Gary & Arnies 69k trek - Cash Donations

Cash Donations to be paid in

? Lookoutstation ~ £2
Roy & Katy? (rescued us from Kimmeridge, drove us to Lulworth and donated the money I offered them ~ £10
Juan - near Durdle Dor ~ £5
Mohammed Azar (Work) ~ £10

Total  £27

Gary & Arnies 69k trek - Picture Video of the Whole Trek

Here is 5 days in 26mins

Link to wild camps and possibles

Gary & Arnies 69k trek - day 5

Osminton Mills camp site to Weymouth

We made it Sunday 21st June about 3.30pm more detail to follow

I never got around to finishing this part of the blog until now.  The last stage to Weymouth was pretty uneventful and is lacking any major elevations. So just a bit of a climb out of Osminton Mills and then its down hill into Weymouth.

Had a massive brunch at the fantasy island fun park area and then the walk along the concrete prom into Weymouth was fairly boring.

Met up with my friend Ben Stonehill in Weymouth and he put us up for the night as he lives in Portland. Evening meal in a local pub and he drove us to the station in the morning.

Wife and kids were there to meet us when we arrived at Woking.

Gary & Arnies 69k trek - day 4

Lulwoth to Osminton mills

Juan donated five pounds

We woke in time to get down for breakfast at 0900. I had been instructed to bring arnie down as well as dogs get their own sausage for breakfast. It really is dog friendly.  It was a good breakfast but no beans  and I'm afraid a full English is not the same without beans, but then im being picky :-)

Having fed and watered ourselves we headed back to the room to pack.  I can tell arnie is stiff but no major issues I can see.  Maybe were back on for it.

I had been dragging my heels on leaving to give arnie maximum rest and finally the maids knocked on the door at 1130, (we should have vacated by 1100) chucked the final things in the backpack got arnie moving and headed down into lulworth. 

Gary and Arnies 69k trek - day 3 c

Look out Stn to Kimmeridge

Another sunny start to the day, this heat is killing us. We have a dilemma this morning as we are out of water. No way we can make kimmeridge without water so initially thought I'd have to backtrack 1.5 miles to Worth Matravers to get water. Luckily I decided to stop in at the look out station and beg some water there was a water bowl outside and arnie drank loads. In the meantime one of the guys said drop your pack and come in for a coffee. Gave me a giant bottle of water so was able to fill hydration pack. I made a donation of a fiver in their box as they saved us a lot of wasted walking....

 

Stopped and had very interest conversation with the lookout guys as they explained how they logged all boats passing , sail number, name if they could see it , number of people they could see and heading.  If a vessel doesn't make it's destination port then the look out station can report it's position and heading meaning they can reduce the search area. Finally left them at about 10ish I suppose, had a quick look at St Aldhelm chapel before continuing on along the cliff top path.

I guess it's near Emmetts hill or just before, that the dreaded steps start 150 down and 150 up, some steps are just more than a comfortable step, just to make it interesting. These hurt big time I could manage about 3 to 5 at at time and then had to stop for a rest, wait for the pain to subside and then carry on. Going down was actually worse, I think, as right ankle wouldn't take the weight when stepping down had to use just one leg all the way down. Every sinue was screaming by the time we reached the bottom and then it's up again another 150 steps. But at least I can alternate legs going up. Arnie just runs on 20 steps finds a shady spots, lays down and laughs at me struggling up the steps.

Finally made the top and we walked on up a gradual slope until we found a stone bench at the top of Chapman's pool.  I gave Arnie water and hand fed him as he wouldn't eat. Then made a ration x all day day breakfast. Probably the best tasting breakfast I've ever had in the most beautiful setting (Below).  A sobering fact though was the coast line disappearing away into the distance where Weymouth our destination lies.

From there the SWCP starts going down and cuts inland about 3/4s of a kilometer through some farmland and some very surly looking cows that didn't seem best pleased to see arnie. We then loop back towards hound tout cliff and another set of killer steps.

