Log No 342. Wed 11th Jun 2014 - Orford to Blaxhall, 10 miles (5275 miles walked)

There was only the one other tent in the campsite, Peter & Chris weren't around when I arrived yesterday afternoon but when I came bsck from the camp kitchen after writing the log in comfort they had returned and just made a drink for themselves and when they saw me they made one for me too. They had been here a few days and were doing a bit of everything, walking, cycling and even swimming in the sea.

I had a very long lie this morning and didn't even think about starting breakfast until 07.00, I had finished my porridge (with an apple pie mixed in for good measure) and was lying in my sleeping bag with a mug of tea when I heard this voice say "Can we offer anyone else some porridge?". Thanks for the offer guys but I had just had. They gave me a £10 donation.


It was another sunny day and I eventually started walking at 09.30, it took me an hour to get to the footpath on the bank of the River Alde and then I was only on it for less than a mile when it turned away from the river.

I am still amazed at how well maintained the Suffolk footpaths are, there was no long grass to walk through as I followed the paths through the area of High Street to get onto the road to Iken.

There was certainly no hurry today as I only had 10 miles to do so I took frequent breaks.

At Iken a footpath took me back to the river for a pleasant half hours walk to the road bridge and Snape Maltings.

This was a popular spot for the tourists with the buildings having been converted into a complex of shops and tea room etc.

It was lunchtime and the place was very busy, although I hadn't made up any sandwiches I had been snacking on leftover cheese and fig rolls so I wasn't overly hungry, I had a quick look in the tea room at what was on offer but it was all snack food so I didn't stay.

The campsite at The Forge in Blaxhall had offered me a free pitch and was just a couple of miles away but I took my time to get there. When I knocked on the door Eddie said "You're popular, there've been people trying to get hold of you".

If I had switched the phone in the morning before I left and checked my emails I would have seen one from Ray & Barbara saying that as I hadn't any sandwiches made up they would get me fish & chips and meet me at Snape Maltings at 12.30!! He had also phoned and text me later.

When I didn't show they had driven to the campsite and around to try and find me.

I discovered all this when I looked at my phone at 14.30. They had gone back to Snape Maltings and were just about to get a drink when I phoned them, they came to the campsite and picked me up to at least have a drink of tea with them. I don't really know how we missed each other, we were all in the same place at the same time. It was a shame about the fish & chips, they had even brought an insulating bag to keep them in if I was going to be a bit late, but 2 hours late was just a bit too late.

Sorry about that Ray & Barbara but it was good to meet up with you again.

What's the moral of the story? and will I ever learn?