ANOTHER YEAR, ANOTHER ADVENTURE

“The sum of things to be known is inexhaustible, and however long we read, we shall never come to the end of our story-book."

Back in the UK , my home away from home, for a 100 mile ramble following the South Downs Way, starting at the white chalk cliffs at Eastbourne and ending in historic Winchester, the first capital of England. 

This time my walking partner, Linda, and I are experiencing the amazing countryside of the South Downs National Park.

First of all for me this time is a Pilgrimage. Not to a Holy place, not a walk of Faith, not to view relics, not to do penance. The idea of taking liminal activity, time out from ordinary life, is just as relevant today as in medieval times. We must find peace, sanctuary and get out of our small worlds. There's history, hidden gems and the countryside to connect with. At a pace the eye can accept. I'm proud to be a voyager following in the many footsteps that came before me. 

So the start - at one end is a cathedral, at the other is the sea. Which is the start and which is the end ? I think the end is at the cathedral. How better to end a countryside pilgrimage than in such a city of spiritual and historical significance? 

Coming from Cambridge and London, where I spent 10 days with my wonderful husband, I'm acclimated, energized, full of chocolate and cake and bread with creamy butter and ready to feel the miles go by and the ground under my feet. I think.

Let's go!

On Sussex Downs, where I was bred,

In rains where autumn lanes are red,

Where Aran tumbles in his bed

Where branches, bare on vert and glen

And dusty gales go by.

I drink strong ale with gentle-men,

And merry hills are whitening then;




Which no one can deny, deny,

Which no one can deny, deny.