A week later and a year older...

Yes, its been quite a week!

My 38th birthday came and went, thank you to everyone who kindly donated what they would have spent on a birthday card etc, and loaded the pennies on my Just Giving site - it means the world and I am truly greatful.

My current total as of this morning (Aug 24) is £11,810.84 !!

On Saturday I enjoyed my walk in Lee-on-Solent, the walk wasn't as long as usual but just as enjoyable if not more, as I was by one of my most favourite things....the sea!
Yes - with my friend and colleague Kerrie we walked along the coastal path, the sun was shining and there wasn't a cloud in the sky, it was bliss.

Pictures from my walk along the coastal path at Lee-on-Solent.

 

My plans for this week:

• to make my final list of stuff still to buy
• change guest room at home from beautiful boudoir to departure lounge
• wash wash wash - kit and clothes
• read through all pack information sent from the BHF
• walk (location not yet decided)
• collapse in a heap! :0)

My plans for tonight:

• counting down from 10 days its all down hill from here. Well until the big uphill bit in Africa!
• coat soles of my feet in surgical spirit every night until departure to harden skin and prevent blisters (nice!)

Well folks that's all for now, I'll be waffling more tomorrow so stay tuned and speak soon.

Fx

What did you do this weekend...

Well I walked about 10½  miles in 3½  hours and thoroughly enjoyed it, no really I did!

It was a great day, nice breeze but not cold, no rain and not too hot. Slightly overcast but such beautiful views of our fine British Countryside.

  

      

 The things that made it really enjoyable for me were:

Super Socks! (but not my legs)

The pace was my pace: I kept myself going at about 2/2.5mph. Such a relief after some treks where I'm walking at somebody elses pace, someone with longer legs who typically goes much faster.

• Loving my new posh socks: I know can you believe the day has come where I'm singing the praises of a particular brand of sock?!
• X-socks Trekking Air Step - Bliss, magic, comfortable, no blisters, wow - nuff said! For more info on my dream sock visit my friends at Trek Hire UK they're fab! http://www.trekhireuk.com/TrekkingAirStep.html

After the walk I got home, no aches, no pains. Still had a spring in my step even 24-48hrs afterwards.
I also took the opportunity to test run some different snacks to have whilst walking. Different healthy granola snacks, which were ok but could be a little tricky on the dental front - that's how hard they were. Only to be consumed whilst seated with a hot cup of tea, is what I think it should say on the packet.

However my favourite by a long way is Munchy Seeds. Have you heard of them? I must admit I hadn't, but these little zebra bags of joy are super, my fav is the Vanilla Pumpkin Seeds in these little handy size bags.

So socks and snacks is all I have for today; I know what a truly exciting life I lead.

Have you donated yet?We're just over £11,500 now - remember if you'd like to donate simply visit http://original.justgiving.com/fayemorris1

Thank you for visiting and I'll be back with more personalised waffle soon. Fx

Where have I been...

My lovely M-I-L Anne and myself

Well, you may well ask. Things certainly were busy on the run up to the fund raising event in July - thank you for everyone that supported the event without you all none of it would have been possible.

139 people attended, 117 raffle tickets sold and the 9 items on the silent auction were a great success!

All the figures are in and the final count has been done - drum roll please... we raised £3,112.50!!! Amazing, truly amazing thank you all so much!

So what now... well just the small matter of flying to Tanzania and climbing a mountain. But apart from that not much.

My training has taken a hit the past 5 days as I've been struck down by one of the most nasty viral infections i've ever had. Basically I've been in bed since Thursday afternoon last week and have been completely wiped out. Aches and pains like I've never known, zero appetite and zero energy. Gradually getting up and around now and hoping to head back into the office tomorrow. But jeewhiz it was a horrible!! yuck.

This weekend, I'm planning two walks in and around the Lambourn Valley - the ridgeway maybe - the white horse - the punch bowl...  who knows, so many to choose from.

Well dear friends, apologies for my absence but as I'm now counting down to my September 3rd departure I will blogging more regularly about my final preparations.

Much love Fx