Sublime

Day 9 Marlow to Henley. I read last night that we are in Kenneth Graham country and remembering the sublime moment in Wind in the Willows when the animals see the god Pan, I know exactly where Graham was coming from. The valley has widened out, there have been fewer houses and particularly fine views looking downstream as the river meanders through the Chilterns. A gentle, peaceful walk with lots of time just to 'be'. Sue being a follower of St Francis chats to every animal she meets which means they are less likely to sniff and slobber over me, which is a bonus. Lots of water birds today and the birdsong generally has been glorious but so many red kites wheeling around overhead - resembling vultures too closely for my liking. Major panic when Sue lost her phone this morning - but Mel sprang into action, calling her number every few minutes and it was eventually found by a couple who had been alerted by a cyclist. Huge relief all round as our phones are truly our lifelines at the moment. Unfortunately it's getting a little too warm for walking and our feet are quite sore. Hope it doesn't get too much warmer!