There comes a point in a journey when we may find it hard to believe that we are where we are.

It can take time to find the flow. So much can be about dealing with moment-to-moment concerns around very simple things, such as where to get food, where to sleep, and what the weather will do. And even once they’re solved, the mind can start whirring about on things it perhaps doesn’t need to worry about. Such is the mind.

After a while, and more and more each day, there is all the being in the moment with all the beauty – walking through a forest and the birds chirping, seeing all the wild flowers in the uncut meadows, being willing to give time to the passing stranger, whilst noticing that they don’t seem to have it.

But there is also the space for deeper reflection, if we allow it, the ‘how did I get here’ type and ‘where am I going and why’. Sometimes when I’m atop a hill I am in disbelief that I have walked over all the mountains that I can see, and many beyond that. Small steps each day that sometimes get me beyond what the eye can see, often not, zig zagging through mountains and valleys, embracing moments as they arise, staying open. Then comes the realisation that I’ve come a long way, and that I’m living an idea that was once just in my head.

All Vital Signs Excellent

I’m consistently waking up feeling 10 out of 10 happy. As those the follow my blog or have read my book will know, I record my levels of happiness each day, as well as other emotional experiences – I am positively beaming.

My wife returned to our home in Edinburgh. She understands my day to day life a bit better, and it was a joy to show her my journey, making those special views all the more special. She also injected a bit of lightness into the journey. Her influence is one reason I’m feeling less anxious and more settled in the journey, in life…

I’m back on my own and progressing south, in the direction of Preston, where I’ll meet the local councillor to learn more about Community Wealth Building (more to come in a later post)

My feet are still sore, but I’m getting stronger and getting more structure to my day to maxmimise moments and minimise bodily stress. I’m walking more mindfully. On Sunday, I made my way gently from Middleton in Teesdale towards Tan Hill – England’s highest pub. On the way I crossed the rather spectacular God’s Bridge – Britain’s best example of a naturally formed limestone bridge. It was quite divine.

It’s been getting hot and I bivvied down just short of Tan Hill that night. It was only the second time I’ve ever bivvied in my life. With the just after full moon lighting up the sky it was a beautiful night and morning, and I even got some sleep.

I then attempted to reach Hawes, and was considering treating myself to a campsite and a hot shower. The great thing about not showering for days on end and only dipping into rivers from time to time is that a hot shower when it comes is appreciated all the more. It’s always the simple things in life – the trick is to not become accustomed to them and start taking them for granted. Roughing it from time to time helps that.

Except it was just so hot I spent most of the day avoiding the heat. That meant a lot of river dipping, and I’ve been camping out every night since. I’m now in the Forest of Bowland, things are progrssing well. Maybe I’ll need to get my hot shower soon, certainly before I meet the councillor at the end of the week.

***Thanks for taking and interest in my journey from Edinburgh to Croydon on foot and reading my post. If you’d like to find out more about my journey or check out updates you can go to this page.