Rambling on the River

Today was another fairly short notice volunteering opportunity.  There was an organised river ramble to raise funds for the Trust.  There was the option of getting sponsored or paying a £10 donation.  The Boy changed his shifts at work so he could join me and we pursuaded a couple of friends that they wanted to join us.

I had a very insomnic night last night and after attempting to sleep for 5 hours I gave up and got on with the day.  This at least meant I could bake some banana bread to take along with me.  Needless to say by 8am, I wasn't looking forward to the prospect of waking nearly 13 miles!

We headed out for a bus at 10am, our friends weren't on it so we just continued on assuming that they had slept in.  Reaching Balerno we reigstered and set off on the walk.  There were around 30 people and we'd been blessed with a glorious day, clear blue skies and burning sun.

A few miles along the route we realised that our friends had caught the next bus and were on their way.  At mile 5 we reached the visitor's centre where lunch had been laid on.  We sat in the sun, ate lunch and waited for them to catch up.  By now I'd perked up and was really enjoying myself.  It was nice to see some of the other volunteers and chat to people.

When the guys had caught up (albeit rather later than expected due to being behind the last walkers and the signs having been gathered in) we continued on the route.  It was a really nice walk, wildlife sightings were lacking but in that heat, I don't blame them.  I think we walked a bit quickly for the guys but knowing that The Boy needed to be at work for 4:30pm I was hesitant to walk much slower.  Also they didn't speak up about the speed until we were at the pub afterwards so really it's their own fault.

By about 9 miles I was starting to tire and there were some aches but surprisingly it was my knee that was bothering me, rather than the tendonitis in my feet.  It's always a beautiful walk along the river and I think everyone enjoyed it.

The Boy had to head to work but our two friends joined me at the pub for a well deserved drink.