A
welcome cloud cover relieved some of the sun’s intensity, but did not cool the
temperatures or reduce the humidity. Not wanting to commit to a 14 mile walk
through rural countryside without transportation alternatives, I took a bus to
Maidstone, where I commenced a shorter walk along the River Medway. Within the
city limits I encountered a few dog walkers, but once off the paved footpath,
the only persons I saw were boaters – many boaters, in large boats (not the
narrow boats I had seen on the canals).
Marina
after marina lined the river. One pub, a few hundred yards off the river, called
to me for a cool drink, but from the number of boats moored by the footpath, I
thought better of stopping. Besides, I didn’t have my deck shoes.
Without
any other walkers, I concentrated upon the scenery and the houses. “Oast”
houses seem popular in this area. From what I understand, they are former grain
drying buildings converted to houses. The rooflines seem to have been inspired
by witches’ hats.
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| Oast house |
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| Tutsham Hall |
Approaching
the village of Wateringbury, I came upon a touching scene. A foal was lying in
a pasture. As I passed, it lifted its head slowly and looked at me, and then
set it down again slowly closing its eyes, as if it were too tired to do
anything more. Mama was standing over it, and three horses from the pasture
across the road were watching. I don’t know if the foal was dying or merely
sleeping, but the other horses seemed to be giving it inordinate attention.
After
that scene, I needed someone to talk to. John was the perfect for the role, and
he also poured me something refreshing to drink. My “no alcohol while walking”
rule doesn’t apply when I’m within a quarter mile of my destination.
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| John |
Reminder: Click on any picture to enlarge.
© 2014 Ken Klug
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