So we spread all cash recieved so far across the dining table and after much excitement it totals.........................................over £700...............wow!!
When everyone coughs up their pledges we should reach well over £1000, YAY!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks....
Thank you thank you thank you to all who have taken part in supporting our challenge, to those who walked with us also and to all who have donated. We could not have done it without you. There are too many names to write we fear readers would be asleep half way through.
Just a few.
My brother, Terry and sister in law Cath [ who wrote all of the blogs and caused havoc in the toilet block of the campsite] JJ and Katie.
Chris and Mary Bell, [James, Who walked 6 miles with JJ in the pouring rain}
Pete and Mary Carpenter,
Diane Barrie Kim and Dan,
Daniel Illsley and his mate Nick,
Graham and Helen.
The owner of the Valley Hotel in Valley [who made us coffee and gave a donation while we dried out]
The family in the pub in Amlych who gave a donation,
The ladies in the Nuclear Power station who made us a fab cuppa as the cafe was closed that day.
The young lad who stopped us gave us 50p on the last mile.
Many many more..................
We have had lots of cash donations walking around Anglesey, nearly £200 given to us from others on the campsite.
We think we have hit the £1000 mark, until all the other donations are in and counted we are speculating, however, with all of the sponsor sheets and more filled in we are sure it is very close.
Hi,
Just a brief few words as to why we are doing this,
Mad, Nuts, Lunatic, Bonkers, Crazy, Bizzarre, Off my trolly.
Well I did say a few, but my favourite is;-
BECAUSE WE CAN AND WILL.
Walking the coast path of Anglesey in 8 days for Heart Link
Day 1 – Monday 17th August
Journey - Nant Bychan Farm – Beaumauris walked by Sonja and hubby Jed
Distance – 19 miles covered today.
A dull start at 7.40am for the beginning of our challenge. The walking conditions were satisfactory and improved as the day went on.
On this part of the coastal path the first half was walking along the cliffs to Red Wharf Bay. The Bay crossing was much wider than we were expecting but very well maintained across the marshes.
From Red Wharf Bay we then went over the headland to Penman point, at this point the sun was shining and the sea was calm. We stopped off at a pub with a welsh name (sorry can’t remember) near Llandona. A well deserved pint and panni set us off on our final stage to Beaumauris. We arrived in Beaumauris at 2.30pm for a cream tea by the castle. We were picked up by all the family where we then spent 2 hours catching crabs on the pier.!!
Day 2 – Tuesday 18th August 2009
Journey – Beaumauris – Model Village Dwyran Walked by Sonja, Jed and Thomas Bell.
Distance – 17 miles covered today
Today started at 8am with Cath taking us down to Beaumauris for the start of our second day of excitement.
We also had Daniel and Nick who joined us until Menai when they went off shopping for another mobile phone!!!. Thomas joined us for the whole day. He was a great inspiration to us on this walk today as he navigated most of the way and led from the front. The walking conditions were pretty rough and we didn’t have a good start as we missed the coastal footpath and ended up walking from Beaumauris to Menai on the main road. This was a dangerous route as there were no pavement. We then got back on track with great relief!!! after Menai. Our lunch break today was at a lovely family pub called Tafarn Ty Gwyn in Llanfairpwll. A light sandwich and a pint went down well.
After lunch, we followed the coastal route along the straits giving us magnificent views of Snowdonia. We passed many attractions on this leg for example the sea zoo, the chocolate shop and finally foel farm park. We were so tempted to stop off for chocolate but time was not on our side.
Just before the end of our excursion today we crossed a river by going over some huge stepping stones, they were amazing something we have never seen before. Our final destination was at the model village in Dwyran where Mary was waiting for us to take us back to Nant Bychan farm. We were all exhausted today as it was a tough walk. Sonja’s started to get a blister on her right foot, but with the thanks to a blister plaster it’s helped keep the pain away.
Looking forward to tomorrow. Bed early tonight!!!
