Froghall Sunday 17 May 2015
Start: Stafford
Finish: Froghall
Miles walked today: 21
Total miles: 397
Back to talking to myself today...
Ken and I shake hands and sort of hug - it's not really a bloke thing is it - and he marches off to the station. I think he had fun - I know I did :) I head out of Stafford to the north, still not sure of my route and destination. As I walk along the road leaving Stafford, I give my inaugural speech after being elected Prime Minister:
"... and the first parliamentary business will be to honour my election manifesto. A new law will be passed immediately whereby any driver who turns right at a mini roundabout without signalling will have their car impounded and crushed. They will be sent on a two year rehabilitative correction course at Milton Keynes..."
It could work :)
Lots of motorbikes roar past. They look like mean men and women, hells angels all, but they're probably stockbrokers from Esher.
The day comprises of some roads at the start and finish, a long section of the Stone Circles Way through meadows, and a disused railway into Cheadle. I encounter lots of cattle (I'm getting used to bullocks cavorting around me now), some sheep, a heron, and what could have been a buzzard.
Denise, a fellow driving instructor from Kent, has been advising me about cows. Her partner has a farm, and raises beef cattle. It seems that most of the bullocks I've encountered are likely to have been hand reared and are quite tame. They see humans and think "Food!" Denise also advises me to give cows with calves a wide berth. Will do!
Nigel and Rebecca both say that the cast iron posts on the canal bridges are for ropes to rub as horses pull barges through. Saves the brickwork. Ken and I still don't know what the planks at each bridge are for. They're usually housed in brick containers. A big thank you to Derek and Lynn for their support and donation:
"If Anon doesn't tell you, in those parts Slater's Smoked Porter will keep you going, & going, & going......."
Beer of the day: Peaksone's Oblivion - thanks Kenonymous! I also received a message from Steve, Ken's colleague:
"Could you help me to settle a bet with my work mate Ken, who I understand will be joining you this weekend on your walk. He tells me he doesn't regard anything less than 20 miles a day as a proper walk."
You obviously know Ken very well, Steve. If we include visits to the bar, we probably DID walk 20 miles each day ;) Thank you so much for your support and generosity.
Rain is forecast for the next day or two. Edale is my target, the start of the Pennine Way. It's too far for one day, so I'm going to do two relatively easy days. I think. I'm not going to worry about it tonight. It's too comfortable here at Hermiage Farm
