The Parish Walk

Well, my task was completed. Competed in The Parish Walk round to Peel. I got off to a slow start as there was flooding at Braddan Bridge. Stuck there for about 15 minutes. After that increased my pace slowly. I hadn't walked the stretch from Marown to Santon before so was a little surprised by the rise in height. Still as a veteran of the north face of North Barrule it held no demons for me. I started passing people on this stretch, something that didn't stop. The best section for me was Santon to Malew. Covered those 4 miles in less than an hour and I now know where Santon Church is. The Arbory section and on through Colby can be a drag. Narrow pavements and the road still open means it can hard to pass other walkers, constantly stepping into the road.

I'd started to blister by then so a change of socks and some zinc oxide tape were applied in Colby, just off Colby Glen Road. Changed my hat as well. Fuelled by Jager from then on. One thing that I hadn't taken into account was the distance to some of the churches from the main road. A lack of planning on my part. I'm familiar with the climb out of Ballakillowey and onto The Sloc. It's here I started to fall out of love with The Parish. It wasn't the rain, the climb or my feet. It's "support" cars. I love the smell of burning clutch in the afternoon. A procession of cars stopping anywhere, others trying to pass them nudging into the area used by walkers. This when on all the way to the Roundtable, where I was offered a beer. I declined. From there a decent into hell or the west of the island. There are mile markers advising how far it left to Peel.

Again this can be a drag, although it's a nice view of Niarbyl. Finished at the town hall in Peel. Nice cuppa and some biscuits. Then a look at the bus timetable. I had time for a pint. I had planned to visit The Whitehouse but as soon as I stopped walking I started to seize up so The Royal it was. I started with a lager shandy which didn't hit the sides, then a pint of bitter. Hobbled to the bus stop and home.

The Final Countdown

Less than 12 hours until I cross the line to start The Parish Walk. My race number is secured to my  hi-viz vest with safety pins. Scotch eggs are ready. A team of highly trained nutritionists will be in place around the course. I even have a roving scotch egg courier standing by on a high performace motorbike should he be needed. All I need now is for the rain to stop. I might treat myself to a pint in the Whitehouse if I reach Peel.

Oh Dear

The weather forecasts for next week are not looking too good. Although the two I've looked at; The Weather Channel and BBC Weather are slightly different. Well I guess that's why they call them forecasts and not the truth. It's just that I could do with it being dry for the 23rd June, what with that being The Parish Walk. Not a lot I can do about it. I will just need to waterproof my scotch eggs in advance.

Rush to the Bruins

I'm sat here scotch in hand, late night tv flickering before my eyes, rock playing and ears ringing. Tonight I witnessed a Rush covers band play. I have the classic live album from these guys "Exit Stage Left" Never a better drum solo. Only I thought they are a 3 piece. Imagine my surprise when 5 entered the stage. Maple cured bacon must be big in Canada. A girl on keyboard. Not the Rush I know. Tracks were good though.

 The guys started with the Spirit of Radio. Even the most diehard anti Rush fan knows this one. They might not look the thing but the music and voice are strong. Other classics included Tom Sawyer and of course La Villa Strangiato. I got a bit confused when a shout seemed to my ears to be "three hills" . I thought he was talking about the singers figure. Turns out the track was Freewill. All where delivered well. Closer to the Heart finished the set. My favourite Red Barchetta was missing. I'll get over that.