Plan for Aug 11th was to watch England Lions play South African cricketers at Canterbury’s St Lawrence Ground. Would mean a two mile walk and provide material for a blog. Amber heat warning caused second thoughts. Little shade at the ground. Devised two mile local walk: to give purpose planned to prune brambles on the way.
Earlier the better. Can’t take heat anymore. Prefer footpath work unwatched. At 8 am most people on autopilot to work, college or wherever. Little traffic on Wincheap. Right into Station Road East. Sun in eyes. After carpark right on CC50, footpath and cycle route. Runner. Railings with intrusive brambles. Secateurs. Glove on left hand. Talk with Beatrice, supporter of disabled cyclists, on her bike. Removed maybe a dozen prickly shoots. Onto Lansdown Rd. Spilt rubbish. Woman in red dress. Left at traffic light onto Old Dover Road, route of Roman Road to Dover, later called Watling Street. Crossed to be on shady side. Vernon Grange, once home of artist Thomas Sidney Cooper. Next to fire station, subway under ring road, Upper Bridge Street. Cross modern Watling Street into Dane John Gardens. Good to walk on grass, though parched. Maybe mowed too short? Shade under lime trees. Three pigeons in lotus shaped fountain. Hugged a yew tree, wondering how old. Three men on bench, drinking from cans.
Cross Castle Street, Gas Street by side of castle, closed because of falling masonry. City council has big plans for Canterbury. Could start by maintaining what we have. Path between St Mildreds Church and Rheims Way. Footbridge over river, path under Rheims Way, footbridge back over river. All this to avoid noisy traffic and enjoy more riverside. Sat on bench to eat apple. Tunnel under railway. Industrial estate, past Autocare and Bamboo Tiger. Spring Gardens to Wincheap and home. 21 deg C in shade, 28 forecast. Actual maximum in garden 25. Not very hot.
Would not have enjoyed baking sun at the cricket. Spent rest of day at home, keeping cool. Followed cricket on Cricinfo. Close of day three: South Africa 433 and 59/3, Lions 672. Tough on the bowlers and fielders.
Rambling Brummie 