Low Cock How, Ennerdale Bridge to Stonehouse Farm, St Bees
13.8 miles, but a few were nipped off.
6.5 hours. Tired, but knew the end was near and wanted to Complete the official trek. Tomorrow begins a few days of "a bit beyond and being a tourist".
"A mind that is stretched by new experiences can never go back to its old dimensions." Oliver Wendell Holmes
At breakfast the other couple was from Manchester and they "love walking in the rain". For the first day of their walk they only went to Cleator Moor and saved Dent Hill for the 2nd day. Felt sorry for them because of what they would have to deal with today. The Long walk around Ennerdale Water, 5 miles on the road up to Black Sail, and then it becomes challenging. Didn't say anything to discourage them, but do wonder how they will manage.
The howling winds and rain from overnight died down. When first looking out of a window this morning could barely see 20 yards due to thick mist. Gradually as I walked the mist lifted and the wind became "normal" wind. No problem.
Dorethy my host showed a route to avoid Dent Hill. Gratefully followed her advice which certainly helped the knee. Also in going that new way many more of her beautiful horses were out grazing and watched with curiosity as a human with a large pack on her back and dressed in black passed through their munching territory.
At Moor Row (name of a tiny hamlet) sat on the same bench as 4 years ago, ate the same kind of traditional Cornish pasty, had a bottle of a cold fizzy orange drink, all again from Su Ellen's pastry shop.
Met the first C2Cers heading east. A father and daughter team from Canada. Last year the father had attempted to do it with his wife, but she refused to go beyond Orton. That Walk came to an end. They both said how difficult it was to train for this as where they live it is perfectly flat.
Just above St Bees met 3 women from Salt Lake City who were just getting started and were supposed to be at Ennerdale Bridge this evening. It was already 2:30. Felt a bit sorry for them and the long haul they still had to do. But, they gave me a "hip hip hooray" and waved their trekking poles in the air before they plodded on.
Worked the body down the bluff above St Bees to the sea front/beach. Beach? It was completely covered with pounding waves. No way was this person going to step out into that strength. Rounded up a couple and asked them to take a couple photos of this crazy/mad person who left this beach 4 weeks ago, and had now returned.
Back in my old room at Stone House Farm (4th time here). Today's walking clothes were stomped on in the shower, and now are draped over the heating unit. Checked on bus times for tomorrow's transportation and learned the bus no longer comes here. Will go out shortly to learn train times to get this person to a town where there is bus service to Keswick where I shall be a tourist and possibly get a few more walks in.
Like - "The Little Engine That Could" - I was determined to get this body and its troublesome back, misplaced ribs, bad hip, ankle, lower leg, bunion, ball of foot, and most recent the Right Knee - across this beautiful, and very rainy, country named England- TWICE. It has been done!
"All that is gold does not glitter. Not all those who wander are lost." J.R.R. Tolkien
I would like to dedicate this trip to my cousin June who loved to travel, loved exploring, loved life, and who passed away too soon. TO June! 🥂
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