Friday 8 September 2017

Day 48 - Sunday 4 November 2001 - Hythe to Greatstone-on-Sea







9 miles walked today



590 miles walked in total (average 12.29)



My first stretch through Hythe took me alongside the Royal Military Canal where some sort of angling competition was being held.  From my (very limited) experience, I guessed the men weren’t fishing for carp as there were no buzzers or bivvies in sight!  I seem to recall that pike season is open now, so perhaps that’s what they were after.



My waterside amble didn’t last long as I had to head out on the A259 to Dymchurch.  I didn’t need to see the red flags flying to know I couldn’t walk through the Hythe Ranges as I’d heard gun fire for ages.  I guess that, since the 11 September 2001 terrorist attack on New York, all military personnel are on constant dress rehearsal.  To be honest, I found the constant firing to be really sickening.


I sat on the sea wall for a little while and stared at the sea – very grey today – but the firing was still within earshot.  I watched some pied wagtails on the wall and also a heron flying.  It’s been a lot colder today and I’ve worn my fleece all day.


At Dymchurch, I was feeling a bit faint, so decided to stop for a cup of tea.  However, the village had no electricity!  I made do with a soft drink and chocolate instead and sat on the sea wall – the sun decided to come out at this point, although it was still very cloudy and looked quite threatening.

The next stretch along the prom took me to St Mary’s Bay, Littlestone-on-Sea and Greatstone-on-Sea, but I couldn’t really tell where one village ended and the next started.  I decided to call it a day at Greatstone, due to my overwhelming need to do some sightseeing at Dungeness.  By stopping at Greatstone today, the next time I’m down here I can walk a few miles, go and look at Derek Jarman’s garden, climb a lighthouse and visit the power station information centre.  Sorted!



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