Above the clouds

This Saturday will forever be known as the Sea Mist run. Folkestone was blanketed in white cloud and visibility was minimal. When we lined up on the Leas for parkrun you couldn't even see the bandstand just 50 yards away.

However, there was more running to be done before 9am. I took the train in from Dover and met my pacer John in Cheriton at half past seven. We took the route under the A20 and up the 400 foot climb to Castle Hill. As we emerged on the top of the Downs we ran out of the mist and were able to look down on where Folkestone was usually visible. The white horse shrouded in the haar.

The view was incredible. It reminded me of being in a plane high above the cloud cover. The top of the hill resembled an island surrounded by ocean. The sun had risen above and was attempting to burn it off but to no avail.

Running along the top of the hill small purple flowers were out in abundance, spider webs glistened on the fence posts and the Skylark sang in the sky above us. Signs of spring were everywhere.

We descended along country lanes and back into the murkiness. Despite this, the hedgerows were alive with new green shoots, hawthorn blossom and tiny wrens darting through the branches.

A few miles later we were on the Leas and awaiting the start of the weekly 5k. There was a large crowd of almost 300 in attendance and, as all headed off into the unknown, it looked as though someone had taken a giant eraser and rubbed out the view all around us. No sign of the sea below, the Grand Hotel invisible and even the light flashing the message 'Earth Peace' could not be seen. Quite apt considering the current situation in Syria.

parkrun completed it was time for the traditional coffee and cake before the return run to John's. After saying goodbye I took the train back to Dover and headed for the seafront. The water is still cold but it is back in double figures so I was able to float on my back and enjoy it for the first time since November.

A few more miles around Dover brought the total for the day to 23 miles. By now the sun was fully out and the mist had dissipated. People were walking around in short sleeves. Summer's coming!