The right hattitude

Ready for the off
Originally uploaded by Lidwit.

I'd love to see a satellite image of the MoonWalk as all those pink bunnets bob and weave through the streets and into the dawn. We took our first steps through the start gate at 23.46 surrendering our identities and becoming 'the MoonWalk'. We were no longer individuals taking part in a charity marathon power walk. Instead we were a part of a living, breathing, mobile entity that became much more than the sum of it's chattering parts as it pounded the streets like a megalithic pink millipede.

The pace was brisk and demanding as we wound our way up and around Arthur's Seat and then back to town and straight up the Royal Mile. Before we knew it the first hour had passed and with it the first four miles. Not a bad pace we thought, but could we keep it up for 26 miles?


The amazing thing was we actually did. With the exception of a 20 to 25 minute queue for the loo halfway round we managed to keep plodding on and gradually the miles rolled by with lots of cheers and encouragement from the volunteers posted along the way.

By the time we reached Holyrood Park again the end was almost in sight. Just two miles left to go. By now we had gone through the pain barrier. We had 24 miles behind us, already 2 miles further than we'd managed before, and with one last pause to stretch out the muscles it was heads down for the grand finish. Endorphins and adrenalin were carrying us the final stretch and by now we were totally focussed on getting to that finish line. Not even traffic was going to hold us back as we sprinted several metres to catch a crossing before the volunteer let the traffic move... not a chance. We knew if we stopped now we might never start again. Against all conventional wisdom we managed to summon up the final reserves of strength for an impressive power walk down the hill and across that line, not forgetting to do a quick time check on the way past.

WE DID IT!!!!
And in a very respectable time of 7 hours and 50 minutes. What a feeling to know we'd actually managed it and could collect our medals. With our muscles screaming for rest and adopting a work to rule ethic we headed for home on a high and celebrated with ibuprofen and a much needed cup of hot coffee on the train.

Nina's Ark

Arriving at Moonwalk City
Originally uploaded by Lidwit.

Pink Central, the hub of all things MoonWalk. When we arrived it was a cold, dreich Saturday evening and we were anticipating the worst. This is the point when you ask yourself, quite seriously, what the hell am I doing this for? The prospect of 26 miles in the pouring rain was not a pleasant one. Added to that we were having to try to tiptoe through the mire as the field slowly but surely turned into a mudpit courtesy of drizzle and feet.

Consoling ourselves with the thought that at least it was only for one night we squelched in confident that if nothing else, there would be good humour and cameraderie among the Moonwalkers. We were, after all, all in the same big, muddy, pink ship. The trip to get here had been a good one having met other walkers, Helen and Fiona, on the train. We struck up a conversation and eventually shared a taxi to the Meadows. We never saw them again after that. I wonder how they got on?

Once inside the tent we began to realise just what a big event it was. 10,000 women (well there were a few men in there too but not too many) make a lot of noise and everywhere was a sea of pink hats and flashing, sparkling, fluffy, jingling, multicoloured bras. Truly a bizarre spectacle. With the party atmosphere in full swing, four hours didn't take long to pass and before we knew it it was time to stow our bags and head out to the start line.

By now we were all just desperate to get going. This is what we came for and the sooner we started the sooner we could get finished and home to a hot bath and bed. Something that was becoming more and more appealing as we donned our plastic ponchos against the rain and tried to stop our feet from slowly sinking into the mud. In about 8 hours it would all be over and hopefully we would be the proud owners of a moonwalk medal.

WE DID IT!!!

Full Moon medal
Originally uploaded by Lidwit.

We actually completed the Moonwalk in a very respectable time of 7 hours and 50 minutes. We're tired and our muscles ache but amazingly we have no blisters or injury and we are delighted to have achieved our personal best both in distance and time. The pace was quick but we kept up admirably and even had the strength (endorphine and adrenalin fuelled as it was) to attempt a power walk for the last 500m to the finish.

What an experience, what a night! Despite the aches I am so glad we did this. Six months ago I found it hard to believe that it was possible but we gave ourselves the challenge and we made it happen. I can't thank Red enough for doing this with me. I'm fitter, healthier and we raised a few pounds for a great cause. What more could we ask?

More details to follow but right now... I'm off to pamper my aching muscles and feel glad that it's all over.

One day to go...

The T-Bra
Originally uploaded by Lidwit.

