Horton in Ribblesdale to Hawes 4/30

What a beautiful sunny day! Today, I started another day on the trails. I clocked in at 15.6 miles, 

counting the times I got off trail.

So far, so good.  Easy trail to follow. The first part had some gently rising hills, but that didn’t last long, and it got steep.

Looking back at yesterday’s walk.

This old gal was not about to move for the likes of me.  Most of the sheep get up and run, but not her.  In fact, she was kind enough to pose for my photo.  I like her spotted legs.

I told you about the steep and challenging climb up and over Pen-y-Gent, but in my tiredness, I didn’t tell you anything about it. Pen-y-Gent is a fell in the Yorkshire Dales.  I had to look up fell.  According to AI, a fell is a hill or mountain, particularly in northern England, characterized by steep slopes, rocky terrain, and barren summits. The term originates from Old Norse, related to the word "fjall" meaning mountain. It is the lowest of Yorkshire's Three Peaks at 2,277 feet.  It has several interesting geological features, such as a hunt pot and a hull pot. A hunt pot is a deep, dangerous gash in the earth. A hull pot is a collapsed cavern. Over time, flowing waters have created an extensive cave system.

According to the locals, they are almost in a drought.  A stream such as this would be great gushing water during the spring season.

Beautiful scenery in all directions.

I was ever so glad to reach Hawes.  On every hike, I usually have one day that I question why I signed up for this.  That day was today. I was tired.  My knees hurt and my upper body hurt from the fall I took a couple of days back. My feet felt like I was walking on bare bones.  I call that skeleton feet.  But maybe a bit like childbirth, the minute I spotted Hawes, I forgot all about my grumbles. There is something so compelling about struggling through a physical hardship and reaching a goal that is a total high. Such  a sense of accomplishment. 

Look at this beauty.  He was very friendly, and there was a sign that said, “Please don’t feed the pony." I had an apple in my bag, but I honored the sign.  The owners might have been pleased, but he wasn’t. 

My Hotel - Herriots. I practically skipped to the door.  Then I had to drag my suitcase up two narrow, long flights of stairs. 

I was just going to have a glass of wine and wait for the Indian restaurant to open, but I was so comfortable that I ordered dinner here.

I ordered "Wild pan-fried garlic butter salmon,” which was fabulous.  The fish was expertly cooked and seasoned with herbs and spices.  It had a little kick to it.  The grilled vegetables included eggplant, squash, red and yellow peppers, and mushrooms.  I couldn’t have been more pleased.

I have tomorrow off.  Hallelujah!

Good night and God Bless!

Just a note: I will publish today’s “Day Off” later tonight.