Old boots

I am writing from aboard a Stena ferry. We are just pulling out of Belfast port. The downside of being in perpetual motion is I never catch up. On anything. Perfect example is my hiking boots. I bought them two years ago in Wales when my old boots failed the wet-weather test. I bought a waterproofing treatment that was recommended and intended to apply it after last year's hike in Cornwall. Never quite got to that task. Yesterday as I worked on three PRI projects, took laundry to the cleaners, mowed the lawn, went to the eye doctor's, and generally prepared for having three people in my house while I'm gone (first Catherine, then Elisa and Curtis)... I thought I would find 20 minutes to do this. Also thought I'd find 20 minutes to do it this morning, while making the bed (with two sets of sheets), hoovering, packing, writing long notes for pet sitters, and trying to be on the road by 10:15 a.m. Now I'm sitting on a ferry with my boots and a waterproofing agent and wondering if it's too late? And maybe a ferry isn't the place to do this? Sigh.

A cruise ship (or mini city, depending upon your point of view) passed us on our way out of Belfast Lough.

My entire hike is at risk due to my poor time management skills. I'm meant to stretch my calves and strengthen my hips every day. I do this maybe once a week? For the past month I've been having Achilles issues. I went to see my physio this week and he recommended a wedge under the heel to give the Achilles some support. Not really sure what this will mean for hiking. It hurts when I play golf and walk Paddy so it's hard to picture daily 8- or 10-mile hikes. I tell myself that I'll enjoy myself regardless--the Lake District is lovely and there will be things to do other than hike. But I so love to spend hours on a trail taking in the sights, sounds, smells of some lovely new place.

I've brought with me my mail that I never look at and a freelance editing project that's been with me for more than a month and a half. Here's to a productive ferry trip and not getting lost between Cairnryan and Keswick.

I usually hike with HF Holidays for only a week. This time I've put two trips together, a 7 night (northern Lake District) and a 3 night (southern). It's been more than a year since my last hiking trip and I can feel it in my marrow how much I need a break from work, golf, Paddy, household chores. Here's to adventure!

Post script. I have arrived safely to Derwent Bank, HF Holidays' house on Derwent Water, just west of Keswick.

The drive was lovely, but quite a bit of traffic. Made it in 3h15m. The view from Derwent Bank house is spectacular.

I'd go so far as to say hypnotic.

The nice thing about HF is they offer a choice of three hikes each day. Tomorrow I will do the shortest one, about 6 miles, and see how I get on.

7 July