Prince Harry Appointed President of African Parks

I can't tell you how bloomin' excited I am about the news this week.  In case you missed it in amongst  all the festivities - Prince Harry has been appointed President of African Parks.  Yes that's right......Prince Harry!  African Parks!  My two favourite things!!

I've mentioned before that Prince Harry took a very active role in supporting the #500elephants project managed by African Parks earlier this year.  This weeks announcement shows just how much work African Parks is doing in support of conservation and humanitarian efforts across Africa.  The fact that Prince Harry is happy to support them as President is testament to their ongoing efforts to protect and maintain some of the worlds most endangered species and landscapes.

You can read the full announcement on the African Parks website by clicking the link below.

Prince Harry Appointed President of African Parks

In other news......

UK Ivory Trade Ban

Today marks the end of the UK Governments consultation on a UK Ivory Trade Ban.  You can read all about it on the website below.  A number of conservation charities who work tirelessly to protect our wildlife have joined forces to create this site.  It tells you everything you need to know and I'm sure will keep us updated as the Government decide their position.

Ban UK Ivory Sales

Whilst a ban would be great news for elephants, let's not forget that its a TOTAL BAN we are looking for.  If the Government decide to leave in a few loop holes to allow antique traders to continue then the fight is not over.

African Parks - BBC Feature

Following the announcement of Prince Harry's appointment, the BBC ran a story about African Parks efforts in Chad to bring its elephant population back from the brink of extinction.  I did a blog post back in July about the Zakouma Park in Chad, one of twelve national parks managed by African Parks.....another one where great things happen!

The Country that brought its elephants back from the brink

£2.79 anyone?

I'm only £2.79 away from my fundraising target....£2.79?  Anyone?? 😉🏔🐘

Akagera National Park - Rwanda

Akagera National Park has been an African Parks project since 2010 and totals 1,122 KM2.  Akagera's rolling highlands, savannah plains and swamp-fringed lakes make up the largest protected wetland in central Africa, and the last remaining refuge for savannah-adapted animal sand plants in Rwanda.  Akagera is home to an impressive array of wildlife, including a number of rare species such as the shoebill and sitatunga.  Akagera is well on track to becoming Rwanda's only Big Five park and a premiere tourism destination, which is helping the park become financially self-sustaining.

The stats....

• Seven Lions reintroduced in August 2015;
• Seven Lion cubs born in May 2016;
• The number of locals employed by the park increased from 59 in 2010 to 220 in 2014.

The Highlights

• In 2015 seven lions were reintroduced, for the first time in Rwanda after a 20-year absence, and seven cubs were born in 2016, doubling the population;
• A 120 km-long electrified predator-proof perimeter fence has been constructed and is reducing human-wildlife conflict;
• Over 1,000 students and educators annually visit Akagera;
• The parks upgraded facilities, including a visitor complex, Ruzizi Tented Lodge and Karenga Bush Camp, generate funds for community projects.

What next for Akagera?

• Continue to reduce poaching through rigorous law enforcement including patrols and removal of snares;
• Utilise and enhance park infrastructure to continue to grow the park's tourism offering;
• Develop a seasonal tented bush camp and luxury lodge in the north of the park;
• Continue to increase revenue from tourism productivity and channel towards community development.

All of this information has been taken from the African Parks website.  If you want to find out even more about Akagera National Park then why not grab a cuppa and click on the link below - happy browsing!

Akagera National Park 

PS - here is a link to my just giving page - click here to sponsor me 😘

Calm, Ease, Smile, Breathe

This is Karen.  Not only do I have the pleasure of working with Karen, but she sits opposite me so I get to look at that lovely face every day!  Karen has practiced Martial Arts for many years and has recently qualified as a Yoga instructor.  This is yet another string to her bow and adds to her personal motto - Calm, Ease, Smile, Breathe. 

Karen also practices and teaches Washindo.  Washindo Kai - way of the peaceful heart.  You can find out more about that, along with details of lessons and retreats Karen runs in Portugal by clicking here.

She will soon be launching her new Yoga website - I really don't know how she has the time on top of her day job and everything she does for everyone else!

Karen has just starting running Yoga classes at work, not just for our employees but for employees of all Companies we share our building with.  And as is typical of Karen's nature, she is giving all the money she earns to our fundraising efforts. 

Alongside our individual fundraising, we have a joint fundraising page that we are using to collect donations from our colleagues and professional contacts. Any funds will simply be split equally between me and Susie.   Karen's generosity has helped us towards our current total of £3,000.  That's £1,500 for African Parks on top of the (so close!) £2,000 I have already raised....and we are still going!

I wanted to do a blog post about Karen, not just because she inspires me daily, but because she is one of the people I could not be doing this without.  Karen keeps me smiling, she keeps me sane and keeps me balanced.  She is also giving her time and money to help my fundraising, which in turn helps African Parks, that helps the elephants....and without being too dramatic about it - that helps the planet!!  So Karen is quite literally saving the world.

