An easy day walking today in terms of distance, but several extended up and down hill sections that sap the energy in the early stages of this walk. I am sure that the leg muscles will only strengthen as the miles roll by. Came off the island on the second ferry ride in two days. This is a highly organized operation, on large vessels that seemed to be operating less than 25% full and yet offerinng 30 minute service this off-season. A fellow passenger informed me that the ferry company had just been purchased by the Australian teachers' pension fund. Sure that they will tighten things up.
Once again, spells of heavy rain. Apologize to readers if this seems to be the fixation of this long-distance walker, but it does seem to make the difference between a pleasant and a less than pleasant day. If it just poured non-stop it might be easier, instead of these alternating sunshine & downpours in 15 minute spurts.
Can’t, fail to notice just how effective the local authorities are in terms of charging revenue enhancing fees for just about any service. Parking is even charged in the supermarket parking lot, in the parks, anywhere except in your own homes driveway. What about a fee for using the sidewalk!?
While it may seem a little inconsequential, happy to inform all, that the REAL cup of tea is alive and well and living in England. No longer threepence a cup----more like 1.50 pounds at the corner restaurant. But have to say that it is a REAL cup of tea--full of flavour and almost intoxicating.
Portsmouth, population 455,000, referred to locally as ‘Pompey’, the only UK city that is surrounded by water on three sides. Home of the Royal Navy. Monuments to the Empire abound on almost every street corner. Unfortunately did not see today one of the nuclear submarines entering or leaving port.
Day #4 Portsmouth to Chichester.
A magnificent day for walking, bright sunshine all the way thru till 4.00pm, and then spoiled with a short shower. Luckily was able to dodge that while room hunting in Chichester.
Rode the last ferry for awhile today, crossing over from Portsmouth onto the small Isle of Hayling. A small pedestrian and bikes only affair the ferry that is!. Anyway, it was punctual & exactly on crossing schedule, plus I was allowed as 60+, to travel for only one pound (special price on Fridays!)
Certainly discovering the truism that the long-distance road walkers (of a certain age) day can be broken into three segments---#1 Euphoria and excitement, especially if the first 10 kms are completed, before 10am.. #2 Plodding mode for the next 10kms, as the legs mellow to the rhythm. #3 Painful. Just looking for the effort to cease and to locate a resting spot before the dark.
Pleasant rolling country-side, and several extensive forests just to the north of the coast known geographically as the ‘South Downs’. Interestingly, although this is meant to be a coastal walk, I have only seen the sea on two three occasions around the ferry crossings. This should remedy soon, as I move nearer to the famous coastal towns, just east of here.
Chichester is a real gem with much of the evidence of the Roman occupation still to be seen including the city wall. Those Italian guys even had the good sense to layout the city on a N, S, E & West grid system. Question: why was n’t the layout copied into the other British town designs, which are usually a maze of confusing turns and twists.
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