After another great English breakfast, we started off on the shortest day of walking so far distance-wise, but we had a long constant uphill climb for two hours up to Greenup Edge, with threatening skies. Views back towards Rosthwaite were beautiful. Once at the top, we had a choice of an easier descent to Grasmere via the valley route, or the more difficult walkalong the long ridge of the north side of Far Easedale, passing over Gibson Knott to the summit of Helm Crag. We debated these options while having our packed lunch huddled under a rock in the driving rain and high winds. Peter was confident that the weather would change for the better, so we decided on the high route. The first few hundred metres were a challenge as the howling winds almost swept us off, but within 15 minutes the rain stopped, the skies cleared, the sun came out and we were rewarded with some spectacular views of the surrounding valleys, crags, fells and tarns. Absolutely breathtaking! We arrived in the fairytale village of Grasmere (of William Wordsworth fame) content that we had survived the first 3 days and were blessed with descent weather. For the New Brunswickers reading this you'll know what we mean when we say we were "potato-picking" tired!
As the days progress, the trail markers are less prominent. We've managed with our compass, maps and guidebooks, but when in doubt, Peter has been able to verify our position using GPS waypoints. Thanks Ron for the loan of your GPS and thanks Louis for the crash course.
So far the Coast to Coast walk has been quite tough, but highly rewarding and we've met some wonderful local people as well as other walkers on the trail. We've also been motivated by the support and feedback we've been getting via your comments. Thansk so much!
We expect Internet access to be spotty over the next 2 or 3 days and so we'll post when we can...
So long from the internet cafe at the Garden Centre in Grasmere, 10:30 am local time as we prepare to go off towards Patterdale in the rain.
Grasmere below
Tomorrow's route
Need to get up over the top
Long climb up from the valley below
We'll be walking over the ridge in the distance
7 comments:
Holy Shit, that looks like fun!, I can imagine that you're "potatoe picking tired" for sure. Must be rewarding to crest above all those big mountain tops, I bet the pictures don't do the real views justice! Great photos, keep em comming! Glad the GPS helps. PS: I bet you two are sleeping like babies at night! Louis and Lise XOXO...
Wow, amazing pictures. Morgan asked if there were any hills in England..guess we will have to shown him your pictures. Last summer when I was transcribing Chris' mother diary from her trip in the '50's she covered a lot of this same area, I will try to show her your pictures.
Crossing our fingers for good weather for you.
Vicki and Chris
PS Tori's card arrived yesterday and I have put it away until the
4th.
Cripes, those measly little hills look like you could run over them. Not like the MOUNTAINS here in lovely, hot Colorado. Keep up the good work. We're living vicariously through you. Find any black slugs/snails yet?
Talk to you soon. Pat
Hi Folks,
We weren't really sure how to do this so I think our comments from the first 2 days have not gone through. I mentioned yesterday, that St.bees and Cleater Moor, were 2 of the towns where my brother in law had his medical clinics. if you had asked anyone if they remembered Bill Hunter, I am sure they would have. You are heading into the area where my whole family is from. To us it is the most beautiful area of England. But most tourists don't travel to that area except for the Lakes. Are you having any difficulty understanding the "brogue"?
Also, I need the exact names that are on your passports. roy Safaris needs that info.
Will write again if this goes through.
Hugs
Jane & Barry
Wow, I never knew it was so hilly in England. I know you're not in the Alps but I remember watching the movie Heidi as a kid and her hikes to visit her grandfather each spring looks mighty close to the landscape where you are. Andy says to make sure that Jack and Jill don't fall down the hill. What an adventure! Enjoy.
Hi Guys,
Wow is all I can say.....What an adventure. Love the pictures and your daily up to the minute details....for those of us that are sitting here at our computer wishing we were there.....Love You
Andrea W
OK guys it is about day 7, for those of us who like to worry where are you now? p.s. everything is perfect at home, have a great time xoxoxoxo
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