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Well, that's all the camping capers for now. In Blackpool now for the annual reunion of the "Cumberland Ex-Servicemen's Club" - should be a giggle. From now on I'm back blogging on www.benidormclassbceleb.blogspot.com

North Summercotes or somewhere To Mablethorpe

After pitching the tent on a wasps nest at the last place I'm becoming a little weary of the wildlife shearing my living space. From the black beatles that seem to love the inside of my hat, the spider in my oxtail soup today - spit it out yer bastard! the Daddy long legs that live in my shoes and the ants down my pants their all Gods creatures I suppose but I don't want em. Add to the list these tiny black flies that got in my eyes, ears and intimate little crevases today - and buying an ice cream was out of the question. Mind yer, they're probably cleaner than me, with me grubby trousers, me walking top that's full of holes and muddy shoes (I was followed round the aisles by the staff in Costcutter today), I think I've turned into an undesirable as they say.

Anyway, the party ends here for the time being as I'm miles over budget and I'm heading home tomorrow (have to be back in Blackpool for the Cumberland Bar reunion at the weekend), I politely asked the bloke at reception here at the campsite where the train station was - "Skegness" came back the reply. So it looks like another long day - would have walked to Skeggy in normal circumstances but I haven't got a map, and lets face it I'm bad enough WITH one, so that's out of the question.

Harbrough To Cleethorpes

I've never been to Cleethorpes before and I thought it was all rather dandy. Was a bit surprised by it actually, for once it was a gloriously sunny day, I met up with my old pal, ex Pontins sparring partner and full on loon Terry Ferguson, who regaled with tales of his recent holiday in Afghanistan amongst other things. We had Guinness, Caffreys, Worthingtons and fish chips and mushy peas don't yer know. It almost made me forget of the foul mood from earlier when I went to the wrong campsite.

It is now pissing down again as I write this at half 6 in the morning, and am now looking at a 15 mile jaunt to North Summercoates (?).

Hull To Barton-Upon-Humber

Only I could fail to find the fifth largest bridge in the world! - TWICE! - Well, it wasn't that I couldn't find it exactly, it was just that I couldn't find the bit where you actually get on it, then again I'm simply not happy unless I'm walking round in circles for at least an hour a day, so I was fairly well satisfied.

With spot on Sit-Com timing it started to rain as soon as I stepped foot on the bloody thing (as predicted), at first it didn't seem so bad and I simply pulled my green paddy field hat down a notch or two and strode manfully on. Within a minute or two however it was bucketing it down and I hopped about on one leg as I battled with the suddenly strong wind whilst attempting to put my over trousers on with one hand and my cagoule with the other - it crossed my mind at this point that I could end up in the river - and it's one hell of a big un.

As I neared the other side after the best part of 45 minutes bent double against the elements the wind suddenly dropped, the rain ceased and for a few seconds the sun tried to muscle its way through. Mind you mother nature took the piss once more as it bounced it down again just as I'd neatly folded the cagoule back into its little pouch and zipped it up into the rucksack.

As I write, I am tent bound once more and face at least another 15 hours reading, (can't listen to the cricket cos that's rained off an all), staring at maps and counting beatles and spiders.

WISH YOU WERE HERE - Kev.

Ottringham To Hull

That's more like it, I've been arsing about going from place to place and not getting lost for days now for goodness sake- well I was back on form today, I'd been dreading today what with having to negotiate the whole of Hull and all. I had cunningly devised a route bypassing most of the city and sidling along to the east via a scenic route. When I came face to face with a busy dual carriageway and two giant chimneys puffing thick white smoke from their giant gaping mouths it didn't seem so scenic suddenly. In fact I had turned West instead of East and was left with one of those nightmare stumbles along a grass verge to get back on course that I know so well. Actually If I'd have headed straight to the campsite where I'm going tomorrow it would have been decidedly quicker, but it was worth it for being able to stretch out in the bath in my luxourious room here at the Acorn Guest House - it's the first time I've been able to sit upright for a week and I feel strangely guilty about it.

Kilnsea To Ottringham

Went for a little walk this morning (it was still raining) and discovered that there was a pub 50 yards round the corner (after I'd been sheltering in me tent for hors on end!). Mind you I was drying the gear off at the time and could hardly have sat there with a pint of Smiths propped up against the bar in me undercrackers.
It was gloriously sunny when I set off but by the half hour mark I had hailstones bouncing off me head - in July! - what are the odds on that? well, pretty short as it turns out cos it happened again just after I'd pitched the tent and headed off toward the nearest town for provisions. These were even bigger, I felt as though I was being stoned to death and cowered beneath a bush until the cease fire was sounded.
I'm still trying to dry out the shirt from yesterday, cos I'd hung it out to dry just as the second storm broke, it was nearly dry when I set off but now it's like a dish cloth that's just been slung in a bucket of glue, also my one and only pair of trousers are now brown and green (they were creme when I got em from Primark last week).
Having a lovely time. Kev x

Withernsea To Kilnsea

Well hats off to Withernsea Sands campsite for not only being the worst place I've stayed at but also the most expensive (£22 for a patch of grass - paid in advance). Loved the retro toliet block - good to see the old chain flush up and running (would have been nice if somebody had pulled it now and again - why do kids never flush the bloody toilet!?). As I needed to hand my toilet key back to get the deposit back I asked at reception what time they opened - "About 8 O'Clock" I was told. "About 8am meant 9.05am as it turned out and when I delayed my departure for this the receptionist had the temerity to ask if I had slept in!!
After walking for half an hour today the heavens opened - and stayed open, and coupled with the odd lively wind or two the result was utter misery. Got to the site but walked past it (not surprising as it was someones garden), but there was nobody there, - found a little wooden cross with my name on it though (what do they know that I don't?). I am know holed up in the middle of nowhere - and I mean nowhere for approx 18 hours while I dry my gear off.
There's absolutely nothing here - not even trees! and I feel as though I've stumbled upon a horrible new world.
Wish you were here - Kev. x
P.S have just found a "Pot Noodle" so I will live to fight another day!