Thank you Karen. x
Calm, Ease, Smile, Breathe

Garamba National Park - Democratic Republic of the Congo

Garamba totals 4,900 KM2 and comprises part of the larger Garamba Complex of 12,500 KM2.  An  African Parks project since 2005, Garamba is one of Africa's oldest national parks and was designated a World Heritage Site for its exceptional biodiversity.  The park's dense forest and savannah landscapes were the last known refuge of the northern white rhino, which is now presumed extinct in the wild; and the park used to home more than 22,000 elephants, but sadly fewer than 1,300 remain.  Garamba is the frontline of the poaching crisis, but inspire intensifying regional threats, African Parks is determined to ensure Garamba's elephants and the endangered Kordofan giraffe receive the needed protection to sustain their long-term future.

The stats....

• 37 Kordofan giraffe, monitored by tracking devices;
• Educational textbooks distributed to 20,000 local student;
• Bird diversity is high with more than 340 species recorded.

The Highlights

• After a decade of intense pressure from the LRS, the park's helicopter and the reopening of 100 km of roads has aided park management's ability to control the entire park;
• Anti poaching effectiveness has been improved using new digital communication systems; and new rapid reaction teams are on standby 24/7 to support those deployed in the field;
• Park management is providing communities with access to essential infrastructure, including new schools and a fully equipped hospital on the park perimeter;
• Local communities will be trained in sustainable agriculture, beekeeping, fish farming and reforestation to support their families.

What next for Garamba?

• Continue strengthening law enforcement operations;
• Introduce conservation programmes for species in need of urgent protection; the last remaining 37 Kordofan giraffes in the DRC which have been fitted with tracking devices; and implement advanced tactics to curtail the slaughter of elephants;
• Improve park infrastructure to enhance counter-poaching capacity;
• Implement an informant network around the periphery of the park.

All of this information has been taken from the African Parks website.  If you want to find out even more about Garamba National Park then why not grab a cuppa and click on the link below - happy browsing!

Garamba National Park 

PS - here is a link to my just giving page - click here to sponsor me 😘

Bangweulu Wetlands - Zambia

An African Parks projects since 2008, Bangweulu totals 6,000 KM2.

Bangweulu totals 6,000 KM2 and has been an African Parks project since 2008.  Bangweulu means "where water meets the sky", an apt description for one of the most extraordinary wetlands in all of Africa.  Bangweulu is a community owned protected wetland system in north-eastern Zambia.  Comprising of a unique richness in floral and faunal diversity, 689 bird species inhabit its wilderness, including the rare and prehistoric looking shoebill.  Build on a system in which locale pole retain rights for sustainable harvesting of natural resources, the wetlands is unique in its co-governance, and is positioned to become a leading example of community-driven conservation.

The stats....

• 689 bird species;
• Designated an Important Bird Area;
• Education outreach to 10 schools per year.

The Highlights

• The park is one of the largest employers in the region, and through a Community Development Fund has supported medical and school facilities;
• Communities are benefitting from improved fishing yields after a fishing ban was implemented over the spawning season to allow fish stocks to recover over time;
• Anti-poaching measures have seen the recovery of black lechwe by more than 45% in three years, as well as sitatunga and shoebill populations.

What next for Bangweulu?

• Expand the Shoebill Guard Programme, which has successfully employed local fishermen to monitor the safety of shoebill nests;
• Focus on the reintroduction of species that once flourished in the park;
• Provide further assistance to livelihood projects, such as training in bee-keeping practices, to boost community income generated through honey production.

All of this information has been taken from the African Parks website.  If you want to find out even more about Bangweulu Wetlands then why not grab a cuppa and click on the link below - happy browsing!

Bangweulu Wetlands 

PS - here is a link to my just giving page - click here to sponsor me 😘

Weekend Wash Up - 26th Nov

Two months today until my size five feet leave base camp and start the epic climb up Mount Kilimanjaro.  It would be rude not to post today.

Not much has been happening but at the same time lots has been going on.  So read on for a quick update as we get ever nearer the big climb.

Getting the essentials done

Flights, accommodation, insurance, injections....you name it it needs to be done.  BUT we have now broken the back of it.  Everything is now booked up and in place.  This week was the final "admin" day when we went to London to get our Visa's from the Tanzanian Embassy.  It did rather hit home then.

Training

Training is still ongoing.  I have mixed it up a bit as a new swimming pool has recently opening just 0.6km from work.  Better still its right on my bus route so I can go before or after work  - or even in my lunch break!!  No excuses.

When I say a 'new' pool, its actually very, very old.  The Thames Lido recently reopened after a three year long restoration project.  The original pool first opened to the public in 1902 as the ladies swimming bath and is believed to be the oldest surviving outdoor municipal pool of the early Edwardian era.  The pool was closed to the public in 1974.

Not only does the Lido give lucky people like me the opportunity to get fit in beautifully restored historic surroundings but it also includes a spa and restaurant.  So you can make a day of it - swim, pamper and eat.

Photo courtesy of Thames Lido

Photo courtesy of Thames Lido

Keeping the character alive (Photo courtesy of Thames Lido)

You can find out more about the Thames Lido here.

Getting over the tent

We have also had the hotel confirmed for the nights we won't be sleeping under the stars and over the spiders on the mountain.  We have one night in Tanzania before we set off and two nights after the climb when we visit the school and enjoy a safari.

