Jogle Blogle – Day 65. Is this goodbye?

So the final day of the Jogle.

Day 65

 

As you’ll see from the pictures it was a nice day.

 

The Jogler and Jogleress as their swansong did almost a full marathon distance to finally reach Land’s End, which included a detour to meets up with the Mini-Jogler, the Jogleressette and the Jogleressette’s Fella who would all walk the final six miles.

The Blogler set off at almost the same time to drove around 300 miles (he also managed to buy and sell a car on the way down).

 

Amazingly they all arrived at the Land’s End signpost within 5 minutes of each other (perhaps not so amazing when you consider that the walking party waited for over an hour in the local pub for the Blogler to confirm his ETA. Oh the hardships they endured!)

There were hugs (the Jogleress sprinted up the last hill to throw her arms around the Blogler.) There were kisses. There was posing. Did you know that you have to pay to have your picture taken by the signpost? There was a chocolate trophy – amazing in itself that it hadn’t melted. There was a Black Country flag. And many drinks were consumed in the local hostelry later.

 

 

 

‘But,’ I hear you cry, dear reader, ‘is that it?’

Sadly yes – for now. But I’m sure there’ll be updates as time goes by, with the progress of the fund and who knows what madcap schemes Steve will come up with next.

But I’ll leave you with a selection of pictures from the final day. And I’ll let you down gently by reposting some little gems in the coming days from the normal Mistybooks blog so that you can have a giggle or two.

 

 

Crucially the ‘just giving’ page is still open if you would dare to donate to Macmillan Cancer Support at http://bit.ly/2Tzmjwi

 

But I think it is only fitting for the Jogler himself to have the final word, so once again – thanks to you all for following the Jogler via the Blogle, for your kind words and donations and without further ado, ladies and gentlemen I proudly give you – the Jogler aka, my brother, Steve Robertson:

After winning his fourth gold medal in 1996, Sir Steve Redgrave said “I’ve had it. Anybody who sees me in a boat has my permission to shoot me.” 

Having walked almost 1200 miles and climbed the Three highest peaks in Scotland, England and Wales, I am happy to say that I am already thinking of the next trip wherever and whenever that may be. 

As far as this little stroll is concerned I just wanted to say that it has been a fantastic experience. Leg infection aside, I have enjoyed every moment of every day and there was never been a second when I thought I may never reach Lands End. 

The main reason for this confidence was the support I was continually getting from friends and family, and the fact that I have been able to raise a huge sum of money for such a worthwhile cause. 

So I would like to offer a few words of thanks. Firstly to everyone who has donated. I always had an amount in my head that I thought I could raise, and to get close to that £10,000 figure is amazing. When the final total is counted it won’t be too far off. 

Secondly thanks for all the messages of support that I have received every day. They gave me a lift when I needed it and raised the spirits when things got a little low. 

Thank you to Sue, Rach (and Andy) and Mike for supporting me from the beginning of this little adventure. I couldn’t have done it without you. Maybe one day we can all go up Ben Nevis again in decent weather, because I promise you the views from the top are “fearsome”.  

Finally a huge thank you to my brother Dave (aka the Blogler). I’m sure there were times when a few dodgy pictures and some tired words to work with tested your literary prowess but you never let me or your avid readers down. Mum and Dad would have been proud of us both bro… and although he may have noticed one or two typos I’m sure dad would have forgiven you! 

Thank you all again… it’s been an amazing experience and a lot of fun.

And finally, finally the last days stats – crucially it was another day when the app which adds this stuff up went on the blink again (the indicated detour to Penzance certainly never happened – the mileages etc have been adjusted), hence there are two as the Jogler and Jogleress Jogle off into the sunset.

