Category: UK

Duomo in Florence

The day after the big athletic event was time to see some more fine architecture and art.

A climb to the top of the dome with EQ via a narrow staircase , some few hundred steps. The view was nice though not outstanding. The closer views of the painted dome were in the end no better than looking from the floor of the cathedral.

I think a representation of judgement day and a strong emphasis on the pain of hell.

The inside of the cathedral was relatively bland compared to the to some recent viewings. I appreciated the clock above the west door which shows the time since the last sunset. Clearly a measure of real local time!

The visit to the crypt was very interesting. As ever not easy to piece together the timeline of the changes but still good. Great mosaics and a partial fresco from the mid 14th century.

Mary at the side of Christ.

And part of the mosaic which was done by African migrants apparently.

A bit more South Downs

A visit to east Hampshire and the opportunity to walk parts of the walk we have not done so far.

However mistake made as we have walked from Cocking to Buriton before. This was only evident when we arrived in Buriton to walk from west to east and recognised the village. Shaz found a photograph of me at the pond from September 2020.

As we arrived the church bells were ringing. A lovely sound:

And the church:

Built about 1200

When we did find the correct track it was well work the effort.

Saturday walking eastwards was harder. More hilly especially going to Butser Hill but great views. The flint paths are tough on the feet and the blisters returned.

Final day to Berwick

Ok Walk now done. We managed to go back to the track through a safe and finally quiet route.

A few hours of more activity until we reached the end.

Three bridges

After some coffee and cake, when the bags finally arrived, we were on the train back to Newcastle.

Walking Bedford to Cheswick

A hard day that started in the rain and was due to be 22 km but became about 30km.

We missed the correct turn at St Cuthbet’s cave which lead to a few extra k and then the accommodation was a bit further away from the path than expected.

So tired feet and bigger blisters.

Definitely a stretch to see great mushrooms.

The early stretch inland was not so good but as we moved back to the coast after Fenwich things looked up. But trouble sourcing food was an issue. A late coffee and cake at Goswick golf club.

We arrived late at the b n b but the beer and sausage sandwich worked well.

Far right in London

Joe and I were trying to go to the Tate yesterday but got caught up in travel cancellations because of the far right march through central London. I should have paid more attention to the news and avoided the area.

As we walked past the walkers trying to find a way, their appearance was what you would have expected.

Clearly white and mostly male. A mixture of of ages but more 40 and 50s. Lots of England football shirts and tins of beer or pints. Lots of union jacks and St George flags to reclaim.

A large crowd which in itself is worrying. A bad day.