Log No 373. Sat 12th Jul 2014 - Out Newton to Withernsea, 5 miles (5630 miles walked)
The walkers on the last day |
There was a bit of mist about when I set off on the final 5 miles of my 15 month trek, I was accompanied by 16 family members, the youngest was my granddaughter Elsa of 10 weeks.
The clifftop path |
Getting down to the beach |
There was no recognised way down from the clay cliffs but we managed to get down at a small gully.
The beach to Withernsea |
Andrew,Andrew & Beth |
Sandra had told the rest of us to look out for pieces of sea glass for a picture she wanted to make.
The promenade at Withernsea |
If we hadn't been 5 minutes late starting we would have arrived right on time but 5 minutes late after 15 months can't be too bad.
Crossing the finishing tape |
The local MP and some councillors were also there to greet us.
We spent a while chatting with everyone and after a quick recording for the local community radio and the reporter for the weekly gazette we all made our way back to Joyce & Andy's.
Andrew presenting the plaque |
My nephew, Andrew, had carved a commemorative plaque out of a piece of Lime wood to mark the completion of my walk.
After 15 months of outdoor living it is probably going to take some time to settle back down to domesticity.
Just having taken it one day at a time I don't feel that I have been on the go that long, I can only describe it as being like going to work every day on a job I enjoy doing but not knowing what or who I would see and what challenges I may have to face on the day.
I have had occasional periods of aches and pains, one or two more severe than others but on the whole I have had no health problems and never once questioned why I was doing this.
The sights I have seen and the people I have met have made it a wholly pleasurable time and hopefully all your donations will go some way towards finding a cure for Parkinson's.
I think I will need to read through my logs for it to sink in that I have actually walked right round the British Coastline. It has, of course, helped immensely having had support, encouragement, emails, comments and hospitality from many people, particularly Mick & Karen and my very tolerant wife, Sandra, who lets me get away with far too much!
One thing I won't miss will be having to write a daily log, that has probably been the hardest part of the trek but it has all been worthwhile if you have enjoyed sharing some part of my adventure.
After a few days of relaxing I'll put on some facts & figures from the trek.
Thanks to you all.
Well done Dave, a great achievement!