Day 119 - Mile 102

Well, as I had said we was going to jog tonight, even though it was raining, we jogged!

Helena hadn't managed to get out for a jog at the weekend and really wanted to go even though it was raining, and I thought it was best not to give in and stay at home when she went out!

We started jogging our normal jog, but the opposite way round. I think I prefer the jog this way as the hill is a steady hill rather than a short sharp one. It was hard, as my legs ache from yesterday, but each time I go out it is a bit easier.

Every time I get a bit tired I think about why I am doing this challenge and that spurs me on. Just the thought of all the work that Dexter's Wish and Macmillan do, and will do for people makes me jog just that little bit further.

I was very glad to be back at Helena's and in the warm doing stretches!

Pictures here

Not sure when I'll be back out, depends on the bank holiday weather - hope you have a good one!

Love Iona x
365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 118 - Miles 99-101

Trina and I had arranged a J-walk (jog and walk) for tonight as we really need to get prepared for the Race for Life that we are doing with Helena. As we are still not the fittest of people, I thought that the canal would be a good place as it is flat, and we could decide how far we want to jog and walk.

The weather is meant to turn tomorrow, so we headed out making the most of the great spring evening. I think the rest of the area had the same idea as the canal was quite busy and we had to keep jumping out of the way of bikes hurtling towards us.

We managed quite well on the 1.5 mile towards the bridge... Trina is better at jogging than me - I just seem to tire easy.... so we chose Iona distances to jog and walk! I am recovering better from my jogging though, and it isn't was hard as it was when I started to jog. I am hopeful that with more practice I will get better.

Lots of lovely things to look at by the canal..... ducks, dogs, swans, blossom, not to mention one rather attractive jogger Trina and I decided was by far the best person we had seen tonight ;o)
See pictures here!


Hoping to jog again tomorrow night with Helena, although my blisters are a bit sore.....

Love Iona x
365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 115 - Miles 90-98

"Uh oh" was my thought when I awoke this morning to the sound of rain on the roof!!! It was 6am, so I decided to turn over and hope it would pass before I had to get up.

A jolly lovely cuppa tea made by Juli, and the promise that the rain had passed brought me to life an hour and a half later! A quick shower, breakfast, picnic packing and away we went....... off to Hamsterley Forest!

Juli, Nick and I arrived to a car park, already getting full of entrants, and the Macmillan Support team. We checked in very quickly and got ready to start our 9 mile walk starting at 10(ish). We were one of the first teams to be set off, all following the leader with his green Macmillan balloon in his rucksack. A great spirit was in the air as we set off.

We followed various routes around Hamsterley Forest. Firstly along the riverside trail, then climbing up to a high forest road, then descending to Grove House. Back up the other side of the valley we climbed and climbed until we thought we may actually not be on the right route as we hadn't seen a marshall in a long time..... but soon we managed to see one in the distance.

Back down this side of the valley to the half way point of Blackling Hole waterfall (where many people stopped to have their lunches) and along Ayhope Beck. We had to be careful at various points along the walk as Hamstely is great mountain bike territory and bikes kept coming zooming past us with ecstatic people on them! Even when some of them had to get off and push their bikes up the hills they were in good spirits.

Near the end of our walk we passed a beautiful sculpture of the Green Man - or men I should say, as depending on where you look you see the Green Son, the Green Man and the Green Father - amazing! All the ups and downs, weaving between trees, stopping for snack and breaks were all worth while when I saw these beautiful faces.

We finally had only one mile to go, feet aching and knees sore, we could see the car park in site and the FINISH line! Dorothy and Ian, friends from the valley, had come to meet us for a picnic lunch. It's always good to have a support team to meet you at the end of an event!

We sat in the sun, wind, cloud, and a couple of drops of rain, having our extravagant picnic before I finally had to head home from a great weekend, lots of lovely miles and most importantly, great company!

Photos uploaded here!

Love Iona x
365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 114 - Miles 87-89

Very lovely to be here at Fellside in Daddry Shield, visiting Juli and Nick!

I arrived last night to be ushered, quiet promptly, to a St Georges Country Dance in the next hamlet along (St John's Chapel). After much dancing, pie and peas, we finally collapsed after a busy week at work, all wondering if the exercise from the dancing may have actually knackered us all out for the weekend ahead!

This morning was bright, if a bit cloudy, and the view out of the window was spectacular! Juli and Nick's house has an amazing position in the valley and the views are immense! After cups of tea, juice, croissants with bacon, egg and tomato, and coffee, we were off for the day.

