365 miles in 365 days

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

2011-01-01T17:41:00.004Z

So, there we are.... 365 miles in 365 days! Where did the year go? it certainly went quickly!

I have really enjoyed do this challenge and it has taught me many thing about myself and my life!

I am a bit crazy

I like to be outdoors in any weather

I have brilliant family and friends who will support me in my craziness

I love wellies

I have favourite places to go, but like to explore new places too

I am a do-er

Swimming makes me calm

I am not a natural runner

Walking gives you plenty of opportunities to take pictures of things that you would never be able to get to in the car

Doing the photo blog to accompany this had made me look at the world differently

I thank you all for reading and contributing.... and if you haven't do so far, please do! I am sure that Macmillan and Dexter's wish will be grateful to receive every penny that you can afford.

For my welcome to 2011, I headed with Trina up to Ilkley Moor White Wells Spa Cottage. This is where there is a tradition of plunging yourself into the natural spa at the beginning of the New Year to cleanse yourself for the new year ahead. Some use it as a hangover cure, some just go for a invigorating dip! It was invigorating and poor Trina was in longer than me as the lovely old lady policing the 2 changing cubicles didn't quite know what to do with the camera!

It was cold! It was brilliant! It was well worth the trip out! What a great tradition!

Pictures here

Hope you have all had a great start to the new year so far!

Love to you all, may all your dreams and wishes come true for 2011, Iona xxxxx

365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 365 - Part 3 - Mile 365!

2011-01-01T17:22:00.003Z

For the last mile, Trina and I decided to walk to "The Village" in Farsley for their New Years Eve party.

We got our frocks on and headed out after Katy took a picture of us, after much laughing and posing we finally managed to get a picture that we were happy with..... maybe we shouldn't have started on the wine earlier!

We headed down Coal Hill Lane, past the odd cemetery which no-one seems to know why it is there, and along to the bottom on the highstreet. We passed a car with the reg ONA - almost Iona we decided!

Finally we headed up the hill to be greeted by 2 doormen (oh the Village has become posh tonight!) and went in for a celebratory drink! See pictures here...

Happy new year everyone!

Love Iona x

Day 365 - Mile 364

2010-12-31T13:19:00.003Z

Well, here I am at work... as I had to come in today I decided that I'd fit a lunchtime walk in. We work right next to the motorway so you have to listen to the cars which is probably the worst bit of the walk.

I chose to look the other way as I walked, across the fields. There is regularly a horse or two in the field, but I couldn't get very close as there was way too much mud! Attached to the field is the most bizarre caravan 'holding pen' for want of a better word! Hundreds of caravans all lined up in neat little rows.... bizarre!

I took a picture of the Nepshaw Lane South sign to prove that I got to the other end and meandered my way back towards work spotting a flat cap that had been left of the fence post... someone obviously has a cold head somewhere! Shame it wasn't in better condition... think I may suit a flat cap? maybe not? See pictures here...

Hope you are all enjoying the last day of 2010 and that you are all ready for tonight's festivities!

The last mile will be tonight on the way to the bar that Trina and I are going out to celebrate the New Year! You may have to wait for the blog until Jan the 1st!

May you have a lovely night and see you in 2011!

Love Iona x
365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 365 - Miles 362-363

2010-12-31T13:14:00.004Z

7.30 am! I haven't seen that time for a while now! My alarm went off and I had to jump out of bed to get 2 miles in before coming to work. It wasn't too cold... well it's all relative I suppose!

I headed down Coal Hill Lane and was surprised at the fact the there was some builder already doing work and office lights going on..... I headed down to the canal thinking that it was probably still a bit too dark to be walking along the canal but by the time that I got there the sun had brightened up the day a little.

The canal is still frozen and the poor birds are still all congregating outside the Barge pub. I counted 14 swans this morning - amazing to see so many in the same place - I am in complete awe of their beauty even though they scare the crap out of me when they come close!

Back along the road and up the other end of Coal Hill Lane to home. 2 down, 2 to go.....

Pictures here...

Love Iona x
365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 364 - Miles 354 - 361

2010-12-30T17:22:00.002Z

I was given 2 sets of walking card set for Christmas from Nat and Chris, so when Trina and I decided to do a big walk today, we picked one out of the box! It was nice to do a walk that we had never done before even though we were a bit disabled by the mist and couldn't see very much!

We took a 7.5 mile walk called Navigating From Stanley Ferry and made it an 8 mile walk because we got a bit lost - good lost - adventuring lost - but lost all the same!

We headed out of Stanley Ferry Marina along the canal for about a mile. It was weird as the canal has a long crack in it running parallel with the edge of the canal for ages and ages. We couldn't see very much due to the mist - but the trees did look spooky across the fields in the mist.

We got off the canal and headed into the village of Atlofts, winding through the streets, down ginnels and along field edges. At one point the lovely path turned into a horrible muddy path, so muddy that by the end of the field our boots were almost twice the size that they were when we had entered the field!

This is where we went wrong - seems that the instructions and the sign post weren't inline with each other so we went with our instincts... which by all accounts weren't right! We walked down the country lane expecting to pick up the directions soon enough but didn't! Ho hum..... Trina and I are not the sorts to get all panicky and distraught because we don't know where we are, so instead we soldiered on!

We came to a fork in the road, which way to go? the one without the big barking dog obviously!

This is where our adventured started. It seems that we had landed ourselves in the middle of the Newland Estate.... Click here for more info and pictures you can see, rather than my misty ones which are here...

We headed back along the river and were soon back on the right track. We did stop and ask a man who was walking his dog if we were where we thought we were and he pointed out that the lakes were were stood by had just been made, hence they were not on our map!

Over the ridge, and along by the river once more we entered the village of Kirkthorpe where we passed the church (definitely back on track according to the directions) and into The Southern Washland Nature Corridor. Under the railway line and back over the canal onto tow path.

We headed up the tow path, feet aching towards to Marina once more. It was amazing to see how many different canal boats there was, Trina like the look of a rather large one so she could store her clutter! I like the names and paintings and seeing where they have all come from. The poor birds seem to be having a rough time on this canal too - teetering on their feet trying not to slide around too much!

Would we go on this walk again.... maybe when we can see a bit more than 50 metres ahead of us! Nice to be somewhere different through, and good to do a long walk. Home now and bathed, ready for work and the remaining miles tomorrow.

Love Iona x

365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 363 - part 2 - Mile 353

2010-12-29T20:34:00.003Z

Evening all!

I had intended on going on an afternoon stroll with Calum and Samuel so that Helena and Graeme could sort a few things out at their house - they have been flooded and are currently living out of a hotel room - and could be for 3 months!

However, this didn't really end up happening as Calum has a raging temperature and was really sleepy so he and I spend approximately 4 hours watching DVD's snuggled on the sofa while Helena sorted stuff out and Graeme looked after Samuel.

After we ate dinner and getting the boys ready for bed, they headed back to their hotel room and I went out for a quick stroll around the block for a bit of exercise and to cool off - 4 hours lying next to someone who has a temperature certainly warms you up.

I took a few light pictures here, but frankly with the mist and it being dark there wasn't much to take picture of.

2 days to go and 12 miles and I have to work one of those days..... eeek!

Love Iona x

365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 363 - Miles 349-352

2010-12-29T20:03:00.006Z

This morning I needed to run a few errands and rather than jumping into the car and nipping over to Pusdey, I decided to walk. It's surprising how unappealing everything looked this morning after the lovely white snow everywhere. It was quite hard to take good pictures too as there was a heavy mist over the area.

I headed out along past the park and onto Stanningley Road, underneath the Arches and into Pudsey. I really like Pudsey, it still has the small market town feel about it and it has most of the things that you need..... well it had all that I needed this morning.

First to the green grocers to get some veg for the next few days - I spotted some lovely Clementines in a tray.... I am a sucker for patterns! Then to visit Pudsey Bear who lives in the Town Hall, I really wanted to take a picture for everyone who doesn't believe that sometimes I drive home just to catch a glimpse of the 7 foot Pusdey Bear - however the dirty windows and the light made it hard!

A quick trip to the bank to pay in cheques for the charities I am doing this for (many thanks and to those who have sent money through paypal.... every little helps as they say!) , and then to get a few more bits... bread for lunch and pastry to make mince pies......

See pictures here...

I managed to get home in good time and have decided that if I only want a few things in the future I shall be walking to Pudsey!

Love Iona x

365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 362 - Miles 347-348

2010-12-28T19:22:00.004Z

Today we all headed over to Corin, Jen and Harper's new house in Marple for more sorting and a bit of DIY. Obviously someone has to look after Harper all of the time, so I took him out for a walk for a bit so that the others could crack on. It was pretty miserable weather, so I donned my Mac and Harpers pram was kitted out for all weather!

We headed out into the centre of Marple, past the old fashioned cinema and onto the Canal. There is a stretch here which has many, many locks, so we got on at number 13 and exited at number 7. I really like canals and the mechanical-ness of the lock workings. It amazing to think that these locks have been here for years, a small piece of metal is enough to open the workings to fill and empty masses of water to enable the barges to rise and fall up or down the locks.

It was evident that the canal has been very frozen, with ice skating ducks and some frozen locks. We exited the canals after a brief period of very slippy ice under water underfoot and headed back towards the highstreet. Not knowing completely where I was going I just kept going exploring until it seemed like we were heading in the right direction.

Finally we were passing the fire station and back on the highstreet heading towards home for a warm cup of coffee! I was completely drenched, Harper was fast asleep, but we had a good walk and were back in the land of warm and cosy rooms!

See the photos here...

If you are reading this, then please spare a few pounds to donate..... as that is the whole point of this. Dexter's Wish - a charity raising money to help families with children who need support during their difficult illnesses, and MacMillan Cancer Support are both charities that are close to my heart... so please... if you have a few spare pounds send them our way.

I have 3 days and 17 miles to go - we I make it?

Many thanks, Iona x

365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 361 - Miles 345-346

2010-12-27T20:54:00.004Z

After a quick drive down the motorway, we arrived in Manchester for out 2nd Christmas.

Happy Christmas Everyone.... again!

After another round of present opening we nipped out to Tescos for some supplies. Mum, Dad, Harper and I took a stroll down the slushy pavements and through the park to Tescos. Princes park looked really nice in the snow, lots of people out walking dogs in the snow.

Tescos was such an exciting experience Harper fell fast asleep! Wish I could deal with shopping in such a way! We did however manage to get all we needed and some treats to keep us going for the next couple of days and a Welcome mat for Corin, Jen and Harper's new home! Lovely!

Odd set of photos here...

Love Iona x
365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 361 - Mile 343-344

2010-12-27T20:35:00.004Z

Snow! this morning just as I was about to go out for a walk it started to snow, not just a bit but a lot! Ho hum..... on with the wellies, anorak, and woolly hat and off I went!

I went out to have a walk while mum and dad packed all their worldly goods, and Christmas presents into their suitcases before we drove to Manchester for lunchtime.

I headed down to Rodley and along the canal. It was very frosty on the canal still especially as the snow was falling again. I'm not sure I could spend Christmas on a canal boat - brrrrrr!

There was a small piece of water not frozen next to the Barge pub where there seemed to be all the birds in the area - there were about 10 swans amongst others. I walked up through the snicket and to the main road where I saw the picture above - 2 intertwined love hearts in the snow!

A quick walk up the hill home for a cup of coffee! mmmmmmmm

Photos here....

Love Iona x

365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 360 - Miles 340-342

2010-12-26T17:21:00.003Z

HAPPY BOXING DAY !!!

Mum and Dad have never been to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, so to avoid the thought of going sale shopping - my worst nightmare - but in order to get out we headed there for a walk and a look at the art.

