Day 16 - All Change on The Dyke

 

 Out of the previous 15 days on the march, I'd walked 14 of them all on my lonesome. I've never had a problem with my own company but, to be honest, I had run out of things to talk to myself about. I'd simply heard all my old stories before. Additionally, the last two or three days had felt a little bit like days I had to get through to reach 'proper' walking country: Sunday, in particular, had proved hard going and my right foot was showing the evidence.

So, it was really refreshing this morning to take my first steps of the trip on Offa's Dyke, with Andrew Hill by my side. It wasn't long before we were climbing high above Chepstow and then on to some great views of Tintern Abbey. There were intermittent showers aligned with bright sunshine throughout the day but a lot of the walk was in woodland, so we were well protected. After Tintern, we walked alongside the River Wye, where Andrew was particularly effusive about opportunities for catching pike. If he had had his fishing gear with him, I doubt we would have ever reached Monmouth.

We had another successful link up for lunch in the van by Bigsweir Bridge, which left us with just 7 miles to walk in the afternoon. Offa's Dyke is a beautiful walking trail but isn't afraid to take you up and down - the last climb to The Kymin was particularly taxing. We finally crossed the Wye to Monmouth: all the day's walking had been just to the east of the Wye and, therefore, in England. Tomorrow, we head further west (and northwards) towards Pandy so we are most certainly on the Welsh side of the Dyke.

Birdwise, encounters were less frequent than expected. We did establish that one issue I have is my failing eyesight. Andrew would point out something in a distant tree - I could barely see the tree. Ironically, checking my emails tonight, Boots advise me I am due a sight test. I'm sure that will reinvigorate my ornithological career. We did see some chaffinches, though, as well as the occasional buzzard.

The final change of the day is the return of Nurse Suzanne to replace Temporary Carer Phil. Phil has set standards I have quickly become accustomed to - basically, I walk, he does everything else. Suzanne may claim she is used to that already. Anyway, my little toe is her first challenge. I cannot thank Phil enough for his assistance and company over the last week. Makes great sandwiches, keeps your footwear spick and span, brews up before you've even asked - and the things he can do with a dirty shower tray.

That said, what a great pleasure to be reunited with Suzanne for the next four days. She is already in my good books for getting me a mention on the Radcliffe and Maconie 6 Music show on Sunday morning. As a regular listener, it was a particularly emotional moment. They played Twistin' The Night Away by Sam Cooke, so I have a good reason to put these snake hips back out on the dance floor when this walking business is finished.

A good day rounded off by Suzanne's excellent rainbow shot after a late evening downpour.