The practice walk.

As they boarded the ferry at Sandbanks ready to start the journey three sat knowing the road ahead would be hard and very tiresome. Meanwhile the fourth dashed about taking photographs unsuspecting of the frightful journey that was to come to pass.

After reaching the otherside they got their bearings and Louise tried to lift everyone's spirits by telling a tale of the loud couple downstairs and with sound effects described the orgasm noises heard the previous night, much to her embarrassment with the realisation that the man sitting in the toll booth had overheard only the graphic sound effects. This did indeed lift all spirits.


As the journey continued many perils were encountered including soft sand and giant puddles. In fact one puddle nearly engulfed Lisa as she squeeled whilst balancing on the small branch laid down as a bridge, but mercifully it allowed her across unscathed.


A brief respite was gained as the one of the benches outside a small café close to the edge of the beach was claimed and refreshments where readily consumed. The journey then continued, though with the sad sacrifice of a number of innocent sweets to the harsh sand.

The soft sand eventually surrendered to a more passable pathway, allowing the intrepid four to continue on with their daring trek towards their distant destination.

They followed the coast around, taking a break at the Old Harry Rocks for a further picture opportunity for the fourth before struggling on along the coastal path.

A momentary panic ensued just a short distance on, as the camera, with its all important collection of photos, went missing. Sam bravely worked her way back down the path ready to battle against the giant beetles in the long jungle grass to retrieve her stolen camera. Sam made her way back to the group unscathed and ready to continue.

Two bravely faced their fears as the path edged perilously close to the edge of the shear chalk cliffs, while the others admired the view. Another brief respite was taken before they started down hill, wary of their continued proximity to the edge of the cliffs.

Onwards they trekked, pausing only for a moment as they reached the start of the first set of stairs leading down the steep slope. Louise stumbled, as is typical, between sets of stairs, but otherwise the travellers continued undeterred finally having to resort to almost crawling up the final set of stairs that stood between them and the edge of Swanage.

Upon reaching the centre of Swanage the group paused to consider what they had accomplished thus far. Ice creams were purchased and Louise and Shona broke away to investigate the area and the next leg of the journey, leaving Lisa and Sam guarding the precious luggage. As Louise and Shona returned the travellers took up their loads and pushed on to the old rickety steam train which was to aid in the penultimate leg of the journey.

All four enjoyed the short break afforded to them during the journey on the steam railway, taking the opportunity to add a few more photos to the collection already stored on the camera.

Once away from the railway the four battled their weariness, making quick progress on to their final destination, the campsite which they would be calling home for the night. They arrived in good time and set about constructing their tents, side by side, under the harsh gazes of many of the children present.

With the tents up, the group headed out once more in search of a hearty meal. Creating their own pathway they worked their way across to the nearest village. After finding a suitable eatery under the shadow of the nearby castle ruins and satisfying their hunger they headed back toward the camp. But to their dismay the darkness had crept in and attempting to avoid injury from the monstrous vehicles passing at immense speeds they fought their way back only pausing to observe the growing numbers of ducks watching them pass. On the final leg of the journey Sam and Shona who were leading the way were almost engulfed by the rancid swamp but quickly reacted against its cold wet grip leaping to safety. Finally reaching the camp the four quickly sought the comfort and safety of their beds hoping for a peaceful night.

Barring an unwelcome disruption to their rest by late night revellers (who were easily put in their place by Lisa), the four slept fairly well, despite the harsh weather conditions outside the tents and the constant worry that said tents might blow away. Morning came and the tents remained in much the same state as they had been since successfully raised.

The four ate a hearty breakfast and then prepared to leave, packing (some better than others) away their meagre belongings and dismantling the tents.

Weary from the previous day’s walk they then set out to the closest village to find transport home and so their difficult journey ended, with the coming of the bus and the rain.