Week 4

Knowing that I had a shorter distance to cover today I clearly decided subconsciously to take an easier start to the morning. I struggled to get out of bed and even then everything seemed to take twice as long to sort out and pack. As I said, as the distance to be covered was shorter, I wasn’t too worried about it. Would I pay for this procrastination later? I guess we’ll see. Vicky laid on a cracking breakfast, one of the best fry-ups I’ve had so far, and full to the brim I grabbed my gear and settled up for the night. We chatted for a bit about why I was doing the walk and she very generously donated £5 of the night’s charge towards the charity. She was a really nice lady so if you ever find yourself in Cam, stay there. Oh hang on, it’s the only place to stay in Cam!

Painswick is definitely somewhere I’d like to visit again. The little stroll/hobble round last night didn’t really do the little place justice so I’d like to go back again some time. And the hotel, well, it was fantastic! Ok, you have to pay for it but again, it’s definitely somewhere I’d consider going for a quiet weekend away some time. Glad I decided that a little luxury was needed last night. It’s funny but sometimes when I’m absolutely exhausted I just can’t seem to get off to sleep. That happened last night. I was exhausted from the day’s walking and wiped out from getting the blog post written and updated, but do you think I could get off to sleep? Not bloody likely!

I didn’t realise when I booked the room at the Station Hotel that the bar downstairs turned into a bit of a club over the weekend and the noise from the sound system filtered up to my room without too much trouble. Knowing that I had the day off today I didn’t worry too much about not being able to get to sleep too early though so I watched some TV and then put my iPod on until I dozed off. It was early when I woke up and in my half asleep state I thought I could hear water dripping. Had I left a tap running last night? Was I hearing things? I switched on the light to investigate and after checking the bathroom I could indeed hear water dripping…in my room!

Not wanting to eat at the Station Hotel again, with their microwaved food, I thought I’d venture out last night to try and see if I could find somewhere nicer to dine out. I must admit, my stroll round town earlier hadn’t highlighted anywhere but I was hopeful that there had to be at least one restaurant worth going to in Gloucester. After walking the entire length of the high street and almost out of town I came across an Italian restaurant that looked as though I wouldn’t die from food poisoning the moment I stepped through the door. This being the best the place obviously had to offer I went in and had a very nice meal as it goes.

Two things seem to be running through most daily updates so far: the state of my feet and the fact that I don’t seem to be able to sleep. So, it won’t surprise you that I didn’t sleep too well again last night. To be honest, I’m surprised that I can keep on going by just about managing to get five hours sleep a night! Last night wasn’t any different and I went to bed tired and I woke up this morning tired. Not a good start with seventeen miles ahead of me. After the technology breakdown last night, which meant me not speaking with the girls, I had a lovely call from them this morning as I was getting myself ready, most unexpected. It was lovely to speak to them and they certainly put me in a good mood.

Another day, another walk, and to be honest I wasn’t looking forward to this one. I’ve not enjoyed the Severn Way that much over the last couple of days and the thought of having a similar walk today was not a pleasant one. One saving grace I guess was the fact that it wasn’t supposed to rain, but on the flip side of that it was going to get hot during the afternoon. I got up early in an effort to try and get on the road sooner rather than later and went down for breakfast, eventually hitting the trail around 8:40am, a whole ten minutes earlier than yesterday. I don’t know why it seems to be taking me so long to get ready in the morning these days?

After posting yesterday’s blog update, while watching trash TV, I remembered something from yesterday that I’d omitted from the update that is worthy of mention. Halfway through the final few miles to Bewdley I was walking along, listen to my iPod, when for some unknown reason I just said out loud “This is crazy!” and started to laugh, not able to stop myself. I just laughed and laughed and laughed, and if anyone had been around I think they might have thought I was a complete nut-job!?
I guess the sun might have gotten to me yesterday or something but looking back on it it is quite funny.