En route back over the water meadows from St Cross I was stopped by a lady walker who asked me the way to St Catherine's Hill. Now, one of my difficulties is direction so I, in turn, asked a man approaching us. He kindly put us right and the first part of the way to St Catherine's was the same as mine to the car so we walked along together.
We talked as we walked and I discovered that Chris was from Australia, staying in Winchester but soon to depart for Scotland.
I asked her if I could take her portrait before we parted and she agreed, although admitting that she did not like having her photo taken.
I was short of time to ask Chris about herself as I had to be home for lunch because Ray and I were attending a funeral that afternoon. She kindly offered to send me her story via email.
At first I said I would be content with just the portrait but at home decided to email Chris and take up her offer.
By return she sent me this which I am posting unedited as she writes so beautifully:
"Was sorry we didn't have more time to talk as I would have liked to have heard more about your passion for photography.
"My passion is travel and, since giving up my work in the arts industry (theatre and the visual arts), I spend as much time as I can travelling. It reorganises my priorities and reminds me that we are all so similar, no matter where or how we live.
"We all need someone to care about us, a roof over our heads, something to eat, to be at peace... plus that extra something that transports us and makes life worth living.
"I've always been a traveller and realize more and more that it's the chance meetings and the people along the way that make the places so special.
"I've been to England many times and now seek out the spots I haven't seen, such as the South Downs - all rolling hills, ancient ways, chalk cliffs and butterflies. A perfect place to lose oneself and one's way.
"It was lovely meeting you (in my 'lostness')."
And for me: a lovely and unexpected chance meeting.
What an attractive lady - I thought it was someone I knew just for a moment. Love what she has to say about life. Back in the day I protested about them driving the motorway through St Catherien's hill - such a unique place. I guess now all you see is the scar.
What a lovely story and what a characterful face - she looks utterly brilliant. We walked at the water meadows at St Cross when we were there last week so I smiled at the memory of where you would have met her. Another lovely stranger.
Well what an amazing result from your encounter Hazel. Chris is obviously a lady who loves people & is happy to interact with other like wise people like you! Travel is a great pleasure & she must be happy to go on her own, happy in her own company.
Wow - something of a memory to treasure. What a lovely lady - photo and person. It really warms my heart to read about your lovely people when we hear such horror stories around us. Restores faith somehow.
