Getting to the Start
Today was the day when the planning and the preparation ended. Today was the day when I woke up both excited and wondering what on earth had I let myself in for. Today was the day I packed my backpack for the final time making last minute decisions to take my small cookset and leave my solar charger behind.
It felt odd – feeling strange as I waited for the bus to take me to the metro to take me to the train to take me to London. This is a long walk but quite unlike the feelings I had as I began my pilgrimage to Santiago. I am not sure how to describe it. I feel more confident of my abilities, after my experience on the Camino with its greater distance and its mountains. I am sure though that this walk will have different challenges.
The whole experience has been different from the start. This is something to be publicised and shouted from the rooftops. This is a walk of press releases and photo opportunities. Even though I am up for all the publicity for the cause, I also look forward to fading into obscurity once again.
The train journey was a very different experience too. I have travelled up and down on the East Coast Main line more times than I can remember but never taken much notice of the countryside until today. Today was the day I could look out of the train window and picture myself walking through those fields and towns and cities. For the first time I will have some understanding of and connection to what lies between Newcastle and London. I am excited by this chance.
Interestingly I spent a few moments this morning planning my next long walk. Iona to Lindisfarne – roll on next year!
