I started off from dads cottage as usual but this time I ventured in the opposite direction, up old castle farm lane and towards the old track which used to join the Mansion Barton Court to the British Camp Hotel, passing the source of the Malvern water spring which used to supply the queen with her mineral water for many years.
For some reason I found it very hard going from the beginning and had to stop for a breather more than usual, even on the flat but I think to myself, can you still put one foot in front of the other and the answer was yes so I kept going. My oxygen was set on 6 liters so there was plenty to spare and no fear off running out. I got to the entrance of Old Castle Farm, there are large wooden gates with security cameras etc now. The once derelict farm that I used to play in 40 years ago has been renovated and is now worth millions and owned by some rich outsider who is now probably on the local council and speaking for all the locals who have lived here for all of their lives. Whoops I'm getting side tracked now and getting a little to political so right back to the walk, from here on it was uphill and rough under foot so the pace slowed from slow to dead slow. I felt well under par and every step was a struggle yet I wasn't up for quitting, I had a target in mind and I was going to achieve it. There is a ridge at the top of the hill in front of me that has great views and that is where I was heading against my better judgement. My body was complaining but I wasn't listening and I kind of know that I'm over pushing things but then I'm a risk taker which will catch me out someday.
I shuffled my way up the old track which is now sided by trees with their roots showing and rocks covered in sea fossils, its a great walk up through here but not really a place for someone who's sats were probably now well seated in the low 70s and was having to stop for some air every 10 or so steps.
That ridge couldn't come quick enough and finally I made it, whew!! . It was time for a rest and to soak up the views but it was a little windy up there on the ridge and there was a storm in the distance coming my way. I run the video camera for a short while and headed off back to dads but everything was different now, it was downhill and my enemy now became my friend, Gravity! .
I snapped away happily with my phone camera at anything that caught my eye which was just about everything. Yep the world was looking good and I was sapping it up.
I even got nosy and found a secret garden so I ran the video cam again so I could post it for you all to see.
I did have to shelter behind a stone wall while the storm passed over but I returned home still in one piece and dry with a smile on my face and a spring in my step.
All's good in Dalls world at the moment even though my breathing has worsened a little which I am working on with exercise, my friend and torturer.
Here's a few pics I snapped on my way and 2 videos, one on windy ridge and the other of the secret garden.
Its a great time of year to get out and about but its probably more sensible to do it with a friend when your out in the country and off the beaten track. Hope all you healthunlockeders enjoy this walk out with Dall.
Tony
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dall05
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Let me know when you need a few brain cells so that you get some sense. I can't always be on your shoulder. You were lucky this time I could be. Can't blame you though the countryside just asks to be walked. Please take care can't be a wingman unless you're flying. Love Dozy ☺ 🐀 xx
Hi Tina, sometimes my brain does let me down, I put it down to the low oxygen levels. (poor excuse for just being plain stupid) .
Send me those cells in the post and be quick about it because I'm sure to be out walking again soon.
I do try and take a few precautions by taking my mobile phone which has an 02 transmitter very near so signal should be good, and telling my dad roughly where I am going.
It seems I'm not ready to be wrapped in cotton wool yet but I will try not to go in such remote places when walking alone.
I have a transplant 3 monthly check up next Tuesday so the 6 minute walk test will give me a good indication to my lung condition compared to 3 months 6 months 9 months ago etc. I'll be happy if I'm still around the 450 meters without oxygen, sats 70. Yes I'm there to give the nurses a work out at the same time .
Keep up the great work with that weight loss DD and I will try and go a little more careful next time I venture into the country, when not feeling at my best.
Thanks for the deserved telling off, we have to watch out for each other and make sure the numbers in the walking miracles club stay the same don't we. .
Brain cells in post. Few trillion ok? At present working on steps. Goal is 15 stairs without stopping and being able to breathe at top. Not quite a hill walk but my tank only lasts an hour when exercising. Guess that's a walk round your dad's orchard for me then xxx Tina
Hi Tony, risk taking and flying without wings! It all looks so loverly, peaceful, even with the wind. I have managed to get out walking this year. One of my PR targets was to take Ollie dog for a walk. At the time I struğgled to walk and Physios thought I was being somewhat ambitious but i do walk him now. Where we live is a different lanscape now, being near to Swanholme Lakes . We try and walk every day and I now do 10000 steps.thanks for the photos and videos. Love Margaret x
Hi Margaret, I must try and be a little more careful about where I walk, especially when alone and pushing things to the limits.
