Friday 26th June

All seemingly just about recovered as we wend our way back from the Isle of Wight...to Portsmouth for lunch then a look round the Map room at Southwick Park; thanks to Joe Duncan for sorting that out - it was excellent

Penny at the wheel of the mini-bus - relieved that Brian would be driving the rest of the way!

We didn't take too much kit with us; though it felt like we were carrying enough to last a month when walking!

This charity walk struck a Chord with all of us; we were very pleased to have done it on behalf of CORD, a worthwhile charity...where are we walking next year!!!

Huge thanks to Three Counties Training Ltd who gave us the minibus for the week; excellent mode of transport and most welcome!

We were all learners for the week!!!

Thursday - only 17 miles (!) from Brighstone to Sandown; we're all feeling it now but it looks like a good day, if a little windy...

James' knee is playing up but he's ready to go; once we've all donned the wind-proof gear to begin with!

Everyone's encouraged that we're walking for such a good cause and are determined to finish the day as a full team!

Caroline and Tracy striding up the side of another Chine!

...and Caroline a few minutes before with an extra top on due to the wind

...What a view from here!


Halfway now and refreshed after another ice cream and a close encounter with some nettles; no change there then!

Down past St Catherine's Point and we're really beginning to feel it now

We've reached the sea again; now only about 5 miles to go....

...so time for another pit stop; Tony has had to have some major adjustments as well, only he had the camera so Brian's the one with the vaseline..!

Through the woods to the Wishing Seat...

...I think we're all wishing for the same thing...

...although Brian can't find his tub of you-know-what!..

...and James is grateful for any respite right now...

...Tony wondering why it's so dark late in the afternoon, in thick woods and while wearing green sunglasses!

Sandown Pier is over there somewhere!

..getting a bit arty now as we're on the last promenade round to Sandown Pier

..Walking quickly as there's an ice-cream being dangled just off camera; or is that a mirage at this late stage!

out foxed by a cub who finds Brian's ration pack biscuits better fare than normal

What's this? Have we finished; No! only another 200 yards to go so we can dispense with the sticks...yeah, right!

Not everything in this world is black and white; it seemed a good idea at the time!

And here we are, at the finish; photo taken by a kindly old gentleman who happened to be sat at the right spot when we sat down!

Now; where's our chips!







In the meantime, back at the chalets:


Guess who's feet these belong to !!!

ps - Tracy would like to help by saying she does not have hairy toes !!

pps - After a quick meeting the boys decided Tracy is a fibber !!!

Wednesday 24th - Day 3 and the trek today was from Yarmouth to Brighstone, taking in the Needles. This was a 14 mile walk along probably the most scenic part of the coastline. We had hoped for a fairly short day, but taking a detour through some thorny undergrowth put paid to that. Probably added at least an hour on the day. Sack the map readers !!!

The Needles - half way!

But not before encountering some ferns!!!! Brian was a little too short to see where he was going for most

of the time here

Caroline rushing to the top of Tennyson's Point - we told her there was an ice-cream shop there; we lied!!

Photo above - James and Penny discuss the next stage whilst Caroline and Tracy wonder what's on Tony's mind!

Not too bad so far; not quite a walk in the park though!

Tracy going pale at the thought of another nine miles!

So we stop off for lunch outside some convenient public places...there was a ladies' as well!

Stretching off and getting ready for the next leg - another blister check!

We're happy to be on the way!

Here's Margaret and Ian - out for the day and offering support with cold bananas and water....note the pay here hat!

Tuesday 23rd June 09

0800 - day two starts at the chalet's - we're mostly over the trials of day one, with a few(!!) blisters
0900 - off from the start line
0915 - quick stop as Caroline needs a wee
0920 - another stop so we can buy hats for James and Caroline - don't they look good!

Not quite a bridge too far...!

No, Brian's not going again (much to the amusement of James)!





I say we go thatta way! Says Tracy, confidently

Pink hats are back in fashion, apparently!

Finally arrived at Yarmouth at the end of day two. Just 16 miles today and no bother for

such an athletic bunch of people. Hardly sweating the 3 in the middle !!!! Scores on the doors please for each hat?

Monday 22nd June 09

Here we go then; Sandown Pier then we're off, much to the bemusement of the elderly ladies and gents already out and about on the promenade!

Up the first hill; lovely view - time for a drink!

Oh! Tracy's foot is not playing the game; could there be trouble ahead?

Yep, first blister repair stop!

It's almost too good a day to continue walking but onwards we must go...

Having lost our way, slightly(!), we successfully made it to Ryde - yet another ice cream stop.

We were asked where we were going...Tony said 'Ryde' but we were already there so then said...'East Cowes'..so we were advised to 'keep walking till you get there...!'

Almost at the end of the first leg - passed Quarr Abbey and the little piglets....mmmm - bacon!

If we keep going we'll be finished by 4pm...or maybe 5pm... or actually nearer 6pm!

All shattered - it's been much harder than we anticipated
Penny's at East Cowes to pick us up...onwards to the chalets. Is dinner ready? No, we're having ration packs so only take a few minutes to prepare, then eat, drink a little then bed!