Not sure how I made it up these but arnie egging me on by whining from about 20 steps up got me up them somehow. Used a lot of water on both sets of steps so now we're running low again.

Can't really remember much else about this stretch so will update when I can look at pictures to refresh my memory.

We got to kimmeridge bay and its clavell tower around 1630 in the afternoon. There is another set of steep steps leading down into kimmeridge from clavell tower.  Finally reached the toilets at kimmeridge and we set down by the water tap . Arnie drank loads and I refilled hydration pack not knowing where we would camp that night. I made use of the toilet facilities and then knocked us up some food and made my 1st cup of coffee.


Hadn't been able to attempt a coffee due to lack of water anyway, using a ration self heater (these cost £1) fill a zip plastic bag up with 1 mug of water. Take the white heater bit out of ration heater and put water in to fill line (40ml) , put water in zip bag in ration bag, then slide the white heater bit down side, turn the top over a few times and agitate to ensure white heater bit gets soaked in water then put down leaning against something within 30secs heater will activate and start steaming , this heats the water in the zip bag and hey presto hot water for coffee ... OK it wasn't boiling but it was hot enough to make coffee to which I added a little miniature whiskey to celebrate the half way point.

I got chatting to a lady who had been board paddling to try and find out where I might be able to pitch a tent.  Was advised that I didnt stand a chance at Kimmeridge as it was patrolled.  I decided that the only real option was to go back on the cliff path.  That meant climbing a set of steps that i really wasn't looking forward too.  Got backpack on and tried to get Arnie up and he collapsed on me.  I try again with a bit of encouragement and he can barely walk and pulls straight back to the grass and lays down..... Oh Shite.

So I phone the wife and say "Ive got a problem" and as luck would have it she had been told about a dog friendly pub at West Lulworth call the castle our problem is do they have a room and how can we get there.

I was still talking to the Wife saying can you give the Castle a call and ask if I can put the tent up in their garden, Ill pay them, if the havnt got a room. An elderly couple came back and said "excuse me but we couldnt help overhearing your conversation, do you need a lift somewhere.  I was almost as done in as Arnie and I have to say I was nearly in tears over this turn of events so quickly accepted their kind offer.  As soon as Arnie realised there was a car boot on offer he somehow found the strenght to jump in the back, with a bit of help from me. Hmmm.

They took us all the way to the Castle at West Lulworth and wouldnt accept any petrol money, telling me to donate it to the charity, which I will do, thank you Kate and Roy (I hope ive got the ladies name right).

http://www.thecastleinn-lulworthcove.co.uk/

The pub is very dog friendly but Arnie was doing nothing apart from stretching out on the bed and sleeping.  I had a quick shower and headed downstairs to sample a few of the 50 ciders on offer.  Not too many though as still got to try and continue walk in morning, if Arnie can make it.

Gary & Arnies 69k trek - day 2

Neither of us wanted to get up this morning but finally did at about 0830. Arnie didn't want the tent down and kept wandering inside and laying down. Tiny bit of water left in bottle so arnie had that. Not enough water to make breakfast so we headed off to swanage.

It was getting tough due to lack of water and we lost the path a little as we entered swanage but using phone fed in that I wanted the nearest pub which found the bull and boat so headed there along the way stumbled across a small shop and bought 3l of water, arnie drank loads, Sun was really hot so arrived at bull and boat, ordered some food and decided to stay there for a couple of hrs to lose a bit of the midday Sun.  Got the solar panel at this point and set it charging the cell bank as it was really sunny it was poking out a decent charge.

Finally decided we needed to make some headway even though the sun was still burning.  Stopped off at the toilets at peveril point but the body wasn't interested. So we headed on towards durlston head, asked someone which way the coastal path went and continued on past tilly whim caves, you used to be able to go in but due to coastal erosion they are now shut.

I'm not sure what killed it so quickly but battery on phone died just before durlson.

I was really struggling today everything was hurting. The arthritic ankle was not helping I could manage about 20 paces then stop, take some photos and rest a bit while the pain ebbed away and then do the same again and again and again etc.

