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Atacama Crossing Blogs 2013
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10
PostsAtacama Crossing (2013) blog posts from Blanca Fernandez
09 March 2013 08:58 am (GMT) Greenwich Mean Time: Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London
I can believe that it is over. This morning crossing the finish line was an incredibly emotional moment. Jennifer was able to join and that made it even more special, we started together and it was wonderful to also finish it together. It has been a difficult challenge and I feel absolutely wonderful, except my feet which have doubled in size, something to do with the hours of walking and the temperatures!). The beer in the square was absolute nectar, not to mention the pizza, after a week of dry food which really were only calories, and I do love my food!
Lots of funny stories - particularly on the long march, that I'll leave for another time!
Off to a dinner with everyone in about 30 mins. It is going to be wonderful to be able to talk to everyone, being one on the tail end meant that I had no time to interact with others in the camp.
See you all very soon and thanks again for your wonderful support!!
08 March 2013 02:58 am (GMT) Greenwich Mean Time: Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London
Just walked from 8 o’clock yesterday to 8.30 this morning – 24.5 hours!!! two hours don’t count because they were rests. I’m utterly exhausted but elated
I have been crying my eyes out reading your comments, you are all so kind. Your comments have been the cherry to the cake today when I’m feeling really emotional. Was it hard? Yes, it was the hardest physical and mental challenge I’ve ever done, at one point at 3 am I was swinging from side to side in the track and if I looked at the floor it felt like it was coming towards me. But there was also a lot of laughter, companionship joy, enjoyment and beauty around me, in fact it was those things that keep you going. Of course the blisters were painful, if fact I added a few more to my collection but after of those hours of walking over salt flats and sand dunes you don’t know any longer what part of you hurts more, your hip or your back or your legs or your blisters and yet every bit of it is absolutely worth it. The desert is beautiful in a very harsh kind of way, the resilience of everyone around me, their zest for life and challenges inspiring. I so hope that completing the challenge – there will only be less than 20 km of the 250 to do tomorrow and I am determined to finish them even if I have to crawled all the way – will help raise more money to support the amazing work Macmillan does
Love to you all and thanks again for all your amazing support
xxxxxxxxx
Comments: Total (9) comments
Fiona Manson
Posted On: 10 Mar 2013 03:44 pm
Blanca, you are such a heroine! I thought your long bike ride last year when you and Amaya spent a night with us was amazing but this is absolutely incredible! I have a huge amount of admiration for you, your never-ending smie and your wonderful philosophy of life! Ever onwards and upwards and our most heartfelt congratulations! Fiona, John, Kirsten and Morgan, Maoutens Cambres d'Hôtes
mariaje barandiaran
Posted On: 09 Mar 2013 06:00 pm
Uau! No me lo puedo creer. Tremendo! MUXU ERRALDOIA, Inañi eta Mariaje
Ramón Alejandro
Posted On: 09 Mar 2013 01:50 pm
Ya estas en la última etapa! La de ayer ha tenido que ser dura....estoy con los padres de Ane y Koldo en Zaragoza contándoles tu aventura. Ánimo que esto está hecho....
