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!

The Rwandan Ring!

The border of Rwanda measures 893 km. It will not be safe to walk the total border whilst I am there and I am unlikely to have the time, so I have set myself the challenge of walking the length of the Rwandan border before I leave the UK! 
So I will be out come rain or shine...probably rain living here on Dartmoor!

Today I got a FitBit which I will use to measure how far I have walked.  

Look out for updates about how I am getting on.

Please donate to my page at:
https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/hannahinrwanda