On Rumors, Reactions and Legends

Last evening, an older woman with whom I volunteer wished me luck on my hike across Scotland and Ireland. I gently corrected her that this hike was across northern England: England at it's narrowest. I wanted to point out that between Scotland and Ireland was a body of water so it would be a little difficult to hike over that. I wondered who else she told about my trip. I caught another friend telling a mutual acquaintance about my one week 200 mile hike. I corrected her as well, although she knows me well enough to know that 30-40 miles a day is just utterly beyond my ability so I'm not sure why she turned me in a super human.

I wish I had documented all the reactions I've had from people when I tell them I am making this trip. Most express surprise. Some tell me I'm crazy, some tell me they are proud of me for trying something like this. Most people think vacation is for relaxing. I tell them there is nothing more relaxing for me than a physical vacation. I'm utterly incapable of thinking about hiking the distances I will be covering and any excel formula, circulation model or legal contract. I just need to focus on what my body is doing. My brain finds these trips totally relaxing and I return refreshed (at least that is the plan this time - I admit I'm pushing harder than usual.)

My neighbors have been watching me return from various walking loops for months now. They all think I'm crazy. The four year old next door flat out told me so. As I was coming home late one spring night and she was outside with her Dad, she asked me what I was doing. I explained I was practicing for my 200 mile hike. I could watch her face as she processed my answer, then she responded "why would anyone want to do that? I don't think she knows what a mile is but I know she can count to 200 and it was a high number. I told her I would give her my answer when I returned.

So, before the legends grow any more, here are some facts. I am hiking from St Bees, on the Irish Sea to Robin Hood Bay on the North Sea. The hike goes through three British national parks: Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, North York Moors. Its officially listed at 192 miles although some people have measured it longer. The world record for completing it is just under 40 hours although most people take between 2 and 3 weeks to do so. It doesn't pass through anyplace anyone has ever heard of (a fact now confirmed by numerous coworkers who have looked at the map I have posted)- although once we finish at Robin Hood Bay, we are headed to Scarborough the last evening and I'm pretty sure it is the Scarborough the childhood song.
Leaving in 4 days! Cannot wait!