Thursday, August 10 Reeth to Richmond , a town of 8,000 people 10.6 miles

August 09, 2017

This is what we're waking up to today!

Waiting for breakfast.

Our walk today was reminiscent of the Caminos. We met others - the 2 couples from Australia , the British women, and Evelyn from Germany re-appeared. Lunch was along the path and outside again. The weather is holding; the Australians sing a sunshine song each morning. The path , as photos will show crossed pastures, dipped into the woods, followed the road, climbed up and down but all rather gently. This is the time in the trip when the boot camp experience of the first week pays off and we can appreciate a level of fitness that comes from day after day walking. That this part of the route is well waymarked allows for that mindful walking time that we love so well, some of it turns silly , some of it is chatty, and some silent. All of it deeply nourishing.

Still, at the end of each day's walk we feel tired, in need of a shower and rest. But a kinship has developed between us - the fell walkers. We share the day's walk, how our feet fare, and where we are eating! And sometimes it goes deeper. Barbara and Kevin walked today for part of the day with one of the Australians, Bill, sharing life stories.

We ate tonight at Barrett's in Richmond. This was upon recommendation from our host in Reeth. While there, side conversations happened. B and K we're talking with a couple who lived in one of the small towns we passed on the way. They shared that they knew some people who were walking the Coast to Coast in preparation for Mt . Everest base and found this more difficult. We are feeling proud of ourselves!

We spoke with a Galician woman and another man who overheard us talking and wanted to compliment us on our accent!!! That has never happened before!

Tomorrow's a rest day. We stay here and wander the town, then hail a cab to our next location. Our baggage will travel there.

Looking forward to changing things up. And resting.