Mileage: 25.9    Total: 1186.1

Steps: 48,084     Total: 2,435,224

Time taken: 8 hours 14 minutes

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Jogle Blogle – The Final Countdown

The reporting of the final leg of the Jogle will be delayed due to the Blogler having to travel to Cornwall to witness the climax of this unique event. Until then – a message from mission control (fitting on this 50th anniversary of man landing on the moon that we should be celebrating another monumental achievement). But – and just for a change – in all seriousness:-

We’re coming to the end of my brother Steve’s Jogle from John O’Groats to Land’s End including a version of the 3 peaks challenge in which he scaled Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon on his way past. He also walked the challenging South West Coastal Path and along the way has ascended and descended inclines equivalent to scaling Everest (from sea level – not base camp) five times over. He has walked nearly 1,200 miles in the process – much of that time with a serious leg infection, suffered from an insect bite early in the trek, which caused him a great deal of pain. Blisters, bloodied toenails and corns also sought to sabotage this unique event which he undertook to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support in memory of our father, Keith.

At the time of writing that effort has raised £8,200 and his just giving page will remain open for the foreseeable future in an attempt to amass even more for that noble cause. If you would still care to donate the link is http://bit.ly/2Tzmjwi

For a good deal of the journey he has been joined by his wife Sue, who has threatened that he should never attempt anything like this again – unless she can do the whole thing with him. Sue has completed six hundred miles in her own right, an achievement which in all honesty also deserves our recognition and acclaim.

Also joining him at various key stages were his son Mike and daughter Rachael, as well as friends and family.

The walk which was three years in the planning and trained for extensively took a total of sixty five days, mostly off road using trails and paths along the length of Britain.

Excluding the six rest days, Steve has walked on average over twenty miles per day through rain and shine.

Staying along the way in an assortment of guest houses, AirBnB and budget hotels has meant a quite significant investment from Steve’s own pocket.

I have endeavoured to keep up with his walk by writing up his adventure in, ‘the Blogle,’ derived from his own account and photographs – for which I apologise now in taking quite so many liberties with the narrative. I do hope that in some small part you have enjoyed travelling along and thank you for your interactions during the journey.

I am sure that the Jogler would like to take this opportunity to thank all who have followed the story and those who have contributed so generously to the cause, including the key sponsors denoted on the official ‘Jogle’ shirt. 

Most of all I would just like to state for the record how immensely proud I am of this man who I am honoured to call my brother. He has achieved something memorable which few of us would even contemplate, let alone attempt and for that he should justifiably be well pleased with his efforts.

Thank you Steve for allowing us along on your journey. I know that Dad will have travelled every mile and every step with you. I’m also sure that as you finally pass the signpost pointing the way to the furthest point north by road, he will be waiting in spirit and that he will clear his throat with that characteristic double cough of his, rise to his feet, applaud loudly and pay you the highest accolade he knew for what you have accomplished as he cries out prfor all to hear, ‘Well done that man!’

 

Jogle Blogle – Day 63

Warning – this Blogle may drip on the floor. Apologies for the blurry image above, it was hurriedly snapped through a film of water!

In the Jogler’s opinion there is nothing more miserable than trudging along through incessant rain. Day 63 was to be such a time. It was reminiscent of the beginnings of the trek up near John O’Groats, but now that he was on the final approach to Land’s End he had been hoping for something rather better. It was not to be. If there was to be any consolation, however minor, at least the rain was warm.

Feeling magnanimous now that the end was in sight (the Jogle is set to end on Day 65) he treated the Jogleress to breakfast at the local Morrison’s, but even munching their way through a multipack of granola bars did little to raise the spirits.

 

 

 

 

Splashing out of Newquay the Jogler briefly considered running away to join the circus, but Sue talked him out of it as they had both left their unicycles at home.

