I am having trouble believing this myself. We visited beautiful Durham Cathedral, and Catherine asked me how I felt about climbing the 350 steps up to the top of the tower. I was not too worried about climbing up, but feared going down, which I always find more exacting on the knees and ankles.
Let me tell you that only a year ago, I would have politely declined! But I thought
What the heck? If I feel tired I’ll stop and go down before getting to the top.
It turned out easier than I had feared. I went up slowly, and in silence, while other people were panting just because they were climbing AND talking. And I went down slowly too.
The most difficult parts were when we were meeting people going up while we were going down or the other way round.
I must admit I am pretty proud of myself 
By the way, here’s evidence: I was there and so was Catherine
Incidentally, I will blog about meeting Peggy, Mrs K. and J., but it’ll have to wait till I get back to Normandy! I am sorting out photos, washing my laundry, and off to Vierzon in a couple of days, for a meeting with a college friend I haven’t seen in 39 years!
Good for you and Cathering.
I did not tell you about the fantastic views from the top of the tower. I did not want to encourage
you – but I might have guessed. Yes, its fantastic and yes its wonderful and so inspiring.
Miss you both – visit not long enough – in the words of the Scots ‘Haste ye back’.
Comment by Mrs K — August 14, 2008 @ 12:30 am |
WOW! The view is astounding! I know you are proud of yourself – as well you should be!
Comment by kenju — August 14, 2008 @ 12:42 am |
Congratulations! What an inspiring view — I’m sure it was worth the 350 steps.
Comment by martie — August 14, 2008 @ 12:59 am |
What a fantastic photo! I’m not surprised you were able to do the 350 steps, after all the exercise you have been doing you were ready for those steps!!
Your hard work paid off.
What a busy person you are these days, one trip after another and getting together with friends – wonderful!!
Enjoy
Comment by mildred garfield — August 14, 2008 @ 3:41 am |
Welcome back, Claude!!!! And you should be proud of yourself!!! What a magnificent view! Thanks for sharing!!!
Comment by Kay Dennison — August 14, 2008 @ 1:35 pm |
You definitely are the poster woman for Elderexercise, Claude, and your own determined spirit!
Comment by naomi dagen bloom — August 14, 2008 @ 5:08 pm |
Wonderful view! You must have been higher than the tops of those two towers? Quite an
achievement! Better than the Olympic Games…Can’t wait to read all your adventures and
meetings.
Following Autolycus in Paris at the moment. I’m lucky to have friends like you and him
for my cyber travels!!!
Comment by Claudia — August 14, 2008 @ 9:01 pm |
@ Mrs K. yes, you had mentioned the knocker but not the Tower, and climbing was well worth it!
@ Kenju and Martie, yes it was great. Thanks
@ Millie, yes, it’s been a busy summer, busier than usual, but quite enjoyable!
@ Kay, I’m always glad to leave and always glad to be back
@ Naomi, thanks, you are as good an elderexerciser as I am! (just made up another word!)
@ Claudia, yes, it was quite higher than these other two towers. I didn’t get dizzy though, it felt very safe, up there.
I hope you are still considering ElderExercise, September is coming
Comment by Claude — August 14, 2008 @ 11:43 pm |
“Just do it” they said!
Congratulations Claude, everybody’s proud of you!
Comment by jcfrog — August 16, 2008 @ 6:55 am |
That’s great, Claude. It looks like you were having good weather too. Next think you know you’ll be climbing up the stairs to the top of the Eiffel Tower!
Comment by Ken — August 16, 2008 @ 8:09 am |
That is IMPRESSIVE! And that goes for the view as well as your acheivement. Even in the days when i was relatively fit I couldn’t climb up towers – especially if it was a spiral staircase.
I bet you are really pleased with the results of your fitness campaign. Very well done!!
Comment by sablonneuse — August 17, 2008 @ 9:36 am |
Congratulations, Claude! All that walking is paying off! And the photo is spectacular.
Comment by wcs — August 18, 2008 @ 11:05 am |
Good for you! Reads like your getting yourself in good shape. Last time I climbed anything of
great height was in my youth. I had no trouble going up the fire tower, the view was fantastic,
but coming down the open-in-the-back steps was a bit much. I finally sat down and scooted from
step to step until I got much closer to the ground.
Comment by Joared — August 23, 2008 @ 2:08 am |
I can testify that Claude did it. She was not exhausted and glad to be up there. I was there too and could admire
the beautiful view. Travelling in the North of England was really a very enjoyable trip.
Comment by Catherine — August 23, 2008 @ 9:02 pm |