Day 3 – Wednesday 19th August 2009
Journey – From the Model Village to The Gate House near Rosneiger walked by Sonja and Jed
Distance – 15miles
Firstly we need to apologies for the delay on not putting up our report for Wednesday and Thursday. This was down to a computer fault!!!! A lot of campers are asking “Who are Sonja and Jed?” Well we are situated at the top of the field in a green tent surrounded by our family and friends.
Today started off very dull and then it got worse. The clouds rolled in bringing such horrible rain. We walked via Newborough Nature Reserve over many vast sand dunes and across the causeway to Maltraeth. From Maltraeth we ventured through various “Tunnels of flora”. (A vast amount of hedges making a tunnel.) We stopped off at the Abberfrau Heritage Centre for a well earned cuppa only to receive a promising phone call from Mary Bell. She was on her way with her son James and our nephew Jonathan (JJ) to join us on our walk today. At that very moment the heavens opened as we ordered our lunch. We then planned our attack for the rest of the day. The result of a very sore toe meant that Sonja had to sit the last 5/6 miles out, however the boys saved the day by stepping in and guiding Jed along the rocky, wet and windy paths around Porth Cwyfan.
Mary and Sonja waited at the Gate House near the Motor racing circuit for the wet bedraggled boys to arrive. The weather conditions at this point were horrendous.
A good soak and rest was now needed for Sonja’s foot.
Day 4- Thursday 20th August 2009
Journey – South of Rhosneigr – Treaddur Bay walked by Sonja and Jed
Distance- 16 miles
Sonja had a good rest and her foot is recovered. We picked up the trail south of Rhosneigr. The weather was dry and the sun was forcing it’s way through the clouds. The wind was strong pushing us along the beach. The sea had huge waves storming onto the sands. Thank goodness we had our wet gear on.!! We took a break and sat on the beach watching the wind and kite surfers enjoying the fearsome waves. It was amazing. As we went around the bay we were then met by the most powerful fighter planes that were taking off at Valley airfield (or as it’s know now as Anglesey airport, operating daily flights from Anglesey to Cardiff for £20.00 return!!!)
Jed was like a child all over again, enjoying and pretending to be a plane!! Sonja managed to guide him back on his journey. Trekking across the dunes and experience to immense power of the sea against the rocks we made our way on the path towards Treaddur Bay. We walked past silver bay looking for an old campsite we went to many years ago. We didn’t find it but came across a beautiful posh pub called “The White Eagle Inn” where we stopped for lunch. We did look out of place but it was very very nice but very very expensive!! We spoke to the owner who was extremely kind, she is going to donate to Sonja’s website.
Finishing off at Treaddur Bay we saw a typical British seaside scene with families tucked up against their colourful wind breaks and enjoying making sandcastles.
We then called for a taxi to take us back to our car. Tomorrow our daughter Beth is coming to join us on our last stage of this walk.
Day 5 – Friday 21st August 2009
Journey – Treaddur Bay to Holyhead
Distance – 15 miles
We left the campsite at 8am sharp with some new additions to the party. Terry, Sonja’s brother came along with Barrie Williamson. The sun was shining as we drove over to Treaddur Bay. Terry was well equipped with his 8 Mars Bars and 4 packets of crisps!!!!. Barrie was talked into doing the walk last night after consuming a bottle of wine!!! We had a great day. The weather was fantastic and the views were so stunning. This part of the island none of us have visited before. We can thoroughly recommend this area to anyone. The most outstanding feature we saw was the colourful heather. It was like Joseph’s techni-coloured dream coat!! (Any dream will do!!) Following the path we climb up towards south stacks missing two teashops on the way. Barrie was feeling the pinch at this point as he was still a little delicate. Unfortunately this route was very very steep and enduring and poor old Barrie was suffering!!!. We were so desperate at this point to find somewhere to refresh our pallets. After asking somebody where we could get something to drink we were shown directions to the “Boat House Hotel”. The bill was much cheaper than yesterday’s lunch. The finish of today’s walk ended in Holyhead where we found the official start and finish of the Anglesey coastal Walk located at St Cybi’s Church.
