Swanage to South Haven Point – The Last Post

This morning we drove to South Haven Point where the ferry comes over from Sandbanks, which Farmer John was taking at 8.20 to come over to meet us.

Together we drove back to Swanage, ready and primed like coiled springs, for the final day’s walk. Gregg’s bacon rolls and hot drinks were the order of the day, before setting off for our 7 mile hike. No Flo you don’t have to come with us. Don’t look so unhappy!

John at 80 and me, a mere stripling at 70, cut a dash. Along the beach and up the cliffs towards Old Harry Rocks.

We did this together 11 years ago and we have promised to do it again in 10 years time when we are 90 and 80 respectively. Although this may be all that is left of me by then.

Two comrades in arms who have both lost good friends to Prostate Cancer.

Old Harry joined us round the next corner.

John was great company, talking to me about the history of the Tuckers in East Prawle, the Spanish Armada and how it failed, rescue of shipwrecked sailors at Prawle Point, Cauliflower growing and all manner of interesting things.

I loved this dance through John’s memory, swirling around subjects and drifting into the distant past. Summers gone by as a lad. The value of friendships that grew and went separate ways.

He had brought us a carrier bag on the ferry. Inside were four cauliflowers. John’s own.

All dances must end. The last beach was for naturists. Hundreds of them. We strode respectfully along the shoreline. Surprisingly I’m not going to write anything at which people from younger generations may find offence. Although they find offence at the most innocent things. Needless to say this is the place where the big knobs hang out together.

Childish. Ridiculously childish.

The day was moving on. This is looking back at the last beach. Walking along it John and I talked of the friends we have lost to Prostate Cancer, and some who have survived. The emotion we felt thinking about them.

Then we were there. At the end of a long trail from Minehead.

Che met us at the final point.

I get the feeling that we will meet again in 2035!

Thanks for reading this blog. I hope it has entertained you. Thank you for your kind donations. Until the next time. And I’ll end, fittingly, with a photograph of my mate Chip when we were climbing in Spain and he was happy and excited. We might meet again if there is something after this. If there isn’t then thank you for the fun we had. A privilege and a pleasure my love.

To give to Prostate Cancer UK please click on the link.

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/blade-goes-west-again-60145

Night night.