We will be staying at the Outpost Lodge in Arusha and are already dreaming of that first shower and sleep in a proper bed!

Fundraising

Just a quick update on fundraising.

As me and Susie are fundraising for different charities we have set up a joint fundraising page for any of our work colleagues to be able to donate to both of us.  Any donations will simply be split between us equally.  This joint campaign got a massive kick start with a donation of £2,000 from the EMEA team at work.  Thats £1,000 for each of our chosen charities!

After some very generous donations, I am only £200 away from my personal target of £2,000.  This is the amount I am aiming to raise via my personal donations page on this blog.  Wouldn't it be lovely if I could reach that by Christmas!!

Tuesday, 28th November is Giving Tuesday.  Why not mark this global giving day by making a small donation to my fundraising efforts.  It would be lovely to end the year on a high!!!

The Pennines

Last weekend we visited my sister Vikki for a walk through the Pennines, a range of mountains and hills in North England.  Often described as the "backbone of England" the Pennines form more or less a continuous range stretching northwards from the Peak District in the northern Midlands, through the South Pennines, Yorkshire Dales and North Pennines up to the Tyne Gap.

L-R: Vikki, Michael, Graham...and me!

The walk Vikki & Michael had planned for us took around six hours, it included every terrain possible and was great training for me as it had lots and lots of steep bits.  We set off in proper Yorkshire weather - wind and rain.  We continued in proper Yorkshire weather, and at the end the day it was a typical Yorkshire day - windy and wet.

But that didn't put us off - onwards and upwards.

We stopped for lunch at a lovely secluded waterfall and enjoyed a picnic before heading back through the trees, around the rocks, up the slopes and most importantly to the pub at the end.

Coming back we walked through a National Trust area and walked a different route, along the river.  It was a beautiful walk but made that much harder by the weather.  Most of the walk was on rocks, which were very slippery from all the rain.  Every step needed to be carefully planned so you didn't slip - we did see the mountain rescue truck speed past at one point so it wasn't a lovely day for everyone unfortunately.

In total we walked 16.7 km, thats 25,134 steps.  In total I burned 1,142 calories so felt I had earned the cold, refreshing beer (and proper toilet) waiting for me at the end.

In contrast, I'm writing this blog post from the Maldives.  Hot and sticky, where you want to stay inside for different reasons, spending the day dreaming of the air conditioning.

This is my last 'treat' before the big climb so I'm making the most of it.  However, the all inclusive meals are proving a challenge.  I'm managing to maintain my high protein diet and have been continuing with my daily planks - I even packed my gym kit and have been weight training in the hotel gym.

That said, I'm not going to deprive myself of some of the luxuries the Maldives has to offer.....this is my view whilst writing this post from the decking of my beach bungalow.  It is not at all like the views I will get on Kilimanjaro, I love the diverse nature and cultures of the world, we should be doing everything we can to protect it.

It's not too late to sponsor me - every penny counts and is gratefully received!!

Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve - Malawi

The Afromontane-cloaked Chipata Mountain presides over Nkhotakota's mambo woodland landscape, which is spanned by a network of rivers that form a major catchment area for Lake Malawi.  the park sweeps from the Great Rift Valley to within a few kilometres of the lake shore. Although the once abundant variety of wildlife has been depleted by decades of poaching, since assuming management in 2015, African Parks has already overhauled park management and law enforcement, and is undertaking a historic translocation project to restore former levels of biodiversity to Nkhotakota's wooded hills.

The stats....

• 280 bird species;
• over 1,500 animals reintroduced in 2016;
• 500 elephants aim to be reintroduced in the reserve by 2017; Malawi's oldest and largest protected area.

The Highlights

• Scouts have been trained and supplied with new uniforms and equipment for anti-poaching patrols;
• Vehicles, roads, radios and a digital radio network have been established or upgraded;
• Law Enforcement and Community teams have collected hundreds of wire traps from within the reserve;
• A 19,000 ha sanctuary has been fenced to allow for the safe reintroduction of species, including 261 elephants and more than 1,500 head of game species in 2016. 

What next for Nkhotakota?

• Complete the park's entire perimeter fence;
• Maintain the sanctuary where 261 elephants were translocated from Liwonde in 2016, and prepare for an additional 250 elephants to be added in 2017;
• Foster close community collaboration to mitigate conflict, sensitise people to the ,much needed perimeter fence, and to review the community programme to ensure local people receive tangible benefits from the park.

All of this information has been taken from the African Parks website.  If you want to find out even more about Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve then why not grab a cuppa and click on the link below - happy browsing!

Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve

PS - here is a link to my just giving page - click here to sponsor me 😘

Ranty Blog Post

Yesterday the UK Government announced a consultation on a near-total ban on the UK Ivory Trade.  This is obviously a step forward in the fight against elephant poaching, but does it go far enough?

Many conservation charities have welcomed the announcement with caution,  having already pledged their involvement in the consultation process that runs for twelve weeks, closing on 29th December.

