Just so you know, this is the 2nd one published today.
Good morning. I overslept and almost missed breakfast. My trusty Garmin watch alarm went off, and I closed my eyes just for a minute, and an hour later, I woke up. Holy something. It was 10 minutes until 9:00, and breakfast ended at 9:00, plus my luggage was supposed to be downstairs by 9:00. I managed to get packed, get the luggage down, and plop down in the breakfast room by 9:10, hoping breakfast really ended at 9:30. It didn’t. Thanks to a kind server and a tolerant chef, I had scrambled eggs on toast plus the fruits on the buffet table. I was on the trail by 10:00. Late, but today was much easier than any other day.
This was my first climb of the day. Luckily, it was the highest climb for several miles. It was very cold today, and the damp wind cut through me like a thousand needles. The temperature got colder as the day progressed. When I left the hotel, my watch said 56 degrees, but it seemed much colder.
I have seen thousands of sheep on this journey, but these are the first stone sheep.
I walked along the side of the fast-running river for several hours. It was so pleasant to just walk and enjoy the sights and sounds of the rushing water.
It was a wide river with the deepest part near the opposite bank.
A diffibulator in the middle of nowhere.
There were many safety warnings, and I saw life-saving rings along the trail.
There were a number of these mini waterfalls. This was a popular trail because I saw many family day-hikers. Most of them had a dog or two.
I am approaching High Force Waterfalls.
The High Force Waterfalls were impressive, despite the locals saying the water was barely a trickle due to the current dry spell. The falls were formed 295 million years ago. The word force comes from the old Norse word for Water Fall.
The pool at the bottom of the waterfall.
Another view.
There is a stone carving of an insect with wings on the right side of the fence. I have not seen stone carvings on any other stone wall. The small green sign says “no littering.” I have seen no little anywhere on the Pennine Trail. How nice for people to respect nature.
I saw views of the Waterfall Deep Pool from higher up as I started the first mini mountain climb.
I had two mini-mountains to climb today. I am grateful to have an easier day after yesterday. Even a small climb makes my thighs scream for relief. I have had to argue with the pair at every upward step. This has been better than any Thighmaster for toning thighs. I have felt the burn.
Finally, I cross the river as I come closer to my lodging for the night. I reached the end of the official trail, and I think naively that I am almost there. I will get there in time to easily write two blogs. I have hiked quickly but am ready to call it quits for the day. Dang it! I can not figure out how to get to my hotel. I walked up a field, only to realize there was no gate. I backtracked and tried another route, and I had to climb over a farmer’s pen to load animals, hoping all the way that there was no dog to nip at me.
As I could see my hotel, I still couldn’t figure out how to get there. I decided to cross this precipitous barrier. Maybe not the best decision, but I made it halfway across and my foot slipped, getting my shoes wet and both gloves, as I used my hands to keep from falling. That water was cold! I made it to the hotel and waited by a real fire for my room to be ready. Heaven, in so many ways.
For dinner, I ordered the Leek Fondue Tart, described as
"Fresh baked tart with creamy filling of leek & cheese topped with crispy breadcrumbs.” It came with boiled potatoes, coleslaw, and a salad garnish. It was piping hot, rich, and perfect for a cold day. I wish I had the recipe for this dish. YUM!
I saw this meringue on the dessert cart when I entered the hotel. I LOVE meringue. It wasn’t on the dessert menu, but I asked about it and could order it. It came with ice cream, and I was overjoyed when I devoured it. YUM!
So tonight I go to bed, fat, dumb, and immensely happy!
Good Night and God Bless!
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