Should have worn my glasses ! But it is raining and I can’t see through them . Slippery bits along this canal Enter a caption
So here I am second day in Birmingham .Sitting I’m comfortable hotel lounge looking out to a grey sky . How come weather has turned as soon as I arrive ?
Going to walk along the canals today they run through this part of the city. Miles of them the longest canals in Europe . Cutting a strong swathe through the imposiing reconstructed and new buildings which line each side . Canal boats moored to the walls and some travelling up and down the water
Yesterday I watched a mum wheel a toddler to one of the long boats and climb inside , other boats with younger people on deck lounging in the faint sunshine , others obviously occupied or waiting for owners to return from work or a walk . Hey once I thought of living on one of these and travelling up and down the waterways stopping at pubs , cycling along tow paths, sitting cosy inside in inclement weather . But today as I watched people steering narrow boats I did not have the slightest wish to be one of them . Standing at the wheel staring at the sides of the water as they slowly coast up towards the next lock. Hard work and parts must be as boring as sitting on a tour bus unable to get off
Today I think of how busy and noisy these waters once were with materials being moved up and down, people being transported to various towns and the steelworks either side with smoke billowing from chimneys . Some of the buildings are still in place, with a curious beauty of their own
Parts of this path are very pretty , wisteria growing out of the old solid walls and trees bending towards the water . I watched a bird for a while as it stared into the water below waiting to catch a fish I guess
Then I walked back as the sun came out . A watery sun but the rain has stopped . Back towards the city centre and the bold, unapologetic buildings throughout Birmingham City
Well today first time have been able to get onto Wifi and it’s my fourth day walking this Camino
Been amixed experience . Highlights are the coastal views as walk towards SAN Sebastion and beyond .Cliffs and rolling hills green and summer flowers still clinging to the sides of steep banks
Far below a blue sea and craggy rocks . As you approach SS the rocks give way to sandy beaches . And it’s sunny.Met some likeable fellow pilgrims/walkers in the Hostals and most of them have offered a clean bed and good food and shower .
low Points . The climbing up hills and ascents via narrow pathways and huge stones that shift underfoot . Not as fit as I thought . Carrying too much still
Have discarded stuff at various points but still too heavy . Knee developes soreness, hips threaten, knee give way at times . Why ? But walking Camino is about discarding/ accepting/slowing up ?
i like the wine and tapas more !
This is actually being published 29 September . Walking now
Sambasue21 