New Valley Hills

Everything is damp. washing from 2 days ago is still wet. Cold, wet socks go on. At least they’re clean. Third day of wet shoes

The reality is washing will not line dry. My choices are either to wear dirty or wear wet. Do either or both until I reach a launderette.

The negative thoughts in the night show I’m losing my nerve.

My shoes are beginning to break. At Trago Mills in Falmouth I bought glue.

Tonight I’m staying with friends Bex and Dan near Marazion. After that it’s final push west to Lands End then north and east to St. Ives where I’m staying with another friend Jon. I was hoping to stay camped for several nights in the middle and use local buses to slack pack around the peninsula returning to the tent each night. Then I discover the buses have finished for the season, and campsites are closed. Can I do this wild camping for several nights, given my anxiety about that plus no showering? It doesn’t sound fun.

An hour of walking in a stiff wind with a couple of local dog walkers saying how lovely it is cheers me up. The sun bursts through the clouds. I think can I go on? Maybe staying in a BnB every few days if a campsite isn’t available?

Walking in 30kph winds gusting to 45 is OK if the sun is out, it’s not raining, and no cliff edges nearby!

Ann’s pasty bought in Porthleven for late lunch. And a mega cooked breaky for now. I feel a bit cheerier.

Porthleven has a nice feel about it.

The better weather has brought more people back out. I pass a fast packing female rock climber who has some lovely words of encouragement tinged with envy at my adventure. Further on a cool dude who left Minehead less than 3 weeks ago – music to my ears! We trade campsite tips. Again, another solo female thruhiker who has a good campsite recommendation.

Bex and Dan and daughter Lilly welcome me into their home. I’m extremely grateful to be indoors, be able to wash, air and dry my possessions. I wear their clothes while mine wash. It’s lovely to catch up with them. Why had I let it be 11 years?

We sit round their kitchen table scoffing home cooked vegetarian food happily chatting away. They offer their home as my base for the peninsula walking. Driving me to and from Penzance bus station. Wow!

I sleep in a cosy bed.