Today was always planned to be an easier
day. Rather than take a full rest day, after which we were concerned we would
find it hard to get going again, we decided to take two easier days over this
weekend. So our plan was to walk from our finishing point last night just south
of Salisbury to a place called Kings Somborne – a distance of around 16 miles.
It was another beautiful day and we were
joined on the walk by my nephew Matt, and later after lunch our son Jacob came
and walked with us. As we had a shorter distance to walk and all on lanes and
footpaths we did not have anyone to drive the support truck today but shuttled
the vehicles between our start and end points.
With Matt and Jacob Double
In many ways it was a quiet and uneventful
day. We crossed over into Hampshire, our 6th county. The going was
pretty easy and we were able to enjoy a long lunch and still finish the distance
by 5pm.
Crossing into Hampshire
The biggest challenge remains the condition
of our feet. Both Anne and I have developed some serious blisters that make
walking very painful. We are trying all of the various methods of easing them
but they seem to be developing new ones quicker than the old ones heal. Still
we hope a longer rest tonight and tomorrow morning will give our feet some time
to recover. But whatever the case, we will press on!
My mother always told me I was heavy on my
feet, and indeed my footwear. Today I inspected my walking shoes to find they
are well and truly worn. Hopefully they will last the remainder of the walk.
My shoes are worn as well as my feet!
We are now only 80 miles from Westminster
which means we have reached the 2/3rds distance point. The end is very much in
sight and we are focused on completing the walk on schedule by Thursday. We
should enjoy favourable terrain all the way now as much of the remaining route
is along the Basingstoke Canal towpath. So we know it will be flat and even,
apart from the occasional lock.
Thanks once again for all your kind
messages of support and encouragement. They mean a great deal and do help keep
us motivated.
Tomorrow morning I am being interviewed
about the walk on the main stage at The Gathering, which is a Christian Men’s
Festival (I describe it as what church would be like if it was run by Top Gear)
in front of 1500 blokes. Then we will be back on the road after lunch.
And
of course if you haven’t yet donated, here is the link: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/doublesteve