 

 

 

 

They floated by a rather nice thatched Cornish pub, with the usual smuggling reference. Depressingly it was shut.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Another common Cornish theme – everywhere sells award winning pasties, but as they sloshed by and having only recently consumed enough fibre to line the bottom of your average rabbit hutch neither were hungry enough to put the claim to the test.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Later however, hunched against the torrent, as the driving rain became horizontal they were forced into a pit stop at Perranporth golf club for tea and a slice of cake in a vain (and largely unsuccessful) attempt to lighten the mood

 

 

 

 

 

The Jogler only deigned to take a few soggy snaps (never have Blogle HQ received such a paucity of photographic evidence throughout the duration of the Jogle) as the pair squelched despondently toward Portreath, their overnight stop where they would attempt to dry out before repeating the exercise tomorrow. And if that, dear reader, plays on your heart strings enough, then please consider donating to Steve’s chosen charity, Macmillan Cancer Support, on his ‘just giving’ link at http://bit.ly/2Tzmjwi

Today’s stats are rather damp, but I have wrung them out as best as I could. Join them again on Day 64 for which the forecast is sadly similar.

Mileage: 21.2    Total: 1145.7

Steps: 45,780    Total: 2,349,105

Time taken: 7 soaking hours 55 drenched minutes and five drowned seconds

Jogle Blogle – Day 62

Did you just read Day 61’s account of my brother’s marathon trek? That’s right, you’re not mistaken – there are two posts today as we endeavour here on the Blogle to catch up with the real time events of the Jogle. As you already know we’re always at least a day behind here at Blogle HQ as we wait for the Jogler to relay his account of the day’s events (and then extensively re-write it because quite frankly it does get a bit ‘dry’). No honestly, you ought to see some of the stuff I get sent here it’s enough to make you…

…Oh sorry, did I drop off again?

Anyway, here we go again. Ready for a bit of alliteration? Praise please to Peter and Pam at Padstow – o.k. that’s enough of that – they run the B & B where the Jogler and Jogleress overnighted. Generously they donated to Macmillan Cancer Support on Steve’s ‘just giving’ page at http://bit.ly/2Tzmjwi  on this charity walk from John O’Groats to Land’s End.

It’s a bit cloudier today on Day 62, but still quite humid. The Jogleress is very excited. This is where she spent her happy holibobs as a child way, way, way back when God’s dog was a puppy. So expect lots of beach type piccies today then.

They passed the Padstow lifeboat station at Trevose Head. It was built in 1823 and now houses the Spirit of Padstow, a Tamar-class lifeboat. 

Also they skirted Booby’s Bay – now I knew that would make you prick your ears up and no, I don’t know if they allow topless bathing. Honestly, you lot! Minds like sewers! But look here on the sign. Don’t do this, don’t do that. And beware of submerged metal objects in the red marked area! What the..? Is there a left over U-boat lurking about out there. Just tell them the war’s over for heavens sake.

Where are we now? Ah, Porthcothan. No wonder the Jogleress is looking at home. Apparently this is where her nan and grandad used to caravan back in the day. By the way Sue, you look so much better without Steve’s pants on your head. (See Day 61 if you missed that particular reference)

Finally into Newquay and another B & B where proprietor Sally was so impressed with the endeavour that she thrust a tenner into the Jogler’s sweaty palm which will be donated to the cause.

Today’s stats-

Miles: 17.8          Total: 1,124.5

Steps: 40,303      Total: 2,303,325

Time taken: 7 hours 11 minutes and 23 seconds

Jogle Blogle – Day 57

How about yesterday, eh? Two Blogles for the price of one. What? You missed the second one? Well you’d better go back and read it before you read this then. It was funny even if I do say so myself. It made Heather Jenkins laugh anyway, she wrote and told me so. Keep an eye out, you never know when we might double up again. You wouldn’t want to miss one now would you?

Day 57 of the Jogle dawned a bit more on the cloudy side. Indeed even by the time the Jogler and Jogleress had roused themselves to continue from Westard Ho! to Hartland Quay it was still a bit on the cloudy side and stayed that way for much of the day.

 

By the way, if you do fancy a des res in these parts this shed is quite reasonably priced at £22,000. Cheap at half the price!

 

 

 

They followed the South West Coastal Path into Peppercomb and from there through Buck’s and Keivill’s Woods.

It’s also quite hilly around here as this view down into Clovelly shows. And theduo descended into the picturesque village for lunch, no doubt envying the locals who had sledges available to traverse the cobbles. Also they were faced with quite a dilemma, church or pub. I’ll leave you, dear reader, to decide which one they chose.