Juliet Bouverie
Posted On: 09 Mar 2013 12:16 pm
Dear Blanca - you are quite incredible. I'm sitting in the Forest of Dean, it's wet and cold, and I feel such a wimp! I do not know how you have managed to keep going. You have done by far the worst, you are going to finish, and you will rightly feel so proud of yourself. What a lifetime achievement! I'm in awe. Juliet xx
Jackie Phillips
Posted On: 09 Mar 2013 10:57 am
Blanca, where did you get the energy to write never mind think this?! I have no doubt you will complete this last leg with the biggest smile and remain an inspiration to us all. Look forward to the finish line....Jackie x
Wendy Graham
Posted On: 09 Mar 2013 10:51 am
Blanca, A moment hasn't passed by when I have not thought of you nor a single conversation without admiration of all you have achieved. Pride and admiration is in full force. I can safely say the word 'amazing' has now reached a new level. You are such a star and what I especially adore is that I know you'll have one of those super duper smiles on your face. You truely are such a huge inspiration. The last few miles must feel daunting, but we all know its in your grasp. Keep going, everyone is thinking of you, love Wendy x
Ali Sanders
Posted On: 09 Mar 2013 09:11 am
Hi Blanca. I've been lying in bed reading your blog this morning while you're half way round the world facing this incredible challenge. And knowing you, you'll still be smiling. I hope the final stretch is not too unbearable and that the sense of achievement outweighs the pain. You are truly inspirational. Love Ali x
Steven Wibberley
Posted On: 09 Mar 2013 09:00 am
Blanca – this is so incredible. I have been getting the email alerts and following your progress every day. What a star! Steven x
Wendy Glaze
Posted On: 09 Mar 2013 07:44 am
Oh B, not sure I'll be able to relate to you normally again; too star-struck! Also run out of adjectives to describe the enormity of your feat and your spirit. Allowing for the time difference, it should be 3.30 our time this afternoon when finally, triumphantly, you cross that finish line! Counting the hours and the minutes. And BTW, we're dedicating a Wild Wild West to you at Hilda's tonight. Very much love, xxx
06 March 2013 03:51 am (GMT) Greenwich Mean Time: Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London
Hi to everyone from Blanca – this is Jennifer writing for my heroine. As I write Blanca is out there with a smile for everyone. Last night she came in as dusk was falling at 8pm – she had been out there for 12hours in blistering heat – and it was reckoned to be the toughest day of the whole race. The terrain was brutal and 8kms from camp there was an incredibly step soft sand dune – so steep that you had to use your hands and the sand was baking, then in the last 200 yards to the camp there was another 100 yard dune at 45 degrees – a real killer, but Blanca made it – and very much hopes she will have the strength today to read some of your lovely messages, but she is unlikely to getin much before 8pm. Then she will need to attend to her feet, get out her sleeping pad, eat a meal of noodles and possibly mizu soup, before piling intp her sleeping bag, hoping there are’nt too many stones under the canvas tent floor.
I wish I was still out there with Blanca – she and I were to have done this together, sadly I collapsed on day 2 twenty into the race. The day had started so well with multiple river crossings going down this stunning canyon, then it got tougher and tougher- a long slow, hot ascent followed by a steep descent down a sand dune. Blanca was going strong but it just all became too much for me and the doctor pulled me out. But Bancais going for both of us – going for Macmillan Cancer Support – our inspiration and .motivation.
More from Blanca later
Comments: Total (29) comments
Carol Ackroyd
Posted On: 09 Mar 2013 12:16 am
Blanca, now we know you can walk along crumbling salt flats and up mountains of shifting sand for 24 hrs and 70km. What a feat for International Women's Day 2013. Only one more marathon to go - you will fly it. Very much love and congratulations - including from Liz'nFin who are here for the WoW festival weekend (complete with Fin's broken arm). all my love
Carol xxx
Annie Mannion
Posted On: 08 Mar 2013 04:15 pm
Hope you're coping ok, Blanca, and well done on even attempting it, Jennifer. What a feat both of you - keep going and well done well done well done! Annie
Jackie Phillips
Posted On: 08 Mar 2013 04:06 pm
Blanca, just seen that you have completed Stage 5. There are no words left in all these blogs to describe how utterly fantastic this is and how amazing. My goodness, what a woman. Best for tomorrow, thinking of you. A lot! Jackie x
Willie Turnbull
Posted On: 08 Mar 2013 04:04 pm
Blanca, have just seen your time for stage 5...just over 24 hours! One more stage to go. You do this and I will pay for our outstanding dinner date at Fratelli Sarti! You are amazing. besos x
Carina Wainstein
Posted On: 08 Mar 2013 03:56 pm
Vamos Blanca!!!!! Que genia la carta que me llevaste en los ojos del salar..Ya tenes la carrera! Te espero el sábado en la llegada!!! Fuerza campeona!!Carina , esposa de Francisco Somoza
Ramón Alejandro
Posted On: 08 Mar 2013 03:26 pm
Ãnimo ! Qué esto se acaba....te falta una etapa más. CuÃdate mucho y cuida a la Gurú
Kath Moore
Posted On: 08 Mar 2013 01:48 pm
Happy International Women's Day Blanca! You are a total inspiration to us all! You are just amazing and soooo nearly there! Really looking forward to seeing your pictures and hearing all about it when you get back. Kath xx
Soco Fernandez
Posted On: 08 Mar 2013 01:28 pm
Entre la admiración y la envidia tengo la seguridad absoluta de que lo conseguirás porque la fortaleza no solo está en las piernas.
No olvides llenar la retina de imágenes inolvidables y escribir tu personal cuaderno de travesia.
