第一次 - 英國行山篇 "谷歌点名"活動 Hiking South Downs Way England

[謝謝@jubi舉辦這活動，讓我想起人生的第一步是多重要]

對一個沒做運動的人來說，在一個週末裡行了差不多50公里路，我覺得自己實在很了不起！尤其在英國燦爛的夏天，沿路還有如詩如畫的美境，特別令人難忘。
For someone who doesn’t do a lot of exercise, I consider walking nearly 50km over a weekend a big achievement! And to do so along a stunning route on a brilliant summer day in UK makes it even more unforgettable.

這次週末遠足我有很多的第一次。我第一次到Alfriston，這古雅小村莊在遠古時代已有記載。現今村裡人囗不足1000人，但還保存很多老房子，包括這間13世紀已有的英式酒吧 Star Inn。
This weekend walk included many FIRST for me. My FIRST visit to Alfriston. This is a quaint village dating back to the ancient days with less than 1000 population today. There are still many lovely old buildings along the high street, including the Star Inn which dates back to the 13th century.

不大合群的我第一次跟行山隊週末遠足。原來這蠻好玩喔！不知為什麼自己以前沒有參與這些活動呢？住青年旅舍也是第一次。之前總以為住青年旅舍的多是背包客，原來還有一家大小，另外還看見一位男士開著豪華房車來入住！
The unsociable me went on my FIRST weekend trip away with a walking group. It turns out walking with a group is quite fun, I wish I’d done it earlier and more often. Another FIRST on this walk was staying at a youth hostel. I always thought youth hostels were for backpackers only, but there were families with children, and even a guy who came in a luxury car!

最突破的第一次當然是行足兩天，還破紀錄的走了48公里路。第一天我們沿著七姐妹巖走，然後第二天繼續往South Downs Way 向布來頓走。第二天我們一早起行，經過些罌粟花叢往田園走去。
The biggest FIRST, has got to be walking for the entire weekend and breaking all my previous records . This time I walked 48km over two days, roaming through the breathtaking Seven Sisters on day 1, and continuing along the South Downs Way on day 2. We set off early on day 2 walkng pass some poppy fields as we headed towards the fields ahead of us.

我爬的每一座小山坡，每一片田園都好像是大自然畫的一張油畫。有一座破舊拖拉機被丟棄在路旁，它最後安息之處彷彿對著以往每天辛勤勞苦工作的田園。而今天拖垃機已變成行山人土休息的落腳點。
Every hill that we climbed, every field that we trekked across that day was like a beautiful painting painted by nature. There was an old tractor by the path, lying there peacefully at its final resting place, overlooking the fields where it probably used to work hard every day. Now it served as a nice resting stop for walkers.

田裡不知種了甚麼，但另一邊在這六月天已被收割了？還是在去年秋季已收成，現在還未再耕耘？無論如何，這裡一定有人很努力在耕種，過程中還在大自然製造了迷人美境。
I don’t know what was planted in the fields, but something has already been harvested in June, or maybe that was from Autumn and it wasn’t time to replant new crops yet. Either way, someone must be working hard to make a living, creating a stunning piece of natural artwork in the process.

常聽說生活環境好，人也會比較健康。不知這裡的乳牛提供的鮮奶會否更鮮甜美味？又或者放山小羊的肉質是否特別鮮嫩？對不起噢,小綿羊！
People say if you live in a pleasant environment it is better for your health. I wonder if the milk produced by the cows here tastes fresher and milkier? And whether the lamb taste juicier and tender. Sorry, little lamb!

這個週末很多第一次，除了讓我知道自己體力極限，最重要是認識幾位志同道合的好朋友。有時只要踏出第一步，就會有意想不到的收穫。
My many first times this weekend, not only made me realise my physical limits, but more importantly I made some very good like minded friends. Sometimes you can reap great rewards just by making the first step.