Day of Rest

Walk the Wight is one of the big charity events held on the island. Every year thousands of people take part to raise money for the Earl Mountbatten Hospice. There are four walks to choose from;
- the full 26 mile walk from Bembridge to Alum Bay
- 13 miles from Bembridge to Carisbrooke
- 13 miles from Carisbrooke to Alum Bay
- the 8 mile flat walk from Sandown to Newport

In 2010 I walked the full 26 miles. It took me just under 10 hours and the blisters on my feet were there for a couple of months but it was totally worth it. The last hill is an absolute killer (Tennyson Down, but it should be called Tennyson Up) but nothing beats the feeling of coming down into the Needles park with the prospect of a hot bath and a take away.

Since then I've down the walk from Bembridge to Alum Bay and last year I did the flat walk with my mum.

Bearing in mind that I'm doing Race for Life next weekend I decided to do the flat walk again with one of my friends (that's my excuse & I'm sticking to it). My friend has various long term health issues and for her today was a real achievement, a fantastic milestone in her journey. It was great to be part of that.

As we crossed the start line we spotted some knitted owls for sale to raise money for the Hospice. We thought it would be fun to take them with us and photograph "their" progress along the walk.

 

 

Such a simple little idea but they really were too lovely to leave behind. We also managed to get to Newport before the rain started. A good warm up for next week when I'll be running rather than strolling through the countryside. I think I'll take my little owl with me round the course next week for some company.

 

This evening, after all that walking, I've mostly been making excellent progress on my Dad's Dalek. Now that Brentford FC are headed to Wembley (also next sunday) doing a Dalek in team colours seems especially appropriate. My Dad is making the trip so who knows - maybe next sunday evening Brentford will be in the Championship. Here's hoping.

 

The body is finished and I've done the plunger and I'm half way through the blast gun. Then he just needs stuffing and he'll be raring to go.

 

I had forgotten how much I hated doing those bobbles - 14 to a round, 4 rounds. They take an awful lot of patience. More irritating yet was the k1 p1 in alternate colours to get the stripe effect on the shoulders.

 

This pattern is quite fun in that it requires a variety of different skills. There's a temporary cast on, knitting in the round, i-cord and, of course, those infamous bobbles.

 

 



 He's going to look great when he's finished. I made a blue one for me a couple of years ago (Blue Dalek) and I've had him sitting on my desk at work, warding off evil spirits.

So all in all, a busy but successful sunday. I can't believe it is only a week to the Race For Life. I'm rather excited.