Traning Diary
This week's training walk started near Seaford, where I walked form the bus stop up to Bishopstone. I swear, if I win the lottery, this is where I want to live. A few beautiful old houses dotted about with a charming little path leading through fields of brassicas or sheep going down to the road where you can catch a bus into brighton - looking just like a storybook!
There are also some skankier but tolerable looking houses right on the edge of the fields, which are in an area I suppose would count as on the edge of newhaven. I'd even love to live their, as it would be like being in the countryside and you could walk on the downs from your doorstep, and see sheep and horses and fields out of your window.
The crop soil was alternatively frozen in the shadow and sticky in the sunshine where it had warmed up. An idyllic, beautiful walk for about the first hour, then it degenerated into a struggle of '(Wo)Man against Nature as I stomped grumpily up the endless hills whilst the icy wind did it's best to blow me back down again. Fortunately I have now equipped myself with an ipod which kept me entertained, as I listened to chapters of the Iliad interspersed with Radio 4 podcasts. I swear, I'm old before my time! Also, it wasn't as grim as it could have been because I had loads of warm clothing - if I'd not brought all me bits, I would have been really chilled and horrible cross by the time I'd crested the hill before Alfriston - at which point I perked up considerably as that was my intended pub lunch stop.
I dithered between the George (too 'gourmet' when I was looking for stodgy fuel), the Star (copy-cat version of the George but not as good), and the Smugglers (looked a bit grim from outside).. Settled on the Smugglers and was glad to find it had a gorgeous open hearth with seats inside it, hobbit-sized benches and low tables, and a good menu. Had jacket potato, beans and cheese, and sat beside the radiator, where I took my boots off and read the Guardian. Lovely.
I'd decided to follow the cuckmere river down to Exceat, where I'd pick up the bus. This proved to be a bit of a mistake as it was rather boring. I did get to see the White Horse though (smaller than expected). Saw some funny looking geese and swans. Tumbled into Exceat rather gladly, especially as I'd taken a 'short cut' across a field, which had turned out to involve severeal ankle-grabbing crossings over the claggy streams of the cuckmere estuary.
Finally reached the end after almost exactly 4 hours walking. had a carte d'or pistachio and chocolate icecream from the van (how times have changed! I remember when you were lucky to get a cider lolly or a feast). Was planning to go to the pub afterward for a friend's birthday, but couldn't face the long bus ride into portslade, as I was tired, but feel positively filled with energy today. Hurrah for long walks in the sunshine. Even if it's a bit chilly.