Blog 107 - Bag big enough to sleep in!

Holy Cow..... When my bag arrived that I purchased on line, I thought "hummm, that looks rather large, but it will have to do". I placed it on top the drawers in the office to make it easier for packing and when I lifted it down, full, it was MASSIVE!!!! After all my packing I could still have doubled it up as a sleeping bag..... it was so so big that I was looking for extra things to take with me, even Cassidy could have slipped in....

Monika has made me leave my house at home!!!

It was ridiculous and a great source of amusement for Monika who wet herself from laughing.. it was pretty lucky that we were packing on the landing and very close to the toilet!  For some reason, I didn't think that it was terribly funny.... I was a little panicked.... today I was supposed to have gone and done all the last minute things as we are out tomorrow on a Tour of the Harry Potter Studio.. However, Cassidy is poorly and I stayed home nursing her all day - so the extra issue of Mr Massive Bag, was a little too much to handle.  Monika said it is like a portable wardrobe....

Emergency trip to Watford at 7pm in search of smaller bag that would not look like I was emigrating to China but just going to 9 days.  Monika took me in hand and we went to the sports shop and spent even more money on a much more suitable "bag on wheels" for the job!

It is TINY TINY in comparison and everything fits!

Purchasing some Imodium Plus and swallowing a couple before leaving Tesco due to a serious bout of the "collie wobbles", some more Tena Lady (you can never have enough) and a trolley full of food for the kids,  home we went to re-pack!  I have even managed to include my one thing "for comfort"... Cassidy's blanket, it is my one and only comfort thing that I need! On asking Monika, what one thing she would take as a special item, she said, "definitely, without a shadow of a doubt, 100% first on my list for my comfort, would be 12 bags of Pork Scratchings and for emergency I would take a bag bigger than yours with dried squid that I would order from Amazon - not much else is needed really! Bob is your cousin"....  

I think it would be like taking "ice to Eskimo's

Just want to say a special thank you to Ruth, for all the long long long walks!!! Monika for keeping me calm and making me laugh, Judith for her help with packing and Jane, who helped me with one of the most difficult things that I have had to do in a very long time.... xxx

Day 106 - RIP

Today my beautiful cat Skye was put to sleep..... 16 years old and part of my family from the beginning.... she knew all my secrets and she helped me through so many difficult times.  RIP my darling baby..... to sad to blog .......

105 - ONLY 7 DAYS TO GO - Very Excited

Now the nerves seem to have subsided a little and the excitement is kicking in.  Poor Cassidy is counting down the days when she opens her eyes in the morning.  She is going to find this tough but has some exciting things lined up during the 9 days I am away.

The kids are being amazingly supportive as are all my family and friends.  Ruth H has been taking me out on long arduous walks and yesterday we walked to Harrow and back.  I vowed that whilst I was in China I would not moan or complain about anything, any blisters, aching muscles etc., will be kept to myself and I would say "nothing".  Ruth exclaimed, "couldn't you start that from North Harrow rather than wait until you are in China!".. bless her, she marches in her flip flops and I am done up like a kipper with my £140 walking boots, £15 socks, Australia hat and ski glasses, water bottle in hand and protein bar at the ready, she looks like she is a model in glamourous magazine and I look like a man in drag!  I joked that the wolf whistle was for me! I did catch a little glimpse of myself in the mirror at M & S and quite frankly wish I hadn't.  I did think that I might meet the man of my dreams on the wall, but looking like that .... frankly, I don' t think so... unless, as Ruth said "he was blind and liked the stale smell of sweat!)

Whilst in Harrow I got a new fancy phone which has brought me conveniently into the 21st Century which is a start, I am hoping that I might be able to update my blog on occasion and keep in touch with the kids.  Obviously, if anyone fancies taking them over a food parcel, I am sure they would be very happy (happier then when I am at home cooking anyway).

I am packing today, the medical list is so long that I have no room in my rucksack for anything else!  Anti -everything has gone in - plasters and snacks comes a close second and a few pairs of cotton undies (and a few extra just in case anyone makes me laugh too much).  Plus, all this lot!!!!

All the equipment to be condensed into a rucksack!!!

I was contemplating putting a photo of me on this blog but have decided that for all you avid readers and all my "blog fans" out there... I will make you wait... obviously you wont have to wait long but I can assure you that if you want a laugh, make sure you keep reading!