We had arranged to drive up to Steel Riggs to have a walk along Hadrian's Wall and see "that Prince of Thieves" tree. It was bright and breezy as we set off, lots of people out enjoying the spring weather. Everything seems to be a bit behind here, so the lambs are still babies and the daffodils are just coming out in force!

We followed the wall up and down the gradients of the terrain, passing everyone from hardcore climbers, to walkers with speakers blaring out music?!?!? There were lots of great photo opportunities along the way, including "the tree" and climbers caribenas. At the end of a small forest (1.5 miles point, and beautiful farm) we took to the path back along the other side of the wall, seeing the same views from different vantage points.

What a jolly lovely walk we had by the time we got back to car park, and worked up an appetite for Nick's great sandwiches. As we sat and ate we had entertainment of watching climbers race up the wall, and a remote control areoplane flying over head. We just had enough time to stop off for a cream tea on our way home at a local farm shop (Brockbushes) - bliss!

I'll upload the photo's when I get home from our sponsored walk tomorrow - wish us luck!

Love Iona x
365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 112 - Mile 86

What lovely weather we are having.......... after a cold and snowy winter, the Spring is definitely here, and we are even having some summery days. Today was one.

It was lovely to see Helena, Graeme and the boys after they have been on holiday for a week, and even Uncle Nat came over to see us all.

Helena and I were getting ready for our jog and Calum (3) wanted to come too. We agreed that I would jog a mile - having not jogged for ages - and his Mum, Helena would jog two as she has been doing more training, and I would pick him up and take him for a jog to the farm while we waited for her.

So off we went, into the sunny evening, jogging and chatting. It was easier that I suspected it would be after my walk last weekend, but I still found it hard to keep up with Helena. I did have to have a few breathers and take a few pictures along the way so that I didn't collapse there and then. Helena jogging on the spot while she waited for me to catch up!

I think she was glad when we turned the last corner which meant that she could do her second mile unhindered by me! I collected Calum, who showed me just how good his trainers are, and we set off jogging to the farm.

I think that Calum is a much more preferable jogging partner, as he kept requesting rests, and even asked if we could have a sit down and a rest at one point - I like his style! We got to the farm, and it was closed, but Calum thought that the Lorry and Van needed pictures......... see here.

We ran on and off back up the hill to the road that Helena would be coming along, and waited on the wall for her, comparing our trainers. His small and well worn..... mine big and new!

Just as we finished the comparison Helena come jogging round the corner..... and we all jogged home for tea! Yum!

Looking forward to my weekend walking this weekend... but will fill you in on that as it happens,

Love Iona x
365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 111 - Mile 85

So, I am home after cat sitting.

Nat has managed to get a flight home - only 5 days later than he had originally intended, so after work I came straight home. It was very weird to be home and settled by 6pm! I'd even eaten something for dinner!

It was such a lovely day today at work, the sun has been streaming through our office windows, that I decided that a swim tonight would be good. I text Trina before leaving and she was up for it too.... a nice relaxing swim on a Wednesday evening.

I love Bramley Baths - it is the last open survivor of eight pools built by Leeds City Council from 1899-1900. The towering chimney is a local landmark, and the Victorian features within always make me smile. So many people will have swum here over the years, it is a pleasure and an honour to be able to swim here.

I haven't swum for ages, so it was a "take it easy" swim. We entered Bramley Baths as the Adult's only session was starting. As the kids disappeared, we got into the pool. I was the fastest person in the pool, even at my decided leisurely pace, but it was ok as I just wanted to get in the water and swim.

As the minutes, and lengths passed, the night drew in above us through the sky lights and the stained glass windows at each end of the pool. There are so many features that I would like to photograph here..... hummm I may just have to see if I can sneak in sometime to photograph some of the amazing detail.

I did managed to take a few pictures though here,

Love Iona x

365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 107-8 - Miles 72 - 84

SHINE!

Last night saw Bec and I walked a half marathon through the streets of Manchester. We were walking as part of the Shine Manchester 2010 Cancer Research walk. Some people were walking a whole marathon and some people a half marathon, all for people that they loved who have had, passed away or survived Cancer.

We were asked to be there from 7pm even though we weren’t walking until 10pm, so we had arranged to meet up with my brother and his wife for dinner before hand at the Cornerhouse in Manchester. We had a lovely pizza and catch up before heading to the venue at 9pm.

