High spirits in Marmion's Brasserie ...

In Marmion's Brasserie, Martin and I relished bumpers of Dark Horse -

Alyson told a story about a surly alsatian - 

Penelope traced the next day's route over the Eildon Hills - look at those contour lines she said - they're so close together ! - 

We joshed each other, gossiped and laughed - 

It was one year since we'd walked along Hadrian's Wall - 

Alteady we were excited, full of anticipation for the journey ahead  - 

We would be walking over the Cheviots, braving fields guarded by monstrous bulls - we would meet dour farmers of few words, thread our way through sad pinewoods -

We would walk barefoot over shining sands - 

We would stand inside a precious space, our journey turned into a pilgrimage - 

This time, Martin would be coming with us - I knew that I would value his company - 

Julia would join us at the Templeman Inn in Morebattle - 

A smiling Amazon served us dinner - once again, I opted for sea bass - 

After dinner, we walked through the still silent town, down to the river - we saw shining hills and fields - it was like walking into a painting by Samuel Palmer - 

We crossed over the river by means of a narrow suspension bridge - 

Martin swung the bridge to and fro when he stood upon it - 

A sign warned of formidable penalties for those who intentionally swung the bridge, or loitered upon it - 

I felt the bridge sway beneath me - 

Looking at Martin, I saw the boy he'd been at school, bright eyed, sporty, irrepressible - 

21.00

Wsnesday July 1 2015

Melrose