Giving the Trip Shape

I talked with Mom a few months ago about my idea for this 3-month walking trip in Britain and realized I could give it more shape.

As I see it, I’m traveling mostly by foot, sometimes by train to get to new areas to walk. Perhaps taking a horseback tour, catching a natural history expedition, joining a literary walk, or taking a painting course along the way.

I have a smart phone for e-mail and phone access in towns that are connected, so I can check in every few days with stateside folks so they know where I am and how I’m doing.

I see myself staying overnight with friends of friends in each new town, or at places the locals recommend. Though I travel alone, I connect with people every day. Maybe Mom or others meet up with me on parts of the trip.

I am doing TTouch on my hosts’ animals, and more animal work comes to me while I’m there. This is one way I earn my room and board; I may do other odd jobs as well. I may stay in a place for a few days or only one.

I’d like to do the sea-to-sea walk across England that’s described in the Sept 2003 issue of Smithsonian. I’d like to return to the Cotswolds and the Lake District. York, too. I’ve never seen Cornwall or Canterbury. I’d like to go north into Scotland and the Hebrides. West into the wilds of Wales. Perhaps walk the Thames or Hadrian’s wall.

So much to see!

It’s like the ultimate Serendipity Drive. Following my nose and my heart and my feet, and giving in to wanderlust and to whatever happens next.