Day 4 - Carvoran - Carlisle

Dear All,

Sorry once again for the delay in posting, but we had a late finish last night and we were too zonked to think of anything to say.

We began the day at the Roman Army Museum at Carvoran, and the lovely girls there looked after us really well for the hour we were there. There wasn't a large crowd so early on, but we did a show for a dozen or so people, including a group of Dutch bikers - who I rather believe thought they could have probably had us wussy Romans in a fight.

Then on to Birdoswald. The nearly 4 mile walk was really nice and picturesque, apart from the pull out of the river valley just below Birdoswald, which fealt like climbing a ladder. Ed joined Kev and I for this bit, and we were all glad to get to the end where were accosted by the local press.

Once again English Heritage made sure our brief stop at Birdoswald went smoothly, and John and I put on a good routine - although we managed to break another sword when the wooden handgrip of my spatha sheared. Fortunately we had wood glue, so with any luck it will survive tomorrow's last show!

Leaving Birdoswald we had a long hike ahead of 16 miles to get us into Carlisle. Dawn joined Kev and I for the first 6, after which Kev and I went on alone, intending to rendezvous with the others at Crosby on Eden, 4 miles out. Unfortunately with 4 miles to go, Kev's feet gave up and his blisters went bang. He needed to be rescued by car and I was left to do the 4 miles to Crosby alone. I got there about 7.30, and we had our teas in the Stag Inn - very good indeed.

After tea and a pint of Cumberland Ale, Ed, Dawn and I did the last 4 mile slog into Carlisle, arriving at the Sands Centre at last at about 9.40 pm. God was I glad to stop!

Then we drove to my parents to stay for the night, and we all collapsed in a heap and ate cake / drank coffee and went to bed.

We'll put photos of the day up later, and meanwhile - the blister count update:

Kev - both feet entirely blistered.
Me - three small blisters on toes.
Ed - No problems.
John - One little one.

Thanks to: EVERYONE WE MET YESTERDAY - you were all so kind and generous we didn't care that we're all starting to hurt.

Finally, we broke the £1000.00 mark on the website yesterday, and we've made a lot in the buckets - keep it doming folks!

Carlisle to Bowness on Solway today - 15 miles. COME ON!

All the Best,

Stu, Kev, John, Dawn, Ed & Catriona
Hadrian's Help for Heroes.

Donate: www.justgiving.com/hadrianshelpforheroes