True, Rod would also be intermittently absent, but John and Hazel had grasped the nettle and John was volunteered to lead the following week (29th) He did so, but for the more prescient and sensitive of WAGS, subtle signs of impending misadventures became apparent. First Hazel reported a 'sprained' foot and cried off the walk, leaving John without his guide and mentor. The starter cafe was in mourning and caffeine levels dropped to an unprecedented low. Need I go on - Yves and the gleaming white tennis shoes - Ingrid's loan of inadequate socks - all nicely recounted in yet another blog by John HERE.
Following the electronic Whatsapp trail, (which is also good exercise), Yves co-opted Dina into a conspiracy to ease the minds of Rod and Paul across La Manche, into thinking that everything was in hand for the 5th June. A learned discussion on the benefits of both internal and external application of Arnica ensued and there were at least 3 birthdays that week, not all of which were covered. A couple of ads for innovative footwear appeared, no doubt inspired by Yves painful experience on 29th.
Yves having announced his proposed walk from Fontes de Estombar to Silves (c 14 km - above my Pay Grade), the apologies came thick and fast - Anthony - work commitments!!; Chris and Antje - standard Wednesday Hospital appointment and neck pain; Hazel podal incapacity; Ingrid - resting on her laurels: and then Yves cancelled the walk as Catherine had an accident and Yves was in full Carer. Mode.
Nevertheless as the season draws to a warmish close, it seemed a good idea at the time. I may yet do a statistical summary of the season when we finally give up, but we probably have a couple of weeks left in us.
We are seasoned walkers, our walking season is never over!!
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