PS

Before dinner last night I went out and bought some shoe polish and gave my boots a good clean. My grey socks had begun to wear out during the last day, making the soles and heels of my feet a tiny bit sore, so I used them now as boot rags and walked into the plush dining room with a clear conscience!

Well from 11.30am on Monday June 23rd until 2.30pm on Thursday July 3rd is 10days and 3hours

190 / 10.125 = 18.8miles/day (average)

The longest day was 28½miles. This astonished me, for I had at no time tried to break any records - just plodded along. And the only time I "stepped on the gas" - was when I was arriving at the "Lion Inn" before 2pm.

      Transport
    £33.00
    Food and drink
    £25.00
      Camps
    £2.00
      Total
    £60.00
In trying to analyse the reasons for doing this - or any other Long Distance Walk, I reached the simple conclusion that the main reason was that I like doing it. There are probably minor motives such as the need for recognition and the need to prove that I am not dead yet! But, above all, I love to plod across the lovely landscapes of Britain, with the simple aim of reaching a pre-determined goal, enjoying the air, the exercise and the wonderful freedom from all the multifarious complications of civilised human society. Nothing and - being by myself - nobody matters, and, with the goal far away ahead, one is not beset by the illusion and futility of life - on is not just waiting for death. The day before I started walking, I had the beginnings of a very nasty cold. My left knee was full of rheumatism and uncertainty and I felt as if I could hardly walk a mile. I had no sooner set off than these physical debilities vanished completely and I heard and felt no more of them until after I arrived back.

Since returning my mind has been full of pleasant memories and the book itself which I am re-reading, is of absorbing interest. I have dried out and re-packed the tent and given the sleeping bag a good airing and packed it away again, and soon I expect, I shall be choosing my next Long Distance route and looking forward to it with delightful anticipation!

© Melvin Daly 1997

 <<Back