SWALLOWS!!!!!

Do you remember me telling you about the hot tip we were given for Taunton Races yesterday. Well it came in at 22:1. Guess who forgot to put a bet on it when she was sorting our National bets? Just think what a nice donation that would have been. Just can't get the staff!!

Today's walk got off to a good start. A beautiful morning as we left the Travelodge in Rugeley. That's 3 times now and every one of them have been spotlessly clean and have afforded us a good base from which to charge the batteries. A short road walk soon got us on to the Staffordshire Way, and we shortly arrived at Blithfield Reservoir.

The Dynamic Duo strike again! Go across the Causeway (no admittance), or walk an extra 2 miles on the correct footpath. I'm not even going to bother telling you. Suffice to say, when we start going north I'm going to pack my sunglasses in the interests of anonymity.

A little further on we came to some farm buildings, at High Ash Farm, that had been converted into an equestrian centre, with a small cafe, which fell just at the right time for elevenses. Mum had hot chocolate and coffee cake, dad had coffee and Victoria sandwich, absolutely marvellous. But the most amazing event of all was.......SWALLOWS!!!!! One doesn't make a summer, but 2 does and that's what we saw. I can't believe we've come all the way from Cornwall, and this is our first sighting. Five minutes down the road, and hey presto, the first curlew!

Anyway, back to the farm, where mum had spotted, the loo. Never one to miss a chance, in she goes, and oh no, the shorts are back on. Is there to be no respite?

Whenever we see a "traffic mirror" we take a selfie, today's is below - see what I mean?

For the rest of the days walk in to Uttoxeter, dad wished he'd changed too,  for the path was dreadful. It was as muddy as anything they have come across - including the Somerset Levels, and the Severn Way!

We made it into Uttoxeter where they had arranged for Uncle Jim to come and collect us to take us home. The walk will continue, but we will have the comfort of our own beds for a few days - bliss.

So tomorrow, it's back to Uttoxeter,  to walk 14 miles to Thorpe.

Keep spreading the word

M
xx