Above: The chalk cliff and pebbly beach at Beachy Head.

July 5th (Day Four): RYE TO BEACHY HEAD

Today we left Canterbury to start heading west through Southern England. We stopped in Rye for a short walking tour and for time to enjoy lunch. Along the way to Beachy Head we stopped briefly at the ruins of Pevensey Castle. The highlight of the day for me was Beachy Head. I had hoped that we would have good weather this day and boy did Mother Nature deliver. We had time to sit along the beach, grab a snack, and/or hike the South Downs Way. We drove on to a one night stay in the lovely village of Alfriston. 

MUSINGS ABOUT DAY FOUR

  • Bliss: Sometimes on a trip everything works together to make you genuinely happy to be alive. That was how I felt around Beachy Head. I could have sat on that beach and watched the waves for hours. Then walking up upon the cliffs was so refreshing. I know I want to return and hike more of the South Downs Way. I didn't have any expectations for this trip and that made the discoveries of what I loved so much more fun.

AN EVENING IN ALFRISTON

Picture
Rush hour in Alfriston.
Picture
I really liked the ability to explore the villages and not experience the noise of the large cities.
Picture
My pre-dinner stroll around Alfriston. I met a local family walking their dog and chatted with them for awhile. Everyone loves to talk about their dogs.

A Sketchable Moment

 Sometimes I don't sketch on location because I have other things that I want to do. That is what happened here. I used the photo from my phone to create the sketch back at my hotel room.
Picture
Beachy Head: Watercolor and ink
Solo Travel Tips
Slowing Down
Stepping Up
Don't be afraid to eat in a restaurant by yourself. On my last night in Canterbury I went to the Rick Steves recommended pub, The Parrot. I had a wonderful meal. Is it sometimes awkward eating by yourself? Yes. I will at times bring my phone to give me something to do. But I think nobody else around us pays that much attention. The people of England want to feed you. Don't miss out on the great food and atmosphere. In England you could also order a drink and hang out near the bar in the pubs. The English will be happy to chat with you.
The bus trips between stops really helped create a "forced" break.  During that time I napped, looked out the window, posted on Instagram and caught up on email. Even with this routine I often took short walks right before or after dinner throughout the trip. It helped me gather my thoughts about what I had learned or experienced that day. It was also a cooler time of day and you would meet the locals who were out walking about.
Walking + Running: 6.4 miles
Steps: 15,717
Flights Climbed: 9 floors