Day 4: Stage 3: Blechworth to Tatsfield; 30 kms, Hot & Sunny: 27°

Walking With Kindred Spirits

Ok, ok! Before I get into todays post I’ll admit to having slightly miscalculated the distance today. It could happen to anyone, but of course it has happened to me and someone isn’t too pleased. However she’s quiet pleased to report that she walked 44,788 steps today😏 I only know that it was a bit far two days in a row this early in our walk. Though no adverse effects. Great training for the Jural Mountains and the Alps just a couple of weeks away. I soothed Annemarie with an ice cold Coke and a pint of cold cider at the end of the stage. Seems to have helped: )

It really was a lovely stage. After enjoying our modest breakfast we set off across the fields on public pathways to keep off the roads and we follow these paths all the way up to the main route. We surprised a small herd of cattle on the way across the fields and they shied away from us, but I was able to get a nice video of the cows for the grandchildren which was kind of fun. A bit of a shift in focus this time, but I’ve always enjoyed the animals along the way. 

As you set off across the trail we noticed that there were small banners and signs hanging that hadn’t been there yesterday.

We wondered what this was all about and eventually we were presented with the answer. However in the early morning the walking was really a pleasure. 

At one point we passed the spot where a B52 flying Fortress crashed into the side of this hill during the second world war, sadly killing the entire American crew.The captain was just days away from his 25th mission which would’ve allowed him to be discharged from service. Annemarie’s Uncle Ted showed us is a similar location in Holland when we were cycling through there. That time is was Canadian crew of who perished. They’ve marked the spot of the crash with carved oak wing tips, a special testimonial.

At about 9 km we stopped for a refreshment and picked up our lunch to carry with us as we had been unable to find a pub somewhere along the route. It turned out to be a very good decision. Annemarie is certainly having her affect as I typically forget or neglect to stop for breaks. 

A short time after our break we came upon a beautiful little church with an old cemetery surrounding it. For some odd reason I’ve always been attracted to these old headstones, and today was no different.

We were surprisingly able to get into the church and we were pleased to find that there was a lovely stamp for our credentials. It’s been difficult to find stamps along this part of the route. This situation should improve as we head towards Rome. The church has been welcoming pilgrims since the 12th century. We made a comment in the register and then after chatting with some folks working on the property we were on our way.

We were soon in conversation with a couple sitting on a bench admiring this gorgeous view. Something from a painting we all agreed. They asked us what we were up to and after explaining they invited us to come to their home to stay for a couple of nights. We’ve been finding considerable interest in our walk these past four days and it’s led to some nice conversations. Of course it helps that we can converse in English, something that is difficult when walking in other countries. We’ve found the British very welcoming and curious about the walk to Rome. We’ve had many good conversations as we have progressed.

During our discussions throughout the day we discovered that the centurion route markers related to an annual 100 mile run which attracts about 300 runners each year. The runners, men and women, have 38 hours to cover this distance. Quite impressive when you think about it. It’s sort of a walk run type of race against yourself, and as we walked many of the participants walked beside us inquiring what we were up to. Annemarie took this shot of me and one of the runners.

After first complementing them on their incredible effort we would be asked about what we were up to. Almost to a person they laughed in disbelief and then realizing that we weren’t kidding they asked more about our journey. We all agreed that both endeavours require considerable focus, preparation and a certain determination. A lot of commonalties in the two. It was nice that so many runners spoke with us!

Our lunch stop. 

As we progressed deeper into the afternoon it got pretty warm out in the open. You’re walking on chalk trails that reflect all the light, just like pure white sand. It just adds to the heat. At one point looking at my mapping app I figured out that we could walk up into the forest and find cooler trails. It’s really helped.

After finishing our umpteenth climb of the day we arrived at one of the support tents for the runners and they graciously agreed to provide Annemarie with water as we still had about 6 km to walk.

And as always, we did manage to complete our toasty day and we cool down before showers with an ice cold Coke and a very tall Spanish beer for myself and a very tall Apple cider for Annemarie. It was heaven! Now I’m going to finish this up and head for the showers, wash some clothes that badly need it and then it’s out for a very full meal.

My plan says that tomorrow’s stage is just 25 km. My plan said the same for today,lol! No doubt we will be reviewing this after dinner! Hopefully I’ll survive the discussion. Just joking…of course🙂

Here’s our route plot from today. Please note the title! Hope you enjoy.