Replete, a bit squiffy and content (oops, bit of a spoiler there!) they ambled through Stoke and – hang on guys have we taken a wrong turn somewhere? Oh, there’s more than one ‘Stoke’ apparently. And keen on duplication they spotted yet another peacock and nominated it as wildlife of the day. Now technically I’m not sure – is that not a peahen? Dunno, but I dare say you lot will put me right.

Eventually they strode purposely into Hartland Quay (Yes, well they stepped up the pace from the amble through Stoke, obviously.) The historic Quay is… Pardon? How do I know it’s historic? The sign says so of course. Anyway, the place they were staying had been closed the week before as Netflix were filming a new version of Rebecca. Shame guys, a few days earlier and you could have been extras!

If you’d like to donate to Macmillan Cancer Support as Steve makes his way from John O’Groats to Land’s End, his ‘just giving ‘ link is http://bit.ly/2Tzmjwi

Stats for the day:

Mileage: 19.6      Total: 1052

Steps: 45,491       Total: 2,140,525

Time taken: 7 hours 57 minutes and 11 seconds

Jogle Blogle – Day 55

Apologies – I missed posting the Blogle yesterday due to the small matter of a cricket match and the celebrations afterward. Pardon? No – England won. Didn’t you watch it until the end, Steve? Tut, tut! That’ll learn ya. Besides what does it matter? I know from the stats that most of you lot don’t read the Blogle on a weekend anyway – you need to get your priorities right. Too much time on your hands if you ask me!

So, anyway – a few easy days coming up for the Jogler and Jogleress before they launch themselves in earnest to Land’s End. It’s been quite a journey so far from John O’Groats as my brother continues his charity walk for Macmillan Cancer Support.

They had overnighted at the Marine Guest house in Woolacombe and very kindly, Andy and Jo there promised to sponsor Steve on his just giving page at http://bit.ly/2Tzmjwi  provided of course that he finishes.

I think Sue was contemplating surfing the rest of the way, but the Jogler talked some sense into her and they eventually, on Day 55, continued on foot once more along the South West Coastal Path, which goes some way to explaining the scenic photos.

 

 

 

Past the golf club at Saunton, who are pretty fussy about who they let into their exclusive club. Members and golfers only apparently.

 

Another sign. The duo opted for a cup of tea rather than take a chance that there may actually be grizzly bears as the sign suggested.

 

And then they cut inland to Braunton for lunch with a couple of friends from the local area. Thanks to the Andy’s from JPM Financial Services who charitably stumped up for lunch to fuel the Jogler and Jogleress on their journey.

 

 

 

Carrying on, perhaps slightly wobbly as a result of the liquid consumed in the pub, they decided to push the boundaries of officialdom by taking piccies perilously close to one of H.M.’s security establishments. Thanks to Sgt. Benson for allowing some of the lads from his platoon for posing with the Jogleress. That’s Phil S, Phil W, Johno, Larry, Tim and Gary. Congratulations boys, it looks like the camouflage training is going well – except for you, Larry. I though disguising yourself as a Keep Out sign was a touch too obvious, a bit of a novices mistake if you don’t mind me saying!

 

Decisions, decisions, the Tarka trail or the coastal path. Disappointingly they chose the latter, so we’re unlikely to see any otters then! Instead, wildlife of the day, for those of you who can squint well enough, the Jogler assures me that this is a Curlew on the estuary of the River Taw.

And finally they passed under the bridge at Barnstable to yet another overnight stop.

FOOTNOTE:

Apologies to Larry – it turns out that that was in fact a real ‘Keep Out’ sign. Unfortunately Larry had been confined to barracks with an advisory medical leaflet, some wire wool, a scrubbing brush and a jumbo bottle of disinfectant, after contacting a rather exotic disease following last weeks shore leave in Abu Dhabi. Get well soon, Larry – I hope it doesn’t smart too much!

