Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Oct 26 - Cumbria Way

We have walked on the Cumbria Way. Not far, about 4 miles, but we have started. It looks (on the map) like we climbed 110 feet in elevation.






Hal next to sign on Cumbria Way.



Along the way, we learned some lessons:
1) Comfortable shoes may be important, but so are slogging boots.
2) Always bring raingear.
3) Walking sticks are helpful.
4) Watch where you step (which interferes with the breathtaking views).
5) Carry a bottle of water.


In this view, the passage into the field is between the big rock on left corner and the smaller rocks to its right. It involves s-q-u-e-e-z-i-n-g through.
It was all lovely, with amazing views. Cowpoop was not so lovely (see #4).












Hal on a wooden stile.










Rosi on a wooden stile.



The fields are all very green. I wonder what a dry spell is like here. The bracken (ferns) has turned rusty gold.










The trail went right through this farmyard, but a detour sign directed us around the back of the barn (on right), due to "water in yard." Behind the barn was not exactly dry...



The cows gave us the once over, and went about their business.

And then we didn't know where to go, but finally stumbled on the trail. Trail was quite squishy in parts (see #1). This is not a park-like trail with paving or crushed stone. It's just a path that people frequently walk on. But so do sheep and cows.



We encountered some unknown prickly bushes with yellow flowers. And an odd conifer.















Here's a stone stile. The stones were wide slabs, about 5 feet wide, laid crossways into the wall, so we stepped on both ends of the same rock slabs as we climbed up, and then down.


The sheep didn't object to our intrusion.









Below, lovely patchwork fields.




Parts of the path were pretty steep, and the variety of gates and stiles (to cross fences) was interesting.




The clouds looked ominous, but the afternoon light shining off them was beautiful.





I thought we walked for 3 or 4 hours, but it was only an hour and a half.























Looking across the valley to the next hilltop, we could see windswept trees. Hal mused about the 4 crater-like areas on a hillside - possibly bomb craters, from war practice? Germans bombed around here a lot, but didn't hit the shipyard (cit. Hal Robb). The 2nd photo is a closeup of the craters and windswept trees.




On the way back into town, we passed an alpaca farm, advertising alpaca manure for sale. 2 (British) pounds. (I don't know what volume of manure that bought.) Many white pacas, with 2 blacks, and 1 pretty brown one.


This stonewall was interesting with its decorative border along the top.


The walk was educational. We are learning the limits of not having all our belongings here. Our shipment still has not arrived. It was picked up in East Lyme on Sep 29. We are now expecting it to arrive next Tues, Nov 3. I'd really like my wellies (muck boots), long underwear, and sweaters. I seem to be cold all the time.

Back in town, we diverted to walk past Rev. David Robinson's house. He was our exchange pastor at Niantic Community Church one summer several years back. I think I will send a note of introduction to him and his wife, before I call or show up on their doorstep.

6 comments:

  1. I would be cold all the time in 30 - 70 degrees. Living without some of the stuff you need gets very tempting to go purchase a replacement, but November 3rd is getting close now, next week, so hopefully you will make it until your shipment arrives.
    The photos are incredible. I can't help but notice that the skies are so grey yet there still appears to be a good deal of light coming down to get the pictures you were able to take. I like the different steps over the stone walls.
    Keep well,
    ~Shannon

    ReplyDelete
  2. Also... when are you booked for visitors? Is there any time that would be a bad time to visit? How long would you recommend someone plans the trip for as a minimum number of days to make it worth it, and how much do you think it would cost? :) Oh, and if you're sending a revision about the "you must cook one meal for us" to a "you must cook a meal other than breakfast" you better warn people before they show up so that they can practice their lunch & dinner skills. :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi Rosi, What an excellent opportunity for an adventure. Countryside is beautiful! I remember being cold all the time on our honeymoon in England and Scotland in June. I imagine soon enough you'll be used to it like the locals! I bet you'll also acquire some gorgeous sweaters!
    Jen Spanier

    ReplyDelete
  4. I was showing the pictures to Ra and we were wondering what the 2nd picture up from the bottom is...is it just a different kind of fence\ stone wall? I have never seen one like that before. It is pretty neat!
    Sarah liked to get to see both of you.

    Good that your things will be there soon, I hope that they aren't delayed any further.

    So what are your plans while over there? Do you have adventures planned?

    Mike may have more questions later when he gets home.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hi Rosi,

    What an excellent adventure you are having. I look forward to many more installments. If anything should happen here, I will let you know--like the new supermarket is open in town.
    I am so glad you have arrived safely and the rest will come in time. Love, Janet Carlson

    ReplyDelete
  6. Oh Rosi and Hal, I am happy for you!
    Beautiful blog, Rosi.
    Love from carolyn, and Mogwai the cat who makes it that i am typing one handed.

    ReplyDelete