Chilly Caching!

https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/hannahinrwanda

It's been another glorious weekend in Devon and I've made the most of it by getting out and about and getting my distances up.

This week, walking to work has been nicer. It's almost daylight when I leave now and hasn't been too cold. Unfortunately, it's still dark and cold walking home but I know that will soon get better. I've managed to top last week's total so it's all good.

On Saturday, I decided to get my distance and steps in before anything else so set off on a long walk going round and through town. Apart from being slightly overdressed it was all going well with lots of hills and drops to keep me busy. Stupidly though, I decided to do my weekly food shop towards the end of the walk and anyone who knows the area will know that hill I have to climb to get home is a killer at the best of times but with a week's worth of food...never again!

Today, Sunday, a friend had asked if I fancied a walk. Of course! Anything to make this target as quickly as possible. She's really in to Geocaching - I'd only ever done it in France but agreed to go along anyway and I'm so glad I did. It was a beaut of a day. Sunny, bit of a breeze and surprisingly warm for January. We decided to head to Exmouth as it was a definite winter beach day and there were loads of Geocaches there. We started well, finding quite a few and it was a brilliant way to build up distance and steps without really noticing. We found a secret little cove and loads of places with glorious views both at the top, the bottom and half-way up the cliffs. I even got a quick paddle in - it was pretty fresh!

 Yes we got lost a few times (and looked a bit silly looking at a wall for a good twenty minutes) but it was an absolutely lush day and once again I have exceeded the distance target.

Please keep donating at https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/hannahinrwanda

Week 1 Final total - 61km

Are rainy walks actually better?

This weekend has been one for catching up with friends. Yesterday, I was lucky enough to spend time with two great friends and their families. Today, I got to catch up with a uni friend and finally meet his lovely new wife.

To make the most of these opportunities, I have researched lots of new walks so I can keep working towards my goal. Today, I tried a new route along Tiverton canal (which I was only vaguely aware existed) and it was brilliant! The rain was pelting down and I gritted my teeth, determined to get my distance target and get home. But, as I left Tavistock and got out into the countryside, the walk got better and better.

The rain didn't stop but the trees offered some shelter and barely anyone else was walking so I had space and time to myself. The air was so clean and refreshing. I started to relax into the walk and actually began to enjoy it in spite of the rain and the muddy towpath. The further from town I went, the prettier the walk was. I saw and heard a range of birds including a Robin who I'm sure followed me along my route. On my return, I was privileged to see and follow a kingfisher as it darted along the canal, the electric blue flash initially catching my eye.

When I got back to my car, 5 miles later, I'd made my distance target and had a good, hard walk and I felt great. OK my boots were soggy and muddy and my legs were a little stiff from the cold but it was definitely worth the effort. 

But now I'm undecided. Yesterday's walk in the sun was gorgeous but today's in the rain was just as nice, although very different. Are rainy walks actually better?

Week 1 Progress

https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/hannahinrwanda

I've made a good start to the challenge this week by making (and exceeding) each daily target.

It's been very cold walking to and from work and hasn't been particularly pleasant in the dark but it will be well worth it.

Today, after seeing friends in Exeter, I went for a beautiful, blustery walk along the River Exe and Exeter Canal to get my distance up a bit more. I made my daily target along that walk, before lunchtime! It was bracing but felt great to be out there.

Flyer Design

Today I had a meeting to discuss other fundraising options which I'm really excited to get started on. One of the first was communicating to those who don't have internet so I've designed this flyer. Please let me know what you think.

Technical Test

My sister very kindly gave me a "technical t-shirt" for Christmas. It said it was great in humid conditions so today I tested it at the Eden project.  It was very comfy and not too warm so will be perfect in Rwanda.

I also met today's walking target.

All in all, a pretty good start.

£2,500 is the total cost of the trip!

This morning, I have set up a fundraising page with BT Donate. https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/hannahinrwanda

The total here is for £995. This covers the program costs and administration fees so essentially is what LRTT need to be able to successfully run the program. Any donations here go direct to Inspiring Futures / LRTT to pay towards this.

I also need to raise the money for the flights which are currently showing at between £700 and £1100 depending on which route I take and how many transfers I make. So the actual total for the trip is going to be around £2500. 

I am in the process of opening a separate bank account and anyone wishing to donate money for flights will be able to do so by transfer to this account.

Better get walking!