The stats of the day

Mileage: 14.7   Total: 1,015.5

Steps: 29,319    Total: 2,059,047

Time taken: 5 hours 15 minutes and 7 seconds

Jogle Blogle – Emergency Interim Report Update

Jogle emergency interim report update.

A statement has been issued from Blogle command headquarters.

At 16:56 on Monday 3rd June 2019, the Crippled Duck made a successful landing in the car park of the Best Western Hotel, Crainlarich, Scotland. 

Due to unforeseen communication problems (for Heavens sake, they knew there was a bloody communication problem – why else were they taking a car full of wi-fi halfway across the country!?) the Jogler could not be contacted. It took 3 hours for the Blogler and the Blogler’s Mate to track him down and eventually he was caught by the Trossachs. 

With the aid of the Jogleress and Bossin Thejogle, the Jogler had the supplies of emergency wi-fi installed. In the absence of any sort of anaesthetic several pints of local ale had to be consumed. The wi-fi was held in place by duct tape and a Black Country flag.

Some test transmissions were made later in the evening and the Blogler was able to report that he had received accounts of days 16 and 17 of the Jogle.

The Jogler was rebooted overnight and sent out to resume his journey from John O’Groats to Land’s End on the morning of 4th June 2019.

At 09:25 the Crippled Duck and gallant crew, fuelled only by a full Scottish breakfast, were relaunched on course back to the Black Country. It is feared that due to the length of the return journey the cockpit of the plucky little vessel could smell as if a haggis with acute gastric problems has exploded. A fitting tribute to the mission perhaps if the wi-fi has been replaced by wiffy!

Normal service on the Blogle will be resumed as soon as possible.

In the meantime check out details of Steve’s charity walk foe Macmillan Cancer Support at http://bit.ly/2Tzmjwi

And Sue will walk 500 miles… (JOGLE BLOGLE +30)

30 days now to the big ‘off.’

Yes, that’s right! My brother, Steve Robertson is walking from John O’Goats to Land’s End in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.

Excited?

Yes I thought you were, you weren’t snoring quite as loudly as usual.

So before we go too far down the road of ‘The Jogle,’ there is something I feel I should own up to. Steve is not doing this alone. I thought you ought to know so that you don’t feel that I have in any way misrepresented the Jogle.

What’s that?

No it’s nothing like the PPI scandal and I…

Say again?

I don’t see how you could possibly claim a refund, I checked just before we started this and you haven’t actually paid anything – yet.

Well no, thinking about donating isn’t the same as actually doing it, is it?

And anyway, you have no idea what it is that I was about to ‘fess up to, do you?

No, I thought not. So if I could just explain…

As I said, Steve is not doing the Jogle alone. He’ll be accompanied for forty per cent of the journey by wife Sue.

Yes, his wife Sue! He’s hardly going to be marching along with some random Sue who happens to be married to someone else, is he? Honestly – will you just let me finish!

Now for those of you who haven’t met him, Steve is tall. Very tall. 

Sue on the other hand, isn’t. 

Tall that is. 

Which is probably why Sue will only be doing forty per cent of the route. For every stride that Steve takes she’ll be doing two and a half. At least. So – not quite half the distance, but the same amount of steps. Explain that to your Fitbit.

But don’t blink or you’ll miss her, she may be small but she’s speedy. In fact the only picture I could get was one of her disappearing into the distance. There was a rush of air and a loud noise which may have been a sonic boom as she sped past.

All this means, dear reader, is that technically speaking Sue should have been sponsored too. 

And she’s not.

Sponsored that is.

So here’s an idea, you know that 10p you were generously and charitably going to donate toward Macmillan Cancer Support? How about making it 20p instead. Just to show willing.

You know it makes sense. Here’s the link to Steve’s just giving page. http://bit.ly/2Tzmjwi

In the meantime they’ll both be out training this Easter holiday weekend somewhere around here in the Black Country, so I suggest that you keep a sharp lookout – otherwise you may get trampled in the rush!

We’ll be back in ten days as the countdown continues.