Day Twenty-One

 02/06/25 - Day Twenty-One


It thunder stormed again during the night. I woke at 23:15 to HEAVY rain, and flashes of lightning. I was so tired I hadn’t remembered consciously choosing to fall asleep, so I missed out on the full excitement of camping in a thunder storm, being too groggy for that. Not knowing whether your tent will hold up and being all cosy from the elements is a kick, that and being witness to the power of nature!

I’ve hit the three week mark! Feels like a lifetime ago that I left from my house with my family in tow - hell, it feels like a lifetime ago that I was staying with Anita, and that was only a few days back! Really good day today in spite of the weather, which, if anything, it made it better. The scenery turned to wooded hills, the drizzle and mist adding to the ambience. Plus, with over 1000m of elevation, the temperature drop was very welcome too.

I woke naturally at 5:45. Perfect, I needed an early start since my camp site was very bait. I packed away my inner tent separately as I’d somehow managed to keep it dry, but the rest was soaking. I did well on time and only saw one passer by cycle along. I was at the bakery by 8 o’clock and had a coffee while I figured out what I was doing. A big soggy day was ahead.

After 12 miles I stopped again at a bakery for a bite to eat, and to boost my morale as it had just started to rain more heavily and the big climbs were about to begin. Relishing the challenge I got stuck in, not without enjoying the scenery at the same time! After a monster 4.5 mile climb I felt unbeatable. I had tackled it topless, naturally, to bemused looks as it was still raining - better to get wet with water than wet with sweat was my logic. I stopped at Lidl to stock up on food and dry some of my kit out as best I could, while till sheltering from the rain.

The next section was bliss. Entering what I can only assume was some sort of national park, I stopped frequently to admire the views. I often find myself counting miles or regimenting when I will next stop, but there was no need for that today, I was very content ambling along. When the park ended and I entered the next big settlement, I spied an outdoor bouldering wall and couldn’t resist having a little play. The rock formations in the park had me wondering if they had ever been climbed, and for me in the mood.

It was 19:00 by the time I set off again in search of a camp. Nothing for a while so a stopped under a bridge to cook under some shelter. There looked a promising section ahead on google maps and besides I would be setting camp just as it was getting dark, so could afford a more obvious spot. 63+ miles, roughly 5000 calories eaten, 1000m elevation. BOSHHHHH.

Feeling and looking tired
Always a great way to start the day
Loving the change of scenery
Pre-climb snap

 

Sheltering from a downpour
Drying out, outside Lidl

 

 

Entering the national park!

 

Cowses

 

 

Endless cool rock formations

 

 

 

 

 

Go on then

 

Felt like a true vagabond

 

 

 

 

 

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