I love the sculpture park as it has many of my favourite things.... trees, fields, water, art, coffee, cake and a good gift shop... so the sculpture park is bliss for me! Many of our friends and relatives have spoken to Mum and Dad about the park and all it holds so they have been keen to go for a while, but it's just so hard to fit in all the things they want to do each time they come to the UK.

It was really lovely to be walking in the park in the snow. My photos are different this time as this changes the way you look at the sculptures. David Nash's exhibition is still on, so the large tree sculptures that I had seen only a few months ago took on a whole different dimension today. The park is brilliant, the way that you can interact with the art and see it up close.

Through the park we headed down to the lake, some poor swans and their year old cygnets were trapped in the only bit of water on the lake. They had made some lovely foot prints.... someone had even gone out on the ice and drawn a smiley face - not sure if I would have trusted the ice.

Back up through the pastures, passing Henry Moores and a quick stop in the deer shelter sky space. Not a very impressive sky to look at through the viewing space - a bit cloudy, but nice all the same.

Up to the cafe for coffee and cake, and a surprisingly inexpensive visit to the shop! Well I can always go back.....

See lovely, lovely photos here...

Hope you are all coping over the Christmas period,

Love Iona x

365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 359 - Miles 336-339

2010-12-25T18:35:00.003Z

HAPPY CHRISTMAS EVERYBODY!

Christmas sees our family having the idyllic tradition of a Christmas walk. We are having Christmas in Leeds this year and so have met up with the Leeds clan to take a Christmas stroll.

Carina, Zipp, Finn, Alice, Keir, Mae, Mum, Dad and I (and Bowie the dog) headed from Carina and Zipp's up into Headingley. We ventured through the street until we came to "Woodhouse Ridge", a lovely walk through the woods, right the way behind Headingley to Woodhouse and then back past Meanwood.

I love walking in big groups - you always seem to talk more than you would in a house and meander between people and flows of conversation. I think that I catch strange combinations as I stop to take photos which means that I end up at the beginning, then in the middle, then a the end of the group.

We walked back past Meanwood and came across a bandstand base - it was amazing to see the drawing of what the path used to look like and that there was a bandstand up there on the ridge. The Victorians had it right I think!

We did intend to go for a quick drink at the pub before heading home to get the dinner ready, however it wasn't open by the time that we had got to it! Oh well, we had a lovely walk in the woods and had some great quality family time together. I really appreciate being part of a large family, especially as we all get on... well most of the time!

Lovely photos here...

For anyone who wants to look at Mum and Dad's round the world blog here....

Love Iona x

365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 358 - Part 2 - Miles 334-5

2010-12-24T20:09:00.003Z

Dad and I had to nip out to get a few supplies, so I was convinced that we should walk to do some more miles. I decided that we'd do a walk and look out for Christmas lights to show Mum when we got back who was busy making mince pies.

Lost of people go crazy decorating their house but there was some tasteful decorations in for the offering! We headed down Coal Hill Lane, up the high street and through the back roads to home giving us plenty of opportunity to seek out lovely lights. Take a look here...

We arrived home just before we got too cold and warmed up with tea and mince pies - mmmmmm...

Hope you are having as nice a Christmas Eve as us.

Love Iona x

365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 358 - Miles 332-333

2010-12-24T19:43:00.003Z

Happy Christmas Eve!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We were let out of work early today so I made the most of the sunshine this afternoon. I popped over to see Nat, Chris and Captain. I was a bit excited and nipped into Helena's to borrow Calum's sledge as I haven't done any sledging so far this year!

Nat, Captain and I headed up to the Billing, for a cold walk around the lake and up the hill. I tried to get Nat to have a go on the sledge but he was having none of it! I however, was very excited and had a couple of goes as soon as we came into the main field. It was great - and very fast... I did try to take a picture but it was very blurry!

Captain played fetch, really enjoying the snow as we walked around and up the hill, making friends with any other dogs that he could!

A final go on the sledge for me across the corn field.... a fast but bumpy ride!

See photos here....

Love Iona x

365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 353 - Mile 331

2010-12-21T12:51:00.005Z

So, it's a bit late to be writing this blog as we walked on Sunday - but there you are, life kind of gets in the way sometimes.

We had a family 'do' arranged for Sunday afternoon, all meeting at Kirkstall Abbey for Carols before the eating and drinking would commence. Mum, Dad, Katy and I decided to head out to Kirkstall early for a walk in the snow. It was utterly beautiful... there is enough snow on the ground to get lovely snowy pictures, but not too much to get snowed in or inconvienced too much.

After strolling around the ruins and along the river, we headed to the Carol singing. We had all anticipated that we woulod be singing, as did lots of members of the crowd, but it seemed we were just there to watch the Heritage Singers sing carols.

It was lovely to hear them sing in the old Abbey, such a lovely setting even if we all did end up with freezing feet and the desire to sing - well we did have a bit of a sing - hope they didn't mind!

Pictures uploaded here...

Love Iona x
365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 352 - Mile 330

2010-12-18T19:25:00.003Z

So, the folks have landed safe and sound yesterday - thankfully not today due to the snow and all that! It was funny to watch how excited Mum got when she awoke to see the snow outside - a light sprinkling I'd call it after all that we have had, but they don't get much snow in Menorca so it was a real treat for her!

We went out for a quick walk before porridge for breakfast - mmmmmm...

Lots of footprints already even though we were out before 8.30am, cats, dogs, people...... I took a photo of some that look like shooting stars.... well if you have a good imagination they do!

We were walking along and saw a DHL man delivering very large sacks to a house, I think it may have been Santa in disguise!

See our photos here....

Love Iona x

365mileisn365days@googlemail.com

Day 346 - Miles 325-329

2010-12-12T21:37:00.004Z

Well what a lovely Sunday I have had! Lazy morning followed by a walk, torchlight parade and carols, followed by a carol service, out for dinner and now home - as I said - Lovely!

I have had quite a busy and stressful few days after I came home from work to find Police in my house and Katy on the phone to the locksmith after we had been burgled! Thankfully we were both out, no one was hurt and the alarm went off so they didn't take much! Saturday was spent sorting more locks and insurance folowed by Calum's pirate birthday party which made that day a bit more enjoyable!

I'm not one to sit around an wallow, well not for long anyway, so today was a day for enjoyment!

Trina and I set out to Haworth after lunch and headed out onto the moors into Bonte country! After a quick trip to the toilets we were off. There was some upmarket graffiti "Live a life of splendor", good advice if you ask me! It really was a good day to be out there, there were heavy clouds and the rain was just at bay! I have never ventured out on the moors here before but will definitely be doing more so in the future. It was still quiet cold up there as you will see from the pictures, puddles and the old quarry lake were frozen. You can see out to the reservoir and across to some of Yorkshire's finest fields from the top, there was a bench in memory of "Jackie" - in a great spot, obviously someone special.

After wandering around (me calling Heathcliffe!, Trina cringing and laughing at me!) we headed back down towards Howarth village for some Christmas treats. The light was going, the Christmas lights were sparkling and there was a buzz in the air as we all waited for the torchlight parade to start.

It was brilliant - definitely something to become a tradition of mine and Trina's. The torches were lit, the carol sheets handed out and the safety warning given - much to the annoyance of the Beagle (old name for policeman apparently). We headed up the hill with torches, topping and singing carols at various points. Lots of people parading and many more watching from shops, pubs and cafes. I love singing!

We finally arrived at the church where the people that were going to church were ushered through the crowd so that we could fine our seats and prepare for the carol service, it was a lovely way to end a great day - more singing, a good sermon, readings and more........ I realise that I have mentioned this before but for someone who is not religious, I seem to have spent alot for time in church recently!

Lots of lovely pictures here...

Hope you have all had a great weekend,

Love Iona x

365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 342 - Mile 324

2010-12-08T21:05:00.003Z

So.... I had intended to get up and go swimming at 7am this morning..... hummmm that didn't happen! It is so cold at the moment, even though I had everything ready by the door to make my exit a swift one, that when my alarm went off, I found it hard to get out of my warm snuggley bed and get up!

I did however pack my swim bag into the hire car so that I could go after work. It felt very strange walking across the car park to go swimming in my wellies - not swimming IN my wellies that would be silly! The car parks were frosty and there was lots of snow still on the ground, I was quite thankful when I got into the leisure centre.

It was nice to swim, I love it, I can not think of life without the ability to swim! The only problem was getting out! The pool and the poolside were warm, but the changing rooms seem to have a massive draft running throughout - brrrrrrr!

I did make sure I took the time to dry my hair before heading back out into the cold - even though my hair is getting a bit long for this swimming!

See pictures here...

I am going to try to swim at least 2 times next week to get some miles in, and plan to do some walking at the weekend - hopefully!

Love Iona x

365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 339 - Part 2 - Mile 323

2010-12-05T19:08:00.003Z

These are our grumpy car collision faces!

However.... as you know I am one to make the best of a situation, and as Trina was now stuck at my house, I decided to walk her home and she would drop me back. Well I need some extra miles and I wanted to take pictures of the Christmas lights again this year.

As we teetered and tottered down Coal Hill Lane, the walking was much better when we were on the flat! Both of us had intended to go to the Farsley Lights switch on but Wednesday was blizzard day so we opted to stay in the warm!

I am sure, and so is Trina that lots of the lights are different this year.... whether they buy new ones, or swap with local towns I am not sure! I have to say that I much prefer them this year, especially the Angel outside the church - just beautiful!

To see this years lights click here....

To compare to last years click here...

Love Iona x

365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 339 - Miles 321-322

2010-12-05T18:47:00.005Z

Sundays don't start better than a nice large coffee and some toast and strawberry jam! Yum!

Trina, Nat and I had planned on going to the Yorkshire Sculpture park today but they both texted to say they thought they'd have too much work to come out for a walk. I decided to just head out to Otley Chevin on my own, but Trina decided that she's probably get cabin fever if she was in all day so came with me.

We went for a lovely, somewhat de'ja'vu walk, as we had walked year in the snow early last year. Trying to get some lovely pictures as I love the Chevin and the trees and views that you can get from there.

We were greeted with a strangers dog coming bounding towards us - I got an amazing shot just before he darted off to his owners! Lots of people out walking dogs, sledging and enjoying the lovely snow before it gets too icey and cold. The sun was really shining!

See the pictures here...

We headed to The Cheerful Chilli for cuppas and cake before heading home......or so we thought... what started off a a quick walked turned into a long day out!

Someone had slid and crashed into my car! Thankfully they had left their insurance details, so after an hour of phone calls, we were rescued by the AA. They got my car road worthy enough to get it home ready for collection by the garage tomorrow - gaffer tape it seems is the best thing ever! Thank goodness for the AA and their very helpful staff - if you are not a member I definitely recommend it.

See pictures here..., hope you had a better day!

Love Iona x

365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 338 - Mile 320

2010-12-04T17:51:00.004Z

Christmas party number 1 - wonder how many I'll get through this year! My closest university friends always meet up before Christmas for dinner and to exchange gifts! What started as a 1230 lunch ended up finishing at 4pm! Oh well good job the restaurant wasn't too busy!

Nicola, Pearse, Joshua (1), Dominic (1), Helena, Graeme, Calum (nearly 4), Samuel (1), Fiona, Paul, Simeon (1), Sue, Nat, Chris and I all sat down for a lovely leisurely lunch.

Some of us headed for a quick walk while we sill had light, trying to burn off a little of the giant meal that we had all eaten! Phew!!

We headed down to the canal in Appperley Bridge for a quick stroll to see the canal boats and back to the pub! It was slippy and chilly, but we were all wrapped up well, so it wasn't too bad! Lovely frozen Canal again today!

