LETJOG – Day 6: Sunday 23 May – BUDE to HORNS CROSS (19 miles)
Perhaps it’s the case that the better measure of stamina in an endurance test such as LETJOG lies not in the triumph of one day’s accomplishment, however significant, but more in the collateral after-effects. Certainly, I felt, as I plodded heavy-legged, under-lunched and soaking wet up the steep grassy hill to this evening’s refuge, that another 19 soggy miles on the back of yesterday’s long hike was more than a 60-year old body deserves!
But then came The Coach & Horses, at Horns Cross. Landlords Tina and Chris welcomed me in with a ‘Dartmoor Jail’ pint, shrugged off my concern at the puddle ponding at my feet, and insisted on giving me the fireside seat. Introducing me to locals Kenny and Sean, we swapped stories of great walks and of their own memorable acts of support for charity – thank you all for supporting LETJOG too!
So circumstances and outlooks can change very quickly: wet to dry, solitude to company, fatigue to conviviality. This is the lot of the long-distance walker, and it is, I would guess, a large part of why we take on these challenges and adventures. And as I was trudging those final wet miles today I reflected with gratitude on all the wonderful comments and support I am getting from so very many friends and family. Thank you all so much.
A couple of milestones reached – this morning I passed 110 miles, being 10% of the LETJOG journey. I also crossed the upper Tamar, leaving behind the cliffs and coves of north Cornwall for the rolling dairy pastures of north Devon. Rachel and I have come to love Cornwall over the last decade through our annual October break in St Agnes with good friends, whilst my affinity for the moors, coasts, and red-hued soils of Devon goes back 40 years to my OODS (Out Of Doors Society) walks of Exeter University days.
The rain precluded much opportunity for photos today, but here’s a couple:
Nick's Charity Walk from Land's End to John O'Groats 
Nick, it is so great reading your updates everyday. You are doing amazingly well despite the weather! Really hope we can catch up with you on the Cotswold stretch, if only for a beer together. Keep going, keep poling, keep smiling xx
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‘Running On Empty’ – Jackson Browne…another great album. You’ve got good taste in music Nick!
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Well done Nick on reaching Devon and the alternative loading of a scone! Such a shame the weather is not with you, making the challenge even harder. Keep up the great work and good luck!
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It’s really good to be able to follow your progress, great blogging work! I think it’s an amazing challenge to take on, thank you Pam for letting me know. Nick, sending you my very best wishes every step of the way, especially loving your dedication to the brewing trade.
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Were you tempted to stay, just a little bit longer?
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What amazing progress Nick! As I sit here looking out of the window at the latest torrential May storm, thinking ‘can I really be bothered to walk the dog in this?’, you have provided the inspiration needed. Lima thanks you! Best of luck for the onward journey on this amazing expedition.
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Well done on reaching Devon. Now you can put the cream first on your well deserved scone without fear of criticism or retribution! Hope the weather improves for you. Keep up the good work!
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