Preparation in the Lake District

The title of this post is a lie really ... Not so much preparation as "relaxation" but it was in an outdoor environment right?
Well, not really - the weather was pretty brutal from start to finish, flooding, 60+ mph winds forecast over the fells! I spent a good amount of time indoors and doing jobs around the house. It was useful to know that my relatively new boots (something like my 6th pair over the past 10 years) weren't waterproof - sustained horizontal rain finds a way!

The photo is from one high walk between weather windows that I managed with a friend. The hail started at the summit of Place Fell and we hurried off the top. Walking back in the snow/hail was beautiful, it's just a shame that it all turns to slush and rain at lower altitudes.

Finn approves of the new bench:

Inspiration from Ben

 

I probably should be route planning, checking gear or preparing in some way for the challenge which begins in mere weeks now. But instead, I have just had a great evening hearing the story of a man who has defied the odds to accomplish some truly incredible feats. (Nice to have some reassurance for the fact that he also lacked preparation in the earlier challenges!)

Fundraising for Rebecca House

Rebecca House offers a safe haven and a home from home environment in which physical, emotional, recreational and spiritual care is offered and where children are able to relax and have fun on the Isle of Man. As a teacher, I work with young people on a daily basis and I recognise the importance of a safe space as a basis for all care, whether educational or not.

I am working with Hospice IOM to enable some of the children I teach to learn more about the care Rebecca House provides and to fundraise for the charity themselves. Mr Downwood from Hospice IOM spoke during an assembly today and pupils have been given the opportunity to be involved in fundraising as part of the Isle of Man leg of the 7 Kingdoms Challenge.

This challenge involves either a 10mile walk across the Isle of Man from Peel to Douglas or a shorter 6 mile walk starting half way. The date is set for Friday 20th March and sponsorship forms have gone out today.

Good luck with your fundraising everyone!