What an exciting few weeks it has been!
Ann Flintham and I have a plan. To walk the Thames Path. Not sure how long it’s going to take, but we’re determined to give it a go. And so, nearly three weeks ago, we started. First leg: from the Thames Source, near Kempton, to Cricklade.
The guide book talks about a ‘leisurely 12 and half mile walk’ in one day. Ha! Creaking with a groin injury and a tendinopathy of the hamstring, I tentatively suggested to Ann that we split the distance over the three days ….. please? She was in agreement. Phew! ‘Oh, yes, lets take it easy!’ she declared. And off we went – in search of water!
I promised I wouldn’t tell, but then, getting lost is all part of life’s rich tapestry, isn’t it? That first day, we had a wonderful walk – probably a couple of more miles than we wanted however, but we blamed it on the cows.
We weren’t keen on getting close to the cows, so we circled them and found we’d circled the walk too……. Ah, well, the exercise did us good but, you know? That gazebo didn’t half look familiar…… was it the same one we’d already passed? Erm….maybe….. hehe.
However, there wasn’t much water to be found – either at the source or for the first 7 or so miles. Didn’t stop our cheesy grins, though! We were having fun.
The sun shone and it was very warm…. but we relished it, and the next day we walked on in search of water and found some in Ashton Keynes. A teeny bit in the river and, of course, some in the pub….
We discovered the Cotswold Sculpture Park nearby too, so we spent a wonderful hour or so in the afternoon wandering around in, what turned out to be, an extensive display of excellent art. One of my favourites was entitled, ‘Bottoms Up!’.
On the last day we made it to Cricklade, which we thought was absolutely charming. The weather had continued to be scorching hot so, at the end of the walk, we fell into the cool of the local church, Saint Sampson, with relief.
The Buildings Manager happened to be there and the casual question of, “Can you tell me about this stained glass window, please?” turned into a full-blown guided tour. Fabulous. Loved it. Lucky us.
Next leg? End of August – we’re setting off again – Cricklade to Lechlade. Hotel’s booked. Physiotherapy is booked. And cheesy grins and sun cream (or a waterproof?) are at the ready. Whoop! Whoop!
A wonderful weekend with George and Sue followed. They met me at Lavender Hall’s Dragon Lake at lunchtime on the Saturday, where I was trying out my open water swimming again – this time under tuition. It was lush. Had a brilliant swim in gorgeous weather. More cheesy grins.
Moira joined us for supper that evening and we all went to the Jubilee Centre to watch the latest Bridget Jones film, which most of us thoroughly enjoyed.
Given that I was zooming off on my silent retreat on the Monday, I gave up my theatre trip to Kilworth with the Centre Stage crew, originally planned on Sunday afternoon, in preference for a lazy afternoon with George and Sue. As always, they are wonderful company and just what was needed after the exertions of the week!
And then, the Retreat. Everyone – and I mean, everyone – had laughed or been amused at the idea. A Silent Retreat? “You’ll never manage it, Anne!” they said. Well, I did. And I loved it. Such an experience that I’d like to do it again.
I learned a lot about meditation; loads of theology that I had had no clue about; met some amazing people – yes, we were allowed to talk in small groups occasionally, and also in the large group – there were 36 of us – at the end of the day; and I really enjoyed the lovely grounds and buildings of Launde Abbey to wander in.
I didn’t come home with a cheesy grin – more of a calm smile, which disappointingly, has been moved on this week by the frustrations of the bank, who think that everyone (including you) is a fraudster and not to be trusted at all so that you can’t get your money out without shedding blood, sweat and tears. Bankers!
On the bright side, we did sell Mum’s house at last, so that’s one less feeling of responsibility. Might allow myself a cheesy grin about that in due course.
All for now folks. God bless.