Montón de besos
Soco
Anna Leibowitz
Posted On: 08 Mar 2013 11:26 am
I always knew you were crazy Blanca, and now I have the proof! And here I am always complaining because the radiator by my desk is always sweltering and you are doing all that in blistering (literally) heat! Hope you packed enough plasters (if not nick them from someone else's back pack!) I don't know how you do it - but you are doing brilliantly, so keep going. How apt that I am sending you this message on International Women's Day - you are indeed an inspiration. Take care Anna x
Binkie Glaze
Posted On: 08 Mar 2013 08:36 am
There's no mention of sticks to fetch or balls to throw....or other dogs to chase and not catch me. Maybe its ok that I didn't go with you after all. But Oxleas Woods next week Ok?
Wag wag wag wag xx
Carol Ackroyd
Posted On: 08 Mar 2013 08:02 am
Still trekking you amazing woman! I'm off to the WoW Festival now and will bring you with me. You can't kill the spirit, she is like a mountain, old and strong, she goes on and on....love and kisses xxx carol
Dagmar Kattler
Posted On: 08 Mar 2013 01:15 am
Blanca - I can't believe what challenges you are taking, it seems, in your stride! How brave, courageous and determined! I am sooo proud of you! You are fantastic! Here is to your will and spirit! And now you are nearly there, I guess you will just keep going. When you are back, I will take you out - for a 5 hour stroll, perhaps? :-) xxx
Dorothy Duffy
Posted On: 07 Mar 2013 11:07 pm
Your poor wee feet Blanca. I can't imagine how you're managing those blisters walking that distance every day. The dunes sounded really challenging I'm needing a lie down with two paracetamol just reading about them. We're all missing you, thinking of you all the time. Dorothy xx
Shan Veillard-Thomas
Posted On: 07 Mar 2013 10:23 pm
Congratulations, Blanca. You are doing so well. We are so proud of you and admire you so much. Take care. Much love, Avril and Shan
Melissa Naughton
Posted On: 07 Mar 2013 07:50 pm
wow keep going blanca your doing great. Looking forward to the photos :-) almost there no. Jane, Vikki and I were reading the blog today and thinking you and Jennifer were amazing for doing the challenge. all the best on the last few days see you when your back mel
Jackie Phillips
Posted On: 07 Mar 2013 05:39 pm
Dear Blanca, thinking of you on the hardest stage of all - two marathons consecutively overnight. We're willing you on, and just think about your walks from Kings Cross to Charlton...just to another lamp-post...just to another lamppost...is that helping? Nah, probably not! Here's to this last bit and to a celebration at the end...wish I was there with you and Jeffa, what a fantastic team Macmillan. You're brilliantly wonderful.
Jackie (Macmillan)
Tere Barrenetxea
Posted On: 07 Mar 2013 05:30 pm
Txuri Txapeldun!
Deseando que coincidamos aquí o allí para que nos cuentes con pelos y señales esta formidable aventura.
Muxuak
Simran Bell
Posted On: 07 Mar 2013 02:44 pm
Dear Blanca,
You really are an inspiration.
I watched a documentary once of James Cracknell taking part in the Marathon Des Sables and I know your trip is very similar. I watched him in absolute amazement complete it and I’m sure you will do the same.
I cannot believe your sheer courage to take part! I hope your good spirit, sense of humour and lovely smile stay strong throughout your trip.
I am rooting for you every day.
Sim xxx
Clara Avery
Posted On: 07 Mar 2013 02:28 pm
Eres la mujer mas valiente que conozco (contando mi madre que tambien me da miedo y besazos). Te mando fuerza y animos Blanca! Clara xx
Clara Avery
Posted On: 07 Mar 2013 02:28 pm
Eres la mujer mas valiente que conozco (contando mi madre que tambien me da miedo y besazos). Te mando fuerza y animos Blanca! Clara xx
Simon Phillips
Posted On: 07 Mar 2013 02:21 pm
Wow Blanca all those bonkers walks to work and back are clearly paying off .. you are an inspiration to us .. all thinking of you here and immensely proud of what you are doing for people affected by cancer, very best wishes Simon
Fernando Grisales
Posted On: 07 Mar 2013 02:20 pm
Go Blanca Go!!! Oye que bien que le está yendo, aquí estoy pensando en ti, y en esa fuerza y convicción que tienes, eres una persona increíble. Rezaré para que tengas harta energía en tu expedición. Eso suena horroroso, el terreno y el calor. Cuando vuelvas definitivamente te mereces un Passion Fruit Coctel. Mucha mucha suerte. Un abrazo. Nando. xx
Kay Nichols
Posted On: 07 Mar 2013 02:19 pm
Blanca you are truly amazing and such an inspiration to us all. Its a real privilege to have you as my friend and can't wait to see you, the photo's and hear all about your's and Jennifer's adventure. Jennifer I don't know you (hope to meet you sometime), but I am in awe of your determination and your support of Macmillan, please look after Blanca for us!!!
