The final day. That was yesterday. I had planned on writing this when I got home last night, but, as might be expected, I was rather tired and anything I wrote probably wouldn’t have made a lot of sense. That is, of course, on the understanding that what I normally write makes sense.
So I started off the day by popping over to Tescos for lunch and then taking a prearranged taxi to Foxton Locks. As I got out of the car in the bottom car park, I hoped that the biggest trial of the day would be timing my walk so I arrived not too early and not too late back at Bridge 61. This largely turned out to be the case.
It was already fairly warm, even though it was only ten o’clock, and there was hardly anyone around as I took the photo to mark the beginning of day 14. I then set off along the canal and over the first few fields to Gumley – another delightful village that I didn’t have enough time to explore. The Round then encounters some rather sudden uppy downy bits (unsurprising really, as that’s why Foxton Locks is there). First there was a descent to the base of Smeeton Hill, before the climb up the said Smeeton Hill. At the top there was a bench on which a tired walker could rest and take in the view, a bench dedicated to a Mary Hodgkin. After taking in the view of Saddington Reservoir, and more harvesting in progress, I proceeded down the hill in preparation to go back up another hill to Saddington. From there, the going was slightly more level, albeit slightly less interesting. I lunched in Shearsby again, carefully planning my departure time so that I’d arrive back just on time.
On the return journey I met up with Spencer, Sally, Andrew, Helen & Adele & Tom in Gumley, when they’d managed to find their way to where I was. I’m glad to say that we timed it to perfection – returning to Foxton Locks at just about bang on three o’clock to a fantastic reception by family and friends. I was especially touched by a banner my niece Cyan had designed (with a little help from Megan).
Now, twenty-four hours later, I’ve had time to a) catch up on the washing up, b) tidy the house, c) get some shopping done for the coming return to work, but perhaps most importantly, d) do not very much. So, it is over. But, I think there are still a lot of things I need to, would like to pick up on in my blog. As the thoughts percolate through my mind, I’ll post again.I’ll also start thinking about what the next challenge might be.
