Day 7 Rockingham (Rutland Water) - Garthorpe

Today was a good day!  It could have been a really bad day as I started off tired and with a nasty set of blisters on both feet plus it was starting to rain.  However, with my feet thoroughly bandaged with Compeed (wonderful stuff), i reluctantly pulled the boots back on and started walking.  Ben had created a really nice route for me, off the main roads and through little villages.  I checked in with Ben on the phone as usual and turned my GPS on so he knew where I was at all times. After about 6 miles of steady walking (Ibuprofen came to the rescue yet again) i was making reasonable time.  With about 10 miles to make up on my schedule, i felt the pressure a bit today and decided to fill up on painkillers and really go for it.  The rain got more and more heavy and i started to trudge up a hill cursing the weather and wouldn't it be nice to just have a bit of a lucky break?! "All in the name of charity, I kept telling myself!"  Just as i was walking up a hill, i felt a car slow up behind me.  My heart sank a bit and I kept on walking hoping that it was just a local asking directions.  I couldn't believe it when i turned round - there was Ben!  He had driven all the way up from London (which i have to add at this point- is a VERY long way as i've walked it!) and surprised me.  I had no idea at all and it was just the most wonderful, morale boosting surprise.  My hero! We then walked through incessant rain all day- it didn't let up once and soon we were both soaked to the skin. It didn't dampen our spirits though and i ended up doing my longest day so far (approx 22 miles - in fact i might round it up to 23 as it makes me feel better) which I really didn't expect having looked at the state of my feet.  I now have the weekend to make up the rest of the time - here's hoping for better weather....