Is that a bustle in your hedgerow?
Don’t be alarmed now…it’s merely a rabbit or a sheep or a rambling cow or perhaps a farmer wearing his big old Wellies.
Last night we landed in Llangattock Lingoed, where even the bustling hedges were silent.
I’m pretty sure there aren’t that many places where one can be completely without WiFi and cell service, but last night at our stay at 17th century B&B, The Rectory, and our later dinner at the nearby Hunter’s Moon Pub, we discovered a starry silence that allowed for no laptops…. then again, maybe the silence came about because The Rectory has only the graveyard between it and the parish church?
All I know is that we slept like the dead, but luckily, we got to stagger down the stairs in the morning (semi-alive, except for the knees) and tuck into another full breakfast. They are not kidding when they call these things ‘full’.
We have needed the breakfasts, as yesterday we hiked about 24 km, and today, after a 19 km hike along Offa’s Dyke Path, we were picked up by the indomitable Anna from Drover Holidays and brought to our gorgeous B&B, The Start here in Hay-on-Wye.
The ‘path’ part of Offa’s Dyke Path is a tad deceiving. When I picture a path, I see a lovely little continuous trail. To be fair, this path is certainly continuous; albeit with multiple interruptions of stiles, fences, fields, and gardens.
What is so wonderful about this ‘path’ is that it crosses private property, cow pastures, hills filled with sheep, and windy moors. I love this notion of cobbling together these dedicated areas so that everyone is guaranteed passage over private lands.
This also makes it a bit of a game as we try to match where we are in the corn field to where we are supposed to be on the map. Many times, we simply have had to have faith that eventually we would see another little yellow arrow that assured us we were crossing the right meadow.
We’ve now made it through the third day, which included the long steady climb up Hatterall Ridge to the first summit of the Black Mountains.
Up on that panoramic ridge we were surrounded by windy fields of brilliant purple heather as far as you could see.
I couldn’t stop smiling.
And now I’m just praying that my knees will recover with another good sleep. It’s always good to have hope…
stop having so much fun Colleen – we’re all envious of this wonderful experience
Sorry Jack…I’ll try to tone it down:) Maybe if the rain really kicks in you won’t be quite so envious?
i too pray for your knees and that you shall make it to the end of your journey without permanent damage. you are truly inspiring!
Barb, I’ll take all the prayers I can get 🙂 Between the prayers and good ol’ Vitamin I (ibuprofen), I think we’ll make it.
Having both knees AND hope is even better! You continue to amaze me.
Sharon…I don’t feel that amazing. In fact, I feel quite knackered! It’s the descents that are the killers, but the views while standing knee-deep in purple heather is worth it all 🙂