Maureen Rutter
Posted On: 07 Mar 2013 01:48 pm
Admiration and respect winging it's way to you. To know that you are doing this challenge to help people facing the challenge of cancer makes me so proud you're part of Team Macmillan. You may be bonkers but you're brilliant too! X
Wendy Graham
Posted On: 07 Mar 2013 12:52 pm
To Blanca and Jennifer
The two of you are really such an amazing team!
Blanca, I'm so immensely proud of you. I am having a little cry now as I am so full of pride and admiration of what you are achieving. Of course I know you’ve always challenged yourself, but wow, I really didn't appreciate just what you were tackling in this instance. The description from you both has me wide eyed and open mouthed – not pretty!
Jennifer, thanks so very much for the update. You may be disappointed about being pulled out, but my goodness what a difference you have made and are continuing to make. Raising awareness and money for Macmillan and supporting Blanca - I cannot find the words to express the depth of my gratitude.
Keep going Blanca! We're with you in spirit.
Wendy x
Ana Santos
Posted On: 07 Mar 2013 12:32 pm
Blanca que mujer increíble eres!! Fantástico lo que has conquistado. Muchisima fuerza para la última etapa. Cuidate y nos vemos pronto!! Un abrazo
Wendy Glaze
Posted On: 07 Mar 2013 08:58 am
OMG Blanca! The trials you\'ve come through and those that await... Feeling immensely proud and in awe of your positivity and strength. It was SO good to read your blog. You\'re nearly there love. Mind those blisters xxxx
Wendy Glaze
Posted On: 07 Mar 2013 08:45 am
Hi Jennifer. Thank you for giving us this update & insight into Blanca's day/evening.What a very punishing schedule... surprised she can manage the time & energy to read the blog comments, let alone write one herself. And we know you're disappointed to have had to withdraw but Blanca wouldn't be there if it wasn't for you and she'll thank you for that for the rest of her life. The value to Macmillan of this bonkers heroic endeavour is incalcuable. Jennifer, here's to your spirit & gumption!
Carol Ackroyd
Posted On: 07 Mar 2013 08:30 am
Blanca, you are just brilliant! Another 12 hrs battling dunes. Jennifer, many thanks for the posting with some of the grim detail & for being such a support to our friend(and others). Blanca has a way of focusing on the camerarderie & fabulous scenery tho' I think that's how she moves all the mountains in her life. Only 75 km to go now & lovely views - keep flying, gorgeous woman!
05 March 2013 04:05 am (GMT) Greenwich Mean Time: Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London
You are all amazing, today I managed to read all your comments
The first day when both Jennifer and I completed I was too over excited to write even though arrived with daylight. Ramon hice una foto con Ane en un canon alucinante que fijo que hubiera querido pararse a pintar! mercadillos en el desierto como que no estamos encontrando muchos.
The second day was hard and extremely hot with a huge sand dune and it was upsetting having to leave Jennifer behind, but I'm determined to carry the flag until the end. The scenery is breathtaking but the going is hard. The second and third day I was 12 hours on the trail and each day had a little surprise in store for us, yesterday was a huge dune to arrive at camp after over 40 Km on the road and huge amounts of walking on sand that drains my energy away so it has very much been mind over matter (memories of Cotopaxi floded by!)
Today we had over 14 KM of salt flats - hot and inhospitable but very doable. Im getting slightly anxious about tomorrow, I have never walked that distance but you get lots of good advice from other people and your music Wendy is going to be priceless' I'm totally counting on it! as have been Wonnitas blister staff. My feet are absolutely covered in them!
