SWWR_newsletter_no41_press:Bluebellsettnews37_pages.qxd 20/11/2009 15:00 Page 15
DARTMOOR CHALLENGE 2009
BY DEBBIE O’KEEFE (Pictured Right)
Yep I think the pictures pretty much say it all! Dartmoor - beautiful
but certainly one of the most unforgiving places I have ever been!
The three day expedition started well with clear skies and a spring
in our steps as 13 of us set out on the first leg of our
So happy!
trip. With rucksacks filled with goodies and army
rations, spirits were high and - then - the weather It rained
changed! I don’t think I have ever felt so wet and
and rained...
miserable as we began to climb a hill that seemed to
go on forever! Luckily Simon Perrott and Danni (our
navigators) were well equipped with maps and a GPS
system as the tracks were non- existent! 16 Miles later
and the spring in our steps had mostly gone and a few
moans and groans crept in - especially from me! Never
had we been so relieved to see a warm cup of tea and
civilisation! The first night was spent trying to get some
The intr
epid
sleep and to stay dry - which proved very difficult in a
group
field full of cow poo! And a bull next door feeling very fruity
and vocal!
Day two began well and once again we were at the
mercy of the weather for the first half of the day - the
thought of a barbecue and proper campsite kept us going
for a further 14 miles. Simon Kidner kept us happy with
plenty of food and drink and thank goodness a dry night!
Day 3 the last day! The thought of a hot shower and slippers meant
everyone even me, was determined to see it through to the end and we all
arrived back to base 13 miles later! Well done to all who took part and there are
many events I have been roped into for Secret World but this was sincerely one
of the hardest! Thanks must go to Beryl, Simon Kidner, in the support vehicles
who made sure we were all well looked after and safe. Thanks to Danni and
Simon Perrott who donated so much time and effort to organising this event and
the last thanks are to all those who put up with my moaning and groaning - for
the whole 44 miles - it will not be repeated!
I Was There!!
BY PAULINE KIDNER
They say as you get older you start doing silly things
and this October it was me on a Harley Davidson
motorbike riding with over 4000 bikes. They were all
doing Hogging the Bridge ride which is a charity
ride that raises over £8,000 for different charities.
My rider was Joe Aucot on his fantastic bike that
gleamed. At my age, you spend the first few minutes
worrying how you stop from falling off but then it was
amazing. It was a glorious day all arranged by
Bridgwater Chapter and was attended by some truly
dedicated people who use their bikes to give charity
rides and to attend events. Some very special people.
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