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Wednesday, 18th April 2007
900 Miles Unseasoned
Not far into my walk, I realized that I had forgotten an absolutely vital ingredient -salt and pepper. But I didn’t go without. All it took was a gentle hint to the camp site that you where about to treat yourself to scramble eggs for the first time in weeks, and that it would make a welcome change from cereal and that they would be lovely even without the salt and pepper …but…. Seasoning would make all the difference.
This would normally encourage folks to offer seasoning from right next door or one of the tents within ear shot, campers are great people (as Brain from the Railway Bell –a.k.a.-the Dip in Hampton will agree to).
The reason for the walk was to raise funds for research to help find a cure for Langerhans Cell Histocytosis, (LCH) a rare form of cancer that caused my Mother’s death. We managed to raise over £3400. The money is still coming in, so that’s as accurate as I can be right now. Not to bad for my first attempt of a marathon walk to raise funds for a good cause.
I say we, because I had a handful of fabulous helpers who worked behind the scenes and two great mates that walked part of the way with me. Bill and Brian both helped me along when things got tough. Bill did a real hard section in bad weather conditions, and at the end of the day both of us were cold, wet, and hungry. The good news of the day was that the campsite was at the back of a pub, never did steak pie taste so good, and the hand drier in the toilet helped dry our boots. Thanks Bill. You need to read Bills ‘Round the bend with Gary’ (the entry for August 29th).
Brain also picked one of the few days when the weather closed in, we could hear the thunder behind us but not sure if it was going to hit us or pass us by. As we made our way across an open stretch the thunder and lightning caught up with us, one bolt of lightning right above are heads made us both jump, our suntan faces turned white for a few seconds. Once more the end of the day was great, the weather cleared and the pub and campsite could not have worked out better. (Thanks for your photos Brian on web site Padstow).
The first week was nerve wracking yet exciting. I have never taken on such a gargantuan project before. Oh, I had some experience of trekking during my world travels but nothing like this for so long and so alone.
I was generally lucky with the weather, mostly dry and warm (sometimes downright hot), but I was never far from river or sea. A cool dip in either was a joy at the end of the day—fun and refreshing.
I had planned the walk to take me through some of the best, most stunning scenery in southwest England. The river Thames had its own beauty, the local fauna and flora changed with each lock I hiked past. Tracing the tow path of the old Thames canal, meeting up with the Cotswold canals then to the Bristol channel was an adventure of its own. I took the coastal paths to lands end then on to Pool harbour. Stretching before me was 630 miles of hills, valleys and must see landscapes. It was hard, and at times not all fun, but the experience was worth it. The next part of the walk would take me back to the Thames, and have me retracing my steps home. I had really no idea what to expect, and that proved a good way to approach this section. The Avon valley and Tess path took me to many interesting small villages and towns, all the way to Salisbury. On from Salisbury to Newbury and then along the Kennet and Avon canals to Reading –on –Thames. I was determined I would explore this area again. Then I retrace my steps home, with time to reflect on my journey, and finally believing I really was going to complete my task.
At last, 12 weeks after starting I arrived back at my starting point, supporting a healthy tan, fitter and leaner despite the occasional beer breaks, greeted by the Harlequins Rugby Club players, and loads of supporters and friends.
I must thank all the kind people who helped me on my way, not to mention all the campsites and pubs that donated goods and services. (I may write a good beer guide!).
Again, a big Thank You to all, my Sister for wearing our home made tee-shirt at work to raise money, my Brother Jack as Secretary & Treasurer, and his son Jamie our Web Master, and to my mates, Tom as our Media Guru, and Heather as our Admin Co-ordinator.
Gary Lakritz – Rose Margaret Foundation
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Diary Entries:
Wednesday, 18th April 2007
Tuesday, 29th August 2006
Sunday, 20th August 2006
Saturday, 29th July 2006
Tuesday, 11th July 2006
Saturday, 24th June 2006
Monday, 5th June 2006
Friday, 2nd June 2006
Monday, 22nd May 2006
Monday, 3rd April 2006
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