Had quite a quiet weekend I'm afraid to say. Due to family illness I wasn't able to go on my planned walk on Saturday and had to spend the day in London instead. Getting very itchy feet at the moment - and no, it's not athlete's foot - rather the desire to be back among some big hills with lots of open space around me. Easter seems so long ago already but I can't help thinking of the beautiful countryside in Yorkshire and getting back on that Cleveland Way.

Still, did manage to get a swim in as part of my cross training and was rather chuffed when another 'regular' stopped me and, panting, said "Are you getting better at this?", "Yes," I replied, with a big grin on my face. "Oh good," came the response - "I thought I was getting worse!" Made my day. Achilles Heal is healing nicely (pun intended!) as is general fitness and flexibility. With only 3 and a half months until my Ben Nevis trip I need to be stepping it up a bit now and getting in some good practise walks.

I've got lots of fun things coming up including a scrambling course in July - finally get to tackle Striding Edge - in the safety of a group and with an instructor and Snowdonia at the end of June for a navigation course. I'm also starting to make some good walking contacts through joining various online groups and via people I've met on my travels. And don't worry, if you've offered to come out walking with me, be warned..I will be taking you up on it!!! My next real trip isn't until May bank holiday and, again, due to other commitments I won't be able to get in a real walk this weekend, BUT if you happen to be in or near Essex, this Saturday morning (19th), and want to join me for a couple of hours walking part of my 'usual' route - from Westcliff to Hadleigh Castle and back drop me a line and let me know - you're more than welcome to join me. It's fairly gentle - 50% hard surface/path/road and 50% track, with one hill to take in, but some great views. Rain or shine - I'll be there. Heading off about 9am. If you want to come along email me at sturdy_girl@hotmail.co.uk or leave a comment here. I know I've got at least one aspiring hillwalker joining me so if you've nothing else planned and are in the area, come and join us.

All for now.