Re: The Tank is Empty !

It was a slightly ominous start to day 2. The body felt like it had been through the proverbial grinder, the drizzle had already started outside and I couldn't find the bloody milk / fridge in my empty b&b somewhere hidden in one of the 100 or so kitchen cupboards !

Eventually having breakfasted I let myself out, stocking up on some supplies from the village and heading off on what promised to be a long day !

The days walk took me initially through muddy swamp land passing a poignant memorial to a crashed liberator bomber that had crashed nearby during WW2 in bad weather claiming 11 lives.

After a few kms the so called path emptied itself on to the boulder like shingles of Porlock Weir's windswept beach making for a difficult scramble to the small and isolated township.

A significant climb followed leaving the coast taking muddy forest trails crossing smal streams with occassional spectacular views not only of the cliffs but also of the distant shoreline of Wales.

Near Countisbury common i emmerged to a self serve (honesty) outdoor cafe ! Well it might have only comprised an esky, a thermos, an honesty box and a couple of fold out chairs but this was a godsend after 5 hours of walking in the rain.

Grateful for the cuppa I continued refreshed finally taking in stunning views of distant Lynmouth amidst a strikingly wild coastline.

With the energy levels depleting ralidly I finally made it to Lynmouth, site of the 1950's flood disaster that claimed 40+ lives, and its Cliff side water based railway not daring to look up in case the railway was still out of action as a result of a recent landfall

Thankfully the railway had just returned into operation the day before and I gladly paid my 2 pound fee exclaiming to the ticket collector that I woukd have gladly paid 100 for the precipitous 800 metre clumb up to Lynmouth.

With some good directing I exited the railwway and limped up to my well located b&b where the kind lady checking me in provided me a bottle of glue for my deteriorating boots and a bottle of Radox for a much needed relaxing bath !

Slightly recovered and feet rebandaged I limped (recurring theme) to the local fish and chips shop befre headng off to the beautifully quaint Lynton cinema where I could finally relax .