A day of 2 halves!

Day 10 – 30 May 2010
Day started really well after leaving Seaton beach in fairly warm weather following one of the nicer parts of the coastal footpath. Was feeling good so ran through Looe at a fairly good pace despite the tourists (Bank holiday Sunday!) Things got even better as I approached Talland Bay – almost all walkers on the path in the opposite direction gave me a cheer and said ‘Well done Ian!!’ It transpired that John and Ro were waiting for me at Talland and had briefed all heading in my direction to look for the ‘runner’! (Good job I was actually running well at the time ...) Had a wonderful welcome at open air cafe at Talland both on arrival and departure! Continued on my way thru’ Polperro towards Fowey but about 4 miles before the Polruan ferry I got a terrific pain in my right thigh which made it very difficult to make any sort of progress downhill. Not a good attribute for the coastal footpath. It was obvious that my day plan to reach Charlestown was no longer possible so I phoned the team who were actually waiting for me across the river at Fowey. (And an even bigger concern to me was that I may not be able to continue at all if the injury proved serious.) However after much care and attention from Ro, John and Chris and Sue (who have kindly provided us with a 2nd night’s stop over.) the pain has subsided – I suspect from experience it may have been severe cramp rather than a pulled muscle – so fingers crossed for tomorrow. Again, we met many kind people today – especially Jamie – master of one of the Fowey river ferries who didn’t want to take any money off Ro and John for their 2 up/down river ferry trips. I even travelled free again on the Polruan/Fowey ferry. The ‘injury’ has meant I am now approximately 10 miles down on my schedule – but plenty of time to go and it is more important to keep the old body in one piece. Finally back to C&S’s house for a relaxing bath and a second excellent meal!