The scenary is stunning and we passed dancing ledge. So hot as well  luckily the sea brease kept cooling us a bit.

There are several old quarries along this stretch and I was looking for a place to camp got to seacombe quarry and wasn't sure where the path went. Asked a guy just leaving the quarry and he pointed me in the right direction and said that I'd be able to camp at winspit quarry about 1k further on.

I was really struggling with the weight of the backpack and was desperate to stop but had to carry on to find a camping spot. This last bit was torcherous more ups and downs, no camping spot at winispit so continued on eventually all the way to st aldhelms head.  There was one last climb up which I managed at snails pace, could barely put one foot in front of the other. Then found a spot just below lookout station. No phone signal but I could go no further.

Struggled to put tent up and arnie getting impatient actually climbed on top of the tent, when it was up, trying to get in it. Lol I could kneel down to put tent pegs in but then a real struggle to get up again.

Made sure arnie had water and then used the last to make a self heating chicken curry and rice really good these meal as you only need 40ml of water to make one and they do come out hot as long as you do it righ

Have to admit thoughts of quitting at this point did go through my head. I can't carry enough water for both of us through these sections. I've got a 3ltr hydration pack but at 1kg per Ltr that's the weight of 3 bags of sugar on its own.

Anyway as I drifted of to sleep I realised we had 2 options. 1. Try and beg water from the look out station, or 2 backtrack 1.5 miles to worth matravas.

All that aside it's beautiful here so quiet but could hear what I thought was thunder in the distance, which turned out to be artillery night firing on the ranges.

Gary & Arnies 69k trek - day 1 c

Parkstone Railstation to Old Harry Rocks  8 miles

Shaz dropped us at Woking and the train journey was uneventful. The walk to the ferry was hard getting the hips used to the weight.  Got there eventually after stopping on a few benches to take the weight off for a bit. After crossing on the ferry made a beeline for the shell bay sea food restaurant.

I took the pack off and thought I was going to float away very weird feeling. Just had scampi and chips as sitting outside with Arnie oh and a couple of pints of Devon cider, had to be done.  Damm it's hot wasn't expecting to need sun screen this soon.

We hike around shell bay next into Swanage and old Harry, so update later .....
 

 

The SWCP follows the line of shell bay and takes in the interesting sights of the naturist section . I bumped Into Barney from Wales and his lady friend Moira who did all the talking . They certainly helped pull me along the beach.

At the end of the beach the path bares right inland and uphill. I missed the turn left where the path goes of left into a wooded area and had to retrace my steps about 100yds. Then a little later the path was closed and we had to head inland to go round it.

I think it was at this point I missed the pub I was aiming for, well we walked past it, silly move as it left us without water, not good, but I begged half a bottle from some people having a BBQ to save us having to walk a mile and a half back to pub, we can get some more water at Swanage tomorrow that's not far away.

We loitered at the head where the rocks are for a bit and then decided we had to have water but as we started the mile walk back to pub I spotted some guys with a bbq so managed to get 1/2 bottle of water from them.
 

We then made camp for the night at 1930 in a wood just back along the path from the rocks. Had enough water to try out a self heating meal chicken curry and rice was actually good and hot, was expecting luke warm but it really heats up.

Woke up in the night could hear someone or something moving around the tent I banged the tent side to scare it off but didn't work. Then the zipper on the tent started opening and I start shouting who's there ... I've got a dog .. who's there....... Then I woke up ... I'd been having a nightmare, lol weird.

Gary & Arnies 69k trek - All Packed finally

Not quite sure how but got it all in the back pack.  Only problem is backpack is now 19kilos ffs one kilo heavier and Ive got 1k less water on board, lighter  bag and bed.  Im also 2 ground sheets missing as they didnt arrive, hoping to pick them up from millets in morning before getting on train thats going to put the weight upto 20kg.  Thats too heavy but I cant think what I can lose out of the pack.

Oh well suck it and see cant do too much about it now its too late and id better get some shut eye before Shaz picks me up in the morning.