Wow. It's here already. That has to be the quickest six months ever. I can hardly believe we are actually going to do this tomorrow night. All that's left now is the running around trying to find odds'n'ends like vaseline for the feet and dextrose tablets to keep the energy up. A pack of ibuprofen to keep the muscle pain at bay... oh yes and something to sit on for the four hours in Moonwalk City before we set off. Red and I have opted for foldable 3 legged stools - Walk the Walk suggested blow up cushions but we're saving our puff for the walking. We reckon we'll need it.

So, good luck all you other moonwalkers out there. Apparently there are about 10,000 of you. If you're one of them, why not leave a comment and tell us what you thought of the walk? The training alone has been a tonne of fun for us.

Just one last thing left to pack... my camera!
Watch this space!!
Who knows - you might just appear here!

Bra necessities

Fluffy stuff
Originally uploaded by Lidwit.

The time has come - the end is nigh. And so begins our final week before the big day... er... night.

The decoration bit came at last and we had to think of some way of glamming up the over the shoulder boulder holders for our moonlight trek into a world of boobs and muscle fatigue. In the absence of time and inspiration we were left with little choice but to raid our local 24hr supermarket for whatever they had available.



Luckily they had a fluffy heart shaped cushion and some lovely printed voil that I figured would be just the very thing for us. With the cushion suitably dismantled and the voil neatly split we set to work fixing our bras amid a sea of pink fluff that flew everywhere and stuck to everything. In the midst of it all, just as I was modelling my dynamic creation... which incidently would win awards in Ann Summers, I was mortified to find myself face to face with Red's hubby who had just returned home. Needless to say he had no sooner walked into the room than he walked straight back out again in the direction of the kitchen where I suspect he was preparing himself a stiff drink to combat the shock. Hey ho - all in a days work for a Moonatic!



I bet Lorraine Kelly's not having this much fun.

Wetter than the wettest wet thing in wetland

After the rain
Originally uploaded by Lidwit.

Ok, I've officially never been that wet in my life outside a swimming pool. We thought we were smart going for a walk around the loch in the heat of a dull but muggy warm day. I, in my infinite wisdom opted to go sans waterproofs thinking it's only a little rain. hmmm oh how wrong I can be. Soaked, soggy, splooshed and dripping. Two rounds were quite enough thanks. I'll stick to doing sit ups on the living room floor and rewarding myself with glasses of wine in future. Wetter is better in, I always say... hehehhe.... hic.

On the upside it is great to see the sponsorship building up. We've actually got somewhere in the region of about £240 in pledges and donations between our sheets and the online sponsor page. Thanks everyone who has done this. It's much appreciated.

Kit & Ca-boob-le

Kit & Caboodle
Originally uploaded by Lidwit.

It arrived!

We are now the proud owners of our walking kit - cap, t-shirt, bra and walker numbers. No turning back coz we even have sponsors.

My knee is feeling much better already and I'm feeling much more positive again. A little more rest followed by a gradual increase in excercise and finally perhaps a little strapping to remind me to be careful with it. I AM going to be ready and WE are going to do this thing.

All we need now are some ideas on how to decorate our bras. Will it be fluff? Sparkles? Who can tell?

Kneesy does it

Beinn an t-Sidhein
Originally uploaded by Lidwit.

We added a bit of height this time just for a change.

We always opt for the flatter easier routes because we're trying to put in distance in preparation for our Moonwalk. But this time we decided to change the rules slightly. We took a slightly different route on one of our favourite walks between Callander and Strathyre and were rewarded with some spectacular views.



It was a beautiful day and the walking was very pleasant to the point that we even considered stretching it to Balquidder. In the end we walked a little further along the road but not quite as far as Balquidder . It was lunchtime and the lure of a meal and a Guinness was too much to resist. Well it's all part of the experience. I have to wonder though, how we'll cope on the Moonwalk with no pub lunch half way through. Then again, it will be night time and I won't be stopping to take photos every 5 minutes so there's a good chance we could be finished much quicker than we think... and then again...



I'm not sure what went wrong this time but by the time we were walking back towards Callander I was feeling pretty rough. Figuring low blood sugar, I scoffed a bag of Midget Gems... for medicinal purposes. Stuff your nut and granola bars, I needed energy. With the energy balance successfully restored I was hopeful of a pleasant return walk but alas it was not to be.



