High winds and heavy rain at the start of the walk, and I was surprised how many people gathered. A man with a knife through his head was telling his friends how haunted The Flask is. I told him a little bit more about it. But mostly I was just gathering myself ahead of the first walk.
You never know until you’ve done it.
We had a full house booked, and most of them showed up. We started promptly and it was axing down. The paper maché chicken will be slimy now. It’ll need some good weather to get its form back. It is a delightful thing and well worth it even though Siwan wants to burn it. That’s something I’m beginning to understand. It’s a seasonal prop, and hasn’t been used for the last few years. This year it is back in play, but only because she has stored that huge great thing in her flat for all the intervening time. More so than my battered stovepipe hat, it takes up space and is only used occasionally. Who knows if we will do it next year, and if we do, will we start in Highgate? It’s only useful in Pond Square.
Out into the flood we went, and it was surprisingly well received. The group stayed tight, which I didn’t expect. No stragglers. And we had some Americans that tipped us. Winning. Gotta love the Americans. We’ve started a kitty. Who knows where it’ll end. Probably here.
And I’m home and the rain has stopped. 100% precipitation at the start of the walk and it still went well. It seems we have attracted a rugged and hardy bunch, and we are offering something sufficiently weird and delightful that they will follow me into the wet. Good. Hooray.
I’ve ordered chicken wings, and a beer. The Deliveroo driver will be here shortly. I’m gonna read my book, stuff my face, and pass out with Boy. Tomorrow the same again, but less rain. Yay.
AlBarclay 