Day 6 was a stonker!! Today I made someone blissfully happy and tackled my first mountain since the Summer of 2013.
I was feeling very rough around the edges this morning as the toxicity of the chemo started to bite but knew that the only way to feel better was to get the blood pumping around the body and the body working again. So we got in the car, headed into the Trossachs and set about Ben Aan. It was absolutely the right decision even though forestry work had required a detour which added a further 1/2 mile to the route. As the heart rate rose so the nauseous feelings dissipated and the smile returned. It was muddy but not a spot of rain and even better it was my brother Harry’s first ever mountain. At only 1,300ft it is a baby mountain but a demanding climb and a mountain nonetheless!! We were both hot and sweaty but ecstatic to have made it to the top. The views at the top are delightful so do please enjoy the photos and video coming after this post.
Sadly this was Georgie’s last mountain. At 13 years old she has climbed a number of mountains with me but despite wagging her tail all the way up, on several occassions, she showed her age and needed assistance. We can still do the low level walks together but no more mountains for Georgie.
Saturday afternoon was special because as I walked around the village I bumped into a party near the cricket pitch who spilled out of the marquee just to say hello and wish me well on the challenge then as I walked home along the main street several friends honked their horn and gave me a cheery wave. This was my last day of chemo for the week. I had been feeling a little tired but such cheery greetings lifted my spirits considerably and fixed a smile firmly to my face so thank you all. If you do see me on your travels say hello and shake my hand or if in the car toot your horn and give me a wave just to encourage me on. It makes such a difference knowing people are wishing me well.
The challenge in numbers total since the start:
Days completed: 6
Total Miles Cycled: 6
Total Miles Walked: 26
Total Miles covered under own steam: 32
Total Height Gained under own steam: 3,061 feet
Days of Conservation Activity: 1/2
Organ tunes learnt and performed: 2
People Met and Hands Shaken: 16
Pills popped: 48
Numbers continue to grow slowly!!
Thank you all for your incredible comments and support. Please continue to spread the word.
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Yours aye
Archie