Saturday May 8th, 08.15 hrs, weather: lousy!
My fundraising challenge to achieve 300,000 steps by the end of May is still on target, i.e. just under 10,000 (around three miles) per day. Because of Covid-19, organised sponsored walks are not allowed, thus, it was suggested that one way of supporting Christian Aid Week was for “volunteers” to “do their own thing”, choosing where they wished to walk each day. I was inspired to “have a go”, and up to now, “so far, so good”….only just! In the first seven days, Monday and Tuesday were so cool, wet and windy that only the most determined of people might brave the “January weather”… yes, we have endured some snow and lashings of hail!
By the end of the seventh of 31 days in May, I had clocked up 76,941 steps, around 27 miles, or, between 5 and 6 miles for each of the five days accomplished in this first week.
Only when it’s cold, wet and windy does this endeavour feels like punishment. And while never warm in this first week, there have been numerous opportunities to don the walking shoes and venture out without getting wet, and too cold.
Yesterday, Friday 7th May started bright and sunny, less wind than at the beginning of the week, and little likelihood of rain. After “dithering” for far too much time in the morning, I chose to drive out to Hurdlow and then decide in which direction to walk, so that returning to the car, the wind would be behind me. Thus, for the first time in a small number of years, I chose to walk against the northerly breezes towards Dowlow, one and a half miles distant, rather than my favourite two mile walk to Parsley Hay. I had chosen wisely; it felt like hard work walking to the site of the long since closed Dowlow Halt railway station, of which I can find no trace.
There were far fewer people on this section of the High Peak Trail. And eventually, the familiar sight of where this trail ends came into view.
There’s a bench where one can take rest and admire the surrounding countryside. I availed myself of this primitive but welcome facility before the far easier 1.5 miles walk back to the car. With the cool breeze behind me, it now felt like a very pleasant Spring day. The outline silhouette of one of my favourite eateries, The Royal Oak, soon manifested itself on the horizon. And as I approached, one could see through the trees, a splendid marquee from where the joyous sounds of conversation emanated. Being retired, and only “responsible for myself” I walked along a path, through some trees, and up a few steps. The Royal Oak was doing a roaring trade. However, they were able to accommodate me for a late lunch (by now it was around 4pm). And jolly good it was, too….just like the old days.
They were extremely busy, but nevertheless the meal I enjoyed was up to their usual very high standard, negating any benefit I might have derived from the short walk. I drove home quite pleased with myself and went for a further nocturnal stroll before going to bed at the disgusting hour of 1am. YouTube videos have a lot to answer for!
More news in the not too distant future. Thanks for reading, David, 09.36hrs 8/5/21
David's Cruise 