Diary of a long-distance walker, Bernie Comaskey, day 3
Pamela joined me for dinner in Feerick’s, Rathowen last night and she was accorded the same hospitality as me... which doesn't seem fair, as she had driven there in a motoring car and I used Shank's Mare.
I left Rathowen this morning at 0530. I had set the alarm for six, but as I woke before five I decided to hit the trail early.
Today I walked through three counties; Westmeath, Longford and Roscommon. That sounds very impressive, but the road from Rathowen to Strokestown delivered that distinction. I actually walked 28 miles – the longest distance I have ever walked in a day: just imagine what I shall be like when I peak in a few years’ time! It gave me a great thrill when three or four cars flashed and honked on the Longford road, as they obviously recognised me and knew what it was about.
Along the way I sat and rested and stuffed my face at every opportunity, and arrived at the Percy French Hotel at 1530. I tell you, it is no myth about western hospitality. Management and staff greeted me warmly and just couldn't do enough for me. I got a lovely surprise when a couple of friends, Jimmy and Nora Conneely, from Creggs were waiting outside the hotel to see me. They had seen it online at Westmeath Examiner, just by chance and came with their sponsorship. I excused myself after 10 minutes and went for my cold bath, before returning to the bar to spend an enjoyable hour with my friends.
Somebody moves my overnight bag every day and for that most essential of services, I was indebted today to Castlepollard man, Martin Murphy. Like many others who contacted me about the walk, Martin is filled with gratitude towards Saint Camillus Nursing Centre, for how they nursed a terminally ill loved one. Martin is one of those guys who does you a favour and makes you feel as if you are doing him one. Likewise John O'Mahony who organised massages anywhere I want through his neck of the wood: 'When you want something done, find a busy man'!
I have the makings of a blister on my index (if it was a finger) toe. I'll put a compeed plaster on it tonight. I have two pairs of shoes, which I rotate from day to day and this helps as different shoes have different pressure points. I do five minutes stretching at the end of each walk, and often when taking a break in between. This is a relict of my squash playing days and still serves me well.
Whilst today was the longest journey, it was not the most difficult. The road was straight and flat, with a wide hard shoulder most of the way. Tomorrow, the Ballaghadreen walk is a different kettle of fish and by far the most challenging. Twenty-five miles of a narrow, twisty road, with the yellow line kissing the grass verge for most part. I intend to start an hour earlier than this morning and at least get an hour or two of light traffic. It will be slow progress – but safety first.
I have just finished dinner here at The Percy French – and you should try it. As I ate my sponsored meal, I told my young server what the walk was all about. Before leaving the bar I gave her a tip in appreciation of the excellent service. Sarah gave it back to me "for the fund" and earlier Ita sorted out any snag I had while doing three other jobs. Staff always reflect the standards set by the boss... and in this regard Ashling and Stuart have got it right. Oh... and another guy, I haven't met yet, is going to cook me breakfast at 0400! I'll be back!
My light is going out and I need a pillow.
- Bernie Comaskey