Steve went out of his way a lot to help me today.

For a start he relocated himself, midweek, to Appledore, when he’d normally be working in Bristol. He then kept an eye on my location and walked down the path to meet me, which was a welcome surprise. He then bought me an ice cream, went back to work while I walked some more, drove all the way to Instow to pick me up after I’d competed the Bideford section, and then made me a cup of tea and let me use his shower. All while working a full time job and juggling meetings. On top of all that he then let me stay at his house, took me out for dinner, and finally, we had a good catchup over a pint or two while a live folk band played at his local pub. He really went out of his way to look out for me and I was extremely grateful. I don’t think I particularly deserved that kindness.

But none of that even comes close to what he had to deal with when I got into his kitchen and took my boots off. Judging by the colour of his face I don’t think the odour could be described as pleasant. I’m not sure you’d even call it bearable. And I must admit that, now in a clean environment, the smell was actually offending me somewhat. I didn’t realise how bad things had got but I suppose wearing the same clothes for a month will make them pong a bit.

So, on top of all he did, he also managed to put my clothes, and especially my socks, through a wash and would get them dry by the morning. Yes, the boots needed to be sealed in a bag, for everyone’s wellbeing, but at least now my socks won’t be toxic anymore and things won’t be quite so bad for the last few nights in my tent.

Thank you Steve and sorry again about the smell.

They’re picking on me

I could tell I was hungry because the path was irritating me. Because of the rain over night and into the morning the ground was very wet and quite slippery. I think the tread on my boots has worn out as well because I slid a few times when trying to go down slopes and steps so I was trying to be careful. But also, the bushes that lined the path are quite overgrown and long twigs were often sticking out. This meant that I was having to contort my body to negotiate the path with my lower half while trying to avoid branches with my top. It wasn’t very comfortable and often I’d get hit in the head by a branch or scratched by some foliage.

The thing is, this wasn’t so different to a lot of the path, the change today was that I was hungry and thirsty and I didn’t have any supplies.

With hindsight I should have walked slightly further the day before to give me an easier walk into Westward Ho! but, at the time I’d found the camping spot, I was just relived to find somewhere and was worried there’d be nothing suitable further on, so made the best decision with the information I had.

It wasn’t too bad though. I’d only missed breakfast and was due in Westward Ho! – and more importantly a Tesco – by lunch time. My spirits were also lifted when I met a walker who shook my hard in advanced congratulation of my arrival in Minehead. A little premature but he seemed to be so pleased for me it gave me a nice little boost and made the last mile much easier.

Food, glorious food

By the time I got to the Tesco in Westward Ho! it was around 1pm so I was quite desperate for something to eat. Of course that meant that I bought far too much but I didn’t go as over the top as I have in the past so my rucksack wasn’t too heavy.

Luckily the weather had cheered up a lot now so I sat on a bench and ate my lunch – breakfast was official missed – and then headed around the outskirts of a golf course on my way to Appledore. Now feeling full of energy after my food.

I wasn’t sure if I should call at Steve’s house as I walked past, or should just call him when I’d finished walking for the day, but I didn’t have to make a decision as he’d been nice enough to walk the opposite way on the coast path to meet me. His timing, given the limited information he had, was perfect, and it felt so nice to be met like that. He even managed to get a photo of me as I came into view.

Plain sailing

I don’t know if it’s because I knew I had a bed for the night and a meal lined up, but the rest of the walk, from Bideford and then to Instow, was very easy.

I’m always fascinated by the abandoned ships just after Appledore – why are they there – but after that it’s not particularly interesting. It’s all flat though, half of it along the Tarka trail, so it’s easy to cover the miles. The only other negative being the path is mainly tarmac so quite hard on my feet. On balance though, a satisfying end to my walking day, and really looking forward to getting clean and having an evening with good company and not sleeping in a tent.