In Holyhead we order a taxi to take us back to Treaddur. Neville was our friendly taxi man who didn’t charge us full price as we were doing this for charity.
Thank goodness it’s Friday, we are having a day off tomorrow to enjoy and support the Lifeboat Day. So here’s to a couple of wines tonight!!!
Day 6 – Sunday 23rd August 2009
Journey - St Cybi’s – Taldrwst Forrest walked by Sonja,Jed, Beth, Helen and Graham for the first part then Diane, Chris and Cath joined Jed at sandy beach to finish off.
Distance – 19 miles
What a day, the weather was appalling from start to finish. Howling winds and horrendous rain. We struggled to pick up the trail but found the port very interesting with ferries coming and going. We stopped off at the “Valley Hotel” for a cup of tea where Helen, Graham, Sonja and Beth finished and the new walkers began, these being Cath, Chris and Diane. Following the coastal path from Sandy Beach there was an abundance of blackberry bushes surrounding the hidden coves. Our refreshment stop was the tea shop at Church bay where the food was delicious, all homemade. The Mediterranean soup was unbelievable full of beans and lots of vegetables. We asked the chef for her recipe to try at home.
From then we climbed up the rugged coastal path where the wind was forcing us to fall over in places. Fortunately this was blowing us inland. The sheer drop down was approx 150 feet. Along this stretch there was no evidence of life apart from the sheep. Sheltering by the pillbox we rang Sonja to see if she was on her way to pick us up from the edge of the forest. Sonja had such a trauma to find us going up and down the lanes looking for a “P” sign. Hurrah, the Audi was in sight and we could get shelter and come back to Mr and Mrs Evans farm.
Let’s hope tomorrow brings better weather!!!!
Day 7 – Monday 24th August 2009
Journey – Taldrwyst Forrest – Amlwch walked by Sonja and Jed
Distance – approx 18 miles
What a difference in the weather today, bright sunshine. We had to ensure the suntan lotion was used all day. The day started at 8am.
This part of Anglesey was very steep and dramatic with lots of hidden coves. Lots of industrial heritage was found from mining to brickworks. There were some beautiful bays that we past. Arriving at the PowerStation visitors centre at Wylfa we found it to be closed. It closes every Monday except Bank holidays. We were kindly invited in by two of the receptionist at the Station for a complimentary cup of tea.
Following the very steep path up and down we made our way to Bull Bay where we had a lovely beer at the “Bull Bay Hotel”. Fellow walkers were resting and gave us a healthy donation.
Our last point of today’s walk was at Amlwch. It was a very tiring day from start to finish. We are so looking forward to tomorrow where we are on our final stint of the Anglesey Coastal Walk. We are hoping to return back to the campsite approx 4pm/5pm.
See you then.
Day 8 – Tuesday 25th August 2009
Journey – Amlwch to Moelfre ( Nant Bychan Farm)
Distance – 14 miles
What an awful start! Sun when we woke, but when we started it became terribly wet. The first couple of miles out of Amlwch were not pleasant; in fact we were happy to get away from the grey old depressing port. Not long after the start of today’s walk we lost the path in the driving rain. To keep safe on the rocky path we decided to return back and start from Porth Ellian. We headed out to the lighthouse on the headland, little did we know the castle like building had been turned into a holiday flat and we were not able to look around. As we walked back disappointed, the rain then began to stop and we could see blue skies and sunshine on the Horizon.
