Awoke this morning Early this morning suffers from hot swollen feet all night and twitching legs. Thank you to everyone who has sent in advice about my feet. I can assure you that Priscilla could be a mobile pharmacy due to the amount of blister plasters and tape and other items I have.
I patched up my feet as best I could, but put more lightweight dressings on them and thin socks today. I’m trying to give my toes as much room as possible. I wore my trail shoes as there’s lots of walking on the road today.
I set off leaving Ann and Joanne to do the final departure checks on Priscilla.
Road, road, road and then a nice stretch of path lined with of autumnal trees and beautiful golden foliage on the floor. I love these colours they make me feel happy.
After about an hour and a half I stopped for a cup of tea and Ann and Joanne had brought me a roll and veggie sausage. What a treat. I took the opportunity to drop my bag and carried on walking on the military road.
What’s in Support crew? Basically I can’t do this trek without the support of people on the journey. Not only driving Priscilla but also providing me with tea, snacks, substantial food, warm greetings, the odd foot rub, and the occasional glass of gin and tonic or wine. Other tasks include refuel Priscilla, topping up the freshwater, emptying the waste and the toilet cassette and sorting out the gas, finding somewhere to park Priscilla overnight. Making sure I’ve got 50p for the shower. Doing the cheerleading at every stop. It’s no wonder they need wine in the evening!
The simplest route today from Strammer would’ve been to cut right across the Bay on the beach but when you look at the map, it’s fraught with danger signs so I assume that that means it’s quicksand or riptide or something of that nature and so I’ve had to do a massive diversion round by road.
There’s nothing quite like the smell of cattle and the associated dung, a smell that lingers in the air. Further on I spotted some llamas in a field very inquisitive cocking their heads up looking at me.
Finally off road and up on the cliffs. Unfortunately the path was overgrown and very wet and boggy and sharp bracken and brambles scratched my legs and did their best to trip me up, slowing my progress.
Finally tired, scratched and wet I arrived at the Cock Inn for lunch. Well we had to go there didn’t we.
All that was left was another 10 miles or so on the road! I was still walking as the sun was setting. I met the lovely Belinda and Ian and their three dogs and we had a nice chat.
The beautiful views of a setting sun burn themselves into your mind. It’s a time of calm, peace and contemplation.
The last 5 miles or so were in the dark. Just as well I have lots of high viz gear, flashing lights and head torches.
Finally after 9 hrs and 40 minutes after leaving Stranraer I made it to Port William where the unmistakable smell of a working fishing port greeted me! Ann and Joanne were at the ready with tea and gin and tonic!
Best bits: the setting sun
Worst bits: scratched legs and wet feet.
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