As the news broke on Friday morning, and throughout the day, we heard quotes from senior Conservative figures such as "radical and robust action", "poaching shames our generation" and "this will put the UK front and centre of global efforts to end the insidious trade in ivory".  Additionally, many news headlines simply stated "Ivory Trade to be banned in UK".

This is something we have all heard before.  Twice the Conservative Party have included a UK Ivory ban in their manifesto, and twice they have not acted.  In the 2017 election they didn't even bother to include it in their manifesto, indicating that it was just not important to them.  Twice in the last year a UK Ivory trade ban was discussed in parliament and still no action was taken.  And lets not forget that the Prime Minister is friends with Lady (Victoria) Borwick, the Conservative candidate who lost her seat in Kensington this year, and who is the president of the British Antique Dealers Association.

The US announced a near total ban in 2016.  Hong Kong announced a ban in 2016.  China announced a ban in 2017.  The UK (the worlds largest ivory exporter) has only just announced a 'consultation' on a 'partial' ban.  Certainly not "at the front and centre of global efforts".

The proposal isn't for a full ban.  There will be exemptions, permitted items, loopholes that can be used by traders to continue to make money, and thus continue to feed demand.   So its not a ban.  It's just a day of misleading news headlines and sweeping statements by Government Ministers.

Whilst the government have said this action is a result of their concerns for elephants, lets not forget that in 2018 the UK is hosting a major illegal wildlife conference.  The Government needed to do something to avoid the embarrassment of being the host yet being the only one not taking action.

This week the Conservative Party Conference took place.  The conference included everything you would expect from a party in crisis.  Senior Government Ministers undermining their leader, the Foreign Secretary joking about dead bodies, mixed messages on the approach to Brexit, a series of mishaps overshadowing the Prime Ministers speech, a prankster.....all topped off by a plot to remove Theresa May from her post and seek a new leader.

The Conservatives have had an awful week.  They needed a good news story.  They needed something positive to hit the headlines and detract from the internal fighting and backstabbing taking place.

If they really were concerned about elephants why not use their party conference to announce the consultation?  Why wait until after the event when all the news about the Conservative Party was negative?  Why do they think we can't see that the timing  of the announcement was off?  Why now, when it was removed from their manifesto?  Yet another U-turn (albeit a positive one this time!).

Whilst I am pleased that, if nothing else, this has raised awareness - I, like many others, remain cautious.  I can't sing and shout about it yet.  We still have a very long way to go.

Whilst we should welcome the announcement, it is not good enough.  Until the new regulations are put in place, and effectively enforced, I remain cautiously optimistic.  The elephants still need us to keep fighting for them - a global total ban is what they need to survive.

Snowdon - steep, wet and very, very windy

Last weekend we spent the weekend in Snowdonia, North Wales.  The scenery was amazing but the weather was pretty grotty which meant we didn't get to see much.  We were really only there for one reason - to climb Mount Snowdon.

Snowdonia was formed approximately 450-400 million years ago (the Alps are 60 million years old in Comparison) as an oceanic plate, lapetus, slid under the continent of Laurentia.  At the time Wales would have been the site of huge amounts of volcanic activity.  As well as volcanic rock, you will also find lots of sedimentary rock in Snowdonia as the formation of the mountains was underwater.

It felt like we were underwater as the drive though the mountains to our hotel was through sideways rain and high winds.  We stayed in a lovely little hotel well hidden half way up a very, very steep hill.   I knew we were in proper Welsh Wales when we sat having a drink in to the hotel bar and a sheep casually wondered past the window as it was eating the grass.  It mowed the lawn of the hotel gardens and then wondered back up the hill.

A rare sight of some blue sky.

The weather didn't improve overnight so the likelihood of reaching the summit was looking slim.  This became even clearer when we arrived at the car park to a long speech by the car park attendant about the conditions on Snowdon and setting our expectation about how high we should go.  The advice was heard loud and clear - do not attempt to reach the summit today.

There are seven routes up to the summit of snowdon.  We opted to take the Llanberis Path.  The total walk was nine miles long, 3200 ft high and a six hour walk.  The Llanberis path is the gentlest and longest route up Snowdon.  The path is well defined and easy to follow with cafe midway.

The first 20 minutes or so of the climb was by far the worse.  Whilst the surface was the best (a nice cement road) it was by far the steepest part.  Every time you got to a bend and thought it was over, there was another section, and another, and another.  

Once we were off the road and on to rougher terrain I'd got a bit more in to the swing of things.  We had managed to lose the crowd that were following us up and had got into a rhythm - whilst still stopping for breath a lot!   As we got higher and higher the conditions got worse and worse.

I had every layer on I had with me, it was a great day for trying out my hiking gear.  But, it was truly awful.  I'm not going to lie, I hated every step.  The rain was getting heavier meaning the path was getting slippy.  And the wind....... it was blowing my clothes so much that I literally looked like I was wearing clingfilm!   I was not a happy girl!!

Strike a pose.

We finally made it to the halfway house.  A little cafe exactly half way up the route.....a VERY welcome break and mentally a massive boost.  We took full advantage of the facilities and stopped for a cuppa and a Welsh cake, and of course a toilet break before assessing the weather.

