Day 8. We've been walking for seven days. This morning marked our halfway point of our journey. Over dinner Ben will describe the next day's walk. He is a typical Englishman -- always understating! "Tomorrow, guys, we've got a bit of a climb...." "The path can be a bit wet so you might want to wear your gaiters." Try as we might to nail him down, "What does a bit of a climb mean exactly, Ben?", he's been sticking to his ambiguous descriptors. Dave is no better when it comes to the weather forecast. "We're going to start out misty then by mid-morning it could be cloudy and later on becoming overcast." What?!?! Lest there be any doubt, we are very fond of both men -- each is a ray of sunshine.
Today's walk was through the moors and, of course, in the fog.
We couldn't see much. We enjoyed, however, hearing the grouse calling and fluttering about the heather.
Our literal high point was a sledge heap of lead tailings discarded by abandoned lead mining operations.
Today's walk was only 11 miles and we arrived into Reeth just before 3 o'clock. I opted for a long, hot bath while Peter explored the village. We're staying at The Buck, a small pub, just outside town. This is a view from our room.
Meals have been well beyond our expectations. Tonight I had haddock atop asparagus and pea risotto. Last night I ate a creamy fisherman's pot pie. Salmon has been on the menu most nights. Our single complaint is that the portions are rather large although Ben and Dave have no difficulty polishing their plates!
On our first day Ben told us there are three kinds of fun: (1) the type you enjoy while you're doing it and when you think back on it; (2) the type you don't enjoy while you're doing but do enjoy retrospectively; and (3) the kind that's no fun whatsoever.
Am I having fun? Absolutely! And so far it's been the first kind of fun, despite the pesky blisters! Each day is new and different; the geology and topography continue to change; our walking companions are interesting and easy to be with. We wouldn't want to be anywhere else!
Great Job Marilyn! I wish I could do all that hiking. I'm glad you're having a nice time and seeing all those beautiful sites. Danny and I are enjoying every picture and we love the descriptions of your day’s trek. Thanks so much for taking the time to update us!!
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