Well it says 'Trip report' but it's just a 2 day wander with a night out in between.
Summer seems to be lingering locally, sunny warm days and still mild, although evenings have the feel of Autumn. After a while spent in the flat lands of Norfolk earlier, I had an urge to get out on the Downs again and so with decent weather forecast I did a map recce for about 25 miles over 2 days and packed my gear.
Nearly forty pounds (40lbs) on my ancient rickety weighing scale!
Here's the culprit...there's no reliable water supply on my route and I do like my brews..
Also to consider is some warm gear, which seemed pointless down at lower levels but I know from experience that up on the Downs in Autumn especially when the wind gets up it can get definitely 'Ha! Ha! surprise surprise winter's here a bit early'..
That will do. I had a big heart failure guaranteed lorry driver's breakfast in the cafe on the way to the bus stop.
The drill is, bus along the coast then up the river valley, and up onto the Downland then walk home.
The river's tidal at this point. Along under the White Horse. Pack feels like it weighs 40 tons not 40 lbs..getting old...
...
The Canada Geese are here in the valley for their Winter holidays
The Aspens on the opposite bank flicker between dark green and pale grey when the wind blows.
Father raises his wings and gives the Canada hard looks while Mum shepherds the kids safely past
Looking back...That's where I've been..
And that's where I'm headed.
A flock of the World famous Sussex Technicolour Sheep...
Up through the village...and would you believe it.. the church water tap has been repaired!!! Ah! well better safe than brewless.
Signs by the wayside...
Looking back towards the valley.
The views are always changing with the seasons..
Looking seaward, there's a big drilling rig off the Harbour entrance, no doubt working on the Wind Farm they're building off the coast here. Wind's getting up, it's starting to blow hard from the East, I doubt she will go far until it drops a bit.
Tumulii, the burial mounds of the folk who worked the flints dug from the Downland soil. They spread all along the Downland track. The people lived and farmed up here, and they worked the flints into beautiful tools and weapons which were traded far afield.
Sun's going down and I'm feeling the miles now.The East wind has a wicked cold bite to it as well, so that's enough for today..
In amongst the Gorse. Normally I'd pitch to catch the rising sun but not today, I need the shelter of the Gorse.
Cold now..glad I carried the warm gear.
I'm tired, I'll sleep well tonight and unless the Gods have other plans for me I'll see the dawn. The spirits of the old folk under the grass mounds just a few paces away will sleep on and dream the centuries away. I'm alone up here, but never lonely....
A good sleep and looks like another beautiful day. I'll let the sun clear above the gorse and dry the tarp a little I think and then 11 and a bit miles will see me home. Brew time..Again..
Bergan packed and ready to go, check the site...just flattened grass. Glad to get walking as the wind is quite cold.
And when I get home? Ha! knew it, she's anchored off in the lee of the coastal cliffs and although sunny it's blowing half a gale.
Summer seems to be lingering locally, sunny warm days and still mild, although evenings have the feel of Autumn. After a while spent in the flat lands of Norfolk earlier, I had an urge to get out on the Downs again and so with decent weather forecast I did a map recce for about 25 miles over 2 days and packed my gear.
Nearly forty pounds (40lbs) on my ancient rickety weighing scale!
Here's the culprit...there's no reliable water supply on my route and I do like my brews..
Also to consider is some warm gear, which seemed pointless down at lower levels but I know from experience that up on the Downs in Autumn especially when the wind gets up it can get definitely 'Ha! Ha! surprise surprise winter's here a bit early'..
That will do. I had a big heart failure guaranteed lorry driver's breakfast in the cafe on the way to the bus stop.
The drill is, bus along the coast then up the river valley, and up onto the Downland then walk home.
The river's tidal at this point. Along under the White Horse. Pack feels like it weighs 40 tons not 40 lbs..getting old...
The Canada Geese are here in the valley for their Winter holidays
The Aspens on the opposite bank flicker between dark green and pale grey when the wind blows.
Father raises his wings and gives the Canada hard looks while Mum shepherds the kids safely past
Looking back...That's where I've been..
And that's where I'm headed.
A flock of the World famous Sussex Technicolour Sheep...
Up through the village...and would you believe it.. the church water tap has been repaired!!! Ah! well better safe than brewless.
Signs by the wayside...
Looking back towards the valley.
The views are always changing with the seasons..
Looking seaward, there's a big drilling rig off the Harbour entrance, no doubt working on the Wind Farm they're building off the coast here. Wind's getting up, it's starting to blow hard from the East, I doubt she will go far until it drops a bit.
Tumulii, the burial mounds of the folk who worked the flints dug from the Downland soil. They spread all along the Downland track. The people lived and farmed up here, and they worked the flints into beautiful tools and weapons which were traded far afield.
Sun's going down and I'm feeling the miles now.The East wind has a wicked cold bite to it as well, so that's enough for today..
In amongst the Gorse. Normally I'd pitch to catch the rising sun but not today, I need the shelter of the Gorse.
Cold now..glad I carried the warm gear.
I'm tired, I'll sleep well tonight and unless the Gods have other plans for me I'll see the dawn. The spirits of the old folk under the grass mounds just a few paces away will sleep on and dream the centuries away. I'm alone up here, but never lonely....
A good sleep and looks like another beautiful day. I'll let the sun clear above the gorse and dry the tarp a little I think and then 11 and a bit miles will see me home. Brew time..Again..
Bergan packed and ready to go, check the site...just flattened grass. Glad to get walking as the wind is quite cold.
And when I get home? Ha! knew it, she's anchored off in the lee of the coastal cliffs and although sunny it's blowing half a gale.
