Finishing an End to End walk is no mean feat but to finish two in consecutive years is something special. More so, when you consider that shortly into his second walk he came to a dead stop with a crippling blister on the sole of his foot due to poorly fitting boots.
Now a lot of walkers, faced with this huge setback would have paused for a few nano-seconds, and then jumped on the quickest train home.
Not so our Daryl. He hunkered down in a nice B&B and rode out the perfect weather in the comfort of an armchair. As soon as he was newly shod in more appropriate footwear, and with his blister now only resembling a shell hole in the Somme, he headed out into the now appalling weather to head south.
After such a long lay-off, he couldn't afford many days off, and so just plodded on in some really foul weather. He still managed to take in some sights - he had an epic crossing of the Lake District, strangely managing to finish a very short horrid day in the pub and deciding to stay.
Daryl has found some magnificent support on his walk from other walkers and friends from his previous time here many years ago. But what we should remember is that this guy is made of the right stuff. Good old Grit and determination with a heady mix of blind faith and optimism that made his blog such an entertaining read.
Well done Daryl - This was a great walk - admittedly not to many of the Outdoor Bloggers' taste, as a lot was walked on roads - but I believe it was a great walk because of the people you met and the way you interacted with them.
Britain is not just about Landscape. What makes Britain a great place is our people. Daryl has the knack of bumping into people and unlocking what makes then tick and then getting it down on paper - his blog.
It was a Great Effort, Daryl (the capitals are important here!) and I thoroughly enjoyed your walk.
Hi Allan,
ReplyDeletethere's something about british accomodation that puzzles me very much. I've been reading Daryl May's LEJOG and JOGLE (and your LEJOG of course) and I really can't understand why some B&B's, pubs and hotels still excist. They seem to be refurbished in 1750, have the hospitality of a 10th century dungeon, serve food even a pig would throw up and look like they didn't survive a civil war. Simple economics say the owners can't be making any money out of them. Is it possible for you to shed some light on the matter ?
Theo
www.theosphotos.fotopic.net
Alan
ReplyDeleteHaving spent a day with Daryl (I even managed to coax him away from the A6 for a day!) and read the most entertaining narrative he put together - a Really Good Read ('The Capitals ar Important Here'!), I agree with everything you say. Daryl, you are a star, and welcome in the UK, which as you know has much fine hospitality, anytime. We look forward to your return.
Hi guys,
ReplyDeleteFirstly, MANY thanks to Alan. Not just for his generous words, and his own hospitality, but for pretty-well organizing a cheering section for me thru the kingdom. It made a big difference to my spirit and ultimately completing the hike. Neither he nor my other supporters had a thing to gain from being so nice.
I am not sure why the really crutty accom and food places survive. Is it because they cater to new customers all the time (as opposed to repeat customers)? It's really impossible to research a B&B ahead of time in all the ways that are meaningful. If the owner lies about smoking, central heating, and hot water . . . and you discover this after a 20-mile hike to his rural location, it's hard to go elsewhere.
Regards for now,
Daryl May