They had been giving out helium balloons that were lit up to light the way through the streets, and Manchester Central was full! We had to wait around for the start of the walk, and everyone was getting really excited. The power walkers were heading off first, then the rest of us. It was all a bit chaotic, but we eventually passed the START line at 10.30pm.

The first few miles were great, everyone was full of spirits as we meandered through the city streets, we were soon at our first pitstop at the 4 miles marker. It was beautifully set up, with lots of candles, lit up tents and most importantly drinks, apples and toilets. Bec and I felt quite perky still so grabbed a bottle of water and an apple each and continued out of the city.

The next few miles passed well, and we were still nattering away, laughing and joking as we went. We stopped at he second pit stop at mile 6 for a quick toilet break….. and then we were back off again.

The mile between 8 and 9 was quiet possible the longest mile of my life. We had dropped our pace, it was cold and we seemed to be on a never-ending straight dual carriageway road. Bec and I hoped that we had missed the 9 marker and we were actually on our way to mile 10 – however, this was not the case!

As we hit the mile 9 marker we decided to up the pace with a treat of a sit down and snacks at the mile 10 marker. We were ecstatic when we saw the mile 10 marker in the distance! I have never been so pleased to see double figures! We sat on a wall and had bananas, nuts and raisins and lots of water, before getting back up on our feet – which were now so sore….. and starting the last 3 miles back to Manchester central.

As we walked those last few miles I needed to stop to go to the toilet again, and there was a pit stop at 11.5 mile marker. As we entered the pit stop, Bec waited for me as I started the queue to the loo. I suddenly came over all faint and felt really sick, so I sat on the floor. A lady in the queue ended up getting me a first aider, but after a few minutes on the floor, a drink, and a rescue Mars Bar from Bec I was feeling fine again.

We set off on the last mile and a half back though the city. It was really good to be back among familiar landmarks, and winding out way through the street, rather than just a bland dual carriageway!

As we came around the last corner, and Manchester Central was in full view, we were so pleased! I think Bec was more excited about the prospect of getting a medal, then the fact that we were actually at the finish.

As we passed under the finish line, it was really emotional. Thousands of people sitting around with their medals, all pleased that they were at the end of their Shine Night Walk.

It was now 4am, and Bec and I headed straight for the car for a few snacks and drinks to get going before the drive back to Leeds. After dropping Bec off as the sun was rising, students were making their way home from nights out. As I pulled up outside my house, I was really pleased to be home and more importantly, able to get into bed!

To see the pictures see here!

Hope you find it in your hearts, and pockets to donate.....

Love Iona X
365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 101 - Miles 70-71

After a very successful weekend of jobs around the house and garden, Trina and I decided that a nice walk would be the perfect way to round off the weekend.

I am currently cat sitting for friends who are in New Zealand, so I am closer to the west of Leeds. We headed out to Otley Chevin, which is only a short drive from here, to re-do a walk which I love and that Trina and I did during the snow.

I expected there to be more people about, but as the sun was dropping in the sky, there were just the tail end of dog walkers, joggers and us! Spring is definitely here, the daffs and buds on the trees are coming out. There were great skies and views today...... a lovely walk!

Pictures here x

Love Iona x
365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 96 Part 3 - Mile 69

Tuesday nights is Mum's night to volunteer at a small charity shop in Mahon. She started doing it to improve her Spanish, and it has done that and made her lots of nice friends.

I decided that I should really have a blog entry of Mahon in the daylight. So, a couple of hours before Mum finished her shift and I had to catch my plane, Dad and I took a walk around the city taking pictures. I had already packed my 'big' camera, so was using my small waterproof camera.

A few viewing points out to the harbour, a visit to the church to look at the fresco's and a meander through the cobbled streets proved bountiful for pictures!

A quick coffee and it was time to collect mum en route to the airport.

Flight delayed by and hour, and I only got home at 2.30am! But a jolly lovely holiday I have had!

Love Iona x
365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 96 Part 2 - Mile 68

We decided to take a drive out as the weather is rather overcast today and I wanted to get up to the lighthouse at Cabo de Cavalleria to take some pictures.

It was very windy up at the lighthouse and we only had a short stroll before heading down to the cove below. There were lots and lots of goats and kids playing and feeding in a beautiful little bay. The water didn't look so rough over this side of the island, even though the wind was blowing a gale!

