Day 11 - Day of Rest & Reflection

I've been slacking today mate, this is officially the first of my 2 'rest' days on the challenge.

Won't bore you with what I got up to today, but took in swimming and managed to get to Portmeirion - a unique little village indeed, and one I could see in the distance throughout yesterday's trek to Harlech. 

I did have to walk back from Portmeirion though! As I missed the last bus (so much for rest day.........)

Onto Barmouth tomorrow, back in stride.

I would like to take the opportunity to thank my new North Walian family! The Burkes have been extremely welcoming and have left a complete stranger (or just strange!) into their home and spoilt him rotten! Glenda, Tony, Caryl and Ffion - Dioch yn fawr ffrindiau. 

Glenda, your kindness is unsurpassed and you have done a superb job of helping raise awareness up here in Porthmadog.

Also, huge thanks to other new friends, Paula. Ted and Rhian for their assistance - my challenge was made a hell of a lot easier thanks to you all.

Gar, I've read my entire blog back today too (loads of typos obviously!!) and I'm conscious I may have moaned a little on my travels thus far. 

And especially after reading Tracy's comments etc 

So I've given myself a little talking to:-

"Justin - You may get blisters from walking in this heat, but you don't have MND, you can walk and blisters are bl00dy temporary"

"Justin - You may be hot - but you don't have MND, so it's bearable, wrap up and find shade"

"Justin - You may be hungry at times - but you don't have MND, you don't have to feed yourself through a tube, so stop complaining"

"Justin - You miss your family etc - but you don't have MND, be thankful you can actually speak to them on the phone at least"

"And finally, Justin - You may get down with life, but you don't have MND - so pick yourself the **** up, be very grateful and stop moaning !!"

Gar, I'm walking because I can, you would give anything to join me. 

I'm walking because I know you would do exactly the same for me. 

I will not moan again :)

North Wales I will finish you off !!!

Oh - and not wanting to sound anti-royal or anything but wouldn't it be great if MND got just a fraction of the media coverage that new royal baby news is getting tonight and will get tomorrow etc !!

 

Day 9 - Fatigued but Finishing

First and foremost, lets wish your wife, a good friend, great mother and unbelievable carer - Tracy, a very happy birthday!! 

Let me just tell people who have never met Tracy before what a remarkable woman she is:-

Gareth was diagnosed nearly 3 years ago at a time when their daughter, Scarlett was just 18 months old. Dealing with the traumatic devastation MND brings to a family AND having to raise a young child, it takes a strong woman to cope with all that. And strength is something Tracy certainly has in abundance. She has been a full time carer to Gareth for a while now and he's a very lucky man to have her at his side.

Tracy on behalf of everyone who knows and cares for Gareth, we thank you sincerely - you are one of life's angels. X

Right, what have I been up to today?! Tried to drop my room key back into the bar this morning, I triggered the building intruder alarms !! If I was up early - then so was the rest of the hostel!!!

Über hot & stuffy. Only managed 2/3 hours sleep last night - it was like sleeping in a sauna!! 

When I did wake up I realised I was naked on the bed in front of the window opposite some flats !! (Apologies if you're eating and you've just read that bit...........)

This mornings first few miles were a blur - I'm sure I was actually sleep walking at one point (along side a major A road !!). 

Then, at Cricceth, I met another guardian angel today !! - Glenda Burke, my host for the next few days. (Sister of Phil, who sends his regards too mate).

She insisted she took my rucksack back to the house for the last 6/7 miles - and of course I didn't hesitate in accepting !!! My weary limbs had taken a battering for the last week, so I'll snap up those opportunities when they come !!

After a quick "refreshment" stop, I headed towards Porthmadog, no bag - just me, my huge horsefly bites and my flags !!

Good job I didn't fall asleep next to this :-

You may have spotted some little fluffy white things in the sky !! Yep we have some cloud at last !!

It's still very humid though with limited air !! 

Most of the 2nd half of my walk today was along Black Rock Sands - a strange concept of allowing cars onto the beach :- 

After what seemed like an eternity I eventually clambered off the beach, climbed a little incline and tread over soft sand (still grateful for having dumped my kit a few hours earlier!!!).

Greeted by Glenda, her husband Tony and friend Rhian, they accompanied me for the last mile or so.

I took in an awesome bubble bath and I was then ready to tackle my last mountain of the day - my evening meal!!! God, they know how to feed you here in North Wales! A fabulous meal ! (many thanks Glenda!!).

As well as emergency supplies of bandages etc, I was over the moon with these little masterpieces that arrived  in the post today :-

As I struggled to drop off to sleep last night, I thought about how overwhelming all the support this walk is getting from home and afar! Whilst I'm out on the open road, alone at times, messages/tweets/texts etc are things which keep me going strong and give me added determination to recruit our MND army!! Thank-you everyone, your support really is mind-blowing. 