I love you all and make sure you all have my new number stored in your phones.

XXX

DAY 104 - 12 DAYS TO GO!!!!

It means "Panic"

Oh my, I can't take it, every time I think of China I can feel my blood pressure rising, my chest tighten and my heart miss a beat!  How I am going to achieve this I just can't fathom!  I walked the other day for 10 miles and moaned most of the way (sorry Ruth), my feet were aching, I had a blister, my back was straining and my poor hips were wondering what the heck was going on..... hot bath, loads of bubbles and felt a bit better.  However, on the Great Wall there will be no such thing as a "Hot Bath", our cleaning material is a bucket and a bar of soap and our toilet facilities are much to be desired - you have to walk a very long way to find the hole in the ground, then, burn your toilet paper! Nice!
My friend who went for a day trip to the Great Wall said that by the time they actually "got" to the wall, they were knackered!!!

Final preparations are underway, I have yet to buy my supply of cotton undies, knee straps, heat & cold spray for aches and pains etc.,  my medical kit far supersedes that of my entire clothing allowance!  I have stuff for diarrhea, stuff for constipation, headache, backache, leg ache, knee ache, blood pressure, protein bars, antibiotics, blister stuff, the list is endless....

  

Final Itinerary

September 17th Day 1 - Depart London Heathrow BA0039 at 16:45

September 18th - Day 2 Arrive Beijing, transfer to the Hotel

On arrival in Beijing at 09.30 you will be me at the airport and transferred by mini bus to the group hotel.  The afternoon is free for sightseeing in the central city district.  Perhaps barter for a bargain in the colorful silk markets.  This evening we'll enjoy our first meal together.

September 19th - Day 3 - Transfer to the Great Wall at Gubeikou, Camp (3 hrs trekking)

This morning we depart Beijing and travel by bus for around two hours to the Great Wall at Gubeikou.  The Great Wall is one of mankind's most extensive structures stretching in various sections 5000km from the Eastern coast of China to Xinjiang Province.  We'll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before joining the trail to ascent a spectacular section of the Great wall on a high ridge.  We will walk at a leisurely pace with plenty of time to stop and take photos of this majestic structure.  Following our 3 hour walk, we'll settle in for our first night of camping at our campsite at Gubeikou. CAMP 1

September 20th - Day 4 - Trek near Gubeikou (about 6kms steep terrain: 8 hours trekking)

From our campsite we will ascent and explore a spectacular section of the wall above the Gubeikou valley.  Distant 2000m mountains frame the walk along this little visited section of the Ming Dynasty wall.  We will explore the terrain and descent by a local trail to our camp, where our crew will be waiting to welcome us.  Like all nights our local crew prepares a delicious meal of fresh local dishes for us to enjoy at the Gubeikou campsite. CAMP 2

September 21st - Day 5 - Trek from Gubeikou to Jinshanling (8 hours trekking)

Today we set off early to trek through cornfields and farm land for a true taste of rural China, before exploring this classic section of the wall.  the Chinese are known for their poetic way of observing the world so it is only natural that this section of the wall is known affectionately as, "dragon standing on the beautiful golden mountain".  With broad sweeping views, it is easy to see how the wall resembles a dragon's back weaving its way across this beautiful golden land.  This evening we will camp near a local village at Jinshanling.  CAMP 3.

September 22 - Day 6 - Walk from Jinshanling towards Simatai (7 hours Trekking)

Breaking camp we climb on to the Great Wall and begin a morning's walk towards Simatai, passing through Jinshanling, a restored section.  This section of the wall was built in the 15th Century. There is time on the walk, as elsewhere, to explore and photograph this section of the original wall.  We will note the wall's intriguing design features that gave the defenders a military advantage against the nomads.  We descent on a winding trail into the Miyun county of Beijing to a campsite at the village of Daweihao.  CAMP 4

September 23td - Day 7 - Transfer to Simatai, walk near Mt Simatai (5 hours)

After a breakfast prepared by our local crew, we set off for a walk towards Ms Simatai.  We head off around 8am for a half-day walk near Mt Simatai, in a circuit that takes in two villages.  Our efforts are well worth it as we are rewarded with stunning vistas and views.  The Great Wall was built by mainly soldiers, conscripts and artisans.  Numerous workers are believed to have died in the process.  Today as we trek in the hinterland of this ancient section of wall, we can imagine the hard work and structural genius that went into creating what is now a national treasure in modern China.  Unlike other sections of the wall that have been reconstructed, this section has seen little restorative attention.  This section of the wall has been included in the UNESCO list of World cultural Heritage sites and labeled as "Primitive Great Wall".  After the walk we meet again with our vehicle and return to Beijing.

