After more than three weeks without a proper walk, I'd been itching for a good stomp for a while and finally got my arse out of the door for a quick five-miler. I left the house at 3.50pm and took my trusty loop; this was one of the very first walks I took when I first started walking properly and I know it like the back of my hand.
A good job too, as the sun set around half past four and it was properly dark for the last mile and a half after Akeley.
On getting toward Maids Moreton I stopped for a smoke and to check the sky in preparation for a meteor shower due later that night. The seeing wasn't great as there was plenty of moisture in the air and the sun hadn't long set but I could see the whole sky and stars were starting to become apparent. I happened to look to the west and spotted a bright brownish light which didn't appear to be moving but eventually swept overhead. It was very bright; I checked it with my binoculars. No flashing lights... It must have been the International Space Station reflecting the sun back at me. As it approached thirty degrees it dimmed and disappeared from view, making me think it dropped behind the shadow of the earth. As it faded, a shooting star passed it in the binocular view. Just amazing.
My right foot ached when I settled down but that's not purely down to the walk. It's been hurting in a particular place for a few days and is quite painful but it's only present occasionally. If it persists I'll go back to the physiotherapist.
To sum up, a lovely walk which was a challenge in the dark but I'm pleased I pushed myself to complete it and feel much better for the exercise.
