Friday 25th February

Well I walked 17 miles today carrying 11.5 kg, in 6.5 hours. Other statistics include the altitude climbed during the walk, which was 2,810 ft (that's approximately the height of Snowdon). The average walking speed was faster than my usual 2.5 mph, so I must be fit.
But enough of that!

I saw my favourite dead tree and plenty of living ones today, as I squelched through the mud and slid up and down the hills. Don't be deluded into thinking a walk in the New Forets is a stroll...there isn't much in the way of flatness to be found!



Dead Holly tree near Ashley Walk car park

 There were hardly any people out, but plenty of wildlife. The usual deer (roe I think), ponies and cows were minding their own business and ignoring me. 

Cow scratching its chin on barbed wire fence

I got slightly lost crossing Linwood Bog, which always causes me grief one way or another. Today the bog was very deep and squelchy indeed, and I slipped while jumping across and hurt my knee (I know, ah bless...!!). Fortunately even though my knee grumbles a lot, it doesn't actually seem to be getting worse. In fact, it got better as the day went on. So I think that so long as I have an emergency supply of pain-killers, it will last the trip.

I have added DEET to my list of things to take to Scotland. I figure that if I can get hassled by small flying insects in the New Forest in February (i.e. today), I am bound to be attacked in Scotland in April.
Bugger. I hate them peskie midgies!!!!

Still, on the bright side what a beautiful place to be hassled in.