The whole thing is fantastically organised and you feel really safe but it is quite humbling to see people being rehidrated with IV saline solution by the volunteer doctors at checkpoints. What I am finding extremely moving is the comradery and the small (and big) acts of kindness, I have been particularly moved by a lovely young woman who yesterday pored her drinking water over another competitor's head who was having a hard time. Today she saw someone struggling and gave them her walking sticks. The whole thing moved me to tears. She wasn't feeling too good later on today and a whole team just surrounded her in solidarity.
There are more than one challenge going on and I'm witnessing the one at the back but the amazing strengh of character of those at the front is inspiring.
I wont be able to read until Friday now but your messages mean the world to me. I feel really loved and supported. Thank you all they really are going to keep me going tomorrow. I"ll bore everyone with photos when I get back (one of the great advantages of being at the back is that I can stop to take photos!!)
Comments: Total (5) comments
Shan Veillard-Thomas
Posted On: 08 Mar 2013 11:23 pm
Well done Blanca, you're doing so well,and we are so impressed and proud of you. You're nearly there now. We're off to Hilda's tomorrow and will no doubt be talking about you. You'll have finished by then and will be feeling amazing. See you back in London. Much love Avril and Shan
Amaya Rutherford
Posted On: 08 Mar 2013 03:30 pm
Well done mum you really are doing an amazing job. It's so lovely to see you so happy in all the photos of you! Happy Women's day! Can't wait to hear all your stories and see the beautiful photos. As Ems said always talking about you and checking how you're getting on throughout the day. You really are an inspiring person. Love you lots and lots xxxx
Emma Rutherford
Posted On: 08 Mar 2013 08:36 am
Happy Women's Day mum! Sounds like you are doing amazingly well. Talking and thinking about you lots here, I am quite literally swelling with pride and very happy to see you smiling in all the photos. One last push, and you will push through. I can't wait to hear all about the journey, the people and the challenge and see all your photos.
Here and thinking of you every step of the way.
Love you Ex
jackie phillips
Posted On: 07 Mar 2013 11:01 am
Hola my friends, Blanca and Jennifer, what a team. The first and last thing I do every day now is to check your and Rebecca's blogs and see who is doing what! It is inspiring to think of you there, doing what you're doing for Macmillan Cancer Support. Well done on ALL you have achieved, for yourselves and for Macmillan. We're so very proud of you. Big day today so all good wishes. Jackie
mariaje barandiaran
Posted On: 07 Mar 2013 07:10 am
Tere y yo estuvimos hablando ayer orgullosas de tus hazañas. Ya queda menos. AURRERA, eta MUXU ERRALDOIA.
02 March 2013 02:58 am (GMT) Greenwich Mean Time: Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London
What a busy day we’ve had today! Early in the morning our equipment was checked, we were checked and finally bused to the desert. The landscape is incredible, we are in the middle of it and I can’t wait to see the stars tonight –I’m sure the skies are going o be one of the highlights of the trip. It is just something else to be surrounded by 148 other people rearing to go. We all have flags with the nationality of our countries of birth or origin, there is people here from all over the world and the comradery is great. It’s still a bit unbelievable that I am here, but I am and will be out there walking for hours tomorrow. I hope the cybertent is still open by the time I get to camp!
PS:If anyone from Macmillan reads this can you please tell Mike Hobday that I only have the allowance of one email or blog per day and have used it with this blog posting so can’t send him an email, it would be easier to communicate via the blog - thanks
Comments: Total (24) comments
Sharon Bolister
Posted On: 06 Mar 2013 02:58 pm
Well done so far Blanca, looks like you're doing great!
Good luck for the rest of the race from all of us at Runners Need :)
Wendy Glaze
Posted On: 06 Mar 2013 12:18 pm
'The infamous salt flats' Yikes! Phenomenal.... C'mon baby! xxx
Ramón Alejandro
Posted On: 06 Mar 2013 09:44 am
Que tal va todo ? Por lo que veo ya has hecho la mitad del recorrido.....guarda fuerzas para contarnos todo lo que has visto y lo que has sentido. Ánimo y cuídate mucho !
jackie phillips
Posted On: 06 Mar 2013 09:32 am
My goodness Blanca, you're getting quicker! How can that be possible.....totally amazing woman, keep 'er lit as they say!
Thinking of you, Jackie and Macmillan
Carol Ackroyd
Posted On: 06 Mar 2013 09:01 am
Yesterday : "... first 17 miles best described as running across a ploughed field with a salt crust and each step you don't know whether the crust will hold or you will sink ....". Today "The Infamous Salt Flats". Blanca, what amazing spirit you have my gorgeous friend - keep it up.
