A rebel without a clue.

An evening of firsts and lasts. Came along to the War on Drugs concert at the Piece Hall, in Halifax, with Nick (as he thought I'd like it)? On another occasion it would be interesting to view the hall and also the part of Halifax we came through in the taxi, wiith its large 'Stray-like' common and the Georgian/Victorian houses pouring down into the Calder valley and into the focal point of the minster and hall. But the sheer number of people in the venue for the 'gig', and the rigid security which I have no experience of previously, as all my live music visits were in another era, more than a decade ago, when the threat of acts of violence weren't a constant fear. So I went and got Nick his drinks during the first few songs, and kept trying to locate him amongst the throng - which I eventually did in my head when knew where he was on relation to the others in his sector. As the music got louder, and the crowd were screaming their joy, I saw that Nick has a true...

All I can smell is fish being cooked somewhere this morning. I am sure my flat doesn't smell like fish! Over sensitive! This morning I've turned my attention (that's laughable) to filling in the ADHD questionnaire which I found on my doorstep last night, after I had stumbled in a sleep haze from the long day journeying back from the way between Arras and Rouen in Amiens, which I need never visit again? Next time I fly to Beauvais it will be to head West, from Rouen, on, hopefully, a better (accommodation and distance) part of the Chemin Mont-Saint-Michel. Back ten minutes and I am on the defensive and attack constantly, but I keep observing myself doing it which is good? It's West Yorkshire?

Where it all began. The airport. A brief visit to Compiegne for lunch as it's only €1 each way on the local bus network. Was going to head for a Coq Hardi at Café Les Halles, opposite to where the Marche is in Beauvais is held, but on a Monday it is closed so walked up to the airport, picking up a fresh Tradi baguette, and now sit waiting for the time to pass before back to Leeds. People whittering in which ever language they use to whitter and I had to have a beer before I explode. Cheapest option was way too expensive 1664. The bar on T2 is almost €12 a pint. The exclusivity of airports and the profiteering which goes on beggars belief! I will manage on just the baguette, and perhaps the sardines in the tin I've had since the first day, but it's just boredom which does it - eating. Something to distract me from a few hours facing the back of someone's seat and seeing if any of the aircrew are actually nice... ... I have not seen a soul for days now every fucker is goi...

A great night's sleep. Meandering along the towpath, and through the Les Hortillonnages, towards the Quai Belu where I was last Friday ready to clock out.  The same disinterested service, from the millennials running Green Corner, meant I followed my feet onwards after two 25cls. Found the Airbnb soon after, close to to Eglise Saint-Jacques, which is a bit like an unattended hostel (as it had four rooms, and communal facilities) leaving Sunday opiated faces for a deep shower and a rapid clothes wash. I was in Lalaland with a thunderstorm coming and going overhead before nine. Eight days walking from Saturday until Sunday, Friday the day off to head to Arras from Rouen. Next time, enroute to Mont-Saint-Michel, it's Rouen West? This time I forgot my credentials for staying in pilgrim digs so had a few issues around accommodation. But once I discovered Airbnb can be paid with using PayPal I was laughing. Hotels and Chambre D'hotes are too expensive, with inflation the way it i...

Rain and mosquitoes Drunk angler at the 35 kilometres stage moves me forward for another 3.5. Beer at the rural arts cafe/bar And a large ramkin of GORP To keep me going. And I really must smell. Me, the bag and the clothes. Even the bum bag Like a vagrant Or a tramp. There is a washing machine at the end of the way Today. God she's gorgeous! Jardin, canal, la Somme!

Albert famous for being central to years of mass suicide in the form of ww1. War is chosen. All the many reasons mean there was simply no reason: I received a 1st at university for the essay which I presented, complete and consistent throughout, on the causes of Great War (only one of two - the other related to Dickens and his portrayal of London during his lifespan) I argued all the causes were excuses used in hindsight to justify the simple idiotic gallantry of the opening days of the war, which would be over by Christmas, but just became dirtier and dirtier(with cavalry charge against machine gun and heavy field artillery) until a stalemate was reached in the race to the channel! And then so many pointless attempts were made to breakout of the web spun by both sides to the advantage of neither that, by the end, all nations were on the brink of revolution/civil war/starvation/chaos ... It was such a meaningless waste of lives human, bovine, porcine, equine, canine and the billions of...

Passing Arras in 2014 and 2016 there was only one place selling 'craft' or 'artisanale' beer and now 7 years later it's everywhere! Did a silent Saturday morning tour of both place  prior to the café opening for two coffees and a croissant. Then picked up two saucisson poulet  from the rotisserie truck which is ubiquitous at French town centre street Marché before leaving Arras south passed the Citadel. Claustrophobia, panic attack and an asthma attack too. All in the same overwhelming bar surrounded by meaningless English Somme memorial visitors. It took me a lot of effort to overcome the tension and to relax. When I finally found the Airbnb: first walking to one end of town the correct way before receiving a welcome message with 27 Rue General LeClerc, not 27 Rue General Faidherbe as in Airbnb, and dying from lack of air through my windpipe and almost becoming heavily soiled in the trouser area, and finally putting the code on the door to think it wasn't openi...