X marks the spot of the halfway house.

I wasn't the only one who wasn't exactly enjoying the day.  The lady sitting next to us in the cafe sent a text that simply said "words can not describe how awful this is".  It was such a shame as it was clearly the weather making conditions difficult for everyone.

The weather had taken a turn for the worse so rather than continue a little further up and risk getting caught, we decided to head back down so we had the rest of the day to explore a bit of the area in the dry car with heated seats.  Any views we had on the way up had disappeared and been replaced with thick cloud, with nothing to see it was really was "head down and get off this mountain as quick as we can".

Although I didn't make it to the top, fitness wise I could tell that I had it on me.  Had mother nature (and mountain rescue!) been on our side we would have made it to the top, I'm sure.  So the weekend wasn't a complete waste - I got an idea of what lies ahead of me, I got try out my walking poles and I got to eat Welsh cake!!

Here's hoping the tropics of Africa are kinder to us.

#goingbeyond

It wouldn't be right not to post today.  Four months today we start the climb.

We will have completed more training than I ever thought I would do in my lifetime.  We will have raised as many pennies as we can for worthy causes.  We will have collected donations of books, clothes and stationery for a school in need and shipped to Tanzania with laptops donated from work.  We will have packed and unpacked our bags a million times.  We will have waved goodbye to our families and friends and arrived in Tanzania.  And we will have probably laughed and cried about what is lying ahead of us.

Four months is nothing.  Its no time at all - and it shows, we have both switched in to panic mode and have suddenly become very, VERY focused on the task at hand.

The last four months of training is booked in the diary.  I'm not sure I'm going to have a social life now until its all over but I know my body will be in as good a shape as it can be.

There is still a lot to do.  Insurance, visa's, injections, school donations - the list that seems to get longer no matter how much I tick off each week.

At work we have a #goingbeyond hashtag, so that's what we're doing - in 3 months, 30 days, 8 hours and 24 minutes (its less than four months already!!)

Odzala-Kokoua National Park - Congo

Odzala-Kokoua totals 13,500 KM2 and has been an African Parks project since 2010.  It is situated in the heart of the second largest tropical rainforest in the world (after the Amazon), and harbours some of the rarest and most enigmatic species on the planet.  The park is home to the Critically Endangered western lowland gorilla, forest elephant, at lest 444 bird species, and an almost unparalleled floral diversity.

The stats....

• 22,000 gorillas confirmed in 2015 census;
• Over 106 eco-guards employed;
• Established in 1935, Odzala is one of Africa's oldest national parks.

The Highlights

• The "poacher to protector" programme, which permits poachers to become rangers in exchange for their firearm and full disclosure, has led to 56 confiscated firearms and improved park intelligence;
• A gorilla habituation programme is being implemented to improve tourism for local communities;
• Over 100 jobs have been created within park management;
• Since 2012, 5% of commercial revenue has gone into a Community Fund channeling US$82,000 in support of local projects;
• A mobile health clinic established serving 400 people in 39 villages around the park.

What next for Odzala-Kokoua?

• Provide new income streams for local communities, including planting 40,000 cocoa saplings outside of the park in rehabilitated cocoa fields;
• Following formal training from agricultural experts, communities are planting trees that are expected to start bearing fruit in two to three years;
• Continue with gorilla habituation at multiple sites within the park to aid tourism to deliver needed local benefits;
• Survey transects to evaluate wildlife population trends in order to better protect them;
• Implement a tourism development plan to increase tourism numbers and revenue.

All of this information has been taken from the African Parks website.  If you want to find out even more about Odzala-Kokoua National Park then why not grab a cuppa and click on the link below - happy browsing!

Odzala-Kokoua National Park 

PS - here is a link to my just giving page - click here to sponsor me 😘

The Thames Path Challenge

Yesterday I stepped up the training with a light 25k stroll along the Thames.  It was an organised walk by Action Challenge that took us along the Thames from Bishops Park to Southwark Park.  The 'Thames Bridges Trek' followed the Thames Path crossing 16 bridges and taking us right through the heart of London.

This was the longest I had walked in one sitting and I knew it would be a challenge but the scenery as well as the camaraderie with the other hundreds of people completing the walk made the time pass a lot quicker than I thought.

For those data geeks among you, here are the highlights:

• 25 kilometers walked
• 16 bridges crossed
• 43,254 steps stepped
• 1,043 calories burned
• 2 sore feet
• and the worlds largest blister

We started the walk at Bishops Park where we registered, warmed up and made the most of the free tea and toilets.  Then we were on our way - heading east.

Bridge One - Putney Bridge
Originally known as Fulham Bridge it was the second bridge to cross the Thames and was first built in 1729 out of wood.  It originally has 26 arches as opposed to the current five.  The replacement bridge was built in 1886.

Bridge Two - Fulham Railway Bridge
This bridge was opened in 1889 and is 418 meters long.  It was designed by Brunel's former assistant William Jacob.

Bridge Three - Wandsworth Bridge and the 4k mark
Opened in 1940 and is 200m long.  The steel panels on the side of the bridge were painted different shades of blue in an attempt to camouflage the bridge from air raids.

