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Severn Bridge Walk

Wanderings of a Procrastinating Loon

by paddyman

In which a loon recovering from treatment attempts to get some excercise (but not too much)

Blog Entry

Severn Bridge Walk

25 Jun 2012 by paddyman

Hi everyone, my training has been going well, weather permitting!

I have walked along the Monmouthshire and Brecon canal for distances of 6 to 8 miles. Canals are generally level, but not at 14 locks where the canal rises a distance of 168 feet in just 800 yards and after a six mile walk you do notice you are going uphill!

I am thoroughly enjoying this walking and a particular pleasure was watching swans sitting on a nest and then a fortnight later seeing them proudly parading their newborn cygnets along the canal.

The coast walk from Penarth to Sully was beautiful even though the rain soaked me on the way back, so I have invested in a new waterproof jacket and a new hat!

A local walk to find a vantage point to photograph the Severn Estuary was more gruelling than I thought and I needed to “rest” in a pub before tackling the hill back home. Unfortunately the viewpoint I remembered had changed and the view was now blocked with mature trees!

Last week I walked around Cardiff Bay taking photographs, a walk I had always planned but never found the time to do.

My three replacement knees are standing up well to this training; friends have suggested I use Odin’s 8 legged steed to go with my three knees, but I don’t think horses are allowed on the walkway over the bridge.

I am now looking forward to this challenge on the 1st July, just one week away although I know it can be very blustery on the Severn bridge, so I hope the weather’s fine.

If you would like to cheer me on my way, you can do so by donating on my just giving page.

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Comments
  • wrote on 25 Jun 2012 4:33 PM

    Hey paddyman -

    Well done you. I am very impressed. What a warrior you are! And I am glad you enjoyed your walk, too. You don't need Odin's steed, you are warrior enough in the true spirit of the warrior monks who are brave but thoughtful. (It's an Eastern thing.)

    My very best wishes for 1st July. Three deep breaths, stand like mountain and then just walk oh so proudly on the earth.

    LJ X


  • wrote on 25 Jun 2012 5:01 PM

    Paddyman,

    What is the address of  your justigiving page to make a donation? 

    Best of luck, please let us know how you get on!

    James 


  • wrote on 25 Jun 2012 5:08 PM
    Good luck Paddy I'm sure you will do it, I'm sure the three knees will do you well! Hugs Rosiexx

  • wrote on 25 Jun 2012 5:47 PM

    Thanks everyone for the good wishes.

    My just giving page is at:

    www.justgiving.com/Colin-Dancer

    for those that would like to follow or better still sponsor me!

    Thanks in anticipation.

    Colin


  • wrote on 25 Jun 2012 6:08 PM
    I can't believe it's only a week away now, well done you for all the training and the sense of occasion certainly loses a few miles for you. Pack some jelly babies for your walk when you need that boost (or the hip flask of course). Take it a but easy this week and lots of pasta too.....listen to me huh, I am back exercising though, not still putting my feet up! Good luck on Sunday and I will be at a 60th party so will certainly raise a glass to you. You will not only do yourself extremely proud but all your family and friends both at home and in mac land xxxxx

  • wrote on 25 Jun 2012 7:40 PM
    The training is certainly paying off.Its good to combine your hobbies walking,nature and photography.I hope the weather is fine and not blustery and though I won't be there in person I will be cheering you on all the way across.I hope you raise lots of money for a very good cause and the three knees continue to hold out.The very,very best of luck Cruton xxx

  • wrote on 25 Jun 2012 7:50 PM

    I love to read about your walks!

    Enjoy walking over the bridge, I presume you dont have to walk back again!!!!!

    Hugs

    Respect

    xxxx


  • wrote on 25 Jun 2012 8:03 PM

    Good luck Odin! Hmm haven't I read this already? haha

    I like the sound of resting in pubs! And you are putting me to shame.... I have only managed to walk 2km so far so a bit nervous about my 5km never mind your miles!!!

    Hope it goes well and the 3 knees hold out- keep one in your backpack  for spares maybe?

    Little My xxx


  • wrote on 25 Jun 2012 8:12 PM

    Best of luck Odin, this training business could double as a pub crawl so let's hope you make it to the Bridge on July 1st. Do you get a lift back?

    xxx


  • wrote on 25 Jun 2012 9:27 PM

    Good luck Odin and enjoy. Hope the weather is kind to you all on the day.

    I too am enjoying see the little cygnets growing fast on my daily dog walk, though mine is a stroll compared to your expeditions tee heeee

    Take care

    Jan xx


  • wrote on 26 Jun 2012 4:22 PM

    Thanks everyone for you encouragement!

    For those who asked - yes I do have to walk back, although friends and neighbours may be hoping I won't!

    Thankyou Clare for the advice on diet and exercise!

    Thanks also to all those who have sponsored me; It's a great cause and all of us here have benefited from Macmillan.

    For those who haven't sponsored me, there is still time!

    Odin


  • wrote on 28 Jun 2012 8:44 AM

    Good luck with the walk Odin ...... I shall be wishing for fine weather for you all on the day. Sounds like all your training is paying off and I don't think that Sleipnir will be needed after all. So go and enjoy it all ..... but take care with those three replacement knees !

    Love and hugs, Joycee xxx


  • wrote on 28 Jun 2012 10:57 AM

    Thankyou Joycee!

    I shall enjoy it whatever the weather, but I'm taking my camera and so some bright intervals would be appreciated,

    Odin xxx


  • wrote on 28 Jun 2012 12:59 PM

    Odin, I just wanted to wish you the best of luck, not long now till the walk, I really hope it's not raining on the day.

    Love Roobs xxxxxxx


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