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Published: June 28th 2016
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Should have known. The breakfast was good and then the guys dropped us off at the start of the walk near the coffee shop. Off they went but the coffee shop didn't open until 9 and we were trying for an early start as it was to be a long day.
Right away we started uphill but the sun was out. We were warned of mud and we weren't disappointed. Mud 6 to 9 regularly through a wood... straddled puddles and made new pathways to try to avoid the sucking mud. Our mph was low. We came to an area with an electric fence and Ian warned us of the dangers and this one was right across our path. Since there was no other way we figured we'd chance it since it's only a pulse every 25 seconds or so and Ian couldn't see where it was connected. We went through okay and lo and behold Ian saw where "the Electric Shepherd" was connected and live. I asked what damage the pulse would have caused to us but by the time he went through wattage and other electrical terms I was too far ahead to hear his answer.
Shortly
we came through an Equestrian center with some beautiful horses who were getting saddled for a ride and one who was going through some dressage training. After that more high fields where the grasses tried to snag your feet. By the time we finished that field I was able to shake a bale of grass off my legs and feet. The next exciting thing was to diagonally cross a pasture of about 30 young bulls. At first they just stared and then they would do a swooping run towards us and suddenly stop. Stare at us and then run off. This happened at least 4 times and each time they seemed to come a little closer. Had to get over a stile on the other side - wish I could have done one of those Zulu jumps straight up and over.
Across another field of tall grass, nettles, thistles and gorgeous wildflowers and we were trying to find a stone wall with a gate and the instructions here did not match where we were at all. Ian used his GPS to send us in the likely direction and it worked. Now we had to cross a 700 meter field
of rapeseed (used for canola oil). Directions said it could be a little difficult if the crop was mature. It was just short of harvest time so this was like wading through an ocean of green. I tried to do a shortcut to a better spot and did a face plant . Ground was soft here and the bushy rapeseed let me down gently. Lynn couldn't even get a photo because she was laughing so hard. This was just after I'd said at least this was so much easier than the grass fields. A few more tricky directions yet the town of Blockley still seemed far away.We snacked at an old stump and polished off the lemon cake from Friday. By this time my Advil had completely worn off and I had crying feet again. A few more woods a little mud and we arrived only to walk all the way through town to get to the car and back to the B&B.
Went to see how those blisters were doing and pulled off the bandaid to see muscle - not just flesh. Tried to shower but almost cried when water hit the exposed flesh. We all went (had
to drive the 3 blocks since I was hobbling so much) and then Ross and I headed off to find an emergency department. At the second hospital they treated with me so much courtesy and attention I was impressed (first hospital was closed). The doctor was rather surprised and noted that the blisters matched and maybe I should not be using the orthotics while hiking. Anyway it is being treated as a 3rd degree burn and the pad that put on stung like crazy all the way home. The nurse/doctor suggested just going to a spa and drinking by the pool for a few days. Otherwise I am to keep it dry and clean. She also said it looked like I would be losing at least 4 toenails. Sort of sounds like the Coast to Coast all over again.
Steps: 31,959
Floors: 120
Sticky toffee pudding: 7
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Tot: 0.084s; Tpl: 0.021s; cc: 14; qc: 27; dbt: 0.043s; 1; m:domysql w:travelblog (10.17.0.13); sld: 1;
; mem: 1.1mb
Anne
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Hi there, soo enjoying your adventures and beautiful pictures!! However, me insides hurt for your feet Diane!!! I wish quick healing, and hugs to u all 4!! :-):-)