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 – 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 61

Come on then you lot, up and at ‘em. Only five days to go.

What’s that? You can’t because you’ve got a hurty what? Oh really? Well never mind, rub some cream on it, you’re holding the rest of us up. Pardon? You can’t because of what? Look stop being a baby. You don’t hear the Jogler moaning do you? And he’s actually walking, you’re only reading about it let’s face it, so get your skates on. Well I’ve no doubt it is chafing, but honestly it’s not that far to go now. That’s the spirit. Did I tell you that I’ve had nipple rash since day 33? Itches like hell, but you don’t hear me complain do you? O.k? Well catch up in a minute or two, I can’t keep everyone else hanging about can I?

Hi folks, sorry about the little contretemps there, but welcome to Day 61 of this guided tour from John O’Groats to Land’s End.

Setting out from Tintagel the Jogler and Jogleress passed by the graveyard and a warning that poisonous snakes may see you added to the congregation. Incidentally, talking of venomous wriggly things and religion, did you know that two creatures were left on the ark after The Flood? Yes, really. When Noah asked them why they hadn’t disembarked they replied, ‘we can’t. You told us to go out and multiply, but we’re Adders.’ I know, I know, the old ones are the best!

A first Poldark reference. I’m reliably informed that Sue is disappointed not to have seen any bare chested Cornishmen yet.

 

 

 

 

In Port Issac they came across the traditional Cornish pastime of community ironing – on the beach.

 

 

 

At the Lazy Days Cafe the owners generously gave the pair a free meal to support the cause. Steve will add the money saved to his ‘just giving’ page in support of Macmillan Cancer Support at http://bit.ly/2Tzmjwi

Incidentally, that fund has just crept over the £8000 mark. Don’t forget that Steve was aiming for £10k and there’s not long to get your donations in now folks if you would care to contribute.

 

 

It was a 2 minute chug across the river mouth to their overnight stop in Padstow.

Out for a drink in the evening and a look into an establishment owned by a certain Mr Stein. Pardon? No, not Frank N – the other one, @Rick_Stein 

As we’re coming close to the end of my brother’s charity walk, in an effort to allow the Blogle to catch up with the Jogle this is the first of two posts today, so keep an eye out folks, there will be another along very shortly.

Stats of the day-

Mileage: 18.6    Total: 1106.7

Steps: 37,205     Total: 2,263,022

Time taken: 6 hours 30 minutes and 13 seconds

Jogle Blogle – Day 60

Day 60 was to be the hottest day of the trip from John O’Groats to Land’s End so far. It began and continued under virtually cloudless blue skies. The Jogler being sensible wore his hat in tribute to Crocodile Dundee and could, had he been there, have put the Outback in the shade all on his own. The Jogleress on the other hand went au naturelle in the headgear department, but more of that later.

Setting out from their day of rest at Bude they were heading south to Tintagel, so even more coastal shots for the Blogle today.

Wildlife of the day is supposed to be this Bass. Yes really! It’s there, right slap bang in the picture. Yes, I’ll grant you that on this 50th anniversary of the lunar landing it does rather look like a snap of the Moon’s surface from a dodgy ‘60’s camera, but I swear it is there! Squint then. Still can’t see it? Squint harder. Look I don’t take the pictures, I just publish them. Oh, have it your way – here are some cows. Again, yes!

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More of the South West Coastal Path, this time into Cleave.

A rare shot of the Jogler and Jogleress together taken by a very nice Swiss lady. Must have been Heidi – perhaps the cows were hers? Or was that goats? Anyway – it does demonstrate very well the choice of headgear prior to…

 

…disaster. The Jogleress begins prancing around. Obviously too much Sun. There is only one solution. Ever the gentleman, Steve removes his Y-fronts to protect his wife’s head. I know – eeew!!!

Into Tintagel, a day too late for the Male voice choir which would have upset Dad greatly.

Fortunately no one noticed Sue’s unusual headgear as they were too busy renaming everything after King Arthur. In an attempt to evade notice they stopped the night (or should that be knight? Ha!) in the King Arthur’s Arms.

If you’d like to donate to Steve’s chosen charity, Macmillan Cancer Support, here is the link to his ‘just giving’ page http://bit.ly/2Tzmjwi

Stats of the day:

Mileage: 21.0   Total: 1088.1

Steps: 50,580    Total: 2,225,817

Time taken: 9 hours 30 minutes and 30 seconds

 

Jogle Blogle – Days 58 & 59

Coastal scenery. Nice if you can get it. And Steve and Sue can! In bucketloads. Or in spades if you like. Well, they are at the seaside.