Bridge Four - Battersea Bridge
Build in 1890 it is the narrowest surviving road bridge over the Thames in London, it is one of London's least busy bridges.  The location on a bend in the river makes the bridge a hazard to shipping, and it has been closed many times due to collisions.

Bridge Five - Albert Bridge, reaching 7k along the way
Opened in 1873 it was known as the 'Trembling Lady' because it shook when being used by soldiers from the Chelsea barracks.  It is one of two road bridges over the Thames that have never been replaced.

Bridge Six - Chelsea Bridge, marking the 10k point

The bridge is self-anchored so there is no 'abutment' support at either end of the bridge.  The original bridge was built in 1858 with the replacement bridge being put in place in 1937.

Bridge Seven - Vauxhall bridge, the last bridge before the halfway rest point, at 13k

Opened in 1906, Vauxhall bridge is unique - attached to the bridge's piers are eight colossal (they're twice life size) statues of allegorical figures, the 2nd of which is is a figure of St Paul's Cathedral.

The halfway point at Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens was a very welcome sight.  We got 'scanned' in before being presented with a vast array of treats.  Crisps, chocolate bars, fruit, sweets - and the largest pastries I have ever seen!  We sat down for our only break of the day and enjoyed a quick toilet break and a refuelling before setting off again.

Bridge Eight - Lambeth Bridge

It was opened in 1932 and is 237 long.  Supposedly the red colour of the bridge represents the colour of the seats of the House of Lords.  Members of the house of parliament would walk along this bridge while those of the house of commons would use the Westminster Bridge.

Bridge Nine - Westminster Bridge, 15k

Opened in 1862 it is the oldest road bridge across the Thames in central London.  The detailing of the bridge was done by Charles Barry the architect of the Palace of Westminster.

Bridge Ten - Golden Jubilee Bridges

The first bridge was opened in 1845 as a suspension footbridge.  The two 4 meter wide foot bridges were completed in 2002 and were named the Golden Jubilee Bridges in honour of the fiftieth anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II's accession.

Bridge Eleven - Waterloo Bridge
Designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott who also designed the red telephone box who was not an engineer making the plans very difficult to build, however once it was opened it became London's first concrete bridge across the river Thames.  Opened in 1945 it is also know as the Ladies bridge - as whilst designed by a man, it was largely built by a female workforce during the war, after over 500 men were called to fight.

Bridge Twelve - Blackfriars Bridge
The original bridge was opened in 1769 with the replacement being opened in 1869 and is 281m long.  The piers of the bridge are decorated with stone carvings of birds, with the carvings of freshwater lords reflecting the role of Blackfriars as the tidal turning point of the Thames.  On the north side of the bridge is a statue of Queen Elizabeth, to whom the bridge is dedicated.

Bridge Thirteen - Millennium Bridge, 19k point half way across the bridge
The first bridge built and opened in over 100 years, in 2000 and named 'the wobbly bridge' after it wobbled alarmingly on the opening.  It was then repaired and opened again in 2002 - said to cost £18.2m.  Today there are over 400 different pieces of art on the bridge - which is the work of street artist Ben Wilson who paints scenes, shapes and figures on the trodden, dropped chewing gum of passersby.

Bridge Fourteen - Southwark Bridge
Over 13,000 litres of paint were used on the restoration in 2010.  It was originally built in 1921 - today Southwark bridge has its own website.  Check it out here.

Bridge Fifteen - London Bridge
This was the first bridge in central London crossing the Thames.  The first stone version was built in 1176.  there used to be buildings and shops on the bridge, but in 1758 all of them were removed.  The London Bridge that we refer to now was opened in 1973.

Bridge Sixteen - Tower Bridge, 22k, the last bridge!
The bridge was opened in 1894 and was considered the most sophisticated of its type in the world.  In 1952 while the bridge was opening the number 78 double decker bus was still on it so had to accelerate and it managed to jump the gap.

Once we had crossed the final bridge we passed through some beautiful streets - where apparently Pink Panther lives!  We also came across some quite dramatic weather but somehow managed to stay dry all day.

If I thought the half way point was a welcome sight, that was nothing compared to the end, where toilets, food, chairs and FREE PROSECCO was waiting.  Once we had rested up we needed to get home but my feet were having none of it.  Thankfully I had packed a change of shoes, they bought some relief for me feet but I was still struggling to walk by this point - but I did it!!

I need to get my feet back to walking fit soon as in a couple of weeks I'm at it again, but this time uphill on rough terrain.  Words can not describe how big the blister is on my little toe!

So, if you fancy a challenge, why not give its go yourself.  The route is below, green pin to red pin - I dare you.

Its starting to get real now!

The flights are booked, the balance is paid and the details are finalised.  It's starting to feel very real now.

