Day 21 – at Trenta

Some rain due this afternoon caused a postponement to my usual morning business, namely reading, and took a high forest path to the village which actually is on,y a kilometre or so away. It was clear though that no one had been on this path since the autumn and the winter snow. There were several trees down that necessitated an awkward and ungrateful clamber on my part.

Nerve problems linger in my legs, sciatica or whatever it may be called. Despite much time stretching and several physio visits it continues, some good days, often in a row, some bad days. Today was one of the latter. I’ve a scan on the lower back in mid-June, which has taken 5 months to get. I’ve had an X-ray, which shows just moderate arthritis in the hip, but it’s more likely a well worn back. I expect that to show spondylitis, and then with medics, sort a plan, whatever that maybe, chiropractor, osteopath, steroid injection, eye of newt, toe of frog.. Stop moaning and get on with it, the doctor told me over the phone a few weeks ago. Perhaps the NHS isn’t the answer. It’s difficult, I suppose I am moaning, and I usually do 75+ kilometres a week on foot, and quite a few on the bike. I can hardly justify their attention at this time.

I stocked up at the shop in Trenta (photo 2), the only one for a considerable distance. It’s quite a place, so small and yet so well stocked. Highlights being a local hard sheep cheese, and the owner’s homemade hazelnut biscuits.

The rain did come, but the temperature warmed a few degrees with the cloud cover, and it was possible to get back to the day’s business with the van door open as I prefer.