Gary & Arnies 69k trek - A few pictures of the terrain we are taking on

To give people an idea of what terrain myself and Arnie the Dog will be walking over ive found some photos that others have taken. Links to their websites are above pictures and copyright is solely theirs.

Anyway its a bit hilly.  Click a picture and it'll take you to a bigger gallery.

http://www.bugbog.com/gallery/england_pictures/Kimmeridge-southwest-coast-path.html

The panorama over Kimmeridge, the 'Jurassic Coast' and Weymouth in the distance.

http://www.bugbog.com/gallery/england_pictures/Kimmeridge-southwest-coast-path.html

The southwest coast path below the viewpoint heading for Kimmeridge Bay.

Below photograph copyright Terry Bennett - http://www.devonanddorsetgroup.co.uk/twb/twb1011.html

One of the 'joys' of the South West Coast Path between Weymouth & Swanage is that, having just surmounted one seemingly impossible hillside, another lies visibly in wait!  Here, the path can be seen snaking its way up Bindon Hill, near Lulworth, at a gradient sometimes exceeding 50%

Below photograph copyright Terry Bennett - http://www.devonanddorsetgroup.co.uk/twb/twb1011.html

The views obtained from the top of these mini-mountains are, however, reward for the effort.  In the foreground is Worbarrow Bay and then successive headlands as far as St Aldhelm's Head

Below photograph copyright Terry Bennett - http://www.devonanddorsetgroup.co.uk/twb/twb1011.html

Arish Mell and Rings Hill

Below photograph copyright Terry Bennett - http://www.devonanddorsetgroup.co.uk/twb/twb1011.html

Worbarrow Tout and Bay

Below photograph copyright Terry Bennett - http://www.devonanddorsetgroup.co.uk/twb/twb1011.html

St Aldhelm's Head in the far distance

Below photograph copyright Terry Bennett - http://www.devonanddorsetgroup.co.uk/twb/twb1011.html

It is only possible to walk this section of the Coast Path when the Lulworth Camp Firing Ranges are closed.  Signage along the route is abundant.  In the far distance is Wareham Channel and Poole Harbour

Gary & Arnies 69k trek - Stages and various advice

A very loose plan as everything is see how it goes.

Click the links for the maps

1st Stage  Wednesday 17th  9 miles  (Hoping to wild camp at SZ 05206 82373 or SZ 04247 82231)
2nd stage Thursday 18th 9 miles   (Hoping to wild camp at SY 98406 76813)
3rd stage  Friday 19th 9 miles  (Hoping to wild camp at SY 90947 78753 or SY 90543 79550)
4th stage across range 7miles Sat 20th
5th stage  Sunday 21st 6 miles
6th stage  Monday 22nd 4 miles



ADVICE FROM SOME PEEPS WHO HAVE ALREADY DONE IT
You can get water, at the NT cafe on Shell beach.
Also in Swanage, at the public toilets I use the one at Peveril point.
Next point is Dulston Head Cafe, nothing then if you are following the coast until Kimmrage, However if the NCI station is open at St Albans head they might be able to let you have some or at the old CC houses.
At St Albans head I use the Track to Renscombe farm the reason being that if you look at the coast path it has a point where there are hundreds of steps down and then a equal amount back , up you could ask at the farm houses for water if needed.
At kimmarage there is a outside tap at the PC which have been recently rebuilt also in the Village there is a decent Cafe. 
Once you leave Kimmerage there is nothing until you get to Lulworth. Likewise further on Ringstead and Osmington mills are your next source.

 

Gary & Arnies 69k trek - Conversation with the wife

 Its not an exact transcription but you get the flavour :-)


Me. This is my towel (Showing off ultra light hiking towel). Wonder if I can use it for drying Arnie as well if needed.

W. You cant use the same towel for both of you. You'll need a seperate towl for when you have a shower

Me. Er there arnt any showers.

W. Surely you booked into a B&B for part way through, how will you wash for 5 days.

Me. Ill have a wash down in tent.

W. What about going to the toilet.

Me. Well Im aiming to use the PCs as much as possible but if that isnt possible then Ill be pooing in a bag SAS style.

