Well, I've Never Done This Before

What to do during the summer of 2009? I'm a college professor who normally spends his summer's doing research and writing. Ironically, it's my most productive time of the year, where I'm able to spend extended stretches of time reading, thinking, and writing. I've just had two new books come out this April and I have vowed to do no more writing this summer. That is, once I finish my chapters for my next book. And working on my Mandarin lessons doesn't count either. Nor does working on a political novel that's been bouncing around my head.

So, I've decided to rest the brain and work on the body. I've always liked to walk, even hike, but hated the thought of camping out. Can't stand bugs, can't bear the thought of campfire food, or creepy things (human or otherwise) lurking in the night. Let me hike all day, then around four in the afternoon, let me retire to the lodge, take a shower, dress for cocktails, and have a nice dinner.

I saw this article in the Washington Post about hiking across England, and decided to check into it. Well, now I'm signed up to do the Wainwright's Coast-to-Coast walk, from a village on the Irish Sea called St. Bees, across the lake district, through rugged and scenic terrain, through little villages, and ending up on the east coast in a village called Robin Hood's Bay on the North Sea. A total of 190 miles, taking me 17 days of walking. Let's see how it works out . . . but first, I've got to get the right equipment and get into shape.