Back to the Chase!

The walk around Milford, Great Haywood and Shugborough has become a favourite in the pre-GMFR prep walks for me and my brother. Its about three quarters the length of the Sutton route, so we know if we're okay on that one, we can manage a bit more on the day. Its also not all flat terrain, so better than some of the canalside walks (though it does have a canal towpath section) as a preparation for the Fun Run route, though the route for 10th of June has the harshness of being virtually all paved, compared to the Chase where you can at least some of the time walk on grass. I think we perhaps have a fondness for the area too as Milford (and other parts of the Chase) was a regular weekend destination for days out when we  were kids.


The weather today was great for walking - mild and dry - a chilly wind at times, but never really cold - and not too hot either!


We set out from the Seven Sisters car park which leads quite early on the the canal stretch before you cross the Shugborough estate with views of the hall and parklands and glimpses of some of the rare breed livestock from the Park Farm. Coming back out on to the road for a short stretch, we saw an Orange Tip butterfly in the roadside greenery - quite a few Ladybirds too - I've heard there are a lot about. Most of the non-human animals we saw though were dogs, and horses too.


I was accompanied by my walking poles (Pawel & Kamil, for those with long memories, but they were incognito on this occasion and I'm not sure whether they will be sporting their personae in this year's Fun Run) and fully kitted up in joint support - ankles, knees and hands with my lightweight Merrell walking shoes making their debut in an "official" Fun Run practice walk. Steve has abandoned pole-ish support saying he no longer needs to use them since losing three stone(!) through a healthy eating plan over the last year or so. I was glad of my sticks and stretchy supports though as this weeks walk was less painful than the shorter walk I did on Bank Holiday Monday - the left knee and foot got a bit painful, nothing too serious, and there was a moment when I had to get out of the car after the journey home that was a bit dodgy - but I did manage to stand up and walk into the house after a few seconds' concentration!


There was a donation via Everyclick waiting for me when I got home (Thanks, Helga) and a message from someone seeking advice on the process and I've had a couple of pledges too this weekend by email and phone, so that's encouraging. The walk is all about raising funds for charity after all!