See the pictures here...

The roads are getting less snowy and more frosty so I am planning a nice quiet night in!

Love Iona x

365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 336 - Miles 318-319

2010-12-02T10:56:00.005Z

After being sent home from work yesterday due to the snow, and a 2 hour drive home I couldn't bring myself to go out again for a walk, so I hid inside and slept!

This morning after a lot of to-ing and fro-ing, the decision was that I would stay at home until lunchtime and await the call to go in if necessary. So I decided that good walk in the snow was in order. After all you have to get some pleasure from this weather, not just annoyance from people driving too close to you!

It was really lovely going out, the snow was still crisp underfoot and glistening in the sunshine. I headed down the road, past the park and onto the canal. The only point in the whole walk that I nearly slipped over was crossing the bridge onto the canal. It was such a lovely sight seeing 2 canal boats with their chimneys going, keeping warm in this wintering weather.

The poor birds only had a small bit of water to swim on but they seemed to be making the most of it! The swans were breaking the ice and pushing their way through!

On the way up the hill home, it was clear who has decided not to go into work by the layers on snow on their cars, and the people who have been out for a bit by the thick brown sludge on theirs! When the snow goes I think there will be a lot of car cleaning going on!

Snowy pictures here...

Hope you are all warm and happy,

Love Iona x

365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 334 - Mile 317

2010-11-30T19:38:00.003Z

Brrrrr it's cold! There was more snow last night and it's getting deep!

I tried to get a mile in last night by going swimming. I arrived at 6.05, was told that someone was sick and that they were re-opening the pool at 6.30. So I had a drink and watched them clean up the sick - a odd process. At 6.30 we were told to go home! Ahhh I really wanted to swim! but I called Helena and popped in to see them all so the evening wasn't wasted!

I thought that I'd get out at lunchtime to walk a mile in the snow at work at lunchtime, but completely forgot until it was 3 o'clock - whoops! So I decided to get out and do a mile as soon as I got home.... at least I could walk knowing that I could come home and get warm.

Was really nice to walk in the snow, crunching away under foot with the dog walkers and people coming home from work. I know it may sound odd but I like the cars going slowly... it's odd but true... there is something quite pleasing about it.

The only sad thing about the walk was my wellies now have a hole in each - not leaking yet though so I have time to buy some new ones - hurrah!

A few pictures here...

Love Iona x

365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 332 - Part 2 - Mile 317

2010-11-28T20:35:00.004Z

After arriving home for about 5 mins I was heading out the door again to go for a snowy wood walk with Nat and Captain the dog! It was a beautiful, really magical walk! I have to thank my folks for my love of this weather - my mum for her giddiness and my dad for teaching me how to drive in the snow!

We crisply walked through the hardening snow and the rustling leaves while Captain found all sorts of new and exciting things to smell, lick and generally get himself tied up in! A few other people were out making the most of the Sunday sun before we all head back to work tomorrow.

I was really pleased to be able to get out with my 'big' camera to take some shots having decided wrongly to take my 'little' camera away for the weekend... I won't make that mistake again! I got some great shots here....... thanks to Nat and Captian for their patience!

Then it was straight off again to the Advent service in Leeds Cathedral - beautiful singing and a beautiful building - quiet a religious weekend for me!

p.s. did I mention I love snow? woooooo hooooooo!!!!!!!!!

Love Iona x

365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 332 - Miles 315-6

2010-11-28T20:08:00.005Z

Hurrah for Ollie and Sarah! After a lovely day with them, their families and friends yesterday it was bliss to go out and explore Derby this morning. I was wandering the streets, admiring the architecture by 10 am.

The hotel that the wedding reception was held in is really close to the Cathedral in Derby so as I meandered through the streets and alleyways, the Cathedral bells played out a lovely relaxing tune to walk to. Yet another crisp and snow morning, I had to be wrapped up and booted to make sure that I didn't freeze on this glorious Sunday!

There are an amazing array of building in Derby. It seem that they have just been organically fitting into each other, different architectural styles and times. A really lovely place that I am sure I'll have to come back to to explore some more. What struck me more than anything was the sheer randomness of the shops... for example Laura Ashley is next to a charity shop and then Primark! A great hotch potch of shops!

Mainly building pictures here...

Love Iona x

365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 331 - Mile 314

2010-11-28T19:47:00.007Z

Well what can I say, what a horrid couple of weeks. I had a dreadful cold and work has been really stressful, so I have been coming home and pretty much collapsing in a heap, before going to bed and starting again the next day.

I was so exited on Saturday, not only because it had snowed, but it was two very good friends of mine's wedding day - Hurrah for the new Mr and Mrs Snodgrass.

I decided to do a quick mile in the morning before getting ready to leave for Derbyshire. I donned my jeans and wellies and headed out in to the cold. It was great!!!!!!! I love the strangely quiet crunch of snow and the way that it seems to make the world fresh and clean! Just what I needed, a bit of peace and calm after another late night at work, and before the weekend's jollities!

Lovely snowy pictures here,

Love Iona x

365milesin365day@googlemail.com

Day 319 - Mile 313

2010-11-15T20:01:00.003Z

I haven't swum for ages, and definitely not in a pool, so when I dived in tonight I was surprised at how good it felt. Obviously I love swimming and in the wild is much better, but water is water in my books and a pool will have to do until spring!

The light is great, reflecting and refracting off the bottom of the pool and soon I was into a good rhythm. One front crawl, one breast stroke........ easy! Even though I was in the fast lane, it was quiet a relaxing swim and not too strenuous.

It was made a bit easier by the cute man in camo shorts who was swimming too.... maybe I'll make swimming a Monday tradition!

Photos here...

Love Iona x

365milein365days@googlemail.com

Day 317 - Miles 305 - 312

2010-11-13T17:10:00.004Z

After a very wet and windy week, Trina and I had toyed with the idea of walking into town to go to the German Market on it's first weekend of opening. Last night didn't look too hopeful for our walk today as it was absolutely soaking wet when we went to the theatre with Helena and Nat!

Up early and the weather looked ok, so I text Trina and we were set...... by the time I had picked her up it was raining again! We decided to walk a bit along the canal and we could always turn back if the weather didn't get any better.

It's 6.25 miles from Rodley to Leeds along the canal, and what a great walk it is. After the initial downpour the weather lifted to light showers and lots of sunshine when we got to town. It's really interested to see a part of town which I know so well but from a different perspective. The back of Kirkstall Abbey, past the marina, Armley Mills, under lots of bridges before hitting the centre of town. At one point the canal is being "fixed", so it has had most of the water taken out, it looks very bizarre!

The light was great after the rain had finished so I managed to get lots of good pictures along the canal and some great pictures of town and the market. I don't think I have looked up enough at the buildings in Leeds. Take a look at them here.....

After our lunch and shop Trina wanted to try "Appy Feet", where you plunge your feet into fish tanks and they eat the dead skin off your feet. A bit like a pedicure with fish! Trina has wanted to do this for ages, but nearly screamed the place down when the fish actually started to eat her feet! It was a surreal but enjoyable experience and I would recommend it - honest!

Off out to thanksgiving dinner tonight, yummy!!

Love Iona x

365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 313 - Mile 304

2010-11-09T07:49:00.003Z

Monday morning blues meant that I didn't get out of bed until the last possible minute yesterday, hence to walk or jog!

After digging over the compost at the weekend I have pulled a muscle in my leg, so it was a brisk walk this morning rather then a jog! It all started out ok, a bit cold but the rain was holding off! Feeling happy that I had got out of bed, I got into a good stride and was soon at the park........ where the heavens opened and I got very wet for about 5 mins as I crossed the park.

As soon as I had exited the park and was on the main road, the rain had stopped and the wind had dropped, so that the bit before home was nice and walk in comparison!

Will upload the photos later,

Love Iona x

365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 311 - Miles 299-303

2010-11-07T17:17:00.003Z

Sunny Sunday yet again - has to make up for all the horrible weather we had during the week! Busy few days with work and bonfire night(s), trips on the trains, visits to the museum, so it was lovely to get out for a long walk.

Trina and I headed out to Harewood House for a walk through the woods, past the Emmerdale set, along the bridle paths and past Eccup reservoir. I haven't been in this area since I was at Uni and the landscape is beautiful. It was designed by Capability Brown, so everything has it's place. Apparently there was some storms that ruined some of the wood, but they have worked to get it back to it's original state replanting.

Will have to look at some other walks in the area as it is so pretty here and there is so much to explore. Let's get the maps out!

Lots of good autumnal pictures, especially ones of Trina walking on the log! See here...

Love Iona x

Day 308 - Mile 298

2010-11-07T16:49:00.003Z

Wednesday morning was wet and wild, so as you can imagine I stayed in bed! Thursday morning however it seemed a bit less windy and rainy so I head out for a quick mile before work.

Lot of puddles on the ground and the trees were a lot less leafy with all the wind over the last few days. The birds seemed to be enjoying it though, loads of little sparrows scratching through the leaves to eat.

A few pictures here...

Love Iona x

365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 306 - Miles 296-7

2010-11-02T20:09:00.002Z

So I managed another morning of getting up and out! It took all my will power to get up out of my snuggley bed this morning and go out as I could hear a gale blowing outside.

It was nice and fresh as I went out, definitely blew the cobwebs away! Jogging down coal hill lane I stumbled on a sales office - seems they are doing some development and the only sign of anything happening yet is the office and bulldozed land!

Jogging and walking through the cut through and onto the canal, it was so peaceful! No a sole to be see on the canal this morning and only the ducks and swans for company! Bliss! Shame I have to get back onto the road and head up the hill to home.

I did try to get some pictures to show you just how windy and wild it was this morning, but they didn't seem to come out as well as I had hoped. See here...

Love Iona x

365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 305 - Mile 295

2010-11-01T19:21:00.003Z

What a difference a day makes - well a couple and the clocks going back!

It was light this morning when I wet for a jog - Light I tell thee! and so much nicer than jogging in the dark. This I am going to have to get out over the next week or so to get in some miles.

Out around the park this morning, just one mile, but nice to start the week with god intentions! Let's see if I can keep it up every morning, because I am quiet busy this week after work!

See a few pictures here...

Love Iona x

365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 304 - Mile 294

2010-10-31T16:55:00.002Z

A quick jaunt out tonight before it got too dark. As the clocks have gone back our meeting time of 4pm could have meant that it got a bit too dark, but Nat, Captain and I were all on time, and walked briskly, so we managed a mile in before the light went too much.

A bit hard to get good photos but I did manage a few. Captain is such a good dog and always come bounding back when he is called. A nice chat with Nat, and now home for a cuppa before getting ready to go out in a bit!

See the photos here...,

Love Iona x

365milesin365days@blogspot.com

Day 303 - Part 2 - Miles 292-293

2010-10-31T13:48:00.003Z

Last night we went over to York to see the Illuminating York Festival. Thankfully it was a dry night and not too cold, even on the last couple of days of October.

Trina and I hadn't quiet comprehended just how many drunken people dressed up for Halloween their would be wondering the streets drunkenly as we tried to find the Illuminated Rose on York minster. Quite a sight is all I'll say!

We finally meandered our way through the streets of York and the first glimpse of the installation on the minster was impressive. The whole of the street was crammed with people watching as the story of the rose unfolded before our eyes and boomed out from the sound system.

It was magnificent to watch the light display unfurl before us and listen to people comments around us as we mingled through the crowd to the gardens behind the Minster.

Lots going on in the garden which was made more spectacular by the lit up trees. We headed through to the Treasurer's house, where there seemed to be a Halloween display being shown. We were herded and told to keep moving around the garden, but made a quick pit stop to the cafe for Hot Chocolates to warm us up! After we went back through the gardens taking in some of the installations that we had missed first time, before meandering back through the streets of York to the car.