After a bit of an explore I spotted a Sea Urchin that had been washed ashore and eaten by something, and Dad spotted a Starfish swimming in the sea. I had Dad's zoom lens on today so close up pictures weren't so easy, but getting good pictures of the kids was. See here

We dropped down into the next cove which is used as a small harbour. Nobody was out on the boats today, and it all looked rather calm and peaceful. I can't believe that it would be this quiet in the summer though!

Up to the Museum for a coffee before heading home for a late lunch and to pack!

5 days has never gone so quick!

Love Iona x
365daysin365miles@googlemail.com

Day 96 Part One - Miles 65-67

Dad had to get up for a blood test this morning, so when he got back he was ready and raring for the morning walk, and it was still only just 9am!

Mum's ankle is playing up a bit again, so she stayed at home to potter and make us some breakfast for our arrival back home.

Dad decided to take me mainly on his normal morning walk with Mary and Brian, but to head up to the Tower to see a sculpture - at the sculptors house! It was worth it to be honest - lovely carved wood and some rust metal as hair. This is at the top of the hill, before heading through the lanes back down towards the sea. There are lots more Orchids this morning.

The wind was very blustery and the sea was having a bit of a crash against the rocks. At this point I realised that I was not going to get in the water at all this holiday! Oh well, health and safety come first! I don't want to be ill any more and I definitely don't want to go home all battered and bruised!

We walked at pace back home listening to the waves hitting the shore, just in time as Mum had made some lovely porridge and coffee for breakfast while we discussed out next adventure and my last day on the island.

Pictures here

Love Iona x
365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 95 - Mile 64

Today has been another full day! Off to see the Abergavenny Brass Band play over on the Isla del Rey here in Menorca. A short boat trip out to the island that used to house the Navy hospital to hear a brass band from Wales. Not your normal way to start the day, but it was great and good to be able to sit in the sun!

We had friends coming for lunch so we dashed back in time for the BBQ with Javier, Mariangeles, and their daughters Marta (3 years) and Maria (3 months). Marta is full of energy, like most 3 year olds, so we decided to head to the beach for a bit of a walk and a play!

As we headed down to the beach, we spotted a rather large (for the size of the bay) boat in the bay, which headed off as soon as we reached the beach. No one was in the sea and only a few people on the beach. Unfortunately both girls had caught their Dad's cold so we didn't stay and play for long! But it got us all out of the house for a bit!
A lovely set of photos go with this as Marta has such a cheeky smile! Here!

As we headed back up to the house, I spotted a boat that had apparently been wrapped in black plastic. Apparently this is a common sight and you often find boat yards full off plastic wrapped boats for the winter season. I thought it looked like it needed unwrapping!

Love Iona x
365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 94 - Miles 62-63

HAPPY EASTER!

We knew that there was the threat of rain today, so we decided to have a quiet day at home. The Grand Prix was on, so we settled down, preparing veg and meat for tomorrow's BBQ, and reading in front of the fire, as the wind got up outside and the rain started to lash down!

However, after a siesta - well it is hard work doing nothing - the sun was shining and the sky was blue - well blue with a few white bits!

We decided to go for a walk along the front towards Punta Prima, where it is renowned for having exciting waves in the wind. Once we had set out from home though, we soon realised that the wind had not only blown away the rain, but blown itself out too!

Oh well, not the thrashing wave pictures I had anticipated, and the walk soon turned into a botanical walk, spotting flowers, including lots of Orchids which are coming out now too. Kept Mother happy! She's been on crutches recently, after falling down a hole in the drive, and we had to not get sidetracked and go off on too long a jaunt as her ankle was starting to hurt.

There is a beautiful casita on the edge of the sea here, that gets used as a holiday home by a family on Menorquin's in July and August, so we had a little look and peered into the little cove. There seemed to be a seat naturally carved into the rocks that you'd be able to dangle your feet into the water from. Mum decided that this is a mermaid seat, so they could keep their tails wet!

Up the hill and back along the top, we came to the top of the road. I offloaded my camera and jogged the last little bit home! Obviously on the understanding that I put the kettle on when I got in!

I have new trainers which I am wearing in, but as you'll see from the pictures here, they are rubbing a bit and Compeed plasters are coming into their own!!

Hope you have all had a glorious Easter whatever you are up to,

Love Iona x
365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 93 - Miles 59-61

"What a nice day it is", I heard as I awoke this morning. I'm not if is was meant to get me up, as Mum's voice drifted from their room to mine, but it did.

