After a little roadwork, including an industrial estate, we returned to the peace and tranquility of the Staffs and Worcs Canal all too briefly, before returning to roads and fields, from where we had the joy of spotting 7 roe deer grazing in woodland.
At one point, we were stopped by a lovely lady on her bike, who wanted to know all about the walk. She told us that she had recently had an operation on her back and was trying to get fit again. So only 15 (?!) miles today, as she was preparing for a half marathon in May. Wow, that's so brave. She also told us that in 1999 her husband and 5 of his friends had done a JOGLE relay on bikes, in 36 hours. What on earth do we think we're playing at - 3 months!!!!
Shortly after that we had to cross some arable land. The first stile was a little overgrown, but before you could say hoof picks, dad had got out his Swiss army penknife and cut it back. We have done a lot of whining about poor footpaths, but this farmer had made very clear wheel markings through his crops, that were so easy to follow. The oil seed rape crop was almost overwhelming both sight and smell. How wonderful to see crops thriving at last.
From there we progressed to Cannock Chase. A huge woodland amenity in the middle of urban areas. Along the way we were stopped by a lady who advised mum and dad not to let me off the lead (not that they ever do!) as she had seen a basking snake. This is very early, but when she showed us the photo it was clearly an adder. I kept to the middle of the path, I can tell you.
We called at the visitor centre for a sandwich and a drink, where dad found out that donkey jackets had derived from these parts. So called because they were designed for the gentlemen who worked on the Manchester Ship Canal and who named them after the donkey engines they operated. Every days a school day!
After lunch he thought he would be helpful and clear away the cardboard cups by putting one on top of the other. We should have told him not to put the full one
We emerged from the Chase into Rugeley, our abode for the night.
Keep spreading the word
M
xx
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