Her sixth Forces March #TheFM18

I'm on a train to Barnstaple, excited on the ride.
I've packed my tent and sleeping bag, my trainers by my side. (Running)
I'll get a lift to Ilfracombe with Phill, in his big beast, (Landrover)
And join my Forces March family for an epic Gurkha feast.

The morning has arrived, and we've packed up all our gear, (Tents n' that)
Down to the start and briefing as the time is drawing near. (139 miles)
The glow of orange hi-viz files it's way down to the start,
Town Cryer rings his bell and yells, as we do then depart. (And they're off...)

Coombe Martin is our first of many places to hydrate,
And upwards, onwards, never-ending hills that are our fate. (never-ending story)
Counties change and we press on to Exmoor and the heat,
The Beech hedge road goes on and on it's really hard to beat. (Yawn)

Then down a track and past a farm, the old familiar route,
And into Westermill we ran, this campsite is a beaut! (Showers)
The worn, tired and broken came back in, not all with smiles, (Blisters)
The Forces March is challenging over hard and hilly miles.

Day two, and dawn brings hope that it's a slightly easier day, (yeah, right!)
The tents are down and breakfast had, then we are on our way. (Indigestion)
Damp and foggy lost our views along to fifteen miles,
Then rain appeared to cool us down and bring much needed smiles. (And cold fingers)

A lovely lass called Sophie joined us for the final lanes,
Our constant random chatter helped us to forget the rain. (Poor Rob)
A steam train was our next stop and we followed down the track,
Down to Crowcombe Heathfield Station, and a little cakey snack. (What? No bread pudding?)

The damp continued through the night but didn't get us down, (Too tired to worry)
In the games room for some drink and chat, you couldn't see a frown. (Scary stories)
And so to sleep, perchance to dream, and wake up fully rested,
Tomorrow brings us Crowcombe Hill, on which, we will be tested! (I loves it I do)

'She'll be coming round the mountain when she comes,
She'll be coming round the mountain when she comes,
She'll be coming round the mountain,
Coming round the mountain,
Coming round the mountain when she comes!'

I love this hill, it's mean and high, a challenge at it's best,
But get it done and at the top you do deserve a rest. (Or a pee behind a bush)
The views of Quantock common are a treat that you have earnt,
A hill is always worth the view, a lesson I have learnt. (I love the hills!)

The day is long, the toughest yet, and so we slow the pace, (Tired)
The Forces March, a challenge, but it's really not a race. (Yep, very tired)
Eventually, we see the end, at Somerton we camp,
And yet more rain falls over night, we start our next day damp. (moist intents)

A poignant start, and memories of friends and family past,
Those happy times and fun we shared, those happy thoughts will last.
I love day four, the pretty route, there's Castle Cary too, (Trains)
That's where we stop for pasties, and a pub stop for the loo! (Make use of a sit down when you can)

More ups and downs and cyclists pass us by the place of cheese, (Wyke)
And down the hill to Bruton plodding on with style and ease. (Classy)
A country lane and wooded hill, we're almost at the end,
Or so we think, but the road continues on around another bend. (Stay classy)

So, into Maiden Bradley and we dance over the line,
A shower and a cup of tea, yes, we are feeling fine. (Oblivious)
It's party night, a chance to celebrate what we've achieved. (And stroke puppies)
And some of us have done so much better than we had believed. (Streak anyone?)

Day five, and we are running faster than we've done all week,
To be injury-free and finish well's the only thing we seek. (And not to get hit by a coach)
We're near the end, another Forces March is almost done, (Sad)
An awesome week, friends old and new, we certainly had fun. (Always)

We skipped across the finish line, another year complete,
When all were back, we gathered, to award this epic feat. (Thanks everyone)
The presentation over, and we had to say farewell, (Even sadder)
Another Forces March has finished, but there's many tales to tell! (What happens on The Forces March.......)

The Forces March is a challenge set up by The Veterans Charity no. 1123149 to raise money to help Veterans of all conflicts who have fallen on hard times, had health and home issues. Whatever the issue The Veterans Charity will try to help where possible. No red tape, just good old fashioned help.
The money raised from this event all goes to help those Veterans and every penny counts.
You can donate via the following link to my Burgh Island swim fundraising page
virginmoneygiving.com/debbiedoesdevon
Thankyou for reading.