Day 81 Has seen 15 miles walked over 2 hills climbing 1748ft and a lovely day chatting. 

The view from Black Law of the Leithen Water Valley
The view from Black Law of the Leithen Water Valley

A 2 mile walk with Georgie first thing this morning.

We were then heading into the Moorfoot hills to climb Black Knowe and Black Law. This was my first walk with the handsome and talented (his words which of course I completely agree with) Chris Whitehead. The best bit is that he has a car so we could do a walk I couldn’t otherwise get to and do on public transport in the short winter light window. 

After a slight detour thanks to too much chat and not enough navigation. MY JOB! we found a spot to park up and get going. Joined by Poppy and Amber Chris’ two delightful Cocker Spaniels we crossed the Leithen Water and started our ascent into the mist on Black Knowe, then on to Black Law. Lunch including of course the veggie pick and mix bag where I discovered that Spaniels like Broccoli!! Then on towards Dunslair Heights and Leithen Water to head back to the car. The mist was down so no view whatsoever except for the occasional covet of grouse breaking cover ahead of us, so instead we talked. I learned more about Chris and batted some of my ideas for the future off of him. We were on the final straight for home when the mist lifted and rewarded our efforts with some lovely views through the hills. But what was most disappointing was the complete lack of people. Chris also commented on it although it was not surprising though on a Tuesday morning in thick mist with a 10 mph wind and a 3°C temperature. What a delight therefore to stumble into the Leaven Deli tucked away in a side alley in Peebles. A delight because it is a social enterprise working with young people to enhance their working life skills tohelp them on the road towards a happy, rewarding and fulfilling life in employment. A delight also however because it makes a great Mocha and even better – Fudge Flapjacks. And just when we thought it couldn’t get any better Chris witnessed some Archie magic. Sophia who helped set up and is managing the enterprise was too delightful to let go without inviting her to pour a glass of wine and watch a video. And you know what? Before I could finish my Mocha Sophia had logged on to Facebook, watched a video, liked my page and joined me on the journey. What a brilliant find. Thank you Sophia for joining me on the journey. I very much hope that some of my simple writings can provide some hope, inspiration or encouragement to some of your young people fighting for a better future. 

Chris and I at the Leaven Deli, tucked away in a side alley in Peebles
Chris and I at the Leaven Deli, tucked away in a side alley in Peebles

Chris and I had to head home and once outside the house Chris suddenly reminded me that we hadn’t prayed today on the hills. Let’s do it here in the car. I of course was very happy to do so and Chris burst in to the most wonderful prayer focused very much on the challenge and the children asking that the future’s of both will be happy, healthy and fulfilling. It was a master stroke of prayer for which I thank you massively Chris.

A great day. Thank you Chris for your company. 

And then to make the day even better I heard back from the man who had so kindly offered to step forward and offer some time to help the challenge forward as it grows and develops. After our chat yesterday on the telephone in which I laid out the scope of the future challenge and therefore likely tasks and commitments I asked him to mull it over and sleep on it before giving me an answer. Today I got the answer. He’s in!!! Fantastic and it therefore gives me great pleasure to introduce the newest member of my team – Martin Heaps. A young and dynamic webdesigner with his own business who clearly knows his stuff in the .com world he is already assisting with a certain issue on Facebook with well constructed advice and guidance to the challenge. He is going to be a huge help to our efforts. I am thrilled to have you on board Martin and thank you for joining the journey.

A final 2 mile walk for Georgie before a late supper of scrambled egg on toast with the last of the delicious Quinoa salad I made yesterday.

The wonderful Sophia and I, who joined me on my Beat the Beast Challenge
The wonderful Sophia and I, who joined me on my Beat the Beast Challenge

So the challenge in numbers total since the start:
Days completed: 81
Total Miles Cycled: 477
Total Miles Walked: 395.5
Total Miles Run: 23.3
Total Distance Swum: 300 metres
Total Miles covered under own steam.895.8
Total Height Gained under own steam: 31,645 feet
Mountains Climbed: 5
Hills Climbed: 17
Days of Voluntary Activity: 5.5
Organ tunes learnt and performed: 5
Salmon Caught: 0!
Curling Matches played in: 4
Curling stones placed on the button (the centre of the target): 1
Weight Training Sessions: 8
Aerobic Circuit Sessions: 3
Press Ups: 174
Pull Ups: 45
Sit Ups: 174
People Met and Hands Shaken: 285
Pots of tea shared: 18
Prayers joined on the top of a hill: 2
Prayers joined in the street!: 2
Pills popped: 346
And most important of all – Money Raised as at Day 77 – £5,395.

Considering I started this challenge 12 weeks ago very quietly with no target beyond a fiver, thanks to the brilliant advice from a friend of mine, I am absolutely thrilled and again thank you all. So far that is £70.06 for each and every day that I have managed to find the will and energy to do something worthwhile and my goodness it has been worth it for my peace of mind, for my healing and for the five wonderful charities you are supporting through your generosity. Long may it continue.

Thank you all for your incredible comments and support. Please continue to spread the word.

If you see me around do please give a cheery hello and shake my hand or toot your horn and give a cheery wave to show your support and encourage me on.
Thank you

Yours aye

Archie