September 24 - Day 8 - Sightseeing in Beijing

Today we have a full day in Beijing which allows us time to visit Tiananmen Square and the Imperial Palace ("Forbidden City").  One of the world's most imposing edifices.  We take a full tour of this marvellous building, inspecting the massive courtyards.  After the tour we will go by bus to an old region of Beijing, the hutong (alleyways) district.  There is an opportunity for a rickshaw ride through this old district.  After lunch there is a chance to do some shopping and you will be taken to areas where there is a wide range of bargains - artwork, clothing, silk, porcelain to name just a few of the things available.  In the evening a farewell dinner will be held at a local restaurant.

September 25th - Day 9 - Trip concludes in Beijing

After breakfast at the hotel the trip concludes with a transfer to the airport.  Depart Beijing on BA0038 at 11:15, to arrive at London Heathrow at 15:00.

CAKE!!! (Must learn)

Day 103 - 18 DAYS TO GO!!!

So, it has been a while and reasons are below!

Trip this morning to the Physio – I did think that I might walk there but changed my mind as thought the return journey may not be so much fun.

She put me in all sorts of uncompromising positions – apparently it is my Sacroiliac Joint that has been giving me trouble since I had Cassidy – the midwife literally lent on my leg in order to give Cassidy room to come out!  Great for her, not so good for me… (The baby that is and not the Midwife!).  Anyhow, funnily enough, she has recommended walking up copious amounts of steps for exercise!! I had to laugh!  Now... with my Sacroiliac Joint, high blood pressure and migraines, it has crossed my mind that this trip to China is more of a challenge than originally thought.... at the time, it seemed like a good idea, an amazing experience, a once in a lifetime trip!  Now I am apprehensive to say the least and nervous about leaving the children (although they are all sorted with friends and relatives).

I may have a leg wax before I go!

Next trip was to Watford to check on my walking boots that I purchased back in April…. I think that by now I have properly worn them in but they were still not very comfortable and after a two hour walk I was experiencing a little pins and needles in my toes… I figured I needed to find out why before walking miles, up hill and on rocky terrain and in the heat and and and and....

Result of trip to Cotswold Adventure Specialists… my boots were a whole size too small! Yes, that is right, my poor little feet were having the blood supply cut off hence the discomfort after a short walk!!!

Bigger shoes, they are all clean! And new and unbroken in! A size bigger than my normal size and now feel that if there were a hurricane I would not blow over.

So, after my trip in an ambulance to hospital from work  (yes, things can get worse), I have finally managed to get my blood pressure under control. So today, walked with my old friend Ruth (old as in known her all my life - so yeah... pretty old I guess).  When Ruth & I were about 10 we used to take ourselves off for walks around Kingsbury, we tried to get ourselves lost but Ruth's sense of direction was so good that she always managed to get us home!  Me, on the other hand, would still be wondering around Queensbury Circle if it wasn't for her.  It is a good job that The Great Wall of China is just a long kinda straight wall otherwise you may never have seen me again!

We walked about 6 miles tonight in the attempt to break in my walking boots... I have a sore toe - it is the one that I dropped a log of wood on!!! Am I cut out for this adventure?

Tomorrow has blood tests in store for me and next week my doctor will let me know if I am fit enough to travel!  I feel positive and on the road to recovery so fingers crossed it will be fine.  

So, in a nutshell.... bad hip, high blood pressure, sore toes, 3 children, migraines and the sense of direction of a flea!!! What are my odds?  I think that you should all take a bet on me - go on... I will give you good odds..... all donations greatly received in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care (I actually think it should go towards my pension fund but hey ho!).

http://www.justgiving.com/beth-routt

I do feel that coffee and cake is necessary 

18 Days to go!!! OMG

Day 102

The Summer holidays are going quickly this year, I am not sure if it is all the excitement of the Olympics and some fantastic days out but it has been fun.  We haven't had anything in the way of a big holiday, just some fun times.  I took Cassidy on the London Eye and we walked around soaking in the Olympic atmosphere. 

