ROMA VICTORAE!!!!

DAY 5 - CARLISLE - BOWNESS ON SOLWAY.

We did it!

We started the day in Carlisle at Tullie House Museum, with the best show and the biggest crowd of the Walk. Tullie House had built an entire day's events around us being there, and that ensured there was plenty of interest. Oh yes, and my sword survived it's last test without exploding again, though I was nearly beaten to a pulp by the enthusiastic new recruits (children to you and me).

At 12.00 exactly Ed and I were back at the Sands Centre and began our treck to Burgh by Sands, 7 odd miles, and half way to Bowness. We arrived in double quick time at about 2.15 pm, and though my feet were feeling abused, we were both ok.

After a quick lunch and a pint in the Greyhound at Burgh, all six of us, joined by my Dad, two of my nieces (Heather and Erica) and my nephew (Ewan) set out on the last stage. It was mercifully uneventful, because I was feeling the strain more and more with every step. Considering Kev's feet were actually bleeding last night when he took his socks off, it was a miracle that he managed a step at all, let alone 8 miles.

As it was we all made it to Bowness about 6.00pm, and were greeted by my Mam, and Dawn's Mam and Dad. Dawn's Dad had thoughtfully brought a bottle of bubbly, which was triumphantly devoured in short order. Then we filed in to the packed King's Head Inn, for a well earned beer and congratulations - meeting several other groups who had just finished or were about to begin the hike.

John and Kev then set out home to Leeds, whilst the rest of us went back to my parents house for a splendid tea involving many pies, a shower and a rest.

I can't believe it's over - and that only 5 days ago were about to set out full of hope and enthusiasm. Now, we're all knackered but agree we wouldn't have changed anything, it's been a great experience, and we've raised well over £1000.00 now, I'll post a preliminary total tomorrow.

Photos of the last 2 days will follow tomorrow (I promise)!

The final Blister Count update:

Kev - Hardly any unblistered skin left on either foot - but he finished it with us all!
Stuart - Minor blistering to both feet - really can't complain.
Dawn - Just the one.
John - Ok.
Ed - Two but ok.
Catriona - Ok.

We must give our thanks to the following:

Ros Normandale and the staff at Tullie House, who treat us like royalty this morning.
EVERYONE WE'VE MET ALL WEEK - your good wishes and generosity made us keep going when even I though I'd been wildly optomistic, the sore knees, calves, feet and shoulders were worth it.

All the Best,

Stu, Kev, John, Dawn, Ed & Catriona
Hadrian's Help for Heroes (aka the Roamin' Romans at Tullie House)

Donate: www.justgiving.com/hadrianshelpforheroes