Into Fern's Gully!

Spirits high and sunshine finally in the sky, three members of Vale Venturers set off on their final long (ish) training walk before the “big event”!  With Sue in charge of route, and two dogs in tow, and Becky’s temperamental foot, we headed off towards Mytchett Ranges.   

The back side

 First “check-point” was the Basingstoke Canal centre, where we tucked into Olive Bread with Marmite, cashew nuts and tasted Becky’s “cranky cranberries” as well as planning an essential food list for 3 weeks’ time.  2 cups of coffee and three dog-sick clean operations later, Vale Venturers attempted and failed to make a toilet stop before continuing with their walk (toilets closed!).

We carried on across the Mytchett Ranges, skirting some rather large puddles, almost falling over (Sandra) and climbing some very steep hills before trying to find our way back to the main range track. Sue was convinced that we had to cross the road (which we did) only to cross back over (again) and follow another track (which we christened “Fern Britton Gully”) before stopping for Check Point Two.   

Looking totally natural!

Pretzels and Tropical Sun refreshed us before we crossed the road yet again (following Sue’s directions) and finally made it back to a point that Becky recognised, and was then able to shepherd the team home safely….although Sandra almost got knocked into the canal by Pebbles!  All in all, despite a poorly Barney dog, 2 almost comedy falls, 2 “getting lost moments” and one temperamental foot, this was a successful and enjoyable final training walk. 

Near the end and still dry!

   

We walked almost 14 miles,ascended 1800 feet and enjoyed some interesting conversations and motivational tactics!  Needless to say that we will need many “units” of motivation to keep us going in 3 weeks time!