Leaving Hartland Quay on Day 58 of my brother’s little saunter from John O’Groats to Land’s End and still on the South West Coastal Path they were able to snap some great views on their next leg of the journey into Bude. Finally getting to Cornwall was going to be such a momentous occasion that the Jogler and Jogleress would award themselves another rest day on Day 59.

Once again, Steve, as proof of his schooling many, many years ago will tell you that these rock serrations are evidence of wave cut platforms. Take no notice – he’s just showing off.

 

It’s been extremely hilly along the way. Not only has the Jogler (and the Jogleress) done the 3 peaks on his journey south but this southernmost route has had its fair share of ups and downs as well.

 

 

 

They crossed the border from Devon into Cornwall unchallenged. No passports, no visas, no nothing. But don’t worry bro – I think they knew you were coming.

The view down into Bude itself was a pleasant sight. Rest and beer were waiting.

If you would like to donate to Steve’s chosen charity, Macmillan Cancer Support and find out his reasons for doing so, the ‘just giving’ link is http://bit.ly/2Tzmjwi  Only a few days left now folks.

Stats for the day were:

Mileage: 15.1    Total: 1067.1

Steps: 34,712     Total: 2,175,237

Time taken: 7 hours 23 minutes and 18 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 – Day 54 – A Grand Day Out

Come on then – let’s hear it for the boy! Sing out loud and proud – ‘Oh, I would walk 500 miles and I would walk 500 more, just to be the Jogler who walked 1000 miles from John O’Groats to Land’s End…’

What? No, you’re right actually, it doesn’t rhyme does it? Never mind it’s the thought that counts. 

Yes, today’s the day folks. On this momentous occasion, Day 54 of the Jogle, the Jogler on his charity walk has broken through the 1000 mile barrier. Not only that, he’s just passed the 2,000,000 step mark as well!

Job’s a gud ‘un, as they say in these parts! (Let Google translate sort that out!)

Yes, well done Steve – magnificent effort. And there’s still the small matter of a couple of hundred miles still to go! I know, I know. I’m knackered just thinking about it!

And if that inspires you to donate to his ‘just giving’ page for Macmillan Cancer Support, the link is http://bit.ly/2Tzmjwi  We’re trying to get to £10,000 folks and we’re coming up a bit short at the moment.

But – hold on, we haven’t quite reached that landmark yet. Let’s set out from Lynmouth, down through the Valley of Rocks and out by the cricket ground.

As well as sunny the day is going to be very picturesque.

Along the toll road and into Woody Bay, a Victorian resort, long gone and now part of the National Trust 4000 acres around these parts.

 

 

 

Churches again – this one at Martinhoe and spot of the day which got the Jogler salivating – a Bowler Land Rover, at least 50k’s worth and, according to my brother it goes like poo off a spade – well something like that anyway.

 

Wildlife of the day was a Peacock at Hunters Inn.

 

 

 

 

On through the well kept village of Berrynarbor and tea in Ilfracombe.

 

 

 

Remember we saw one of these markers back in Machynlleth? That’s right, glad you’ve been paying attention, they mark the National Cycle Path.

 

 

 

 

 

 

And finally into the overnight stop and that landmark mileage target at Woolacombe. Yes, I’m exhausted too. Must have been all those hills.

 

 

Cheers Steve, you deserve it bro.

 

 

 

 

And so to those stats, with the all important totals:-

Mileage: 22.5     Total: 1000.8

Steps: 47,633      Total: 2,029,728 

Time taken: 8 hours 36 minutes and 28 seconds

Jogle Blogle – Day 53

Now then dear reader, those of you who have been with us since the start may recall that my brother, Steve, has not been doing things the easy way on his charity walk from John O’Groats to Land’s End. Why go from A to B when you can throw all the other letters of the alphabet into the mix right the way up to Z, and then include some that haven’t been invented yet just for good measure. So he did the 3 peaks on the way down. He’s taken the high road when those of a saner disposition would in all likelihood have taken the low road. And now we’ve come to one of those crossroads again. Faced with the prospect of travelling as the crow flies to his ultimate destination, the Jogler has chosen instead to take the longest route possible along the South West Coastal Path. He’s almost 1,000 miles into his journey (which could have been completed in 872 miles if he had taken the most direct course) and he’s now throwing a few more – in my humble opinion – totally unnecessary miles into the pot.

Not only that but this is a hike with hills.

Bloody big ones!

Will he never learn?

If you would like to donate to the cause which is Macmillan Cancer Support, Steve’s ‘just giving’ page link is http://bit.ly/2Tzmjwi

Anyway he’s off again, dragging the Jogleress along with him as he sets out from Minehead on Day 53 of his journey to the next scheduled overnight stop at Lynton. Perhaps surprisingly, given my comments above, he chose in this instance not to take the ‘rugged coastal path’ but chose instead to take the simpler route. After all it only had a 5680 foot climb in it! I wonder where the path led that’s been broken off the signpost? The Old Rugged Cross perhaps?