Cassidy and Chloe

On our journey home she made me smile... I told her a little about Sherlock Holmes at Bakers Street and asked if she knew what he had in his mouth.... "Oh," she said, is it one of those bubble blowers?"

I was going to climb up Ben Nevis and Mount Snowdon at the weekend but opted for my original plan of visiting Sarah at the seaside!  I gave it some careful consideration and lying on the beach in this beautiful weather swayed my decision.  It would have been excellent practice for the Great Wall but I haven't really done much practice apart from a few stairs at the station that nearly killed me and, more importantly, I still haven't mastered the She Wee (It has some kind of valve on it that I can't seem to move - it will make an awful mess if I can't figure it out).

However, it was a very productive weekend.  Being unable to loose any weight and thinking that if I was a stone lighter, I would be able to bound up the steps of the Great Wall ... I asked Sarah for some advice.  She has been a Herbalife Guru for over 15 years and if she wasn't able to help me loose weight  then nobody could.  She took me and Luke in hand and we have come away ready and armed!

This morning, I shook my Herbalife chocolate milkshake ALL over the kitchen, I forgot to hold onto the little plastic bit on the top of my posh little shakey bottle thingy and it flew merrily all over my newly painted kitchen!!!

Then, distracted by a phone call, I left the shake standing, when I went back to it, it was kinda solid and congealed!!!  However, I added copious amounts of ice, gave it a good careful shake up and drank it down... rather delicious really, not dissimilar to McDonalds Chocolate Milkshake (not that I have ever tried one of them being a Veggie and all!!!!).  So far, five days and as many pounds - Luke too... and, best of all, I don't feel hungry.... It is like a miracle, I have never been on a diet whereby I wasn't starving myself.  This way, we are having a very balanced and nutritious diet and loosing weight. Shake for breakfast, one for lunch and a normal dinner.... not a problem.  I am going to keep this up and intend to loose a stone by the 17th of September.  So proud of Luke too, he is sticking with it and looking good!  Thank you Sarah x

Today, I walked to Ruth's, cycled back... walked to Pinner Station, ran up stairs, changed onto three difference trains, up more stairs, walked up the escalators, went to Chinese Embassy, picked up passport and Visa, walked back down stairs and escalators, back to Pinner and walked home from station... Then, out with Dahlia for fantastic meal at Carluccio's (no pudding!!!! how is that possible??).

Tomorrow is another day !

Been a while since I asked if anyone would like to sponsor me.... so WOULD ANYONE LIKE TO SPONSOR ME?  http://www.justgiving.com/beth-routt even if it is just a pound or two... everything helps.. Thank you so much. 

Beth xxx

Day 101 The Olympics - Team GB by BG

Wow, what an amazing day I have just had.  I was chosen to be a Camelot Ambassador at the Olympics yesterday and it was incredible from the minute I got on the train.  Easy journey to West Ham and a 20 minute walk to the Stadium.  Followed the crowd of very excited people from all over the world, everyone was friendly and even on the train people were talking to each other which is unheard of!

I was in the front row!  It was the most amazing experience ever!!!!!  I could feel the heat from the Olympic torch and the best athletes in the world were right before my eyes!

I left the children at home with Savannah and Craig, leaving the house at about 3pm to give myself a little time to soak in the atmosphere, from seeing the stadium in the building stages to actually coming to the events was mind blowing!  I was lucky enough to have a tour of the Stadium in 2010 when the building works were well underway and below are some of the photos I captured.

And now as I walked past over 60,000 plants, grasses, herbs and flowers from across the globe that stretch for at least half a mile between the Aquatics Centre and Olympic Stadium it is stunning.

After taking in the atmosphere, I met up with the rest of the six Camelot Ambassadors under the Orbit.  We divided up and headed for our seats!  I don't think any of us knew what was in store for us as we entered the stadium.  We were shown to our seats, right on the track line!  It was like winning the Lottery!

These little remote control Mini's carried the discus back home!  

Night view of the Orbit

This was a day that I will never forget... an experience of a lifetime....

The National Lottery contributed almost 2.2 billion towards London 2012 and it does make you proud to be British!  Thank you Camelot for sending me to the Games!