LONG DAY! On the trail by 8 am, with a hearty English breakfast, pack lunches and a patron saint medal each for our pockets from Ann who showed us a shortcut to the path that was actually shorter! The first 15 miles were up and down to 4 different "tops" named bank top or ridges don the maps. Followed by 9 miles of relatively flat, wide path; the last 6 1/2 on disused railway that seemed to go on forever and was high enough in the moors to be very windy the whole trip. We walked at a very nice pace-clipping along as Kay would say-until the legs started to go. Betsy's lower leg injury flared up again and Kay's inner thigh spasmed. After that, we slowed to a stroll, or sane pace per Kelly.
We staggered into the Lion Inn (the only building for miles around) at 6:15, an ancient building that has served as a way stop for centuries. We were immediately identified as coast-to-coasters by our zombie like stares and wind blown appearance. Had dinner - another filling dinner of vegetable lasagna and chicken Kiev seriously lacking in vegetables that aren't deep fried or mushed) and called for a ride from our B&B host. Mike fetched us to the August House (about 10 minutes away) and regaled us with stories and jokes. We found Michael to be very entertaining, his wife Mary puts up with him even though she's exasperated by him! Mary was very gracious attempting to show us the features of our rooms, but we were stupefied by the days walk and finally she just said good night. Kay and Betsy hit the pillow and were out, Kelly had a lovely foot soak before turning in.
Just a note that we haven't been without injury on this trip.
Kelly bruised her two big toe toenails on the nearly straight downhill on the first day. Solution: Betsy's magic tape. Tape them up and carry on!
Betsy had a huge blister on her heel the second day that blew on an uphill. Terry, the guide with the California group, gave her a blister bandage and commented to his group that she was done and would not finish the hike. He doesn't know MN women! Solution: Compeed and carry on.
Kay has several large blisters that have a tendency to move to new and different locations all over her feet. In fact, she has more square inches of blister bandages and padding than skin on her feet. Solution: Compeed and silicone toe sleeves.
Theme for the day: all of our hiking boots have failed and we have spent the greater part of the trip in our hiking shoes. Too bad we have to carry the boots!
Note to future hikers buy this fabulous Compeed blister bandage stuff by the caselot.
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