We’ve had another phenomenal week. All three teams tackling the Pennine Way plus the West Coast trail have completed the routes. Solo Man is on track to finish it this week. The two Nile teams are almost done. With 5 days to go, they should reach Aswan. The two Pennine Way Only teams were at a disadvantage from the start with lower individual distance goals than their team goals so much more distance to make up. But fear not, with the Shining STARRS completing the route last week, Joyce has been added to the Hobblers and Leslie Ann to the FOMO. It’s a Long way to Aswan team has scooped up Georgia to help with last push to Aswan. The goal of the challenge has been to encourage club members to get out during the cold wet month of January, set some distance goals and have some comradery with fellow STARRS in a fun way. So far, we have reported 4,277km of distance so far this month. WE CAN MAKE IT!
Pennine Way Teams
For Every Day I’m Shuffling and Quick Quacks it was all about flying back to Vancouver Island to tackle the West Coast trail – the final leg of the journey, back to west coast time, but not before saying goodbye to the Scottish border. Robin and Nick both found the a tea shop at the end of the trail and their hidden English tea treat bags. Kayla and Jill found the Wedale Book shop on the Scottish border and each have taken home a book. Maggie got the book on Scottish Castles plus some Irish Cream chocolates as souvenirs from the British Isle trek. Jackie got a souvenir book of the Yorkshire Dales (thanks, Paul for the import!). Tea and books seemed to be the theme for those teams.
The West Coast Trail is considered the hike of a life time. It’s an iconic back country trail that even the most experienced hikers find difficult. With ropes, about 100 ladder systems, tides and weather, this is not the trip for everyone. The upside is the scenic beauty for 75km. Although only open from May to September, our STARRs have taken it on as just part of the course.
For FOMO and The Hobblers, they are still out on the Pennine Way enjoying the sights. They have all left the Pennine mountains which seems like a treat from constant ups and downs, but that is not to be. Hadrian’s Wall provides a scenic and historic week but it is not so easy on the feet and legs. One of the shocking feature is the number of tourists who seem to have come from nowhere to join the walk as this section of the trail is much more popular. There’s been some farmland and moors. The FOMO team took a break at the Greenhead Tea Room. Although biscuits, scones, and cakes are made on the premises, English tea treat bags are ready to go (this week’s hidden treasure). Danny found a similar spot for a rest and left with a cupcake (scratch card!).
We neglected to mention that Paul was able to participate last week on his home turf of northern England by substituting Leslie Ann on week 3 while she was off on medical leave from the team. He brought along a few souvenirs that have now been won. Shining STARRS really appreciated his presence and local insight. He is now back on warmer soil, sunning himself. Thanks, Paul!
Nile teams
This was another great week for the Nile teams. There is so much culturally and historically to see and do along the Nile it’s hard to pick and choose what to write about. One of the most interesting sites this week was passing the Valley of the Kings (across the river from modern day Luxor). It was part of the ancient city of Thebes and was the burial site for most of the pharaohs.
Another amazing part of the week included seeing the Temple of Edfu. It is one of the best-preserved shrines in Egypt and dedicated to the falcon god Horus. The temple was built between 237 and 57BC. The inscriptions on the walls provide important information on the Hellenistic period. Because everything is so well preserved, visitors could spend a lot of time exploring the building, inscriptions, learning about related mythology and learning about this period of Greek rule. The It’s a Long Way team decided to stop here for the night. David found the hidden book in a Luxor books shop. Ian, Bri and Tory were lucky finding the hidden treat bags – licorice for Bri, citrus for Tory and mint for Ian.
The Dream has carried on toward Aswan. They only have 6km to go so should arrive tomorrow. Barb was lucky to find a pyramid shaped chocolate while Sarah is taking home a book.
Congrats to everyone who finished. Good luck to our remaining participants.
RESULTS – Where we are as of January 26
Nile (821km)
Dream Team (Sarah, Tory, Barb) 815km – 6 km to go! Just past the Temple of Kom Ombo
It’s a Long Way… (David D, Andy, Ian, Bri and newly joined Georgia) 711km, almost at the Temple of Edfu
Pennine Way plus West Coast trail (506km)
Shining STARRs (Joyce, Joldine, Georgia, Leslie Ann)– complete
Every Day I’m Shuffling (Jill, Jackie, Robin, Rick)– complete
Quick Quacks – (Kari, Shawn, Maggie, Kayla) complete
Solo Man (Danny) – 445kmm Pennine way, complete; near Darling River campsite, West Coast Trail
Pennine Way (431km)
The Hobblers (Stephanie, Karla, Michelle, Venice and newly joined Joyce) 345km, Bellingham, just past Hadrian’s Wall
FOMO (Ken, Liz, Vanessa and newly joined Leslie Ann) – 327km, between Greenhead and Bellingham