Week 4 - Cutthroat Bridge - Derwent Edge

May 25th - I tried out my new walking boots on a 2.1/2 Hr walk with walking buddy Bernard, who will feature again as he is a regular walker and keen to support me and show off the beautiful Peak District. It was a very breezy day but stayed dry and clear so that we could enjoy the beautiful views over Ladybower Reservior.

When Ladybower was first built it submerged two villages, Derwent and Ashopton. It is also well known as the place where Dr Barnes Wallis and his team practised his bouncing bomb in preparation for the raid on the Ruhr Dams in Germany in World War II. Much of the film 'The Dam Busters' telling his story was also shot here.

Meet Oscar & Hobbes

Meet Oscar & Hobbes - my 'Walking Buddies' for the past 7 years. (Oscar on the left and Hobbes on the right). Sadly Hobbes passed away recently - but Oscar has enough dedication and enthusiasm for both of them - although he is drawing the line at 2 hour walks - after all, like me he's not as young and fit as he used to be!

The Story So Far!

I have recently retired from my family business, handing over to the next generation and will have time on my hands to pursue other interests. My older, wiser brother warned me that it was easy to put things off when you don't have deadlines. Panic set in - for the past 33 years deadlines & projects have been my motivation!

Whilst browsing the Wakefield Hospice Website looking through their fundraising diary for ideas of how I might repay their care and kindness to me and my family 19 years ago I came across 'The Peru Trek Challenge'. It was a 'light bulb' moment! I did some research - ran it past my son & daughter who didn't hesitate to say 'Go for it mum, you can do it', and the panic subsided.... for now!

So here I am on week 8 of my 15 week training schedule! The training programme mainly consists of two walks per week, one short - one long, of increasing duration - building up to 7 hr walks, when I should be ready! At the same time I have an excercise regime to build up my strength and stamina!

September 23rd is the date I set off on my 'big adventure' - so I think I can safely say that I have a project and a deadline to take me through the first 5 months of my retirement!