A very pleasant evening, and some great photos here...

Love Iona x

365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 303 - Miles 288-291

2010-10-31T12:12:00.002Z

The weekend - hurrah! I managed to get some jobs done in the morning so that Trina and I could have a lovely afternoon walking.

We headed out to Fewston and Swinstry Reservoirs - but decided to start at Fewston and see how far we got. We only managed one reservoir as the light was starting to fall, and I didn't much fancy traipsing around in the woods in the dark. Trina kept trying to persuade me that we'd be fine, but I managed to win with the promise of a cuppa at the Cheerful Chilli. Little did we know that we were going to be half a hour too late!

We headed off around the reservoir, through the trees. It is a really nice place to walk and very accessible, so there were lots of different people out walking. From casual dog walkers, to hardened walking societies! We seemed to be about the middle ground, walking boots, but no rucksacks and waterproofs.

The trees in here are beautiful as they are all turning orange at different rates, and as you are walking around the water you can always see the trees on the other side! We did find a rather large leaf towards the end of our walk!

We headed back to the car park, before a quick trip home for dinner, before heading out on our next adventure.

See the autumnal pictures here...

Love Iona x

365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 300 - Mile 286-7

2010-10-27T20:11:00.004+01:00

Crikey, where did the last 300 days go! I can't believe that there is only 65 days til a new year will be upon us, there's a thought eh!

Dashing out of work to try to get back to my 'holiday home' in Rawdon before the sun had completely gone down, I got home just in time. Quick change, let the cat in, feed the cat, let the cat back out and dash out the door.

I was on a bit of a mission, not just to jog/walk a couple of miles, I also needed to get some milk for my cuppa tea! How very important in my life! Jogging down the hill along to Quaker Lane, past the green and down Quaker Lane. It's quite a steep down hill and as I knew that jogging carrying milk was going to cause me some problem I decided to run as fast as I could to the bottom of the hill. It was great, running like a little kid, but I did have to stop myself feeling like I was going to end up flat on my face!!

Passing one of my favourite gift shops, I could help but stop to admire their Christmas display.... yes you read right, they have their Christmas display in the window already! Although I love Christmas and have started my Christmas shopping, I still can't bring myself to be happy that the shops have decided it's Christmas already - not even if the display is delightful!

Popping into the shop to get the milk,I popped it into the pouch of my new hoodie. I felt a bit like a kangaroo carrying all the bits in my pouch, I don't know how they do it.

The sight of my home for the week with the welcoming outdoor light I was pleased to be home and ready for the warm!

Pictures here...

Love Iona x

365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 299 - Mile 285

2010-10-27T20:07:00.003+01:00

Here I am cat sitting in Rawdon again! Make a change to be able to jog around some different roads and see some different sights.

It's funny the things that you don't notice when you are driving the roads that you see when you are going at a slightly slower pace.

It always makes me smile when I see the estate agent Acorn - makes me think or Acorn antiques and doesn't make me so keen to use them should I want a new house!

Photos here....

Love Iona x

365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 298 - Miles 283-4

2010-10-25T19:38:00.003+01:00

Monday always comes around so quickly, but feeling completely relaxed after a weekend of doing very little, walking tonight seemed the best thing to do.

The nights are definitely drawing in very quickly, so Trina and I walked down the canal for a mile and then back along the road under the safety of the streetlights. Cold and dark and the evening progressed, we both couldn't really believe it when we got back to the car and it was only 6.30pm! felt more like 9pm! With smoke coming out of some of the canal boats it really looked like a warm snuggley place to be tonight!

Photos proved hard this evening as it was already quite dark when we set off! I think that over the next few weeks there will be less and less photos and it gets harder and harder. See what we did manage to get here...

Hope your weeks have all started a relaxed as mine,

Love Iona x

365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 297 - Miles 280-282

2010-10-24T16:51:00.004+01:00

The best Sunday's start with freshly brewed coffee, and today was no exception. Coffee and a good book for a couple of hours before gatecrashing a walk with Trina, her sister and her friends.

Meeting at Otley Chevin was a bit chaotic today as it was very busy. I think the whole of Yorkshire had the same idea to get the family out for a walk! The autumn days are slowly turning the forest but I think it's going to be a good couple of weeks before it is at it's autumnal best!

Dogs, children, an the adults all seemed well equipped for the muddy Sunday stroll. We went on a route that I have never been on before and it was nice to see parts of the Chevin that I had never seen before. We hit 3 miles today where my normal walk up there is about 2. More sculptures to be seen, and strange familiarity as we criss crossed the route that I normally take.

See the pictures here...

After lots of ups and downs we finally reached the car park for good byes, and Trina and I hit the Cheerful Chilli for tea and scones! Hurrah - a lovely little restaurant, which was absolutely crammed with people today - the poor staff were rushed off their feet.

Lovely day, with unexpected company! What a lovely Sunday!

Love Iona x

365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 293 Part 2 - Miles 278-279

2010-10-20T20:11:00.002+01:00

After a sunny day at work, I managed to finish on time and get home for a walk before the sun went down. The evening was cold, crisp, but really lovely to be out in the sunshine!

Wrapped up warm I headed out from home, and had a bit of an adventure through the trees to the park (more investigations needed) and out across to the canal. Thankfully they have fixed the bridge so I could have a chat with the swans for a while - until they started to get a bit stroppy!

Down the canal and then heading back home as it got colder as the sun went down. Pictures here....

Lovely autumn days we are having - make the most of it!

Love Iona x
365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 293 - Mile 277

2010-10-20T13:53:00.004+01:00

Brrrr..... it was very chilly this morning when I went out for a 'brisk walk'. I was told at dinner last night that a brisk walk is as good as a jog, so when I was sleepy this morning after said dinner I decided that a brisk walk it was to be...... inorder for me not to fall staight asleep again!

There was frost on the ground, I could see my breath as walked and dark.... it's just so dark!

There are a few photos here, but I had to take some with the flash.... which you know I hate but ho hum.... that's just the way it is going to have to be! Lovely frosty patterns on the car roofs though!

Love Iona x
365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 291 - Mile 276

2010-10-18T19:12:00.002+01:00

Monday morning jogs are great, apart from the fact that although I left it until 7am to jog, it was still very dark! Not great for taking pictures..... but nice and peaceful for jogging.

Seems less and less people venture out as the dark draws in, soon I'll have to stick to the roads to stay in the light of the street lamps! Or just get out LOTS at the weekends.

I can't describe to you how many seagulls were on the park this morning and due to only having my little camera I couldn't capture it either! I did get a few, rather dark shots here...

Love Iona x

365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 290 - Mile 275

2010-10-17T20:40:00.002+01:00

Beautiful Sunday today, coffee, croissants and a lovely relax!

Trina and I had arranged to go for a walk this afternoon, but I got quite giddy about the fact that the sun was shining and maybe this would be the last time we would get out for a wild swim before the year was out! So, after a phone call to convince Trina (didn't take much) we drove out to the dales for a brisk walk, followed by a very cold swim!

We had to get in rather enthusiastically as we had an audience! The pressure of having to get in when people are watching - did make us just get in and look all energetic! They were very impressed and gave us cheers and encouragement!

We did a couple of widths and then decided to get out and get in upstream and whoosh down with the current on out 'slide'. I love it, it makes you squeal with excitement, before a quick swim to warm up and then out to get dry!

A lovely swim today, even though it was bloody freezing, but luckily we had come prepared with hot drinks and hot water bottles - I think we got more odd looks walking carrying hot water bottles than actually swimming today!!!

See pictures here...

Love Iona x

365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 289 - Mile 274

2010-10-16T17:23:00.004+01:00

Lots of sleep last night, a morning at work, and a very productive afternoon in the house led me to needing to go out and do some exercise....

I decided to just have a little jog around the park before the sun went down and the light had gone. Bright sunshine hit me as I left the house, and stayed with me all the way round. It has been a funny weather day today, and the clouds tonight kind of describe it. From light fluffy white clouds, to deep dark oppressive grey clouds! Made for something nice to look at whilst I was jogging.

There were also another of interesting things in the park today..... a firework that never left the ground and some rather cute mushrooms! See the pictures here.....

May I gently remind you that I am doing this for charity and any few pennies that you can spare will go towards two good causes; Dexter's Wish and Macmillian. It was the anniversary of Dexter's leaving his family this week at the tender age of just over a month old, so our love is with them at this hard time. If you have anything you can give it will be gratefully received, I know.

Much love to the Robinson's and to you, Iona x

365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 286 - Miles 272-273

2010-10-13T19:32:00.003+01:00

Exhausted is how I would describe myself....... after being ill last week I seem to have not got completely awake since! Everything is just that bit harder than it should be! Hence I haven't been out in a couple of days.... more warm snuggley bed time has been in order.

Tonight though, the sun was shining and I needed to nip out to M & S, so instead of driving out I decided to come home, drop off the car and walk there and back. I would describe the night as 9pm on a summer's day not 6pm on an October evening. It was warm, sunny and lovely!

It's not a terribly exciting route to M & S but I really like railway arches and walking under them when I train is going overheard is an experience! I did managed to get a few pictures of odd or lovely things, like beautiful barbed wire, to sheep! See here...

Walk done - check, shopping done - check, dinner eaten - check, blog written.... nearly!

Love Iona x

365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 283 - Miles 270-271

2010-10-10T18:55:00.002+01:00

Well what a surprise the weather was when I was driving back from work this morning, the sun was bursting through the heavy fog and mist on what turned out to be a glorious October day.

Lots of little jobs to do, but a reward of visiting Nat and Captain and going for a walk was my reward. We headed out just after 4pm for a stroll up to the Billing, a slightky longer walk than I have done up there before.

It was great to see the progress that Captain has made in just a few short weeks - he is now swimming, properly swimming and fetching and bringing back without too many distractions. He is walking off the lead and didn't even get traumatised by the cows!

Such a lovely sunny afternoon, Nat and I discussed life and the universe, but mainly just how lucky we are to live where we do with the countryside so close. It's GREAT up North! A lot of our friends and us often meet to walk in the countryside and it's just so easy!

Cute Captain pictures here...

Love Iona x

Day 282 - Miles 268-9

2010-10-09T21:07:00.002+01:00

Today was a lovely day! What better way to spend the day with family! I seem to have spent the last three weekends with Corin, Jen, Harper and Aniq in one way or another... and I know Aniq is not technically family but she might as well be!

We headed out to the Yorkshire Scuplture Park to meet Alice, Keir, Mae and Carina, for lunch, a walk, coffee and cake and then a lovely meal at Alice and Keir's - thanks guys!

Between us we have 2 people that we know who have exhibitions on at YSP at the moment (check us out!) so we thought we should go and see them.

Casey Orr's Bone Fire exhibition is a long time project she has done taking photos of local bonfires, guarded by their teenage creators. It was good to see old fashioned bonfires of my youth, and not the massive mass produced bonfires that are more regularly organised these days. To see more on her work see http://www.caseyorr.com/.

Asha Munn's Me, Myself and I (photographic art by young people) exhibition is work that she has done with youngsters in the community. The large canvas hangings line a walkway in the sculpture park, and truely show these kids perspective on their worlds. To see more of her work see http://www.ashamunnphotography.com/.

I love the sculpture park and with the bonus of David Nash's sculptures (lots of wood) it was a lovely walk, with lovely, lovely people. Take a look here....

Love Iona x

365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 279 - Miles 266-267

2010-10-09T20:46:00.002+01:00

On Wednesday Trina and I went out for a quick walk from home to stretch our legs and because I wasn't feeling too good and thought a walk may help!

