It seems apt that the first day of this 28 Miles In February starts on Nan’s birthday.
If Nan was still with us she would be turning 98 today.
Happy birthday Nan. There is not a day I don’t think of you or miss you.
Separating Tydd St Giles from Newton-in-the-Isle is North Level Main Drain. Like a lot of the water ways in the fens this is man made. You can tell because of its unnatural straightness. I’m not a historian but if this wasn’t built as part of the big draining of the fens in the 1600’s I’d be surprised.
Dolly and I arrived at our start point on the Tydd St Giles side by accident. I was looking for another walk. But my poor memory led me here instead of the correct location.
I do actually have a start point for another walk on the other side of the drain that brings you to the other side of the foot bridge we were parked next to. You can see part of this and a drone shot in better weather on this post from last year.
Today would be Dolly’s introduction to the stunningly stark fenland landscape. The land of the endless sky.
Start point: TF 41973 15019
Total Distance: 1.34 miles
I’d say today was a typical winter fenland day. Overcast and windy. I didn’t think it was that cold.
This particular walk is a there and back along the bank of the drain. The majority of the “path” is more a boggy, uneven tractor tract. Absolutely no cover for a midway brew stop, or have suitable dryish spot to stop.
One thing along our route I kept spotting were mussel shells. Something I never expected. How they got here I have no idea. Maybe mussels were being used by fishermen on this stretch of the drain as bait.
It’s hard not to miss the fishing platforms and other signs (litter) of the local anglers.
As we headed out away from the car I saw two distinctive white shapes in the distance on the path. There was no mistaking these were swans. But as we got nearer the swans did move down onto the drain. When they did this we were not that close. But I’m glad they did.
I also saw a heron ahead of us that relocated else where by the time we got to roughly where it had been.
On the way back to the start I saw a kestrel I think hovering just above the edge of the path.
There was the usual crows spotted during the walk in neighbouring fields, and I think some starlings.
Back at the car I decided to have the brew up I was unable to have during the walk. Dolly sat in the car out of the wind, curious about what I was doing.
The passenger side of the car acted like a windshield as I used the BCB crusader mk1 with a BCB Firedragon solid fuel block. It was too windy to use a lighter to ignite it. So I used a windproof match.
Considering I did not use a windshield I thought it did ok in the conditions.
But it was nice to have that moment at the end to enjoy a coffee and remember Nan. The person whose memory I’m doing this all for.
Dolly did well to deal with the uneven, muddy, boggy tractor tracks that passed as a path.
I’ve not decided on tomorrow’s location for our walk. Probably make that decision during tomorrow’s shift.
Currently after updating the mileage covered today on my charity fundraiser page I noticed I am now sitting £1 short of £300. That’s incredible. Words just escape me really for expressing my gratitude to all those that have donated. I’m also thankful for all those that have shared my donation links even if not in a position to donate.
If you are able to donate you can use either of the two links below.