The weather today was the dreariest since the start of the walk: no heavy rain, but an intermittent drizzle that began as I left my hotel and continued on and off throughout the day.
Putting on my raincoat got me thinking about how little has changed between how I am equipped and how a pilgrim seven hundred years ago, or come to that a Roman legionary two thousand years ago on the same track, would have been equipped: sturdy footwear, an outer garment to keep out the weather, a warm layer, something to use as shelter, some money, some food and drink, a few personal effects, and a stout stick. The materials have evolved, but the basic needs haven’t. The priorities haven’t changed either: not getting lost, staying warm and dry, and reaching the day’s destination safely before nightfall. There’s an attractive simplicity to walking as a means of travel – you concern yourself with those most basic priorities.
So, a dreary day, but one bookended by two pleasant surprises. First, shortly after setting off, I came to a stream crossing with a set of stepping-stones – once again, something that a pilgrim seven hundred years ago would have recognized as easier than building a bridge, but rather less common nowadays.
Second, coming down a narrow path near the end of the day, I found myself face to face with a fox just a few yards down the trail. No picture, sadly – by the time I got my camera out, he had disappeared.
Day 28 Route: Dorking to Godstone via North Downs Way. Terrain: tracks through fields, woods and downland. Weather: overcast, intermittent rain. Daily distance: 25.5 km/15.8 miles. Cumulative distance: 653.6 km/405.2 miles. Accommodation: Godstone Hotel, Godstone.
Come Wind, Come Weather 
Well posted, Simon. On a dreary day (here in Ottawa as well) you made the best of what must have been a long, wet walk. Enjoy the postings.
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I’m glad those stepping stones were not under water as they often can be! Such a sight brings the child out in a anyone! Well it does in me, anyway. Ah, the urban fox! There are many of those down south. It occured to me that when the nights get longer, and the days get hotter, you might rest under shady trees or cool awnings of cafes, continuing your journey in the evenings – then you will see more wildlife! It will be gulls soon!
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