Almost Packed, Almost There

In less than 24 hours I will be jetting off to the UK with my two sisters.  Merv is already in respite but it took me days to get him ready.  I don't know why but finally he is there and I can clean up the house.  I washed the car.  I don't know why.  I have yet to pack my suitcase.  There doesn't seem to be enough room for all my clothes in that tiny case.  There are hiking clothes, boots and walking poles to pack.
This threatens to be short but I have such little time.
Our UK holiday is a 13 day hike west to east across England.  We are raising funds for Huntington's WA.  Already we have surpassed our total with $5,500.  Our walk is raising awareness as well as funds. 

Follow us on Facebook to see great pics and follow our challenging journey.

Our hike begins Sunday 5th July 2015

Find us on www.face.com/walkforhuntingtons

make a donation:   https://give.everydayhero.com/au/WalkForHuntingtons

Coast to Coast Walk North England

In the Fast Lane

I pay for my groceries at my local supermarket while my mind works out where I have parked my car.  Front or back of the supermarket? I ask myself.  Then I remember (thank goodness) I walked to the shop, no car.  I juggle my groceries in my 2 bags and head home.  Merv is watching his favourite footy team and I hope to see at least a little of the game.

I have a list.  A list for almost everything and all my lists are in one A4 book.  I can't do it without this book of mine.  After unpacking the groceries I flip open my book and cross of a number of items.  Things I need for Merv's upcoming monthly respite.  Boring but essential things like a new battery operated toothbrush.  I've already been to the chemist and bought the shower wash and creams.  The biggest bottles I could purchase to last the whole month.

Back to work, no matter how many drawers and cupboards I clean and tidy I find another yelling out for attention.  I obey and I wonder how many other things I could possibly find.

My bizarre behaviour may well be understood.  I am going to England for four weeks.  Merv is in respite while I am away.  Dustin and Grace are staying each weekend in my house while I am away and they have invited Mel to stay also.   Not only am I going to the UK for four weeks but my two sisters and I are walking the famed Coast to Coast walk; west to east across England. It is a challenging 13 day 304km walk.



Coast to Coast walk  England (west to east)

Our plan is to raise awareness and funds for Huntington's WA.  Merv has Huntington's disease.  Yes, the reason for the lists and the book!  I sigh and visualise myself sitting on the Emirates flight as it takes off into the darkness of night over Perth.  Whatever isn't done won't get done, but I know I will relax so much easier if it is!
There is still so much to do.  Meetings for Merv, meetings for Melanie and new physio classes for Merv to attend for the next ten weeks.  Support workers are now needed to assist him to attend while he’s in respite.

All my lists lay idle yesterday as I took myself to the out of hours GP at the local hospital.  My body is complaining and my mouth in infected for the third time in six months.  I have no time to waste but explain my dilemma to the doctor.  He writes me a script for ‘knock you out’ antibiotics.  Take with food the pharmacist suggests.  I head to the supermarket and buy food.  I don't really need more food but I buy it anyway.  Dustin is staying for dinner.  His lovely wife is at work.  I am glad he called in (to pick something up but at least he's happy to stay and watch yesterday's footy game with Merv while I go to the doctor).   Dustin cooks the dessert and after I eat cheese, crackers and chocolate I swallow my tablet and keep going.  There is no time to waste. 

I looked in the mirror only the other day.  I thought; WOW, finally I have a flat tummy (or as flat as its ever going to be).  All those Fitbox classes have finally paid off.  I continue to scale awkward rocky hills, trudge beaches of white loose sand and even virgin bush.  We battled our way without a path to guide me.  Have I ever been this fit?  I don't think so and I rather like the achievement.  The old saying; 'no pain, no gain' sings in my head. 

Last night I sat and watched the well know Julia Bradbury walking the 304km Coast to Coast trek.  She makes it look rather easy.  I imagine myself in our cosy group of 12 hikers and guide, crossing bridges, jumping rocks and climbing hills to see the many lakes of Cumbria shimmering below.  Julia talks about her sore feet but I choose not to listen.   I add a blister pack to one of my book lists.  I already have Tiger Balm recommended by my podiatrist.  It's ready to pack.

The antibiotics are working their magic today and tomorrow I will be back training either in the gym or on a bush track.  England here we come!

Join us on our amazing adventure on Facebook: www.facebook.com/walkforhuntingtons

Donations can be made through Everyday Heroes.  All donations go directly to Huntington's WA

 https://give.everydayhero.com/au/WalkForHuntingtons

The Lake District in Cumbria