"I wish Stuart all the best with his British Isles Challenge journey and fundraising efforts. It may not be an expedition to the ends of the earth, but the venture brings its own very real challenges, and will certainly test him to the limits. I would urge anyone to support the trip as much as possible"

Sir Ranulph Fiennes OBE - Nominal Patron

Sunday 31 May 2009

A trip daawn saawf

On thursday I set off down to Woodvale Challenge's offices in Cornwall, to have a chat and a look at the rowing boat for the John O' Groats - Shetland leg. The plan was to drive down from Leeds, spend the afternoon at Woodvale, then drive on to Land's End, go for a run with overnight kit and camp somewhere, then back to the car and drive home on Friday morning. Sadly this did not quite work.

All was well till just after Taunton on the M5, when the rustbucket decided she was too hot and tired and wanted to stop. So we spent a while on the hard shoulder (nice view and good weather though!), then the car was recovered, and I was left at Exeter services. I decided to get a train to Plymouth and see the boat on Friday morning, but on the way through Exeter spotted (couldn't really miss) a bike race around the city centre. This was really cool so I watched it for a while.

The boat "Salamanca" is in pretty good condition, in need of a little bit of work and some kit, but looking good considering all the crossings she has done! There were a few other boats at Woodvale, including two very impressive fours boats and the boat used by James Cracknell and Ben Fogle to row the atlantic.


Since I got back home I've been doing some nutritional planning, went to watch some cricket, had a housewarming party and went for a great 10 mile run this afternoon. The sun was shining, I found loads of good hills, and managed to navigate around near home without a map!
Posted by Stuart Walker at 21:57

1 comment:

  1. Anonymous7 June 2009 at 19:19

    Hi Stuart
    Our friend, Andrew Fairbairn, is already underway on his own challenge to travel from the Scillies to Sheltand under his own steam. He has kayaked from Bishop Rock lighthouse to Sennen Cove, and is now cycling from Lands End to Edale. From there he will walk the Pennine Way. He then gets back on his bike and cycles to the start of the West Highland Way, which he will walk to Fort William. He then cycles from FW to John O'Groats. It is then by sea kayak to Muckle Flugga lighthouse on the outermost point of Shetland. He aims to finish his challenge at the end of June. You can check out his blog at
    http://banburyrotaryclub.org.uk/blogs/andrew.htm

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