I decided to take photo's that had a red theme - it's amazing how many things are red when you start looking, especially this time of year. Berries and rose hips, signs and notices, doors and even rubber bands!

See the Red photos here...

Well that was the day before I fell very sick with a tummy bug, which is why it has taken so long to upload the photos. Bed rest and lots of lying forlorn in front of the TV!

Feeling much better now and back to my old self - must vitamin up though, or I won't get all the miles in!

Love Iona x

Day 278 - Miles 264-265

2010-10-05T20:15:00.003+01:00

Tuesday morning and I needed to get out again. I decided to do a 2 mile-er down to Rodley along the canal and back. However, my plans were scuppered when I got to the swing bridge and it was the wrong way and being repaired!

Oh well, I decided to make my way back along the road, and up the hill. The sun was shining and it was nice to hear the birds in the morning, I think tomorrow I am going to do a coloured themed blog.

Photos here....

Love Iona x

365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 276 - Miles 262-263

2010-10-03T18:41:00.004+01:00

After getting completely soaked in Manchester going to a Vintage Fair at the Old Victoria Baths with Jen, Aniq and Mae, I arrived home and the sun was shining!

Quick phone call and 10 mins after arriving home, Trina, Katy and I were off on a walk in our wellies to make the most of the last hours of sunshine. I was very excited about having my wellies on - warm, dry feet, after spend most of the day with wet feet after wearing my canvas boots this weekend! And the ability to splash in mud and puddles without having to worry!

We headed out to West Wood where I had gone with Nat and Chris walking the dog a few weeks ago. I wanted to have more of an explore and it was definitely worth while. Up through the rocks, under the bridge and then back over the top of the bridge, down a leafy country lane, and along the old road, before heading back to the wood, winding along the paths and reaching the car again.

I decided that it would be a great place to have an adventure/teddy bears picnic in the summer! Thankfully we did the big uphill bit first, and then is was mainly flat and downhill back to the car! Lots of other people also out making the most of the last sunshine of the day after having been stuck in or wet because of the rain!

Pictures here

Hope you have all had as nice a weekend as me,

Love Iona x

365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 275 - Miles 260-261

2010-10-02T20:03:00.003+01:00

SATURDAY!!!

My 2nd Cousin Mae and I headed for Manchester today to spend the weekend with my brother Corin, his wife Jenny and my nephew Harper. Lots of plans to fit in!!!

Today we drove out to Marple, where Corin and Jen have put an offer in on a house. Mae and I were tasked with taking Harper for a walk while Corin and Jen took some measurement, talked to the owners and generally got a better feel for the house.

We strolled up the high street, passed the takeaways and shops, to Marple Memorial Park. It was a nice park, and has several canal locks on one side which we walked down. Passing the skate park which was being used by bikers. Mae took charge of the buggy and tried her bast not to push Harper, the buggy and herself into the very murky canal - glad Salford was better than this last week. Nice to be out in the park even though it is starting to get a bit cold these days!

After a quick play in the park and look at the sculptures we were called by Corin and Jen who had finished their surveying. We all met up for a walk back to the house, before driving home.

A relaxing evening tonight and more fun planned for tomorrow.

Photos uploaded here...

Love Iona x

365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 273 - Miles 257-259

2010-09-30T20:45:00.002+01:00

It has been such a lovely sunny day today, I made the effort to leave work on time, call Trina and go for a walk. She has a friend staying who didn't fancy coming out with us, so we walked, she had a bath and we took a take-away back for dinner!

We decided to walk our old jog route - not jogging today - not enough time to get changed to be honest, and both headed out in our work clothes. We did get a few strange looks as we were obviously looking a bit odd, both in short skirts and jumpers!

Lovely swans were frightening a cat, ducks, dogs, joggers, walkers and cyclists made up our walk today, along with chat about our various course, work, life and the universe.

We were both very thankful for the walk when we finished. Just nice to be able to get out there for a bit, get a bit of exercise, and a mini counselling session all rolled into one. Walking is so good for that!

A few nice shots here....

Home now, ready for a quick shower, pj's and bed!

Love Iona x

365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 272 - Mile 256

2010-09-29T19:51:00.004+01:00

This morning was dark, dreary and damn wet! I headed out just after 6.30 to get back into the the habit of doing some kind of exercise before work. I know it's good for me, I know it'll make me feel more energetic, but some mornings my warm bed still beats the noise of the wind outside and I snuggle back down for half hour.

So sleepy eyed I mustered the energy to go for a jog this morning. Just a mile around the park, but that was enough. I couldn't believe what a difference a week makes to how dark it was. It was still mild this morning (no coat) but there was plenty of drizzle!

See the pictures, full of street lights today, must try to get out more in the evenings and have some dramatic sunset shots!

Love Iona x

365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 269 - Mile 255

2010-09-27T12:33:00.005+01:00

Yesterday was amazing, and strangely relaxing!

Trina and I had signed up for the Great Scottish Swim and after tho is was cancelled, we transferred our entries to the Great Salford Swim. Much closer to home, but perhaps not so beautiful!

Juli, Nick, Trina and I set off from home about 10.30 with picnic packed and full of breakfast ready for the day. Successfully following the instructions of how to get to the Quays in Salford we pull round the corner to see load of people on the road and in the water.... queue extreme giddiness on my part!

Up and up we drove in the multi story car park trying to find somewhere to park, but this did give up a good view down onto the start line. We headed down to the quay side where hundreds of people were gathered, cheering on their friends and family as they set off into the water in 200 people 'waves'.

Soon it was our time to get changed and ready for action. Checking in and a 10 min session in the acclimatisation section we were ready to go. A brief warm up on the side and a few words of encouragement and then we were off!!!

Steady into the water as there was quite a narrow entrance, and up the quay. I took my camera with me so tried to get some shots where possible. Juli and Nick followed up on the side of the quay, taking pictures of us swimming, and I was taking pictures of them! It's amazing to have such great friends to support you at these events. makes the whole day so much easier!

Corin, Jen, Harper and Aniq also met us at the finish line. It was really lovely to see them and have so many people cheering you the last few metres!

It was cold.... but not too cold.... it was hard swimming in the waves..... but not too hard and I really enjoyed it. Trina proclaimed that she would definitely do it again too when she got out..... maybe we'll have a bigger swim group next year... any offers???

After a lovely picnic - hot soup and sandwiches to warm us up was gratefully received!

What a lovely day, well organised and fantastic friends,

See the pictures here/, and click on the Donate button to the right please, for all our hard work, thanks!

Love Iona x
365mileisn365days@googlemail.com

Day 268 - Miles 252-4

2010-09-26T20:33:00.004+01:00

What a lovely place Saltaire is! I never fail to enjoy myself there and it is a great please to have a walk. Juli and Nick were staying for the weekend and wanted to go back to the mill to buy some wobbly table wedges, and get out into the air!

We headed out across the canal and river, through the park and over to the Glen Tramway.... still not work, but apparently will be by Christmas! I have been trying to take my favourite 3 yr old for over a year now, and it has never been open :). The Fat Controller must still have his men fixing it!

We walked up the hill, along side the route of the tramway, being passed by very cheerful and enthusiastic mountain bikers. Up over the top, and back though the wood. It is a really good wood to walk though as there are loads to look at. From the large rocky outcrops, to the pond, and the old road. There is a great gate at the top of the hill which makes me want to know more..... shall have to do some investigations.

Down through the housing estate and back across the river. Juli and Nick think I should buy one of these houses as it is right by the river.... hummmm maybe?!?!? We entered the canal at the point of the locks, lost of peering and photo opportunities!

We walked back along the canal, on what turned out to be a nice sunny autumn afternoon, to the village, for ice creams and cream teas! Hurrah!

A good old shop in Salts Mill, and an Indian for dinner - what a lovely day!

Great picture here....

Love Iona x

365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 266 - Mile 251

2010-09-26T19:40:00.002+01:00

After a busy few days, I am finally getting round to uploading some blogs. I am sorry for those of you who have asked why there has been none for the last few days - order has been resumed - hopefully!

I was working long hours at the end of last week, and trying to fit friends in too, so I only managed a mile walk on Thursday morning. It was fairly dark and uneventful, as the blog photos show, although the conkers are out in force!

See here...

Love Iona x

365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 264 - 249-250

2010-09-21T19:17:00.002+01:00

I headed out this morning as planned and reversed the route that I had done yesterday. It is funny the different things that you notice when you do things the other way round!

It was really misty this morning, but not cold in the slightest. I only had a hoodie on! I did jog down Coal Hill Lane too, but that was the extend of the heart rate raising activity for today! I felt a bit like a dog walker but without the dog today.... was nice to be out though, especially when lots of people are just stirring or are still in bed. You kind of feel privileged to have the streets to yourself.

Nice misty pictures here...

Looking forward to tomorrows walk already,

Love Iona x

365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 263 - Miles 247-8

2010-09-20T20:35:00.003+01:00

This morning I decided that I needed to up my miles and get a bit of exercise in before Sunday's swim in Salford Quays! Still not feeling 100% I opted for walking 2 miles before work rather than a jog or swim.

I headed out with rain coat on, while the street lamps were still lit, in the rain for a walk. It was really nice, I had forgotten how much I enjoyed walking, even if it was in the rain! I like the mornings because it is quiet and it give you a chance to think and look.

My route consisted of walking down Coal Hill Lane to Rodley, along the main road and onto the canal. The canal was eerily quiet this morning, obviously not very busy at 7am! but is was so lovely to walk alone for a bit... no cars.... no people.... just ducks!

Back cutting through the streets, passing an industrial estate that I never knew existed, and up Coal Hill Lane. That is the problem with living at the top of a hill, you have to go down and up just before getting home! Think I shall walk it the other way round tomorrow.

Check out the pictures here...

Love Iona x
365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 262 - Mile 246

2010-09-19T19:54:00.003+01:00

So I started today buying a new TV! The old one has gone to TV heaven (my living room floor 'til next weekend) and a new one is now in it's place! Hurrah! This is hopefully the last in a long line of things that keep going wrong, breaking and generally pissing me off! I am generally known for my optimism but I'm not sure how many more things I can take!

Thankfully my friends and I had decided to go for a walk today even though it was miserable and raining! And it was lovely, lots of laughing, talking and putting the word to rights! A good old natter can really make things better - even if it is in the rain!

Nat, Captin (the dog), Helena, Graeme, Calum, Samuel and I headed out for the famous 'Billing'. This is a hill behind Nat's house that Helena and Graeme used to walk up when they were courting.... altogether now....ahhhhhhhhhhhh...

We passed the boating lake and Captin tried out a bit of swimming, nervously at first, but in the end her got a bit more confident. I wonder who I should ask to see if I could swim here next year?

Through the gates, and over the styles, up to the Trig point, absolutely no hope of seeing any others from here today! It was definitely a 'grim up north' day! We did do a bit of plane spotting though as we were near to the airport. Calum, at the age of 3 is very good at knowing that Red and Silver planes are Jet 2 - that's advertising for you!

Lovely, if a bit rainy photos here.../

Back up through the wood and a quick stop off at Nat's before heading out for our hot chocolate treat! Yummy!

Hope you have all had a nice weekend,

Much Love Iona x

365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 256 - Mile 245

2010-09-19T19:41:00.002+01:00

Last Monday, I woke, still slightly jaded from my cold of last week and a busy lovely weekend. I decided that jogging was a bit too much effort and had a brisk walk instead. Seems I can walk nearly as fast as I can run! Humm.......

I had intended to swim after work and write both blogs when I got home, but another set of busy days at work meant that wasn't going to happen..... then getting a stomach bug where even getting downstairs for a glass of boiled water (exciting eh!) was a lot of effort, the pictures stayed on my camera and the blog unwritten.

