Author: davidscruise

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

Thursday May 6th

I have not got up yet; it’s 9 am after a somewhat lousy sleep. But yesterday was different, not like this morning…

Up to the end of yesterday, I had achieved 53,733 steps over three of the first five days of my month long challenge for Christian Aid. On Monday, a cold wind blew and the iced rain fell like stair rods, with just one very brief dry spell in the evening when I strolled merely to the end of the Lane.

Roger, my neighbour over the road was due for lunch on Wednesday, and I had given up on any idea of walking this week while the weather forecasts were so discouraging. But, yesterday, there was no howling of the wind from outside. The skies were initially clear; all I needed to do was to dress up warmly and set off to anywhere I wished. A two mile circuit of the “estate” would suffice for the morning, as clouds of all shapes and sizes would gather (and look quite attractive and a little dramatic). I was home in plenty of time to prepare my now “famous” spaghetti bolognese.

For once, I was keen to go walking, and we drove towards the village of Chelmorton before leaving the car at a suitable location and setting off along a well defined footpath (which soon terminated) towards another village, Monyash, perhaps two miles distant.

Roger has an impressive understanding of where we are exploring. It wasn’t long before I was being told that we were in what was once a thriving lead mining area which would have looked vastly different from the tranquil pastures we were now walking through. Apparently lead is in parallel seams, and mined from bell-shafts, which from the air, appear as parallel lines.

Eventually, after accessing numerous fields via a similar number of awkward styles to clamber over, we reached the outskirts of Monyash, sadly too late for an al fresco cup of tea in a still biting wind. It was, by now, after 5 pm.

This walk, perhaps a little less than four miles, afforded the most spectacular panoramic views of the undulating landscape for most of the way, whether from the fields we traversed or from the road which I chose as an easier but longer alternative route back to where we had left the car.

These walks are not spectacularly long, but in themselves are spectacular in the views and panoramic vistas they offer.

There is no howling of the wind outside this morning; I should be able to maintain my schedule, even if it is still like this outside..

Many thanks for reading, David, 09.59, May 6th 2021.

This is getting complicated! Allow me to explain the incomprehensible numbering that heads each blog. “The Days” represent the number of days since arriving back from South America, at the end of March 2020, straight into the 1st Lockdown, when I decided to write fairly frequently about how I dealt with the Covid 19 situation. The second numbers, e.g. 3/31are the days in May 2021 that I am walking to raise money for Christian Aid Week. As mentioned, the suggested target is 300,000 steps (around 108 miles) up to the end of May 2021. In the interests not only of contributing to, and raising funds for Christian Aid, I felt that taking up this challenge would be beneficial as far as my health was concerned! The final figure, e.g 20,367 are the total steps recorded that day. To achieve this aim, I need to walk 10,000 steps for thirty days. Right now, I’m ahead!

Most days, I will write a short, usually illustrated, blog, with a summary of the progress to date. And, if any readers wish to support me, I would be enormously grateful. You may reply to this blog, e.g. via the comments. I have set up a Crowdfunding site with further details to follow shortly.

Many thanks for reading, David, 10.24 hrs 3/31. (3/5/21)

The northerly breeze was behind me most of the way from Hurdlow from where I set off at 11.42hrs.  It took me around 50 minutes to reach my first destination just over two miles distant. While there were numerous people enjoying the freedom of a Bank Holiday weekend, even one or two on horseback, but mainly on bicycles, the atmosphere was one of holiday friendliness. I enjoyed my day, as did everybody else. A ketchup soaked sausage bap and decaffeinated latte at Parsley Hay was most welcome before the walk back to Hurdlow.

Parsley Hay 12.33hrs

In the evening, I went for a small stroll from home, partially around the estate, not very far! I felt as if I had earned the rest of the evening in front of the “telly” mainly enjoying YouTube videos.

Thanks for reading David 09.50 Monday 3rd May.

And outside, it feels more like February.

There was little to write about during this last week, apart from the growing awareness of the tragedy overtaking India’s peoples with the rapid, overwhelming, and fatal consequences of the coronavirus pandemic. Our revered prime minister was facing awkward and highly public scrutiny over the over-budget cost of refurbishing his accommodation, and William and Kate were celebrating their 10th wedding anniversary.

