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Journey journal
A glance around the cathedral in the morning and the Lincoln Imp was shrouded away for prayers.
That was a shame but Nick and his wire-haired pointer Walter were loping up Steep Hill to meet me. I waited, knowing they would want the full ascent before we tured a waggy tail and set back down it in the direction of Quavers.
On the outskirts of town we were joined by Ronnie Staton, a runner and run director hero of mine, the mastermind of the authentic Hobo Pace events. Hobo’s Robin Hood 100 is may fastest 100 mile, which I completed in something like 21 hours.
Nick departed and Ronnie stayed on until, with his advice I left a pathless A46 for a safer longer and more villagey route after he was picked up.
At Newark Vicki buzzed about town as there was a lot to see. When I arrived she had befriended Avril who was on a coach trip to Durham, with a stop off at Newark Castle.
This civil war ruin was a striking edifice, rising high over the Trent.
There were some closed and badly kept footpaths following Newark with some walker discouragement signs including a huge old bonfire blocking off a gate. I made myself slim and squeezed through it.
Vicki and I struck 3 fails between us on the way to Southwell. I wanted a look at Kelham Hall but it was securely shrouded away. Vicki went to the Southwell Workhouse (closed on Monday, no one working) and The Museum of Timekeeping (she was 3 days too late).
We blossomed at Southwell Cathedral though with its Bramley Apple window (the original tree in the village) and a lovely guide called Jill who showed us how to spot the acorn rootling pigs in the Chapter House.
From Southwell, a mixed route took me to Calverton where I finished the day with a few holes of crazy golf at Mr Mulligan’s Pirate course. It was a very satisfying challenge and I was all the better for at it by following my self-set ‘Pirates of Nick Faldo’ dress code.
A few words on BBC 3 Counties Sportsdesk, rounded off this round.
‘Where I live’
Both Ronnie and Nick are great local guides.
Fuel
Bramley Apple Cutney was secured whilst Vicki found some Lincolnshire sausages to keep her going.
Overnight stay
The night we braved the banging bar at the Red Lion and were repaid with a lovely pint of Stones and a whip round from the locals for our collecting pot. A guy called Matt was a physio and whilst handing over £20 for Brathay offered to give me an emergency treatment. Strangely I don’t seem to need it, with self care working so far.
Venue
Mr Mulligan’s was great fun and the family and scout groups loved it.
The Natural World
We passed Whisby Nature Reserve which Ronnie said was excellent.
Media
The BBC 3 Counties radio chat went well enough.
Friends old and new
Nick and Ronnie
Club Scene
Ronnie spoke of his Hobo Pace ultramarathons race events. These are evenst yet they feel like club events.
Hero
Ronnie Staton, who has such a passion for running and found his way back to it after a massive stroke in 2018.
Dog of the Day
There were two today, the easy genial company of Walter and Pep, a cockerpoo in the Red Lion who was a real charmer and who had a special look for his owner. Pep was our second football fan dog. He just loves Man City.
Photo of the day
Events and Festivals
Wimbledon continues.
Inspiration
Ronnie!
