Best bits: Met lots of lovely people
Worst bits: aching and restless legs
Distance: 16 miles
I was exhausted last night so I slept well. I decided not to get up for the early bus but take the later one instead. I must have confused myself because I was up at the usual time but then found myself between buses 7:30 or 9:30! So it turned into a more leisurely morning than I had planned! Breakfast at McDonald’s.
Last night when I parked in McDonald’s, I reversed up into a space but unbeknown to me there was a mound of grass behind me. Although I was going slowly, I felt that bump and knew that I had gone too far. This morning I examined the prang. It could be worse not too much damage.
The weather forecast was for another lovely day so the shorts came out! However as I walked to the bus stop it was pretty cold and overcast with the weather app saying ’feels like’ temperature of only 3° and I began to question my decision!
The 120 bus goes to Kingswear Banjo and I wondered if there would be musical entertainment on arrival, ever the optimist!
Once off the bus at Kingswear, the Royal Naval College across the river at Dartmouth dominated the skyline. I once spent an interesting day there learning about military leadership methods and insignia on uniforms.
The steep uphill at the start of the day gave a flavour for what the rest of the day would be like. Every time I met people I would stop and chat which meant I was constantly being overtaken and then overtaking the same couple for quite a while.
These four chaps, Soyer, Neil, Paul and Barry, were walking the south West Coast path in chunks. We had a good chat about kit and logistics and I even got a hug. Then I was off again.
The terrain today was certainly undulating! With many steep ascents and descents and the path appeared to meander for no apparent reason. It certainly was a cardiovascular challenge.
The ups and downs continued well into the afternoon. Up on the hills and then down to sea level on beaches before going straight back up.
The view at Saint Mary’s Bay was quite spectacular. The sea was multicoloured.
I was feeling depleted as I arrived in Brixham so I popped into Ella‘s café and had a jacket potato with cheese and beans. I spent time chatting to Jo, Jackie and Haley.
I enjoyed looking at the  reflections of the houses and the boats in the harbour at Brixham.
The late afternoon was mainly on woodland paths, but these still had plenty of ups and downs and steps.  People at Broadsands Beach were making good their beachside huts I guess in readiness for the spring and summer.
A final set of steep steps brought me back to Paignton where I was glad to get in Priscilla and have a sit down.
After having something to eat, I jumped into bed and my legs started twitching and feeling restless. Clearly all those climbs and the long day yesterday have had an effect.
A couple of days ago I met a lady who described dealing with grief as it never goes away but the gaps between difficult moments get longer. I have been mulling this over and feel that I’m resonating with that. I’m still often caught out by the photo memories that pop up on my phone. However, I am now able to spend time looking at the photo book of the lovely photos of Angela and our friends and family we had at Angela’s funeral.
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