The car alarm goes off at 2 am and I fumble in the dark, disoriented, trying to find the key. It should be disabled, but I vaguely recall my leg cramping and stretching out, kicking the door. It’s still cosy, so I fall asleep again until 5 am.
After coffee from my tiny camping stove, it’s time to explore the pretty village as the sun rises.
I’m back on the trail by 8 am and feeling much better than expected, not stiff at all. Perhaps it was the beer last night or the carrot cake for breakfast. It’s a pleasant walk round Bosham Channel to Chidham.
There’s an impressive bird hide at Cobnor Point with information about the Solent seals. I’d love to see one but no luck so far. There are only 25 seals and the Solent covers a wide area so it is not surprising. The wind shapes the landscape.
A delicious bacon roll at Thornham Marina sets me up for the seven-mile circular walk round the perimeter of the active military base on Thorney Island. The guard opens the gate after a brief exchange on the intercom.
A brief paddle in the icy sea is good for the feet, especially when I slip back into warm socks. I’d better be careful where I step.
Completing the circuit to Emsworth, a nesting swan rests at Slipper Mill Pond. The stop for the bus back to Bosham is only a few steps short of the Hampshire border. I resist the temptation to walk across. A new county beckons next week.
Walk distance: 16 miles.
Total distance: 305 miles.
Well done again Tony. Great pics – always helped by glorious blue skies. Judy sends her congrats.
Thanks Peter. Always the light. I look forward to Judy joining a walk in Northumberland….perhaps 2023?
Well done Tony, 2 days in a row is brilliant. Looks like it was worth getting up for the early morning light.
I could say I was jealous but then again you would not get me up at 5am!
Thanks Judith. A car alarm going off might get you up!