Day 6. A sunny day!

Day 6.  Sunday, 22 Sep.  I am sitting in the pub of The Black Swan, a lovely pub hotel in the quaint village of Ravenstonedale.  We began our day at Shap Abbey, a 13th century abbey of the Premonstratensian order, as the clouds parted and the sun came out.  Leaving Shap, we made our way up hills through pastures, crossed the highway and traipsed through more pastures as we began our journey out of the Lakes District.  The geology has begun to change as well -- limestone predominates in the stone walls and the pastures.

Our literal high point at 1200 feet seemed tame in comparison to yesterday's, but today the sun was shining and the view was spectacular.

We descended into the town of Orton where we treated ourselves to a hot chocolate as we scarfed down our sandwiches.  I've been consistent in my order of tuna fish on brown bread.  Today my sandwich was thickly buttered.  A couple of days ago, corn was mixed in.  On the first day, the tuna salad included chunks of tomato and herbs.  I have gladly eaten each one!  Leaving Orton, my blisters began to speak up so when we met up with Dave four miles later, I opted to call it a day at 13+ miles.  (Peter continued on for the remaining five miles.)

Having showered and put on my flip-flops, I wandered out to the local gallery where I bought a painting by a local artist.  Then I meandered back to the pub where I have been enjoying a pot of tea and a slice of chocolate and banana cake.  Life is good. Today's panoramic views and spending a couple of delightful hours this afternoon in Ravenstonedale are my figurative high points.   Tomorrow's walk is 18 miles with 2300 feet of ascent  as we head to the Pennines and the Dales.