From Porth Eliian things picked up and at 10.30 we could see Moelfre in the distance. This made us quicken up our pace as we knew we were near our watering hole at the “Pilot Boat”. This part of the walk was absolutely beautiful and completely clear of other walkers which meant we had to navigate our way through thick fern overgrowth. We passed across grouse moors and onto a new part of the path which has been created since our map was printed. On this stretch of path it appears there seems to be one farmer who is not happy with the path builders. He has put a new barbed wire fence in the way. This led to a detour and a climb over the fence leading to Sonja ripping her trousers. About half a mile past this we came across a sad site. There was a sheep with it’s hind leg caught in a fence, we lifted him out and sent him on his way. (It’s surprising how light a sheep is underneath all that wool!!) If it is owned by the farmer who built the fence we hope it kicks him on his next shearing!!! ( at this point you can tell we were so cross)
The path then dropped to Dulas beach and went through a series of bogs with slippery footage and difficult stiles, one of which Jed slipped on and cut his arm. After this mishap things improved and we arrived at the pilot boat and ate a couple of excellent sandwiches and thought about the last few miles to walk. It was at the pilot boat last year that we decided to take on this challenge of walking the coastal paths of Anglesey. (What a mad decision for a holiday!! But such an excellent idea for such a good cause)
We carried on towards Lligwy beach and past many happy families enjoying themselves in the water. We walked around the headland towards the lifeboat station where Albert was fishing, to be met by our support party Beth, Daniel and Nick. Having met our friend at the “Kimnel Arms” for a pre finish drink we continued onwards for our last mile, triumphantly finishing at Mr and Mrs Evans’ campsite. Home at last!!!
090809
Sorry, sorry, sorry.
Not updated for a while, too busy walking bloody miles and getting blisters.
We think we have around £500 so far, yay!!!
Walking around the Westfield Center does count, a girls gota have a posh frock to go to a wedding, ON THE DAY WE RETURN..........................no pressure......
Had the craziest idea a few weeks ago, suggested we walk from home to Matlock.............Got as far as Cromford. We didn't start until 1pm. Then we caught the bus home and had to walk from the bus station up the hill via the pub..........who mentioned the pub? Was about 12 miles in total and felt fine the next day. YAY!
Done 2X around carsington a few weeks ago, Ouch!!!! in the pouring rain, ouch ouch!!!!![Got good waterproofs, Tresspass in Derby gave us a discount]............Blister plasters work better if you take them with you.....
It's going to take about 6 hours each day, I'm built for comfort not speed, and there is 24 hours in a day. You do the math.
Lots of people giving us money, Our neighbours Ali and Perry have collered their work colleagues and have a stash, they also auctioned a sachet of sugar from the Ferarri factory on their stag and hen night. [don't ask but it was funny] Their friends filled a little box with £57.something, many many thanks.
My mum and dad had an anniversary dinner with the OFC's [ don't ask] and would only let them leave once they had paid a randsome. £80, thanks.
Jed's work mates have donated a load.
Parents att the nursery have pledged, thanks.
I have E-mailed the owner of Treetops Nurseries begging but not heard anything yet...............................Watch this space.
My outlaws are busy prising money from all they know, and they know lots of people, very much appreciated. [Even though Molly has had a heart attack in March and now has unstable angina].
My brother and his family are badgering other campers at the site at the moment, oh dear! We are soooo gona be barred from Anglesey after this.
We have been sorting through our kit ready, where do I start?
We finally got the right Tow bar for the car, the dispute is still on with the distributers but that's another story. [anyone want to buy a brand new towbar for an Audi??]
A mouse has had the nerve to chomp its way through some of our sleeping compartment in the tent, whilst stored in the garage. [hope it had indigestion.]
Jed found the tent had been attacked by mold and almost went into meltdown. It has been saved, and patched, he's now his usual calm.
It can't get any worse can it??????................................OOPs!
We have sorted the route and bizzarely there is a pub half way along each route................well it would be rude not to.
We know not to start on a full English breakfast, or have more than one pint for lunch and it will be early to bed each night...........................! I have a feeling that I will grow to hate porridge pasta and rice.
