“Keep the water on your right.” A wise reminder! That is the wisdom for those of us hiking the South West Coast Path from the north to the south. Growing up, I was not around water very often. My brother Chuck probably remembers better than me our boat ride on Lake Michigan or our family …
Author: sabbatical2017blog
252. Stiles
I’m walking. I’m moving through some woodlands and approaching a grassy field. What do I expect, a stile. I don’t expect stiles in France. I don’t expect stiles in Italy. I expect stiles in England because these ingenious portals allow walkers to cross into fields where sheep, cattle, or horses feed, while assuring those animals …
251. People Belonging to (on) the Way
Richard I anticipated that this slow- walk would be different than my other “recognized” pilgrimages. I know that English on the surface appears to be a secular nation. As a result, I realize that I won’t meet many people who are walking with “faith” motivations. No crowds of fellow pilgrims as on the French way …
250. English Parish Churches
Another quintessential English landscape feature is the parish church. In Cornwall alone, there are over 200 parishes. A lot of churches! Despite many of the medieval Norman style churches “restored” in the mid-late 1800’s, the churches still generally have their characteristic shape. The stone cruciform exterior usually has, but not always, an attached bell tower. …
249. Doc Martin and Port Isaac
Let’s get it straight, I’m Dr. Ellington. Do not pretend we are on a chummy, first name basis. I’m not Doc Martin. I sure did not expect to become a general practitioner in this harbor village. However, when I had to leave my London surgery practice, I remembered some of my youthful visits here with …
248. Flowers and Shrubs along the Way
? Who doesn’t enjoy a blooming flower or shrub? What could be more quintessential than walking past English flowers and plants, in gardens or simply in the wild? Solitary geraniums in pots. Daisies, dahlias, echinacea along a stone wall. Hydrangeas and fuchsia anchoring garden corners. Of course, roses everywhere. Then the plants in the wild …
247. Walking in the Rain
Boscastle rain I’m awake. It’s 5:03 AM. I’m walking in the rain today. While I’ve had a drizzle three other days, those drizzles didn’t amount to much or bother me much. Today’s forecast, 100% rain between 8 and 4. I’m apprehensive. I make myself a cup of Nescafé. Yup, it still hasn’t improved. I eat …
246. Trees
Toward Clovelly I love trees. While not a landscape designer, I’ve randomly planted 50-60 Japanese maples in our yard or in pots. While not a botanist, I admire the diversity of tree life. Who would have thought that the Dawn Redwood I planted 25-years ago is now 60-feet tall! Here in the South? As much …
245. Westward Ho! To Clovelly
The day begins at 7:50 AM with a death; the day ends with a death. A woman commits suicide; the partially eaten pheasant carcass lays on the road as I enter Clovelly. Not sure how to write about these two events. I’m very conscious that I’m removed from these events; I’m very conscious that some …
244. A Rest Day. Yeah!
Besides specific pains, which lessen with this day. Besides other specific walkers, who have been delightful to meet. Besides specific scenic views, walking past rhododendrons, weaving through gorse and blackberry bushes, looking up at centuries old oak trees, and overlooking coves, bays, and cliffs. I walk through the people of Braunton’s specific history. What should …