Yesterday, my sister called because 30th April was the 4th anniversary of my being carted off to hospital (from St. John’s Church, no less) with what turned out to be a heart attack. The joys of a quadruple bypass operation would follow around ten days later. And although I managed to go around the world “joining the dots” by sea, train and bus, on four separate journeys, some of which did include some flying, it wasn’t until August 2020 that I felt completely recovered from the surgery of three years previously.

Towards the beginning of April, I learned of a socially distanced, and covid-friendly fund raiser for Christian Aid, suggesting the challenge of achieving 300,000 steps by the end of May. I did assume this to take place during May, i.e. a little under 10,000 steps, or just short of 4 miles each day. Immediately, I tried this out over a few days in April, learning that already some people had begun the challenge. My aim is to attempt this in May, having already achieved 142,661 steps since April 11th. I have made brief mention of this in recent blogs. Yesterday, I visited the Parish Office where appropriate guidance and paperwork were issued. I shall also set up a Crowd Funding page for what will be my first Christian Aid personal fundraising efforts since 1972, apart, that is, from delivering and collecting envelopes previously while living in Buxton. Watch this space….

Today, May 1st although cool outside, is not too breezy. Increasingly leadened skies threaten a possible downpour. Day 1 of my fundraising efforts are a stroll along the High Peak Trail from Hurdlow to Parsley Hay and back, just over four miles for the round-trip.

My intention is to give a brief daily update on my blog page. Your support and encouragement will be much appreciated!

Very best wishes, and thanks for reading,

David, “Day 1” 1/5/21, 11.11hrs.

The blog previous to the “gas leak” pictures has been ammended slightly and can be found via Google on http://www.davidscruise.wordpress.com

I forgot to mention that a gas leak was reported at the end of the Lane. The pictures below “say it all”

It may not sound all that impressive, but, on Thursday, I was congratulating myself for having recorded 24,647 steps, a little over over 8 miles.  Returning home from Hurdlow, Parsley Hay and beyond, having rested for an hour or so, and its being still light as darkness falls progressively later, there was nothing to stop me setting off again. A gentle stroll along the section of former railway visible from where I live, was the order of Thursday evening. The pictures below act as a reminder of that evening’s wanderings.

Yesterday (Friday), and just as I had anticipated, my energy levels felt depleted. It was still dry and bright outside, but also on the cool side, but, with what felt like some effort, I still just managed to achieve my modest step target. My energy levels felt depleted on Saturday also. Still dry but cool, my lunchtime walk took me past the Parks Inn where I enjoyed a most delicious Cajun chicken and rice luncheon. Walking home was an effort, but by even-tide, I felt rejuvenated and walked a two mile circuit.

Sunday evening 25/4/21, 21.42hrs.

I attended church this morning and enjoyed coffee afterwards in the rather cool grounds of the Pavilion Gardens. I had hoped to walk to church, but my complicated Sunday morning routine was disturbed and I just couldn’t get my act together. It had also turned even colder, so I probably would have driven down anyway.

Roger, “over the road” prepared a delicious Chinese style lunch, following which I was introduced to yet more of the local and lovely countryside on a three mile walk.

After a “brew” and biscuits at my place, the rest of Sunday was spent “chilling out”.

Tomorrow sees the start of another week, and hopefully the usual continuance of cataloging, decluttering and reorganising. The week will fly by even more quickly than last week, and soon, I will be documenting the next weekend.

Many thanks for reading, David 22.37hrs Sunday 25th April 2021.

Day 388, 22/4/21, Parsley Hay Refreshment Area.

My last blog hinted at a very slight intention of attempting to walk almost a third of a million steps during the 31 days of May, in aid of Christian Aid.  And, if I had maintained the amount of walking I carried out over a seven day period last week, in theory, I would be well ahead of schedule, only taking one day off during that period. Today, after “four days off”, I am enjoying the cool spring sunshine savouring a decaf latte and a sausage bap having walked to Parsley Hay from Hurdlow, a little over two miles.  The plan is to continue to Newhaven Tunnel before walking back to Hurdlow…lunch now having been taken care of.