W. OMG is that even legal, how is that even remotely fun.

Me. .............

Gary & Arnies 69k trek - Packing list

Packing list (Items not in bold I still need to get or sort out)

1. Backpack
2. 3l Hydration pack
3. Sleeping bag
4. Sleeping mat
5. Ground sheet inside tent
6. Ground sheet outside tent
7.  
8.  
9. Dog Sleeping Bag/mat
10. Dog Food (Bagged into portions in non scented bio degradable poo bags)
11. Doggy treats?  Liver?
12. Folding dog bowl
13. Extendable lead
14. Long red lead 
15. Doggy Coat
16. Tent Peg trowl (Make)
17.  
18. Northface Jacket
19. Shorts
20. 4 x TShirt
21. 4 x Pants
22. 5 x Socks
23. 1 x lycra shorts
24. 1 x lycra top short sleeve
25. 1 x lycra top long sleeve?
26. 1 x Towl
27. 
    
28.  
29. Eating Bowl
30. Food packs
31. Spoon?
32. Plastic Coffee mug
33. Coffee satchet
34. boiled sweets
35. Energy Bars (non melt type)
36. 4 x food self heaters
37. water filter
38. energy bars
39.  
40. Head light
41. Blister plasters
42. Anti bug spray
43. anti histimine tabs
44. paracetamol
45. Ibuprofen
46. Water purification tablets
47. Sun Screen lotion
    
48.  
49. Toilet paper
50. Toothbrush
51. Toothpaste
52. Plastic Razor
53. Patchouli oil (holland and barret)
54. Wet wipes
55.  
56. Compass?
57. Power Bank
58. Map
59. Solar Panel
60. Camera
61. Ziplock Bags
62. General purpose Knife
63. Magnifying glass 
64. Glasses (DONT FORGET)
65.  
66.  
67. Cash
68. Wallet
69. 
    

Gary & Arnies 69k trek - Solar panel charger

I've been loaned one of these to test on the Hike so Ill add to this as we go itll give me something to do in the evenings when we are stealth camped :-)

http://www.mobilesolarchargers.co.uk/shop/details/travel-package

Actually the one Ive been sent is similar to this but not excactly the same.  I will do some initial tests over weekend.

Gary & Arnies 69k trek - Solar Bank Phone Charger

Had to send 1st unit sent back as it was possibly faulty

Company Mobile Solar Chargers was very good and sent replacement before receiving other one back and it was delivered next day.  They have also sent me a Travel and Trek 12w solar panel charger to trial so will test that separately.

Camping Solar Phone Charger 12000mAh

http://www.mobilesolarchargers.co.uk/shop/details/camping-solar-charger 

So does it work

Im testing with my phone which is a HTC one mini 2 2100 mAh

TESTS 1 (Ongoing)

11/06/15  Fully charged phone bank, phone at 14% started charging at 21:31
11/06/115 Cell bank on two blue lines, phone at 98% at 23:53, charging finished by 1am switched off phone bank.

12/06/15 Left phone bank solar charging on table inside house next to patio doors. I'm aware that solar doesn't work too well through glass so we'll see what happens.  Phone bank was showing 2 blue lights at start.
12/06/15 Phone bank on 3 blue lights after charging via solar indoors through window. Phone on 38% when started charging.  Phone on 100% in morning and Phone bank on 2 blue lights.

13/06/15 Left phone bank outside on patio charging all day was outside for at least 9 hrs and on three blue lights when I brought it in.  Phone at 17% when I started charging at 0140am phone bank on 3 blue lights.  Phone fully charged by morning phone bank on 1 blue light.

14/06/15 Left phone bank outside on patio charging, started on one blue light. Was outside all day till 2000hrs 2 blue lights on phone bank.  Phone at 36% when started charging at 0232. Phone fully charged by morning phone bank on 1 blue light.

