I am now 40! As a result my very generous friends and family have given me lots of walking gear to make my South Downs Way walk possible in May. I now have a decent all season sleeping bag, self inflating roll mat, some meals, gas and even a fold up hat! A while ago my wife who spends a fare amount of time in charity shops, found this huge 70 litre rucksack for just £5!
I was also given some money so have bought some walking clothes and a new toy... a Garmin Etrex 10. This basic GPS device is used by many a walker and Geocacher and provides information about location, distance traveled, speed and can follow a plotted route telling me how far and how long until the next plotted way point which will of course be the campsites I will be staying at. I'm not sure if knowing how near or far I am to my destination each day and how long it will take will inspire me to keep going or make me want to phone for a taxi. We shall see!
I am planning a practice walk on Monday with all of my gear. This should give me an idea of how my dodgy knee and aging walking boots bear up after 20 miles
I'm aware that this is all very boring and nerdy but thinking and planning for this trip is doing a good job of taking my mind of some very stressful days at work.
“Stand at the crossroads and look;
ask for the ancient paths,
ask where the good way is, and walk in it,
and you will find rest for your souls."
Small world. My brother Dave & I are walking the Winchester to Amberley half of the South Downs Way over 5 days from 9-14 May; we did the other half a couple of years back. We're not roughing it though - every walk ends near a pub. Daily routes distance range between 12 and 7 miles.
ReplyDeleteSounds lovely! I like the idea of ending at a pub. I think my walk will be mostly tea-total. I did contemplate taking some home brew with me but i thought that lugging heavy beer bottles along would appear a little desperate! I hope your walk goes well and inspires more poetry!
ReplyDelete