A mixed second week.

I just typed up a whole blog, tried to publish and lost the lot... it feels like i'm back at work on AIS. Anyway i'll begin again. 

Apologies for not posting anything for two days but not a lot had been happening other than sleepless night due to the noise of the heavy rain, thunder and lightening. And oh yes... locking myself out of the motorhome! Picture this: 8.15am julie takes a trip to the toilet block (lucky i dressed and put trainers on), i returned and the camper was locked solid - keys, phone, purse on the inside, me on the outside. Us motorhomers trust our neighbours and leave the van unlocked, and normally Colin would be in the van, but not on this occassion - he was in Southampton. Who knew that unless you unlock the whole van (including the driver/passenger doors), the cabin door locks automatically when shut. Luckily the owner of the site rents a house to a locksmith. I was back in the van within 15minutes, just £60 poorer. Its impressive but scary to watch a locksmith pick a lock quickly and with such ease. Nice bloke though. 

Colin returned last night: 9hrs travelling from Southampton. I guess its still quicker than British Airways - he would still be at the terminal  (topical joke: i've been listening to the news). He had a great weekend. England beat South Africa by two runs: all very exciting. 

While Colin was away i mostly rested my foot: lots of cold compresses and massage. I also read my third book in two weeks: i love this career break. And i watched the day to day dynamics of individuals on a campsite: it takes all sorts. 

So today, after a slow morning we decided to do a bit of the coast path to clear Colins head and test my foot. We caught a bus to Mawgan Porth, its north of Newquay. Mawgan Porth itself is not attractive, but the bay is lovely and despite the weather: heavy cloud, the bay was busy with people in wet suites, body boarding. After a steep climb up to the cliff top the path rolled along: the ground was uneven which was a good test for my foot. Nice views. The path was busy. It didn't take long to walk the 2.75 miles to Watergate Bay. Watergate Bay is a 2 mile sandy beach popular for surfing, kite flying etc... Jamie Olivers first 'Fifteen' restaurant is located there (great views, ok food: went there a few years ago). The bay has also appeared in films/tv the most recent being in 2008. Echo beach was a daily soap opera, and Moving Wallpaper was a behind the scenes comedy following the making of the soap opera: intetesting concept, i think it only lasted for one season. 

Once we reachd Newquay (total walk about 6.5 miles) we didn't hang around, and returned to the campsite. 

Fitbit records: 24,204 steps, 10.6 miles and 121 flights of stairs. 

Its been a disappointing second week. The ongoing problem with my extensor tendons means that we've walked only 23.75miles of the path. And logistics / poor bus service means we have missed out at least 5 stages. It is because of this that completing the 630 miles of the SWCP is no longer realistic in the time i have available. Of course its disappointing but i always knew it was a big challange. 

However a wise man once said: 

“Success is not final. Failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts.” ~Winston Churchill

Therefore i'll continue to walk the path, but rather than a 'frog' march around the coast (the eight week programme was full on and relentless), the pace can be more leisurely.  Without the pressure i can really enjoy the delights of the path, and limp along at my own pace. (According to Dr Google, without complete, sustained rest my tendons will probably continue to be a problem: i'll carry on with pain relief and cold compress). 

This week we plan to complete the section between Padstow and Newquay (breaking it into 3 days instead of 2 - one completed today), before starting Newquay to St Ives. The foot felt ok today so fingers crossed. 

Just because the plan has changed: no longer a  battle against time and miles, i'll continue to do a daily blog. I'm enjoying sharing my life with  you. It would be good if you can find the time to dip in and check my progress, or leave a comment for me. 

Photo's from today show the lovely beaches and a man deep in thought (probably about what's for tea).