Kath Moore
Posted On: 06 Mar 2013 08:50 am
Half way there! Well done Blanca, we are all so proud of you! It sounds so tough but also really exhilarating and wonderful. Very best of luck with the next stages...
Shan Veillard-Thomas
Posted On: 06 Mar 2013 08:02 am
So you've completed Stage 3 and you are nearing the end. Can't imagine what you are feeling: exhilaration, sense of achievement, surely sore, stiff and very tired but we are all willing you on, with pride, admiration and love. Xxxx Avril and Shan
Wendy Glaze
Posted On: 06 Mar 2013 03:08 am
Oh B. Looks & sounds like your doing amazingly! You're smiling in every photo and looking strong. Reading other people's blogs to get a sense of the whole event and each stage as there hasn't been another installment from you yet. Sorry to read about Jennifer tho her niece is doing good. The comradeship must really be out of this world...bet you're lovin it! In your element,eh! Thinking of you constantly, mi burrita con valor, Besos xxxx
Kath Moore
Posted On: 05 Mar 2013 02:53 pm
Wow Blanca! You are amazing! From the photos it looks like such a difficult course. Very well done and good luck with the next stage...
Emma and Amaya Rutherford
Posted On: 05 Mar 2013 01:41 pm
Mum you are doing an amazing job, we are so proud of you. We noticed that Jennifer did not complete the second stage but you are not alone we are with you every step of the way. We are so proud and know you can do it step by step - pasito a pasito, como en el monte,
Te queremos muchisimo, muxus Ama,
E+Axxx
Jackie Phillips
Posted On: 05 Mar 2013 11:17 am
Blanca, good on you, day two done....you're doing great, and hope you're feeling great too. All best from here, JPx
lynda thomas
Posted On: 05 Mar 2013 10:59 am
Blanca - you are doing amazingly well. Keep going. We're all so proud of you. Lx
Carol Ackroyd
Posted On: 05 Mar 2013 09:39 am
I've just figured out how to follow the organisers\' comments on each stage & see you\'re getting a special mention. Very sorry to hear Jennifer had to withdraw, but 12.5 hrs in 36 degrees and arriving 1am sounds monstrously tough going. Keep us all with you gal - we\'re in the sand and the stars. xxx carol
Cuca y Luis Villas
Posted On: 05 Mar 2013 08:51 am
Amigos maños de Ane y Ramón te seguimos con pasión. Animo
mariaje barandiaran
Posted On: 05 Mar 2013 07:08 am
He visto que ayer no tuvisteis un buen dÃa. Espero os recupereis y podais cumplir vuestro sueño. Besarkada bat energiaz blai!
Mariaje Barandiaran
Posted On: 04 Mar 2013 09:26 pm
Ikurriña incluida? Aurrera, neskak. Harro dudan lagunarengatik. MUXUAK
Ramón Alejandro
Posted On: 04 Mar 2013 07:17 pm
Enhorabuena ! Ya llevas una etapa, aunque no se el tiempo que has hecho he visto que has llegado. Ahora a por la segunda.....mucho ánimo , mucha suerte y sobretodo cuídate mucho
Jackie Phillips
Posted On: 04 Mar 2013 03:56 pm
Great to hear from you Blanca. Saw your first day's time and hope you're feeling good about that. We're all very proud of you and I'll tell Mike about your message! Best, Jackie
Wendy Graham
Posted On: 04 Mar 2013 10:36 am
Thinking about you all the time and hoping those socks are doing a good job. You're a marvel Blanca, enjoy the stars and remember we're all thinking about you.
Wendy x
Shan Veillard-Thomas
Posted On: 04 Mar 2013 12:10 am
We are following you and wishing you the best of luck. Avril and Shan
Wendy Glaze
Posted On: 04 Mar 2013 12:02 am
See you've completed the first stage! Brilliant! Have a well-deserved rehydrated dinner now! Hope you're feeling OK B.xxx
Kath Moore
Posted On: 03 Mar 2013 09:15 pm
Hope your first day's gone really well Blanca. Thinking of you and wishing you strength, no blisters and plenty of stars!
Dagmar Kattler
Posted On: 03 Mar 2013 07:42 pm
All, and all the best!!