Its great that your doing so well with your walking and I'm sure Ollie is most appreciative. PR has certainly worked for you as it did for me and reaching those goals are such a great feeling arn't they. .
Glad you enjoyed the pics and vids, also keep showing those physios that those unrealistic goals are achievable.
Good to hear how your doing Tony😁 Still as brave as ever! I'll enjoy watching your snippets now 😃 wish I could tag along with you it's so beautiful and fresh! Hugs huff xxx🍻💜
Well done to you though a little smack on the wrist for going solo.
I am still jumping away at the gym and really do feel invigorated afterwards. There is no doubt in my mind exercise is the best way of fighting this blasted disease. We just have to keep fighting because giving in isn't an option
Hi Sokrackers, Gotta keep pushing those limits to the edge aven't ya, preferably with someone nearby if it all goes pair shaped.
Your right about the good feeling afterwards but we do have to suffer for it don't we. The moment I left hospital late in 2010 I new exercise would be my only way back, it was the coldest winter for some years so I settled for walking from my backdoor to the front door and eventually built up to getting up my stairs which at the time was very scary. Those 13 steps were a mountain and a major step forward back then, but only by more exercise and hard work the following year I made it to the top of the Malverns.
There's no doubt that exercise is the best way to help ourselves so keep up the jumping SRKRs and blast that disease into oblivion.
You are brilliant Dall! And I love the British camp and I should get up there more often to get all that gorgeous fresh air....thanks for inspiring Dall.
I'm sure to make it to the top of the British Camp again sometime soon, I park in the car park by the Malvern Hills Hotel (free with the blue badge) and make my way up from there. Its a steep old climb and takes me about 3 hours with many stops on the way. I could do it in 20 minutes to 1/2 an hour when I was fit but now its all about getting there and not the time it takes isn't it Polly.
Hahahaahha, Dall that's the way to do it! I do agree it isn't about how quickly you can do it, it is indeed the doing of it which is the healthy thing and great for the mental benefits as well! I hope to make it up Midsummer Hill on the morning of 21st June....( there will be no point in going to bed me thinks!) tho will be fabulous to see the sunrise from the summit....
Love the way your post has inspired so many people
I looked out for you a couple of weeks ago when I was at Three Counties & afterwards wandering in the town. The hills looked so inviting on the drive by & brought back happy memories.
Hi Peege, Glad you enjoyed your day out at the Three Counties and my pics and videos, I live between the show ground and the hills so you were pretty close by. I often walk on the old Malvern to Gloucester railway line which goes alongside the perimeter fence of the show ground so we could have been very close that day.
I haven't been up on the hills for a while but I tend to save that pleasure for the best weather which will hopefully come soon.
well I was tempted to hop in the car when I saw your pix & had to give myself a talking to as I've not been great for a few days (normally not too bad though). I also talked myself out of going for a swim at The Lido in the drizzle.
One of these days though I will come over & will send you a message before I do in the hope you're free to show me a walk.
Hi Susie, I really enjoy my walks in the country and am only to pleased to share the experience with a few pics and vids.
I have to admit while on the move and going up hill it ain't all fun but when I stop and look around its just great and makes all the hard work worth while.
thanks for that, enjoyed your pictures very much. My walks are always into the town, feel a bit nervous adventuring into the countryside alone. Must find a different route though. Love Iris x
Hi Iris, glad you enjoyed my vids and pics. Keep up that walking into town as it will be doing you a lot of good, staying mobile is very important.
Its not always wise to go adventuring into the countryside alone, especially when you have a health problem so maybe stick with your town walks and watch my vids for your country walks. .
Hi Tony great to see you back and thanks' for the pictures does the secret garden belong to the place that has been done up.
Has you dad planted much this year we have a very small veg plot my old man planted some runner beans the white lady they don't seem so stringy so I'm looking forward to them and our pear tree is full this year. A couple of weeks ago on our way to Malvern we passed a big wear house we called in and brought a apple tree which I have to say is doing really well we also brought the granddaughter one they taste so much better out of your garden.
Hi onamission, its good to be back and feeling a little more lively. Sometimes I overdo things and get very tired but always bounce back to make the same mistakes again and again. Ha Ha.
That secret garden is at the back of a road side cottage just up the road from my dads. Its amazing I've walked past it hundreds of times and never new it was there so it was a very nice surprise when I peaked over the gate.
The lady who lives there sells home made apple juices and fruits from the front of the house with a honesty box for payments. The apple juice with mango is my favorite so far, maybe I'll get a tour of the garden thrown in one day eh'.