Since my last post I've had a birthday.  This years generous gifts were money, money and money.  Those who know me well will know that I have spent it all already! Waterproof jacket, waterproof trousers, lightweight fleece, 2x buffs, first aid kit, water purifiers, mozzie spray, whistle, t-shirts....I even got a bumbag!!!  Goodness only knows how I'm going to fit it all in my bag - I haven't even got half of what I need yet....the Christmas gift list is already sorted. 😉

I also got an apple watch (other watch brands are available) and have become slightly obsessed with tracking my steps, calories burned and heart rate.  I went for a 10k walk yesterday, the training never ends but its nice to have some variety and do something outdoors while the weather is kind to us.  This gave me a great opportunity to track my walk, it is quite weird as I know how slowly we walk up the mountain so I need to keep reminding myself its not about how quick I do things.  The walk was actually a nice stroll along the Thames so I wasn't on a mission to get back home as soon as I could.  Its about stamina not speed.  I've added some photos below.

I thought I'd used my water bladder system, to get used to using it as well as carrying the weight of the water on my back whilst walking.  This didn't quite go to plan - I got as far as 5 houses down the road before I felt a cold sensation on my hips.  The valve wasn't in far enough and the whole lot was pouring down my legs.  Anyone watching must have thought I'd wet myself!!

The false start didn't put me off though.  Back home for a quick change, a dry bag and a new water bottle and we were on our way.  (Needless to say "getting the valve in properly" has been well practiced since!!).

As you can see below I didn't race it at all - 10k is actually more than I walk any day on the climb, and I'll be walking much slower.... just up a very steep hill.

In a couple of weeks time we are doing the Thames Bridge Challenge.  A 25k walk along the Thames, crossing 16 bridges.  I'm hoping the scenery, crowds and atmosphere will distract me from the task in hand, 25k sounds like such a long walk.  I'm just going to have to break it down into chunks, 5k at a time to get through.  Two weeks after that its Snowdon, the more regular exercises are starting to take a back seat now as I start the final countdown.

Clear, still waters.

Dragon spotting

Now that the booking is all confirmed I have the full details of my trip.  A seven day climb, a days safari and a day volunteering at the Ikirwa School.  The school was founded by one of the Safari coordinators working for the trekking company we are going with - Team Kilimanjaro.

I love their strapline - something I believe in, the law of attraction.  What you imagine you become.  I often visualise myself standing at the summit of Kilimanjaro.  That's the goal so that's what I imagine. Positive thinking and a positive attitude, no matter how scared I can get at times.

We will be sending over a donation of stationery, clothes, toys etc from our Company as well as donations from anyone that wants to give - I'm sure we'll get to sit in on a few lessons to, to share some words of wisdom, I'm so hoping I get the Music class rather than the Maths class!!!

I'm starting to learn a bit of Swahili so I can communicate a bit with the children.  I also figured that I'm relying on a small group of locals to get me up the mountain safely so the least I can do is learn the basics.  "Hello", "Thank you", "Goodnight" and "what the hell am I doing!?*!" should cover it.

Pit stop at the Sonning Tea Rooms, on the Thames.

As you know, preparing for this isn't all about exercise.  What you eat is important to.  I didn't start off great and learned the hard way that you don't lose weight by simply eating less.  All this training has meant that I've had to fuel my body so actually I've had to eat more - just more of the good stuff.

My personal trainer has been a great help in getting my mindset about food right.  I need to eat a lot more than salad and herbal tea if Im going to give my muscles what they need to get stronger.  I've now got to a place where I know what I need, I understand good carbs and good fats and thanks to a few handy apps am tracking my calories in and calories out daily.

As someone with a sweet tooth, it can be a struggle sometimes to resist the occasion treat so I'm taking the time to make some treats that tick the 'sweet' box but a the same time aren't full of the bad stuff.  Today I made a polenta cake, something that is severely tasty, lasts a while and is very easy to make.  I also tried my hand at some sweet potato brownies - again these are wheat free and only have natural sugars in them - and now I know sweet potatoes are a "good carb" I can eat as many as I can, as they are one of my favourite vegetables!

When I started this blog post I wasn't quite sure what I was going to write about.  To be honest its a little slow at the moment with training, training and more training so I'm sorry its slightly dull and rather random.....

As we get nearer the climb things will pick up and I'm sure I'll be updating you daily.

I thought I'd close with something else rather random,  I've had this song going round and round my head for over a week now - Its only right that I share it, as at the moment I just can't get enough of Rag'n'Bone Man.....click the link below and enjoy.

Rag'n'Bone Man - As You Are

Finally - It goes without saying that you can still sponsor me!  Just click the button below!!

Liuwa Plain National Park - Zambia

An African Parks project since 2003, at 3,660 KM2, Luiwa Plain's expansive vistas are home to the second largest wildebeest migration in Africa and the legendary lioness Lady Luiwa.  With over 15,000 wildebeest, a plethora of water birds, and apex predators including hyenas, cheetahs, and Luiwa's famous lions, Liuwa offers an unparalleled sense of space and wilderness, and epitomises wild Africa.

However, Luiwa's wildlife also share this landscape with over 10,000 community members who live inside the park.  In the late 19th century the then King of Barotseland, Lubosi Lewanika, appointed his people as the custodians of the reserve and its wildlife.  Since then, animals and people have lived side by side within the park.

The stats....

• 334 bird species occur in the park;
• Liuwa is home to the famous lioness Lady Liuwa;
• Wilderbeast population has grown from 15,000 in 2004 to between 30,000 to 40,000 individuals in 2016.