Carol Ackroyd
Posted On: 03 Mar 2013 03:29 pm
Do they weigh the flags before making you carry them? Hope you arrive at your day's resting point before you get to see the stars tomorrow.
01 March 2013 12:56 pm (GMT) Greenwich Mean Time: Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London
Today we are moving to the hotel we have been allocated and tomorrow will be a big day - checking of equipment, briefings and then in the evening off to the desert to spend the night in the first camp ready for the start on Sunday.
It has been brilliant being in San Pedro but I'm beginning to find it difficult to contain the impatience. After having packed and repacked a million times, counted calories and planned and replanned my meals, putting and extra dry food pack and taking two out of my pack, I finally decided enough was enough and closed the pack yesterday ready to go. Writing the blog is a way of resisting the temptation to open it again!!!
Mmmm temped to add to the pile the most delicious looking avocados and mangoes from the local supermarket for tomorrow night, make the best whilst I can. That's what I was thinking last night and then the thought of all those nomadic communities came to my mind, walking being their way of living. A humbling thought
I will try to write a last post before tomorro night, feel free to write comments!
It has been brilliant being in San Pedro but I'm beginning to find it difficult to contain the impatience. After having packed and repacked a million times, counted calories and planned and replanned my meals, putting and extra dry food pack and taking two out of my pack, I finally decided enough was enough and closed the pack yesterday ready to go. Writing the blog is a way of resisting the temptation to open it again!!!
Mmmm temped to add to the pile the most delicious looking avocados and mangoes from the local supermarket for tomorrow night, make the best whilst I can. That's what I was thinking last night and then the thought of all those nomadic communities came to my mind, walking being their way of living. A humbling thought
I will try to write a last post before tomorro night, feel free to write comments!
Comments: Total (4) comments
Ramon Alejandro
Posted On: 02 Mar 2013 05:34 pm
Muchos ánimos para mañana ! Yo estaré haciendo esquí de fondo con Ana por el valle de Benasque y nos acordaremos de ti. Tienes a mis 5 hermanas siguiendo el blog.... Cuídame a Ane en la travesía.... Bss
Carol Ackroyd
Posted On: 01 Mar 2013 07:39 pm
hope you enjoyed a great mango feast before you have to resort to dried broth - and hope you checked that your socks are scorpion-proof!
Willie Turnbull
Posted On: 01 Mar 2013 01:50 pm
It's me again! Just noticed that bib 124 Alastair Sayce is also doing this for Macmillan. You 3 should hook up for an Inspiring Millions photo opportunity.
Willie Turnbull
Posted On: 01 Mar 2013 01:37 pm
I know the feeling about the packing/unpacking cycle. Every time I go to Shipley it's the same! In fact the same goes for the nomads I see in Shipley although I've never seen mangos up there. I cannot imagine the nerves of excitement and dread that you must be going through. I think that would be enough of a high for me. Any bottles of vino hidden in your pack?
27 February 2013 02:11 am (GMT) Greenwich Mean Time: Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London
Day one was wonderfully lazy, San Pedro is an oasis in the midle of the desert and visiting the local museum full of artifacts that take you back thousands of years of human existence in the area. Sitting in the small square drinking juice and dreaming of making it to the end of the Crossing.
Brilliant walk on day two increadibly scenery of the osais, volcanoes and dunes. We even found some petroglyphs after quite a bit of searching amongst massive boulders.
Feeling good an positive. Bring it on!!
Feeling good an positive. Bring it on!!
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27 February 2013 02:11 am (GMT) Greenwich Mean Time: Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London
The big day arrived. Time to fly to Chile, I was so excited that I couldn't stand still, throughout the day I was showered with calls, emails and gifts from friends and loved ones, good wishes, cards, music, likes in my Facebook page. Small things that are big and make you feel supported, I felt such lucky woman!
The flight was great, amazing that you go to sleep in Europe and wake up the other side of the Atlantic! My mother came to Spain from Cuba in the 1930s and took two weeks on a boat - the world is definitely a smaller place. Santiago airport is chaotic and my check in baggage was lost, luckily I had all I needed with me in my hand luggage which kept in check my levels of stress and thank God my first language is Spanish so I could communicate and managed to get the pack put onto the next plane so all was well. Flying over the Andes from Sao Paolo to Santiago was awe inspiring, so much so that at times I forgot to breathe!
