The good news is that I today passed the 250 mile marker. The bad news is that after consulting with Norman I think that I am due a 250 mile service, and I am now taking a rest day tomorrow. Norman doesn’t think that the problems are too serious, just wear and tear on the shin muscles which are used to lift the foot up whilst walking. The strange thing is that walking downhill causes more of a problem to these muscles than does going uphill. He has prescribed ice packs every 2 hours and as much feet up as possible.
The stroll today started about 5 miles south of Cirencester (which looks to be a very pleasant town) and then took the White Way out of town reaching a little village Compton Abdale which is just south of the A40. The White Way is another Roman road and runs due north out of Cirencester. The weather was sunny and so I had the opportunity to audition as a human sundial. It was interesting to watch my shadow gradually move from the left to the right as the day progressed. I am however synchronised to Greenwich Mean Time, so that it was at 1.00pm that my shadow was pointing due north.
I am very pleased that the photo facility is now back in action and I will try to catch up on the best pictures from the last week. The first photo today shows Rod (who hosted me last night) and his sister Judith who carried out today’s taxi duties. Thanks very much to both of you. Also to Rod’s wife Jean who did not quite make the early morning start!
The second photo shows the proud and relieved moment when I left Cornwall, and entered Devon, after several days of walking up and down hills. I am with Terry so I assume that Steve took the photo.
You may remember that my lifetime bird list was 999. Well I am pleased to say I have reached 1000. The new species is Merlin which I saw hunting over Dartmoor. It was not until I returned home today that I had access to my records to show that I had not seen it before.
Today’s KBW’s are:-
Judith – Excellent transport and encouragement when walking was painful
Rod and Jean - Fantastic hosts with great food and hospitality
Norman – Physio advice and help
Two reminders. I would be delighted to read your comments and thoughts, so please post comments. The fundraising total has now exceeded £3,500 but I would be pleased to receive any more donations!
“People say that losing weight is no walk in the park. When I hear this I think, yes, that’s the problem” – Chris Adams
As tomorrow is now a rest day the next blog will be on Thursday.
Cheers
Keith
