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!" Then  off we go.  Becky is chipper and showing no sign of being 'fluey'  The sun is shining bu...

 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. Oh, and it is pissing with rain. But off I go.  The drive is not fun.  Rain rain rain.  But by 10.00 I am parked up in the (free) car park on the Portland causeway. The rain is easing.  In fact, by the time I get my boots on, it has stopped.   The hardest part of any walk is finding the trailhead.  I am i...