How much can I carry?

Part of the preparation is about planning the essentials. A good rucksack, what should go into it and how much it weighs. Ideal aim is 10% of body weight. Last year Terry was carrying about 7kg plus water. My aim is for less than this, about 4 - 4.5kg, plus water, if possible. That is the weight I think I can manage and Terry will not take a sleeping bag so will help by carrying some items for me. We will be weighing the pack contents and listing it here, so watch this space................



Photo:
Both rucksacks fully packed for a practise walk in Stover Park.
My fleece and Crocs are in the Pod-Sac fastened to the back of my pack.
Terry's has a top pocket with buckles which holds his fleece in place.

Sponsored Walk

Having returned from Cornwall we continue to walk locally.
On Saturday Terry managed a hilly 22 kilometres as a sponsored walk for Devon Historic Churches. Visiting Trusham, Hennock, Bovey Tracey, Chudleigh Knighton and back to Chudleigh church for a welcome cup of tea. The climb up from the Teign valley to Hennock is from 30 metres at river level to 200 metres at Hennock church. The narrow lane back down to Bovey Tracey has a gradient of 1 in 4 in places. I remembered to tighten my bootlaces at the top! This prevents the foot sliding forward in the boot and bruising the toenails.




The Photos show:-

Hennock village from Trusham.

The river Teign at Trusham bridge.






That traditional sign of "Caution Blasting".


Chudleigh town from Hennock.

Godolphin; Cornwall

The Godolphin Estate in Cornwall is owned by the National Trust. There are well waymarked paths through the estate and some very interesting cattle grids. We walked about 10km in total with a break for a picnic lunch. No blisters; the 3 pairs of socks trick works well. (Very thin liner, lightweight mohair middle layer and cushion-sole mohair outer layer).



Photo:
Granite cattle grid

Cornish Holiday

During a week in Cornwall we were able to walk part of the cliff path near Hayle. There is one cove where the seals breed and can be seen from the cliffs above. We counted over 50 on the beach below us, from very large adults down to young pups.
Nearby is Godrevy lighthouse. It is also possible to walk along the cliffs nearer to Hayle and back along the beach, after calling in at the Jampot Cafe.
Further along the path is "Hell's Mouth" cove, where there is also a very welcome cafe serving Fairtrade coffee.
Distances varied but it was all good practise - particularly the climb up the cliff, using the steps, back to our campsite.




Photos:
Seal colony











Godrevy Lighthouse
Coast path