Log No 323. Fri 23rd May 2014 - Grays to East Tilbury, 9 miles (4981 miles walked)

I got off the train at Grays at 08.00 and had to walk along the road to Tilbury as there was no access round Tilbury Docks.

Walking through Tilbury I found an old style Barbers shop open early, I looked through the door and saw nobody in the place, so that was fine - no waiting.

It has been literally decades since I've been to a Barbers as I cut my own hair so this was s novel experience and I got the full works - a No 1 and my eyebrows trimmed for £6.60, it didn't take long and should keep me going until I finish now.

From Tilbury I took the footbridge over the railway lines onto the road to the cruise terminal and then picked up the footpath & cycleway along the Thames.

While I was walking past Tilbury Fort and the Power Station I watched a sailing ship unfurl all its sails and head on down river.

I was only on the footpath for about 3 miles to Coalhouse Point but I never saw anyone else on it.

Apart from sitting in the Barber's chair for 5 minutes I hadn't taken a break during my stroll yet, it was 10.20 and my stomach was beginning to rumble so I stopped on the bench at the Point.

I turned away from the Thames taking the path to Coalhouse Fort and then it was the minor road to East Tilbury and the campsite was a mile further on.

It was 9 easy miles with a light rucsac.

I have Mick's company again for week now, he's getting to E Tilbury on the 2036 train.

I had been walking hard this last week to make sure I got here in time and I am now a bit ahead of my schedule for for finishing on 12th July so I should have no need for any more hard days and can hopefully just stroll back to Yorkshire.