Wednesday 5^th August 2015 – 31/52 – Pleinmont to Pembroke

I was really looking forward to this leg as I was to have my grandson, George (6), with me as well as my son Andy, who as many will know is the Chief Operating Officer and founder of Autism Guernsey, the charity for which I am raising money throughout 2015. In addition two of my faithful stalwarts, Clive S and Sue D, were with us.

Conditions were damp and a bit miserable to start off with as we headed towards L’Eree, accompanied by the high tide, which was smashing against the sea wall. Fortunately the wind was not a problem as in previous legs, where we have had to contend with some strong head winds. George was delighted to see the circus again in the wet field, having been at the show the previous evening – there was certainly little or no movement of personell this morning, probably all having a lie in in their caravans.

George was doing well despite the wet weather and we hastily moved around to Perelle still with our wet weather clothing on. There was a lovely moment at Perelle where George, who was carrying a collection box, was called back by a gentleman in a car, who gave him a substantial amount of coins.

Around Richmond Corner and on towards Vazon Bay we went, where there was plenty of activity both on the sandy areas and in the sea, with some spectacular waves crashing into the sea wall and spraying over the top onto the path we were walking on. Would you believe we bumped into the same gentleman who donated earlier on at Richmond Kiosk and once again he continued to put coins into the box – I just never fail to be amazed by the generosity of people in Guernsey!

Rainwear was starting to come off as we came around to Cobo and the sun was starting to break through. It was nice to see swimmers in at Cobo as well – always a popular spot on a nice summer day. There was also a group of people kayaking.

We had a toilet/drinks break at Grandes Rocques, and having covered some 6/7 miles already I thought George at his age would start to flag (We had devised a plan to have him picked up by Nana at any stage where he himself said he wanted to stop) but there was no sign of it and he looked and said he felt well at this stage.

It was beautiful around Port Soif with the sea receding and the white sand glistening in the mid day sun. The weather was, at this stage, probably the best of the day and I was delighted for all of us that we were doing so well. Having Andy along today was a real bonus as he not only gets on very well with George but it was nice for him to meet Clive and Sue and chat with them about Autism Guernsey and the work that is being done by the charity.

The strong tide and heavy swell had certainly whipped up the seaweed and the fore shores were littered with large amounts, but on a more positive note it provided the seabirds with a possible new supply of food.

With this being the 8th time of doing this leg it now seems well established that we break for a drink at Rousse Cafe and have one of Phillipa’s delicious crab sandwiches, and with us all salivating at that particular thought we kept up a reasonable pace and headed towards Rousse Tower which is such a significant landmark on this part of the coastal path. George was really looking forward to this crab treat and he was not disappointed: he polished them off in fine style at the Kiosk. Sue had left us as we turned away from the road towards Rousse. Some 9 miles into our walk today and George had a new PB, having previously completed an 8 mile charity run last year. I really thought he would call it a day after a short break and refreshments at Rousse Kiosk, also knowing his Nana was there with the car, but no, he was determined to finish the whole 11 miles!

We had a very pleasant sunny walk around to L’Ancresse and around the back of the golf course; the sea views were good and we did have paddle boarders out on the sea. There were not a lot of golfers around today, however, which is unusual. We were delighted to cross over the roadway near the Chouet toilets and head around the back of the Golf Club and then to our final stop at Pembroke Bay and a well earned sit down and drink at the beach cafe.

This was a very special day for a very proud grandad and father, having both Andy and George with me, Clive and Sue today. It was an amazing achievement by 6 year-old George, who I’m convinced must have been born with Duracell batteries already fitted! He even asked as we were having an ice cream at Pembroke if we were walking back, and genuinely seemed ready to get going all the way back!

Yet another leg completed and yet more money donated for Autism Guernsey.

Andy added his own comment on Facebook, so I have reproduced it here – thanks, Andy!                                                     “What an honour to walk with these two fellas today as part of Dad’s weekly walks for his Support Autism 365 challenge. His 31st walk of 52 and the 11 miles today means he’ll have walked around the island 8 times this year by next week! An amazing effort, as it was also from 6 year old George today……yes, 6, and not a single moan from him as he proudly collected money for the cause.