Nonetheless, a pleasant stroll, and at least £150 raised for Farleigh. Thanks to the organisers, the stewards and staff, the event sponsors and all those individuals who sponsored us !
It's not too late to add to the total !:
http://www.justgiving.com/mrmichaelgray
15:08 – police cadets on hand to help this lame dog over the only stile of the walk, and under the A138 to the finish in front of the Essex Record Office.
Check in at 15:18, to cakes, tea and
congratulations.
14:55 – five hours from our start – and the town is in sight – past the Fox and Raven, where fitter, faster walkers are already installed to watch the rest of us, and phone a friend with words of encouragement and promises of pints …
14:30 Sandford Lock – another stop for water [bottled from the tap by Essex and Suffolk Water] and a little bar of nuts and fruit [provided by Eat Natural].
12:50 Paper Mill Lock – the start of the walk for softies – and the major refreshment stop for many.
First aid and a check point, too. 8 kilometres to go.
By the waterside, there's a house for sale, someone is painting his narrowboat whilst his partner displays home crafted rugs. A different walk sets off towards Little Baddow Church.
Now 11:40, and our first stop. Hoe Mill Lock, just before the lovely canalside church at Ulting.
Conversations overtake us as we pause again at Barnes Lock [12:08] Part exchange in the motor trade – the rights of the customer – Birkenstocks – snakes in lakes.
Off the bus, queue for the portaloo, and finally hit the towpath at 09:55.
Past Tesco's, past the golf course, to Beeleigh Lock and Falls [where the Chelmer joins the canal], the first check point. 10:50.
We checked in at Wharf Road in the morning, 08:50, and took a pleasant bus ride to Heybridge. It did seem an alarmingly long way, though.
