HHH CHAPTER 15: Week 2 reflections on and off my route

This week I had several detours and detours from my route to Fishguard, and had complex logistics getting to and from the trail I had chosen. I used several long distance waymarked paths and also made my own route using public rights of way.

Intel about this week

Total distance from start at Holywell 217km, including some buses/taxi needed to connect the trails on this stretch.

Walking days 4, rest days 3.

3 holy wells and one “unholy well”…this was a source of spring water for a village.

Holy wells sought but not found 2.

This was a week of contrasts. The weather was very sunny, sometimes very cold (one freezing day), sometimes very warm, which meant my pack was getting heavier as I was walking with just a shirt instead of 3 layers.

Perspectives

I always knew this would be a difficult week to coordinate. Trails don’t connect, accommodations are scarce, a detour to meet a harpist required two bus rides.

And yet… what a week!

The incredible music and warm welcome from harpist E, the seaside sunset, the fantastic atmosphere at Strata Florida Abbey, it was all a powerful experience.

I have been emotional, moved to tears, feeling more from the heart, instead of thinking inside my head. Years of professional life have “trained” me to stay calm, to stay calm and move forward, without overwhelming others with my answers. My job was to be skilled and reliable. That’s definitely fading.

Inspirations

I think this walk is helping me let go of the thinking, detached part of myself and allow all my feelings to emerge. Maybe I’ll be less useful as a result! I have felt myself in the “thin places” and other worlds have come closer. I have also been able to be more compassionate with myself and more open to others. What more can a trip offer?

Spring has some unexpected colors

Although spring flowers are brightly colored, the new leaves that emerge often have a strikingly autumnal appearance.

These new sycamore leaves emerge looking coppery autumn colors.

These are brave oak seedlings in a meadow, where they will almost certainly be devoured by grazing animals.

When walking near beech trees that have unfolded their leaves, the ground is covered with the capsules of the cocoons, a copper covering.

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