To a Long Steep Hill

 

 The only problem with our Airbnb is parking.  There isn't any.  But we both get lucky and find spots in the High Street, just outside.  We have to feed the meters but we must be off by 09.00, because only one hour is allowed after the free period expires at eight. We decide to start the walk at the lighthouse.  Becky's car remains on the causeway, and I drive us to the paying car park at Portland Bill.  Then we do something really weird.  We pay to climb to the top of the lighthouse.  155 steps.  I will be 82 on 30th May.  Just saying.  We have a great volunteer guide. By the time we come down, there's nothing we don't know about lighthouses.  He assures us that they are still essential to navigation.  Becky is not so sure, with the wonders of Satnav. "He's a lighthouse nerd, so of course he is going to say that!"                               ...

 I am supposed to be in Devon already according to the plan.  Ha ha - The Plan.  Which was to drive to Becky's yesterday, spend the night there and the two of us to drive to Portland this morning.  Yes Portland.  I am going to do it.  But maybe by myself.  Because I got a text yesterday: "Hello - could you give me a ring? I'm unfortunately not feeling at all well (fluey) and I am not sure if I can walk tomorrow ... let's have a think about what to do." What to do turns out to be me probably driving this morning to Portland.  I have booked and pre-paid an Airbnb in Dorchester so I am not postponing or cancelling.                                                                      Airbnb in Dorchester. Tiny but perfectly formed Oh, and it is pissi...

                                                                                        Mullion Cove So – Mullion to Lizard.   This is the third missing section which we decided we have to go back for.   Our consciences wouldn’t let us claim our completers certificates without picking them up.  It's about eight miles and not too hard. It’s a long way to Mullion – in fact you can’t really go much further without getting your feet wet.   So local accommodation is required.   We booked an Airbnb in Mullion Cove.                                                   ...

 There are three things to think about when planning to walk from Plymouth to Newton Ferrers in mid-winter. The weather - obviously Finding somewhere snug to stay How to cross the river Yealm We were extremely lucky with the weather.  It had been raining in Devon relentlessly for weeks but on Saturday 17th January, the weather cleared and the sun came out.  There was one brief sharp shower around midday, but otherwise the weather was kind to us. For somewhere snug to stay, we simply rebooked the Courtyard AirBnb which we used on our abortive first attempt at this section when we both got sick and had to abandon  it.  the Courtyard was snuggish. Our lovely host, Kairen only put the heating on briefly at 6 o'clock.  There was also an oil-filled electric radiator, but it didn't heat the place enough for us elderly folk. We supplemented by turning on the oven and leaving it open.     Crossing the Yealm was another matter.  According to Be...