Day 48 – Schooner has company

Monksilver to Winsford. 16.22 miles, 2,956ft of elevation, 34,395 steps

I had left this part of the navigation and planning to Richard (Thick) during my melt down In Cardiff. And he has planned how to get to Barnstaple by Wednesday. Being a recruit of the year at the London HAC (Honourable Artillery Corp – old bean, for those not in the know!!) I felt I was in safe hands.

I had thought I had lost weight but then Thick turns up and I realise I still have a long way to go…. Along with Richard came his dog Pipi (a long haired viszla). Great company for Schooner and he quickly forgot about the long walk in his excitement of having a friend and they played and ran all day….

We have skirted, and toyed with Exmoor today walking along the Coleridge way, through tiny villages like Roadwater (lovely cottages), Kingsbridge (with a very interesting pub sign for their local ‘The valiant solider’ – built along the lines of scrap heap challenge from recycled farm machinery and a dodgy paint. We eventually went up on to the moors to a trig point at Lype hill. As is normal. We were in a cloud and so had no view.

As Thick was leading the charge, we actually finished quite early and have had time to relax, have a bath (not together) and catch up on some emails.

It is sad to see that the typhoon in Japan has led to a number of casualties and the flood damage from such heavy rain has been widespread. What an amazing response from the rugby team and such a fantastic result to bring some happiness in amongst the difficulties.

For me, a log fire again, sleep for the dogs and not long now until I see the coast and a real sense of nearing the end. Mixed feelings. I will miss the fresh air, the walking, the people and the enormous sense of purpose. My feet however will definitely be pleased to have a rest.