You ever notice that an idea can sound really great whilst sitting on your sofa but doesn’t seem quite as fine once you’re actually about to do it?
To clarify: I loved the idea of Kevin and I doing a three-day walk around the 1066 Battle of Hastings. I was fairly certain I knew how it would go…we’d stroll over rolling green dales, pop into a castle or two where we’d learn the history about the battle of 1066 (history that I know is important, but the details of which I have somehow neglected to fully absorb in my spotty education), have a little picnic and check in to the next town’s B & B. Simple dimple.
VisitBritain helped set the plan in motion. It sounded rather straight forward. We took the train from London and arrived, late this afternoon, in Hastings. A quick cab to the nearby town of Battle, take in a little history lesson by walking around the Battle Abbey site, and then…tra, la, la, la…tomorrow we shall begin walking.
So, now we’re back from the wonderful tour of the Abbey . We stood on the battlefield, listened to the audio guide, read the signs, walked through the museum, and yes, I feel like I finally understand what happened here and why it is so historically significant.
All is going according to plan.
There’s just one thing…
The weather was utterly and fantastically miserable. Our umbrellas were rendered useless from the crazy wind while the rain swirled up our noses and soaked us within moments.
And right now, the rain continues to slop out of the night skies, spinning and spewing on blistering winds. We didn’t bring our hiking boots because it was to be a short walking trip, so it seems fairly certain that tomorrow, our feet will be properly soaked in our silly little running shoes.
You would think, given our previous hiking experience in Wales, that we would know better than to presume that the weather would be lovely. But if nothing else, it can be noted that my ability to deny the facts is still firmly intact.
The only good news is that, right at this moment, we are cozily ensconced in the Lilac Tree Lodge. The duvet is lovely and the almond-sprinkled-oh-so-moist-cake we found in our room was quite divine (Bob and Pauline are proving to be the consummate hosts).
Unabated, the rain continues to assault the windows. The wind too, is still making battering sounds against the walls, as if it is enacting its very own war…right here in Battle.
I am trying to be very yogic-in-the-moment about all this…right here, right now, licking the last bit of icing from my lip in this spotless little room…life is good.
Tomorrow is tomorrow. It will be what it will be. Besides, I’m quite certain I’ll be able to fashion a decent pair of gloves out of my spare woolly socks.
Namaste baby. Namaste.
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