Day 21

Towards the end of the first half of this crusade I was, after considerable subterfuge, surprised by Himanshu, my Indian guide and friend flying thousands of miles and springing from a Norfolk hedge to join me, for what turned out to be a 44km day. Today an even bigger surprise and perhaps even more welcome; one that made an entrance towards stumps on day one of the second half and a friend I'd almost forgotten .... Rain. Lots. The suit gives two fingers to rain.
At 7.14 Paul T's Garmin read 26 miles precisely, he was one of a few heroes today but chiefly he and Angela. Paul spent days researching a better route through some of England's more mediocre scenery studded with George Cross flags and led flawlessly. Also lovely to see Katheryn, a long lost friend from a distant Antarctica voyage in '18. Angela filmed all day long, walking many miles more than me and provided a proper grown up brunch (ketchup and Daddies, no Mrs. Balls - an ongoing issue) which was a family affair: thank you Deborah and Beatrix. Her two other gorgeous daughters: Camilla and Sofia - positively monstered the first ten km in fantastic costumes (youngest was nine!).

Had a hugely rewarding visit at the South Essex Wildlife hospital in Orsett where they cure and care for everything from foxes to seals and hedgehogs to sparrowhawks, but not, so far, Bengal tigers. Utter heroes: there were a few today, but none more so than David Amess and I paused for a second by his bronze. He was a politician who was not only popular, honest, kind but devoted to his flock and one who wore his many talents very lightly. He was a rarity in a profession poisoned by chancers, charlatans and crooks. We need more of his sort oh my we do, a Titan. A privilege to stand by a tragic statue sculpted many years too early.

Game on .... 29 degrees, storms and an 18 knot headwind, and 26 miles, did I say that?

526 miles completed, 474 miles remaining. How far did you walk today?