More Mile

One of the results of taking up a bit more exercise is the need to invest in some kit. A self wicking shirt was purchased along with some running socks. A lot closer to the event I popped in to a local discount store to pick up a hooded top and a waterproof as I didn't want to look like a bum on the start line. Some of what I have worn on hikes previously has to be 20 years old.

This new kit was spotted on my last hiking trip and comments were made. It's true, I'd like to complete these adventures in a tweed suit and hobnail boots. The best I've managed so far is a deerstalker.

Red Necks

Not a reference to Cotton Eye Joe the classic 1994 track from Rednex but merely the state of my neck. Enjoyed my first proper outing since The Parish Walk yesterday. Port St Mary to Port Erin via the coastal footpath and then back along Truggan Road. When this route was first suggested I was all for it thinking it would be a gentle stroll. It turned out to be more testing than I imagined. I should have know better as I've done this walk before. Beautiful scenes of the Calf of Man and the eastside coast. Then the sun came out. It had been dull when I left the house so no proctor was applied. Even once the we started I assumed it would be muggy but this quickly gave way to blazing sun. A rare treat this summer.

In fact so warm was it that I was forced to call into an ice cream parlour in Port Erin to seek iced products. As these were consumed several offers to drive us back to Port St Mary were made. I hope we didn't look like a couple of additional miles would finish us off.

Once back in Port St Mary we took on essential liquids in The Albert Hotel's beer garden/carpark.

Olympian Effort

With the London 2012 Olympic games getting into full swing and Team GB finally amongst the gold it's sometimes interesting to look back at how previous generations faired. My summer sport is cricket. Having followed the ups and mainly downs of England under the TCCB and laterly ECB it's been good the see a consistantly sucessful team over the past few years especially rebuilding after 2005 Ashes winning team quickly fell apart. Players complain about too many games these days. Could any of these crossing the rope tomorrow at Headingly emulate the Victorian cricketing gaint WG Grace?

From pictures seem of him in later life he was a big chap, Mike Gatting plus springs to mind. Like so many of us in younger life he carried a lot less. In 1866, when aged 18,  a day after scoring 224 no for All England v Surrey at The Oval WG attended the National and Olympian Association meeting at Crystal Palace and won the 440 yards hurdles. He was excused fielding that day. There's quite a few modern day players who take to the dressing room when there's a long day in the field.