Day 34 : Dummer to Preston Candover

At last, a short day that was, in fact, short!

Was really not sure after yesterday's midday abort about how today would play out, but it went really well. The 3.5 mile route was more like 5 by the time I was done, but what a fantastic morning!

Dummer (from Saxon Dunmere, or pond by a hill) is the childhood home of Sarah Ferguson, the former Duchess of York. Beautiful little village with small thatch-roofed and a few really big flint-and-brick homes, all close to the All Souls Church. Alas, neither the church nor the pub were open, so again no stamp for my passport. (Note to self and others: this Camino does not favor the early-day walker. Pubs open at noon, and church opening hours are evidently known only to God.)

Dummer: where Up Street meets Down Street.

Up a gentle hill and into a glorious morning. As we left Emma's, the mist had hung low in the fields like a wet blanket. By the time I walked up the bridle path, the mist had lifted, but dewdrops everywhere caught the morning sun, lighting up the geometry of spiderwebs and sprouted fields.

And in mid-October, a field of flowers!

Cutting across the fields past the back of one home, a glimpse of someone's happy place.. a covered garden bench framed by an alley of trees.

Up over another gentle hill, through a small wood, and down into Preston Candover, passing the disused Norman Church and graveyard.

As usual, I was utterly alone on this day of my Camino.

Back at the village shop and cafe, I bought a bag of frozen peas, a Kind bar and a cup of tea. A woman at the only other table saw my Camino shell and asked me what Camino I had done. I told her I am currently walking one, right here in Hampshire.

Turns out that Clare (that's her name) has just finished the coastal Camino Portugese and is considering the Frances. Our conversation was a joyful exchange of stories and plans. When I shared that I am hoping to walk from Theale to Silchester tomorrow but am nervous about my tendinitis, she gave her number and told me that she lives close by and would give me a ride to the train if I need one.

The Camino continues to open doors.

Back in time to join Emma and a new friend, Serena, for a beautiful lunch outdoors.

This evening we head back to the pretty boutique cinema with Kitty to see the new Emily Bronte biopic. Looking forward to the film, the theater's excellent food and drink, and the wonderful company.

Tomorrow is my last day here, as I will wind up my Camino with Winchester as home base. Planning to train to Theale via Basingstoke and Reading tomorrow, packing frozen peas in a cool bag, and get to Silchester's Roman Walls. Train back from Bramley. Fingers crossed that the path is soft and the weather mild.