(Even found out the blog is getting read here in Porthmadog too!!)

I'm totally shattered now but anticipate a much better nights sleep tonight! Im hitting the sack early. 

Goodnight mate, hope you haven't allowed the birthday girl too much leeway with that credit card today !!! ;)

Tomorrow I go in search of another castle - Harlech. Day 10 beckons.

PS - Readers (and there's probably at least 20 of you now!!) - continue to spread the word and beg your mates to part with a few pennies!!!! And yep, I think £10k is a possibility now - wouldn't that be bloody fantastic !!

Day 8 - Low mileage & High temperatures

Before I forget :- had a message from an old school friend, she recalls you in school :- "He used to sit behind me in Mr Llewellyn's maths class and was always winding me up" - I bet that doesn't surprise you Tracy !!?? 

A certain cheeky persona you possessed Mr H !! In fact, if anyone else can confirm that Gar was no angel in school, please feel free to pass comments ;) 

Today was supposed to be my 'easy day'. Well, clambering up the amazon rain forest wasn't the most welcomed start! 

Guttingly missed Lucas' nursery graduation this morning too, so blasphemed my way to the top :)!!!

I somehow found my way to the summit of Llanbedrog Head and my reward was this fabulous view:

(Flying the flag for MND!!!)

Coming down the other side, I buckled over my ankle and instantly feared the worse - alas I simply had to man up - no damage - carry on Justin you mule!

Llanbedrog & Abersoch are yet more hidden gems. 

I found some shade and chillaxed for a few hours, before meeting my next new friend - Sarah O'Loughlin (@PinkpinkSarah)

Sarah lost her father to the disease recently and is a very active member of the MND community who strives to do as much fundraising as she can. 

People like Sarah, who have suffered devastation continue to amaze me with their strength and determination to rid the world of this horror. 

I always feel humbled meeting sufferers and their families, I'm simply an outsider to the disease, I wil never comprehend the pain they go through. But it is hoped though that through events like this walk, some comfort can be taken from the fact that people do care and will do whatever it takes to help find a cure. I hope this afternoon went well for you & your family Sarah x

I then continued my short journey to Pwlhelli. 

Desperately needing the loo, I popped into the golf club enroute - only to emerge an hour later (no I didn't need prolonged time on the pan - I found the bar !!)

Pwlhelli is a novelty - it has an Asda !!! Which I where I picked up my supper (and YES mum I am eating properly!)

Had to turn down my mates chip shop too! (I am an athlete after all LMAO)

Massive thanks to my hosts Y Castell, for their generous donation of a free bed. I say a free bed, in fact they gave me 4 double beds !!!! :-

If anyone is silly enough to mimic me and walk the coastal path - look up Y Castell !!

Sleeping is gonna be troublesome though tonight cos the temperatures are still soaring !!! And the prospect of 2 18+ milers over weekend doesn't fill me with enthusiasm!! Looking forward to my rest day on Monday !

Before I clock off for the night, I need to mention a very special friend of yours and Tracys - Richie Robinson. This guy has and still is raising a staggering amount of money for MND and you in particular. He is a great bloke and it is a privilege to know him. Richie, you are and always will  be a truly unique friend to Gareth. I, sir, would sincerely like to thank you for continuing to be there - always. Legend.

(Shame to see that Terry Waite beard disappear though !)

Goodnight Gar.

(Everyone I speak to about you, sends you their love fella).

Day 7 - Burnt, Bitten but Winning

Before I start on today's events - i forgot to mention yesterday - i walked the first 4 miles and realised I still had my hotel keys in my pocket. !!!!! There was absolutely no chance of me walking back! But luckily got overtaken on route (thats how slow i am going lol!) by a couple who recognised me from hotel - phew !

Right - Day 7 - Week 1 - All completed !!!

Still feeling the effects of yesterday's heat today I had another 19/20 mile walk ahead of me. I set off early again though to avoid as much of the sun as I could - failed miserably - as it was determined to play mind games with me again today!!

And also, who the hell invented horseflies and what is their purpose in life ??? I'm bitten all over the place !!

Aberdaron to Abersoch was the route, again the views were just as stunning as yesterday and I had the urge to dive into water they call 'Hells Mouth', despite its title! 

A few new little blisters have joined 'Bert' - oh that's what I've christened the big ripped-off blister ! These are manageable though and I won't be rushing to tear off the compeed on these!

I think the heat is still taking its toll on my mind too, I keep breaking into song every now and again. 

Picture this - I'm walking up a mountain (with me flags!) bellowing out some Guetta tune, thinking its just me and the open air, when all of a sudden, some 97 year old chap (was prob only 67!!) appears from nowhere, looks terrified and simply gives me the thumbs up!! God, I felt bl00dy ridiculous !! He will probably never recover from that experience either !!