Feeling much better now and hoping to get a few more miles in the next few weeks. Hopefully work will settle down to enable me to get to the pool too!

Some dreadful pictures here...

Love Iona x

365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 254 - Mile2 243-244

2010-09-11T17:02:00.002+01:00

So after a week of feeling rotten with a cold, I am now fully recovered and back ready to get some miles in the bag!

Nat, Chris, Captin and I set out for a Saturday afternoon stroll after lunch. We headed to Thackeray Wood (which I have just googled and seems to actually be called West wood?!?!) which was recommended to Nat by another dog owner, and he has been using over the summer to walk Captin.

It is a lovely wood in the Apperley Bridge area, and have obviously been there for hundreds of years. Most of our walk took place on what seemed to be old roads, and then back along several footpaths by the canal. It was very obvious today that the wood is used by cyclists and horse riders and there were very distinct prints in the mud!

Lovely woods, lovely dog, lovely boys, lovely afternoon!

Pictures here....

Love Iona x
365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 245 - Part 2 - Miles 241-242

2010-09-05T12:17:00.004+01:00

Thursday night I wanted to have an explore by the river that runs through Rodley, with the thought that we may be able to swim in it. Wild swimming much closer to home would be a great benefit!

I persuaded Trina to come out with me... in case of muggings and murderers obviously! and we had a really nice stroll and explore on a sunny September evening! It seems we can't swim in the river here, there are no swimming signs everywhere and we even saw half a car!

We made the most of the stroll, picking blackberries, smelling the newly cut hay, walking though an old abandoned warehouse/factory, and back along the road. We passed some abandoned houses, very odd, especially if you turned around there are lots of posh houses and we weren't far from a bistro! I have often seen signs to this eatery and thought that it was in an odd position... maybe we'll have to try it out!

Have been full of cold for the last few days, hence the late uploading and lack of miles in the past couple of days! Lazy Sunday today ready for the week ahead me thinks!

Pictures here,

Love Iona x

365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 245 - Mile 240

2010-09-05T12:02:00.002+01:00

Thursday morning I didn't need to be in work until 9, so I made use of the time and headed out to the new pool in Morley. I hadn't swam properly for ages and thought that this would we an easy way to fit some swimming in before work.

The leisure centre has been rebuilt now so it was all shiny and new and even at 730 in the morning was being well used. A few things to get used to, like the unisex changing rooms, obviously saves space and if you want a bit of privacy then you use a cubicle! and they have introduced a baby pool... not something that I will be using to do miles though, that would be a lot of turning around!

I managed to find a lane that wasn't too full and go into the rhythm. I always find it weird swimming in lanes as you have to fit in with everyone else speed and not your own natural speed. After about half an hour though it pool cleared so there was only me and one other in my lane.... time to pick up the pace. I have no idea how long it took me to do the mile, as the clock is not the best...but I finished, showered, dressed and was at work on time.... so it was all good!

Pictures here,

Love Iona x
365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 244 - Mile 239

2010-09-01T20:23:00.002+01:00

I'm a bit out of synch this week, what with the bank holiday and all, but had to get back to it this morning.

Up and at 'em I headed out just after 630. There was a strange sight as I left the house! A fridge and a bbq in the neighbours garden...... we haven't seen who has moved in yet... but there is definite redecoration going on!

As I headed up the street it was cold and sunny, I spotted the moon still out! Think it's going to be getting darker in the mornings over the next few weeks..... best make the most of the light while I can.

Over the park and the sun was blazing already, I thought it's going to be a hot one.... wish I was on the way to the seaside rather than work - oh well!

Just one last little spot on the way home, a small piece of Yarrow in the grass! See the pictures here!

Love Iona x
365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 242 - Miles 237-238

2010-08-30T18:34:00.004+01:00

Happy Bank Holiday Monday!

I think I did all of the walking, jogging and swimming that I am trying to do in this challenge as well as bumping, slipping and sliding today!

I decided to make the most of the bank holiday and arranged an outdoor swim via facebook with some friends, some new friends and some people we had never met before. I have made some lovely friends through doing these events so it's nice to open it to anyone. Trina, Emma, Emily, Pat, Tina, Chris, Jo, Verity, Rachel and I - we were today's team making the most of the sunshine! Poor Chris having to put up with so many women!

Meeting at Barden Bridge at 10.30, we left some cars with the clothes, towels and picnic at the finish point and drove up in the other cars in wetsuits to Appletreewick where we entered the water. Emily was a very good "pack horse" for the day, carrying a rucksack full of vital equipment like hot drinks and chocolate!

We started out in a very shallow part and meandered our way the 2 miles down the river back to the cars. It was a full list of conditions to swim in, from shallow rocky parts where you had to lie completely flat and drift down, bumping and bashing your way down, to deep parts where you can jump in. The group was well matched with some staying in the whole time, some getting out and walking parts, and I am very proud of Emma who's only 2nd time wild swimming, managed to stay in until she was very cold, and then walked down the towpath with her daughter Emily to keep warm and kept an eye on us! Most of the rest of the group are outdoor swimmers and hardened to the freezing cold water that we were swimming in!

My favourite part of the day and of this stretch of river is in the wood and swimming around the boulders. It's just so pretty, deep and magical I forget how cold it is. A friend once said "if we weren't swimming here, I'd be very jealous of us!" and this is exactly how I feel. Over more rocks, into the shallows and finally we all got out a short distance from the bridge - we were cold, it was very shallow and all were in need of our picnic!

A quick jog up the hill for a bit of warmth was in order and then stripping off in the field to get dry and nice warm clothes on before a long leisurely picnic! I hope that everyone had a nice time and that I haven't put Emma off swimming again..... must go out to the river more often....

Lovely pictures here.....

Love Iona x

365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 241 - Mile 236

2010-08-29T18:29:00.002+01:00

Sunday called for lunch and a stroll with Alice. Alice is my cousin's partner, and if I had to chose family she would definitely be on the list! We have both been really busy with work and the events that life has thrown at us over the last few months and we hadn't actually properly talked to each other since before I went on holiday! and that was 2 and a half months ago!

We headed out for lunch at the Roundhay Fox followed by a stroll around the park. A lady in the pub commented on how beautiful my name was and that she new it as a name for pigeon..... she corrected herself saying dove... you call it a dove!!! Just what I need, attacked by a squirrel one day and being called a bloody pigeon the next.... what will tomorrow bring!

It seems the walk was just what we both needed, talking, walking and being blown around a bit by the wind. Alice never fails to make me laugh, and says that she shall write my tragic squirrel incident into a script! I may even end up wearing it as a hat - bloody squirrel!

Anyway, a lovely walk, a few random pictures here and I completely forgot to take one of Alice and I - oh well that's an excuse to go out again!

Love Iona x

365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 240 - Mile 235

2010-08-29T17:48:00.002+01:00

So a squirrel landed on my head......... get your laughing over with now!

You wouldn't think that a leisurely walk with your brother and nephew to the local supermarket could be very eventful. We decided to brave the wind and walk to the shops rather than go in the car as miles were in order and Corin is starting a bit of a fitness kick.... well every little helps. Jen was in need of some well deserved sleep so Corin and I took Harper out in his buggy.

We walked through the park, taking pictures of the trees, and the funfair (it seems a signwriter has had a bit of a joke on Hancock's funfair, as when the doors at the front are open it just says "It's Cocks!" - well.... ).

We walked into Tesco's and as I was checking out some clothes Corin noticed someone's bag with "Corin" printed on it! If you have an unusual name you get quiet excited about seeing your name printed on anything - so I asked the man wearing the rucksack if I could take a picture!

More shopping was done, and we loaded up the buggy with shopping for the walk home. Back through the park and about 5 min after I had taken over pushing the buggy from Corin I was attacked! I kid you not! Part of a branch hit me full in the face with a squirrel attached to it. I screamed with shock and pain, as I tried to tell Corin to look for my glasses which had been knocked from my face! My only visible scar from this disaster is a slight scratch on my shoulder! All very funny now, and unbelievable, but ti happened and my nose still hurts and my headaches! Sympathy please!

Home for tea and a visit from Corin's friend Rob. Very lovely to see everyone, despite the tragic events of my day!

Pictures here...
Love Iona x

Day 238 - Mile 234

2010-08-26T20:42:00.002+01:00

I am writing this from my living room..... I love that although the summer is going this does mean that a quiet evening in, music on, fairy lights and candles can be enjoyed.

This morning's jog wasn't great. I took my advise from yesterday and put on a hoodie before going out, but became too hot fairly quickly. Jogging is the ONLY time in my life that I would rather be too cold that too hot!

I got half way around, being annoyed at the grey clouds above and the fog that seemed to incubus the skyline, and felt really rather sick. If I hadn't stopped I think I would probably have been sick n the ark - not a good look, even at 630 the morning. So this morning I jogged halfway around the park, and walked the other half, before getting home and going back to bed for 10 mins.

I have felt fine for the rest of the day, so I think it's off with the hoodie and back to being cold for a bit! Oh well.

I am looking into the swim timetable now that Morley baths is open again... hopefully I shall be able to start swimming before work some days!!! I can't wait to be in the water - I miss it!

Today's miserable set of photos are here,

Love Iona x
365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 237 - Mile 233

2010-08-25T10:08:00.004+01:00

Yesterday I didn't jog, I was ultra tired and it was raining so I had an extra 30mins in bed and it was bliss!

This morning, though was a different story. I got up dutifully, and made my way out onto the street! What shock I got when I realised that I probably should have put on a hoddie as it was cold! I think after yesterdays rain the general temperature has dropped! Jumpers all the way I think.

It was sunny though so I took advantage of jogging on the side of the road with the sun on and tried to avoid the shadows! As I jogged through the park though my fears were confirmed.... we are on the cusp of Autumn and some of the leaves have started to turn! I am going to try not to get too sad about the end of the summer and embrace the autumn! I wonder how long I will keep running in the mornings! Will definitely have to get some weekend miles in to catch up and get ahead I think! Se some pictures here...

Hope you are all having a nice day,

Love Iona x
365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 235 - Mile 232

2010-08-24T20:46:00.003+01:00

Monday I got up tired and jogged around the park, spotting some of the spray paint on the road from all the work that is going on around here!

I was still pretty sleepy when I got home, but cheered up no end when I spotted the sunflowers when I went to pick a courgette to go with my lunch! Apart from the infestation of slugs and snail - I love my garden and the ability to grow lovely things from tiny seeds!

Check out the pictures here.....

Love Iona x

365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 233 - Miles 227 - 231

2010-08-23T20:54:00.003+01:00

I love Edinburgh!

After the Great Scottish Swim being cancelled, Trina and I decided not to waste a weekend being grumpy at home and decided to go to Scotland anyway! Friday night Trina picked me up from work, and by 10pm we were safely in the city that I love having a cuppa with 2 boys whom I love!

Saturday we started our walk down Princes Street. The crowds starting to gather the closer we go into the city. It is amazing how the city swarms during the festival, buzzes with a hive of activity.

After collecting some random tickets from the half price hut, watched some street theatre, we meandered our way over to Monster Mash for some lunch. It's a great little cafe and basically dinner and mash is what they sell! Simple and effective - it works!

We headed to watch a fairly dire comedy act, and the took part in a "Glee club" of sorts singing everything from war tunes to advert themes! It was great! But that is what the festival is all about.... a bit if this, a bit of that, some brilliant and some crap!

We made our way back through the city to Laurence and Gareth's flat, in time to watch The X Factor, have dinner, drink wine and then play board games. A lovely day in a city that walking is such a joy! Pictures here.

