Tales From The Downs

After last weeks rather heavy subject matter, I thought I'd lighten the mood with a happy recollection of the Cancer Research UK charity walk undertaken seven months ago.
When three friends and myself succesfully completed the trek of the entire length of The South Downs Way, we agreed to abide to the principle of 'what goes on tour, stays on tour'...but I must confess that a few private stories have since leaked out amongst our closest friends!
Some tales will forever stay with us only, but there are a few instances which can be shared here today, which wouldn't offend any of us, and hopefully will raise a few laughs. Don't worry Curph, Chappers & Oakers...some secrets I'm taking to the grave! Lol.
The other purpose of this blog is to start a campaign for Chappers to pull his finger out and sort out the video footage of our experiences! ~ but more about that later...

I previously gave an account of our trek in the blog entitled, 'Taken To The Limit' in my 'Ramblin' Man!' series, which can be found in the archives on the right hand margin under my complete profile.
That piece was written in the immediate aftermath of the event, when emotions were still running high...and our bodies were still getting over the shock of walking over 100 miles in weather and terrain that had to be experienced to be believed!
However, seven months later and our perspectives have changed a little, as we now mainly remember only the good things about the week, and the reasoning that we did it for a good cause. We all immediately stated that we'd never do something like this again...but that sentiment is slowly softening, so you never know?
At the last check we had raised around £3,500 between the four of us, and my link to my 'Just Giving' sponsorship page is below should anyone like to make a further donation whilst the account remains active.

 http://www.justgiving.com/SteveMuskett27010

I think we all as individuals had our own personal agenda's for participating in this walk, but it wouldn't be right for me to disclose any reasons why for the other lads, apart from the fact that they did it to support me. All I know from my own personal point of view was that I had a justified reason with a certain person in mind, and I hope that I did her proud. On the final day when we hit the promenade in Eastbourne, I purposely held back from the others a little so that I could take it all in...it was a very emotional conclusion at the end of a very long journey, and I can't deny shedding a tear or two.

But rather than dwelling on some of the overwhelming emotions of that incredible week, I'd prefer to regale you with a couple of tales which will hopefully make you laugh, or maybe even beggar to disbelieve?
The two particular stories that I'd like to recall both happened after experiencing really tough days of trekking, and what makes them memorable is the contrast in emotions from recovering from our efforts to enjoying the craik, the banter, and the camaraderie amongst ourselves immediately afterwards.
Well, when I say immediately afterwards the first tale actually carried over to the following morning!
After such a testing Monday walking in continual rain, and over rough terrain, we all collapsed late that night and before we realised it we were back on the trail on Tuesday morning, without having an opportunity to take stock of the previous days events. What joy we had though, as the rain stopped and bright sunshine greeted us for the whole day, which immediately put us all in a good mood.
As we strolled through a field of bright yellow rape seed, I had just taken a photo of Curph (please see attached below) who was first in line, then it was me, Oakers was next, and bringing up the rear was Chappers, when we were suddenly confronted by the most surreal of sights...
Just emerging over a slight rise in the field came a granny on a motorised scooter!
We all stood there in stunned silence and amazement, as first she went past us, followed immediately by another, then a third, and finally a fourth! It was the most surreal moment of the week, and none of us had the inclination to capture this moment on camera...except Chappers!
Now the reason that Chappers was bringing up the rear was because he had his camcorder out in his vain efforts to be the next Martin Scorsese, or was it David Attenborough? Lol.
He had the great idea to keep a video diary of the week, and his narrative may prove to be inspired...but we still don't know as seven months on we're still waiting for the footage to be edited and uploaded for all to see...pull your finger out Chappers! Hence my call for the campaign to lobby for 'The South Downs Way Video Diaries' to be published...maybe you can all join my cause?
Now I think what would work especially well for this incident with the four grannies on their scooters, is to set the scene with the music of 'Ride of the Valkeries' akin to something similar from 'Apocalypse Now', just as they emerge over the horizon...

The second and final tale isn't as surreal, but looking back the memories and visions that we conjure up on reflection does make us all laugh, and if anyone else was to see us at that particular moment, they would probably run for cover!
It relates to a tough Wednesday walk when mercifully the overnight rain had ceased to exist, but in it's place was the most vicious biting and howling wind, which made climbing and descending hills very, very difficult. Midway through the morning I felt my right knee beginning to suffer under the strain, Chappers popped a groin, Oakers had a long-standing problem with one of his knees, and Curph had severely swollen shins and ankles!
So visualise the image if you can, once the day had finished of all four of us spread out in one room watching the football on TV, sharing a few tinnies, whilst at the same time we were all nursing various parts of our anatomy with self-made ice-packs...additionally with Chappers and me wrapped up in fancy dressing gowns kindly donated by our lovely hostess for the night at the B&B we were staying at!
It wasn't a pretty sight, I can assure you of that!
Incredibly the following morning after a hearty breakfast, we all took to the trail completely invigorated and recovered from our assorted ailments and injuries...Oh, the power of an ice-pack on your privates!

"Above all do not lose your desire to walk: every day I walk myself into a state of well-being and walk away from every illness; I have walked myself into my best thoughts, and I know of no thought so burdensome that one cannot walk away from it..." ~ Soren Kierkegaard

Next week: 'Tales From My 40's...So Far!'...

Steve M