Ambling Around Amberley - CP4 to CP5

Wednesday 4th July

Although it was Independence Day half of Vale Venturers decided to depend on our Support Crew for our last training walk on the South Downs before the big day.  Lynda was our driver and Emma her trusty navigator as we left after school drop off.  Barney, Pebbles, Yoshi and Sid formed the rearguard on 4 legs!!

Sid takes the words Amberley Mount a bit too literally!

The weather was definitely not in our favour.  We found the checkpoint and waved goodbye to the girls (muttering about them being able to find a nice cosy tea rooms or better still a pub whilst we plodded through the mud with 4 mad, randy hounds in tow!).

The section down by the River Arun is MUDDY! Leeches were happily swimming in the shallows on the path.  Both Sue and Sandra found it very difficult to get into our stride especially as the dogs had to be on leads for quite a while.

Heading for the clouds!

Eventually we reached the bottom of Amberley Mount. Its is pretty steep but nothing on the scale of Beacon Hill! We are sure the views from the top are breathtaking on a clear day. Unfortunately this wasn't a clear day! The top was shrouded in mist and we could barely see 50 yards ahead.  Sue was trying out her new trail shoes and detected a "hotspot" on her heel.  A Compeed and chocolate stop was deemed necessary and we both perked up considerably! Emma texted some brain teasers to keep us occupied (for about a minute- come on Emma we need something for the other 23 hours and 59 minutes!!!).

A lone horse rider loomed out of the murk - very Jane Eyre in style but not a dark, handsome Mr Rochester unfortunately! A few kms further on we met two fellow hikers, one of whom was wearing very revealing wet, flesh coloured shorts!!! After walking a few metres past them we both collapsed into giggles. More Mr Bean than Mr R!

Heading downhill towards the checkpoint we met Lynda and Emma coming to meet us! They had checked out the locality and had found a fish and chip shop! Chip shops are a requirement of Vale Venturers! We reached the car near Checkpoint 5 very muddy and wet. After a lot more giggles about the man in pants and Sid's amorous behaviour we got changed (changing towel nil points) and headed for some chips and Sue's homemade soup!

Just like a real checkpoint!

Last day of training on the trail. Rubbish weather, path pretty awful but spirits are high and support crew are wonderful.  We can't wait for the big event! http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserProfilePage.action?userUrl=valeventurers&isTeam=true