My muscles were aching from the climbing, which though not excessive, was obviously enough to make a difference. But worse yet my knee was beginning to give me considerable cause for concern. Six miles from Callander I was struggling with every step becoming increasingly painful until I could barely manage the snail-y speed of 1mph. Not good. Eventually as we reached Leny Falls I had to concede defeat and let Red go on ahead for the car. Meanwhile I hobbled a further mile and met her at Kilmahog where she picked me up... just one mile short of the end. Grrrrr.



I'm so disappointed in myself for not making the final mile but I really was finding it tough and though I would have done it, it would have taken me another hour to get there. As Red pointed out, the further I walked on a dodgy knee the more damage I could be doing. It's only 3 weeks to the Moonwalk, and I really don't want to be dropping out now.



I'm now seriously worried about the Moonwalk. What if I really can't do it.? We've been building up to it all these months and now it's looking like it could be a bust. I really hope not. Meanwhile I need to consider just how I use these 3 weeks. Rest, walking, strength exercises? Not being an expert I guess I have to be careful I don't make the wrong choice. After dragging Red this distance I don't think she'd appreciate me bailing at this late stage.

What to do???
Answers on a postcard please...

A little friendly support

101_0149
Originally uploaded by lil'z.

I can't take credit for this image but I just had to blog it with a thought for the day. It's a bit on the smooshy side, I know, but I just wanted to say a big thanks to Red for being supportive - and buying chocolate - when I accidentally poisoned my car.

A Friend Is Like A Good Bra
Hard to Find
Supportive
Comfortable
Always Lifts You Up
Never Lets You Down or Leaves You Hanging
And Is Always Close To Your Heart!!!

1-2-3 Awwwwwwwww =O)

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Breast Awareness Bra Fence, Wanaka, New Zealand

Whang Dang!

Doorway to light
Originally uploaded by Lidwit.

What a cracking walk... literally.

Today's adventure went off road somewhat heading for what is known as The Whangie. Strange but true. A couple of miles north of Carbeth on the A809, we pulled into Queens View car park and headed up... and up... and up the Auchineden Hill, braving bogs and cow pats in search of this unusual geological feature.



To explain the Whangie is a geological fault that is about 50 ft deep and 300 ft long. and was probably caused by glacial movement way back in the dim and distant past. The more colourful explanation however is the local myth suggesting that it was a crack caused by the devil whipping his tail during a meeting with witches and warlocks. Either way it's an interesting walk and popular with climbers although they were hiding on our visit.



The walk from the car park over to The Whangie is about 1.5 miles - so not very far... unless you're us. It's pretty unclear as you go, which path you're meant to take and at one fork we opted to go up the hill (following the people) taking us up to a fairly level area of bog, marsh and cow pats surrounding a trig point. The views from up here were pretty spectacular. To the north - Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, to the west - Burncrooks reservoir, to the south Glasgow and the northern suburbs and to the east, Strathblane and the Campsie Fells. Beautiful enough on a dullish day but on a clear day this would be even more amazing.



But of course it wasn't a clear day... or particularly sunny and bright - no. Fortunately it wasn't raining but that didn't really make any difference to the going. This was, quite something else and more than once we found ourselves trying to leap across burns and bog and not a few quagmires into the bargain.



Us? Shy away from adversity? Never!

We just kept plodding on... in roughly the wrong direction. Ho hum. We were so caught up in the views from the top of the hill that we forgot to watch where everyone else was going and headed off the wrong way. It was a lovely walk, wade, walk, wade, but eventually we realised that we weren't getting anywhere close to our destination and decided to retrace our steps... wade, walk, wade, walk...



What we should have done was taken the lower fork in the path which leads straight to the Whangie... but we didn't know this. So we went the long way round and in the process were rewarded with the views I mentioned earlier. Not to worry. We got there eventually and it was well worth the trek.



And that was it. Whanged! All done bar the wade, clamber, walk, stumble back to the car for a well earned banana and a fresh pair of unmuddy shoes. Only that wasn't really it... was it?



Oh we made it off the hill okay, and in one piece which I considered impressive given some of the rough ground. We jumped in the car and headed for home to the tune of my dashboard playing the bagpipes and asking for fuel. I duly stopped and filled her up with petrol - as you do... if you happen to have a car that runs on petrol.