Abersoch beach was a welcoming sight, another gem I didn't realise existed in our wonderful country! 

Got picked up by Carol & Tim, my walking partners from yesterday and was driven to paradise - no less than 10 mins of turning up, I found myself in a luxurious bath with an ice cold cider !! Then they prepared & cooked a sumptuous meal (inc. freshly caught mackerel!!) - I know what you're thinking mate, "I thought this was a challenge?" ;)

Seriously fantastic generous hospitality and two of most genuinely nicest people I have met -Thank you both very much indeed. 

So - bet you didn't think I'd last a whole week did you !?!? 

It's been a roller-coaster that's for sure and worryingly I still got 4 weeks to go !

It's been way tougher than I had ever imagined, physically and mentally BUT it's given me added incentive to plough on and get this done now mate.

We've reached out to a load of people already, strangers continue to stop me and ask why I'm roaming the hills singing David Guetta!! No seriously, the message is getting out there, people are taking notice.

As I'm sure at least 4 people read this blog everyday (you, my wife, my mum and me !)

Tomorrow - I have my 'shortest walk', only 9/10 miles, but I've been told there's the Llanbedrog Head to negotiate first though which will be another test for my calves(which feel like watermelons already!).

Getting a proper T-Shirt tan too which is always attractive - Not.

Hey - but we're winning............

MND is a big ugly beast BUT we are fighting back, there is a lot of genuine support coming in and together we will stand and fight it with you. 

"Strong people cry sometimes, fall sometimes and feel like giving up sometimes, but what makes them strong is that they keep on going anyway"

Hope the heat is not getting you down mate.

Speak to you tomorrow. (I don't even know what day it is tomorrow!!!).

Day 6 - Game of two halves !

Hi mate, 

Bit late with blog tonight. To be honest took me 3 hours to get up the stairs to my hotel room :) Hell of a walk today was !! I've labelled the blog - game of 2 halves because it was literally split into 2. 

First half - Tudweiliog to Porth Oer

To start with, I had eventually dropped off to sleep last night at approx 2am ! Could not sleep at all!!! So great start there.

A good cooked brekkie down me and I set off for Day 6. 

It is here I realised that maybe a little research into the route may have been advisable !! 

At one point I found myself in a stand-off with Larry and his mates !:-

OMG ! Was a freaking nightmare ! Mountains, cliff tops and  grassy dirt tracks that only Victoria Beckham could easily squeeze through !!!

8 miles of what felt like an eternal punishment ! 

BUT what did make it all bearable was the absolute stunning scenery !

I would turn a corner and find some flat areas, thank The Lord, only then to see these beasts waiting for me :-

Second half :-

I got to Porth Oer, or what the locals call 'Whistling Sands' and met my fellow walkers for the remainder of the day. Carol & Tim Twells (who have kindly offered to out me up tomorrow night at Abersoch) - a lovely couple and god bless Tim who valiantly carried my backpack for 5 hours. !!! - had he not offered I seriously think I'd still be walking now !!(10.10pm). Thankyou very much sir. 

Accompanying them were Bill and Sharon King. 

Bill has suffered with a slowly progressive form of MND for 6 years - a remarkable & modest gentleman who truly inspired me today. This a guy who has ran 22 Snowdon marathons, (6 of them with MND). His spirit is truly remarkable and it was a privilege to meet him and his wife.

There was one moment at the top of Mynydd Mawr (for non welshies - that's big mountain - and trust me it was big!) - I thought the Angels had descended - coffee and homemade cake !! A literal god send - Carol, thankyou very much indeed !!!

After a few more hours we could see the destination village and smell the cider ! It has been a very testing day - the morning got me down again today and was very tough and then meeting these guys gave me a huge lift and I am seriously grateful to them for guiding me to my resting place.

My bed for the night - the Ship Hotel - another kindly donated room free of charge - thankyou Alun Harrison.

So in conclusion - hard but worth it today mate! Tomorrow - we go again !

As I've been writing this -

Derek has just popped up on TV  - all he has said is Hot & Humid ! Great thanks

Derek!!! He should bring his programme Weatherman Walking with me !!! 

Heard you got to attend Kieran's leaving assembly today which is great. He and Scarlett are extremely proud of their dad mate, don't ever question that. You are inspiring to them and us all.

Day 5 - Renewed Motivation

Hi mate,

10.30am update:-

I've woke up this morning with plenty of zest and raring to go. Foot is starting to harden up a little so it's less painful by the day. Rammed some Weetabix down me and set off from Clynnog to Tudweiliog. Would like to thank Sue & Terry Gibbons at Yr Hen Ysgol for their hospitality and initial lift back down the mountain !!

The heat is well and truly back today too, so ready for another hard slog.