Beth will be joining us on the Friday as she doesn't finish placement at the hospital until Thursday night.
Thanks to Domonique who has donated on line, wow! that's nice.
Daniel and his mate will be in charge of downloading the daily diary, however, it will be a day later and they have to go to the local cafe to link into the Wi-Fi. I'm sure it will be a hard task drinking coffee!!!! [ they gona be wired]
Getting nervously excited now, doesn't help watching Helicopter rescues on TV, ooooeeeerrrrrrrrr mrs.
Will be walking each evening until we go.
Just booking the decent weather.....
YOU CAN NOW GET ME ON FACEBOOK, and hear the interview on radio Derby we did, nervous was not the word I would use!!!!!!!!!!!!!! [think it's off now, updated 090809]
Went to Edale for the weekend at the beginig of June, intensive walking.
Walked up Jacobs ladder, whoever started that path had a sense of humour and what is it with mountain bikers hurtling down it, I thought I was a little barmy..........
Been to Sweeden last weekend, very nice, very expensive, did some walking over the HUGE rocks around the coast of Smogen Haagensbad. [ and around Gothemburg City, retail therapy counts as walking even though I didn't buy much]
Trying to put pics up on web pages, failing miserably, must ask a child to help me seeing as they know about all this technology.
It's Fathers day today and we are attempting twice around Carsington Res, HAHAHAHAHA
The only target we have set is to walk all the way around Anglesey [125miles] in 8 days, all we ask is that you encourage us by donating any amount, it will be very much appreciated.
Heartlink helps provide most of the facilities and much needed vital equipment on ward 30 at Glenfield Hospital, Leicester, without it parents would not be able to stay with their children and the hospital would not be able to save so many childrens lives.
We discovered this in 2001 when purely by chance, it was discovered that our daughter Beth had a congenital heart defect and a valve needed repairing, she was 11 years old and had to have major surgery.
Xmas eve 2008, Beth had to have emergency surgery to have a pacemaker fitted, we had already planned on doing this charity walk now it was even more important to do it and we need your help.
We will keep you updated as much as possible about training and progress and eventually the actual walk.
Thanks,
Sonja
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Last week I was given £6.00 from customers at my hairdressers. Hair Design, Belper. And they are still collecting.
Many thanks.
Last night, [25th April 09] Jeds rugby mates, The Old Pistonions, had an evening of music entertainment and entertaining it was. Onlookers passed on some of their beer money change which totalled £83.05.
Cheers Folks.
Having walked around Carsington Res in 2.5hrs, [as part of our training] we looked at Anglesey on Google earth....................................It looks flat! No problems then!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We have lots of sponsor forms around various places filling up nicely, thanks to all who have signed up.
Thanks to Darren and Katie our first online pledges, a big hug for katie, she's sooo cute and only two. [Darren's bigger than me and I don't argue]
Many thanks to all.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
19/08/09
started walkin but having technical probs but got it working now
day1 monday 17th august 2009
started at 7:40 for the begining of the walk conditions were statifactory and inproved later on the first half was along cliffs to red wharf bay. the bay crossing was much wider than we expected but went over the headland to penman point at this point the sun was shining and the sea was calm we stopped off at the pub near llandona then set off for beaumauris. we arived in beaumauris at 2:30 witch if forther than we had expected 2 walk a very gd 1st day
day 2 tuesday 18th august 2009
the day started at 8am from beaumauris to menai with abit of help from daniel (son) nick (friend) tomas (relative) daniel and nick parting with us in menai. tomas and us went on throught some dangerous routes walkin some of the way on a main road (sonja very nervas) tomas was a great insparation and helped us alot navagating as we went wrong at the start of the day but managed well after lunch we follow the pasth giving us a view of snowdonia we pased some great atraction on this day but we didnt have time to stop at them not event the chocolate shop.bacause time was not on our side because mary was wating for us at the end off the legg in the model villige in dwyran were we are still ahead of what we expected so its still good