DANG!

Or similar four letter words to that effect. Six miles from home and we were stuck in a petrol station with my poorly wee diesel buggy filled to the brim with the wrong fuel. And guess who forgot to pack her AA card. Doh! The good news is they came anyway and towed us home but that was all they could do - being a Sunday there was no garage open and no hope of getting her running again. Sorry Foggy. (Yes I'm one of those sad women who names her car - deal with it).

And there ended a lovely day. Understandably there was much wailing and gnashing of teeth from my husband and subsequently much draining of funds from el credit cardito. But also a valuable lesson was learned. Never trust the bright green circle inside my petrol cap that seems to suggest it might take unleaded... it doesn't.

Before I go I should mention that The Whangie is also a popular destination for scouts and guides visiting the local outdoor centre at Auchengillan. And in the spirit of this it just remains for me to start a sing song. All together now, after three...
1 - 2 - 3

Lidie is a diddy
Lidie is a diddy

!

Mammories are made of this...

The Paps of Jura
Originally uploaded by Lidwit.

I have to thank my friend Angie for this one - she sent this through on an email and I just had to share it with you... so with my tongue firmly in my cheek, let's go.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Many women are afraid of their first mammogram, but there is really no need to worry.

By taking a few minutes each day for a week preceding the exam and doing the following exercises, you will be totally prepared for the test and best of all, you can do these simple exercises right in and around your home

EXERCISE ONE:

Open your refrigerator door and insert one breast in door.

Shut the door as hard as possible and lean on the door for good
measure.

Hold that position for five seconds.
Repeat again in case the first time wasn't effective enough.

EXERCISE TWO:

Visit your garage at 3AM when the temperature of the cement
floor is just perfect.

Take off all your clothes and lie comfortably on the floor with
one breast wedged under the rear tyre of the car.

Ask a friend to slowly back the car up until your breast is
sufficiently flattened and chilled.

Turn over and repeat with the other breast.

EXERCISE THREE:

Freeze two metal bookends overnight.
Strip to the waist.
Invite a stranger into the room.
Press the bookends against one of your breasts.
Smash the bookends together as hard as you can.
Set up an appointment with the stranger to meet next year and do
it again.

CONGRATULATIONS!
YOU ARE TOTALLY PREPARED!

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Don't forget to have a mammogram!!!!!!

Beauty and the bay

Port Ellen, Islay
Originally uploaded by Lidwit.

So just a few short hours left to enjoy the sunshine and scenery. It's all gone so quickly and it hardly seems any time since we were disembarking from the ferry at the start of our weekend. It's true what they say - time definitely does fly when you're having fun. Rather than bemoan the fact that it's nearly time to leave however, we elected to squeeze the best from the time we had left and took a wander around the bay at Port Ellen. I'm not even going to post between these shots. These are some of my favourites from the weekend and nothing I can say can do the scenery any justice... so justice once isa gonny shut it!

And that's basically it. All done and dusted. A fantastic weekend walking through some of the most beautiful landscapes with the warm smell of peat smoke lingering in the air. What could be better?



Four very tired but happy moonfeet later we have a whole lot of wonderful memories and a very sound intention to return. Not only that but given the distances we covered we feel confident that the Moonwalk, though still a challenge, is not outside our grasp. It might hurt a bit but we can definitely do it.

Ruins & Relics

Port Ellen, Islay
Originally uploaded by Lidwit.

And no I don't just mean us!

One thing that abounds on Islay, no matter where you go, is evidence of her history. Everywhere you look there are ruins and relics from the past whether it's just a derelict cottage, a standing stone, a church, a cross, a hill fort... the list is endless. At one time there were over 15,000 inhabitants on the island. Today there are just 3400.



Right from the start of our break we were faced with ruins and we hadn't even reached Finlaggan yet where the most famous ruins of all still sit in evidence of the era of the Lord of the Isles.









Sadly the ruins aren't confined to the ancient past. We also came across many buildings that had obviously been in use until very recently before falling into disrepair. The most striking example of this was the Islay Hotel in Port Ellen. The beautiful old building is in a prime location but has suffered greatly from a lack of funding and basic love and care.



Hopefully the issues surrounding this will improve soon but in the meantime it stands as evidence of a community still balanced very much on the knife edge of economy.