Day 3 - Caudete to Ayora

Day 3 was tough.. We started the first 18 miles offroad which, although very beautiful, took its toll on Michelle's knee and was forced to retire at 24 mile stage. We had a little cake during the break for my little girl's birthday and then Alison Shalaby helped me complete the journey by walking with me to the end...

Maurizio made us some lovely food in the evening and I had no choice but to sleep after that. It was a long day..

Day 4 will take us to Los Pedrones. It is Alison Shalaby's birthday so a massive happy birthday to her.. Sadly, she flies back to UK today. It has been an absolute pleasure having her here.

Day 2 - El Pinos to Caudete

Today was another hot one .. Getting close to 40 degrees again. However, the hills were not as steep as yesterday which made it a little easier on the legs. We covered just over 26 miles today and a lot of this was off road. Poor Mauri had just washed the support car but might have to do that again... It was really dusty..

We set off from El Pinos early after Vonni & Paul had kindly made us breakfast before we left. Casa Almendro was beautiful..

Alison and Michelle were fantastic walking with me once again... Alison started the day walking and did amazingly well. For one not used to the heat, it was a really good achievement.. She also helped in the support car in the afternoon which was not easy today..

Michelle did her second full marathon in two days (actually more in mileage) ... She has another 6 to go before she returns to the Costa Blanca and she is determined to do them..

Mauri has excelled himself with his mobile "Restaurante Rigamonti" ..The task of support is not an easy one so it is so appreciated him being there for me..

As for the walk itself... There were grape fields after grape fields today with no towns in between. When we had a break, it was done by just finding a bit of shade. Ive added some pictures below but more can be found on the Walk Across Borders Facebook page.

Tonight, we were invited to stay at the beautiful home of Pat Pallett in Villena... Thank you so much...

I'm going to sign off for now as I'm a little tired but please keep checking my blog




Here are some of the pics from today...

Tomorrows adventure will take us to Ayora... It is also my daughter's 10th birthday. Thank you for all who have sent cards etc for her. They are in her memory box ready for when we are reunited.. If you wish to send her a message so I can print out when I get home and put in the memory box also, can you possibly PM them to me on Facebook or send to s.monkdalton@gmail.com? Thank you so much...

 xx

Day 1 - Orihuela to El Pinos

At 6.00am this morning just before I was due to set off for day 1 of Walk Across Borders, somebody tried to sabotage what I was trying to do by throwing a brick at the front window of my support car that was parked in my drive way. There were other cars parked in the street and in driveways that were untouched. I have a suspicion who it was but unfortunately, without proof, I wont be able to do that much about it other than get it repaired. It wasnt the start of the day I had in mind but will not let it affect what I a doing.. Mindless idiots

Once we started, we had an amazing day with Maurizio driving and Alison Shalaby from Reunite walking a section of the day and the remainder with the support car... Thanks guys...

Michelle and myself walked the full distance which came to almost 30 miles... Thank you so much for walking the whole way with me Michelle... That was amazing especially in the 39 degree heat and a lot of this section up hill (1800ft) !!!

We there were some magnificent views which you can see below... I will place a full directory of pictures on the Walk Across Borders Facebook page www.facebook.com/walkacrossborders

It was lovely to see Vickie and here partner supporting us at the end and once again, I must say a huge thankyou to Vonni at Casa Almendro

Finally, I want to say a HUGE thank you to the support everybody as given me today. It really does mean so much x

Birthday / Bon Voyage meal

Bless... thank you so much all for the cards for my daughters 10th birthday on Tuesday... They will go in her memory box for when we are reunited... Thanks also for the birthday/bon voyage meal in her honour (and the birthday cake)... Including the amazing staff at Villa Costa chinese restaurant at Via Park 2... AND all of the wonderful messages of support for my walk...I am so blessed to have such caring friends... Love lots... THANK YOU!!!  xxxx