THE WALK - DAY 12 - 05/09/07

Dear William,

As I was waiting at the train station this morning to catch a train to Richmond to continue my walk along the Thames Path, I noticed an ad for a TV documentary. It was entitled "The only way to Heaven is through hell!" If that were the only criterion to get in I'm in already 'cause with my feet I have been going to hell and back! The good news is that my left foot appears to be healing well - still a bit sore but not nearly as painful and my right foot, although still painful, less so than in previous days. Looks like the vinegar soaks are working, painful though they are.

Anyway, enough of my woes. Today was a lovely warm and sunny day and I enjoyed the walk very much. I went from Richmond Bridge to Putney. As you know a part of this from Putney to Mortlake is the course for the annual Boat race betwen Oxford and Cambridge, a race that I have watched in person many a year. The start of the race near Putney Bridge is lovely with a large number of boat houses which give it a rather festive look particularly on race days. There are also a lot of famous landmarks all the way from Richmond to Putney; Kew Gardens, The Harrods Furniture Depository which is a beautiful building, the Fairbairn memorial etc.

I still cherish the memory of my very first truly international regatta I won, in the late sixties in Casablanca. I received a small medal which I gave to dad. He had it made into a keyring which he always kept. Remember that? Since he died I have the medal back. Dad also had a stand made for you with a small wooden guitar and an open book, I seem to recall, when you got your first music award. I wonder what became of that?

Anyway, back to business! Regrettably the path at Chiswick and parts of Hammersmith were in a sorry state, full of rubbish and obviously have not been tended to in a long time. It is a disgrace that a National Trail, something so coveted in this country can be mistreated in this way. If there are any local councillors reading this blog, please take note!

There are now only two days left and you know what, I am definitely going to make it! during the course of last week when the pain in my feet was at its worst, I sometimes despaired of ever finishing. Now I wonder what I am going to do when I finish - life will never be the same again!