Daryl Completes the Challenge
The 18th and final day saw us arrive at our final destination of Kirk Yetholm at around 3.45 p.m. after a last 13.76 miles. The day started with a 1,000 foot, 2.5 mile climb out of Cocklawfoot just to get us back on the Pennine Trail. After a further high climb and steep descent, my energy levels were reaching rock bottom, such that I was having trouble putting one foot in front of the other.. I needed coffee and chocolate to get me going again. We were rewarded today with the best weather of the trip and after some tedious scenery in the last few days, we had some great views. As with most of the previous days, I spent much of the day walking with two others, the lycra boys, named as such because of the cycling shorts they wore to hold in all their hernias, ruptures and other bulges. I felt quite at a disadvantage without any. The final walk into Kirk Yetholm in the sunshine was great and we all congratulated each other when we reached the Border Inn, the official finishing line.
After 280 miles and climbing around 50,000 feet, what has it meant to me. At times it was breathtaking and exciting, at others mind-numbingly boring. There were severe challenges every day and undoubtedly we had some great laughs and enjoyed the cameraderie associated with such a venture. It was also a great test of endurance and of personal resolve to keep going, even when it was difficult to move your feet and you were wondering what on earth you were doing there. I am chuffed to bits that I did it and even more so that I finished it. It was a fantastic experience.
We will now let you all into the secret that Howard Crompton
has been the one sending us these reports as Daryl has either been too tired or too busy keeping his alcohol levels up to send us his reports.However, serious congratulations go to all who completed the walk and on behalf of them and especially Daryl sincere thanks to all who helped raise all the monies for charity. We still would like to see one or two photos of the old prop especially in the rain or stuck in a bog (nothing changes).