It’s raining

I woke up at around 4am to the sound of pouring rain. A bit confused initially as to where I was and then a little disappointed that I’d used a hotel. At least though I wouldn’t have to pack up in the rain be walking in it at 6am.

Down to breakfast for 7:30am and then back to the room to plaster up my feet and get walking again. Knee support back on. Many thanks to Emma for recommending that for my walk. I think it’s saved the day as when it’s not on, when I’m not walking, my knee is twinging quite a bit and with the support I have no pain.

The rain had virtually stopped by 8:30am so I decided to risk not using any wet weather gear. I was hoping it’d be quite refreshing.

I’ve taken a look at the next couple of days in terms of places to stay and there doesn’t seem to be any official camping so I think I’m going to have to wild camp for a while so I’m glad that I took the time to recharge here. It looked like a park run was being organised on the sea front based on all the high viz vests and runners – I should be a detective. I decided to give it a miss today though. Based on all the runners with various bits of taping I think it was probably a semi serious event.

The ferry

I think the only way to get past Exmouth is to use the ferry over the river Ex to Starcross or to get a train. You could walk to Topsham but then that’s another ferry and adds about 12 miles to the route. So I’m going to wait for the ferry. The first one though is at 10:40 and there’s no guarantee I’ll get on it. I’ll just turn up early. As it’s only 9am I think that’s a bit too early so I’ve gone for a hot chocolate and then I’ll try to get some supplies for the day.

I feel like Exmouth is holding me back a bit and it’s a little frustrating. Maybe better planning would have been an idea for this section. It’s getting me a bit down if I’m honest and my mind is not being kind to me at the moment.

Exmouth itself is actually really nice I think. Just not for me today. Loads of activity going on around the quay with people boating and surfing. Plus the running event. It’s looks like a great place to be.

I reckon the hot chocolate and hopefully a ferry ride will sort all that out. It’s still raining a bit but I’m finding it really refreshing. I think the ground needed it anyway as trying to push tent pegs in was becoming a struggle.

The way ahead

After I get the ferry I’m going to push on and see what happens. I can see the terrain ahead of me and I’m excited to get on with it. It made me laugh because the coastal path sort of disappeared into the sea.

I must also say, thanks so much for all the comments I’ve received. I’m so grateful and amazed that people are interested. It’s really made me feel good and I’m so lucky. Thank you.