15/06/15 Phone bank on 1 blue flashing light, left it charging on table inside house next to patio doors. I'm aware that solar doesn't work too well through glass so we'll see what happens. Checked in evening at about 1930 and cell bank on 1 blue light. Put it outside for 1 hr and half with solar panel attached charging the cell bank.  Still on 1 Blue light at end.  I dont think Ill get another full charge out of it but we'll see.


Summary
Charge1 from 14% to full
Charge2 from 38% to full
Charge3 from 17% to full
Charge4 from 36% to full
Charge5 from 

Gary & Arnies 69k trek - Full Pack Test

Today I needed to get a decent training walk in with full kit.  I haven't got all kit yet but loaded up with what I have. Existing sleeping bag and blowup mat will be replaced with lighter smaller versions saving 1.6kg.

So set off with backpack weighing in at around 18kg including 3ltr water hydration pack.  Its damm heavy to put on and I obviously haven't got the knack yet but we'll get there.

Fat old git with Back Pack

Our route was one we have done many times before and has the added benefit of a pub at half way. so over Chertsey bridge and left past Chertsey lock and basically follow the Thames path towards Staines.

You can find the route here if really interested   http://www.mapmywalk.com/workout/1017325889

Was really feeling it in my hips and had to stop every mile ish for a 5min sit on a bench.  Arnie was having great fun smelling smells, doing doggy things and wondering why I kept stopping. After what seemed like far to long the public house sign loomed in front of us so we headed of right away from the river to the Wheatsheaf and Pigeon. They have 4 real ales on normally and good food so worth a visit.  They were also voted  
WINNER OF THE RIVER THAMES GUIDE "BEST THAMES LOCAL" PUB 2014/15
So its not just me.  http://www.wheatsheafandpigeon.co.uk/ 

Had a well earned Doombar, cheeseburger and chips and a pint of Otter as well.  I missed an opportunity to talk to a professional back packer, when an army guy came and helped me get pack on in the pub, when we were leaving.  Wish Id asked him if it looked like I had pack set right, kicking myself now.

The beer didn't help with reducing the aching hips on the way back but we got there again stopping about every mile.  Arnie ran out of steam around Laleham area and started lagging behind.  I put him on lead and he started pulling me along, lol.  we made it back at 2010.

Arnie was a bit whiny in evening although that's not unusual. He was also a bit stiff and limping back left leg.  As for me hips are feeling it and neck felt a bit stiff on left side but altogether not too bad.

[Update next morning]
Arnie is not limping so that's good, although may need to reconsider daily distances and rest times. I'm aching a little bit but nothing major.

Gary & Arnies 69k trek - Worst cold I can remember having

https://www.justgiving.com/ArnieandGarys67kTrek


Have just had the worst cold I can remember having.  Started last week with razor blade type cough which then went to my chest. Them a runny cold started with a continual headache.  The most continual sleep I managed was about an hour as i was either getting up to cough to the extent of almost throwing up or blow my nose and then deal with the nose bleed that accompanied it.  I lost count of how many nose bleeds i had.

Yesterday Monday was the worst day every time i got up i wanted to lie down again and every time i lay down I wanted to get up again, due to coughing, runny nose etc, it was a nightmare.  My eyes were stinging and all I wanted to do was get a couple or hours sleep.  Didn't eat anything all day but managed some soup in the evening.

Monday night was a bit better on the runny nose front but I then had uncontrollable shivering followed by sweating bought all through the night.  I think that might have broken it.

This morning (Tuesday) things are slightly better. Have managed to sleep a bit, so that helps and I can actually breathe through my nose and coughing less.  Still got the headache though and pills dont seem to touch it.

Hopefully its going and doesn't come back, as its now 13 days to our trek.

Probably foolishly but attempted to return to work on Thursday but a coughing fit en-route put paid to that and to make matters worse when I got back on the bike the rear tyre was flat. Deep joy, limped very slowly to two garages and failed to get any air in tyre so had to ride it home 5 miles with the rear tyre flat.  Back to bed again after that little lot and woke up in the afternoon.

[update 06/06/15]
Well its Saturday and still feeling wiped out, still got headache but I think the cold is gone just left with blocked sinuses.