A walk in the hills...and hello to Ciara!

Well, a couple of days ago I went for a walk in the Simonside Hills near Rothbury with my two sons, Dominic and Kris.  We walked for about two hours and got to the top of Tosson Hill, about 1,400 feet high.  The weather was great, hot for us at about 28 degrees C, as we tramped across farm land beside streams and through heather.  The bracken was very dry so we were careful when we set up a little portable barbeque for our burgers!

It was the first time I'd been in the hills in years, choosing our beautiful coastline in preference, or a walk alongside the River Coquet at Warkworth, of late.  I felt my legs aching as we pushed on up the last, steep bit of the hill, but it was worth it, as it always is, for the view out towards the higher points in the Cheviot range.  I think I'll count this as one of my two training sessions for this week.  I'll head for the gym at the weekend. 

On the fundraising front, things are coming along slowly, probably too slowly.  But, I have an invitation to speak at a Soroptomist meeting in exchange for them passing the hat round.  They are an organisation that promotes womens' welfare globally.  But, the BIG news this week is that I'm now not alone on the trek!  The trekking company, Charity Challenge, have a facility for people who have paid their deposit to be able, if folks are willing to share their details, for others to see who's paid up.  Up until now there has only been me and someone who doesn't want to share their contact stuff.  But, as of a couple of days ago, somebody else appeared, an Irish lass called Ciara (Kiera in English).  She says she thinks another eight of her mates are seriously considering doing the trek in aid of charity too.  That's great news as there needs to be a minimum of 12 for it all to go ahead (the maximum is 20, btw).

So, I'm feeling great and Ciara's arrival has given me a real boost!  Don't forget to donate via the Diabetes UK link if you're able.  Cheers, Bruce