Forecast: Sun!

Not! Out for a walk with a neighbour, our first jaunt together.  It's always an interesting experience to walk with someone new for the first time.  Who was going to be quicker, how far is too far?  We settled on a walk over Cannock Chase, picking what we thought was going to be one of the best days of the week, only for it to throw it down within a mile of the start. Just check out the rain coming down like stair rods in the image!

Thankfully it was only a passing shower (followed by two more over the 8 mile walk!).  Good news is that we appear to have a similar pace; maybe not surprising when you realise he is ex-army.  He then regaled me with the kind of tests they were given, including an 8 mile yomp with 120 lb pack on his back, with a target completion of less than 2 hours.  Blimey, I'm not sure I could have done that at my peak fitness!

We ended the walk with a well earned drink and sandwich with plans for another walk in a month's time.