Cambridge House, Keld, to Pottergate House, Richmond
11.5 miles 5.5 hours
I took the High Road across the top of the Fells. That should probably be phrased, I lumped the High Road.
At breakfast this morning the man across from me had come up from York for the Bank Holliday weekend of mountain biking.
The couple next to him were semi-locals. They were on a 5 day circle walk following Harriot's Way. Again they too have traveled extensively in the US. The husband did some sort of work with paper chemistry and even knew where Wisconsin was. And not only knowing where, he had been there for work. I asked "where?". Rothschild! Small world.
View out my window this morning with the valley covered with low clouds.
Bowl of museli, fresh berries, pineapple, kiwi, and yogurt.
The dining room at Cambridge House
Henry VIII teapot
All the jams and marmalades were home made by Sheila the hostess. However, I didn't try any this time.
Eggy North Yorkshire eggy crumpets for me. Sort of related to our French Toast.
Kippers were ordered by the man on my left. Him and his wife are from the Seattle area. Are here for 3 weeks driving around and doing day hikes. Previously, in their younger days, they had done the Coast to Coast. From Reeth they were to spend a few days in Grasmere, then someplace else, and endedinf up with 5 days in London
Decided I would attempt to walk today as it was a relatively short distance.
Set off from Cambridge House and Richard said he would phone ahead to my host tonight, Barbara to be on the watch for me. I am the walking wounded.
Saw these two girls being walked to school by their mum. The school uniforms are adorable!
Slow getting started. Difficult stepping. Finally after about a mile the leg/knee began to cooperate a bit.
Monkey Puzzle Tree
Came to the junction where the trail diverted from the roadway. Studied maps and decided to avoid that low area of field crossing, stile climbing. Was going to catch the path where it went towards the Marrick Priory and the famous 375 nuns steps, but decided to stick with the flatness of the paved road, even if it was a longer route and climbed higher.
Looking back at the Swaledale Valley as my Road took me high up.
Only saw 3 of the walkers today. Kieran and his two buddies. Names still forgotten. I had thought there were 4 of them, but the people all hang out in clusters so it is hard to tell which are exactly with which set of people. They took my photo on the descent to Marske.
Those stone building set all over the hillsides are for sheep when the weather gets tough.
Took a break on a bench. Removed boots and socks to air feet. Give knees a break from the torture they were being given, and the wrists a break from holding the body upright on the trekking poles.
Decided to open the peanuts that have been following me since the training hikes on Rib Mountain.
Got a bit of a sunburn today on exposed skin. All the English are complaining of the heat.
Oh, Rib Mountain, "mole hill" compared to what happens here daily. Today's walk in the roadway would be similar to going up Rib Mt about 8 times. No comparison, and not much for pre-training unfortunately.
Finally stumbled down into Richmond. Certainly was High Up. Immediately went to a pastry shop and got a cold Diet Coke and a spinach Florentine, which were eated on the steps of the church.
There is the carnival/fair starting this weekend and the center shopping area was being covered with rides and the typical food stands
Found Pottergate House and was welcomed. Barbara had been watching for my arrival.
I don't think I want to attempt the 22.5 mile walk tomorrow across the flat lands. Going to see what options might be available.
Talked with Barbara my host and she called Packhorse (one of the baggage carriers) and they agreeed I could ride with them tomorrow if they "transport" my bag for 20 pounds. I agreed instantly.
This is so frustrating not to be able to walk normally. Not do what I want to be doing. Can hardly hobble about. And it hurts. Maybe another day off will help.
Went to the Boots pharmacy and bought new knee braces and some tape.
. Didn't even feel like going and seeing Richmond Castle which had been planned.
Tried the fish and chips. Cod larger than my hand. Could barely make a dent on the overly generous portion of chips. Had to feed the birds.
Met Jean Pierre on the street, so he is alive and still walking. Wish I could keep up! He gave me the name of some homeopathic pills he carries that he uses at the first sign of an ache or pain. RHUS toxicodemdron 5 ch
Not sure if that word is in French but sure wish I had some of that a few days ago. Frustrating! I don't mind taking a few days off, if the legs will return to normal.
The Nation's most treasured dish. I have had my one and only meal of it.
Unfortunately there was No Internet - AGAIN!! And we are basically dead center in the largest town on the Coast to Coast. Left to watch BBC while stretched out on the bed with the legs reclining. Spent a block of time watching a program about the mating of porcupines, tapirs and rhinos!
No comments:
Post a Comment