Kristen's Exercise Series: Dover

I'm no stranger to traipsing around Europe and seeking the highest points by climbing every tower possible. It's always a kick in the butt, but a fantastic way to see the best views on the cheap and tone up those glutes.

The tower of Europe have absolutely NOTHING on Dover. Three days later, I'm STILL sore. To allow you to have the best possible experience ever, I now present my own version of a work-out tape: how to be completely unprepared for Dover.

First, definitely dress like you are going sledding in Alaska in January. I wore a tank top, sweater, jacket, rain jacket, scarf, jeans, AND knee socks for good measure. That was about 2 layers too many; at one point I almost stripped down to my tank top - in 50 degree weather - just to get some relief.

Next, only have a vague understanding of Dover Castle. This was the first stop in our itinerary and I GUESS I knew in the back of my mind that it was at the top of a hill, but I didn't really stop to think about it.

Not only is it at the top of a hill, it has grabbed ALL the hills in England and carried them over to the Castle grounds to ensure you somehow always have another hill to climb up.

Then, despite having already had PTSD flashbacks to that time I decided to climb up the side of a steep hill and fell down INTO a marathon, go up any flight of stairs you find. Don't worry about what's at the top. You have a mission to complete! 

Mission accomplished. 

After utterly exhausting yourself at the Castle, go seek out those famous White Clifs you've heard so much about. But don't bring a map or anything - it will be much more fun to wander down to the beach and assume if you keep walking west you'll find it! 

Clearly, that is a terrible plan. Backtrack. Find a little sign that says "Gateway to the White Cliffs." That's GOTTA be it. 

Gird your loins for the most intense and inclined walk the world has ever seen. 

It starts out fine. You can see an old woman carrying a BACKPACK in front of you so if she can do it with that extra weight you can do it hopping on one leg! 

Okay. Flight of stairs. It's all good.

The final stretch and OH MY GOD. I know this picture doesn't really capture it, but I'm not even exaggerating when I say it was basically a 90 degree incline. This mother was STEEP! 

Finally - FINALLY - reach the top. It starts to become flatter...

You start to catch some glimpses of the Channel....

And suddenly, it was all worth it.

Go ahead and treat yo'self to a scone after. You earned it.