bags, Mitts (or gloves) - waterproof, breathable and warm (XL)


Cutouts from the Ordnance Survey 1:25000 maps - covering Minehead - Tintagel

I know it looks like a shower gel bottle, but it's my Italian extra virgin olive oil (for fry ups, etc), my reading glasses, flashing, reflective armband, box for teabags, sugar & similar

Trying to make efficient use of space - squashed between the Kendal mint cake and teabags are my beloved Herbs de Provence.  Note there is no coffee in sight!

Meths Stove, pots, handle, waterproof matches and kitchen towel (to stop the rattle)

Sunday 8 August 2010

Up at dawn on a Sunday!

Firstly, THANKS to all who have made a donation so far.  Thanks to Ewan for recommending the justgiving charity site.  Thanks to all colleagues for kind words of encouragement - and for various recommendations of where to seek "professional help"!



Last night I packed my tent, sleeping bag and mattress into my rucksack and left it by the back door.  This morning I dragged myself out of bed and slunk off through the farm and down the track to a grassy strip of land on the bank of the River Avon.  Conditions were perfect and I diligently erected the tent, paying careful attention to all details.  I inflated the mattress, got into my bag and closed the tent.  It was very hot in the bag and the mattress was very comfy.  I discovered that I am 2 pegs short and the 4 anchor cords become easily tangled when stored together.  I must remember to put the outer tent on the right way up or the whole thing goes pear-shaped instead of tent shaped.  Must remember not to trip over the pegs.  It took 40 minutes to get it up - paying attention to every little bit of velcro, every loop, pocket and whole.  Just 12 minutes to pack it all away, including deflating the mattress.

I aim to get my tent erection time down to 7 minutes, before I begin the walk. 

Recent equipment purchased on Ebay has been arriving steadily all week.  Storm proof matches, SOS whistle, flashing reflective armband, water purifying tablets, survival bag and emergency tent, first aid kit, lightweight fork and spoon, boot wax, can and bottle opener....and lots more.

I am doing my best to prepare well - because I really want to give this my best shot.  I am doing this for 3 reasons - one because I am craving a bit of adventure and need to get away from computers, technology (and Ewan and Dave) for a while.  Two because I believe I can and I have the knowledge and experience to pull it off.  Three - because it raises money for Tsunami victims in Sri Lanka.  There is something else too - hard to define - a call of the wild maybe?

Tuesday 3 August 2010

Equivalent to Twice up Mount Everest

The South West Coast Path is Britain's longest waymarked long-distance footpath and a National Trail. It stretches for 630 miles (1,014 km), running from Minehead in Somerset, along the coasts of Devon and Cornwall, to Poole Harbour in Dorset. Since it rises and falls with every river mouth, it is also one of the more challenging trails. The total height climbed has been calculated to be 114,931 ft (35,031 m), almost four times the height of Mount Everest

Source: Wikipedia
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On 27 August 2010, I will be setting off on foot from Minehead and attempt to walk to Lands End along the official Coastal Path.  I have 20 days to do it (19 nights in a one man ultralight tent).  After that, I have to be back behind my desk in Wiltshire as a Software Developer.

If things go well (weather, blisters, etc) I hope to keep walking and reach Plymouth (or maybe even further if the wind is in the right direction).

I will be trying to raise money for charity - yet to be decided which one.

I will be posting photos and video of my trek on this blog, whenever I am in reach of a web cafe en route (no promises). 

Nigel.