Day 40, Standedge to Crowden, Sat 15 Aug

Summary
Today's distance: 18.6 km (11.6 miles)
Total distance: 946 km (588 miles)
Distance to go: 683 km (424 miles)

Report
Peter got up early to take his loan car back and pick up his new car. Audrey and l breakfast at leisure. It was only when l was preparing to put my pack car in the car that l realised l had left my walking poles in the back of the loaned car. However, when we checked the loan car had been rehired and would not be accessible before 2:30pm at the earliest. We therefore set off to Huddersfield where l bought a new pair of walking poles at Argos. We then moved on to Morrison’s at Meltham where we had tea and l bought chocolate and soft drinks. I was back on the trail by 11:45am just as it started to rain. The wind picked up and l was climbing up to Black Hill in heavy rain and a strong cross winds. Visibility was down and l couldn’t see the Holme Moss transmitter mast which was only a mile away. Just before Black Hill l met a 77year old man walking the PW for the nth time. At the trig point where l now faced a strong headwind and rain l met 2 very wet young girls and was able to brighten their day by telling them about the snack van l’d seen when crossing the A635. As l decended towards Laddow Rocks where l met a lot of day walkers and a few people walking the PW. In all today l probably met as many walkers as l have seen in total so far.

Just before Laddow Rocks the track became very boggy and the track widen as people wandered off the track to avoid the boggy sections. I think this section needs upgrading to avoid further damage. PW people please take note. I was able to mention my concerns to the parks officer l met on the route. On my previous two walks above Laddow Rocks l have had some discomfort due to vertigo but this walk l had no problems. I think my walks with the Maddick family in NZ have increased my vertigo threshold. By the time I reached Laddow Rocks the rain stopped and it was fine to Crowden where l booked in at the campsite. Sadly there was no pub within 3 miles. Luckily the campsite has a tiny shop but if you remember l shipped out my cooker to reduce weight. I dined on cold sweet and sour chicken followed by cold rice pudding. Breakfast is muesli with rice, chocolate powder and chocolate. Lunch will be a Mars bar. I hope to eat properly again when l reach Hayfield. Thanks for the break from routine Audrey and Peter, and for doing my laundry.