We are looking forward to walking 100 miles October/November raising funds for CHAT

So ... now, seems suddenly, I find myself in my 80th year!!

My name is Delia and having reached this milestone 'TTT' and I would really like to 'celebrate' our many blessings and walk 100 miles locally to support CHAT.

To let you know who the 'We' might be, let me introduce you to my little companion who rides in the pouch on my backpack. He is a very well-travelled little bear particularly in Scotland and around this local (Devon) area. His main claim to fame however is when he accompanied a trio of cyclists who rode from London to Glasgow to attend COP 26 summit in Glasgow in November 2021.

I had read the book 'Cold Hands, Warm Heart' by Tess Burrows and was so amazed by her story of courage and adventurous determination that I contacted her. Since then we have kept in touch and I wondered if she would take my little companion with her to Glasgow on the back of her bike! What a story he would have to tell! I was delighted when she said she would take him and indeed it was she who named him TTT - Team Together Ted! Hence, I feel very honoured to have him as a little companion on my various fund-raising travels.

When we start walking we will keep you updated with progress with a 'diary' and a photo or two. So far this year we have completed 700 miles and by the end of the year it will be 1000 - all 'car free' as we walk locally and like to do our bit to help the environment.

Delia & TTT

Update 1

Tuesday 1st October 10(.38) miles

After a pretty wet and dismal few days, this morning dawned sunny and much more encouraging to get out and start walking for this month to raise funds for CHAT in Tiverton.

Over the months we have been walking the idea of having a very low key 'send-off-coffee' with one or two friends has evolved. It doesn't happen every time, but this is one of the times it did come together, and it was most enjoyable and sent me off with a spring in my step, and my little companion TTT was pleased to be off on his adventures again!

10 miles down, 90 miles to go! Hopefully the weather will be walking-friendly and we can make good progress.

Wednesday 2nd 10(.08) miles

Awoke to grey skies but at least not raining so aimed to complete another 10 miles, which we did!

Whilst walking along one of our local quieter roads, there is quite a high bank with a mature oak tree and quietly standing watching over us were these two inquisitive members of the bovine family as if to say 'you are being watched'. So of course we had to stop for a brief chat and a photo call before walking on! These things are all part of the joy of being out and aware of our surroundings.

Will be back very soon to give you our progress report.

Delia and TTT 🤡

Update 2

Thursday 3rd 8(.64) miles

Friday 4th 10(.34) "

Saturday 5th 8(.29) "

Monday 7th 10(.80) "

Well .... These last few days feels as though we are getting out 'before the forecast heavy showers arrive!' So far however, we have been very fortunate and completed the miles arriving home in the dry. OK, the heavy black clouds have looked ominous at times, but then the sun appears and with the lovely breeze helping to keep us on the move, we have reached just over halfway - 56 miles.

As we walk around the country roads and lanes, the farmers have been very busy in the fields frequently reminding us - 'no farmers, no food'. We are also on the lookout for the season's wonderful variety of mushrooms, toadstools and fungi displays. It looks to be a good year for acorns, lovely shiny, rich brown conkers (horse chestnuts) and the sweet chestnuts are now shedding their crop not only for us to gather, but for the wild creatures to store up for winter. It is indeed a wonderful time of year to be out and about.

We hope to finish this months 100 miles in the dry! So far, so good.

Delia and TTT 🤡

Final Update

🤡MISSION ACCOMPLISHED🤡 104 miles; car free; 11 days

Monday 14th October 10(.30) miles

Wednesday 16th 10(.22) "

These last two days have been dreary and overcast - as you will know!. Monday was at least dry and we were able to enjoy several sightings of fascinating fungi growing on and around the bottom of trees and in grassy areas. This seems to be a very good year for them. The sweet chestnut trees are now shedding their harvest of nuts for us to gather and enjoy.

We were determined to finish our 100 miles on Wednesday, but again it was so dark first thing it was a bit of an effort to get going! However, we were meeting a friend for coffee (and cake of course!) which always helps to motivate the old energy. It was fine until after coffee so at least we were grateful for that, but after another 2 or 3 miles it started raining steadily until we arrived home - very wet! Not too keen (at all!) on walking in heavyish rain and having to paddle through flooded roads, but remember thinking how very fortunate we have been over the past 3 years walking. Rarely have we been out in continuous rain and arriving home soaked. Very thankful we don't have to do it all again tomorrow though!!

Another 100 miles completed and enjoyed before starting again in November.

Many thanks to everyone who has donated funds in these difficult days for many, every little donation helps to keep our amazing charities up and running. We cannot do without them so it is important to give them support as much as possible. Thank you.

Delia and TTT 🤡