Love Iona xx

Day 231 - Mile 226

2010-08-19T07:21:00.003+01:00

A calm peaceful jog I have had this morning. Oddly not many people around today, weird as it's not raining or a horrible day out either?

I decided to take a "trainer eye view" picture this morning when I left the house - poor trainers don't get much of a view! I like doing this at random, you get some amazingly good, and some amazingly crap photos! Today's pictures here...

I was glad for the calm, and spent most of the jog looking at the clouds! I always try to take in what I can when I am out as I know that I'll be sat at my desk, or running around the office all day, and sometimes you can go hours without knowing what is going on outside!

Am going to spend to weekend looking I think.....
No blog tomorrow or jog as I am baby sitting tonight and staying over, so won't get a chance in the morning. But hopefully a nice Bonnie Scotland one at the weekend! Roll on the weekend!

Love Iona x
365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 230 - Mile 225

2010-08-18T20:12:00.003+01:00

Well things are looking up this morning, the sun is shining which always makes me feel happier with the world. Also jogged a bit of a different route and noticed the above - any ideas? Seems to be a bodge job of one kind or another! And I keep looking at ariels as ours is so rubbish and Trina is being great and getting us quotes!

Jogging this morning was good, light and airy, although the noisy seagulls squawking as I jogged through the park cut through the silence, the rhythm of my steps, and completely grated on me!

Pictures here...

Home and packing as we are off to Edinburgh to see Lovely Gareth and Lawrence now that swim has been cancelled.... will update more with news on the swim when I know more. Maybe we'll transfer to swim in Salford Quays?

Anyway, must dash, washing to hang and cameras to charge!

Love Iona x

365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 229 - Mile 224

2010-08-17T21:07:00.002+01:00

Terrible Tuesday!

I am not known for my grumpiness, but today I am grumpy. I dutifully got up to run at 6.30am, in the rain, avoiding the slugs and snails and jogging round the dog walkers in their nice warm coats. Some pictures here...

However, during another 12 hour plus day, I received a text to say that the Great Scottish Swim has been cancelled/postponed due to Blue Green Algae!!! They are going to try to reschedule and if we can make it then I think we will probably still go, however the diary is quiet full for the next few weeks!

I have tried to stay positive and we may go to Scotland anyway.... will let you know, but for now, I am going to be grumpy, get a cup tea and eat cake - so there!

Love Iona x

Day 228 - Mile 223

2010-08-16T21:21:00.002+01:00

Good Morning Monday!

After having 3 days off work, I was looking forward to getting back to work. We are busy at the moment so it was good to be able to get in early and get stuck in.

The sun was really shining this morning, so it was ok being out so early! It was really warm too, with dew on the ground making the park glisten.

I'm writing this after finishing work at 9.30pm, hence why it's such a short blog tonight!

See today's pictures here...

Love Iona x

365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 227 part 2 - Mile 221 - 222

2010-08-15T20:52:00.003+01:00

After we returned from this morning's swim, Trina and I met up with Jason, Tia, Ollie and Sarah for a spot of lunch and a stroll. Jason and Tia had to go soon after lunch so the four of us set off for a walk along the canal.

It was a hot sunny afternoon, and as Ollie had to go to work soon we just took a quick walk up to the nature reserve and back. It was really nice to be out on the canal in the sunshine, near the water. Lots of other people were making the most of their Sunday afternoon too, it was quiet busy!

The nature reserve is really nice in Rodley and apart from the odd aeroplane that passes overhead, you could be anywhere. The tall grasses and bamboo, the ducks and birds, and even a couple of kids dipping for bugs at the pond. Lots of lovely pictures here...

Hope you have all had a lovely sunny Sunday!

Love Iona x
365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 227 part 1 - Mile 220

2010-08-15T20:37:00.002+01:00

What a glorious sunny Sunday to go and get used to our wetsuits at the Lido! Trina collected me before 9.30 and we were the first ones in the Lido when it opened.

The sun shone through clear water, as we set about our mile training for today. I had forgotten my ear-plugs which made my swim a bit annoying as I kept feeling water in my ears! People take the mick out of my wearing ear plugs, but since I started I haven't had earache at all, got to be worth it I think!

As we plowed through the first few lengths, several people joined us. Some in wetsuits, down to one girl who had a bearly decent bikini on! By the time it was 10.30, the lane swim was quite full with about 10 people in all jostling for the space that it laned off. It's only a small space as the pool itself is a peculiar shape, more designed for fun swimming than serious swimming.

As I got out I check he watch and it had taken me about 40 mins. Not too bad for cold water! I poured myself a hot vimto from our flask, and turned to a man sitting next to our stuff. He wasn't very well at all, had got in in his wetsuit, swum a few lengths and felt really sick. I revived him with some hot vimto and talked to him until his friend joined him. They are both swimming in Scotland next weekend too, so I hope he can get used to the cold before then!

Trina finished after me, but I am sure she swam over a mile... she did admit that she lost count at one point! Unfortunately I forgot my camera so there are no pictures for this blog, sorry!

Love Iona x
365milesin365day@googlemail.com

Day 225 - Mile 219

2010-08-14T11:29:00.003+01:00

Friday was a days holiday for me!!! I had booked it ages ago so that Helena and I could have a spa day together. I decided to get up at 730 and walk one of my morning jog routes to enable me to take a few more pictures.... and I was on holiday!

It was a bad choice of day to walk rather than jog because as I set off it was raining.... not too badly though so I put up hood up and went out! After about 5 mins or so the rain stopped so it wasn't too bad! I took some pictures that I would normally miss if I was jogging... like the ladybird that sits on the fence, or the rain droplets on a leaf.... see them here...

After getting back to Nat and Chris', feeding the cat, packing up my bits I went home to do some washing and jobs before meeting Helena for lunch. We then went onto Harrogate for Betty's tea and cake, followed by a massage, Jacuzzi, and the Turkish baths - bliss...... what a perfect way to spend a day off!

Love Iona x

365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 224 - Mile 218

2010-08-14T11:19:00.004+01:00

Thursday was my last day at work this week, and I knew it was going to a be a long day, so I dutifully got up at 6.30 to get a jog in.

The clouds were amazing this morning, looking like painting of clouds rather than clouds themselves - beautiful. Pictures here...

I jogged all the way down the hill, only stopping to take a quick picture before jogging all the way to the park. My theory being if I jog more at the beginning then when I get to the uphill bit I can allow myself a bit more walking and a but less jogging!!

Hope everyone had a good day!

Love Iona x

365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 223 - Mile 217

2010-08-11T19:47:00.004+01:00

I was looking at routes last night of jogs in the area, and not liking to jog "there and back" so to speak, I decided to jog to roundabout as a turning point and the come back.... well at least I wasn't stopping and turning around!

It was so very very sunny this morning that it seemed only right to take a picture of the view from the top of Canada Road. It was good to stop as it is quiet a steep hill and really knackers me out. At least today's jog was on the flat once I was up there, and I had the jog down the hill to look forward too.

Jogging past the Cricket Club I was struck by how beautiful the light was through the metal sign - see above picture. More pictures here - not many but a cute painted heart!

Love Iona x

365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 222 - Mile 216

2010-08-10T20:56:00.003+01:00

So.... I decided to jog up the hill from Nat and Chris' in order to get the worst over with first... however my route ended up taking me down a steeper hill and I still had to come back up Canada Road! Damn those boys for living half way up the hill!

It was much quieter going right out of their door than left, so I may head up there tomorrow. I really struggled to get up this morning, 10 mins more seemed to be my motto for this morning rather than get up and go! Oh well.... will try to have more motivation tomorrow!

A few pictures here....

Love Iona x

365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 221 - Mile 215

2010-08-09T19:52:00.004+01:00

I am cat sitting for Nat and Chris' cat Maggie in Rawdon so I am jogging a different route for the next week! I had a meeting in Milton Keynes with a colleague so it was an early jog again!

I set off down the road feeling like I was super jogger..... and then realised that it was because I was jogging down hill.... this only meant one thing, that when I was the most tired I would have to be jogging up the hill! See the pictures here...

It was nice though being out in the sunshine, even though it is much busier on the roads around here than home...

Going to try a different route tomorrow....

Love Iona x

365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 220 - Mile 214

2010-08-08T20:31:00.002+01:00

Trina and I decided that as it is less than 2 weeks until we swim a mile in a lake in Scotland that we ought to get into the cold water and get ourselves a bit acclimatised!

As we drove out there the sky was full of black clouds, we were a bit nervous but then if it rained we were planning on getting wet anyway! After a quick change we were on the side of the pool looking into the clear water. There wasn't many people in the pool, probably due to the black clouds but it meant that we had lots of space to ourselves.

Trina got in first and started swimming... I was a little more reluctant.... but after we were in and swimming it wasn't too bad! Cold but not freezing. I decided that the key was to keep swimming until I finished the mile! Swimming one lane front crawl and one breaststroke I soon warmed up and was counting the lengths til it was time to get out into the warm air!!!

I sneakily took the camera in after I had finished and was waiting for Trina to finish her mile.....really like the pictures.... here/

Love Iona x
365milesi365days@googlemail.com

Day 219 - Miles 210 - 213

2010-08-08T11:53:00.003+01:00

Saturday was planned to be a nice relaxing day, however plans don't normally work out that way! I ended up getting up to go to work for 8am, to try to get my work done so that I could be in town to watch my cousin Mae in her first rock gig. Charlotte and I worked hard to get the work done and I finally ran out of the office at 10.45 to get into town for the gig. Good job I have been jogging, as after I parked the car, I dashed through the streets to The Wardrobe just in time to go into the gig!

After a great few hours with family and friends watching all these talented children perform, I headed out to Cleckheaton for a walk with Mandi, Ellie, Lois and Jo their dog. Mandi's husband was away for a golf weekend, so we had planned this as a nice walk with the girls and the dog followed by dinner and a go in their hot tub! Yummy!

We walked through the streets to Gomersal (where Ellie pointed out the tallest ever gate.... what are they hiding???), through the park where there was lots of mining back in t'day! There is a lovely miner sculpture right opposites the park. Ellie and Lois had a bit of a play, before we headed up to Oakwell Hall for a cup of tea for Mandi and I, and ice creams for the girls. After we had our break... which turned out to be a bit smell as they were unblocking the drain (was this really necessary on a busy Saturday at the cafe?), we headed around the ponds, through the woods and up to the viewing platform. You can see for miles and miles from here, and monkey girl Lois found several trees to climb! Both of the girls remind me of me at various points in my life and are definitely a pleasure to be with! Especially as they kept the dog in hand whenever he saw another dog, as he gets so excited and barks and wants to play!

Back down from the top we headed back through the woods, over streams, and under branches before a quick stop at the park.... for more playing.... and swinging for the girls... and back through the streets to home. We all guessed how far we had walked.... Mandi at 2 miles, Lois between 2.5 and 3, Ellie over 3 but not as far as 4 and me at 4 miles. I taught Ellie how to plot our route when we got back on http://www.walkjogrun.net/ and I was right!! Well I do have a bit more practice at guessing how far routes are!

After dinner and a relax in the hot tub I headed home on my way to cat sit for Nat and Chris. As I drove down their drive I said to myself... "What a lovely family!"

See the photo's here....

Hope you are all having a lovely weekend,

Love Iona x

365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 218 - Mile 209

2010-08-06T15:30:00.004+01:00

Yet another early morning jog, after a later night at work last night. I am very glad that I decided to jog every morning, because not only is it the only time I am getting to jog, but I am feeling much fitter and am sleeping much better!