Dad has his polly tunnel full of young plants and hes ready to start planting out soon. I'm looking forward to the produce later in the year and the colourful display from the flowers to.
As you say everything looks and tastes so much better when its home grown or like me you have a Dads garden. .
my grandaughter has a milk allergy so my daughter has to cook every thing herself we are trying to teach the grandaughter about grow your own she loves books so i'm making her a story book at the moment about where our food comes from, she's only 16 month old but start young.
Hope you get a tour around the secret garden make sure you have your camra and share it with us.
Hey Dall (lovely Tony) what an inspiration you are but naughty to go doing all that walking on your own. Such beautiful scenery but please pop in next time you are in the vicinity of my lovely house and secret garden - I will bake a cake and put the kettle on for you. lol!
Take care and behave (not too much though). Hope your mum and dad are well. xxx
Hi Sassy, trying to catch up with everything, my life has been all Hospitals and doctors this week, still not back on the list as yet but could be fairly soon if Birmingham transplant team are happy with what the Worcester team are saying.
As usual its a waiting game so its just as well I'm a very patient man .
I'll pop in to the secret garden next time I'm passing and ask for the lady of the house who's known to be a little sassy at times and say I've been invited around for tea and cakes.
Then I'll wait to the sound of sirens heading my way, should be a fun time eh'.
Dads well but mum has gardeners back which she gets every year from going at it to mad. This time she has had to go to the GPs but now she is refusing to take the pills they have given her so what can I do. I told her if I refused to take my bucket load of of pills I would be dead by now but she still won't have it. .
Lovely to hear from you Tony and always worth the wait Hope things work out for you very soon. You are an inspiration.
I am sure your mum's back will be feeling better soon and try telling her to slow down (good luck with that!) Take care and good wishes to you and the family. xxxxxxxxxxx
Jeez Tony, you are both inspiring and crazy at the same time
Please take care of yourself, you're a hero but you want to be a living hero!! We all value and get inspiration from you. Lovely country but do take someone with you if you are climbing. Risk taking can be a bit like russian roulette sometimes. You take good care of yourself Tony, xxx
Hi 02, sorry I've taken so long to reply but sometimes my life gets a little chaotic and I run out of energy after it all.
Thanks for your very sensible comments, I will try to listen because I know I am putting myself in a vulnerable position at times.
Hows everything with you, have you been out campaigning for the NHS recently, its going to be harder for us all now after the election results went the way they did.
I don't think the people actually got what they wanted, most people thought we were going top get another coalition because that's what we were told was going to happen but now were left with a Tory majority who will only look after their own kind.
I hope your recovering well still so you can get out and enjoy this fab weather.
Ive been quite depressed since the election, pretty upsetting. My health has been up and down so not much activism though Rita nd I have been to a meeting organised by our local trust to see how "to deliver the future". A pseudo consultation which failed to mention anything relevant to why things are genuinely hard in the trust, e.g. difficulty with recruitment.
We will be relaunching the E. Kent Keep Our NHS Public soon so Im hoping i will be well enough to take part in that.
I started pulmonary rehab on wednesday and managed it all well. Then walked with my O2 into town yesterday, and along the beach. Then last night woke up coughing up infected gunk from my throat with horrible rattle. Its still there but my O2 sats are ok, and no asthmatic, so no idea what is going on. Hoping a day of rest will fix it.
Lovely to hear from you Tony, hope you're being "good" now
The election was certainly a low point and now we'll have to wait and see how its going to effect us. All I can say is being disabled and not working I have reason to worry with that kind man Ian Duncan Smith looking after me.
Pulmonary rehab was amazing for me and set me off in the right direction once I was fit enough after leaving hospital. I still do the follow up 'fit to breath exercise class' once a week and as you know do a little walking in the wilderness on my own. oops!!
Keep up the exercising as I sure it helps, especially with keeping the chest clear and free from infection.
Hopefully it will clear soon, maybe a jog down the beach is needed to shift the gunk. .
As for being good, well I'll try but sometimes I get an idea in my head and off I go again, throwing caution to the wind. I think having only just survived 5 years ago made me lose the fear factor and now living on the edge is a place I'm well used to.
If that gunk doesn't go away get a sputum sample sent off at your GPs just in case. Its amazing what they can find from a sample of gunk. .
Good luck with 'keep our NHS public', you and Rita are doing a great job so you need to stay fit and ready for the next march.
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