On Sunday, the plan to walk to church didn’t materialise after “over-sleeping” after not the best of nights.  Bishop Jack took the morning Eucharist in his usual elegant and meaningful manner, with an appropriate and thoughtful tribute to the late Duke of Edinburgh.  Coffee in the Pavilion Gardens afterwards made for a most pleasant Sunday, but the desire to maintain my walking schedule evaded me!  Annoyingly, I had left the phone at home and thus couldn’t maintain any record of my efforts.

On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, I remained at or very near home, enjoying the sunshine in my garden or from the newly cleared out back bedroom.

Today, Thursday, while asleep and dreaming of bidding for Ken Dodd’s credit card sized I.D. on eBay, such a preposterous subject of my shallow slumber was disturbed by the very real sound of my nearby phone, waking me up at  9 am.  I wasn’t pleased!   However, I may well now trawl the internet for some real Doddy memorabilia!  Outside, the sky was azure blue, the distant countryside inviting.  I read a chapter from the Old Testament before getting up, and after breakfast, being now able to do more or less as I like, dropped the roof of my red car for the brief drive out to Hurdlow.  The two mile + walk south to Parsley Hay was accomplished in around forty minutes, against a slight cool breeze from the south.  Temptation got the better of me at Parsley Hay where I enjoyed a snack and coffee.  Refreshed, I shall now head towards Newhaven Tunnel before turning around and walking to Hurdlow with the breeze behind me. (13.30hrs)

14.40 hrs Parsley Hay

Time for another break.  The Tissington and High Peak Trails are busy today. It seems that the world, his wife and kids all had the same idea as me. Throughout, I have been passed by numerous cyclists, not surprising as this is a cycle trail. The long since deceased directors of the London and North Western Railway must be turning in their graves at the enormous number of people walking and cycling along what was once their business, which with three inconveniently timed passenger trains each way between Buxton and Ashbourne was probably never going to be a gold mine.  However, as a freight route, I understand that the amount of traffic was prolific, both minerals and agricultural. The small amount of original publicity material in my collection does suggest the high hopes the L.N.W.R. had for the railway prior to its introduction.

Now for the walk back to Hurdlow, whose station (I believe) closed in 1949.

Thanks for reading, David, 15.36hrs Parsley Hay.

Saturday 17th April, 16.48hrs.

It may have been frustratingly cold this week, but, we have been blessed with dry and bright weather with vivid blue skies with impressive cloud formations and dramatic sunsets. Walking has been a pleasure albeit needing the occasional rescue by bus or taxi. Nevertheless, I am covering more distance since last being on holiday.

The second Covid inoculation might have left me lethargic on Thursday, but I feel lethargic on most days! My neighbour over the road had planned a decent walk on Friday, but the after effects of his second jab were much more prominent. After lunch, we did revisit the High Peak Trail between Hurdlow and Parsley Hay walking about a third of the distance. The undulating vista of rolling hills looked fresh and wonderful beneath the Spring sunshine. I went for a further walk locally as the sun retreated behind distant hills, comfortably exceeding my (modest) 7,500 steps target. I am contemplating achieving 300,000 during May as part of a Christian Aid fund raiser.

Today is one of those which will (for sad reasons) will be remembered for a long time to come, The Funeral of H.R.H. The Duke of Edinburgh. Following a National minute’s silence, and following extensive T.V. pre funeral coverage, the Service was relayed from St. George’s Chapel, Windsor. On B.B.C. 1, much of the morning had been taken up with related programmes. But, it was too nice to stay in doors. The Parks Inn, round the corner had set up a barbecue which negated the need to cook. I was welcomed back!

I then returned home to watch the Funeral which I felt was extraordinarily elegant, dignified and in perfect taste. Yes, I was “moved”.

Warmer weather is forecast for the rest of the weekend and the start of a new week, and perhaps a feasibility study into 10,000 steps a day (during May) in aid of Christian Aid!

Many thanks for reading, David, 17.40hrs