Cotswold Way and Thames River Path 2025

Day 15. July 31. 3.96 Miles. 9,524 Steps. Sleep Score 92 - at least I am having deep sleep with long dreams. George Hotel, Wallingford to Miller of Mansfield, Goring. Eggs Benedict or rather one egg Benedict. Started off to walk but quickly turned back to town center to check out bus transportation. Took bus to Goring with 2 other passengers. We 3 chatted with each other and the driver. Dropped off at train station where I rode one stop on the Bristol to London Paddington line. Got off in Pangbourne. Might be a small town but there was a fancy car dealership. Bus cost 4 pounds, the train 3 pounds. Interior of St James the Less. The first Rector was in 1578. Not a traditional church window but done to represent Peace after WWI. It was paid for by the wealthy local mother whose only son was killed. Outside the Elephant Hotel. Best pastry yet! Took it from breakfast and wished two had been taken. Fresh fish and meat sold out of the back of this lady’s van. This is not the Thames. Spent ...

Day 14 Hiking. Wednesday, July 30. 9.66 Miles. 21,247 Steps. 5 Hours. Brewery Tap. Abingdon to George Hotel, Wallingford. Started day by not going far enough to reach Bridge Street to cross Thames. Turned too soon. Asked 2 kayakers taking a break and eating pastries, who looked up on their phones where I should be. Pointed up River where the bridge was. New Boots. Not sure how today the first day of trying them out will go. At least the left foot has stopped complaining. Reminds of having a foot strapped into those black boots after breaking a bone. It suddenly felt snuggled up and secure. Added extra socks (toe) and wadded up tissue paper between sock layers to pad out the ankle area where pressure was felt. Camping UK style Cullum Lock. Ate best apple in a long time. Knees. Braces. Double elastic on left. One on right. Might tape right knee tomorrow. WWII bunker, there were 2 out in the field close to the Thames. Lock Keeper and his assistant having a good laugh. Lunch at the Clifton...