 

The Exmoor ponies paid them not a lot of interest as they strode past, perhaps aware that they were not in fact wildlife of the day. That accolade went to this fellow who tried to help himself to their lunch when they stopped in Porlock.

 

 

 

They passed a memorial to a Liberator crew lost on Porlock beach during the war and then found out that walkers were not welcomed on the toll road at Porlock Weir, so the Jogleress opted for a quick sit down instead.

 

 

Culbone church gave Steve the opportunity to take a few more ecclesiastical snaps and then his reasons for choosing this path became apparent – scenery or what? And of course blue sky always helps.

They finished off walking down a steep hill to Lynmouth – Oh, wait a minute – and then up an even steeper one to Lynton.

Perhaps standing outside the local church was not the best place for the Jogleress to declare that, ‘I’m blowing out of my a**e here!’ Tsk!

Stats are as follows –

Mileage: 21.0

Steps: 46,116

Time taken: 8 hours 26 minutes and 42 seconds

Now I promise that the totals will be back tomorrow – so join us on Day 54 for what could possibly be a groundbreaking milestone on this adventure.

Jogle Blogle – Day 52

Already fed up with walking alongside busy roads, the Jogler and Jogleress are off to find the coastal path for a bit of peace and quiet and some scenic views – if you’re a giraffe.

 

 

This is Day 52 of my brother’s walk from John O’Groats to Land’s End and the end is definitely getting closer as they leave their overnight digs at a pub in Cannington bound for a similar establishment in Minehead. I think I see a pattern developing here.

Anyway, if you’d like to donate to Macmillan Cancer Support, Steve’s ‘just giving’ link is http://bit.ly/2Tzmjwi  I promise that none of it is spent in the pub!

Elvis may be alive and kicking and working in a chip shop, but did you know that one of our greatest authors was also still around and runs an estate agents on the South West coast? No – me neither! But you can’t argue with incontrovertible evidence like this, can you?

 

The dynamic pair stopped for lunch at Kilve where the Jogleress aired another pair of her own – her sweaty socks – on the arm of this seat. Eeeew! Pity the person who sat there next, there surely must have been what can only politely be described as, ‘residue.’

 

 

 

Then to the coastal path. Now Steve is trying to tell me that the picture is evidence of, ‘a wave cut platform,’ possibly to prove that he was once able to stay awake during a geography lesson in school.

Down into Watchet, where they stop once more for a cuppa (told you yesterday that they were enjoying themselves too much. They should be suffering for charity for heavens sake!)

 

 

 

 

On to Minehead for their next stop, passing the gates to Stalag Luft Butlitz on the way. And also the start of their journey for tomorrow and beyond – a nice sculpture marking the beginning of the South West Coastal Path.

Stats for the day were:

Miles: 23.9

Steps 47,024

Time taken: 8 hours, 22 minutes, 58 seconds

Yesterday I promised you the return of the totals. I lied. Bad Blogler! Bad, bad Blogler!

Jogle Blogle – Day 51

 

Day 51 of the Jogle was going to be another twenty plus mile march, so the Jogler ate a hearty breakfast while the Jogleress chomped on a sausage sarnie. 

Pausing only to let the local joyriders have their fun (‘Gigantic’ was a military machine from the WWI era) they left Uphill via the old Lime kiln, past the marina and through the local nature reserve.

Soon they came across The Great Bird Screen Of Brean – not unlike The Great Wall Of China I thought, before they dropped down onto the beach and headed out toward Burnham On Sea.

 

 

One of the more pleasurable walks along the sand to the wooden lighthouse. Across the bay stood Hinckley Point, the second nuclear power station of the trip.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wildlife of the day – a jellyfish! Really Steve, is that the best you can do!? After the deer of yesterday I was expecting so much more. A Great White Shark perhaps. Or a Polar Bear.

 

 

 

 

Pause for a selfie on the beach. I must say guys that you look as though you’re both enjoying yourselves far too much! 

Back to snapping wonky churches and then to one of the Joglers pet hates – civilisation. Never mind you’ll both soon be on the coastal walk. And a least the sun is shining.

 

If all that puts you in mind of donating to Macmillan Cancer Support then Steve’s ‘just giving’ link is http://bit.ly/2Tzmjwi

Stats for the day,

Miles: 20.5

Steps: 41,611

Time Taken:  hours 3 minutes and 42 seconds.

Yes, I know, I know! The totals will be back tomorrow, o.k?