12pm update:-

iPod tune of the day - Chasing Cars (Snow Patrol) - had it on repeat for about 40mins !

8pm update:-

That's Day 5 all wrapped up mate !!! Foot ok, bit hot etc but some remarkable scenery around the Llyn Peninsula perked me up! 

Also got to drink in the "3rd best beach bar in the world" today - Ty Coch ! - great views across the Irish Sea etc and a fantastic little bar! Unfortunately I couldn't stay there all day and had to move on (gutted sighs......)

I eventually got to Tudweiliog which was just off the coastal path (mile or so!), got stopped by Gwylan. Gwylan was a local resident who was very concerned over the amount I was carrying on my back :) She kindly offered me water and then continued to lecture me on the dangers of over-exertion in the heat. I assured her I was fine and that although I may have looked like a heavily-laden camel, I was in fact well and in good spirits!

Having escaped the wrath of Gwylan, I reached the promised-land - a pub, my bed for the night, the Lion Hotel. 

Unexpectedly, they kindy donated my room and breakfast free of charge - thankyou very much to the Lee family!!

A prolonged shower, quick power nap, and a bit of grub sorted me out! Oh and these helped :- 

(A fruit theme going on there....... 5 a day and all that :)

I'm feeling a lot better today, more positive! Apologies if yesterday's blog was a tad negative. 

As I approach the end of week 1, I think the main objective of raising awareness is working (I hope).

If you're reading this guys, take just 5 minutes to speak to a friend about MND, post a link on Facebook/twitter to the MNDA website - people need to know about this. 

Oh and while you're at !! Ask that friend to part with a couple of £s for www.walk4mnd.com (plug plug !!)

Its easy to text WMND50 £5 to 70077 !!

We're getting loads of good luck messages, tweets, FB posts mate wishing us well. There's a hell of a lot of people out there who care for you and are willing to help spread awareness. 

Catch up with you tomorrow mate!

Ps - my face currently resembles a beef tomato ! (Note to self - apply sun cream!)

Day 4 - Psychological Sat-Nav engaged!

Today was easily the hardest day - I know it's only Day 4 but it was hell of a slog !

I set off early to try and avoid the heat, but even the sun couldn't be bothered coming out this morning!!

Foot all bandaged up again, I set off from Caernarfon castle and headed to Clynnog Fawr (which was where my nights accommodation had been arranged) - officially I should be in Trefor - but ill do that tomorrow on the way round.

Foolishly assumed there would be opportunity to re-stock on liquids somewhere nearby - 2 hours later I found a cafe !! Doh. 

All along the route, somehow I felt taunted by the various pieces of litter I stumbled across - cans of redbull, cans of cider!, macdonalds wrappers! And this bad boy :-

I had skipped breakfast, which yep, was another massive doh moment !

I think through lack of food this morning I may have gone a little crazy, as I found myself talking to a crab!! (a dead crab) for a good 5 mins while I took in one of many pitstops to offload my backpack.

I hadn't really got lost in the first 3 days which was quite surprising - so Sod's law - today I did! 

Think I took a wrong turning listening to Pearl Jam!! Ended up in some fields in middle of nowhere - I could vaguely make out the coastal line so I headed across numerous farm land in search of civilisation - only to find a massive dollop of cow-pat and some sheep who must have been laughing (do sheep laugh??) their little woolly heads off at me !!

Eventually got to Dinas Dinile, where I stumbled across the promised-land - aka  Bwyty Lleu cafe - devoured 2 cans of redbull and this beast of a bap:

Was exactly what I needed !! Highly recommend this little eatery!!

The rest of the route ran parallel to main road where passing traffic sympathetically tooted their horns at me - found it quite uplifting actually, but in truth they were probably thinking 'what is that plonker doing!!'

Somehow and later than expect i arrived  in Clynnog Fawr:-

And thought "wow good job I'm not walking up one of those mountains!!"

Half hour later, what was I doing? Yep you guessed it - WALKING UP one of those ****** mountains !!!!!!!!!

The 4 mile off-route journey to my B&B was a steady incline which absolutely wrecked me ! Bearing in mind I had already been walking for 6 hours already!

I called upon some serious soul-searching to eventually get to Yr Hen Ysgol.

This is a stunning B&B and owners Terry & Sue were most welcoming. A well-deserved bath and early night was just what I needed after a mentally tough day today. 

Had a lot of 'me time' today and thought hell of a lot what you must be going through mate! 

I jest when I moan about my little blisters, the heat, missing home etc - absolutely minuscule compared to what you go through every single day. 

You don't moan - you get on with it - you fight every day, if I had just a drop of the fighting spirit you have, I'd be a much better man. You are an inspiration.

People need to realise what it's like for you and other MND sufferers & their families - 

Small minded, ungrateful and totally ignorant - that's the rest of us!

Catch you tomorrow Buddy !