Training weekend

It was thought to be a good idea, a double days walking and a chance to all meet each other.

The proposal from John:

New Flying Horse in Wye (near Ashford, Kent) 

http://www.shepherdneame.co.uk/pubs/ashford/new-flying-horse-inn

Looking at the options as to access/travel to walking venues, accommodation for 5 and the walks themselves; this seems to be about the best of the bunch. Ashford International station (High Speed Link to St Pancreas); Wye station (Canterbury line from Ashford International station ) and nearby M20 are access routes.

As to the schedule?

Well a couple of options:

Option 1

1. Arrive 04:00 hours at Wye
2. Cold showers followed by special instruction in arctic survival by a Royal Marine; and harmonies singing practice for the ‘US Marines Chant’ on the run (3 next)
3. 10 mile run in full ‘Camino Gear’ with 25lb back-pack. Volunteers to carry Mark’s ?
4. Breakfast 06:00 – 1 piece of toast (2cm x 2 cm); I teaspoon of ditch water;
5. Should the weather change as we get past the Pyrenees– desert survival training by SAS;
6. Finally (and before the first walk of the day) ‘How to survive of 200 calories per day’ by Paras supplemented with experts from the French Foreign Legion with ’15 cordon bleu recipes using rats and other dubious creatures ’

Or

Option 2

1. Leisurely arrival at Wye about 10-ish check in;
2. Either a long walk along the Wye Valley (Pilgrims Way coincidentally) to Canterbury (get the train back) or several of the shorter circular walks;
3. Later afternoon: tea etc;
4. Evening; planning. Social stuff, drinks, meal etc;
5. Sunday – more local circular walks...

Gear

Weekend and Monday walk I did (snow) indicates that using a combination of thin socks and thick socks worked a treat as did the ‘Long Johns’ thermals – not very elegant but who cares....

Also as the conditions could range from very cold (first day over the Pyrenees) to mild or even warm on the successive days ; I tried a lined ‘heavy duty’ shower proof jacket on Monday with multiple thin layers rather than an ‘arctic’type jacket . This worked a treat and means that with the ponchos as well we will be warm for the first day, rain-proof throughout; but not stuck with heavy jacket for the milder sections....

..anyway all down to personal choice.

So will this Famous Five have a jolly good time with lashings of ginger beer...


We'll leave you with this camino thought ~

"In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks."
- John Muir