The flight from Santiago gave me a glimpse of the terrain I'd be walking in less than a week and also the most amazing turquoise blue lakes in the middle of and expanse of reds and ochres. I was meeting in Santiago with Jennifer and her sister Gillian but they had a bit of a problem in Santiago (check Jennifer Murray´s blog to read their account) and so ended up arriving to San Pedro before them and wandering around, soaking up the smells, noises, dust...
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27 February 2013 02:11 am (GMT) Greenwich Mean Time: Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London
From just being a name Atacama took over my life. I'm one of the walkers and the only way to get ready for it was walking and more walking; having a full time demanding job finding the hours wasn't easy. Luckily I work 8.5 miles (13.7 Km) from my workplace and this provided the perfect opportunity to get in the Km. For weeks every day I´d get up before dawn and walk to work and then walk back home. Some longs walks at weekends provided the cherry for the cake.
The next thing to worry about was finding out how it was doing the distance carrying a rucksack and here is were I will be eternally grateful to modern sport aids, I wanted the best so cost didn't come into it and that is why to load my rucksack I used the best organic flour from the health food shop, chick peas, beans and lentils from a Spanish shop, a couple of bags of sand and Lidl's best fizzy water. I don't know what I would have done without these technological advances!!!
And then, of course, getting the equipment ready was great fun. Just imagine a 54 year old woman poring over reviews of socks on a Saturday morning, agonizing over whether smartwool would be better than double skin socks and as I am an increadibly sharing person, my loved ones were bored stiff with my sock conversations, they became an obsession and I ended up spending a small fortune on socks!! and that was the socks, just imagine my approach to the rest of the long list of mandatory items!!
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Amaya Rutherford
Posted On: 27 Feb 2013 08:17 pm
This is very much true....the most interesting part is finding out that your blister pack is the heaviest park of your kit (at 210g)
27 February 2013 01:19 am (GMT) Greenwich Mean Time: Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London
I still can't believe I'm here, from cold London winter to warm San Pedro, only a few months ago Atacama was just the name of a desert in Chile and one day the opportunity to take part in the Crossing presented itself and it was just too tempting to let it pass. I get asked why I like to do 'epic' challenges like this one and all I can say is that somehow they make me feel good, they make me feel alive and happy.Pushing through physical and mental barriers give me an amazing feeling that I want to experience as much as possible and as I get older, the realisation that I can't take health and fitness for granted gives an added sense of urgency to experience as many adventures as I can possibly fit in.
As if having an adventure wasn't enough motive, the Atacama Crossing provides me with a golden opportunity to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support. Macmillan is a great charity working hard to improve the lives of everyone affected by cancer. I know this first hand as I work for their telephone helpline service and every day I witness the impact that cancer has in all aspects of people's lives: health finances, relationships and sense of self. But I also witness how cancer can become a real force for change in peoples lives. Some of the stories are deeply touching: stories for fear and courage, of hope and despair, stories of love and caring. On the Helpline, I would love us to be able to answer every call but the lines are so busy (we can take over 1000 calls per day) that sometimes people can't get through. The fundraising I'm doing will go to improving and extending this service. ]If anyone reading this blog feels inclined to give here is the link to my just giving page, please give whatever you can, even if it's a small amount (a couple of quid, a fiver, a tenner) - you'd be amazed how it all adds up and it will be so appreciated.
I also have a deeply personal reason, last year extremely suddenly, I lost one of my best friends, the peson with whom my love for mountains began when we were teenagers and I just didn't know how to honour our friendship´. Atamaca has given me the answer. Ane you are doing this walk with me!
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Mike Hobday
Posted On: 06 Mar 2013 04:24 pm
Found your personal email address! Hope you might be able to take a look after you've finished the endurance trial, and before Monday! Very best wishes.
Mike Hobday
Posted On: 01 Mar 2013 04:45 pm
Fantastic that you're doing this Blanca, really well done! Could you drop me an email? Many thanks
Ramón Alejandro
Posted On: 27 Feb 2013 01:13 pm
Txuri, veo que por fin has abierto el blog y me parece que soy el primero en dejarte un mensaje. Mucho ánimo y mucha suerte en tu aventura ! Si fueras con Ane tardarías bastantye más de 6 días ya que te obligaría a parar para pintar algún paisdaje y ver si había algún mercadillo por la zona... Besos
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Andy Rutherford
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beno y mariangeles family
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