After a couple of cups of tea, Dad and I set out for his morning walk. He normal goes out most mornings with a couple of friends for a "fitness" walk, however Mary and Brian are in the UK at the moment so I was roped into being his walking partner.

We decided to kill 3 birds with one stone, as Dad needed his walk, I needed some miles and Dad wanted to show me the BBQ that he has been building at a friend's Villa here.

We headed from Binibeca Nou, along the coast into Binibeca Vell, the next resort along the coast, popping in at the Corish's Villa on the way.

It was very quiet, but then it was 9am after a night that anyone who is anyone would have been out in the town last night, so not that surprising.

The BBQ was very nice (even unfinished), as was the other bits and pieces of work that Dad has been doing for them around the house and garden. I ventured up to the roof terrace, and from here you can see the sea! Hurrah!

We then walked down into Binibeca Vell, where, even though they don't have a beach, they do have a very successful resort. People swim off the rocks and the harbour here is busy in the summer - not today though... the holiday season is only just beginning.

Dad pointed out the Church spire in the midst of the apartments, which the planner decided the skyline needed, even if there is no Church, and this is just stuck on the top of someone villa!?!?! Only in Menorca!

The walk back was pleasant as they sun was heating up, and we wound our way through the back streets back home for breakfast! The smell of coffee as we climbed the steps to the kitchen was just great!

A random selection of photos accompany this blog... but you'll have to wait! Click here

Love Iona x
365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 92 Part 2 - Mile 58

Well, what can I say....... It is Good Friday and as Menorca - as much of Spain - has quite a Catholic background, we headed out to the Good Friday parade.

Mum and Dad didn't really tell me much, only that they wore uniforms, drummed alot and carried statues through the town.

We walked across town to get a good position to watch the parade, and had to cross the tail end of the parade before they set off. Coming around the corner, of sleepy Mahon, I was greeted by what could only be likened to the Ku Klux Klan in Maroon?????????? I looked at my parents in dismay, and they assured me that this is "traditional" Easter costumes to do with the higher the point to the sky, the closer to God you are.

So, after this initial shock, we headed, at pace, from the Santa Maria Church up to Sant Francis Church at the top of Mahon. This gave us a good vantage point as this is at the top of quite a long straight road through the city.

It was amazing!!! Over a thousand people marching through the street to drum beats and trumpets playing, all dressed in robes and pointy hats of different colours. It is a very solemn affair, marking the cruxifiction of Christ and Mary's grief afterwards. The crowds are silent as the various stages of the run up to the cruxifiction are displayed as statues. Each being carried by one of the different churches in the Mahon area, each area having it's own colour - although I think there may be some religious connotations to the colours, but I'm not sure.

So, from Peter and the cockerel, through to John the Evangelist offering to carry the cross, to the cruxifiction, Jesus being laid to rest and the grieving Mary, all passed before our eyes. It was spectacular, and this was happening in most towns and cities across Spain!!!! If you are religious in any way, I would recommend it, and even if you're not it is quite some sight!
The photos are brilliant! Click here

Please forgive any religious errors.....

Love Iona x

365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 92 - Miles 56-57

After a horrible start to the week, I have tonsillitis! I have now arrived in a very sunny Menorca for a bit of relaxing and to get some miles in - hurrah!

Mum, Dad and I set off for an afternoon stroll, as I still feel a bit rough, and mum was tempting me to go for a swim! Meany! I have decided that I need at least another day of recovery before immersing myself in water.

Up the hill, round down to the sea, along to the beach and back up home we went. It's amazing the weird, wonderful, beautiful and bizarre things that you see in Menorca. Well I think so, but mum and dad just say "Well it's just what it's like in Menorca". Boats for sale, deck chairs in trees??? wild leeks and wild garlic to name a few.

It was lovely to get to the sea, and to my delight, there was someone training in the sea with a wetsuit on. Proper training, not just splashing about. I was so jealous I can not tell you! It was a good photo opportunity even if I couldn't jump in too!

As we climbed the many steps, up through the houses, you get a good view back down over the sea. We were lucky that you could see the sea from most of our walk. Spotting home through the trees and houses was a welcome sight as none of us had taken any water out with us!

Hope you are all having a very Good Friday.... photos when I get back to the UK.... there will be lots! x
Click here
Love Iona x
365milesin365days@googlemail.com