The Highlights

• Three lions were introduced to accompany the famous and sole surviving lioness Lady Liuwa;
• Since 2003, poaching has been curtailed and wildebeest and zebra populations are on the rise.  Antelope that were locally extinct have been reintroduced, and the cheetah population is recovering its the addition of none cubs;
• Luiwa hosts the second largest wildebeest migration in Africa;
• A community development fund providing monthly payments has been used for projects selected by the community, including health clinics and building materials for school buildings.

What next for Liuwa Plain?

• Develop the parks tourism infrastructure to increase benefits for local communities;
• Construct the new luxury camp with Norman Carr Safaris;
• Provide community training on land usage to improve their agricultural yields;
• Investigate ways of reducing dependancy on naturally occurring fish stocks that are variable with climate change;
• Conduct a park-wide aerial survey to verify wildebeest and zebra numbers to inform the protection strategy.

All of this information has been taken from the African Parks website.  If you want to find out even more about Liuwa Plain National Park then why not grab a cuppa and click on the link below - happy browsing!

Liuwa Plain National Park 

PS - here is a link to my just giving page - click here to sponsor me 😘

They made it!

I am pleased to report that African Parks successfully completed the largest elephant translocation in history on Wednesday, 2nd August 2017.  In total, 520 elephants were successfully moved from Liwonde National Park and Majete Wildlife Reserve in Malawi, and were released in Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve.

Wooohooo!

The translocation had two objectives: to restock Nkhotakota and to relieve pressure from the elephant surplus in Liwonde and Majete. Given Malawi is a densely-populated, agro-based country, ecological corridors no longer exist to allow for natural movement for wildlife, therefore this ‘human-assisted migration’ was needed to provide the best chance of a long-term and sustainable future for these elephants.

Already there has been a reduction in human-wildlife conflict, with not one human or elephant fatality in Liwonde since July 2016, and tourism is already on the rise in Nkhotakota where new elephant calves were documented earlier this year - offspring from the 261 elephants translocated in 2016.

African Parks have released a short video documenting this massive move - Watch it here.

Let's hear it for the Lions!

Today is international Lion day.  In 1970 it was estimated the lion population was around 200,000+ but in 2016 it was estimated there are only 25,000 left in the wild.

Lets celebrate these beautiful creatures by showing Lions some love today (I'm a Leo by the way 😉)

It's not all animals - Humanitarian crisis in CAR

As you know, African Parks do much more than move elephants - and actually much more than just protect wildlife.  They have recently launched a request for donations to support a humanitarian crisis unfolding in the communities surrounding Chinko, a park under their management, in the Central African Republic.

Violence has displaced thousands of people around Chinko, many have sadly already lost their homes and loved ones.

African Parks are calling for donations that they will immediately put towards providing food, housing and safety for those trying to  find safe harbour within the park as well as the extended families of African Park employees in the neighboring communities.  Lets not forget that these employees are the ones risking their lives daily as rangers to protect the precious wildlife from poachers.

African Parks are aiming to raise $518,000 for these humanitarian efforts - any additional funds will be applied to overall operations in Chinko.

You know what to do....

My Kilimanjaro climb is less than six months away now, my little legs have a lot of work to do but it will be worth it if I can help with the campaigns above and more.  Please dig deep and sponsor me below.

My flights are all booked so there is no going back now!!

Friday Night Fundraising

It's been a while since my last post, mainly because I have been away but also because I have been snowed under with the final arrangements for my fundraising Fight Klub class.  You may recall that Duane & Darren my Flight Klub instructors agreed to run a charity class for me - this was a great boost to my fundraising efforts.

They kindly agreed to run the two hour class for free, one hour of Fight Klub followed by a Drum and Bass Workout.  I was also extremely lucky to be offered a FREE venue by Reading Cricket Club meaning that every penny from the event went straight to African Parks and the evening raised £380 in total.  Soooo, huge thanks to both Double D and the Reading Cricket Club for their support!

We got to the Cricket Club nice and early to set up, not only did I want to sell some more of my goodies but there was furniture to move, bags to set up, lighting and sound to set up and of course a few warm up photos to get us in the mood!

African goodies supported by some Fight Klub posters (two of my favourite things)

The calm before the storm....ready for the lighting to go up

Poser

Showing my sister how its done......

...she didn't thank me....

...so I started on Michael instead.

The night was a great success with many new faces coming along to try it out for the first time.  It's fair to say Duane and Darren didn't disappoint and it was lovely to see faces from Reading, Winnersh and Didcot Fight Klub crews come together for such a good cause.

Being put through our paces on the bags

Two on the right, two on the left...

Me and my sister 'enjoying' some Drum and Bass

Don't think that now this is over I am going to have a rest from the fundraising.  I've already been in touch with a few large retailers about some donations of last years old stock of Christmas wrapping paper, ribbons etc. as I'm planning to offer a christmas gift wrapping service.  In less than an hour I had responses from John Lewis, Debenhams and Sainsbury so here's hoping I get lots of paper and can wrap lots of gifts in return for money.