2 strange things happened this morning
1 - I seemed to frighten a very suspicious looking cat this morning, it kept hiding around the corner as I jogged and looking back like I had caught it up to no good!
2 - I saw another jogger! I think it may have been a figment of my imagination though, because by the time I had got my camera turned on she had gone! Where to? Who knows?

Anyway! Yet another busy day in the office, not sure when I'll be home, or if I'll be here at the weekend. Just grabbing 5 mins between jobs, waiting on clients to write this! Sometimes I wish I caught the train home so I could do this sort of thing on there! Second thoughts... I love driving!

Picture here....
Love Iona x
365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 217 - Mile 208

2010-08-06T15:24:00.003+01:00

I struggled to find time yesterday to write the blog. I got up at 6.30am to jog, had a quick shower before leaving to pick my colleague and friend Claire up on the way to work. We are really busy at the moment, so every hour counts.

The jog was great, bright sunshine and a few people out - seems to be more out at 6.30am than 7am! The sun was making long shadows so the pictures generally reflect this! These are uploaded here....

My main problem was that when I went to go to leave my car was blocked in! Sodding neighbours.... I had to knock on the door for 5 mins to get them to wake up and move the car, into the space that had obviously been free since they parked their car, as no one would have been able to get in or out!!!! Ahhhh just what I needed on a day when I needed to leave!

Anyway, enough rage!

Hope you all had a better... and hopefully calmer start to yesterday!

Love Iona x
365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 216 - Mile 207

2010-08-04T19:16:00.002+01:00

Well another early morning, and 6.30am saw me dragging on my joggers and hoodie as I could hear the rain falling...... actually I had been listening to it for the last half hour trying to decide if I had it in me to go out in it.... and I decided that I shouldn't give up.

Lots more people out this morning, maybe earlier equals busier? I shall do a survey as tomorrow I shall be out at the similar time. Work is busy so it's going to be another early morning.

I had to tie up my hood so that I could jog and not have to keep pulling the hood up to cover my head. All the other people out had coats on, even the dogs!

Strange pictures today..... why was there a football in the middle of the road at 6.45?

Love Iona x
365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 215 - Mile 206

2010-08-03T20:58:00.003+01:00

The first thing that made me smile this morning was the stray lilly that had come into flower in my front pots this morning. I think it may have been in some compost that I used to top the pots up with last year! What is odder though is that all my white lillies are in fact yellow this year - any my sister in laws have done the same too? Answers on a postcard!

Anyway back to my jog...... I decided to see how far I could jog without needing to stop this morning and it was actually quiet far, I surprised myself. I am obviously getting fitter and my breathing is better, and I feel less like I am going to die when I jog!

When I hit the park is was eerily quiet, not another soul in it at all..... I wondered if the clocks had changed and no-one had told me? Oh well, at least I am not meeting my perfect man while I am looking all hot and sweaty!

Back home for a quick shower and then off to work early to make sure the client got what they waned, when they wanted it...... another early start due tomorrow.....

Not very many picture this morning due to the jogging here....

Love Iona x
365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 214 - Mile 205

2010-08-02T07:58:00.003+01:00

There has been some question as to whether I would keep up jogging in the morning after the first week..... so here I am, having jogged another mile this morning. It is definitely getting easier and I jogged for longer and walked for less again today. I think doing it every day helps, and I can understand people who get addicted.

The lamp post project seems to be getting further along, with the electrics being put in and the old lamps coming out. Hopefully the chaos that surround the area will come to an end soon!

The park was relatively quiet today, and I noticed the shiny teeny tiny apples coming into fruit on one of the trees. What a lovely sight! More pictures here...

Off to work now, have a good day!

Love Iona x
365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 212 - Miles 203-4

2010-08-01T20:12:00.005+01:00

After the wonderful wedding on Friday night of Lian and Bobby Stevenson, I dashed back from Hull for a surprise birthday meal for the lovely Helena! After we'd all eaten amazing food at The White Hart in Pool, we headed up to the Chevin in Otley for a buggy friendly stroll.

We went anti-clockwise around the walk, up and down with one buggy, one baby in a sling, one 3 year old and a puppy! It made for an entertaining, if slow walk. Talking to other dog walkers, playing games with Calum, and racing up and down.

I love the Chevin, the views are spectacular in any weather, and you can see some of my other favourite places, including the dales and Armscliffe Cragg. The are beautiful trees and lots of wooden carving now too, all a short drive from home! Bliss!

What a great day we had, even if I was a little sleeping after 6 hours sleep......

Lovely picture here.....,

Love Iona x

365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 211 - Mile 202

2010-07-30T07:53:00.003+01:00

Another bright sunny morning, and what is best about today is that I set up my new Ipod docking station, so I am listening to Pete Roe whilst writing this morning! Hurrah for technology!

I decided to jog a bit further this morning and try to jog more and walk less. I have to admit I was a bit more tired when I got home but now after a shower and some orange juice I don't feel any worse!

Short blog today, as I have to get ready for work and then onto a friend's wedding tonight! What a nice way to spend the end of a crazy busy week, can't wait for Sunday which I have officially set aside for a bit of rest! Who knows if the weather's good I may even leave the house!

Have a great weekend when you see it! See the random shots taken this morning here....

Love Iona x

365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 210 - Mile 201

2010-07-29T08:04:00.004+01:00

After a lovely visit to the family last night in Manchester, I had yet another late night. I did anticipate that I wouldn't jog this morning, but I woke up at 6.50am so decided to be pro-active rather than lay in bed for the half hour before I would have to get up. In keeping with being organised I even put in a load of washing before I went out, so that I can hang it to dry before I leave for work!

This morning is bright and sunny, the sky is mainly blue with some gorgeous cloud formations. I decided to jog yesterdays route but the other way around to see what a difference it made - initially I was a bit put off as I have to climb a bit of a hill first, but after that it was all good. Lots more people out this morning, but then doesn't the sun do that to people!

A few pictures this morning here....

Have a good day!

Love Iona

365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 209 - Mile 200

2010-07-28T08:00:00.005+01:00

After a late night at work, I was determined to get up this morning and go for a jog..... that was last night...... this morning when my alarm went off at 7am, I could very easily have turned over and gone back to sleep for another half hour rather than go jogging, especially as it was raining!

But, I did, got dressed and went out into the rain. It was a bit cold to start with but after a bit of jogging I soon warmed up. I took a different route over the park this morning, with a bit more trees and bit less street.

There is some kind of building work being done at the local primary school, and the massive cranes make a huge difference to the horizon. See the pictures here...

Love Iona, now clean and dry!

365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 208 - Mile 199

2010-07-27T07:22:00.003+01:00

So, I made a decision before the weekend, that I was going to get up early an do a mile - jogging and walking - each morning before walk to increase my stamina, fitness, and to keep my miles up! Work is very busy at the moment and all I want to do when I get home is collapse!

I haven't been jogging since I was in New Zealand, and have eaten really quite a lot of cake (even by my standards), I thought it was best to get back to it.

Alarm set for 6.30am, I jumped out of bed and got into my jogging gear, and was out of the house by 6.40am. There are lots of streetlamps being put in and taken out so I had to just judge how far I wanted to jog and walk..... about 50/50 I think.

So with people coming home from work, people leaving for work and dog walkers I jogged a miles from my house, up around the park and back through the estate.

Back home for a quick shower, some breakfast, and uploading the pictures before I go to work!
See here....

Hope you all have a happy Tuesday.... tune in tomorrow to see if I manage more than one morning!

Love Iona x
365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 206 - Mile 198

2010-07-26T19:42:00.002+01:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!

Sunday was my birthday, and after a very lovely party at the Craven Arms in Appletreewick, we all headed down to the river for a swim. This is one of my favourite spots to swim, because you get a walk in as well as a swim, not sure some of the guests dressed for the walk?!?!?!?

I was very impressed by the amount of my friends brave enough to swim in the river, some converted to river swimming now, and other shrieking about how cold it was. Most people swam for a hour or so, paddling, jumping, diving and using the rope swing to plunge into the depths of the river. We even met another lady who swims on her birthday every year at Appletreewick - birthday twins!

What a lovely way to spend my birthday with lots of friends and family that I love very much!
Thank you all for coming and for being a bit crazy!

Love Iona x
365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 205 - Mile 197

2010-07-26T19:16:00.004+01:00

The weekend has brought lots of lovely people to Leeds to help me celebrate my 30th birthday. Several of us headed out to Temple Newsome for Opera in the Park on Saturday night. This is a free event that happens every year and due to it falling around my birthday I have not been able to go before, but it was great! The group consisted of Mum, Dad, Juli, Nick, Rowena, Chris, Carina, Trina, Angela, Anam, Jemini and me - with a brief but lovely visit from Bec and Ash!

After sitting in a fairly long queue to park the car, we trekked our way up to the ground, to be searched, ticketed and plastic bagged before finding ourselves a suitable picnic spot. As several people were meeting us, we stayed near the top of the hill so we could be seen and have a good enough view. It's all about the music really so the view wasn't too important.

After masses of picnic, including tea and cake (a must for me!), lots of rainy patches, hiding under blankets and carrier bags, brilliant opera and music we made our way back to the car before the crowds! Thankfully it was downhill on the way back to the car - not sure we'd have been so enthusiastic if we had the uphill at the end of the night.

A lovely night, a lovely walk, and most importantly lovely people!

See the pictures here!

Love Iona x
365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 195 - Mile 196

2010-07-21T21:23:00.003+01:00

Welcome to the world Harper James Yarrow - my beautiful nephew!

14.7.10 18.18 5lb14oz

It has taken a week to write this blog - I have been so busy catching up with friends and Harper being born and work is very busy and photos to upload to get back on track!

Harper was born a week ago today, and on the 15th July I went with my brother to pick up Jenny and Harper from the hospital. We had to walk over a mile from the car park to the materity ward - good job they have a drop off for pregnant women!

It was lovely to meet Harper and to see that Jen and Croin had survived and were already doting so much on Harper - there is no doubt that this little boy will have enough love for a lifetime!

Congratulations Coz and Stoggs,

Love you, Yogs x

365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 187 - Miles 195

2010-07-09T04:29:00.003+01:00

After a long trip on the Greyhound bus, I arrived at Jib Jib farm to visit Deb's sister Pam, her husband Carson and their children Jessica and baby Lewis. The farm is great, just outside a small town called Northampton.

We had a coffee and cake date on my second day there, with Pam's mum's and babies group. A couple of them had decided that they should maybe do a bit of walking before the cake! We joined them for a stroll along the beach, sharing children and buggies between us. It's just become the school holidays here so there were kids playing on the beach, but too cold for the water.

Only one mile, but they decided that they should walk most weeks and build up the distance to get them loosing their baby weight - although to be honest, they all looked pretty good to me!

We headed in for coffee and met up with some of the other mum's. Such a great way for them to share stories and experiences. The mum's who have had other children advising the other mum's that various aliments and normal and not to worry.

A lovely day,

Love Iona x
365milesin365days@googlemail.com

Day 185 - Miles 188 - 194

2010-07-09T04:19:00.003+01:00

A slow Sunday morning get up meant that it was well after brunch that Deb and I headed into Perth. We had decided to take a walk along the Swan river and see where we went from there.
Unfortunately I started to suffer from very bad gastric reflux after about 2 miles (probably from all the caffeine I have had since being here). We decided to catch the bus from that point into the city to get some medication.

After drugs, and a rest, I was feeling much better and we ended up walking all the way from Perth back to Deb's house at Rivervale. The walk had been well designed so that even though you are next to the main road, it feels like you are in the country by the water. Lots of marshland and bird spotting sights. There were still lots of people out having picnics and parties by the river as we passed the Casino.

A lovely way to spend the day, even after the slight change of plan!

Love Iona x
365milesin365days@googlemail.com