Oktober

[Sweder]

A Special Guest joined me for a wet splosh across the Downs this morning.
Niguel (formerly of this Parrish, now virtually domiciled at Roads of Stone) arrived around nine clutching a sportsbag and a wry smile. The weather could certainly be described as 'inclement' though I confess to enjoying these wind-swept, rain-lashed outings more than most.

We took the tough route to avoid the inevitable quagmire on the heavily-used, liberally soaked South Downs Way, chatting between gasps as we climbed out of Lewes. Despite the buffeting we managed a conversation of sorts in a fairly respectable outward time, reaching Blackcap amidst swirling mizzle to survey the cloud-cloaked hills around us.

The homeward plummet proved perilous, slick flint and loose mud offering treacherous footing on the downslopes. A round trip of a shade over 46 minutes, prett ydarned good all things considered. After taking turns under a revitalising shower we sipped coffee and swapped recent histories before taking separate paths off to work. It was good to see the big man in such fine form; I'm looking forward to a further reunion at the Brighton 10K in a few weeks and, before long, a return 'down your way' tour of Niguel's own North Downs trails.