Post 2 - The Long Haul!
August 2025
Body
Since 2nd July I’ve been struggling with food poisoning, but after exactly a month it appears to have sorted itself out and I just need to get back to full strength.
I’ve crossed the border into Scotland this week and I am heading towards Loch Lomond and the infamous 'wee-midgies'!
It’s been a great year weather wise for walking and cycling, but all that is about to change as Storm Floris with 100mph winds are forecast in Scotland, with a severe weather warning from 10am tomorrow Monday 4th August for 24 hours!
On my, one man and his dog ramble through our green and pleasant land, I’ve had time to ponder over my life.
Several hundred miles of foot slogging and pedal pushing through diverse landscapes and communities has been hard but immensely rewarding.
This type of journey really is a personal pilgrimage and Levko and I have discovered many wonderful sights and people.
My next post will be dedicated to Levko!
Each day has thrown up a different challenge and problem solving has become second nature to be called upon at a moments notice.
Flexibility is key to getting through each day along with a willingness to learn from others!
It’s cringing to climb up one hill to then be presented with another that is even higher!
But the descents are glorious, especially on my 20 quid mountain bike, Sisyphus!
I have been blown away by the kindness, generosity and support of many of those whom I have met along the trail and at times when I have been feeling hopeless a guardian angel has invariably popped up out of the blue and come to my rescue more than once.
Beauty isn’t just in the countryside that we’ve passed through, it runs through the veins of the good Samaritan’s we have encountered.
We live in a land we should be proud of and which we must look after for future generations.
From Cornwall to Wales, to Yorkshire and up into Scotland we are blessed with a wonderful country and people!
Not a view that I always held before I set out on my Camino Britannia!
Luckily, I have been keeping a written, photo, voice and video log of our journey and I am so glad I have done as it brings back so many happy memories for me which are helping me heal from the grief of losing my wife Maria in 2019, after what I believe was a strong 42 year, 'happy and contented' relationship (Maria's words before she died - R.I.P.🙏).
I have been inspired by people I have met along the way and that has encouraged me to keep going when the going got tough.
I am overcoming mental blocks as well as physical illness on this trip and since crossing the border at Saughtree as I left Northumberland I changed my daily routine, due to my tummy bug and set my alarm for 7am not 5am and after breakfast I ‘played’ my uilleann pipes for an hour, before setting out on my walks or cycles.
For me, this mind-shift is important as for the first time in my life I’m putting my music first and it feels the right thing to do for me!
I have carried my pipes with me since I was on the Isles of Scilly, but found it impossible to practice after a day on the trail, as I was too shattered in every way!
By rearranging my timetable, I have been able to fit in something that is as important to me as breathing and which I can now look forward to enjoying every day with anticipation!
I am at a stage now, where even I can recognise how much good this walk is doing for my mindfulness and wellbeing.
I would never have thought that putting one foot in front of the other could help sort out both your physical and mental health issues in such a gentle but deep way.
This made me realise that the people whom I have spoken to throughout my sojourn were really my healers as they helped me to work out who I was and what I was about, now I’m on my own.
Each one of them is part of my Lejog 2025 team and this reminds me that life and living is truly a team effort!
I also like to think that Maria has been looking out for me, or at least cheering me on as together with Levko we have struggled through the miles covered to date.
Thanks again everyone for your donations, help, guidance and support.
Tony, Levko and Sisyphus!
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